NOTES AND NEWS

Avonmouth

06/05 66130 passed Filton at 14:10 with a 4D98 13:59 Avonmouth - Barton Hill empty coal HTA ‘cripple’ trip. 66150 was on the morning 6C90 trip freight from Newport ADJ. 66128 worked this train on 13/05 with 66096 being reported on 27/05.

10/05 Freightliner Heavy-haul were given permission for the first time to use the National Power silos to load their Rugeley P.S coal service. The reason for this was the bulk coal off-loaded in the stock yard at Portbury had been positioned wrongly for rail loading from this location. 66560 worked the 6M55 06:48 departure on this date. Not previously reported during April, was what was believed to have been a test working involving 66527 which departed as 6M04 11:24 to Rugeley P.S. on 26/04. This operation continued at Avonmouth until 26/05, a daily train to Fiddler’s Ferry running on 24/05 and 25/05 only using 66557 on both dates, believed to have been the 6M61 08:26 departure, but this remained unconfirmed.

11/05 66599 was noted loading the 6M55 at 05:45.

18/05 From this date two FLHH trains were loading for departure at 06:48 (6M55) and 11:24 (6M04).

20/05 66605 departed Stoke Gifford with stone empties at 08:17, for loading in Bennett’s siding, later departing on a loaded service to Crawley.

23/05 History was made on the Severn Beach line with First/GW operating the first Sunday service over the whole of the line for around 40 years. The Sunday trains, which are part Council funded, have been running to Avonmouth only since May 2008. The first through train, was worked by 143612 as 2K14 09:08 Temple Meads - Severn Beach , returning as 2C71 09:46 to Taunton . Later, about 30 members of the Friends of Suburban Bristol Railway (FOSBR) traveled on the 2K24 13:14 from Temple Meads using 143621 to mark the occasion having a picnic and rounders match on the green next to the Severn estuary sea-wall. From the 12th September timetable change only the 09:08 and 16:53 departures from Temple Meads will continue to run on Sundays over the line to Severn Beach .

24/05 66547 passed Brentry at 18:05 with a down train of stone empties.

25/05 66146 was on the 6C64 return loaded stone trip to Westbury, passing Hallen Marsh at 18:55 (193 minutes late).

27/05 66172 was on the 4D98 Avonmouth - Barton Hill HTA ‘cripple’ trip.

Plans to test imported biomass via the loading silos in the Bristol Bulk handling terminal are expected to take place during September. A rake of 21 refurbished and modified IIA former bogie coal wagons (with opening and closing tops) are to be used with GBRf being the operating company and Drax power station the expected load destination.

Correction: May 2010 Magazine: It was two customer help point machines which give train information times and could be used in an emergency, that were stolen from Redland and Montpelier stations during February, not information screens as stated.

Locos recorded on coal duty during the month have included:- 66016/021/044/051/120/121. 66545/554. 66557/560/599/957.

Bristol Parkway , Pilning and Westerleigh

03/04 Correction: July Magazine: The maximum load for a Class 60 on the 6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded TEA fuel tanks is 28 not 22 as stated.

01/05 A lorry bridge strike during the afternoon at Gypsy Patch lane, near Patchway station caused some cancellations and diversions. Single line working was also noted in use at Pilning because of the incident, the route having been fully opened by 16:00. Over at Parkway, 66560 brought in 6B11 stone empties from Thorney Mill during the afternoon.

03/05 FLHH 66602 passed Filton Abbeywood at 21:12 (7 early) on 6C58 21:16 Stoke Gifford - Burngullow sand empties.

05/05 Engineering work has continued on the mainline north from Westerleigh, a returning train from the worksite (which had arrived the previous evening) was the 6Y11 06:27 Westerleigh - Taunton Fairwater yard, top n’tailed by 66601 + 66616, being recorded passing Filton Abbeywood at 06:20 (18 early). Later, 47580 hauling 56101+45133+50135+31271 forming a 0Z56 08:30 Kidderminster (SVR) - Swanage ‘diesel gala’ move passed Parkway at 10:42 (7 late). The working was later noted passing Bath at 10:57. This year’s Swanage diesel gala event ran from 07 - 09/05/10.

06/05 66084 passed Filton Abbeywood at 10:15 on an additional 6Z70 Newpoprt ADJ - Exeter ( Riverside ) yard freight. In readiness for the re-opening of the former Bristol West Freightliner terminal in South Liberty lane, driver route training runs were booked to take place for Southampton Intermodal drivers, using Heavy-Haul locos. The full diagram was as follows (all running M-F ‘as required’): 0Z66 18:45 Stoke Gifford - Parson’s Street (19:14-24), Temple Meads (19:30-33), Parson’s Street (19:39-20:02), Stoke Gifford (20:25). 0Z67 20:45 Stoke Gifford - Parson’s Street (21:08-15), Temple Meads (21:19-24), Stoke Gifford (21:43).

07/05 66608 passed Filton at 13:12 on the 6M37 12:08 Westbury - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties. The working had apparently left some two hours early, being held in Bristol East depot loop until the early afternoon ! 66599 was reported to have covered the 0Z66 18:45 (departing 15 early) Stoke Gifford - Parsons Street part of the Freightliner Intermodal driver route knowledge light-engine runs.

08/05 Stoke Gifford sidings held: 66560/599/605/606. 66562 was on the diverted Saturday afternoon 4V46 Crewe Basford Hall yard - Wentlooge containers. A 6W38 21:55 Westbury yard - Maindee West junction and 6W38 07:50 Llanwern - Westbury yard engineers (due 09:05), during the following morning was powered by 59005.

09/05 Week-end PW work saw South Wales - Paddington First/GW services diverted via Gloucester and the Stroud Valley . Trackwork north of Gloucester saw all West Country services commencing and terminating at this location during the day. Other departmental services reported were as follows: 6W10 22:25 (Sat) Westbury yard - Ebbw junction/ 07:30 Rumney River bridge - Westbury yard - 59004, 6Y34 14:03 Gloucester Yard junction - Westbury yard - 66605 top n’tail 66601 (noted Filton Abbeywood at 14:38), 6Y11 14:30 Gloucester Yard junction - Taunton Fairwater yard - 66528 tnt 66585, 6Y33 15:03 Gloucester Yard junction - Taunton Fairwater yard HOBC- 66611 tnt 66616 (Filton 16:15). At 17:00, Stoke Gifford sidings held: 66560, 66599, 66606.

13/05 A 7B35 09:42 Whatley quarry - Moreton-on-Lugg empty stone train headed by 66002 passed Filton Abbeywood at 14:25 and was later seen in Pilning down loop.

14/05 66607 was on the Friday’s only 6M37 12:08 Westbury ‘La Farge’ - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties being noted passing Filton at 13:14.

