NOTES AND NEWS
WEST COUNTRY AREA
Avonmouth
01/09 60077 worked in on the overnight LPG tanks from Eastleigh.
08/09 60003 was in charge of the 6M78 11.52 Bennett's yard-Penyfford loaded coal
MEAs. 66075 headed the 4E41 18.48 (MO) container service to Tyne yard.
09/09 67009 powered the 6G80 10.27 (TO) Avonmouth-Newport ADJ HTA cripple trip.
10/09 66107 arrived during the morning with empty MEA wagons, believed for use
on a Ketton working.
12/09 66045 ran 0Z66 Avonmouth-Exeter light-engine and then returned, reason
unknown!
14/09 At 12.00 three engineers trains were in the Bulk handling terminal;- 66045
on empty wagons and spoil, 66140 with empty wagons and sand and 66018 on empty
wagons and spoil. 08630 and 08685 were also present. Two steam specials operated
to Severn Beach during the day (See Bristol Notes & News section).
23/09 67025 was on the Newport HTA cripple trip
A new coal service, 4M52 18.15 Avonmouth-Daw Mill was to have started by the end
of the month, and planned weekly coal departures from the Bulk Handling terminal
for October number 38 for Aberthaw and 55 to Didcot.
Locos recorded on coal duty durimg the month included;- 60003.
66045/107/142/209/220, and both 08630 and 08685 were present for most of the
month (the former only into October).
Bristol Parkway
01/09 66219 was in charge of a scrap train headed for South Wales, 66144
LaFarge aggregates train eastbound, as were 66126 with the MoD Liner and 66076
with the "Fuel" Train. In addition 66087/209 travelled light engines
to Avonmouth BHT. Mainline blue 60078 was present over at Westerleigh on fuel
tank duty and 66210 was recorded loading at nearby Tytherington quarry.
04/09 66183 was on the Tytherington stone MBAs, 'coal-sector' 60060 was at
Westerleigh on the 6B13 fuel empties to Robeston and 66137 was seen 'recessed'
and turned off in Pilning up loop on a 6Z44 Swansea Burrows sidings-Temple Mills
coal train. Seen this evening was the Network Rail HST, heading towards TM
returning about 30 minutes later, power cars used were 43013/014. 66220 worked
the MoD Liner.
08/09 Following 'Torbay Express' excursion duty, steam 7802 Bradley Manor passed
at 09.39 with support coach W35467 en-route from Barton Hill-Kidderminster.
66160 Tytherington "Stone", 66144 LaFarge aggregates, 66236 with
Margam - Fawley Empties (Fuel Train), 66045 coal empties to Avonmouth.
09/08 60089 was at Westerleigh on fuel tankers.
10/09 47787 powered a 5Z27 06.28 Swindon-Cardiff ECS and 1Z27 Cardiff-Hereford
excursion (and return to Cardiff).
11/09 66130 worked 6C36 Westbury-Tytherington empties and return loaded stone
service.
11/09 Only freight seen at 21.30, this being the Moorswater - Earles sidings
cement, hauled by 66556.
15/09 60064 was on the 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty fuel tanks.
15/09 Seen tonight were 66087/039 heading eastbound with a car train, 66220
light engine to Avonmouth and of the regular workings 66169 LaFarge aggregates.
Two other workings seen, diverted off route, were 56102 with HAAs (Burrows -
Immingham?) and 66003 with empty steel flats plus a couple of unidentified
units, one of which was a Central 158/9. (Learnt later that the line was closed
in the Lydney area due to animals on the line)
18/09 60050 heading eastbound with a "Carillion" ballast train
followed shortly after by 37426, light engine, in the same direction.
20/09 The yellow Serco HST set worked to Swansea from Paddington and returned to
Swindon during the morning.
22/09 Another minimal action evening with only 66209 on a MGR to Didcot.
23/09 60015 handled the 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh tanks.
26/09 The 1S81 16.05 Parkway RMT-Glasgow Shieldmuir, 1V33 15.58 London-Plymouth
and 1B33 19.26 Parkway-Swansea services all finished today.
29/09 A further mail service due to finish today was the 1C06 13.53
Plymouth-Parkway RMT service, but because of the failure of 47749 the train was
cancelled. However four vans arrived at Parkway behind 67017 from Temple Meads
which with the four off the 1M06 14.25 off Swansea (which had arrived behind
67002+67024), formed the 17.10 eight van train to London. This is now a regular
move, four vans being moved from Temple Meads/Barton Hill to Parkway to
strengthen the 1M06 17.10 departure from the railnet terminal to London. Four
MGRs were noted to and from Portbury with 66181 and 66078, plus the same for
Avonmouth 66161 and 66191. The Avonmouth - Tyne Yard "Boxes" were
behind 66093 and the LaFarge aggregates train with 66132.
30/09 60007 was at Westerleigh on fuel tank duty, 60028 worked the
Theale-Robeston and 60091 was on the Dagenham-Bridgend Ford parts train.
Bristol Temple Meads, Kingsland Road and Barton Hill
01/09 Valley Lines 143602 worked the 15.20 Taunton-Worcester and 43004+
barrier van 6336 ran as an 0Z74 19.15 Laira-St.Phillips Marsh. Noted in the
evening at Kingsland Road were 47829 and 66607.
02/09 47737 arrived at 02.32 on a 5V51 01.12 Willesden-Barton Hill. 03/09
Afternoon First/GW back to back power car moves between Laira and St.Phillips
Marsh saw 43183+43129 head up and 43016+43168 pass in the down direction.
04/09 66179 headed the 6V34 10.34 (ThO) Fawley-Margam fuel tanks via Day's curve
during the afternoon and the 1M65 19.15 Plymouth-London mails were unusually top
n'tailed by 67017+67027. Seen during the evening at Kingsland Road was a stabled
Network Rail train top 'n' tailed by 31190/602 and 47829. GW loco 7802 Bradley
Manor and 44737 were noted on Barton Hil.
06/09 66039 was on the 6B80 Westbury-Machen stone empties and the yellow Serco
HST (with power cars 43013 + 43014) worked 1C00 12.30 Swindon Cocklebury-Taunton
and 1A00 14.41 Taunton-Swindon.
07/09 Steam 7802 worked the final Pastime Rail 'Torbay Express' (1Z30 09.08
Temple Meads -Kingswear and 1Z31 15.55 Kingwear-Temple Meads) using coaching
stock W35467, 4996, 4916, 4949, 1813, 4915, 5008, 4946, 35469.
08/09 47843 and 66551 present at Kingsland Road, whilst at on Barton Hill were
BR 76079 and LM 45157. Doubled headed stone train seen heading south at 22.05
with 66044/235 at the helm. With 7802 already en-route to Kidderminster with
support coach, 47737+47789 returned the steam railtour coaching stock as 5Z31
09.50 Barton Hill-Old Oak Common.
09/09 Barton Hill based 08896 Stephen Dent was noted with D4126 painted in white
on its red front buffer beam.
09/09 Tytherington "Stone" train noted heading northbound at 15.40
returning at 19.20, train loco being 66061
10/09 Due to problems with 47787, Royal 47799 was on stand-by at Barton Hill.
47787 was working a 5Z27 Swindon-Cardiff ECS. With a Network Rail Southern area
steam ban enforced due to the dry weather spell, 67010 worked a
Victoria-Bath/Bristol VSOE in place of steam 4472 Flying Scotsman.
10/09 Two stone trains recorded this afternoon, northbound at 15.25 66130 with a
rake of "Hanson" vehicles and a southbound working at 18.55 behind
66076.
