NOTES AND NEWS

Avonmouth

08/08 Centro ‘hire’ unit 150125 worked the 2K14 09:08 Temple Meads - Severn Beach and 2C71 09:46 return to Taunton First/GW services. 150127 later appeared at the Severnside terminus on the following 2K16 10:23 ex. Temple Meads working.

09/08 Freightliner Heavy-haul began serving Ironbridge P.S. from the port as 6M05 21:40 Avonmouth West Wharf - Ironbridge (the empties returning to Stoke Gifford sidings as 4V06 during the following day’s afternoon). 66599 worked the first train on this date.

15/08 A further Friends of Bristol Suburban Railway’s (FoSBR) organised promotional ‘treasure train’ ran using the 13:12 Temple Meads - Severn Beach and 14:13 return. Paddington Bear was on hand at Temple Meads to greet and wave off travelling children on each train whilst goody bags were distributed during the train journey.

18/08 66556 passed Brentry at 17:35 on Stoke Gifford - Avonmouth coal empties (4C05) returning at 21:58 on 6M05 loaded coal to Ironbridge P.S. A second early hours coal working (believed with a 03:40 departure) to the same location was also now reported as running, 66527 returning 4V57 Ironbridge P.S. - Stoke Gifford empties during the afternoon.

03/09 66601 worked a 6C23 07:29 Pengam - Avonmouth train of empty stone HIAs being recorded through Severn Tunnel Junction at 08:01. The return loaded service to Crawley was noted passing Brentry at 14:29. The same loco was also reported here two day’s earlier again on stone duty, assumed to be on the same diagram.

07/09 A second operator (following on from Freightliner Heavy-haul during May) was allowed to use the National Power loading silos solely used by DBS (EWS) up until this year. GBRf 66403 (in former unbranded DRS blue) arrived on a 6V98 14:10 Shirebrook (W.H.Davies) - Avonmouth BBHt train of 21 empty IIA wagons (due 21:16, reported Longbridge at 18:29 and noted through Brentry at 20:50) now overhauled and converted to convey biomass (first reported in the August Magazine) each fitted with opening and closing tops. The VTG (Birmingham based leasing company) owned wagons, complete with GBRf branding were to undergo clearance tests under the silos over the following two weeks, 66730 also arriving as 0V97 18:06 Eastleigh - Avonmouth at 21:10 so the wagons could be moved in a top n’tail formation over the following days.

08/09 66605 was noted in the Bennett’s/West Wharf area on a stone train being loaded at 09:30. This working had earlier arrived as 6C38 empties from Pengam (reported Newport at 07:38).

09/09 The GBRf biomass wagon tests continued being completed today at 16:55. It was noticed the ‘trials’ were commencing around 12:00, following the end of the day’s DBS coal loading.

10/09 66616 arrived during the morning around 08:30 on 6Z38 04:25 Dagenham - Avonmouth West Wharf stone empties. 

Civil engineering companies Costain and Bam Nuttell have been jointly appointed to construct the new £500 million deep-water port at Avonmouth due to be opened, complete with a railway yard and associated loading facilities in 2015. Dredging specialists Westminster dredging and Van Oord are also involved with the work dealing with creating a new deeper shipping channel to the port as well as wall design for the new 1.2 kilometre long quay. The work is set to become the biggest West of England construction project over the coming years. River channel exploratory work, linked with the project was due to start in October.

Locos recorded on coal duty during the review period have included: 66076/080/095/136/139/66153/161/162/180/189/237. 66506/520/528/530/548/556/561/599/623/957.

Bristol Parkway , Pilning and Westerleigh

06/08 70003 + 66597 departed at 09:14 on an unidentified train of empty coal wagons destined for Crewe .

07/08 Saturday PW workings during the evening period included: 66615 on 6Y34 18:15 Westbury - Ashchurch autoballaster and 66161 on 6W31 17:44 Westbury yard - Westerleigh junction (noted passing Bathampton junction at 18:25), the return being routed via Hullavington. An earlier 6W30 14:39 Westbury yard - Chipping Sodbury train also ran with unidentified hauling power. A light-engine arrival at Stoke Gifford at 13:48 was 70004 running 0Z70 10:30 ex. Crewe Basford Hall yard being earlier reported through Little Mill junction at 12:56 (2 late).