17/05 A 6Z98 09:14 Lindsey - Westerleigh tank train ran with 60049, returning as 6E42 23:57 Westerleigh - Lindsey, being reported through Satandish junction at 00:26 (43 early).

18/05 The 1Z12 Radio III test train with 31465 + 31602, which had arrived in Bristol the previous day saw extensive use during the day on a series of workings between Bristol and Newport . Leaving Temple Meads at 10:08, Newport departures were booked at 11:17, 13:15, 15:22 and Parkway at 12:27, 14:26, with an evening return to Temple Meads at 18:02 (via a reverse at Bedminster). However, the final return working to Temple Meads was reported through Pilning at 15:20- 80 early ! 47580 + 37264 + 45133 + 31271 + 50135 (the Class 50 with it’s engine running ! ) passed Parkway at 13:17 (8 early) on a 0Z97 08:15 Swanage - Kidderminster return preserved loco move. Other reports for this working were: Westbury arrive 11:35 (3 late) and depart 11:45 (2 early), Dr. Day’s junction depart 13:01 (11 early) and Charfield 13:28 (9 early). Stoke Gifford sidings held: 66528, 66560, 66599, 66605, 66611.

19/05 The 1Z12 test workings were again operating with the same two Class 31s. Running as 10:34 Temple Meads - Newport (via East depot loop and a reverse at Temple Meads) the booked departures from Newport during the day were at 13:27, 17:55 and 20:09 with 14:27, 16:55 and 19:24 from Parkway and a 21:00 booked return to Temple Meads, which turned out to be 17:52 on the day ! The train finally departed the area for Derby the following day (see Temple Meads , Barton Hill and Kingsland Road Notes & News). The c/stock formation was confirmed as: 9701, 977997, 5981, 1256, 9481.

23/05 A diverted Arriva XC HST service (possibly the 1V50 08:50 Edinburgh - Plymouth service) was noted passing Pilning at 16:33 with power cars 43357 + 43378, the horn being stuck on the leading power car. The train could easily be heard exiting the Severn Tunnel and passing Cattybrook on it’s noisey way to Patchway ! A NR possession was in operation between Standish and Westerleigh junctions during the day.

24/05 Following numerous complaints due to overcrowding on peak hour services to Bristol, First/GW commenced an additional morning train from this date, the 07:24 Parkway - Westbury and return to Gloucester. A shortage of units however, prevented any additional evening services being added, these remain still prone to overcrowding.

25/05 66590 passed Parkway during the afternoon on the diverted 4V46 Garston - Wentlooge container service and later 66545 arrived on a 6Z60 15:34 Theale ‘La Farge’ - Stoke Gifford train of cement empties.

26/05 A 6V63 15:50 Bow East - Stoke Gifford sidings train of stone empties behind 66602, was an evening arrival.

27/05 At 21:00, Stoke Gifford sidings held: 66545, 66554, 66952.

28/05 66172 with the evening 6X52 loaded car and van service ex. Portbury dock was routed via Parkway destined for Doncaster Belmont (down yard).

29/05 Unusual for a Saturday working, 66056 was on a 6Z35 13:52 Moreton-on-Lugg - Hayes loaded stone.

30/05 70006 running ar 0Z74 Basford Hall yard - Stoke Gifford light-engine arrived during the evening, having passed Abergavenny at 19:32 (6 early).

Bristol Temple Meads, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road

03/04 Correction: July Magazine: The 5U89 Taunton - Cardiff Canton ECS maintenance move was formed as 57312 + 57302 (not 57306 as stated) top n’tailing 57306.

01/05 The month started with two Saturday specials. The Railway Touring Company’s ‘Welshman’ (1Z70 06:45 Poole - Cardiff Central and 1Z73 15:55 return), being reported through Oldfield Park, Bath at 10:26 and 17:20 on the return and was routed each way via Day’s curve headed by steam 70013 Oliver Cromwell with c/stock: 9392, 4984, 99311, 99122, 99350, 99352, 99316, 99125, 99371, E14099 (loco support coach) and Pathfinder Tour’s ‘Royal Duchy GWR 175’ (1Z27 05:24 Basingstoke - Par and 1Z28 16:30 return) with EWS silver livered 67029 hauling coaches: 21272, 3122, 3112, 3140, 3107, 1692, 5009, 4927, 5350 - all in choc/cream livery for steam 6024 King Edward I to take over from Exeter, the King having run earlier as 5Z26 06:15 Bishop’s Lydeard (WSR) - Exeter loco and support coach W35333. The return trip was noted passing Nailsea at 20:52 and on arrival in Bristol , 67017 replaced the steam loco, leaving 67029 to remain at Barton Hill (being noted coupled to coach M9508) for the following weeks DBS/First GW loco and coach ‘hire’. Of the other hire train, 57302 + 57309 departed Taunton at 13:56 with the 5U89 ECS maintenance move to Cardiff Canton. A First/GW HST set with power cars 43041 + 43159 was used during the day on a unit diagram running as: 2U04 07:21 Temple Meads - Cardiff Central, 2C69 09:00 Cardiff Central - Temple Meads, 2U10 10:21 Temple Meads - Cardiff, 2C75 12:00 Cardiff - Temple Meads, 2U16 13:21 Temple Meads - Cardiff, 2C81 15:00 Cardiff - Temple Meads, 2U22 16:21 Temple Meads - Cardiff and 2C87 18:00 Cardiff - Temple Meads. Also during the afternoon, Arriva XC 220014 worked 5C41 Temple Meads - Taunton diversionary route learner via Bath and Westbury. Evening engineering activity through the area saw the following reported: 6Y33 19:42 Taunton Fairwater - Gloucester Yard junction - 66585 and 6Y34 17:17 Taunton Fairwater - Gloucester Yard junction - 66528. A morning report was DBS livered 66152 on a 6W21 working for Westbury, formed of MHA wagons, which used East depot loop to run-round passing Twerton tunnel, Bath at 10:19 and returning at 11:31.

02/05 Over this weekend period, due to track replacement work on the Thingley (near Chippenham) - Melksham line junction (which completed work here, the mainline and MoD sidings pointwork having been relaid in 2009), First/GW revised their HST services: xx:30 Paddington - Temple Meads being routed via the Berks & Hants route and the Limpley Stoke Valley, whilst the xx:30 Temple Meads - Paddington operated via Bristol Parkway. The GBRf Class 57/3, 5C04 17:21 Cardiff - Taunton ECS maintenance move arrived in Taunton at 18:51, top n’tailed by 57309 + 57306.

