NOTES AND NEWS

Avonmouth

23/02 Correction (May Magazine): FLHH loco 66554 was missed off the entry for this date.
02/03 Following further Class 70 reliability problems, several double-headed workings were reported during the month involving the 6M55 06:44 coal departure for Rugeley P.S. 70003 + an unidentified Class 66 departed at 07:31 on this date, with 70006 + 66583 being recorded on 11/03 and 70003 + 66585 on 12/03, the latter may have in fact started from Portbury, this being unconfirmed.
03/03 66232 was on the 6C90 Newport ADJ - Avonmouth freight trip. Other locos to work this service during the month have included: 66061 (17/03) and 66139 (24/03). On the 17/03 the inward train was formed with no propelling 'container' guards van.
05/03 70006 departed Avonmouth at 11:18 light-engine for Stoke Gifford sidings.
09/03 66153 arrived on 6C63 Westbury - Avonmouth import stone empties.
13/03 66534 worked 4Z86 09:25 Grain - Avonmouth West Wharf (booked 16:16) containers being reported passing Denmark Hill (North London) at 11:14.
16/03 66163 was on a 4C46 Avonmouth - Tower Colliery train of empty coal HTAs (reported passing Newport at 09:23).
18/03 FLHH 66621 was noted with empty stone boxes at 08:35 heading for Bennett's siding.
20/03 66569 was in charge of a further 4Z86 Grain - Avonmouth West Wharf container service, having been noted through Swindon at 14:55 and Parkway at 15:39.
30/03 66201 worked 7A63 17:16 Avonmouth - Acton loaded import stone, formed of 12 wagons and earlier, 66133 headed 6B68 09:24 Avonmouth - Aberthaw loaded coal.
By mid-March, all the remaining former Britannia Zinc internal-rail system had been lifted, being confirmed by the view at Kings Weston Lane level crossing, looking towards the now completely cleared former works site.
Locos recorded on coal duty during the month have included: 66031/023/053/066/075/098/115/133/163/181. 66553/583. 70003/006.