11/09 47799 worked a 5Z29 10.43 Swindon-Temple Meads and 1Z47 12.47 return to
Salisbury again, in place of steam 4472. However, more steam locos were to later
arrive! Running as 5Z76 07.51 ELR Castleton-Barton Hill, the train was formed
47776 + 34067 Tangmere + 76079 + 45407 (running as 45157 The Glasgow Highlander)
with support coaches 35517 (maroon) + 35317 (green). On the freight side, 66076
was on the 6B78 Westbury-Machen stone empties.
12/09 Southbound "Enterprise" service seen at 18.50 behind 66050.
13/09 The first of the weekend 'Avon Branch Explorers', an additional 1Z33 19.05
Temple Meads-Portbury 'The David Harrison Memorial', (named after the Evening
Post journalist who died recently and had helped organise the 1985 GWR 150 steam
trips to Portishead), headed by steam 76079 was noted at Ashton at 20.00 around
45 minutes late. The booked return train time was 20.40 Portbury-Temple Meads
(1Z34), but the train had suffered some late running problems whilst working the
morning 'Somerset Branch Explorers'. The coaching stock in use were; 21272,
1863, W5009, 5040, 4963, 4902, W5309, 5275 Wendy, 35517 (support coach).
14/09 Further 'Avon Branch Explorer' trips operated with 76079 (and large-logo
47635 on the other end of the Severn Beach line trips) as 1Z35 10.12 Temple
Meads-Severn Beach and 1Z36 11.12 return, 1Z37 12.35 Temple Meads-Portbury dock
and 13.34 return, 1Z39 14.42 Temple Meads-Severn Beach and 1Z40 15.40 return and
1Z4117.15 Temple Meads-Portbury dock and 1Z42 18.14 return. The coaching stock
used was that of the previous day and returned north as 5Z42 19.52 Bristol
TM-Crewe behind 47635, routed via the Severn Tunnel and the Marches to Hereford.
Also during the afternoon, 67010 passed at 15.59 on a 1Z88 12.15 Truro-Victoria
return VSOE working.
15/09 66 213 arrived at 14.36 with the 6C22 fuel tanks for St.Phillips Marsh
from Westbury. Just 66551 noted at Kingsand Road, whereas Barton Hill resembled
a small steam depot with BR 76079, LM 45157 and SR 34067 "on shed".
Also present were coaches 1200(Amber) and 1203.
16/09 The Machen-Westbury loaded stone was headed via Day's curve by 60 096 and
the 1V45 07.30 Edinburgh-Plymouth Virgin XC Voyager service (220 033) was
reported in trouble between Parson's street and Long Ashton being at a
standstill. By 15.25 the set was on its way, having already left Temple Meads 80
minutes late!
17/09 47778+steam 34067 Tangmere double-headed the 5A23 07.45 (WO) Barton
Hill-Old Oak Common empty RES vans (formed 35317 green support coach, a maroon
MkI, a Northern Belle MkII and a RES van!). The run was reported to be a
'proving trip' for the steam loco that had arrived in Bristol the previous
Thursday from repair. The balancing 5C37 13.48 (WO) Old Oak Common-Barton Hill
vans was headed by 47 778 on five vans, with 67009+67019 reported on the rear!
Another Class 67 recorded was 67 010, again on VSOE duty the 1V79 from Victoria.
18/09 Steam 34016 Bodmin arrived with the 'Cathederals Express' (1Z86 09.08
Victoria-Temple Meads) at 13.20. This was believed to be a first visit for this
loco this year to Temple Meads, this train normally being operated by 73096 that
was away on the Severn Valley railway. Coaching stock used was 99405 (support),
S5222, S1840, S5171, S13474, S9392, S5249, S1961, S5236. Later the yellow Seco
HST set appeared, leaving following a reverse at 20.02 towards Bath and
Paddington.
19/09 The Scottish Railway Preservation Society's trip (1Z23 06.45 Aberdeen-Par)
arrived in Bristol for an overnight stay behind 47 773 which had taken over from
67004 at Preston. The Bo'Ness & Kinneil preserved coaching stock in use was;
35185, 4831, 4832, 1859, 5028, 4856, 1730, 13230, 13229, 3096, 21241, six of
which appeared on a Solar eclipse special to Cornwall during August 1999.
20/09 67017 continued the SRPS 'Edenex' onwards as 1Z23 07.45 Temple Meads-Par
and another tour for the same destination arrived at 08.49 behind 50 049+50 031
(1Z50 06.40 Slough-Par, organised by Pathfinder tours). Coaching stock in use on
this train was; 5276, 5366, 5341, 4991, 1200 Amber, 3125, 3228 Amethyst, 3244
Emerald, 3223 Diamond, 1699, 3240 Sapphire, 3181 Topaz, 17105. The remaining two
steam locos 45157+76079 on Barton Hill depot, ran with support coach to Newport
for a Pathfinder 'Heart of Wales' excursion, later Royal 47799 passed Patchway
at 12.20 on a 1Z40 08.11 Manchester Victoria-Bath Northern Belle outing. The
yellow Serco HST worked the regular Swindon-Taunton and return.
21/09 47773 returned the 1Z32 10.05 Temple Meads-Aberdeen SPRS trip being routed
via Westerleigh and Didcot to the North.
22/09 66039 worked the 6C22 13.10 Westbury-St.Phillips Marsh fuel tanks and 6C34
return empties. Northbound "Stone" train seen at 15.40 hauled by
66070, seconds later 66183 passed by southbound with a "rail" train.
23/09 HST power car 43181+a barrier van left Laira at 17.28 for St.Phillips
Marsh depot. The 1S91 08.20 Paignton-Dundee Virgin XC service was an HST set
inplace of a Voyager unit.
24/09 An 0Z55 09.45 Barrow Hill-Totnes special light-engine move formed of
preserved Deltic D9016 Gordon Highlander (now in green livery) + 50002 Superb
(in faded NSE colours). Also later in the day (or the early hours of the next
day!), 66186 headed a 7X52 18.23 Crewe South yard-Plymouth Tavistock yard
Devonport dockyard flask train.
27/09 This was to be the final day for Virgin XC HST passenger activity in the
West Country, the new timetable will see an all Voyager operation. Workings
during the day were;- 43100+43099 on the 1S71 10.22 Plymouth-Edinburgh,
43154+43157 with the 1S77 11.25 Penzance-Glasgow, 43092+43260 on the 1V49 06.43
Dundee-Newquay and 43065+43093 (in place of a Voyager set) with the 1V59 10.35
Edinburgh-Paignton. The power cars on both the 1V49 and 1S77 trains carried
'Virgin Cross-country HST Farewell' stickers on each end, and power cars
43092/099/100 all had their Virgin logos painted out already. The 1V59 was
running 44 minutes late and earlier 220011 was recorded on the final 1V26 (Fri)
Manchester-Paignton overnight Virgin XC service. The sight of Virgin HSTs in the
West Country has not however finished completely, Laira depot is to continue
it's maintenance contract for the time being.
27/09 Car empties for Portbury seen at 08.35 behind 66181.
28/09 At 23.00, Barton Hill depot was completely full with 7xClass 67, 1xClass
37, 2xClass 66, 1x Class 08 and 8 Voyager sets being present!
29/09 47749+67025+67015 treble headed the 5C43 09.19 Barton Hill-Plymouth empty
RES vans, the Class 47 was due to be used on the final return 1C06 13.53
Plymouth-Bristol Parkway RMT but failed at Hemerdon . The Class 67s were used to
move the train forward to Plymouth some two hours late, the Class 47 being
removed and left in a siding, the 1C06 being cancelled. A Virgin HST stock move
saw 43094+41114+43098 arrived at 17.40 on a 5M98 Laira-Longsight working and
Class 150 'look-a-like' unit DB999600+DB999601 had appeared earlier on a 2Z08
09.40 Derby-Temple Meads-Exeter test train. First/GW 47815 was recorded during
the morning on a Penzance-Old Oak Common sleeper ECS working, routed via Bath
and Swindon. 66237 arrived at 14.10 with the 6C22 (MO) fuel oil from Westbury
for St.Phillips Marsh and a new empty RES van train commenced the 5M61 14.19 (SX)
Barton Hill-Swansea.
