NOTES AND NEWS
WEST COUNTRY AREA
Avonmouth
The following locos have been recorded on the 6M33 11.51 'enterprise' service
to Wembley during the month.
01/10 66016. 08/10 66247. 30/10 66040.
The following were noted on coal duty. 60090.
66024/080/132/161/162/175/184/188/193/197/214/237/244/245/248. 08630 has
remained the area shunting pilot.
Bristol Parkway
01/10 Network-Rail Serco test-unit DB999600+DB999601 was in the Bristol area,
working 2Z08 Temple Meads-Severn Beach and Portbury during the morning and then
15.37 Tytherington to Swindon via Westerleigh and Hallen Marsh.
02/10 66181 was noted on MGR empties for Portbury
06/10 Just two freight services again this evening, 66080 with the Avonmouth -
Tyne Yard "Boxes" and 66237 with a loaded MGR from Avonmouth.
07/10 Following a break of around two weeks the Tytherington stone service
resumed, not to Battersea (this terminal having been served from Merehead in
recent weeks), but to Appleford.
09/10 Just a single freight this evening, 66222 with MGR empties for Avonmouth,
which left here at 20.30.
13/10 During the evening five workings recorded, 66237 empty MGR for Avonmouth
followed by 66090 from Avonmouth with the Tyne Yard "Boxes", then
66181 with a loaded MGR from Avonmouth, 66078 empty MGR to Avonmouth and finally
66212 working Margam - Fawley empties. (Fuel Train)
14/10 Load-Haul grey 60070 was looped at 10.30 with a late running 6V30 22.37
Dagenham Fords-Bridgend car parts train (booked 02.35!).
15/10 A couple of hours here this afternoon saw 60098 with "Murco"
tanks bound for South Wales and 66080 with a loaded MGR from Avonmouth.
16/10 66080 with a mgr from Avonmouth, 66197 with empties for Avonmouth and
finally 66087 with an intermodal working.
17/10 60030 was also recorded at 18.30 with South Wales bound fuel tankers.
19/10 With the Westerleigh-Gloucester mainline closed all services were diverted
through the Severn Tunnel to Newport (reverse) and via Chepstow.
20/10 56096 ran Newport-Swindon light to collect a 6H66 14.20 Swindon-Cardiff
Tidal sidings loaded scrap train, passing around 17.30 and 60089 was on the 6B33
Theale-Robeston empty fuel tankers. Another Fragonset loco storage move was
47709 hauling 31437+31426+31415+coach DB977331+ 47716 passing at 13.05 as 5Z47
10.00 Derby RTC-Westbury. A solitary MGR seen this evening, 66153 Didcot bound
from Avonmouth.
21/10 60090 carrying faded white coal diamonds passed at 11.46 with empty MEAs
for Avonmouth.
23/10 Later 60051 was seen on the 6V59 (ThO) Angerstein-Swansea Burrows sidings
empty gunnells. The 6M17 16.38 Newport-Wembley freight was recorded heading
towards Gloucester behind 66162 instead of Parkway during the late afternoon.
66181 headed a Didcot bound MGR from Avonmouth.
From today the Tytherington stone was reported to be operating on a ThO basis
until early next year, when a normal four to five trains a week will run. 66027
was in charge of today's working.
24/10 60051 was in charge of the 6B13 Westerleigh fuel tankers.
27/10 67017+67028 were paired on the 1M06 14.25 Swansea-Willesden mails which
they worked onwards to London. 66244 headed Didcot bound from Avonmouth with a
loaded MGR and 66181 working the MoD "Liner".
Bristol Temple Meads, Kingsland Road and Barton Hill
01/10 47813 worked an afternoon 5Z77 13.55 Landore-Laira stock move formed
barrier van 6336 + power car 43034 and 0M98 Laira-Longsight stock move was back
to back power cars 43097+43121 only.
02/10 During the early evening another First/GW stock move was a 5Z74 11.17
Laira-St.Phillips Marsh formed;- 43169+6336+44002+40231+6330.
06/10 66218 arrived late at 15.36 on the 6C22 fuel tanks from Westbury. 07/10
56081 was the originally allocated loco for the 6C91 09.14 Newport
ADJ-Bridgwater trip freight formed of one loaded and four empty wagons. The
Class 56 was however de-allocated and 66214 worked the train and returned as a
0C92 light-engine. Later Corus-silver 60006 powered the 6B79 15.10
Westbury-Tower MBA stone empties via Day's curve. "Hanson" stone train
noted heading southbound at 13.30, motive power being 66059.
08/10 The 1C11 06.10 Cardiff Central-Penzance service and 1C87 12.10 Penzance-Temple
Meads return continues to be often worked by a Central Trains 'green-liveried
unit', 158855 being recorded today. A 1Z82 Victoria-Bath VSOE (ecs to Bristol
East depot loop) was headed by 67010 from Westbury, but steam loco 4472 Flying
Scotsman was on hand to work the 5Z83 ECS to Bath, then 1Z83 16.15 return to
Victoria.
09/10 "CAIB" hoppers heading southbound at 18.20 behind 60031. 56103
with the 6C91 Newport-Bridgwater trip freight formed of three loaded wagons was
in all sorts of trouble during the day! Part of the yard at Bridgwater was
already 'out of use' for track repair and a DRS flask train was already present.
The 6C91 was unable to use the normal recess point, Highbridge loop, as that was
also receiving PW attention, so the train ran onto Taunton Fairwaters yard to
run-round. It had to remain at Taunton to just before 14.00 (when the flask
train had departed). Arrival at Bridgwater was three hours late, but once in the
yard a run-round to stable the wagons for off-loading was not possible so the
loaded train returned as 6C92 to Newport at 15.09! The despatch of three loaded
wagons (the empties having arrived two days earlier), with reinforced concrete
was also cancelled. At 12.30, the following were visible on Barton Hill depot;-
37294/689. 67008/021/027/028. Royal 47799 was also seen passing on an
unspecified working. An announcement during the day stated that the newly
delivered Network Rail water cannon KFA wagons had failed a safety case on
Barton Hill depot!
10/10 The three loaded wagons were returned as 6C91 to Bridgwater behind 66157
and the three loaded flats collected leaving at 13.50.
11/10 The 1E28 07.10 Exeter-Newcastle was worked from Exeter-Gloucester by
158746, This was due to a shortage of drivers. The booked unit 220029 was
attached to the 06.52 from Bristol detached at New Street and ran ECS to
Gloucester to pick up the passengers. Departure from Gloucester was 30 late. The
08.58 from Bristol was held at Barnwood Junction to allow 1E28 out. 56081
powered the 6B80 07.30 Westbury-Machen stone empties, 'control' having rostered
66146 for the return, but surprisingly the 56 returned the loaded train, passing
Day's junction at 15.02, to Westbury! Another change of allocation saw 47787
head the 1Z47 08.13 Manchester Victoria-Bath Spa Northern Belle outing, in place
of a Class 67 (formed with coaches Glamis, Alnwick, Car No1566, Belvoir,
Warwick, Car No1953, Harlech, Chatsworth, 17167, Crewe (sleeper 10729). The
train then ran 5Z47 13.05 Bath-Yeovil junction ECS for servicing at the steam
centre, returning as 5Z60 16.30 Yeovil-Bath and 1Z60 to Manchester.