03/05 Silver 67029 (which had replaced 67017) + 67022 started the week on local passenger duty, along with 57306 + 57309 covering the other diagram, the Royal train ‘spare’ loco 67029 remaining on this duty until 07/05. SWT’s 158883 was noted ‘on loan’ to First/GW working the 2C85 17:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton and 2M69 20:30 Taunton - Temple Meads in place of the Class 67 locos - reason unknown. A check on the day’s Arriva XC HST diagrams found the following power cars in use: 43207 (XC01) 43285 - 1V44 06:00 Leeds - Plymouth/ 1S51 12:23 Plymouth - Glasgow Central, 43304 (XC01) 43384 - 1V46 07:05 Leeds - Plymouth/ 1S55 13:23 Plymouth - Edinburgh Waverley, 43301 (XC02) 43321 1V50 06:08 Edinburgh Waverley - Plymouth/ 1E63 15:23 Plymouth - Leeds. Two evening PW train reports were: 6Y11 19:57 Taunton Fairwater - Berkeley Road junction top n’tailed by 66616 + 66601 and 6Y33 20:35 Taunton Fairwater - Yatton (via a reverse at Bedminster, booked 21:40 - 22:03) with 66585 + 66528 top n’tailing.

04/05 67029 suffered from low coolant water level, whilst working the 2C85 17:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service, passing Uphill junction at 19:02 already running 25 minutes late. The train was eventually terminated at Highbridge at 19:44, later restarting as the 2M68 from here at 20:06 (instead of Taunton ) with 67022 leading. Evening PWs, saw 66585 + 66528 top n’tail 6Y33 from Taunton Fairwater (departing at 20:28) - Yatton and 6Y11 with 66616 + 66601, again in a top n’tail formation, from Taunton Fairwater to an unconfirmed destination. The Bristol out-based MPV DR98908 + DR98958 ran 6Z05 19:55 Barton Hill - Barton Hill which took in Swindon, Kemble, Worcester , Henwick (reverse), Gloucester , Swindon (reverse) and Bath .

05/05 Class 57/3 problems saw 150265 working the 2D04 07:28 Taunton - Bristol Parkway , starting from Weston-super-Mare at 08:06 until arrival in Cardiff at 13:22 on the 2U14 11:02 Taunton - Cardiff Central. The Class 57s, which had suffered a train supply problem, had run 5D04 Taunton - Cardiff Central ECS and were able to continue on the 2C79 14:00 Cardiff - Taunton service and the diagram onwards. 57308 (becoming the 10th sub class member to appear on these workings) had replaced 57309, the other loco being 57306. The evening MPV weed-spray duty ran as 18:05 Barton Hill - Barton Hill, tonight taking in Gloucester (reverse), Sharpness (booked 21:17-21:22), Standish junction, Temple Meads (reverse), Patchway (reverse), Avonmouth (booked 00:53-01:00 reverse), Hallen Marsh, Severn Tunnel junction, Parkway (reverse), Patchway and Temple Meads.

06/05 The NRMT HST with power cars 43013 + 43062 worked the usual Thursdays only 1Z20 Derby RTC - Taunton and return working to Old Oak Common, being noted in Temple Meads at 19:49 on the outward trip. Earlier, the 6B59 Exeter (Alphington road) - Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap with 66035 had been reported through Uphill junction at 16:50, running early, the booked Temple Meads arrival time for this service being 19:50 !

07/05 DBS livered 67018 replaced silver livered 67029, to join 67022 on the First/GW loco and coaches service.

08/05 67010 + 67022 top n’tailed a 1Z59 06:22 Manchester - Temple Meads and 1Z60 16:34 return, Mid-Cheshire Rail Users, Northern Belle dining trip, inward via Bath (noted passing Twerton at 11:58), 67010 being of particular interest in that it carried the silver Wrexham, Marylebone and Shropshire livery, being a first sighting for the Bristol area. A First/GW HST set, with power cars 43094 + 43141 was again used on a unit diagram: 2U04 07:21 Temple Meads - Cardiff Central, then the 2C69 09:00 Cardiff - Temple Meads onwards (see the above entry for 01/05 for the full days diagram). Meanwhile First/GW unit 150265 had run ‘empty’ from St. Phillips Marsh - Tyseley for attention and First/GW micro buffet HST coach 40101 was reported in service. FLHH 66601 passed Temple Meads at 13:50 as a 0Z67 Stoke Gifford - Parsons Street Intermodal light-engine route training move, whilst earlier DBS 67018 had been reported as departed the area as 0Z67 03:30 Barton Hill - Toton light.

09/05 DBS red livered 67018 ran 0Z67 Crewe C.S. - Barton Hill light-engine (noted passing Severn Tunnel junction at 19:18) for First/GW passenger duty. 67018 and 67029 had become the 10th and 11th Class members to work the ‘hire’ passenger service for First/GW. The Sunday’s only 5C04 Cardiff Canton - Taunton ‘maintenance’ move arrived in Taunton at 20:15 behind 57308 + 57306.

10/05 The First/GW local passenger services were in the hands of 67018 + 67022 (together until the 21/05) and 57306 + 57308.

11/05 142063 was unusually allocated 2U12 09:23 Exeter St. Davids - Cardiff Central and 2C77 13:00 return, but was de-allocated infavour of 143621. Evening PW workings were: 6Y11 19:15 Taunton Fairwater - Berkeley Road junction top n’tailed by 66616 + 66611 and 6Y33 20:12 Taunton Fairwater - Worle junction (via Bedminster) with 66585 + 66528. Arriva XC 57315 was ‘hired’ to work the First/GW 1C99 Paddington - Penzance sleeper service in place of a Class 57/6.

12/05 EWS silver 67029 was back in the area propelling a 1Z06 10:10 Weymouth - Llandrindod Wells DBS managers train (formed with c/stock: 10546, 10211, 11034 and DVT 82146) passing Patchway at 12:52 -2 early) having earlier been recorded through Bath at 12:18 and arriving and departing Day’s curve correct time from 12:40-12:44. Having arrived at Llandrindod Wells at 16:39, the train returned as 1Z07 16:50 to Reading via the Midlands . Other associated workings for this train were as follows: 5Z05 12:55 Toton - Wembley (11/05), 5Z05 05:04 Wembley - Weymouth (09:46) and on the return 5Z07 23:22 Reading - Toton. Arriva XC 57315 was again on ‘hire’ to First/GW working the 1A40 Penzance - Paddington sleeper service. One evening engineers train report was: 66616 + 66611 top n’tailing a 6Y11 19:15 Taunton Fairwater - Berkeley Road junction working.

13/05 The GBRf /First/GW ‘hire’ Class 57s were again reported introuble, with 57306 suffering a connection pipe problem at 17:30 whilst working the 2U24 16:16 Taunton - Cardiff Central service, being terminated at platform 3, a unit taking over for the rest of the diagram. Eventually 57308 worked the ECS back to Taunton with a failed 57306 attached to the rear.