29/09 Present this evening at Kingsland Road were 66551/606.
30/09 The '150 test-unit' returned as 2Z10 08.40 Exeter-Temple Meads via
Penzance during the late afternoon.
Gloucestershire
28/09 Three MKA wagons, part of an engineers train (6W80) worked by 66 044
were derailed at Barnwood, near Gloucester closing the line here. Trains had to
run via Gloucester station (reverse) whilst track repairs were undertaken. The
line was booked to be closed between Gloucester and Cheltenham until 14.00.
29/09 A slew mounted flailing machine was seen in use on the Sharpness
branchline during the day, having been reported in use on the Tytherington
quarry line the previous day.
Portbury Branchline
04/09 As reported in last month's Magazine, the first EWS car train of a new
flow operated as 6X52 14.49 (ThO) Portbury-Wembley behind 66045. Modestly loaded
with only two Wincar two-tier car carriers (IPA), the train had arrived earlier
as 6V52 Washwood Heath-Portbury empties
11/09 66150 handled the better-loaded 6X52.
15/09 66087+66039 (dit) were paired on the 6X52. With 66561 present in the Auto
terminal (on the 6X42 to Mossend) this was believed to be the first instance of
two car trains in the dock at the same time.
18/09 47756 was a most unusual choice of motive power for the 6X52, having
arrived on the 6V52 03.07 Washwood Heath-Portbury empties. The loco ran 0G52
Portbury-Barton Hill light and returned 0G53.
22/09 66079 handled the 6X52 (now running MThO).
25/09 66076 was on the 6X52, seen near Parson's street at 15.21.
27/09 Coal trains recommenced with an inward empty train of HTAs being recorded.
29/09 Booked coal to Didcot ran with the following departures at 06.02, 09.20,
15.00, 16.30 (MO). 66072 headed the day's 6X52 passing Parkway at 15.48.
30/09 66015 worked the 6D15 Portbury-Didcot loaded coal and 66161 was on the
4G17 Didcot-Portbury empties.
Wessex Area
01/09 60077+60019 were paired on a Westbury-Eastleigh engineers and 60007
worked the 6L21 13.08 Merehead-Purfleet stone.
02/09 The 5Z90 stock move resumed it's journey at 10.40, 33 108 returning on a
5Z91 Clapham junction-Eastleigh move leaving at 14.59 and running via Surbiton
and Basingstoke. The following were visible stabled at Didcot at 11.40
08676/856. 37308/890. 66012/018/054/060/089/220/229.
03/09 Class 31 route learning trips today were;- 0Z75 08.00 Westbury-Romsey-Chandler's
Ford-
Eastleigh-Fareham (10.13), then 0Z76 10.35 Farnham-Westbury.
04/09 66066 and 60 054 top n'tailed the 6A48 Didcot-Bicester MOD trip.
06/09 At 11.15 the following were present at Westbury;- 08510. 31468/602.
60009/070/077. 66090/103/117/130/156/160. 158751. An 09.05 Victoria-Cranmore 'Cathederals
Express' arrived at Westbury at 12.43, leaving for Cranmore behind 31602 with
the steam loco attached to the rear. The return to Victoria from Cranmore was at
17.36, with 73096 leading.
08/09 67008 was reported to be the booked traction for the Eastleigh-Quidhampton
trip, Load-haul grey 60070 worked the 6L21 13.08 Merehead-Purfleet stone.
10/09 66018 headed a 7X03 09.45 Kineton-Didcot yard formed of 5 Class 310 units
(20 coaches) for scrap at Immingham. There were problems at Banbury with four
axles running hot. 67010 worked a Victoria-Bath/Bristol VSOE special.
11/09 Booked to be the final Fragonset 'hire' Class 33 Desiro unit move was the
5Z51 10.40 Bournemouth-Northam depot and 5Z52 14.20 Northam depot-Bournemouth.
13/09 Plenty of steam activity today with 73096 on the 1Z82 07.28
Alton-Worcester and return 1Z83 15.48 Worcester-Alton which was headed by 60009
Union of South Africa, in a loco swap move. Also 76079 was active on
Pathfinder/Bristol Evening Post/Western Daily Press 'Mendip Branchline' specials
working a nine coach during the day as;- 1Z31 09.26 Bristol TM-Whatley quarry
and return to Westbury and then to Merehead quarry, 1Z32 13.30 Merehead
Quarry-Whatley, Westbury and return to Temple Meads. The 1Z31 was however in
trouble between East Somerset jcn and Merehead on the 1 in 47 climb when 76079
came to a stand for 40 minutes near Wanstrow, 59002 being despatched from
Merehead quarry to assist! The train left Merehead at 15.35 and low water
pressure at the Westbury water stop was to blame. Departure for the second
Whatley quarry visit was at 16.35, 15.25 being the booked time away. Present at
Westbury at 12.15 were;- 08510. 31468/602. 60019/034/070.
66070/097/130/131/178/236.
14/09 47790 was used on a 12.45 Salisbury-Old Oak Common Riviera ecs stock move
via Reading and Slough.
15/09 66045 headed the 7X37 13.24 Didcot-Immingham condemned stock move (from
10/09) hauling 310080/081/082/083/.
16/09 A 5X47 08.02 Eastleigh-Birkenhead overhauled unit (508 108) move was
hauled by 47727. 60064 was on the 6L211 13.08 Merehead-Purfleet.
19/09 47813 working the 1C65 17.33 Paddington-Plymouth First/GW service in place
of an HST set failed at Maidenhead. With the passengers detrained, 47 815 was
used as the rescue loco to drag the train and failed loco back to Old Oak
Common.
20/09 Police liveried 47829 worked a 6T13 09.08 Alton-Derby and 47798 was on a
1Z84 06.30 Hove-Kidderminster special. A further view of Westbury found the
following - 08510. 31468/602. 60009/035/096. 66070/090/183/242. 59103.
21/09 37174 was used on a 1Z92 09.45 Alton-London Bridge special for steam 34016
Bodmin to take over, however the steam loco failed with a 'dry centre' wheel and
73133 assisted.
22/09 73109 was reported to have worked the 2P03 14.40 ex. Portsmouth Harbour
from Haslemere at 15.29 to Waterloo. The return 16.45 Waterloo-Portsmouth again
was handled by the Class 73 as far as Haslemere.
23/09 50031+50049 were in action on 5Z50 07.50 Old Oak Common-Euston and 1Z50
11.35 Euston-Westbury for a BBC filming contract.
24/09 The Class 50s continued their filming duties, working;- 1Z23 19.42
Westbury-Frome, 19.59 return, 1Z24 20.21 Westbury-Frome, 20.36 return, 1Z25
20.51 Westbury-Frome, 21.06, 1Z26 21.35 Westbury-Frome, 21.58 return and 1Z27
23.00 Westbury-Euston. An extra run took place before the first working for the
benefit of the trains crew.
26/09 A 5Z31 09.25 Derby-Ludgershall move was formed 31454+NSE liveried
generator van + 73 141 for store at the MOD depot. The 31, which was in an
ex-works Inter-City livery, then ran 0Z31 15.52 Ludgershall-Westbury (for Wessex
trains use). A failed Virgin HST set at Westbury running as 5Z43 12.50
Laira-Bicester for store, continued it's journey onwards via Southcote Junction.