13/10 A 5A99 06.22 First/GW sleeper ECS called at Temple Meads for a Crewe
change at 09.19 behind 47813, also running this way on the 14/10 and 15/10, due
to engineering works.
14/10 Coal-sector livery 60057 headed the 6B66 10.45 Westbury-Newport ADJ
departmental formed of two former ARC hoppers only and 59203 hauled the 6C42
17.08 Newport ADJ-Westbury return departmental service.
15/10 "Hanson" stone hoppers noted heading north at 15.20 with 66231.
56081 finally returned from Westbury on the 7B66 10.45 departmental to Newport,
cranes 78212 and 78217 being part of the trains consist. Earlier, 67022 had
worked a 5A23 08.00 Temple Meads-Exeter (Riverside) train of 14 Post Office vans
for store. The loco returned two vans from Exeter to Barton Hill.
16/10 67002+67026 were paired on the 5C43 09.19 Temple Meads-Plymouth RES vans,
the former loco having been assigned a visit to Canton for hand cleaning prior
to Royal Train duties during the following week. 56032 ran 0C91 Newport-Bridgwater
light to collect the 6C92 13.46 Bridgwater-Newport ADj trip formed of one empty
cargowagon and three loaded flats (with reinforced concrete).
18/10 The yellow Serco HST was working the week one diagram, including the
regular Swindon-Taunton-Swindon-Temple Meads-Derby part during the late
afternoon/early evening. Also seen was 60071 on a 6B11 12.41 Thorney
Mill-Swansea Burrows sidings train of empties passing Bath at 15.46 and routed
via Day's curve.
21/10 Having arrived in South Wales on the 6V49 14.04 Tees yard-Newport steel
service on 19/10, the newly repainted large-logo 56078 worked the 6C91 09.14
Newport-Bridgwater trip formed of five wagons. The loco returned three wagons.
23/10 Load-haul grey 60 070 was on the 6V34 (ThO) 10.51 Fawley-Margam fuel tanks
via Day's curve during the early afternoon.
24/10 47760 ran light-engine from Barton Hill to Cardiff to return a 5C36 13.05
Canton-Barton Hill RES van train. Southbound "Enterprise" service seen
at 15.40 with 66233.
25/10 The diverted 6L46 00.02 Bridgend Fords-Dagenham empty car parts train was
recorded at Westbury, leaving at 08.40, due to there being no driver available.
Avonmouth-Didcot coal traffic was also recorded running via Day's curve, the
Limpley valley and Hawkridge curve during the morning because of engineering
work on the normal route.
27/10 Demolition work started on Bath Road depot ready for the construction of a
new £40 million conference, sports and concert centre. By the end of the day
the running shed opposite platform 12 had gone and half of the former brick
built heavy lifting/boiler shop had also been demolished. Completion of building
clearance is expected to be finished by the end of November and the soil cleaned
of spilled diesel oil. Before work started asbestos had to be removed from some
of the buildings on site, by the Wring demolition group in charge of the work.
The original Bristol & Exeter steam shed opened here in 1862, additional
buildings being added by the GWR in 1934. In the early 60s the shed was rebuilt,
reopening in 1962 as a new modern diesel depot, closing in 1995, following a
run-down of loco-hauled trains and limited space for any expansion.
28/10 08896 was noted on station pilot duties shunting RES vans.
30/10 66180 was on the 6V34 (ThO) 10.51 Fawley-Margam fuel tanks and the
Ultrasonic test train, formed with 31 190 and 31 601 in top n'tail formation was
noted stabled on St.Phillips Marsh alongside the wheel-lathe. The coaching stock
on this train was;- 99666+62482+72831+72630 and barrier vans 6336/338/348 were
also recorded nearby.
31/10 66519 was noted stabled at Kingsland Road.
Gloucestershire
02/10 Test unit DB999600+DB999601 during the morning ran 2Z08 from Swindon-Gloucester
via Kemble, then running south and returning as 13.19 Sharpness-Derby.
26/10 56018 was in charge of a 10.05 Gloucester-Newport ADJ departmental
working.
Portbury Branchline
01/10 The Serco test-unit DB999600+DB999601 visited the line during the
morning and later during the afternoon, 66007 headed 4Z26 Avonmouth-Portbury and
return 6Z23 Portbury-Avonmouth workings.
02/10 66181 headed a 6D29 Portbury-Didcot coal service during the afternoon.
22/10 At 23.10 track machine DR73909 Saturn was present at Ashton level
crossing, on the Portishead side carrying out work.
Severn Beach Line
The line was closed w/c 27/10/03, the second time this year, for essential repairs/renewal and maintenance, no departmental traffic was seen. The only activity was in the morning of 31/10 when a track gang were seen at Montpelier station, when a number of sleepers were replaced.
Wessex Area
01/10 56067 was unusually employed on a 5Z50 17.52 Didcot-Eastleigh stock
move formed of Midland Mainline MkIII stock.
02/10 56067 returned north on the 6M65 18.16 Didcot-Carlisle, as far as Bescot
only. 56051 covered this duty the next day.
04/10 66115 headed a Victoria-Salisbury VSOE working (in place of steam 4472,
not used because of a reported overtime ban by EWS drivers) and the following
were visible at Westbury at 07.30;
08510. 31454/468/602. 37308. 60020/041/087. 66044/059/200.
05/10 The first new Desiro units entered passenger service, sets 450015+450026
working 10.30 and 13.30 Bournemouth-Weymouth with 12.23 and 15.23
Weymouth-Bournemouth return SWT services. An official launch was to take place
on 15/10 at Waterloo station.
07/10 Medite livery 66 706 worked a 5Z67 10.00 Norwich-Eastleigh move.
33021+33102+33108 worked a 5Z33 11.32 Northam-Weymouth stock move (formed of the
no longer needed Virgin liveried barrier MkII coaches which had been used on
various Desiro stock moves during the previous months). The train was late
arriving after the booked 13.45 time at Weymouth, the locos (also now no longer
required) then being diverted to run to Westbury (via Yeovil Pen Mill 19.30)
instead of the Mid Hants railway at Alton. Also at Westbury stabled during the
day was 56081 which had arrived on the previous days 6C42 Newport ADJ-Westbury
departmental working during the previous evening.
08/10 47750+47792 were in use on a 1Z14 top n'tail Serco test train, running
07.30 Westbury-Salisbury East (reverse), 10.13 Westbury-Bath (reverse), then via
the Whatley and Merehead branches to Newbury (via the B & H), with a 14.29
return to Westbury. 56081 was also in action working 6O41 10.05 Westbury-Eastleigh
(with 66059 dit) and behind 66032 on the balancing return 7V41 14.54 Eastleigh-Westbury
departmental, the latter passing Redbridge at 15.45. Also during the day, 60031
headed the 6L21 stone service and at 17.05 the following were recorded in the
Westbury area;- 08510. 31454/468/602. 47 750/792. 56081. 59001/002. 60057.