08/08 Sunday loco stabling at Stoke Gifford found the following present: 66532, 66553, 66559, 66615 with 66530 attached to a train of empty wagons. Morning return PW trains saw: 66618 top n’tailing (tnt) 66585 on 6Y33 10:00 Cheltenham Alstone level crossing - Taunton Fairwater track replacement train and 66615 on 6Y34 11:30 Cheltenham Alstone level crossing - Westbury yard, which was later reported through Bath at 11:34. Return 5Z47 14:30 Newport East Usk - Southall railtour stock (also see Newport notes & news) was top n’tailed with 47760 + 47245 passing Filton Abbeywood at 15:05, and routed via Bath and Chippenham to Swindon .

09/08 66530 was on a 6B42 Stoke Gifford - Aberthaw stone working. Having run 0O66 12:00 Gloucester - Eastleigh light-engine, GBRf 66703 later returned passing Lawrence Hill at 19:40 on 4V66 17:10 Eastleigh Alston works - Worcester yard (due 20:50) stored wagon move. The working which arrived around 30 late at Parkway had earlier been reported through Romsey at 17:39 (6 late). The loco was reported to have worked a 21 empty coal wagon 6E53 Long Marston - Doncaster move during the following day. Seen this evening were 66553 arriving with mgr empties for Stoke Gifford yard, 66703 with a short rake of “Fastline” hoppers advised as being from Eastleigh destination Long Marston and finally a short Newport ADJ – Didcot service behind 66136.

12/08 66034 + 66221 top n’tailed a 6W60 05:30 Whitland - Eastleigh East yard cwr train passing Pilning at 09:11 (21 late) and later 66069 was reported through Westerleigh junction at 10:27 (389 late!) with the 6A11 Robeston - Theale loaded fuel tanks which had suffered a loco failure with 60013 earlier at Newport. There were just the two usual freight workings tonight, 66596 with empty mgr for Stoke Gifford yard and 66138 with the Newport ADJ – Didcot “ Enterprise ” service.

14/08 Locos reported stabled at Stoke Gifford during the day were: 66559, 66596, 66614, 66615, 70004. 66596 being an intermodal loco, had made the 0Z30 12:10 Bristol West Railport - Stoke Gifford (12:46) light-engine move (off the inward 4V30 container service) for week-end stabling. A Saturday evening PW report was 66250 on 6W30 Westbury - Chipping Sodbury empty bogie flats passing Parkway at 15:25 (9 early).

16/08 As per 12/8, 66596 mgr empties for the yard and 66162 with the Didcot bound service.

17/08 66610 was on a 6V87 Crawley - Stoke Gifford train of stone empties. 66082 worked the 6L97 Port Talbot (Grange sidings) - Lea Interchange ( Camden ) stone, reported with two wagons destined for Wembley and 13 for Acton .

19/08 66075 was on a morning 6V10 Dollands Moor - Barry docks freight service. During the evening 66527 with mgr empties also noted with a new “Freightliner” logo on one end plus smaller sized numbers.  The Newport ADJ service to Didcot was worked by 66139 at 20:22 and was routed to the up loop as the 20:00 Paddington HST had not arrived but was not far away.

21/08 Stabled in Stoke Gifford sidings during the day were: 66601, 66610, 66623, 70006. At 16:36, 66623 + 66601 + 66610 departed light-engine for Westbury and were reported through North Somerset junction at 17:06. Also during the early evening, a lightening strike in the Yate area caused a signalling black-out. At least one Arriva XC service (1E63 15:25 Plymouth - York ) was turned back and diverted via Newport (reverse) and Chepstow.

23/08 An early hours Avonmouth West Wharf - Ironbridge loaded coal service now returns as 4V57 empties to Stoke Gifford, 66957 being in charge of today’s working. Two other locos recorded on this train during the review period have been: 66506 (24/08) and 66623 (03/09). 66951 arrived with the mgr empties for the yard during the evening.

25/08 66607 worked a 6Z80 13:20 Dagenham - Cardiff Tidal empty scrap service.

27/08 66601 was on 6V87 Crawley - Stoke Gifford MJA stone empties.