14/05 59102 passed Twerton, near Bath at 17:14 running light-engine from Westbury - Cardiff Canton for wheel turning, returning two days later. Earlier HST power car 43186 had ventured west-bound on it’s own on a morning St. Phillips Marsh - Laira stock move. Also, Steam locos: 4965 Rood Ashton Hall + 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe arrived in Bristol after 18:15 as 5Z50 13:15 Tyseley - Temple Meads ready for railtour duty during the following day, and Royal 67005 + 67006 were on a 1Z48 09:48 Victoria - Truro VSOE weekend excursion passing Worle junction (Weston-super-Mare) at 14:05 (right time).

15/05 67003 worked 5Z27 03:30 Eastleigh - Temple Meads for Pathfinder Tour’s ‘Canterbury Tornado’ (1Z27 06:18 Temple Meads - Canterbury West and 1Z28 15:55 return) which saw steam loco 60163 Tornado take over at Willesden SW sidings returning the trip to Victoria during the evening. Two other railtours during the day saw: steam locos 4965 Rood Ashton Hall + 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe taking over from green livered 47773 on Vintage Train’s ‘GW175 Cornishman’ (1Z43 07:01 Birmingham Snow Hill - Plymouth and 1Z65 16:30 return), the outward being noted passing Yatton at 10:23 and the most unlikely combination of mainline preserved D1015 Western Champion (carrying D1012 Western Firebrand and D1009 Western Invader name and number plates separate on each side!) + 40145 East Lancashire Railway with the Class 40 Preservation Society ‘East Lancs Champion’ (1Z40 05:20 Crewe - Penzance) via Manchester, Stockport, Stoke Birmingham International (where the Western was attach to the train), Banbury, Oxford, Swindon and Bath, departing Temple Meads at 13:06 (1 late). The trip ran as 1Z40 20:40 Penzance - Penzance via Falmouth later in the day, and for the return during the next day ran via the St. Ives and Newquay branchlines (noted departing here at 12:37 - right time). The train’s c/stock was recorded as follows: 5292, 4902, 1863, 3141, 3146, 21245, 1692, 5009, 4927, 5040, 5350 with W35470, 13227, 99353, 99361, 99349, 3125, 5191, 5157, 5177, 9101 being used on the Vintage Train’s ‘Cornishman’ steam trip. The Class 57/3s passed through Temple Meads platform 5 at 15:15 on the 5U89 Taunton - Cardiff Canton ECS maintenance move and on the freight side, a 6Z60 12:00 St. Blazey - Bescot Downside freight behind 66175 arrived in Temple Meads at 15:15 (95 early), departing at 16:16 (44 early) via Parkway and Charfield.

16/05 The First/GW, up and down sleeper services were both diverted via Yeovil junction and Pen Mill stations due to PW work. The return ‘East Lancs Champion’ railtour (1Z52 08:50 Penzance - Manchester) headed by D1012 Western Firebrand /D1009 Western Invader + 40145 East Lancashire Railway was reported locally through Yatton at 17:18 (8 late). The Class 40 was expected to lead the return trip, but due to the Western needing to be removed at Oxford (for a 0Z53 return light-engine move to Eastleigh ), it remained on the inside. Slightly earlier, another returning tour, the VSOE, with 67005 + 67006 passed Yatton as 1Z79 12:38 Truro - Victoria at 16:35. ECS moves during the day saw, 67003 return the previous day’s ‘ Canterbury Tornado’ stock as 5Z29 12:38 Temple Meads - Eastleigh and 57305 + 57306 top n’tailed the return 5C04 maintenance stock move, which followed a 6Y33 14:10 Gloucester Yard junction - Fairwater departmental top n’tailed by 66565 + 66528, into Taunton at 18:33. Earlier, a 6Y11 14:03 Gloucester Yard junction - Taunton Fairwater was also seen, passing Parsons Street at 15:13 (19 late) also in a top n’tail formation with locos 66616 + 66611. DBS livered 67018 returned back to the area as 0Z80 20:47 Wembley Euro Ops - Barton Hill (booked 23:36), via Parkway, having run light engine to the same location from Bristol the previous day.   

17/05 150121 ran 5Z77 11:05 St. Phillips Marsh - Laira depot for a First/GW interior ‘refresh’, expected to take around two weeks. A repaint into the new local lines livery which was expected, did not take place.  The local passenger First/GW ‘hire’ services started the week in the hands of: 67018 + 67022 and 57305 + 57306 (remaining together until the 19/05). 31465 + 31602 arrived late in the afternoon top n’tailing a 1Z12 08:20 Derby RTC - Temple Meads Radio III test train, which had been routed via Oxford , Swindon, Chippenham and Bath .

20/05 The return 1Z12 Radio III test train, top n’tailed with 31465 + 31602 left the area as 1Z12 11:34 Temple Meads - Derby RTC passing Stapleton Road at 11:43 (5 late) and Charfield at 12:03 (1 late) and off route! The original train schedule was via Bath (11:50), Swindon and Oxford to the Midlands ! Later, there were further Class 57/3 problems with the failure of 57305 at Cardiff after the arrival of the 2U14 11:02 ex. Taunton at 13:21. The 2C79 14:00 service to Taunton was cancelled from the Welsh capital, but later, spare loco 57306, + 57308 top n’tailed the ECS back to Bristol at 14:30, to work 2C79 14:53 non stop to Highbridge to recover time ! Later, 66545 passed Lawrence Hill at 18:40 on 0Z66 Stoke Gifford sidings - Parsons Street , Intermodal driver route learner.

21/05 150238 worked the Class 57/3 diagram throughout the day from Bristol Parkway onwards. Earlier, with 57602 failed at Exeter St. Davids on the 1C99 Paddington - Penzance First/GW sleeper service, 57308 was used as a rescue loco departing Exeter at 06:47 - 155 minutes late! Steam 5029 Nunney Castle arrived as a 5Z50 loco and support coach move at Barton Hill ready to work a railtour from Newport during the following morning and 66608 was reported through Day’s curve on the afternoon 6M37 Westbury ‘La Farge’ - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties. The DBS Class 67s were turned at Parkway some time during the day, with the DBS livered 67018 now on the Cardiff end of the train.

22/05 57308 + 57602 were used on the First/GW 1A40 Penzance - Paddington sleeper service, leaving 57306 to work the 5U89 14:02 Taunton - Cardiff Canton ECS maintenance move solo. A HST set was again provided for the third confirmed Saturday during May for local passenger duty in place of a unit (also see notes for the 01/05 and 08/05) using power cars 43177 + 43093 (with coach set LA64). Earlier, Pathfinder Tour’s ‘Scenic Settler’ (1Z55 05:45 Temple Meads - Carlisle) was worked by 66148, 56312 later leading the train onwards from Birmingham NS , over the Settle & Carlisle route. This trip was originally planned for Class 31 haulage. The 1Z56 return from Carlisle reached Temple Meads at 23:17, close to time. The DBS, First/GW local ‘hire’ Class 67s, 67018 and 67022 were found to be stabled at Didcot during the day. Following South Wales railtour duty steam 5029 Nunney Castle with support coach W35461 passed Bath at 21:17, having departed Newport at 19:46, for Didcot.