66032/215. The three Class 33s that arrived during the previous evening were
stabled at the east end during the morning. A Virgin HST set was an unusual
visitor, on a 5M98 15.45 Laira-Longsight HST set move via Westbury with power
cars 43084 and 43153.
09/10 47750 and 47792 were still stabled at Westbury on the Serco train along
with 56081 which saw use on morning local pilot shunting duties due to a Class
08 failure.
10/10 66244 headed the 6V62 Fawley-Plymouth oils, which also conveyed an
autoballaster onwards from Westbury, which was detached at Exeter. 47488 was
also recorded on a 5Z80 09.00 Derby-Ludgershall (15.44) stock move of Network
Rail coaches and an unidentified diesel with steam loco 60009 Union of South
Africa worked a 5Z52 06.18 Alton-London King's X ECS move.
11/10 It was interesting to record, that there was only one EWS loco present at
Westbury during the morning (that being 08947), the rest being out on PW work.
At nearby Hawkridge, 66184 passed at 10.36 on a diverted Didcot-Avonmouth train
of empty HTA coal wagons. 60041 was later on a 6W70 22.58 Westbury-Swindon
engineers.
13/10 New units 450026+450015 worked the 06.14 Basingstoke-Waterloo and 07.40
return SWT services.
14/10 60067 handled the 6L21 Merehead-Purfleet stone service, Mainline-blue
60078 powering this train the following day.
15/10 31454+31468 (with 31602) on the other end formed a Westbury-Merehead
quarry refuelling and servicing stock move during the morning, the return
passing Fairwood Junction at 11.05. More Desiros in action were 450018+450027 on
the 2L30 12.44 Basingstoke-Waterloo SWTs service. A Steam Dreams Cathedral
Express (1Z96 11.00 Waterloo-Yeovil junction and 1Z97 17.35 return ) was headed
by steam loco 60009 Union of South Africa in each direction.
20/10 The loco convoy lead by 47709, which had arrived in Westbury the previous
day (see Bristol Parkway Notes) was booked to go forward at 09.00 to Meldon
quarry. Leaving however, during the afternoon, the train was routed via Castle
Cary, Yeovil and Honiton to Exeter. Earlier in the day, 57601 was recorded
passing Didcot at 10.30 with Plymouth-Old Oak Common First/GW sleeper ECS.
22/10 47709+73212+73213 formed a 0Z73 12.05 Eastleigh-Derby Etches Park move,
being booked via Oxford (the actual route being via Acton and the Midland
mainline!), the 73s being for a repaint at Derby.
23/10 47799 with Northern Belle stock was seen stabled at Westbury at 22.40 on
an unidentified working.
27/10 66205+66192 were paired on the 6V41 Eastleigh-Westbury departmental
passing Redbridge at 15.30.
28/10 66713 was on a further 5Z50 10.05 Norwich-Eastleigh works stock move
formed of five Anglian coaches.
29/10 66047 arrived at Didcot on the 6Z96 21.38 Immingham-Didcot fuel tanks, 56
060 having been removed from the train at Saltley. The 66 returned the 6Z48
14.30 Didcot-Immingham. Over at Westbury, 47772 was present stabled during the
late evening having arrived on an 0C42 Newport-Westbury light-engine move, in
the path of the 7C42 departmental, which had no traffic.
30/10 56060 was very unusual power for the 4V27 10.16 Longbridge-Swindon car
part 'cubes', in place of the normal Class 66. The train was recorded passing
Stonehouse at 12.20, the loco later returning as 0M08 light-engine to Saltley
(instead of 4M08 14.11 Swindon-Longbridge, as there was no return traffic).
47772 was booked to leave Westbury for Southampton (the loco was needed for a
Class 508 stock move to Birkenhead) on the 7O41 10.05 departmental to Eastleigh
but the booked driver was not passed for Class 47s, the train being cancelled!
Two other unusual movements recorded during the day were;- 33108 on an
05.46 Alton-Victoria ECS move and 'Deltic' D9016 running as 0Z55 16.00 Yeovil
junction-Southall light-engine (passing Castle Cary at 16.27).
31/10 47772, which had eventually reached Eastleigh, headed a 5X47 07.40 stock
move to Birkenhead, with unit 508131 and routed via Wembley.
West of England
01/10 Having brought in a 5Z77 13.55 Landore-Laira stock move, 47813 then ran
light as 0Z76 Laira-Exeter to pilot the 1C77 18.33 Paddington-Plymouth First/GW
service which had power car problems. Also late running was recorded at Totnes
due to masonry falling off Rattery viaduct. Midland Mainlie Power car 43050 was
reported under repair in Plymouth, Devonport dockyard.
02/10 Another Central Trains one-car unit, carrying Regional Railways livery,
153379 was recorded on the 18.00 Plymouth-Newquay local service. This unit is
additional to the more long-term 'on loan' 153329 and 153369. Over at Plymouth,
09013 worked the Tavistock yard to Cattewater scrap metal trip.
03/10 66144 working a 6W16 04.50 Penzance Long Rock-Westbury engineers was
double-headed from Tavistock yard by 66039 and 66080 + 47749 passed Laira in the
up direction at 12.50. 66238 powered the 6C43 13.19 St.Blazey-Exeter freight.
04/10 Steam loco 34067 Tangmere headed a 1Z90 08.00 Victoria-Okehampton
'Atlantic Coast Express' (formed of coaching stock;- 35518 Merlin, 5389 Sir
Galahad, 5419 Sir Lancelot, 5970 Tintagel, 4949, 3110, 5229 Green Knight, 1659,
5239 Red Knight, 35469) returning as 1Z92 18.37 Exeter St. Davids-Paddington.
The 'Inbetween' 1Z91 15.18 Okehampton-Exeter was worked by rail-blue 37308 which
had been attached to the rear of the outward journey to Okehampton at Exeter.
Carrying an 'ACE' headboard, this was the first visit of a West Country class
loco to Okehampton in the preservation era, once a familiar sight to Bude,
Barnstaple and Padstow. The customary 'wheel-slip' was noted on the approach to
Okehampton on a damp, greasy rail, but probably acceptable with load 10 and a
dead Class 37 on the rear!
06/10 47786 was in charge of the 6C21 St.Blazey-Penzance fuel tanks and 6C11
return passing Camborne at 11.03 and 66208 ran 0G66 Westbury-Laira light for a
5Z66 09.58 Laira-Eastleigh train of Virgin XC HST stock. The 7C27 and 7C28
Westbury-Exeter stone and return empties resumed with 60041. Other locos
recorded during the month on this duty were;- 60067 (07/10), 60057 (08/10),
66076 (09/10), 66137 (10/10) and 66244 (15/10). 47786 was later seen on the 5M99
St.Blazey-Plymouth TPO empties, but was reported to be in trouble with an AWS
fault near Bodmin, 67 012 being the assisting loco. Because of this the
following 1A92 17.30 Penzance-Paddington First/GW HST service was delayed by an
hour. Because of engineering works the First/GW sleeper ran as 5A99 06.22
Plymouth-Old Oak Common ECS, via Bristol, behind 47815. The late running 6V70,
from the previous day, was recorded at Exeter at 11.34 loaded to 14 wagons
behind 66031.