28/08 Spitfire Tour’s ‘Devonian’ (1Z46 05:43 Preston - Paignton and 1Z47 16:40 return) was top n’tailed with DRS 47501 + 47712 throughout, departing Crewe at 07:23 (8 late), passing Pilning at 10:41 (32 late) and departing Temple Meads at 11:01 (36 late). The c/stock in use was recorded as follows, all in former Virgin red/grey except two: 5955, 6054, 5987, 5952, 6046, 1203 (former Inter-City livery), 3304, 3386, 3344, 3325, 3314, 3333, 17105 (all over blue livery). For the record the 1Z47 return was reported through Patchway at 18:55.

Earlier, 66620 was on an afternoon 6V87 Angerstein Wharf - Pengam train of stone empties. There were problems on Filton bank during the afternoon with the failure of 66193 on the 6B86 13:00 Portbury - Aberthaw coal working formed with 21 HTAs, loaded to 2,050 tonnes. Locating a rescue loco was a problem, even a Class 59 assumed from Westbury was believed under consideration! but Freightliner 66510 was eventually used to drag the train to Parkway arriving here at 17:20.

Some single line working was introduced as well as cancellations and diversions including the 1S51 12:23 Plymouth - Glasgow Central Arriva XC Voyager service (14:41 off Temple Meads ) routed via Bath and Swindon (reverse) then onwards via the Stroud Valley . It is sad to report that the diversionary route knowledge via Clifton Down and Avonmouth has now lapsed for Arriva XC train crews.

29/08 Stoke Gifford sidings held the following during the morning period: 66510, 66561, 66607, 66623 with 66601 and 66617 both afternoon arrivals.

30/08 The 6B86 13:00 Portbury - Aberthaw loaded coal service, which had failed with 66193 two days earlier, was noted departing Parkway during the morning (with the 66 still attached to the rear) heading towards South Wales with unidentified hauling power.

01/09 70006 worked 4V05 20:20 Rugeley P.S. - Stoke Gifford coal empties being reported Hereford at 12:25 (8 early) and booked into Bristol at 00:23.

03/09 66510 worked 6O03 00:46 Stoke Gifford - Crawley loaded stone.

06/09 The 6B13 arrived at Westerleigh headed by 59202 and formed with 29 bogie tank wagons.

11/09 The 6E41 return Lindsey fuel empties with 60073 departed at 11:35 (73 late) due to a outlet valve problem on one of the tank wagons not being secured.

13/09 70006 was reported as stabled in Stoke Gifford sidings. Test unit 950001 arrived back in the area as 2Q08 ex.RTC Derby (via Sharpness) being reported as arriving at Yate Middle at 12:42 to collect a DBS pilotman, then departing for Tytherington quarry at 12:57.

Bristol Temple Meads, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road

01/08 The Sunday Arriva XC HST diagrams were covered with the following power cars and coaching sets: 43303 XC03 43384 - 1V56 08:50 Edinburgh - Plymouth / 1E75 18:23 Plymouth - Leeds, 43321 XC04 43207 10:23 Plymouth - Edinburgh Waverley, 43357 XC05 43378 1V46 08:10 Leeds - Plymouth / 1E63 15:23 Plymouth - York, 43366 XC02 1S55 43304 11:35 Newquay - Edinburgh. Returning PW workings through Dr Day’s curve included: 66176 tnt 66186 - 6W01 15:45 Heath junction - Westbury, 66066 - 6W03 07:30 Cardiff Rhymney River bridge - Westbury, 66014 - 6W04 08:00 Cardiff Rhymney River bridge - Westbury, 66171 - 6W06 13:00 Cardiff Rhymney River bridge - Westbury, 66039 - 6W09 14:16 Cardiff Rhymney River bridge - Westbury. A 6W07 16:30 Cardiff Rhymney River bridge - Westbury was also reported as a runner with unidentified hauling power. The days Torbay Express steam hauled trip to Kingswear was cancelled.

02/08 The 2C79 14:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service was noted routed via Bristol Parkway , with 67016 leading and 67018 on the rear. 67017 + 67029 were working the other diagram (Paignton) during the day. A check on the day’s Arriva XC HST diagrams found the following in use: 43303 XC03 43384 - 1V44 06:00 Leeds - Plymouth / 1S51 12:23 Plymouth - Glasgow Central, 43378 XC05 43357 - 1V46 06:32 York - Plymouth / 1S55 13:23 Plymouth - Edinburgh Waverley, 43285 XC02 43366 1V50 08:50 Edinburgh - Plymouth / 1E63 15:23 Plymouth - Leeds.