Bristol Parkway, Pilning and Westerleigh

01/03 Steam 60163 Tornado was on a Steam Dream's 'St David's Day Special' (1Z88 08:45 Victoria - Swansea and 1Z89 17:33 return) being noted at Parkway just after mid-day. After waiting outside the station for about 5 minutes, the train made its way to the up loop where the Fire Brigade replenished the water supply before setting off to its final destination.
66554 had earlier worked 6Z47 Croft - Neath Abbey Wharf stone empties. 4V57 (Rugeley PS - Stoke Gifford) arrived 66585 and was promptly shunted into the yard, and running somewhat late was 6A?? (Newport ADJ - Didcot/Wembley) service, now combined with the MoD liner, worked by 66155 with 66044 "dead" inside.
02/03 Following behind the Class 57s on the 2C79 14:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service at 15:16, the 6L97 Port Talbot - Lea Interchange (Camden) stone with 66027 appeared in trouble on the climb between Cattybrook and Patchway, a following HST and DMU set were observed moving slowly from signal to signal following the stone working. Two afternoon arrivals at Stoke Gifford were: 66554 on 6B11 Thorney Mill - Stoke Gifford stone empties and 66585 + 70002 (failed) on the 4Z70 08:56 Rugeley B power station - Stoke Gifford stone empties. The running log for the latter was of interest and in part is produced below: - 'The 4Z70 driver warns Gloucester panel regarding loco problems with 70002 (at 12:10), but hopes to make Ashchurch down loop to check engine (12:25). The loco was suffering a maximum speed problem of 60 mph, but had improved and now was expected to reach Stoke Gifford. Freightliner control were however contacted (12:37) and Gloucester Panel informed 4Z70 was again in trouble, now being unable to get above 30 mph being put into Landsdown goods loop (Cheltenham) for further attention, the driver then advising Gloucester panel that a second assisting loco would be needed. 66585 was despatched from Stoke Gifford and reversed in Alstone loop, backing onto the failed train at Landsdown, which was later recorded passing Westerleigh at 15:07, some two hours late. Some evening area freight observations included: 66527 on 6M37 Westbury - Hope (Earles sidings) cement (Bath 22:43), 66131 with a 6Z58 22:58 Westbury - Shap Summit quarry stone working (Stapleton Road 23:29 - 3 late) and 66001 on 6C99 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight being routed via Pilning, Day's curve, Bath (23:00) and Westbury. The latter working interestingly conveyed a WIA covered car carrier 70-4971-040-6 which on investigation after arrival at Plymouth was found to be 'carded' to Eastleigh from Southampton Eastern dock for repair !
03/03 DRS 57004 passed Pilning at 10:08 on a 6Z97 Cardiff Taff Vale siding - Three Bridges departmental formed of stone-blower DR80303. 59205 ran Westbury - Margam light-engine during the afternoon to take up west Wales fuel tank 'trial' duties. Incidentally, 59201 and 59206 had also vacated their Wiltshire base for use at Warrington.
04/03 During the afternoon, 66585+70002 departed Stoke Gifford for Crewe light-engine via the Severn Tunnel and the Marches. 66554 ran 0Z87 07:20 Stoke Gifford - Meldon quarry light to collect 5 empty HQA wagons for repair as 6Z87 11:10 Meldon Quarry - Crewe Gresty Lane. The return afternoon 6C41 Newport ADJ - Westbury departmental (running as 6Z41) with DBS liveried 66152 was unusually routed via Parkway and a loco run-round at Swindon (then via Melksham), being formed of two container flats and three tank boxes. Freight services tonight were 66063 with Newport ADJ - Didcot/Wembley service and 66585 arriving with 4V57. 70003 was noted in Stoke Gifford yard and heading westward was the NR HST using power cars 43013/014.
05/03 A points failure and a diversion to Parkway, plus brake problems on 67017 saw the 2U02 06:19 Temple Meads - Cardiff Central service terminated at Parkway, where the second loco, 67022 then failed! The Class 67s having returned ECS to Temple Meads later were both back in action to take the 2C67 08:55 Cardiff - Taunton service onwards from Bristol and complete the day's diagram.
07/03 Locos stabled in Stoke Gifford down-side during the morning were: 66553, 66585, 70003, 70006.
08/03 Only two locos seen this evening, 66585 (4V57) Rugeley - Stoke Gifford MGR empties and the re-timed Newport ADJ - Didcot service behind 66097, and for the first time had the MoD section on the rear.
09/03 66011 with a 6Z18 18:01 (Mon) Grimsby Brick-pit siding - Par (St. Blazey) train of 31 empty MEA wagons passed Filton Abbeywood at 00:51.
11/03 70003 returned 4V57 15:25 coal empties ex. Rugeley PS through Standish junction at 19:03 (11 early) - Stoke Gifford sidings. These were off the morning 6M55 07:00 departure from Portbury.
13/03 A UK Railtour 'Heart of Wales' excursion (1Z38 07:38 Paddington - Llandrindod Wells) was powered by 66079 being noted through Parkway at 10:09 and Newport at 10:38. The 1Z40 return was routed via Shrewsbury Abbey Foregate St., Wolverhampton and Banbury.
15/03 70006 departed Patchway at 07:11 following a crew change on the 6M55 07:13 Avonmouth - Rugeley PS loaded coal. 66510 was also recorded on an empty South Wales bound stone train from Stoke Gifford, during the morning period.
16/03 For this year's Cheltenham Races, Virgin XC operated an extra Voyager service as 1Z34 09:18 Derby - Temple Meads (11:55) and 1Z35 12:16 return to Birmingham NS (16:38) and an additional loco-hauled train with Royal locos 67005 + 67006 (with c/stock; 2834, 3364, 3348, 1699, 3390, 3356, 3330, 1683, 3426) as 1Z58 07:47 (TWFO) Euston - Cheltenham (via Nuneaton and Landor Street), 5Z58 11:20 Cheltenham - Worcester SH (via Gloucester), 5Z59 17:59 Worcester SH - Gloucester and 1Z59 19:17 Gloucester - Euston, being booked through Parkway (19:47), Filton Abbeywood (19:48) and Bath (20:12).
17/03 60071 failed at Westerleigh prior to departing on the Lindsey fuel tank empties, 66063 running 0E41 light-engine from Newport to assist
18/03 59205 arrived solo at Westerleigh with the morning 6B13 loaded fuel tanks from Robeston, despite 66007 also being allocated to the duty according to TOPs !
20/03 Due to track work, the First/GW 1F36 20:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff Central service, was diverted and terminated at Parkway.
21/03 70004 ran 0Z25 Crewe Basford Hall yard - Stoke Gifford light-engine during the afternoon.
22/03 Tonight saw 66510 in the yard and 70004 arrive with empty MGRs from Rugeley, passing through at its new time was the combined ADJ/MoD liner service now terminating at Didcot with 66139.
23/03 The 6V98 Lindsey - Westerleigh fuel tanks arrived late (noted passing Cheltenham at 07:40) headed by 60054 + failed 60071. 60009 took the 6E41 empties North later in the day. Other freight reports were: 66061 out of Parkway loop at 16:44 with 6L97 Port Talbot (Grange sidings) - Lea Interchange (Camden) loaded stone and 66227 on the Tuesday's only 6C99 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight (reported Filton 22:38 - 4 early).
25/03 Having run 0Z87 07:20 Stoke Gifford - Meldon Quarry light engine, 66515 returned five autoballasters as 6Z87 11:10 Meldon Quarry - Crewe PAD passing Pilning at 15:19.
26/03 66510 powered a 6V44 18:18 Angerstein Wharf - Pengam tran of JGA stone empties.
28/03 Locos noted stabled at Stoke Gifford were: 66551, 66553, 66611, 70003, 70004.
29/03 A morning 6V95 Hither Green - Grange sidings (Port Talbot) empty stone was worked by 66061 being in the Parkway area between 07:00 -08:00. Freight services seen during the evening were 70004 with the MGR empties for Stoke Gifford yard and a combined "Enterprise/MoD Liner for Didcot behind 66065.
30/03 66061 returned 6Z96 16:00 Lea Interchange - Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties during the evening period at Parkway.
31/03 59203+66165 departed Robeston 130 minutes late on the 6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh fuel tanks due to a fallen tree on the line at Sarnau. During the evening period, the once former lightly loaded (ex Wentlooge) MoD stores working, now 6A29 Newport ADJ - Didcot was noted behind 66069 loaded to 31 wagons!