07/10 47750 + 47792 top n'tailed the Serco test-train running as 1Z14 07.15
Bournemouth-Exeter St. Davids (via Honiton) and 12.33 return, the latter passing
Exeter Central at 12.28. Over at Riverside yard, HAA and HEA coal hoppers were
being broken up, HEA 361866 was one of which being dealt with during the
morning. Some are reported to be destined for Llandeilo for scrapping at a later
date. 47749 was another Class member recorded during the day working, unusually
on the 6C43 13.19 Burngullow-Exeter freight, calling in at Heathfield en-route
around 13.00. After arrival at Exeter, the loco then ran light to Plymouth to
power a 5Z47 Laira-Westbury HST stock move, passing Dawlish at 21.57 with a
barrier coach noted at each end.
08/10 HST power car 43124 was reported to be in Devonport dockyard for repair on
this date.
11/10 Engineering works in the Dawlish area saw the down line replaced, bringing
a large number of locos to the location, on departmental workings originating
from Exeter or Westbury. Locos recorded with train identification if known)
were;- 60057 6W32 00.28 Westbury-Dawlish Warren (and 6W73 return) formed of MCAs
and KEAs, 60031 with 66 244 (6W??) in top n'tail formation, 66201 (7W30), 60074
(7W34) spoil in MKA wagons, 66032 (6W31) and 66236 (7Z30) track panels.
12/10 Further engineering trains were as follows;- 56081 (0W33 Westbury-Exeter
light) on 6W33 11.30 Exeter (Riverside)-Westbury, 60031 with 66236 top n'tail on
up spoil away from Exeter at 11.23 for Westbury, 60057 on a down autoballaster
(collecting 66221 later to run in top n'tail mode), 66032 with 66201 (top n'tail)
on a mixed train of YSAs, 2 YWAs (loaded with beams for a twin-jib crane) and
OBA 'Bass' wagon, 66201 on a 7W30 14.00 Dawlish Warren-Westbury train, 66137 on
a 6W35 17.00 Exeter St.Thomas-Westbury train and early next day 66221 top
n'tailing with 66137 on a 6W35 04.57 Exeter Riverside-Exeter St.Thomas and
return working.
13/10 67024 was in charge of the St.Blazey-Ponsondane fuel tanks during the
morning.
17/10 The Serco test HST carried out it's normal run between Paddington and
Plymouth, and return during the morning/early afternoon and also (during the
afternoon) a full Virgin XC HST set was seen heading north, presumably following
attention at Laira depot.
27/10 67007 worked the Ponsondane fuel tanks, the return working passing
Camborne at 11.07.
01/11 An 'Exmoor Express' trip from Minehead to Paddington using steam loco 4936
Kinlet Hall was cancelled following a disagreement between the tour operator
Pastime Rail and the loco owner. The loco, which had arrived on the WSR by road,
is to remain on the line. The outward trip was to have been hauled by a Class 67
loco throughout.
An announcement during the month could see two new EWS container traffic
flows to Plymouth Tavistock yard (starting possibly as early as March next
year), from Southampton and Wembley. Also DRS are looking at a new container
flow from Exeter to the north for Asda supermarkets. On the railtour front, the
sell-out Pastime Rail 'Torbay Express' trains, mainly using loco 7802 Bradley
Manor during the year, are expected to be repeated during the Summer of 2004.
Postal sets noted
4s (PCV)
94306 94118 94160 94309
94332 94214 94176 94331
94311 95763 94228 94338
94321 94200 94104 94335
94318 94168 94119 94313
94320 94215 94107 94323
94302 94150 94198 94336
5s
94475 94147 94193 94113 94427
94481 94110 94203 94226 94539
Virgin units noted this month
220001/002/003/006/007/008/010/013/016/019/020/021/025/027/028/031.
221101/105/106/110/111/113/115/116/117/119/121/122/123/124/127/129,
221131/133/134/136/138/139/140/142.
SOUTH WALES AREA
Cardiff Central
20/10 170397 in Qjump livery worked the 13:10 from Nottingham and 170399 in "Be in Birmingham" livery worked the 15:50 to Nottingham.
Cardiff Canton (viewed from the footbridge)
05/10 08576/756/955/957. 37412/413/415/425/509. 56117. 60044/089. 66020/157.
67019.
12/10 08576/955/957. 09102. 37412/413/415/509. 47772. 66093.
19/10 08576/955/957. 37248/375/412/413/415/509/694/704/707. 47772.
56096. 60032/048/059/093. 66040. 67017.
26/10 08576/955/957. 37248/412/413/415/425/509/704. 60070. 66005/127/160. 67016.
Sims Metals
Sims(A) & former ASW Site(B)
03/10 (A) 2? Mk2s + DTC Cl308.
12/10 (A) 2 DTC Cl308, 159 + 163. (B) 08941.
19/10 (A) Cl310 car from 086. (B) 08951.
26/10 (B) 08752.
Margam
6E20 Trostre to Doncaster Belmont for October 2003 were
01/10 60066. 02/10 60090. 06/10 60097. 07/10 60095. 08/10 60023.
09/10 60062. 10/10 60097. 14/10 60013. 15/10 60012. 20/10 60048.
22/10 60022. 23/10 60098. 27/10 60092. 28/10 60056. 29/10 60007.
30/10 60093.
Newport
03/10 Locos noted included 56032. 57001. 60028/038.
66005/043/046/053/083/088/184/214/245.
08/10 56081 worked 7B66 10:45 Westbury-ADJ.
10/10 37425. 60071. 66015/043/090/143/157/192/203/221. were noted.
14/10 MV Fairlane arrived at Newport Docks and five new Class 66s for Direct
Rail Services, 66401-405, were unloaded. The locos are in dark blue, with
revised DRS branding. 09105 assisted with the shunting. Another surprise GM loco
was 59203 working 6C42 17:08 ADJ-Westbury.
15/10 Commissioning of the DRS 66s was complete, but a problem was found with
the cab radios, delaying their departure.
17/10 66405 hauled 66404/401/402/403 through Newport station at 18:07 as 0Z66
17:14 Newport Docks-Rugby via Bristol Parkway, Kidderminster and Aston. The 66s
then moved as 0C02 22:30 Rugby-Carlisle Kingmoor, departing 15 minutes early and
stopping at Preston for a crew change. Already 66405 is to be repainted in a new
Malcolms livery and 66406 is rumoured for Asda colours!!! Also noted were
37410/893. 60006/052. 66025/180/182/225.
19/10 56078 6V49 14:04 Tees Yard-Newport Docks.
20/10 56078 in BR blue worked 7B47 15:00 Machen-ADJ.
21/10 56078 hauled 6C91 ADJ-Bridgwater.