27/09 A further Pastime Rail 'Edenex' excursion, a 1Z27 05.51 Letchworth-Par and
1Z28 17.28 return was routed via Westbury, outward with 47786 (which failed on
St.Blazey) and on the return 47776.
The following were present at Westbury during the day;- 08510. 31454/468/602.
60006/033/034/035. 66039/052/059/178/208/221/231. Both Corus steel silver Class
60s were present!
29/09 For the Conservative party conference at Bournemouth, 47761 hauled a 1Z95
04.30 special from Preston and 67003 was on a 1Z29 05.00 extra from Newcastle.
The silver Class 60s were inaction; 60006 on the 7O41 Westbury-Eastleigh
engineers and 60033 on the 6L21 13.08 Merehead-Purfleet stone.
30/09 56067 was unusually employed on a 5Z50 Derby-Eastleigh works MML MkIII
stock move.
West of England
01/09 The Newton Abbot 'thunderbird' in it's final month of operation (due to
the end of Virgin HST operation) was;- 47790 from 01/09-09/09 and 47776 for the
remainder of the month. 67004+67006+67027 ran 0C06 St.Blazey-Plymouth station
light for mail duties and 67024 was on the 6C11 Penzance fuel tanks and 6C11
return empties. Single line working was in force south of Exeter due to a broken
rail at Exeter St.Thomas.
03/09 66080+66178 were paired on the 6V70 Cliffe Vale-St.Blazey freight onwards
from Exeter. 66178 was needed to power the evening 6H68 Tavistock yard-Cardiff
Tidal scrap train.
04/09 47790 worked the 5M99 St.Blazey-Plymouth empty mails (for the 1M99 22.11
Plymouth-London mails), and then ran light to Exeter to return on a 6Z72 21.21
Exeter-Tavistock yard freight. 60077 later powered a 6W57 23.03
Westbury-Westbury (via Totnes) autoballaster.
05/09 The 08.20 Penzance-Edinburgh Virgin XC HST was reported in trouble on
Angarrack viaduct near Hayle with a suspected blown turbo charger on power car
43101. The power car, which was leading the train failed completely at Camborne.
Also during the day, 66178 worked the 6C43 13.19 Burngullow-Exeter (Riverside)
freight and the yellow Serco HST set on the regular Paddington-Plymouth out and
back working was terminated and restarted at Exeter, the reason for this was
unknown.
06/09 66033 continued the previous days 6V70 which had been heavily delayed, as
12.50 Exeter (Riverside)-St.Blazey recorded passing Newton Abbot at 12.45. Also
at Exeter, the 16.20 to Waterloo and the 17.02 to Southampton services were
combined due to late running. A further Hertfordshire Railtours 'Edenex'
excursion (1Z52 07.25 Paddington -Par) was powered by 67020 part of the 13
'Pride of the Nation' coaching stock formation being;- 2834, 3149, 3120, 1698,
3149, 3147, 1679, 3141, 3121. At St.Blazey 09001 and 08865 were visible during
the day.
07/09 Load-haul 'grey' 60070 headed a 6W70 05.30 Lipson junction-Westbury train
of ballast empties.
08/09 47790 hauled the 6C21 and 6C11 St.Blazey-Ponsondane and return fuel tanks,
and then ran 0Z70 12.31 St.Blazey-Exeter and 66158 headed a 6C62 single TTA fuel
tank from Westbury to Exeter stabling point returning light-engine. Earlier the
1C08 05.45 Plymouth-Penzance Virgin XC HST service failed on Moorswater viaduct
with a loss of power on 43092. The train reversed back to Liskeard station and
was terminated.
09/09 47790 was again in the Exeter area, seen shunting stored HAA coal wagons
in Riverside yard at 13.30, later working a 6C99 22.35 St.Blazey-Riverside
freight. With the end of the 1C06 13.53 Plymouth-Parkway RMT mails on 29/09, the
often three header light-engine move from St.Blazey-Plymouth will end.
10/09 The late running 6V70 09.57 Cilffe Vale-St.Blazey freight headed by
66229+37670 was terminated in Exeter at 00.22. 66231+47790 passed Dawlish at
14.00 as 0H67 Exeter-St.Blazey light-engines and 47 790 was then in charge of
the 1M99 22.11 Plymouth-Willesden mails (following the failure of 67024).
11/09 09013 worked the Tavistock yard-Cattewater scrap metal empties, formed
with bogie JXAs in place of the more regular four-wheel SSAs.
12/09 66 228 worked the 6C43 Burngullow-Exeter freight and 67 010 was on a 1Z82
10.00 Victoria-Truro VSOE specials (for Cornish garden visits) arriving at it's
destination at 16.38. 66 078 was on the 6C99 St.Blazey-Exeter freight and 47776
was on the 1C84 Reading-Plymouth mails.
13/09 66080 was on local clay use including the 6P05 07.53 Lostwithiel-Tavistock
yard CDAs and 67010 was seen at Lostwithiel at 08.22 running round the 5Z45 VSOE
ECS, to form the 1Z45 Plymouth-Exeter-Plymouth (1Z46) dinning specials. The
following 1Z47 Plymouth-Exeter, passing Dawlish at 17.36, then ran to Kingswear
and returned (Torre 21.01) stabling overnight in Exeter Riverside yard. Another
special working was a Hertfordshire railtours 1C52 07.25 Paddington-Minehead
headed by 66 226. After the mainline return at Norton Fitzwarren points problems
arose. The 13.40 Paignton-Cardiff local service was unusually formed with 143
622+143 620. 66 080 headed the 6P12 11.55 Parkandillack-Lostwithiel formed of 32
CDA wagons, the same loco working the 6P11 15.00 Fowey-Drinnick Mill the next
day.
15/09 67024 worked the Ponsondane fuel tanks from and to St.Blazey.
16/09 Wessex trains 150 254 was used on the 1S65 07.13 Plymouth-Edinburgh Virgin
XC service from Exeter to Bristol TM! 43080+43153 were later seen at Laira at
14.43 heading north 'back-back' and the 6C99 22.35 St.Blazey-Exeter freight was
powered by 47 776.
17/09 HST power car 43138 departed Devonport dockyard following repair, to Laira
by road and 43124 went the other way into the dock for attention. Two
evening/overnight engineering workings were;- 66 052 on a 6W15 18.03 Westbury-Saltash
formed of JZAs and 66 070 and 66 090 top n'tailing a 6W92 20.17
Westbury-Westbury (via Exmouth).
18/09 47776 was most unusual power for the 6G23 19.23 Fowey-St.Blazey local CDA
trip and 09 013 was again active on the Cattewater scrap metal trip, again with
JXAs. Virgin HST power cars 43123+ 43084 passed Taunton south bound at 20.21,
with a single middle coach in between.
19/09 47749 ran light to Exeter from Canton to head a 12.30 stock move formed of
a Class 67 loco with two cripple tpo vans and 66 043 was on a nine wagon 6C43
Burngullow-Exeter freight. The yellow Serco HST (with power cars 43014+43062)
worked 1C00 07.17 Paddington-Plymouth and 1A00 10.47 Plymouth-Paddington test
runs (The set then worked thr regular 1M26 15.25 Paddington-Coventry and 1V05
19.00 Coventry -Paddington trips). Today marked the 140th Anniversary of the
opening of the Truro-Falmouth branch line.