Bristol Temple Meads, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road

01/03 57305 + 57307 started the month on the GBRf First/GW loco and coaches 'hire' diagram. Evening reports included: 66606 at Worle junction at 19:48 with 6Z37 Moorswater - Hope (Earles sidings) return cement empties (having worked west as 6Z21 passing Uphill junction at 07:00) and 66088 on 6Z18 Immingham Mineral quay - St. Blazey overnight MEA sand empties (reported as three hours down!). The other First/GW 'hire' train with DBS locos 67016 + 67017 was reported in trouble on arrival at Taunton, on the 2C85 17:00 ex. Cardiff, the former loco failing. A HST set, with power cars 43189 + 43128 was used as cover, working 2U79 Temple Meads - Taunton and 2M68 19:35 Taunton - Temple Meads.
02/03 With continuing Class 67 problems, 143617 was used as cover on the 2U02 06:19 Temple Meads - Cardiff and the 2C67 08:55 return to Paignton, as far as Temple Meads, where the Class 67s, with 67022 having taken over from 67016, continued the diagram as booked. Also during the morning, 66121 passed Dr. Day's junction at 10:22 with a return 11 wagon 6W50 Milford Haven - Westbury departmental working. 31105 later arrived on a 4Z10 13:01 Derby RTC - Temple Meads test train during the evening, the DBSO van 9703 leading the formation (with departmental c/stock 6263, 999602). A second test train with 31454, which had departed the previous day as 4Z08 20:08 Derby RTC - Kingsland Road (running via Tamworth, Tyseley, Banbury, Oxford, Newbury, Westbury and a Taunton reverse), had arrived earlier during the morning.
03/03 The day's two Arriva XC HST diagrams were covered as follows: 43303 (XC03) 43366 - 1V44 06:00 Leeds - Plymouth / 1S51 12:23 Plymouth - Glasgow Central and 43207 (XC04) 43285 - 1V50 06:08 Edinburgh Waverley - Plymouth /1E63 15:23 Plymouth - Leeds. 66088 was on return 6Z41 Truro (St. Blazey) - Immingham loaded sand MEAs.
04/03 67017 leading the 2U24 12:47 Paignton - Cardiff Central suffered damaged brake pipes near Hele & Bradnich having struck what was believed to have been a large bird ? 66617 was reported to have run light-engine from Taunton Fairwater to assist the working into Tiverton loop. The NRMT HST set with power cars 43013 + 43014 was seen in Temple Meads during the evening on 1Z17 Derby RTC - Taunton, returning later to Old Oak Common via the usual Bath, Swindon, Bath, Temple Meads and Parkway route.
05/03 Both locos and coaches workings seen this afternoon, 14:50 southbound 57305 + 57309 and at 15:30 northbound 67017 + 67022.
06/03 Steam 70013 Oliver Cromwell was seen passing Bristol East depot at 12:36 (close to time) with a Railway Touring Company's 'Bristolian' (1Z84 06:52 Three Bridges - Temple Meads and later 1Z85 16:34 return) with c/stock: S9392, 4960, 99311, 99128, 99371 Victoria, 99127, 99121 Julie, 99316, 3093, 99125, E14099. The occasional Saturday Only, Arriva XC 'route refresher' trip was worked by 221138 as 5C41 15:20 Temple Meads - Taunton and 5C65 16:44 return, being booked through Bath on the return at 17:40. Meanwhile, one Arriva XC HST diagram was reported for the day with power cars 43303 + 43366 (with coaching set XC03) on 1V54 07:00 Glasgow Central - Plymouth / 1E73 17:23 Plymouth - Leeds. Also 57305 + 57307 were recorded in Temple Meads at 14:15 on the Saturday Only 5U89 Taunton - Cardiff Canton GBRf 'hire' maintenance move.
07/03 57305 + 57306 (having replaced 57307) returned as 5C04 Cardiff - Taunton ECS following maintenance, during the evening.
08/03 The First/GW 1C99 Paddington - Penzance sleeper service was confirmed as routed via Temple Meads (booked 02:07-02:55) with 57602. 57603 was on the balancing 1A40 up working. A further train of empty MEAs for the sand/sulphite traffic from Falmouth docks ran overnight behind 66011 as 6Z18 18:01 Grimsby dock - Par. During the early afternoon, 66142 + 67016 departed Barton Hill light-engine possibly for Didcot, whilst the week had started with 67017 + 67022 and 57305 + 57306 on the two First/GW loco and coaching stock 'hire' diagrams.
09/03 Bridgwater -Sellafield flasks seen this afternoon at 14:45 hauled by 20301 + 20304, five minutes later 57305 + 57312 headed south on a Taunton service. Later on at 16:15 66152 headed south with a stone train. 57312 was expected to replace 57306, which was believed to be suffering problems for the afternoon part of the diagram from Cardiff - but the swap was cancelled, however 158953 worked the 2C89 19:00 Cardiff - Taunton in place of the Class 57s. The Thursdays Only Exeter scrap metal ran again as 6Z48 00:50 Port Talbot sidings - Alphington Road (Exeter) and 6Z49 17:18 return behind 66059. A 5Z74 15:58 Exeter St. David's - Temple Meads empty stock move was formed: 143612 + 142001 + 142030.
10/03 57306 + 57305 (with coaching stock set CF04) were back in action on the GBRf First/GW loco hauled diagram. Noted at St. Phillips Marsh at 08:30 were 43053 + 44039 + 43153 all in an ex. works condition ready to form a 5Z30 12:58 move to Worcester SH and a naming ceremony for 43053 University of Worcester by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. The 'mini' formation later returned as 5Z31 16:20 Worcester SH - St.Phillips Marsh.
11/03 Following a visit to Plymouth and part of Devon by the Queen and HRH Duke of Edinburgh, the Royal Train ECS returned to London via Exeter, Bridgwater (10:48), Bristol Temple Meads and Bath, being recorded through Keynsham top n'tailed by 67005 + 67006 at 11:40. Standby loco 57312, which had been at Temple Meads over the past few days returned North at 10:12 (0Z57). Taunton service passed by at 14:50 using 57305 + 57306.
12/03 66011 returned a 6Z60 22:45 Exeter (Riverside) - Grimsby Brick pit siding move formed of loaded sand MEAs. 66121 seen at 17:40 heading south with "Hanson" stone hoppers.
13/03 The afternoon 5U89 Taunton - Cardiff maintenance move was top n'tailed by 57305 + 57306 and recorded in Temple Meads close to 14:00.
14/03 57306+57312 top n'tailed the return Sunday's Only maintenance move passing Magor at 17:15, Temple Meads at 17:45 and Highbridge at 18:15.
15/03 57312 on the First/GW, GBRf local hauled 'hire' service, brought up the half-way mark for the sub class with, 57303/305/306/307/309/312/315/316 all now being recorded as used by this date.
16/03 66622 was on the 6V21 Hope (Sidings) - Moorswater cement and 6M37 return empties. 57008 + 57009 were an unusual pairing for the 6V74 02:08 Crewe Coal yard - Bridgwater nuclear flasks, arriving at their destination at 06:25 (15 early). The 6M67 return working, with two FNA flasks departed Bridgwater at 12:47 being later noted at 13:41 passing Malago. The Cheltenham - Euston return race special was reported through Bath at 20:15 (3 late) top n'tailed by Royal locos 67005 + 67006 (also see Bristol Parkway, Pilning and Westerleigh notes & news). Later, 66047 worked another west-bound 6Z18 (Mon) ex. Grimsby Brickpit siding train of empty MEAs.
17/03 A 6W60 17:24 (Tues) Westbury - Westbury autoballaster (noted Bath 17:42) returned as 04:48 ex. Swansea Burrows sidings behind 66034. Unit overhauls (C6) continue at Barton Hill, the latest 143604 being released during the morning period returning empty to Cardiff.
19/03 Steam 60019 Bittern (in place of 34067 Tangmere) arrived as loco and support coach from Alton (passing Bath at 14:19) for railtour duty during the following day. Also, a second railtour for the following day involving mainline preserved Class 52 No. D1015 Western Champion arrived as a 5Z80 17:16 Eastleigh - Bristol East depot ECS move (via Temple Meads) during the evening.