23/10 The extraordinary sight of EMUs at Newport occurred when 66209 hauled
three Class 312 (312704/710/717) units from Ilford depot to a newly set up
disposal location at RAF Caerwent. 66209 worked as 0Z21 09.19 Temple Mills-Ilford
and then 5Z21 10:55 Ilford-Caerwent, with the loco running round at ADJ
15.45-16.05 before stabling overnight in East Usk Yard departing for Caerwent at
approx 07.00 the next day.
24/10 At 23.30 the following were noted 37706. 57002. 66005/018. 67017.
27/10 Another train of EMUs was worked from Ilford to Caerwent, this time
312708/720/716 hauled by 66072 as the 5Z21 10.05 Ilford-Caerwent.
31/10 37706. 60015/033/042/051/056/092. 66051/093/127/169/175/215/249/561.
Units noted during October included
142085.
143602/604/605.
150014/221/243/246/247/249/261/263/280/281.
153329/368/379/380.
158745/748/751/788/818/819/820/822/823/825/826/827/828/829/831/835/837/839
158840/842/855/859/863/865/866/867/868/869/870.
170502/504/505/509/514/519.
180101/103/108.
220003/029.
221132.
LOCO AND UNIT NEWS
CLASS 31
01/10 31602+31468 ran 0Z31 06.15 Westbury-Exeter (Clink road junction 06.48-24
late), the former working a 5Z31 11.18 Exeter-Meldon quarry stock for storage
move and the latter, an 'A' exam on St.Davids stabling point. The two locos
stabled in Riverside yard overnight.
02/10 The pair of 31s returned as 0Z32 08.40 Exeter-Westbury, leaving at 07.59.
03/10 The Wessex Trains 5O98 ECS, 1O98 12.52 Bristol TM-Brighton and 1V96 17.00
return services were worked by 31468 and 31602 in top n'tail formation.
10/10 31468/602 hauled/pushed 1O98 12:56 T.M.-Brighton.
17/10 34168/454 were on 1O98. 31454 was in InterCity livery, which matched the
coaches. The name FRAGONSET was on the side of the loco and there was a Welsh
dragon on the rear cabside.
24/10 31468/454 hauled/pushed 1O98.
30/10 31454 and 31602 headed a 5Z25 14.10 Westbury-Taunton and 5Z27 15.30 return
ECS top n'tail TPWS (for 31454) test run. The train was seen passing Castle Cary
at 14.15, returning at 15.17.
31/10 31454/602 did 1O98. A proposed naming ceremony to be carried out at
platform 13, in Temple Meads at 12.00, involving 31454 was cancelled, following
the transfer of one of the organising managers to Midland Mainline at very short
notice! for the first time, the ex-works Inter-City 31 was on the front on
arrival at Temple Meads.
Cotswold Rail have tendered for the Weseex Trains top n'tail loco operation using their Class 47s (instead of the Fragonset Class 31s). The contract is up for renewal in March 2004, but Wessex are expected to stay with the Class 31s which they are happy with on this duty.
CLASS 37
01/10 37375 hauled 6X12 18:20 Ludgershall-Haverfordwest. 37676 was on sandite
duty in the West Country running;- 0Z01 03.09 St.Blazey-Totnes, 0Z11 06.00
Totnes-St. Austell and return to Newton Abbot. The working was running on the
day over two hours late due to an over-running engineers possession. 37375 was
also in use powering a 6X12 18.20 Ludgershal-Haverfordwest MOD train (Newport
05.27), the loco having run 15.30 Didcot-Ludgershall light to collect the train.
02/10 37402 worked 2R38 16:50 to Rhymney, 37417 2R42 17:11 to Rhymney and 37422
2R46 17:47 to Rhymney. Having recessed at Margam, 37375 departed at 10.30 for
Haverfordwest later returning to Canton light-engine. Following the previous
days sandite duties, 37676 ran 0F74 23.00 St.Blazey-Barton Hill light for
attention returning the next day! Heritage blue 37308 ran as 0V41 Eastleigh-Westbury
light (in the path of the 7V41 departmental, but with no traffic arriving at
16.30) ready for railtour duty in the Exeter area on 04/10. Present on Canton
depot during the day were;- 37248/375/704/706/893.
03/10 37417 hauled 2V07 06:59 Rhymney-Radyr, 37422did 2F05 07:19 from Rhymney
and 37402 2F06 07:40 from Rhymney. 37689 worked a 6G83 12.28 York works-Barton
Hill train of three Network Rail water cannon wagons, via the East Coast
mainline, the North London and Great Western mainline. 37670 (WKSN) was also
reported to be at St.Blazey for sandite duty with 37676.
04/10 37402/417/422 worked numerous Saturday services on the Rhymney line. 37308
ran 0Z90 11.08 Westbury-Exeter light, for a 1Z90 railtour (also see West Country
notes) and returned 0Z75 18.43 Exeter-Westbury, again light.
05/10 37717 headed a 6W70 07.30 Swindon-Westbury engineers, passing Thingley
junction late at 12.41, the loco then returning light to Didcot. 37308 was still
stabled at Westbury, in the down sidings.
06/10 37422 operated 2V07, 37417 2F05, 37402 2F06. Three Class members were
present on Barton Hill;- 37676 as a sandite loco and 37689 with 37294 (top n'
tail) on the water cannon. 37308 was returned to Eastleigh, behind a Class 66 on
the 7O41 10.02 Westbury-Eastleigh departmental.
07/10 37422 did 2V07, 37402 2F05, 37417 2F06. 37717 worked 4B24 15:33 Didcot-Wentloog.
West Country sandite duties saw 37670 run as 0Z01 03.09 St.Blazey-Hackney yard
(Newton Abbot) and 07.00 return.
08/10 37422 worked 2V07 and 2R42, 37417 2F05 and 2R38, 37402 2F06 and 2R46.
Having worked a Oxley-Shoeburyness stock move, 37308 ran 0Z51 light-engine to
Temple Mills, then 0V30 light to Dagenham for the 6V30 22.37 Bridgend car parts
train. Over at Old Oak Common, 37685 was receiving a fresh coat of Inter City
livery, prior to reinstatement on sandite duty.
09/10 37422 did 2V07, 37402 2F05, 37417 2F06.
10/10 The morning Rhymneys were a repeat of the previous day. 37109 was reported
on the 6V30, overnight Fords Dagenham-Bridgend car parts train.
13/10 37402 hauled 2V07, 37422 2F05, 37417 2F06. 37717 was on the 6B36 Didcot-Ashchurch
MOD trip, whilst in the north Arriva Trains operated their new Class 37 top
n'tailed passenger service with locos 37405 and 37408. The diagram for this
working is;- 2C67 07.58 Knaesborough-Leeds, 1M53 09.47 Leeeds-Carlisle, 1E23
13.33 Carlisle-Leeds and 2C68 17.43 Leeds-Knaesborough. The ECS runs to and from
Healey Mills for stabling.
14/10 37717 was again on the 4B24 MOD service, being reported passing Swindon at
15.37 (28 minutes late) and earlier 37248 had powered the 7V27 14.41 Eastleigh-Oxford
Hinksy yard departmental. 37 203 also worked the 7Y40 15.50 Eastleigh-Hoo
junction departmental. 37422 worked 2V07 and 2R38, 37425 2F05 and 2R42, 37417
2F06 and 2R46.