23/05 66148 returned Pathfinder Tour’s ‘Scenic Settler’ ECS as 5Z66 Bristol- Eastleigh passing Oldfield Park, Bath at 12:09, whilst 57305 + 57306 top n’tailed the return 5C04 17:21 Cardiff - Taunton ECS maintenance move. Another evening Sunday working, was 66605 on a 6C58 Stoke Gifford - Burngullow train of sand empties.

24/05 142001 and 142064 were visible stabled on St. Phillips Marsh depot. The two First/GW ‘hire’ loco and coaches services were formed: 57308 + 57305 with c/stock: 9520, 5998, 6042, 5985 and 67016 (which had replaced 67022 and was making a return appearance after a gap of 3 months! ) + 67018 with c/stock: M6046, M6008, M6064, 9494. This Class 67 combination remained together until 28/05. A morning 0F04 Wembley - Cardiff Canton light-engine move was diverted to Temple Meads , the loco involved being 57308, which was noted on the former Bath Road depot spur again during the following day.

25/05 Two evening engineering train reports were: 66611 + 66618 top n’tailing the 6Y11 19:14 Taunton Fairwater - Cholsey (a new worksite on the GW mainline) and 66612 + 66599 top n’tailing the 6Y33 20:04 Taunton Faiwater - Cholsey. A head code change was reported to have taken place involving the daily 5K46 19:09 Exeter - Temple Meads empty stock move, which has now become the 5U32, 143612 being on tonight’s working. Another evening report was 66160 on the 6C99 21:47 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight service which was routed via Day’s curve, Bath and Westbury.

26/05 158953 started the day on the Class 57/3 diagram due to loco problems, working up to the 2Y10 Parkway - Weston-super-Mare only, the 57s (57305 + 57306, which remained together until the 28/05) being back inaction for the 2U14 11:02 Taunton - Cardiff Central part of the diagram and onwards to the end of the day. EWS silver 67029 worked 1V80 Victoria - Bath VSOE and 1O92 return (the ECS being stabled at Bristol East departing as 5O92 15:55 to Bath for the return). A Warminster stop each way, for a Longleat visit also formed part of the trains working. Other reports for the day were: 31106 on a 4Z07 09:46 Derby RTC - Bristol Kingsland Road test train with 9702 forming part of the train and two northbound evening PW trains: 66611 + 66618 top n’tailing a 6Y11 Taunton Fairwater - Cholsey (Uphill Junction 19:25 - 29 early) and 66612 + 66599 on a 6Y33 working. During the morning, the 6Y11 (with 66611 + 66618) returned from the previous evening as 04:00 Cholsey - Taunton Fairwater.

27/05 66084 passed Yatton at 19:30 on the 6B59 Exeter ( Alphington Road ) - Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap MBAs. 66545 was noted through Temple Meads at 19:37 on 0Z66 Stoke Gifford - Parsons Street route-learning light-engine, returning north at 19:51.

28/05 A bridge strike at Cattle Market Road (beneath Temple Meads station) involving a Felixstowe company based container lorry at 08:00, saw the bay and number 2 platforms closed whilst NR undertook safety checks. The mainlines through the station remained unaffected. Steam 5029 Nunney Castle with support coach arrived as 13:32 Didcot - Barton Hill, being reported through Parkway at 15:31. The Friday’s Only, 6M37 12:08 Westbury ‘La Farge’ - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties with 66607, was reported in trouble and on reaching the Bristol area around 17:30, was being assisted by 66952. The working was later recorded through Severn Tunnel junction running 237 minutes late !

29/05 Steam 5029 Nunney Castle was declared unfit to run on Barton Hill and was unable to work a Railway Touring Company ‘Cornishman’ (1Z28 08:14 Bristol to Par and 1Z29 17:08 return). The Castle was infact standing in for an unavailabe A4, 60009 Union of South Africa hoping to make a class debut in Cornwall . However, Amethyst Tour’s ‘Bath & Bristol Explorer’ (1Z84 06:50 Ashford International - Temple Meads and 1Z85 15:34 return) did run with steam 60163 Tornado (and 67021 attached to the rear of the train) with c/stock: 14007, 17015, 3066, 3064, 1691, 3069, 3097, 3119, 1813, 5341 arriving in Temple Meads at 12:17 (7 late). The first Weymouth ‘bucket & spade relief’ service was in the hands of locos and coaches, using 67016 + 67018 in a top n’tail formation running as 2O72 09:09 Temple Meads - Weymouth, arriving here at 11:43 and 2V67 16:55 return. The afternoon 5U89 GBRf ECS stock maintenance move, top n’tailed by 57306 + 57305, departed Taunton at 14:32 for Cardiff Canton. During the evening, 66189 was noted passing Bath at 18:36 with 5Z?? Eastleigh - Barton Hill ECS, with green livered 47815 attached to the rear. The train was identified as coaching stock for the following day’s ‘Torbay Express’, whilst 47815 was to remain in Bristol as an area stock shunt loco. On the freight side, 66542 running as a 0Z66 09:29 Southampton Maritime - Parsons Street driver route learner (being reported as passing Winchester at 10:00, Swindon 11:19, Westerleigh junction 11:49, Parkway 12:03 and Temple Meads at 12:12) became the first loco to visit the new Bristol West Freightliner container terminal to become known as Bristol Railport. The loco remained on site for around an hour before returning to Southampton . Proposed services to and from the new terminal, which was closed in 1992 were as follows: 4O24 11:00 Bristol West - Grain (17:44) / or 4L32 11:00 Bristol West - Tilbury (17:43), WThFO. 4V30 23:00 Tilbury - Bristol West (06:53) / or 4V26 23:10 Grain FLT - Bristol West (06:53). Some booked passing times for each train were: 4V26/4V30 Swindon 05:48, Parkway 06:24, Temple Meads 06:38 and 4O24/4L32 Temple Meads 11:16, Parkway 11:35 and Swindon 12:16.

30/05 Steam 6024 King Edward I was in charge of the first 2010 ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return) using c/stock: 21272, 3110, 3140, 3112, 1692, 5009, 4927, 5040, 5350 and loco support coach W35333. Other locos lined up for this year’s service are: 60163 Tornado and 71000 Duke of Gloucester. 57305 and 57308 returned the 5U89 Cardiff Canton - Taunton maintenance move ECS, arriving at it’s destination at 19:23. With a week-end engineering worksite at Haresfield (near Standish junction) several PW trains were reported through the area (although some were diverted on the return): 59102 worked 6W41 20:52 (Fri) Westbury - Berkeley Road junction and 10:00 Standish junction - Gloucester New yard, prior to running onwards to Hinksey yard, Oxford (via Kemble), 66545 on a return 6Y34 autoballaster from Ashchurch - Westbury (via Chepstow and a run-round at Newport East Usk) formed of 15 HQAs and 66618 + 66599 top n’tailing a 6Y32 09:10 Ashchurch - Taunton Fairwater working, returning via Kemble, Swindon (reverse), Melksham and Westbury.