20/03 The day's two railtour departures from Bristol were: D1015 Western Champion (running with D1054 Western Governor name and number plates!) working Pathfinder Tour's 'Western Rocks' (1Z81 05:52 Temple Meads - Buxton and 1Z83 16:15 return), this trip having been re-dated from 31/10/09, and 47804 + 47826 which brought in the Railway Touring Company 'Dartmouth Express' (1Z46 07:00 Poole - Kingswear and 1Z47 16:40 return) arriving at 10:28 - 7 late, for steam 60019 Bittern to take over from and back to Bristol, being later recorded with steam in charge through Worle junction at 10:49.
21/03 Return workings off previous day's rail tours saw: steam 60019 Bittern running as 5Z36 12:07 Barton Hill - Southall loco and support coach, via Parkway and D1054 Western Governor returning ECS as 5Z35 16:08 Bristol East depot - Eastleigh being noted passing Keynsham early at 15:49. Up until 15:30, all up services had been diverted via Parkway from Temple Meads due to track work in the North Somerset junction and East depot loop areas, the first train through actually being the 14:52 Weston-super-Mare - Paddington First/GW Hst (43094 + 43162) service followed by the Western on the railtour ECS. Later the Sunday 5C04 Cardiff Canton - Taunton loco and coach maintenance move was noted top n'tailed with 57312 + 57306. The day's Arriva XC HST diagrams were covered as follows:
43357 XC05 43378 - 2C64 09:05 Plymouth - Pernzance / 1S55 11:25 Penzance - Edinburgh. 43304 XC02 43321 - 1V48 07:45 Leeds - Exeter / 1S51 13:23 Exeter - Edinburgh Waverley. 43366 XC03 43303 - 1V60 09:50 Edinburgh Waverley - Exeter / 1E75 19:25 Exeter - Leeds. 43285 XC04 43207 - 1V50 08:30 Leeds - Plymouth / 1E63 15:23 Plymouth - Leeds.
23/03 66125 passed through the area during the early hours on a further 6Z18 Grimsby Brick Pit siding - Par empty MEA move formed of 40 empties. 143617 worked the 1A12 07:38 Paignton - Paddington First/GW service as far as Temple Meads in place of a Hst set.
24/03 143617 was again reported to have worked the 1A12 from Paignton - Temple Meads in place of an HST set. 67003 was later noted passing through Keynsham at 13:18 on a Victoria - Temple Meads VSOE working.
25/03 At 07:00, track work was noted taking place in Kingsland Road sidings, with road/railers in use. Steam 46201 Princess Elizabeth was reported passing Keynsham late at 14:53 with Steam Dreams 'Cathedral Express' (1Z84 09:44 Victoria - Temple Meads and 1Z85 17:36 return). The train lost its path in the Swindon area arriving in Bristol just after 15:00 (around 50 minute late). Later, 66125 returned a loaded 6Z60 22:45 Exeter (Riverside) - Grimsby Brick pit siding loaded sulphite/sand train via Westbury, Swindon and Oxford, not via Bristol as has happened with this working previously.
26/03 Over running PW work south of Bristol saw the 1C11 06:34 Temple Meads - Plymouth Arriva XC service (formed with a Class 221 Voyager unit) run via Bath passing at 06:50. Later, 66027 was noted shunting 11 4-wheel TTA tanks at Bedminster having run 0Z59 09:55 Margam - St. Phillip's Marsh light-engine arriving at 13:22 (46 early) having also been reported as stabled in platform 1 at Temple Meads, light-engine. With shunting completed, the loco ran 0Z60 light-engine to Plymouth, via Westbury. An unusual sight during the day in Temple Meads was 66105 (which had run light to Bath from Didcot) running round a single 4-wheel MTA ballast wagon (395364) destined for Westbury which had been in the engineer's siding at Westmoreland Road (Oldfield Park), Bath for several weeks.
27/03 220028 was on the Saturday's Only 5C41 Temple Meads - Taunton (via Westbury) driver route refresher trip, passing Bath on the outward at 15:31. Both Arriva XC's 1E63 15:25 Plymouth - York and 1E67 16:25 Plymouth - Leeds services were cancelled due to a lack of train crew. First/GW Hst set OC55 was noted in service formed with two micro buffets (40102 and 40117) as: 43130, 41065 (coach G), 41089 (H), 40117 (B), 42224 (D), 42348 (E), 40102 (C), 44022, 43086.
28/03 57312 + 57302 top n'tailed the return 5C04 Cardiff - Taunton maintenance move arriving in Taunton (for the West Somerset Railway at Bishop's Lydeard) at 18:28.
29/03 Test unit 950001 was back in the area arriving as 2Z08 06:00 Derby RTC - Temple Meads during the afternoon, before onward running to Westbury. The unit had visited the Sharpness branch (booked 09:45 - 09:49), Alstone C.S. (10:48 - 10:55), Gloucester, Tytherington and Westerleigh en-route. FLHH 66602 was on a double HOBC wagon move as 6Z85 09:45 Taunton Fairwater - Taunton Fairwater via Worle 10:33 -12 late) and Temple Meads arriving at 11:06 (7 late), then departing at 11:34 (I early) being routed onwards via Bath and Westbury. The second working was a 6Z86 14:30 Taunton Fairwater - Taunton Fairwater being noted in Temple Meads at 17:20 and arriving back in Taunton at 19:20 - 57 late. 67022 + 67017 were on the DBS First/GW 'hire' service, whilst 57302 + 57312 were in use on the GBRf train. With 57312 needed for First/GW sleeper duty, and running 0Z40 15:30 Taunton - Penzance light-engine, the GBRf loco and coach 'hire' was terminated at Taunton following arrival off the 2C79 14:00 departure from Cardiff Central. Unit 150266 continued the diagram as booked, starting with the 2U24 16:16 Taunton - Cardiff Central and returning with the 2C89 19:00 Cardiff - Taunton (arriving at 21:00 - 10 early!).
30/03 Early hour activity saw: 66030 depart Temple Meads at 00:44 (6 early) on 6Z18 17:50 Grimsby Brick pit siding - Par empty MEAs and 57603 reported Bath at 01:44 and Bridgwater at 02:22 with the 1C99 Paddington - Penzance First/GW sleeper service. The up 1A40 23:45 Penzance - Paddington sleeper was heavily delayed formed with 57312 top n'tailing 57602 (which had suffered a coolant leak at Penzance), not departing Plymouth until 01:00 (69 late). Later test unit 950001 continued west as 2Z08 06:07 Temple Meads - Plymouth (via Westbury, Whatley and Merehead quarries and via Bath) being recorded at Taunton at 09:25 (39 early). 150239 + 150232 started the day on the Class 57 loco-hauled diagram from the 2U14 11:02 Taunton - Cardiff Central service onwards, being used to rescue passengers at Highbridge whilst working the 2C79 14:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton following the failure of 221131 on the 1V66 12:07 Manchester Piccadilly - Exeter Arriva XC service in the area with passengers having been de-trained and the Voyager moved into the up loop for attention. 57306 worked 0Z57 18:50 Cardiff Canton - Taunton light-engine (passing Pilning at 20:10 and Dr.Day's junction 20:22 - 8 early), to join 57302 at Taunton and cover for 57312 needed on the First/GW sleeper. Two evening freight reports were: Bardon-blue liveried 66623 with 6M37 Westbury (La Farge) - Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties (via Day's curve) and 66171 reported Bridgwater at 23:38 (9 late) on the 6C99 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight.
31/03 66596 passed Bridgwater at 07:38 on the 6V21 Hope (Earles sidings) - Moorswater cement, the 6M67 Bridgwater - Crewe nuclear flasks passed Filton at 14:09 headed by 66427 + 66423 and 66621 was later reported passing Parsons Street at 22:21 (19 early) on 6Z59 Thorney Mill - Burngullow sand empties. 57302 + 57306 were on the day's First/GW GBRf loco and stock diagram.
At the end of the month, the first rail strike for 16 years was announced for early April, following the Easter period, relating to safety issues and job losses.