15/10 37402 was on 2R38, 37410 2R42, 37422 2R46. 37717 was working off Didcot on
the Appleford and Hinksey trips.
16/10 37410 did 2V07 and 2R38, 37422 2F05, 37402 2F06 and 2R46, 37417 2R42.
17/10 37422 worked 2R38, 37402 2R42, 37417 2R46. 37893 worked 6M75 19:11 ADJ-Warrington
Arpley. Other Class members in South Wales during the day were: Cardiff Canton:
37 375/410/425/694 all ok 37042/706 both oos, Newport: 37308 ok.
18/10 37375/707 hauled 1Z37 07:15 Newport-Peterborough Pathfinder railtour
to/from Toton. 37402/417/422 worked various Saturday Rhymney line services. Also
on railtour duty was 37065, with 73136 on Hertfordshire railtours 'Lost Sheep'
(1Z66 08.21 Victoria-Portsmouth). The Pathfinder trip also had Cotswold locos
47200+47316 and 60005 with 56083 also for haulage during the day.
19/10 37375/707 were on 5Z37 10:53 to Crewe, ECS from a railtour the previous
day. 37410 did 6E47 16:22 ADJ-Tees Yard.
20/10 37417 did 2R38, 37422 2R42, 37425 2R46. 37426+37668 were paired on an
evening 6Z04 Didcot to Didcot (via Slough) water cannon test run and 37 717 was
again the 4B24 14.05 Didcot-Wentloog MOD stores loco.
21/10 37422 was on 2R38 and 37417 operated 2R42.
22/10 37417 did 2R38 and 37422 2R42. 2R46 was covered by units.37694 passed
Filton Abbey Wood towards Parkway at 11:05 with three postal vans. 37694 was
unusually employed on the 5S81 10.30 Barton Hill-Parkway RMT empty RES vans for
the 1M06 Swansea-Willesden mails and 37294+37689 top n'tail a 12.00 Barton
Hill-Barton Hill water cannon test train (passing Brent Knoll at 12.40) via
Taunton (reverse), Castle Cary and Westbury.
23/10 37422 hauled 2R38, 37402 2R42, 37417 2R46. 37706 handled the 6C91 Newport-Bridgwater
trip formed of two wagons passing Temple Meads at 10.39. The return 6C92
departed at 12.50, passing Yatton at 13.25 with five wagons.
24/10 37402 operated 2V07, 37417 2F05, 37422 2F06. 37717 was again active on
Appleford and Hinksey trips and 37670 ran 0A59 Exeter-Newport light-engine
during the evening. 37422 and 37402 carried out a successful Canton snowplough
test to and from Newport during the morning.
25/10 37402/417/422 worked various Saturday Rhymney line services.
27/10 37417 did 2V07, 37422 2F05, 37402 2F06. 37717 reached the Southampton
area, powering the 6B45 08.31 Eastleigh-Marchwood and return 6V38 10.27
Marchwood-Didcot MOD services. The same loco headed the 07.32
Eastleigh-Marchwood and 6V38 to Didcot again on the following day. The water
cannon was noted on Barton Hill formed 37694 (inplace of 37294) and 37689. In
South Wales, 37706 ran 0M86 Newport-Hereford light to assist 60086 on the 6M86
10.59 Margam-Dee Marsh steel service loaded to 1779 tonnes!
28/10 37417 hauled 2V07, 37402 2F05, 37425 2F06.
29/10 The morning Rhymneys were a repeat of the previous day. 37694+37689 were
recorded in top n'tail formation at Westbury during the late evening on a water
cannon working to Warminster.
30/10 37402 operated 2V07 and 2R42, 37425 2F05 and 2R38, 37417 2F06 and 2R46.
37706 hauled 7M12 ADJ-Bescot through Newport.
It was announced at the end of the month that Barton Hill depot is to refurbish Class 37 locos for European contract work early next year, with 24 destined to go to France. 16 Class 58s are also to receive attention (these locos are not expected to be dealt with in Bristol however), all are to go in a new French pool.
At St.Blazey, a new 'virtual-quarry' is to be set up for a twelve month period and is to be served by double-headed Class 37 hauled stone trains from Meldon quarry. The site is expected to be used in association with major track work in Cornwall over the next year.
CLASS 47/57
11/10 47787 worked 1Z40 08:13 Manchester Victoria-Bath Northern Belle via Dr
Days Junction. 47843 worked 1Z47 09:40 from Crewe and 1Z48 22:10 return.
18/10 Virgin-liveried 47843 worked 1Z52 08:12 Lichfield City-Bath, returning as
1Z29 17:49 Bath-Lichfield City.
28/10 47772 handled the 6C91 09.14 Bridgwater trip, leaving Newport at 08.20
with two wagons. It later worked the 7M12 ADJ-Bescot.
29/10 47772 returned on 7V12 through Newport.
The following have been recorded on the First/GW 1A99 22.00 Penzance-Paddington
and 1C99 23.50 Paddington-Penzance sleeper services;-
1A99 03/10 47811. 10/10 47815. 24/10 47813. 1C99 24/10 57601.
LOCAL DRS WORKINGS
6V74/6M67 Crewe-Bridgwater-Crewe nuclear flasks.
02/10 20312 + 37059. 07/10 20307 + 20310. 09/10 20313 + 37259.
14/10 20307 + 20310. 16/10 20312 + 37059. 21/10 20312 + 20313.
23/10 37259 + 37610. 28/10 37605 + 37611.
LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS
6M16 Southampton Western Dock-Crewe automotive.
02/10 47829. 06/10 66560. 09/10 47848. 14/10 47805+66602. 23/10 66716.
30/10 47829.
4V50 Southampton-Wentloog & 4O51 Wentloog-Southampton
01/10 66543. 02/10 66535. 03/10 66541. 10/10 57006. 17/10 57008. 31/10 66541.
6V14/6S41 Crewe Gresty Lane/Mossend-Portbury and return cars.
01/10 66557. 06/10 66716. 08/10 66716. 10/10 66716. 13/10 66555. 16/10 66555.
Notes;- 16/10 66 555 failed on the 6X42, remaining at Portbury over the weekend,
leaving on 19/10.
4V60 Calvert - Avon - Calvert Binliner
02/10 66551. 03/10 66551. 10/10 66551. 28/10 66549.
6V20/6M37 Hope sidings-Moorswater-Hope sidings cement.
01/10 66563. 02/10 66563. 06/10 66557. 08/10 66523.
Other Freightliner sightings
02/10 57003 failed at Basingstoke on the 4M55 Southampton-Lawly street liner,
47355 later assisting being later noted passing Southcote junction, Reading 146
minutes late.
03/10 47355 was back in action on the 4M98 18.24 Southampton-Garston liner and
booked to cover the 4O14 04.32 return, but the outward failed and was assisted
to Waller's Ash loop by 57010. 47848 worked the 4M40 20.34 Southampton-Trafford
Park liner and 4O27 05.20 return.