03/08 Two returning morning PW workings were: 66057 tnt 66091on 6W50 Westbury - Westbury (via a reverse at Kidwelly) passing Stapleton Road at 07:38 and 66186 tnt 66250 with 6W51 05:45 Pembroke dock Eastleigh yard (reported through Newport at 08:49). Later, the 6B65 Westbury - Newport ADJ departmental was recorded passing Stapleton Road at 11:11 headed by 66097 + 59201 + 60049 with 15 MRAs (loaded with ballast) + 4 YWAs (empty). A major track circuit failure at Pangbourne saw some late First/GW HST arrivals from the Capital.

04/08 A DRS 0Z70 Crewe - Plymouth route refresher light-engine was in the hands of 66422 being routed via the Newton Abbot - Paignton branch line. The afternoon 6C41 Newport ADJ - Westbury departmental was headed by 66097 + 59201 whilst later, 66618 + 66556 top n’tailed a 6Y33 Taunton Fairwater - Cholsey HOBC through Yatton at 18:36.

05/08 DRS 66422 returned as 0Z71 Plymouth - Temple Meads , passing Parson’s Street at 12:43 (2 late) being later needed to work a scrap service from Cardiff Tidal sidings. Steam loco 44932 made it’s mainline preservation debut in Bristol on a Steam Dream’s ‘Cathedral Express’ (1Z94 10:09 Waterloo - Temple Meads and 1Z95 17:40 return), the c/stock in use being: 99035 (loco support), 5171, 5200, 5216, 1840, 13440, 9104, 99127, 99327, 1961, 5237, 5236. The inward train was noted at Twerton near Bath at 14:46 around 15 minutes late, however the return working (which departed Bath at 18:10 - 12 late) caused problems with a trackside bank fire on the Bristol side of Saltford tunnel. The fire brigade were alerted by rail photographers on the nearby World’s End occupation bridge but there were problems reaching the site across fields. The mainline was not closed, trains being allowed to pass at caution at a reduced speed until the fire was brought completely under control. However, 292 minutes of delays were logged because of the incident.

06/08 A theft of a lengthy stretch of copper signalling cable just after midnight at Tilehurst near Reading caused some late running of up to 20 minutes with services having to use the relief lines. The cabling was not easy to replace, being reported to be of a thicker diameter than standard installation, but could be easier to locate if offered for sale. Also, following unspecified problems, 67029 + 67017 (with c/stock: 9520, 6064, 6046, 6117) were only able to return the 2C67 08:00 Cardiff Central - Paignton to Bristol , the journey to Exeter being cancelled. However, 142064 continued the working to Paignton from Exeter and back for 150121 to work the 2U20 12:47 Paignton - Cardiff Central return to Temple Meads, where the Class 67s were reported to have taken over completing the day’s diagram.

07/08 Pathfinder Tour’s ‘York Moors & Tall Ships’ (1Z24 05:38 Temple Meads - Stockton and 1Z25 17:05 return) arrived as 5Z24 02:50 ECS ex.Eastleigh behind main train loco EWS silver 67029 (passing North Somerset junction at 04:30 - 6 late). The train whose c/stock was recorded as: 5276, 4998, 4902, 3121, 1863, 3147, 3107, 3098, 3144, 80041, 3146, 3141, 21245 returned via Banbury, Oxford , Swindon and Bath to Temple Meads in the early hours of the following day. 67017 was on the Saturday’s only ‘Bucket & Spade’ First/GW ‘relief’ (2O72/2V67) to/from Weymouth with c/stock: 9520, 6064, 6046, 6117. Centro Train’s First/GW ‘hire’ unit 150125 was recorded on a Cardiff - Bristol - Taunton diagram during the day and 66576 passed Temple Meads at 16:48 on 4V32 Felixstowe/Ipswich - Bristol West ‘Railport’ loaded containers, having been earlier reported through Gospel Oak (North London) at 12:34. Over at Bristol East depot, rail grinder DR73921-927 arrived as a 6Z01 morning move from Cogan junction, via Day’s curve.