Cardiff

08/03 Locos stabled at Central station were DRS 66431 and an 'almost forgotten' former Advenza 57005. Vandalism in the Pontyclun area during the early afternoon was reported to have caused some delays to a number of services.

Gloucester

03/03 The 6V73 Crewe Coal sidings - Berkeley CEGB with a single FNA flask wagon (550060) was worked by 20304 + 20301 being recorded passing Ashchurch at 07:45 and during the loco run-round at Sharpness from 08:31 - 08:47 (booked here as 08:45 - 09:00). The return 6M56 13:41 to Crewe departed in access of an hour early.
08/03 37423 + 37087 were paired on the 6V73/6M56 Berkeley CEGB nuclear flask trip, the return working passing Cam at 13:50.
09/03 66097 ran 0B36 Didcot - Ashchurch light-engine (noted through Cheltenham at 09:20) for the return 6A36 MoD trip.
10/03 It was a repeat appearance for 20301 + 20304 on the Berkeley flask trip. 66097 was again involved with the Ashchurch MoD trip, this time returning as 0A36 light-engine to Didcot passing Standish junction at 12:13.
11/03 66079 was on as additional 6X36 07:32 Didcot - Ashchurch MoD move, being reported as passing Swindon at 08:20.
17/03 20301 + 20304 put in a third appearance on the morning Berkeley CEGB flask trip.
18/03 66192 was on the 6B36 Didcot - Ashchurch MoD trip.
19/03 37087 + 37510 were paired on the Berkely CEGB nuclear flask trip from Crewe. For the Cheltenham Gold Cup (also see Bristol Parkway, Pilning and Westerleigh Notes & News) a 1Z88 Victoria - Cheltenham VSOE was top n'tailed by 67003 + 67029 with c/stock: 99545, Lucille, Ibis, Gwen, Cygnus, Phoenix, Audrey, Ione, Zena, 6313 (being noted through Swindon at 09:37 and routed via Kemble).
24/03 66154 was the 6B36 Didcot - Ashchurch MoD trip.
Concerns have been raised, with climate change of the possible flooding on the low-lying Gloucester - Severn Tunnel junction railway and the main A48 road transport links. Steps are being taken at 'danger spots' on the A48 road such as Newnham-on-Severn but the local district council are unhappy that no work is to take place in protecting the important railway line. The Environment Agency will be contacted with a request to improve their Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan which is being drawn up to protect land from the River Severn for the next 100 years. The multi million pound scheme will build up defences on the 18 mile shoreline between Minsterworth and Chepstow, with particular attention taking place at Newnham and planned water retreats at Awre and Woolaston where few buildings are present.