20/09 A mixed Class 159 formation was recorded at Dawlish during the afternoon
with set numbers 159001 and 003 on each end. An incident on the Newquay branch
line saw the 11.06 Paddington-Newquay First/GW HST service strike a JCB digger
on an occupation crossing. 43028+43179 were the power cars involved, the former
being damaged and derailed. Services over the branch were cancelled for the rest
of the day. The Bodmin & Wenford railway diesel gala saw mainline visitors
66241 and 67009 with a TPO van. The Class 67 saw passenger use along with
resident preserved locos 33110 and 50042. The 'SWRG on tour' headboard was
carried on a number of services, SWRG standing for the very popular South-West
rail-gen internet group.
21/09 First/GW loco-hauled passenger trains today were;- 47 832 on the 1C28
09.15 Paddington-Penzance and 47 815 with the 1A80 15.41 Penzance-Paddington
services. 67 009 and 66 241 top n'tailed the single tpo coach as 15.49
Bodmin-St.Blazey, where at 09.00 the following were visible;- 47306/776. 66080.
67015/018/029. 150230/233.
22/09 The 06.13 Plymouth-Newcastle and 06.40 Plymouth-Edinburgh Virgin XC
services were combined at Plymouth for the run to Bristol (using a single set)
due to late running. On the freight side today, 66 040 ran 0V95 Westbury-Exeter
(Riverside) light for the 6O92 Dolland's Moor freight, 66080 worked a 6Z06 06.40
St.Blazey-Heathfield and 47776 was in charge of the 6C21 and 6C11
St.Blazey-Ponsondane and return fuel tanks.
23/09 47776 was again on freight duty with the 6C99 22.35 St.Blazey-Exeter
(Riverside) freight and 47815 headed a 5Z70 12.45 Laira-Old Oak Common ECS
working. Another Virgin XC HST in trouble was 43090+43121 and the 1C75 19.50
Penzance-Plymouth which failed at Camborne.
24/09 66241 took forward the 6Z70 (6V70) formed of two cargo wagons, at 07.40
having been terminated at Exeter the previous day and 47776 with TPO van 80349
and 6 tank wagons passed Lostwithiel at 09.10 on a 6C24 St.Blazey-Exeter
working. 66186 was later seen in Plymouth Friary yard on a CWR train at 13.00,
this loco with 47776 then running together light from Tavistock yard to
St.Blazey. 150251 was declared a failure between Lostwithiel and Largin (with
air loss) on the 1C85 07.37 Par-Exmouth Wessex trains service. Deltic D9016
returned from Totnes-Yeovil Steam centre light via Exeter and the former LSWR
route to Honiton having delivered 50002 to the South Devon railway.
25/09 09013 was again on the Cattewater scrap trip and an empty Virgin XC HST
running from Laira-Bicester for store passed Taunton at 14.33 and later failed
at Westbury! 66241 was on the 6C43 Burngullow-Exeter freight, the loco then
returning west light to Tavistock yard for the Cardiff Tidal scrap service.
27/09 66080 worked a 6Z33 08.33 St.Blazey-Exeter (Riverside) additional freight
service.
29/09 66241 worked 6C24 12.15 Exeter-St.Blazey, 66 241+37 670 ran 0C06 06.20
St.Blazey-Exeter (Riverside) light, 67 012 was on the Penzance fuel tanks and
47815 worked 5A99 06.22 Plymouth-Old Oak Common sleeper ECS. Test unit
DB999600+DB999601 ran west as 2Z08 09.46 Derby-Exeter (passing Taunton at 17.03)
and a Virgin HST set, with power cars 43121+43097 worked west for attention at
Laira depot. 66052 arrived at Taunton light-engine at 08.00 and stabled in the
west-end bay. Another 5Z43 13.00 Laira-Bicester Virgin HST for storage move was
formed with power cars 43102+43160.
30/09 Power car 43028 was moved from Laira to Devonport dockyard by road during
the day and another 5Z43 Laira-Bicester HST storage run was seen passing Taunton
at 14.54. 66 156+37 676 were paired on the 6V62 Fawley-Tavistock yard oil tanks,
the 37 was for sandite use. 37 670 was reported as destined for Cardiff Canton
and wheel-turning being still present at Exeter. On arrival at Tavistock yard,
66 031+37 676 headed west as 0T29 22.20 light-engines to St.Blazey. On the
freight side;- 66 081 worked the 6C43 Burngullow-Exeter freight via Heathfield
and 66 080 was on 6G06 11.13 Goonbarrow-Fowey and 6P24 14.55 Fowey-Parkandillack.
31 468+31 602 ran 0Z31 08.10 Westbury-Exeter light-engine for a 5Z31 10.55
Exeter (Riverside)-Meldon quarry stock move for storage, returning light to
Exeter and stabling overnight. 31 602 handled the 5Z31, and 31 468 remained on
Exeter S.P. for an 'A' exam.
Local china clay locos during the month included - 47776. 66014/080/229/231.
Postal sets noted
4s (PCV)
94335 94104 94106 94321
94320 94211 94216 94323
94306 94118 94160 94309
94332 94214 94176 94331
94308 94197 94199 94326
94338 94177 94148 94311
94302 94150 94198 94336
94310 94761 94734 94313
94303 94119 94168 94318
5s
94514 94190 94208 94182 94423
94545 94484 94414 94227 94547
SOUTH WALES AREA
Cardiff Central
02/09 153362 in Heart of Wales Line livery was named "Dylan Thomas 1914-1953" at Swansea station by Aeronwy Thomas, his daughter. The name is on a vinyl sticker with a black background. The 153 was later seen in front of a 158 departing Cardiff on a Manchester-Milford Haven service
Cardiff Canton (viewed from the footbridge)
07/09 08576/955/957. 09101/102. 37412/413/415/425/509/716. 56078. 66118/142.
67011.
14/09 08576/955/957. 37412/413/415/509/667. 60003. 66141. 67013.
15/09 08481/493/576/756/801/819/955/957. 09015. 37222/408/418/509/901/904.
60004/045/052/054. 66235.
21/09 08576/955/957. 37042/412/413/415/509/886. 47635. 60024. 66008/043/062/135.
29/09 08576/955/957. 37412/413/415/509/676/704/893. 56081. 60015/037.
Sims Metals
26/09 Class 308 car: 61886 (136).
Newport
05/09 31468/602. 37248/712. 57006. 60028/032/042. 66016/097/124.
12/09 31468/602. 57005. 60005/022/029/042. 66095/106/175/244.
19/09 31468/602. 60003/023/045. 66003/011/060/062.
20/09 47635 in BR blue with large numbers and a "Highland Rail"
sticker on the cab side worked 1Z27 04:36 Crewe-Llandrindod as far as Newport
hauling W21272, 3069/68/66, W3122/40, 3098, 1863, W5009, 5040, 4963, W5309.
Steam locos 45407 and 76079 then took it forward to Shrewsbury via the Swansea
District and Heart of Wales Lines. Former C&ARS Treasurer and Auditor Tony
Skinner was a passenger on the train!
26/09 31468/602. 37425. 56033. 60006/007/015/023/024/038/042.
66032/083/557.
LOCO AND UNIT NEWS
CLASS 31
03/09 A Westbury Class 31 loco swap was to take place bringing in 31454 (in new
Inter-City colours) and 31452 (from the Mid Hants), but the former was not ready
at Derby and the latter had an air pipe fault at Alton.
04/09 31190+31601 arrived at Temple Meads at 05.37 top n'tailing a 4Z10
Ultrasonic test train.
05/09 31601+31190 departed Temple Meads at 01.16 for Tyseley with the 4Z08
Ultrasonic test train.
12/09 31602+31468 prior to working the 1O98 12.00 Cardiff-Brighton service
covered the 2R02 07.25 Warminster-Filton Abbey wood local service (then ECS to
Canton depot). Wessex have loaned three Class 150 units, 150219/244/251 to
Silverlink who have problems with their Class 321 fleet, hence the Class 31s
covered the extra unit diagram.