31/05 67003 + 67018 with 57305 + 57308 ended the month in charge of the two loco hauled local passenger diagrams. During the morning period, a cable signalling theft in the Chippenham area caused serious delays and some diversions. Until repairs were completed, First/GW amended their HST services to run as xx:00 Paddington - Bristol via Newbury and xx:30 via Parkway and xx:30 Bristol - Paddington via Newbury and xx:30 via Parkway.

A third loco and coaches is under consideration to run during the School holiday period from July through to September using more Class 67 locos. The diagram would be a morning working from Bristol - Penzance with a planned ‘lay-over’ at Plymouth in one direction. It has been confirmed that one of the two existing diagrams (from Cardiff - Paignton) is to finish on 1st October and the other possibly by March 2011.

Cardiff

20/05 DRS 37608 and 37610 worked a 4Z01 20:35 Didcot - Derby inspection saloon working via a reverse at Cardiff Central during the evening period.

24/05 DRS 66417 and former Advenza 57005 were noted stabled in the Central station area.

Gloucester

02/05 The Gloucester - Birmingham mainline was closed for engineering work on Sundays during the month until 16/05.

04/05 66083 were on a late running 6B36 Didcot - Ashchurch MoD working, being reported through Swindon at 11:45.

09/05 Engineering work north of Gloucester, saw Arriva XC service changes which included 221140 on the 1S35 10:30 Bristol TM - Glasgow Central which was returned south in the path of the 1V50 Glasgow Central - Plymouth service at 11:55. Also Cardiff - Gloucester services were being terminated and returning south, 158827 being noted working the 10:34 Cardiff Central - Gloucester , returning as 12:33 Gloucester - Cardiff (2G53). Reported in the station sidings were long-term resident, former Advenza 47237 and c/stock: 94101.

10/05 57601 returned the ‘Citadel Express’ (which featured steam 60163 Tornado for part of the journey to and from Carlisle) railtour ECS from two day’s previous as 5Z29 06:29 Gloucester - Carnforth. The c/stock formation was as follows:- 99680 (17102), 99127Christina, 99128 Pamela, Windermere (506), 3136 Diana, 99311, 99327, 5035, 3093 Paula, 3143 Patrica. 5417 Sir Lancelot.

14/05 66003 was on the 6B36 Ashchurch MoD trip.

17/05 37038 + 37194 (‘dit’) worked a 6Z80 Cardiff TVR sidings - Thoresby departmental move (via Chepstow), believed to be conveying a stoneblower. The working was reported through Cheltenham at 11:46.

21/05 Another DRS move saw 66417 on a 6Z80 Tyne dock - Cardiff Tidal sidings scrap empties move.

28/05 The 6B36 Didcot - Ashchurch MoD trip passed Swindon at 08:25 behind 66097 heading towards Kemble.

29/05 Steam 6201 Princess Elizabeth (standing in for 70013 Oliver Cromwell) worked a 1Z62 08:05 Tyseley - Didcot (and return 1Z69 15:45 Didcot - Tyseley) trip for Vintage Trains both ways via the Stroud Valley . Original planning suggested ex. GWR pannier tank 9400 was to bank the return trip over the Lickey bank, but this was unconfirmed as taking place on the day.

31/05 Pathfinder’s ‘Canterbury Tornado’ (1Z29 06:00 Newport - Canterbury West and 1Z30 15:55 return) was worked by 67021 (which had brought in the ECS as 5Z29 02:15 Eastleigh - Newport) the outward trip via Gloucester and the Stroud Valley as far as Willesden South-West sidings for steam 60163 Tornado to take over. However, there were problems on the return, with Tornado suffering a cracked firebox and failing. There was no DBS loco in the area so the return journey was heavily delayed. Once on the move, some time was saved as there was now no need to run via Victoria (originally booked as the point to remove Tornado on the return) and Didcot was passed at 22:18 (50 late). This was reduced to 25 minutes by Swindon , but further progress was lost here as the Royal Train was calling at Kemble in front of the trip! The return railtour ECS was booked to run as 5Z30 00:30 Newport - Eastleigh on 02/06.

Newport

10/05 57313 was on the morning 1V31 Holyhead - Cardiff Central Arriva XC service. Also during the morning, 57309 ran 0Z57 Cardiff - Crewe light-engine (via Cwmbran) and later 57305 arrived in South Wales in the opposite direction as 0Z58 light-engine to Cardiff .

14/05 66215 was on an overnight and morning return 6W65 Westbury - Westbury departmental (via Llandeilo junction) engineers. DRS 37194 worked through on a 6Z22 10:05 Wymondham - Cardiff Central stone blower move (DR80303) passing Newport at 17:18 (17 early). A cable theft in the Ebbw junction affected some west-bound services during the morning period.

16/05 DRS 37038 ran 0Z37 13:30 Willesden Brent - Cardiff TVR sidings light for a departmental move.

19/05 66230 powered a further overnight engineers from Westbury - Westbury (6W55) via Pembroke dock (booked here from 01:33 - 02:03), passing at 06:48. 57315 was later on the 1W91 16:15 Cardiff Central - Holyhead Arriva XC service.

22/05 The Railway Touring Company ‘Southern Irishman’ booked for steam 7l000 Duke of Gloucester was worked by 5029 Nunney Castle instead onwards from Newport (and on the return). The train ran as 1Z52 Paddington - Fishguard (and 1Z53 15:45 return), arriving in Newport at 08:33 behind 47804, the steam loco having run 5Z51 Barton Hill - Newport loco and support coach (arriving at 07:47). The c/stock in use on the trip was as follows: 9440, 99347, 3093, 99993, 3136, 99311, 5419 (with support coach W35461). The outward steam watering stop was at Port Talbot .

24/05 57315 headed the 1W91 16:15 Cardiff - Holyhead service calling at Newport at 16:30.

25/05 66227 passed Newport at 09:37 as 6Z42 Tyne dock - Cardiff Tidal sidings loaded scrap.

29/05 At 12:30 the following were found stabled at Newport ADJ: 66040/047/097/116/151.

Portbury Branchline

With FLHH using the Bulk Handling terminal at Avonmouth, daytime coal traffic was only reported towards the end of the month over the branch. No DBS workings were again reported over the line.

Locos recorded on coal duty during the month have included: 66528/554/596/957. 70006.

Weymouth

08/05 Steam 35028 Clan Line with the return ‘S & D’ excursion from Weymouth - London passed Upway at 17:40 with 66015 attached (assisiting?) to the rear.