Newport

03/03 A return 6W55 Westbury - Westbury (via Cwmgwrach) departmental was top n'tailed with 66068 + 66121 through at 07:52.
04/03 Another return overnight departmental, 6W60 again from Westbury - Westbury (via Llandeilo Junction) passed at 08:12 with 66248, whilst earlier DRS 66431 was noted at 07:14 on a 6Z72 Tyne dock - Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap train.
05/03 The NRMT HST train, with power cars 43013 + 43014 passed at 08:18 with the outward 1Z20 Old Oak Common - Derby RTC (via Swansea). Another departmental recorded was: 31105 at 06:33 with a 4Z09 Swansea - Bristol East depot (with departmental c/stock: 6263, 99602, 9703).
06/03 66248 + 66250 were added to 66001 at the front of the 6M60 (SO) Exeter - Bescot (downside) freight service, onwards from Newport. 66031 was on a Pathfinder's 'Heart of Wales Wanderer' trip (1Z47 Paddington - Llandrindod Wells).
08/03 57313 worked the 1W91 16:15 Cardiff - Holyhead Arriva XC service.
09/03 66137 departed Llanwern at 09:44 (85 minutes late) on the 6B49 steel service to Swindon Stores yard.
13/03 The Saturday's only 6M60, which arrived in Newport at 06:50, again departed treble headed this time with 66063 + 66119 + 66141. A 0F75 Margam - Westbury light-engine move passed Newport at 09:16, formed 66023 + 66135 + 66027 + 66137. Both mainlines were reported as closed at East Usk for track work.
15/03 The 6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh fuel tanks were noted headed by 59205 + 66137 running 70 minutes late. 57315 worked the 1W91 16:15 Cardiff - Holyhead Arriva XC service.
16/03 60051 arrived in the area as 0V19 Immingham - Llanwern light-engine (for Alexandra Dock junction). The Class 60 later ran 0C41 Newport ADJ - Westbury light with 66101 in the path of the afternoon departmental service.
22/03 60051 was back in South Wales having arrived as 0A53 light-engine from Acton yard. Later, the loco worked 6M86 Llanwern - Dee Marsh and 6V70 20:39 Dee Marsh - Margam steel services.
29/03 FLHH 66616 working a 6Z47 Humberstone Road - Neath Abbey Wharf train of stone empties passing Newport at 09:57.

Portbury Branch line

02/03 The morning car loco 66140 ran 0D09 09:00 Portbury auto terminal - Avonmouth light (passing Temple Meads at 10:01-22 late) to handle the Barton Hill HTA coal wagon 'cripple' trip.
04/03 70003 and 70004 were frequent visitors over the branch line during the month, the former powering the day's 6Z69 01:00 Portbury - Rugeley B power station coal on this date, which later returns as 4Z70 08:56 Rugeley B power station - Stoke Gifford yard empties.
26/03 Observations at Ashton Gate recorded: 70003 with 6M55 07:00 Portbury - Rugeley PS loaded coal (held 07:04-07:31, due to the driver being unable to open the token cabin door due to overnight vandalism !), 70004 on 6M61 08:25 Portbury - Rugeley PS loaded coal (08:26) and 66156 at the head of the 6V51 03:06 Warrington - Portbury export cars (09:20).
Locos recorded on coal duty during the month have included: 66585. 70003/004. No DBS locos were reported here on coal duty over the four week period.

Units seen during the month

142001/030.
143603/604/612/617/618/620/621.
150121/127/219/232/233/234/239/244/246/248/249/265/266/267/278/279/281.
153329/373/377/380/382.
158749/766/767/769/798/950/951/953/955/957/958.
159012/103/105.
220002/006/007/009/011/012/020/022/023/024/027/028.
221122/123/127/128/129/131/137/138/141.
950001.
Arriva XC HST power cars: 43207/285/303/304/357/366/378/384.
First/GW SWT 'hire' (including units/dates missed from the March 2010 Magazine): 158880 (30/12/09), 158881 (01/12/09), 158883 (26/03/10), 158885 (16/03/10), 158886 (04/12/09), 158889 (08/12/09).

STOCK ALTERATIONS

Locomotives

66434 - Returned to DRS
WDAM DBS Class 59 Energy

Stored
66301-305 (Jarvis in administration)
BH: 37029/415/428. CE: 67011/016. TO: 08676. Dagenham: 47811.

Traffic
08633 -TO (Hinksey Yard), 08711 -TO (Kingmoor Yard),
60051/071/085 -TO, 67022 -CE

Disposals
EMR: 47525
Booth: 47363/489/707/716/972. 56134

Renumbered
66410 - 66845 (Colas), 86232 - 0450-003-3 (Floyd)

Diesel Multiple Units

Registered
51933 + 56504 -HQ

Electric Multiple Units

Stored
313110/116/117 -ZN, 121/122 -PRDC(WN)
421881 -BH

Traffic
313203/207/212 -BI
321430 -IL

New Stock
378022/023/024 -WN

Coaching & NPCC Stock

Registered
9406(9106/IU)/9423(IU). 13227. 14099(17099). 15745. 17064 -HQ

Transfers
40718 -LA, 40809/810/811 -OO

Stored
LA: 40709/738/744/745. LM: 10709. NL: 42324. WA: 3228/44. 5911.

Traffic
40102/117/119 -OO, 40732 -NL

Disposals
Booth: 17161. 975699/700/714/724/734/744/906/907
Finnies: 5812/97 @IS

4V50/4O51 Southampton - Wentlooge containers
01/03 66955. 02/03 66533. 03/03 66587. 05/03 66536. 08/03 66534.
09/03 66575. 10/03 66533. 11/03 66588. 12/03 66534. 15/03 66594.
16/03 66570. 17/03 66588. 18/03 66538. 19/02 66532. 22/03 66538.
23/03 66503. 24/03 66567. 25/03 66571. 26/03 66532. 29/03 66571.
30/03 66516. 31/03 66564.
Note: 04/03 On this date the service was confirmed as caped.
4V60 Calvert - Bristol Barrow Road binliner
03/03 66554. 05/03 66553. 12/03 66553. 18/03 66510. 19/03 66510.

6M55 06:44 Avonmouth - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal
02/03 70003. 09/03 70006+66583. 11/03 70003. 15/03 70006.
16/03 70006. 17/03 70006.

6M55 07:00 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal
18/03 66585. 22/03 70004. 24/03 70003. 25/03 70003. 26/03 70003.

6M61 08:26 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal
26/03 70004.

6M04 10:30 Portbury P.S. - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal
22/03 70003. 23/03 70003. 24/03 70004. 25/03 70004.

4Z70 Rugeley 'B' P.S - Stoke Gifford coal empties
02/03 70002*. 03-05/03 70003. 04/03 70003. 05/03 70003. 09/03 70003.
10/03 70003. 15-19/03 70003. 30/03 70003.
Note: 70002 failed in the Cheltenham area, being assisted forward by 66585.