19/09 31602+31468 again top n'tailed the 1O98 12.52 Bristol TM-Brighton and 1V96
17.00 return, Cardiff now no longer being the starting point for this Fridays
only Wessex trains service.
20/09 31128+31601 worked a 4Z08 16.23 Derby-Plymouth Ultrasonic test train with
coaching stock 999666, 62482, 72631, 72630. The train passed Cheltenham at 18.31
and stopped at Taunton between 21.29-21.37. The train was stabled in the Laira
riverside siding overnight. It is now confirmed that this train has replaced the
former Class 101 Met Cam test unit which carried out a similar job.
30/09 31128+31601 was again back in Bristol top n'tailing a 4Z08 20.15
Ultrasonic test train from Derby.
CLASS 33
01/09 33021+33108 on a 5Z90 10.58 Bournemouth-Clapham junction stock-move failed
at Eastleigh West junction.
CLASS 37
01/09 37308 worked the 6B36 06.58 Didcot-Aschurch MOD (Gloucester 09.45) and
return 6A32 passing Stroud at 13.34 formed of empty flats. The loco repeated
this duty during the following day. 37417 hauled 2F03 06:59 from Rhymney and
2R46 17:47 return, 37422 2F05 07:17 from Rhymney, 1B96 10:47 to Fishguard
Harbour and 1R38 13:35 Fishguard Harbour-Rhymney, 37425 2F06 07:40 from Rhymney
and 2R42 17:11 return.
02/09 37425 did 2F03 and 2R42, 37417 2F05, 1B96 and 1R38, 37422 2F06 and 2R46.
37405 worked 7M12 18:17 ADJ-Bescot. 37698 was on the 7V27 14.33 Eastleigh-Didcot
departmental. 37706 was on the 6B71/6B64 Cardiff docks trip.
03/09 37425 worked 2F03 and 2R42, 37422 2F05, 1B96 and 1R38, 37417 2F06 and
2R46.
03/09 37308 was on the 6B36/6A32 Ashchurch MOD , the return departing from
Kemble at 13.31 formed of four VGA vans and empty SPA open wagons. Other loco
locations were;-37248 MG-oos , 37706 Newport, 37712 6B03 Swansea-Newport trip
and 37694 7O26 10.48 Oxford Hinksey-Eastleigh.
04/09 37425 operated 2F03 and 2R46, 37417 2F05, 1B96 and 1R38, 37422 2F06 and
2R42. 37248 was a most unusual choice for the 1M06 14.25 Swansea-Willesden mails
(as far as Parkway RMT, where 67 019 took the train onwards to London),
returning on the 1B33 19.30 Parkway-Swansea. 37707 was on a 7Z83 07.04 Tees
yard-Ludgershall MOD and 37698 powered the 7V27 14.33 Eastleigh yard-Didcot
departmental.
05/09 37425 performed 1B96 and 1R38, 37417 2R42 and 37422 2R46. 37308/375/890
were all present at Didcot at 17.00, 37248 was at Newport (having worked in on
6Z26 from Trostre) and 37706 was on Canton (B exam). 37402 and 37410 were both
on CF oos.
06/09 37417 worked 1B96 09:11 Rhymney-Fishguard and 1R38 13:55 return.
08/09 37425 did 2R38, 37402 2R42 and 37422 2R46. 37669 working MoD Liner,
stopped temporarily at Bristol Parkway then moved off with gusto, music to the
ears. 37674 arrived at Barton Hill for sandite duties.
09/09 37422 hauled 2F03 and 2R42. 37419 worked 2F05 as far as Bargoed, where it
failed. 37402 replaced it on 2R46. 37425 did 2F06 and 2R38. 37248+37798 were
paired on the 7M12 17.34 Newport-Bescot freight, 37408/410/417/419 were all CF-oos,
37402 (2R46), 37422 (2R42), 37425 (2R38) all W&B passenger locos, 37669 on
7O26 10.20 Oxford Hinksey-Eastleigh departmental , 37042 SY exam, 37174 EH exam.
10/09 37422 operated 2F03, 37402 2F05 and 37425 2F06. 47776 worked 1Z47 21:57 to
Crewe via Wrexham following a Welsh International football match at the
Millennium Stadium. It was formed of 12 ex-Virgin Mk2s, the rear four locked out
of use. These were the coaches that had been used on Valley Lines services and
had just been replaced by a similar 12 in better mechanical & electrical
condition (e.g. with working air-con!).
10/09 37890 worked a 12 wagon 6B36 06.58 Didcot-Ashchurch MOD and 6A32 13.27
return passing Stroud at 13.09. The 6Z40 14.30 Didcot-Lindsey tanks were powered
by 37 308.
11/09 37402 worked 2F03 and 2R38, 37425 2F05 and 2R46, 37422 2F06 and 2R42.
37248 hauled 6C91 09:10 ADJ-Bridgwater and 6C92 13:46 return.
37174 was on the 7Y40 15.50 Eastleigh-Hoo Junction departmental and 37890 worked
a 6Z10 06.34 Reading TMD-West Ealing track machine move.
12/09 37422 did 2R38, 37425 2R42, 37402 2R46. 37890 ran light-engine from
Didcot-Westbury, for the 6A67 14.00 Westbury-Oxford Hinksey yard departmental.
13/09 37422 operated the Saturday 1B96 and 1R38.
15/09 37422 did 2F03 and 2R38, 37402 2F05 and 2R42, 37419 2F06 and 2R62.
37425/417 did 6M75 ADJ-Warrington enterprise. 37689 (reinstated for WNTR,
sandite duty) headed the 6B45 08.31 Eastleigh-Marchwood MOD and return 6V38 to
Didcot, 37375 was on a load 11 6B36 Didcot -Ashchurch MOD (Gloucester 09.19) and
6A32 return and 37890 worked the 7V27 14.33 Eastleigh-Oxford Hinksey yard
departmental.
16/09 37402 hauled 2F03, 37419 2F05, 37422 2F06. 37417/425 returned from
Warrington on 6V71 01:07 Arpley-ADJ. 37294 and 37426 were present on Barton Hill
(the former having been originally lined up for the Avon Branch explorer steam
trips to Severn Beach on 14/09!), 37689 hauled the 7V27 Eastleigh-Didcot
departmental and 37 375 was on Appleford trips. 37109 worked a 6W91 20.04
Westbury-Cowley Bridge autoballaster for the Barnstaple branch. 37248 ran 0W91
21.30 Newport Godfrey S.P-Exeter (Riverside) light to top n'tail the 6W91 with
37 109.
17/09 37425 operated 2F03, 37422 2F05, 37402 2F06. 37109 returned the previous
days engineers as 6W91 05.30 Cowley Bridge-Westbury and 37248 ran 0A59 05.45
Exeter (Riverside)-Newport light-engine. 37109 then worked the 7O41 Westbury-Eastleigh
departmental, with a Class 66 (dit).
18/09 37422 did 2F03 and 2R46, 37402 2F05 and 2R42, 37425 2F06 and 2R38. 37419
did 6M75. 37426 ran 0A16 19.15 Barton Hill-Didcot yard light-engine and 37417
was on the 6C91 09.14 Newport-Bridgwater and return trip.
19/09 37425 did 2R38, 37402 2R42, 37422 2R46. 37886 hauled the Cardiff BTU vans
as an 08.00 working to Swindon. The loco and train were still there at 19.00
facing in the Bristol direction.
20/09 37402 worked the Saturday 1B96 and 1R38. 37422 and 37425 were working on
the Rhymney line, along with 150106. 37114 was on a 6Z62 09.13 Bescot-Oxford
Hinksey yard departmental and 37 417 handled a 6W35 21.09 Newport
ADJ-Chepstow-Gloucester engineers, running round at Grange Court and returning
at 08.00 off Chepstow.