12/05 MPV DR98908+DR98958 arrived at 15:47 on a 6Z05 Eastleigh - Eastleigh weedkilling special, returning via Yeovil, Castle Cary and Westbury.

22/05 Steam 30777 Sir Lamiel + 44871 (inplace of 70013 Oliver Cromwell) worked the Railway Touring Company ‘Royal Wessex ’ (1Z27 08:06 Paddington - Weymouth via Westbury, Castle Cary and Yeovil. On arrival in Weymouth at 13:35, the steam locos then ran 0Z44 13:25 to Yeovil junction (for turning) and 0Z45 16:33 return, the train then going onwards as 1Z30 18:33 Weymouth - Paddington headed by 44871 solo with 30777 Sir Lamiel assisting from the rear as far as Wareham. Sir Lamiel then ran light to the Swanage Railway for stabling. The c/stock in use during the day was as follows: 5222, 4994, 1861, 99121 Julia, 99127 Christine, 99128 Pamela, 99312, 99371 Victoria, 99125 Jessica, 99304, E14099. With an increase in steam railtour activity from London and a new working from Bristol planned for later in the year, a future development at the Dorset resort could see the installation of a working turntable. This would save the long distance movement of locos to and from Yeovil junction for turning purposes. The site is expected to be at the top of the car park between the mainline and the disused quayside line. A turntable has apparently been acquired at a cost of £6000 but further details are not known at this stage.

Units seen during the month

142001/064.

143603/611/612/617/618/619/620/621.

150121/127/221/232/233/234/238/239/261/263/265/266/267/278/279/281.

153305/318/329/368/369/370/377.

158763/766/798/950/951/952/953/954*/956*/957/958.

220005/006/010/013/014/017/023/025/027/030/033/034.

221119/123/125/126/127/130/131/135/137/139/140.

Arriva XC HST power cars: 43207/285/301/303/304/321/357/366/378/384.

First/GW SWT ‘hire’ : 158880 (29/05). 158882 (20/05). 158883 (03/05). 158884 (08/05, 18/05, 20/05). 158885 (31/05).

Note: Misformed sets recorded: 158954 - 57747 + 57760. 158956 - 52748 + 57768.

Stock Alterations

Locomotives

Transfers

08943(BH)-SH, 66220 – Poland , 66841/842/843/844/845(LD)-RU

Stored

CB: 47811. 66547/551/552/613. CE: 92019. CG: 20302.

CS: 20303/307/308/313/314/315. 37261/605/612.

DW: 56041/053/055/072/093/099/110/119. HQ: 31271. LD: 66624*

LM: 96372-375. ST: 66580/581. TO: 08802. 09201. 60009/026. 66190

* being prepared for use in Poland

Traffic

08706 –TO (Tidal), 08737 –to (Margam), 56101 –HQ(Re-registered), 60010/074/085 –TO, 67030. 90036. 92026 –CE

Disposals

EMR: 56033/048/058/116. 86245 Sims: 73203 Thomson: 47150/289

RT Rail: 20105/197 For Sale : 03020/037/118(D2118)/180/197. D2324. 08813/869/928. 20016/032/057/072/081/088/105. 25191. 37672/680/696. 47703/829. (By HNRL to Preservationists)

Diesel Multiple Units

Transfers

158888(NL)-SA

Traffic

180101 -HT

Electric Multiple Units

Transfers

313117/119/214(WN)-BI 377157(SU)-BI, 161(BI)-SU, 447(SU)-BI

378003-024(WN)-NG

Stored

321432 –ZB 378010/011/015 -PRDC

Traffic

321431 –IL

New Stock

378202/230 –NG

Coaching & NPCC Stock

Transfers

9488 –HT(GCBV – Grand Central Barrier Vehicle, 11013/033 - HOCS

82115 -QXXX

Stored

LM: 6124

Traffic

40101/104 –OO

Disposals

Booth: 1260. 3154(ir4104). 3228/44. 3367(NR904). 5911/32/34,

5963/84/86. 6038/56. 6104/38. Finnies: 5779. 10547 @ Inverness

EMR: 92193 Mid Norfolk : 10213 Great Central: ADB 975481. 977088/107/235

Renumbered

42170 – 40101, 42254 - 40104

LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS

4V50/4O51 Southampton - Wentlooge containers

04/05 66517. 05/05 66581. 06/05 66593. 07/05 66543. 10/05 66543.

11/05 66536. 12/05 66543. 13/05 66530. 14/05 66570. 17/05 66531.

18/05 66537. 19/05 66532. 20/05 66569. 21/05 66505. 24/05 66562.

25/05 66536. 26/05 66502. 27/05 66530. 28/05 66517.

4V60 Calvert - Bristol Barrow Road binliner

05/05 66560. 07/05 66559. 10/05 66606. 12/05 66560. 14/05 66560.

18/05 66599. 19/05 66532. 21/05 66545. 26/05 66545. 28/05 66545.

6M55 06:48 Avonmouth BBHT/ * 07:00 Portbury - Rugeley P.S.

10/05 66560. 11/05 66599. 13/05 66599. 25/05 66957. 26/05 66554.

27/05* 66554 28/05* 66554.

6M61 08:25 Avonmouth BBHT/ * Portbury - Rugeley P.S.

18/05 66545. 18/05 66545. 28/05* 66957 31/05* 70006.

6M04 11:24 Avonmouth BBHT/ * 10:50 Portbury - Rugeley P.S.

25/05 66554. 26/05 66957. 30/05* 66957.

6A21 Pengam - Theale loaded stone

04/05 66599. 07/05 66611. 11/005 66601. 25/05 66545.

 LOCAL DBS WORKINGS

6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded fuel tanks

04-08/05 60074. 10/05 60074. 11/05 60074. 12-14/05 60039. 17/05 60074.

18/05 60074. 19/05 60039. 21/05 60039. 24-28/05 60039. 29/05 66238.

6E41 Westerleigh - Lindsey empty fuel tanks

05/05 60071. 08/05 60071. 21/05 60071. 25/05 60054. 27/05 60054.

31/05 66014.

6B49/6B50 Llanwern - Swindon stores yard loaded steel

04/05 66100. 07/05 66084. 11/05 66074. 14/05 66095. 18/05 66004.

21/05 66093. 25/05 66150. 28/05 66067.

6B33 Theale - Robeston empty fuel tanks

01/05 66047+66086.  04/05 66053. 06/05 66174. 11/05 66167.

13/05 66100. 18/06 66018+66086. 25/05 66053+66162.

6B83/6C83 Westbury - Machen - A.R.C West Drayton loaded stone

05/05 66002 07/05 66230. 10/05 66002. 12/05 66170. 14/05 66043.

17/05 66146. 19/05 66118. 24/05 66030. 28/05 66057.

6V62 Eastleigh - Plymouth Tavistock yard fuel tanks (TO)

04/05 66112. 11/05 66092. 18/05 66085. 25/05 66230.