08/10 47358 was on the 4M55 10.12 Southampton-Lawley street and 4O17 return and
66561 was recorded at 17.35 at Cardiff Central on 6Z34 Wentloog-Tower new
stone-flow empties. The Westbury cement-flow to Southampton was caped due to
wagon problems, but was expected to restart during Mid-November.
09/10 47805 ran as 0Z47 16.15 Southampton Maritime-Laira route learner
light-engine, passing Taunton at 18.16 and arriving at Exeter at 18.39 to stable
overnight.
10/10 47805 continued as 0Z47 10.00 Exeter-Laira (12.00) and return 13.00 Laira-Southampton
Maritime (Via Westbury).
14/10 47358 was on a 4B04 Southampton-Eastleigh and 4B05 return working, and
during the next day headed the 4M55 10.12 Southampton-Lawley street liner.
20/10 47358 was again busy, handling the 4O17 Lawley street-Southampton liner
and 47309 powered the 4M61 Soutampton-Trafford Park liner.
22/10 The Tower stone service (believed to be the first revenue earning run) was
recorded at the terminal around 22.00 behind a Class 66/5, the train had left
Wentloog 46 minutes late.
27/10 A 4Z18 06.45 Lawley street-Southampton liner was headed by
66505+66501(dit).
31/10 66528 was reported to have worked the 6E99 Baglan Bay-Humber chemical
tanks, the first appearance of this train for a number of weeks.
LOCAL EWS FREIGHT WORKINGS
6H67 07.51 (WO) Cardiff Tidal-Plymouth Tavistock yard scrap empties.
01/10 66072. 08/10 66038. 15/10 66015.
6H68 20.01 (FO) Plymouth Tavistock yard-Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap.
03/10 66080. 10/10 66072.
6M68 22.26 (SO) Burngullow-Carlisle loaded china clay slurries.
04/10 66123. 10/10 66179.
6S55 09.38 (WO) Burngullow-Irvine china clay slurry
01/10 66081.
6V41 16.21 (T or ThO) Irvine-Burngullow china clay slurry empties
06/10 66123. 09/10 66250.
6V70 (M,T,W,FO) Cliffe Vale/Bescot-St.Blazey 'empty clayliner'
01/10 66186. 02/10 66123. 03/10 66123 and 66031! 06/10 66238.
07/10 66179. 08/10 66238. 10/10 66238. 15/10 66031. 17/10 66059.
Notes;- 01/10 The train had not left at 18.48! 03/10 There were two 6V70s! 66123
having been terminated at Stoke Gifford due to late running the previous day
departed at 09.35 for St.Blazey and 66031 did not leave Cliffe Vale until 23.00
for St.Blazey. 07/10 From this date the train reverted to the earlier 08.57
departure time. 15/10 The train failed at King's Norton, 60051 taking over.
6M72 16.52 St.Blazey-Cliffe Vale.
02/10 66031. 06/10 66179. 07/10 66238. 09/10 66238. 15/10 66158.
STOCK ALTERATIONS
Locomotives
Transfers
08405(TO)/442(AN)-OC, 37042(CD)-OC, 37216/308/372/375(OC)-CD,
37402(CD)-CF, 37405(ML)/408(CF)-CD, 37410(CF)-ML, 37411(ML)-CD,
37503/517/668/669/670/674/684/688(CD)/694(OC)/695/698/709/710,
37712(CD)/886(CD)-TO.
WEGE - EWS Cl90 - Hire to Anglia - 90016/017/020.
WKHF - EWS - Hire to Arriva - tba
XHCK - DRS - Commercial - 37029/038/059/069/218/229/259/602/605/606/607,
37608/609/610/611/612. 47237/298/501/802.
Store
37216. 43090/093/099/100/101/102/103/154/157/158/160. 47224/289/758/772,
47781/782/785. 56033/037/102. 86229/233/245/247/259/260.
87005/009. 90018/019.
BH: 47717. CE: 86260. 90018/019. CF: 37704. 47772. CS: 47492.
DF: 47716. IM: 56033/037. LA: 43101. ML: 47785.
MoDBI: 43090/093/096/100/102/103/154/157/158/160. MoDLU: 73141.
OC: 47782. SP: 56121. TE: 56102. TO: 37216. 47758/781.
WE: 86245/247. WN: 86229/233/259. 87005/009.
MoDBI - MoD Bicester, MoDLU - MoD Ludgershall, WE - Wembley.
Traffic
37294/426/516/521/667/675/676/682/685/689/692 -TO, 37893 -CD,
37895/896 -TO, 56054/056/100 -TE, 56103 -IM, 56106 -TE, 56109 -IM,
57312 -WN.
Withdrawn
31113/306/308. 37263. 47763/780. 56039/066. 73132. 86205/212.
Disposals
T J Thomson: 31178.
Raxstar: 33026/051 @EH.
IMRFT: 86205/212.
Sandbach C&C: 37054. 47763 @ML.
Sims(Nott): 37144/211.
Serco: 43173 @SS.
Renumbered
47330 - 57312.
New Stock
66401/402/403/404/405 -KM.
Diesel Multiple Units
Transfers
153310/313/361/367(NH)-CF.
158701-720(HA)-IS, 855(TS)-CF.
170397(DY)-TS.
Stored
101678/685 @LO. (Cars 51210. 53160/164/746)
Disposals
Sims(CF): 51373.
Sims(NM): 53177.
IMRFT: 60123/129/661/903. 70286. (DEMU cars)
Mid Norfolk Rly: 51226/499.
East Anglian RM: 51213/505. 54658.
Renumbered
51371 - 977997, 51413 - 977988. (960.301)
Formations
144: 014/015 - currently 2 car formations.
New Stock
170724/725/726/727* - HQ. (* to be renumbered to 170392)
Electric Multiple Units
Stored
312702/704/705/708/710/716/717/720 @IL.
Traffic
375333 -BI.
Withdrawn
308136/159/163.
Disposals
IMRFT: 1407. 8302.
Sims(CF): Cl308 cars: 61886/909/913. 75890/917/946/950.
Cl421 cars: 62021. 76080. (1750)
Formations
1403 (76563 +62279 +70703 +76573) 1405 (76565 +62281 +70716 +76575)
1406 (76728 +62366 +70699 +76799) 3813 (76653 +62125 +71003 +76342)
3814 (76654 +62228 +70876 +76341) 3821 (76711 +62262 +70951 +76530)
3822 (76529 +62351 +71032 +76712) 3841 (76689 +62326 +70946 +76520) 3842 (76519
+62343 +70887 +76363) 3843 (76681 +62350 +70931 +76489) 3844 (76490 +62231
+71017 +76682)
Disbanded: 3435. 3503/04/18. 3906/10/13/14.
Renumbered
Car: 62138 - 977981.
New Stock
360101-121 except 115 - IL.
377140/142/143/144/145 - BI.
390033 -MA.
450033/038 -HQ.
Coaching & NPCC Stock
Transfers
1860. 4951/54/58/60. 5032 -CS, 5748/52/73/91/92/94. 5814/43. 5905.