08/08 Steam 71000 Duke of Gloucester failed with a wheel-flat on it’s trailing pony truck, DBS livered 67018 standing in on the day’s ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return) using c/stock: 21272, 3110, 3140, 3112, 3122, 1692, 5009, 4927, 5040, 5350. Also during the day, the 1C07 09:00 Paddington - Weston-super-Mare First/GW HST (formed 43155 LA01 43190) was delayed at Swindon for 14 minutes whilst BT Police were called to eject 14 Millwall football fans from the first class section (where the communication cord had been pulled), travelling to watch their team play Bristol City. During the evening, the 67029 returned the previous day’s railtour ECS as 5Z25 18:37 Bristol TM (not East depot as booked) - Eastleigh . The stock had been stabled on the down through line, the Class 67 attached to the correct end prior to departure.

09/08 A new week and the following were on the First/GW DBS loco and stock ‘hire’ diagrams: 67018 + 67016 (Bristol-Taunton) and 67017 + 67029 (Bristol-Cardiff-Paignton). However, 67018 + 67016 were back on Barton Hill depot by the early afternoon, 150239 having taken over the diagram from the 2U24 16:16 Taunton - Cardiff Central service onwards. 67018 had been removed from the coaches and later ran 0Z67 20:17 Barton Hill - Aberthaw (passing Filton at 20:24) and 0Z66 22:40 Aberthaw reception sidings - Barton Hill light-engine, believed to be maintenance ‘shakedown’/driver route refresher trip. Also, 67027 had earlier arrived as 0Z67 light-engine from Eastleigh . On the freight side the morning departures from Bristol West ‘Ralport’ were as follows: 66532 - 4L30 10:00 to Felixstowe (via Parkway) and 66576 - 4O24 11:00 to Grain (via Bath ).

10/08 67027 replaced 67018 (which had failed) on the Bristol - Cardiff - Taunton diagram using the former Anglian livered (CF04) c/stock: 9527, 5985, 6042, 5998.

11/08 Steam loco 71000 Duke of Gloucester was reported as at St. Phillips Marsh for wheel lathe attention. The four locos reported in the DBS / First/GW hire pool (WENA)on this date were as follows: 67016, 67017, 67018, 67029.

13/08 Green livered 47815 was recorded shunting the Torbay Express stock between Temple Meads and Barton Hill at 09:10.

14/08 67017 was on the 2O72/2V67 Bristol - Weymouth and return First/GW ‘relief’ diagram. Steam loco and support coach moves into Bristol saw: 6024 King Edward I arrive at 14:04 in Temple Meads on 5Z29 12:15 Yeovil junction - Barton Hill and 5029 Nunney Castle arriving later at 17:12 on 5Z38 12:00 Tyseley - Barton Hill positioning moves for railtour duty from Bristol the following day. Railtour stock arrived for the following day’s Weymouth outing at 19:07 (13 late) behind West Coast 37706, being booked to return as 5Z28 09:42 Temple Meads - Southall on 16/08, but this was changed, the stock being returned after the Weymouth trip was completed, back to Southall on 15/08. The coaches were originally planned to be moved from and returned to Carnforth. On the freight side, 66533 arrived down on time at 18:17 at Bristol West ‘Railport’ on 4V30 11:11 (SO) containers ex. Ipswich yard being routed via the GWML and Bath .

15/08 There were two morning steam departures from Bristol , luckily in opposite directions as the same reporting head code were believed carried by each! (?) 6024 King Edward I was on the regular Torbay Express (1Z27 09:15 Bristol - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return), whilst 5029 Nunney Castle worked the inaugural Railway Touring Company ‘Weymouth Seaside special’ (1Z27 09:25 Temple Meads - Weymouth and 1Z28 17:10 return), the c/stock formation for the latter being: 35461 (loco support), 9392, 3136?, 99371, 99127, 1840, 5216, 5200, 5171. The Weymouth train was in fact delayed prior to departure (being noted near Keynsham at 10:01) as the ECS was berthed in platform 15, one of the Temple Meads platforms not cleared for steam loco use! Also noted near Keynsham were three returning PW workings: 66615 - 6Y26 08:45 Berkeley Road junction - Westbury (09:26), 66066 - 6W01 08:00 Cardiff Rhymney River bridge - Westbury (10:10) and 59001 - 6W09 10:17 Filton West junction - Westbury (10:17). The later was running well over 120 minutes late and booked to run via Avonmouth, although this was unconfirmed on the day. Later, 66099 passed at 12:22 on a 5Z66 10:50 Eastleigh - Barton Hill ECS move, bringing in more coaches for use on the Dawlish Carnival ‘reliefs’ planned for later in the following week.