6A21 Pengam - Theale loaded stone
09/03 66614. 16/03 66510. 23/03 66553. 30/03 66616.

LOCAL DBS (EWS) WORKINGS

6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh fuel oil
01-06/03 66007+66017. 08/03 66204+66007. 09/03 66007+66204. 10/03 66087+66182.
11-13/03 59205+66067. 14/03 59205+66137. 15/03 59205+66137. 16/03 59205+66007.
17/03 59205+66137. 18/03 59205. 19/03 59205+66007. 22-25/03 59203+66165.
25/07 59203+66165. 26/03 59203+66165. 27/03 59203+66165. 29-31/03 59203+66165.

6E41 Westerleigh - Lindsey empty fuel tanks
01-03/03 60009. 04-06/03 60071. 08-11/03 60054. 12/03 60051. 15/03 60071.
16/03 60071. 18/03 60071. 19/03 60071. 20/03 60071. 23/03 60009.
25/03 60054. 26/03 60040. 27/03 60040. 29/03 60040. 30/03 60040.

6B49/6B50 Llanwern - Swindon loaded steel (TFO)
02/03 66113. 05/03 66059. 09/03 66137. 12/03 66137. 16/03 66164.
19/03 66139. 23/03 66185. 26/03 66069. 30/03 66002.

6B33 Theale - Robeston empty fuel tanks
02/03 66149. 04/03 66094. 03/03 66094. 06/03 66232. 09/03 66070.
11/03 66066. 13/03 66006+66180. 16/03 66006. 18/03 66158.
20/03 66176+66111. 30/03 66176.

6B83/6C83 Westbury - Machen - West Drayton ARC (*Acton as 6A83)
01/03 59202. 03/03 66065. 04/03 66031*. 08/03 59203*. 10/03 66178.
11/03 66160. 12/03 66121. 13/03 59102. 17/03 66178. 19/03 59204.
22/03 59205. 25/03 66063. 26/03 66031. 29/03 66121. 30/10 66099.
31/03 66111.
Notes: The train was confirmed as running as 6C83 12:40 Machen - Westbury on both 29/03 and 30/03. The train was confirmed as running as 6Z83 Machen - West Drayton on 25/03.

6V62 Eastleigh - Plymouth Tavistock yard fuel tanks (TO)
02/03 66040. 09/03 66055. 16/03 66154. 23/03 66145. 30/03 66009.

6X52 Portbury - Mossend / Warrington* loaded and empty car carriers
02/03 66140 03/03 66201. 09/03* 66149. 10/03 66144. 11/03 66074.
16/03 66004. 17/03 66004. 18/03 66144. 19/03 66177. 23/03 66156.
24/03 66238. 25/03 66186. 26/03 66156. 29/03 66156. 30/03 66159.
31/03 66104.
Note: Following reorganistion, the service ran for a short period from Warrington instead of Mossend.

6V78 Dolland's Moor - Margam export steel empties
02/03 66187. 03/03 66238. 06/03 66133. 10/03 66185. 13/03 66168.
16/03 66182. 17/03 66069. 20/03 66167. 24/03 66040. 27/03 66103.
31/03 66161.

6O78 Margam - Dolland's Moor export steel
03/03 66005. 26/03 66006. 28/03 66007.

6B35 Hayes - Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties
04/03 66187. 08/03 66237. 09/03 66069. 10/03 66027. 15/03 66103.
19/03 66250. 26/03 66115. 29/03 66115. 30/03 66237.

6B65 Westbury - Newport ADJ departmental
04/03 66152. 05/03 66152. 09/03 66152. 18/03 66160. 23/03 66160.
30/03 66018.

LOCAL DRS WORKINGS

6V74/6M67 Crewe coal sidings - Bridgwater - Crewe nuclear flasks
02/03 66427+66423. 09/03 20301+20304*. 18/03 57008+57009.
31/03 66427+66423.
Note: * This was the first Class 20 pairing on this service since 28/05/09.