22/09 37886 hauled 6Z12 22:45 Aberthaw-Swansea.
23/09 The 6C91 Newport-Bridgwater trip freight passed Temple Meads with a single
cargo wagon headed by 37886 at 09.30. The return 6C92 left Bridgwater at 11.46
for Newport, passing Temple Meads at 12.43. 37 375/426/717/890 were all at
Didcot at 13.30, the latter having worked the 6A66 Appleford trips.
24/09 37886 was on the Fords car parts train.
25/09 37422 did 2R38, 37402 2R42, 37417 2R46. 37425 was on a three wagon 6C91
Bridgwater trip passing Yatton at 10.15 and returning from Bridgwater with the
6C92 empties at 12.08.
26/09 The evening Rhymneys were a repeat of the previous day.
26/09 The 7Y64 06.44 Oxford Hinksey yard-Appleford trip was powered by 37 717.
27/09 37402 worked the final 1B96 09:11 Rhymney-Fishguard Harbour and 1R38 13:55
return, with an extra coach (5961) being added to 9520, 6067, 5976, 6064 to
accommodate the expected enthusiasts. It was filled by 60 railfans, including
many 'regulars', making the journey, but only 45 "normal" passengers
occupied the rest of the train! The loco was in fine form and arrived early at
Fishguard, which gave time to photograph the run-round and explore the ferry
terminal. Good running on the return journey led to the train calling at
Bridgend ahead of the Maesteg-Coryton service (it's normally held outside
Bridgend and follows the local service) and it resulted in a stand of 50 minutes
in Leckwith Loop before taking its allocated path up to Rhymney. 37417 and 37422
worked services on the Rhymney line for most of the day.
29/09 37402 did 2R38, 37417 2R42 and 2R46. 37425 took a ballast train from ADJ
to Machen.
29/09 37 717 was on the 6B36 Ashchurch MOD passing Standish jcn at 10.36 and
having to run-round in Gloucester station due to the derailment and track damage
at Barnwood. The train had been retimed for this being scheduled for a stop at
Swindon from 07.29-09.09. 37 375 was used on the Didcot-Kineton and Bicester MOD
trips.
30/09 37422 worked 2R38, 37417 2R42, 37402 2R46.
30/09 37 425 passed Yatton at 10.15 with a load two 6C91 Newport-Bridgwater
trip.
The Rhymney loco-hauled passenger trips could now finish in March next year
which is the end of the current EWS contract.
CLASS 47/57
28/08 47791 operated 6C91 09:14 ADJ-Bridgwater.
10/09 47776 brought eight of the replacement ex Virgin Coaches from Crewe as ECS,
for use on the Rhymney services.
13/09 47749 left it's train of scrap empties from Beeston-Newport docks (6V97)
in Cheltenham High Street loop, and ran light to assist the 6E39 16.15 Llanwern-Tees
steel with 60022 which had failed to the south of the town.
16/09 47749 was in charge of the 6C91 09.14 Newport-Bridgwater trip.
20/09 47799 in Royal Train livery worked 1Z40 08:11 Manchester Victoria-Bath
Northern Belle excursion.
First GW sleeper locos
1A99 22.00 Paddington-Penzance;
01/09 57601 tnt with 47811, 02/09 47815, 03/09 57601, 09/09 57601, 14/09 57601
18/09 47813.
1C99 23.50 Penzance-Paddington;
03/09 47811, 06/09 57601, 09/09 47813, 11/09 57601, 14/09 47811,
16/09 57601, 18/09 47811, 23/09 57601, 27/09 47815.
Notes;-On 01/09 and 14/09 both services were diverted via Honiton and Yeovil,
due to engineering works.
CLASS 52
Mainline preserved D1015 Western Champion has been taken out of service (a
railtour from Kings X-York being cancelled on 14/09) due to metal fragments
being found in the transmission fluid at the 'A' end.
CLASS 55
The Mendip Rail employees excursion for 2004 will see a Deltic hauled train run
from Westbury-York probably during June.
CLASS 56
04/09 56104 hauled 06:04 Lackenby-Llanwern.
05/09 56104 returned to the north-east on 6E05 Llanwern-Lackenby.
06/09 56104 hauled 6V40 05:08 Lackenby-Margam.
09/09 56078 did 6E35 11:42 Llanwern-Lackenby.
14/09 56102 worked 6V49 14:12 Tees Yard-Newport Docks aluminum train.
18/09 56102 worked 7E10 Swansea Burrows-Immingham.
CLASS 67
This type of loco is expected to take over Royal train duties from Class 47s
during October.
Local EWS Freight Watch
6V41 16.21 (TThO) Irvine-Burngullow, china clay slurry empties.
04/09 66135. 08/09 66053. 15/09 66148. 17/09 66035. 22/09 66204.
29/09 66081.
6M68 08.33 (SO) Burngullow-Warrington, loaded slurry tanks.
02/08 66214. 09/08 66032. 23/08 66051. 30/08 66043. 06/09 66014.
13/09 66231. 20/09 66035. 27/09 66125.
Notes;- 09/08 The train started from Exeter (Riverside). From the beginning of
October, due to continual overnight engineering works this train will run
overnight at a revised time.
6S55 09.40 (WO) Burngullow-Irvine, loaded slurry tanks.
03/09 66094. 10/09 66053. 17/09 66148. 24/09 66229.
6V70 09.57 (MWFO) Stoke (Cliffe Vale)-St.Blazey or 11.48 (TThO) Bescot-St.Blazey.
02/09 66094. 03/09 66080. 05/09 66029. 09/09 66229+37670. 10/09 66080.
16/09 66241. 23/09 66241. 24/09 66204. 26/09 66031. 30/09 66179.
Notes;- 05/09 The train was terminated at Exeter due to late running because of
a power failure at Saltley signalling centre. The train went forward the next
day behind 66033. The Class 37 was for West Country sandite use. 16/09 66241
worked the train from Bescot-St.Blazey, 66078 heading the train from Cliffe
Vale-Bescot.
6M72 16.52 (MTO) St.Blazey-Cliffe Vale.
01/09 66094. 02/09 66033. 04/09 66080. 08/09 66033. 09/09 66080.
15/09 66078. 16/09 Cancel. 17/09 66080. 22/09 66241. 23/09 66204.
25/09 66139. 29/09 66241. 30/09 66 186+47 727 (dit).
6H67 07.51 (WO) Cardiff Tidal sidings-Plymouth Tavistock yard empty. 03/09
66178. 10/09 66231. 17/09 66046. 24/09 66139.
6H68 20.01 (FO) Plymouth Tavistock yard-Cardiff Tidal sidings scrap.
05/09 66135. 12/09 66061. 19/09 66046. 26/09 66241.
Local DRS Movements
6V74 03.36 Crewe CLS-Bridgwater and 6M67 11.54 Bridgwater-Crewe
01/09 37038+37259. 03/09 20313+20314. 08/09 20313+20314.
15/09 20308+20315. 17/09 20308+20312. 22/09 37029+37038.
24/09 37029+37038. 30/09 20315+37259.
Notes;- 08/09 Due to points problems at Bridgwater, the train was routed via
Taunton. 24/09 The train passed Lawrence Hill, Bristol at 17.32 suggesting a
retimed return working by the end of the month.
Local Freightliner Workings
4V60 Calvert - Avon - Calvert Binliner
04/09 66551. 05/09 66551. 08/09 66551. 12/09 66551. 15/09 66551.
22/09 66551
6M16 13.16 Southampton-Crewe automotive.