9503/37 -CP, 14007 -CS, 41159/162. 42095/231/232/233. 44074 -NL,
80220. 99128/316/318/326/329 -CS.
EWSC: EWS - Loco Hauled Stock on hire to Arriva Trains Northern
6035/66. 6124/70/78. 9521/24
Store
BK: 94110/193/312/433/438/452. DY: 42353. 44089. EN: 80434. 94106,
94132/138/211/216/303/322/415/433/437. EX: 80333/342/353/392/411/436.
94126/148/204/439/442/446/471. LT: 10230/238. 11038/039. 12032/065/147,
12166. 82117/141/146. ML: 94100/164/170/172/424/441. MQ: 5789. 5824,
5827/97. 9496. NL: 40747. 41007/008. 42079/080/236/332. 44026.
OM: 3325/45/56/64/86/97. 3426. 5744. 6203/12. 94146. OY: 5932. 6141.
PC: 10220/248. 82135. SS: 3353/54/60/62/63/69/87/89. 3403/11/33/38.
5915/31/39/53/55/63/69/84. 6002/43/54/55/56/57/60/62. 6102/04/06/07/11,
6113/16/38/42/44/47/49/58/63/71/80/81. TY: 94155/175.
WY: 6117/22/73. 9506/25. ZN: 3428. Crewe South: 94403.
MoDBI: 40403/416/417/419/422/424/425/426/433/434. 41115/165. 42088/092,
42109/110/130/159/160/234/286/290/322. 44021/053/057/065/072/087/100.
EX = Exeter, MQ = Meldon Quarry, TY = Tyne Yard, WY = Weymouth,
MoDBI = MoD Bicester.
Traffic
5911/61/71. 6008. 6119/37/62/77. 9527/29/31 -CF, 40808 -NL, 80428 -EN.
Disposals
IMRFT: 6343. 92927/934/998.
HNRL: 80255/256/258/259. 92356/562/831/842. 94016/020.
SERCO: 977144.
LH Group, Barton u Needwood - 10536.
JT Landscapes, Caerwent - 10570/579/582.
Renumbered
11211 - 11303, 11258 - 11403, 12408 - 11277, 40415 - 40808,
92937 - 977990, 92988 - 6261, 92991 - 977991.
Road Movements
01/10 Steam loco 1369 was seen heading south on the M5 on a road low-loader
passing junction 14 at 15.00.
03/10 Green Class 40 cab, carrying 218 was seen on a lorry heading south-bound
on the M42 near Tamworth heading for the Severn Valley railway diesel gala. The
cab is reported to be from 40088, normally visible in a scrapyard at Lye,
Birmingham.
20/10 62103 from 310104 was noted on the M4 heading west.
30/10 76212 from 310064 was seen on the M4 heading towards the new Severn
bridge.
Departmental & Track Machine sightings
17/08 On a low-loader, southbound M5 near Clevedon, YSOV25V Jarvis r/r
excavator.
03/09 Kemble;- DR73806. Hughes r/r;- 4704.
07/09 Dawlish Warren;- Alan Pitts (Atlas) r/r;- S854VUG. Hughes r/r;-4205.
Philmor Trailer T5012H (2132/01).
27/09 Weston-super-Mare;- Gamble r/r E842.
09/10 Highbridge;- DR73271. DR73305.
Preservation & Industrial Matters
Dartmoor Rail/Aggregate Industries UK Ltd. ( R.W.Giles) 04/10/03
Okehampton station
In Use;- Ex.BR; 08 937 Bluebel Mel, with c/stock; 80225+ ex.emu 61743.
Grounded Insulfish/SPV; 75??? or 87??? (on platform, next to footbridge)
Meldon Quarry
Withdrawn/stored locos; 25072 (sheeted over). 31 301/423/439. 47348.
73103/117/134.
Industrial; steam: 68006 He3192/He3888/64. Hc1864/52 (parts only, outside the
loco shed).
diesel: Flying Falcon (MSC 0256) Jf 4220016/62. Wickham trollies; Site
Maintenance 03 RMS Locotec (8017/53) stored off track. (?) Heavily stripped
trolley + (?) trailer (stored). RMS Locotec (?) + trailer converted into a weed
spray wagon. C/Stock;- 5789/824/827/897. 9496 (all stored for Fragonset Rail).
10518/(595)/(611). Stored ex. emu coaches;- 61742. 69310. Stored 4TC coaches;-
417 (76302+70826+70860+ ? ). 70812. Former Network-Rail track machines;- PE9803
(Robel ?). 98303A+98303B (zwa). Small plant;- Ballast packers;- MNN 6154. MNN
6155 (?-stored oou). Road/Rail;- Renault tractor (?) in use as flailer. In Use
(on evening dinning specials from Meldon -Coleford junction);- 08937 with 73134
(in top n'tail formation), with c/stock; S96300 (Horsebox) + 1691 + ex. emu;
(69332).
Notes;- The industrial Jf, with 10595 and 69310 are in use for display and
refreshments next to the former 'pump-house' (now in use as an exhibition
centre) near the restored viaduct. Good views of the quarry can be gained from
the new cycle-path that runs alongside the branchline from Meldon to Okehampton
station
Since the visit, the company have been given permission to use 47716 on their
passenger shuttle trains by Fragonset. The loco arrived at Meldon on 21st
October in serviceable condition with further locos and stock for store (see
Bristol Parkway Notes).
Dean Forest Railway, Lydney Junction area (R.W.Giles) 29/10/03
Ex.BR;- D5634 (31 210). 08 (734 ?). 73 002/005/901/906. Industrial;- Basil
(HE 2145/40). FH 3947/60.
Ex. BR dmu;- (in use); M51918 + M56492, working Tufts, Norchard (low level)-
Lydney jcn 'Forester' passenger shuttles. C/stock;- 4729. 9003. 10530. 13407.
(18602). 25509. 93847. Ex. LMS;- M37207M.
Ex. GWR;- W2988W Siphon G DW150030(5929) (both assumed).
Crane;- DRS81552 (no jib).
Former GWR hand-crane;- (?), parts/underframe only. Internal user wagon;-
070047. Notes;- Also in the loco restoration area near the signal-box were two
unidentified maroon GUVs and a CCT van in use as stores coaches. The signal-box
lever frame from Walnut Tree junction was also noted sheeted over and grounded
in the yard near the station amongst other items present in store.
Additional Information;- June 2003 Magazine (issue 375);- East Somerset Ralway diesel-gala, the unidentified MkI coach inside the carriage shed has been reported as being 80509 (formerly at Llangollen).
Corrections (November 2003 Magazine, issue 381)
Bristol Temple Meads, Kingland Road and Barton Hill
17/09 The stock conveyed behind 47778+34067 Tangmere on the 5A23 07.45 (WO)
Barton Hill-Old Oak Common empty RES vans was;- green 35317, an IC MkII, a
Nothern Belle MkII and a single RES van.. A maroon TSO was not in the trains
formation as stated.
Wessex Area
29/09 For the Conservative party conference - should have read for the Labour
party conference.