16/08 67028 + 67017 (Paignton) and 67028 + 67029 ( Taunton ) were on the loco and coach diagrams.

17/08 A morning bridge strike at Bedminster affected services including the 2Y10 09:12 Bristol Parkway - Weston-super-Mare service which was terminated at Temple Meads . Later, the 2C67 08:00 Cardiff - Paignton was reported to have run non stop between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare to recover time. Several other services including at least 2 Arriva XC trains were diverted via Westbury. During the evening, a 6Y11 Taunton Fairwater - Berkeley Road junction track replacement train was noted top n’tailed with 66618 + 66599 and 66037 was on the 6C99 21:47 Newport ADJ St. Blazey freight routed via Day’s curve and Bath . Having arrived earlier in the day on a 3Z07 test train from Derby , 31106 (with dept c/stock: 72631, 999606, 9714) worked out and back from Bristol returning as 3Z18 21:06 Swindon - Barton Hill (reported through Bath at 22:26).

18/08 31106 was noted on Barton Hill depot at 07:00 with a test train and later 67023 arrived on a 1V80 VSOE working from Victoria - Bath/Bristol.

19/08 70004 failed alongside Barton Hill depot at 11:15 with the 6M04 10:50 Portbury - Rugeley P.S loaded coal, 66083 (which had arrived in the area on the inward car train from Warrington) was summoned to assist the working forward arriving in Stoke Gifford at 12:45. Both loco hauled coaching stock sets were involved with Dawlish Carnival & air show shuttle workings. 67017 + 67028 on the 2Z10 09:12 Parkway - Weston-super-Mare service was extended onwards to Newton Abbot, the train then running 2Z11(12:08), 2Z13 (13:45), 2Z15 (17:31), Newton Abbot - Exeter , 2Z12 (12:50), 2Z14 (16:49) return, then 2Z16 18:26 Exeter - Paignton and 2Z17 19:23 return, before a 5Z17 20:30 Exeter -Barton Hill ECS move. Meanwhile, 67016 + 67027 having worked the 2Z67 08:00 Cardiff Central - Paignton service, also started on ‘shuttle’ workings as 2Z68 (11:22), 2Z70 (13:12), 2Z72 (16:11), 2Z74 (18:06) Newton Abbot - Exeter and 2Z69 (12:15), 2Z71 (15:25), 2Z73 (17:15) returns for a 18:49 5Z74 return ECS to Barton Hill. SWT’s provided 159108 to cover the 2U14 11:02 and 2U24 16:16 Taunton - Cardiff services and return 2C79 14:00 and 2C89 19:00 Cardiff - Tauntons, whilst 159003 worked the 2U20 12:47 Paignton - Cardiff service and continued during the day on the rest of that diagram.

21/08 67028 worked the Saturday’s only 2O72/2V67 First/GW ‘hire’ Weymouth seaside reliefs. A Pathfinder Tour’s ‘Tamar Tornado III’, involving haulage by steam 60163 Tornado was cancelled, the loco being out of service. Some Saturday engineering reports included: 66227 - 6W31 Westbuy - Westerleigh junction, 59001 - 6W42 Westbury - Filton West junction (via Bristol Parkway, noted here in platform 4 art 22:40), 66528 tnt 66520 - 6Y33 Taunton Fairwater yard - Ashchurch, 66618 tnt 66599 - 6Y11 Taunton Fairwater - Ashchurch, the latter two being for a worksite at Eckington.

22/08 The ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return) was worked by 6024 King Edward I.

23/08 Both the overnight First/GW sleeper services were reported as diverted via Yeovil Junction / Pen Mill

For the record: 57604 worked the 1A40 21:15 Penzance - Paddington and 57605 the 1C99 23:50 Penzance - Paddington. With the start of a new week, the First/GW ‘hire’ diagrams were covered by 67016 + 67027 (Bristol-Cardiff-Paignton) with 67017 + 67028 ( Bristol - Cardiff - Taunton ).

25/08 The 2U24 16:16 Taunton - Cardiff Central service was terminated at Temple Meads with door locking problems on the coaching stock. Later the return 2C89 19:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service was started from Temple Meads only formed with a three car Class 158 unit in place of the Class 67s and stock. Centro ‘hire’ unit 150125 was reported as on St. Phillips Marsh depot with door problems whilst 67019 was noted stabled on Barton Hill. The evening 5U32 Exeter - Bristol TM empty unit move arrived as formed with 143612 + 142009, the latter destined for attention at St. Phillips Marsh depot.