FREIGHT REVIEW

Hello, and welcome to another little glimpse into the freight side of the railways. Starting on 24th April and a day at Peterborough - it was a Saturday and a couple of fellow enthusiasts were having a trip over so I decided to join them. Not a busy day for freight, but there were a few and there were plenty of locos parked about the yard area. Locos noted on the way in were 66166, 66714, 66721, 66722, 66719, 66200, 66074, 66057 and 66130. The freight noted were as follows: 66538 with the following train in tow: 640288/ 287/ 375/ 376/ 277/ 278/ 475/ 476/ 049/ 050, 608361/ 7041/ 7183/ 8362/ 8017/ 8018, 641051, 33.68.4943.091/ 093, 33.68.4909.770. Another Freightliner then followed with 66593+66569 at the head and the following consist: 606157/ 158, 608019/ 006/ 394/ 320/ 200/ 507/ 424/ 7072/ 087/ 8423/ 533/ 060/ 323/ 404, 640034/ 033, 33.68.4943.065, 33.68.4909.450. This was followed by 66109 on the Plasmor service consisting of the following vehicles: 5422, 5269, 5289, 5284, 5425, 4675, 5428, 5281, 4694, 5432, 5282, 4688, 5421, 5439, 4693, 4685, 5271, 4679, 5270, 5419, 4682, 5272, 4676, 5285. A couple of other container workings were noted heading by 66106 and 66565 respectively but, due to my location on the station, vehicle identification was not possible. Incidentally, there was a charter service noted that day headed by 37059+20305 on the front and 37423 on the rear. For those interested, the stock was as follows: 99680, 3115, 99348, 1861, 5419, 5478, 99328, 4940, 4960, 4984 and 9440 -- a motley collection if ever there was one! Moving forward now to 27th April and I was spending five days at Christchurch in Dorset visiting my sister, so decided to have a few hours at Eastleigh -- in fact only about three hours (11.15 to 14.15) -- but it was a busy period. Noted first was 66558 on the following Freightliner: 608504/ 145, 92615, 640195/ 196, 93469, 608175/ 176/ 151/ 152, 640161/ 162. Next up was 66115 with the following MoD working: 95502, 95523, 95575, 95288, 95547, 95514, 95273, 95286. The Hanson/Mendip Rail service from Botley was next to be noted hauled by 59004, consisting of: 3268, 3975, 3967, 3952, 3946, 3917, 3900, 3959, 3305, 3303, 3295, 3315, 3291, 3982, 3985, 3961. The shunter on this particular day was 08904 and the first rake of wagons it appeared with consisted of: 110375, 979078, 979057, 979058 and 979082 - a partial rake of welded rail carriers - 110375 was a rather interesting vehicle being an OBA Chute Wagon consisting of machinery for moving the welded rail from their vehicles. The 08 then appeared with 380503/ 612/ 610/ 611/ 539, 12952/ 76/ 81/ 52/ 93, 32.70.5892.027/ 021 in tow! Another MoD working then passed into the yard headed by 66069 with the following train: 610081/ 82/ 97/ 98, 93483, 95263, 95260 -- the 08 shunted four-wheel tanks 56139, 56131 and 56039 on to the rear of this working before it continued it's journey north. Yet another MoD working quickly appeared with 66050 in charge, with the following consist: 610220/ 219/ 329/ 330/ 113/ 112/ 021/ 022. Not too far behind was 66150 with a Southampton-bound container service utilising the following vehicles: 609022/ 069/ 089/ 084/ 025/ 075/ 028/ 081/ 094/ 032/ 082/ 093/ 085, 610088/ 087/ 021/ 022/ 039/ 040. The movements continued with 66193+66085 on the following Engineers' train: 29124/ 028/ 495/ 011/ 354/ 329/ 098/ 152/ 472/ 079/ 141/ 163/ 334/ 335/ 278/ 338/ 013, 996446, 996554, 996692, 996612, 396143, 391509, 394989 -- fortunately the train passed through quite slowly into the yard heading north! Another Engineers' service was next headed by 66050 -- returning south after taking one of the MoD trains into the yard. This time heading round the Portsmouth line with the following: 500119/ 104/ 070/ 055/ 127/ 084, 182, 086. A Freightliner service then appeared with 66558 at the head, with the following vehicles: 640402/ 401/ 191/ 192, 606137/ 138/ 134/ 133, 608219/ 220/ 117/ 118/ 131/ 132, 93427, 93295, 92561, 97755/ 28 / 22/ 37/ 59. The final freight I noted was 66006 with the following three vehicles in tow: 500358/ 354, 32.70.5892.025. Quite a busy period and well worth the effort. Noted at Southampton Maritime en route were Freightliner locos 08745, 08545 and 66543. There was a third 08 but this was parked behind a wall so was not identified. A couple of days later 66551 was noted passing through Poole at 1540 with the empty Freightliner Heavy Haul aggregate vehicles heading for Wool, between Wareham and Dorchester. And finally for this effort on 5th May whilst having my lunch break at work by Humberstone Road yard, 20905+20901 top and tailed with 20142+20189 were noted passing southbound with the Underground stock movement train. Cracking sight! That's it for this time. Have fun until next time!!

MISCELLANEOUS

Keynsham Station
Following a six year town council driven campaign, an agreement has been reached to construct a disabled access ramp on the down-side of the station. A First GW funded scheme for the station last year was rejected by the Department for Transport who will now provide the £100,000 needed following the resubmission of the plans. £50,000 is also to be provided by the Bath & North-East Somerset Council and £50,000 from First/GW to go with the £200,000 raised by the campaign group towards the project.

Toton
It is reported that land opposite the depot has been sold for the building over the next 5 years, of 5,000 eco homes and a link road 'flyover'. In the current approach road area, five of the seven terraced houses as well as the scrap yard have been purchased and land around the wagon repair depot which is also sold, has already been cleared. Once the remaining two homeowners have sold up, the whole area will be completely cleared and redeveloped. The road entrance into the depot at this location will also close.

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

Bristol Harbour Railway (R.W.Giles) 21/03/10
No.34 Portbury (AE 1764/17) was seen on a passenger train from the Industrial Museum near the Create Centre on the former Wapping Wharf branch at 13:00. It is reported that the newly refurbished museum
(to be known as the 'M Shed') with the building work completed, will be handed over in early July, the work which is understood to be substantially over budget, costing £26 million. A new rapid transport 'bendy bus' stop is expected to be added at this location at a later date.

Road Movement
Class 33, 33057 in grey under coat (ex. WSR) northbound M5 junction 20, Clevedon at 16:15.

Joe Nemeth Engineering, Washingpool Farm, Easter Compton (near Bristol)
Following last year's successful site open day an open vintage transport weekend is to be held over 2nd-3rd October 2010. This year's visiting locos are expected to include 2ft gauge, Max (0-6-0ST, OK 10750/23) from Graham Lee's, Statfold Barn Railway. A 1940's themed evening dance party event is planned to close the first day.

DEPARTMENTALS & TRACK MACHINES

01/03 M5 south-bound, Avonmouth Bridge:- 77327 (on Allelys road haulier trailer) at 13:15.
02/03 Swindon Transfer yard:- Loram rail-grinder: 79251 - 79257.
03/03 Berkeley CEGB (Wanswell):- Quattro-rail r/r excavators: 472. 474. trailer: 560.
06/03 Bristol Marsh junction (view): 76309. DR76318.
08/03 Yatton 'downside':- Quattro-rail r/r excavator: 243. trailer: 096 (99709 010239-0).
14/03 Congresbury: - Around 02:30 a gang of thieves attempted to remove a cash point machine from a petrol station on the Weston-super- Mare side of the village (close to the former 'Strawberry Line' railway station site) on the A370 road. Although the cash machine theft failed, stock was stolen from the forecourt shop. It is believed from viewing a local newspaper photo taken at the scene, Quattro-rail r/r excavator: 243 was used having been recorded at nearby Yatton station yard six days earlier.
27/03 Taunton Fairwater yard:- DR73113/115. 77903.