6X52 Portbury - Warrington/Mossend loaded and empty car carriers (TThO)

04/05 66109. 06/05 66130. 11/05 66149. 13/05 66161. 14/05 66161.

18/05 66148. 20/05 66137. 27/05 66172. 28/05* 66172.

Note: * The train on this date ran to Doncaster ( Belmont ) via Bristol Parkway .

6V78 Margam - Dolland’s Moor export steel

01/05 66069. 04/05 66129. 08/05 66178. 11/05 66031.

12/05 66100+66153. 18/05 66178. 21/05 66013. 22/05 66182.

6O78 Dolland’s Moor - Margam export steel empties

05/05 66127. 09/05 66156. 12/05 66120. 13/05 66129. 16/05 66094.

18/05 66193. 26/05 66053. 25/05 66107.

6B35 Hayes - Moreton - on - Lugg stone empties

10/05 66194. 11/05 66043. 12/05 66057. 17/05* 66092. 19/05 66025.

26/05 66025. 28/05 66025. 29/05* 66057.

Note: * The train ran as 6Z35 on these dates.

6B65 Westbury - Newport ADJ departmental

05/05 66152. 06/05 66091. 12/05 66213. 18/05 66230.

6L97 Port Talbot (Grange sidings) - Lea Interchange ( Camden ) loaded stone

18/05 66060. 25/05 66098.

6C49/6B59 Exeter (Alphington road) - Cardiff Tidal (or Newport docks) loaded scrap (ThO)

06/05 66035. 13/05 66107. 20/05 66065. 27/05 66084.

6M60 Exeter ( Riverside ) - Bescot (downside) china clay empties (SO)

01/05* 66091. 08/05 66087. 22/05 66160. 29/05 66160.

Note: * The train on this date ran via Westbury, Newbury, Didcot and Oxford .

FREIGHT REVIEW

Here we are again for another quick run down of the freight scene in the middle of an absolutely glorious spell of weather (I'm compiling this on 11th July). Glorious sunshine outside, clear blue sky and The Beatles on the stereo - wonderful! I'll start this review with a note on the coal traffic passing through Leicester . Since the demise of Fastline the traffic has been in the hands of Freightliner but, in the past three weeks or so, there has been an influx of DB Schenker coal traffic running in conjunction with the Freightliner traffic. On 28th June the following coal services were noted. Firstly 66021 appeared with the following consist: 311104/0422/0269/0482/0524/0675/0824/0281/0946/0742/0822/0886/0533/0934/ 0936/0856/0271/0679/0720/01459/ 0682. This was followed by 66528 in charge of the following rake: 370237/409/005/282/333/313/411/138/419/414/356/ 214/374/184/121/408/410/031. Another Freightliner service then appeared with 66515 at its head: 370104/144/225/160/077/108/ 162/ 141/ 158/ 206/ 184/197/177/112/134/169/110/140/150/309. Then it was the turn of DB Schenker again for the fourth service this particular day. With 66150 in charge, the rake was: 311058/1034/0949/0069/1100/0385/0944/0526/ 0336/0509/0106/0660/0204/0750/1043/0783/0347/0561/0330/1145. I've not been able to ascertain if all the services originate from Daw Mill but there were a couple of other Freightliner services at least on this date that passed without being identified! Moving back to 14th June and a usual visit to Nuneaton but with the added magnificent sight of 37603 and 37611 in full flow on the Daventry-Coatbridge W. H. Malcolm service. A great sight -- and sound! The same evening 66841 was noted on the following Colas Rail service from Hams Hall: 33.87.4909.383/ 386/ 385/ 394/ 396/ 390/ 395/ 327/ 289/ 301, 33.68.4909.369/ 872/ 357/ 386. On the following Thursday evening, 17th June, there was a busy evening at Leicester for a change. Commencing with 66608 on a northbound service of yellow boxes (70.5992.xxx series) followed north, quite quickly actually, by 66607 on the bogie Lafarge cement tanks. Then 66204 on another northbound service this time a rake of Lafarge self-discharge hoppers. Light engine 66704 then also headed north before, again northbound, 66124 appeared on the northbound empty bogie tanks from Colnbrook. Another light engine movement in the shape of 66199, southbound. There then appeared a southbound Freightliner coal service headed by 66597. The consist being: 370359/ 213/ 337/ 042/ 360/ 026/ 418/ 020/ 114/ 321/ 095/ 381/ 394/ 099/ 131/ 088/ 149/ 022/ 405/ 440. The last service I noted this particular eveing was GBRf 66731 heading southbound with barrier vehicles 6378 and 6379. Nuneaton on 21st June was its usual predictable self with plenty of movement, amongst them yet another Freightliner coal service with 66557 in charge: 370106/ 144/225/160/077/108/162/141/158/266/184/197/177/112/134/169/110/140/150/309. Freight services noted this particular evening were hauled by the following locos: 66621, 66606, 66069, 66024, 66016, 66432 (in lieu of the class 37s!), 66541, 66418, 66955, 66587, 90020 (a very late-running southbound automotive service, about 95 minutes late) and 66954. Early morning, 0705, at Leicester on 24th June saw 66528 heading north with a loaded coal, the rake of vehicles being the same as the service hauled by 66557 at Nuneaton on 21st June (see above). A quick visit into London on an "airline day" saw 66548 standing at Cricklewood on the Shanks-McEwan "binliner" service. Returning back to 28th June, where I started this review, and the evening Nuneaton visit. Apart from the coal traffic mentioned earlier on this date other locomotives noted on freight services through Nuneston were: 66144, 66534, 92037, 90021, 66427, 66572, 66589, 66419, 66532, 66562, 66508, 66523. And, finally, to 5th July and the evening at Leicester with 66116 on the Colnbrook tanks, 66021 on a DB Schenker coal (wagons not identified due to the fact that an East Midlands Trains Meridian positioned itself between myself and the train! Two Freightliner coal services were noted also, Firstly, 66561 with the following: 370574/562/711/546/559/676/652/654/668/534/584/569/567/653/ 557/598/663/526/651. Then 66509 with the following rake: 370306/058/ 156/402/378/385/413/183/115/033/322/010/130/652/375/121/147/367/364/435. Sorry it's a little "samey" again but I've been busy with other projects recently so have been a little limited in getting about. I'll try and be a little different next time. 'Bye for now.

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

Road Movements

28/05 Ex. GWR coach W231 in red livery south-bound M5 Junction 8 at 18:30

 DEPARTMENTALS & TRACK MACHINES

09/05 Gloucester Horton road stabling point:- DR73111. DR73905.

10/05 A419 north-bound (from the M5) near Swindon at 08:10:- DR73315 (on road low-loader).

16/05 Dobwalls (near Liskeard):- Quattro Plant road/rail excavator: 471.