02/09 47292. 03/09 66559. 05/09 47848. 10/09 47829. 11/09 66716.
12/09 66528. 15/09 47812+47848. 16/09 47292. 18/09 47848. 29/09 47292.
6V20/6M37 Hope Sidings-Moorswater cement and return (next day) empties.
03/09 66547. 08/09 66561. 09/09 66561. 10/09 66556. 15/09 66556.
17/09 66560. 24/09 66612. 29/09 66563.
Notes;- 04/09 The 6M37 on this date was 1,208ft long with 58 wagons!!
4V50/4O51 Millbrook-Wentloog and return containers.
12/09 47812. 16/09 57008. 24/09 57001.
6V14/6X42 16.14 Mossend (or Crewe Gresty lane) empty and return 17.53 to
Mossend automotive.
03/09 66529. 05/09 66523. 08/09 66717. 10/09 66717. 12/09 66717.
15/09 66561. 17/09 66561. 22/09 66716. 24/09 66716. 29/09 66557.
Notes;- 08/09 66717 became the first GBRf loco to visit the branchline (although
on hire to Freightliner). 10/09 66558 arrived with an extra short train of car
empties at 18.30. At one stage the loco paired up with 66717, but it was
reported the latter worked the train solo.
4077 Westbury-Millbrook and 4V77 13.48 Millbrook-Westbury
05/09 47829. 08/09 47829. 13/09 47843. 18/09 47848. 22/09 47749.
25/09 47848.
Notes - There have been continual wagon problems, hence the non-regular running
of this train and all are to be modified. Also it has been reported that
Southampton Maritime, not Bristol will supply traction for the service which
could mean Class 66 locos seeing use on the workings in place of Class 47s.
Other Freightliner Workings
01/09 Fragonset 'hire' loco 47355 worked the 4M55 10.12 Southampton
Maitime-Lawley Street liner.
02/09 The Avon area refuse container train was diverted all week due to
engineering activity, running via Aylesbury and the GWML. Also 47355 was on the
4S59 15.12 Southampton-Coatbridge liner.
03/09 47355 returned on the 4O17 15.51 Lawley-Southampton liner.
04/09 57012+47355 were paired on the 4S59 15.12 Southampton-Coatbridge.
08/09 57010 was present at the Merehead quarry workshops for repair.
12/09 47355+57004 were combined on the today's 4S59.
16/09 On loan GBRf 66713 handled the 4V30 18.43 Ipswich-Wentloog containers.
17/09 47812 headed a 6Z24 Bescot-Kingsland road train of cargo wagons passing
Bristol Parkway at 13.40.
18/09 47812 returned cement cargo wagons north as 6Z25 18.00 Kingsland road-Earles
sidings (Hope) passing Parkway at 18.07). 47805 worked the 4O18 04.44 Lawley
Street-Southampton liner, returning north on the 4S59 as far as Crewe with
66543.
22/09 The 4E44 08.52 Southampton-Leeds liner was reported a failure at Oxford
Hinksey yard, a loco off Didcot coming to assist.
29/09 47848, now with Freightliner flashes beneath each cab window ran 0V77
Bristol-Millbrook light for the return 4V77 cement empties to Westbury.
30/09 The 4O08 19.15 Trafford Park-Southampton liner was derailed whilst leaving
the Trafford Park depot.
As reported last month the company is to start a new Tunstead-Llantrisant
yard freight-flow from January next year. A new 6Z30 17.40 Wentloog-Tower and
6Z31 22.19 Tower-Dagenham (Harlow Mill) stone (W or ThO) service is to start
operating during October, whilst another contract has been secured to provide
gritstone from Merehead or Meldon quarry for use on the Cornish mainline
're-doubling' between Burngullow and Probus. The Cornish receiving terminal has
still not been decided for this project. Finally a Class 66 loco is expected to
be named on the West Somerset railway during October.
Freight-flow News
Fifoots is to reopen having been mothballed. NG Transco are looking to increase
spare electricity capacity for the winter period with the reopening of Uskmouth
B station. A new flow of ballast to Gloucester for a new virtual quarry is 6Z61
Mountsorrel-Gloucester and 6Z40 17.02 return, running M-F.
Engineering Diversions
Future line closures for repair works are Berks & Hants 24/11-08/12, all
freight being diverted via Didcot, Swindon and Melksham and Gloucester Barnwood
commencing 09/11. The Severn Beach line is again to be closed from 27/10-31/10,
all services being by road buses.
STOCK ALTERATIONS
Locomotives
Transfers
08865(ML)-CF
Store
08798. 20901/905/906. 37521. 73131. 86205/212/228/245.
BH: 58001. 37214. CD: 37895. CE: 86205/212/228/261.
CS: 37133. 47095. DR: 56055/056/109. FB: 08798. IM: 37677.
KM: 20901/905/906. LH: 47234/290/308/345. MD: 08731.
OC: 37685. 73131. TO: 37521/682. WN: 86245. ZB: 08756/801.
Traffic
37069 -KM, 37688 -CD, 47501 -KM, 57307 -WN.
Disposals
Booths: 08746. 37331.
Garrett: 47323/377.
Soton Steel: 47152/296.
Chasewater: 31203. Midland RC: 31421. Private: 47540.
Renumbered
47225 - 57307.
Diesel Multiple Units
Stored
DEMU car: 60668 - Pershore Airfield.
Withdrawn
DEMU cars: 60670/823. 71634 - IMRFT for disposal.
New Stock
170723 -HQ.
Electric Multiple Units
Stored
312706/711/712/724 @IL. 375319/324 @ZG, 323/330/333 @SL
Traffic
360101/106/112/120 -IL.
375306/307/308/309/310/701/706/709/710/711/712/713/714/715 -RE.
377101 - 139 inclusive -BI.
Withdrawn
308159. 310080/081/082/083/092. 8205/10.
Disposals
IMRFT: 310080/081/082/083/092.
Sims: car 75906(308.159) (CF site).
Raxstar: 8205 @ZG.
DRE Shoeburyness: 8210. (On site use)
New Stock
390029/030/031 -MA. 450016/018 -HQ.
Coaching & NPCC Stock
Transfers
4960. 5032. 99318 -FW.
Store
80320/323/324/325/333/339/342/343/353/374/380/387/392/393/402/405/414,
80428/432/436. 94155/174. 94304/305/314/327/343. 94404/407/442/471,
94537. 95300/301.
BH: 1221. 3312/74. 5779/88/97. 5812/66/88. 9479. 9500.
BK: 80333/342/353/392. 94155/442/471. CF: 5961. 6119/37. 9531.
80436. 94314/404/407/537. DR: 4938. EN: 80380/387/402/432. 94305.
HM: 6178. KI: 6115. 9538. LNWR: 9521. ML: 95300/301. TO: 6035.
WB: 80320/323/324/325/339/343/374/405/414/428.
Traffic
80415 -BK.
Withdrawn
10537/549/560/692/715. 34952. 96130/131/163/166/167/172/173/176/188,
96192. 99315. 975428. 977912/913.
Disposals
IMRFT: 34952. 975428. 977912/913.
HNRC: All 961XX vehicles listed above.
Sold: 10549/692. 99315.
Road Movements
01/09 37142 was seen on a Heanor lorry low-loader between junctions 21-22 at
16.35 heading south.
02/09 The 37 was parked in a lay-by on Bodmin Moor as 08 865 passed on another
road low-loader running from Ferrybridge to Par harbour. 37142 arrived at Bodmin
at 19.40 for preservation.
16/09 MML HST power car 43060 was seen heading west-bound near Bridgwater on the
M5 at 10.05.
23/09 A Virgin liveried power car was seen heading north on the M5 near junction
25 Taunton at 18.15.