26/08 67019 had replaced 67017 on the Bristol - Taunton diagram, 67017 heading north light-engine during the evening, rumours initially suggesting it would be moved on the 6X52 Portbury - Warrington/Mossend car service. An ‘English Riviera Statesman’ (1Z27 05:44 Sheffield - Kingswear and 1Z28 17:15 return) was top n’tailed with 47580 + 47826 passing Westerleigh junction at 10:27 (16 early) and Yatton at 11:32 (6 early). The return departed Temple Meads at 19:37 (right time). Also, 31285 was on a 3Q75 09:02 Barton Hill - Exeter test train (via Weymouth , booked 11:39-11:47) and a reverse at Westbury (13:34-14:19) then onwards via Castle Cary to Taunton . Later, 66180 passed Yatton at 20:15 on 6C41 (ThO) 16:14 St. Blazey - Newport freight.

27/08 A second Dartmouth Regatta special was operated by Pathfinder Tour’s as the ‘Torbay Flyer’ (1Z97 08:15 Eastleigh - Kingswear and 1Z98 19:20 return) and headed by Royal 67005 calling at Bath to time at 10:29 and passing Worle at 11:03. Another Class 67 worked train, this time a Northern Belle dining special using 67003 + 67023 in a top n’tail formation ran as 1Z21 06:24 Birmingham International -Totnes and 1Z22 18:08 return). Also, 31285 and test train returned north as 3Q76 15:55 Exeter (Riverside) - Derby RTC, being booked in Temple Meads from 21:28-21:31, but recorded as passing Charfield at 21:56 (17 early).

28/08 Steam 6024 King Edward I worked a Torbay Express Limited ‘Bristolian’ (1Z30 09:34 Temple Meads - Paddington and 1Z30 17:48 return out and back via Bath) whilst 67027 was on the second last First/GW 2O72/2V67 Weymouth loco and coaches ‘hire’diagram. A Preston - Paignton and return ‘Devonian’ railtour also operated with DRS Class 47s (see Bristol Parkway , Pilning and Westerleigh notes & news). During the evening, West Coast 37706 was again given the task of working 5Z27 17:10 Southall - Temple Meads ECS for a Railway Touring Company trip to the Dorset Coast behind steam 5029 Nunney Castle during the following day. Also although the detailed route was unconfirmed, the 4V30 11:31 (SO) Ipswich - Bristol West ‘Railport’ container service with 66575 was reported to have run via Nottingham and Birmingham, assumed due to engineering work !

29/08 There was no ‘Torbay Express’ today, but steam 5029 Nunney Castle worked the second Railway Touring Company ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ (1Z27 09:40 Temple Meads -Weymouth and 1Z28 18:10 return). These two outings proved to be a success and are set to return during 2011. The West Coast c/stock in use on today’s working: W35461 (loco support), 9392, 3136, 99121, 99127, 99311, 4905, 4960, 5200. Another report for the day, running just in front of the steam was 158952 + 150244 + 158763 + 15373 on 2O74 09:14 Bristol TM - Weymouth First/GW service. Some departmental reports for the day included: 59201 - 6W40 Bristol West junction - Westbury (reported Dr. Days at 09:47) and 66614 tnt 66620 on 6Y33 track replacement train through Temple Meads for Taunton Fairwater during the morning .

30/08 Bank Holiday Monday found 67028 + 67019 (with c/stock: 6064, 6006, 9520, 6042 - CP02) working the Bristol-Taunton-Cardiff diagram and 67016 + 67027 (with c/stock: CF04) on the Bristol - Cardiff -Paignton diagram. The Towy Tornado III (1Z70 06:47 Exeter St. Davids - Carmarthen and 1Z71 06:47 return) was worked by steam 6024 King Edward I in place of 60163 Tornado (still out of service) from Temple Meads onwards, the outward working routed via Westbury with Royal 67005, departed Exeter 2 late but was delayed further at Tiverton (07:38 -31 late) due to signalling problems. The Bath departure was at 09:22 (37 late) and the train later passed Filton Abbeywood at 09:58 (18 late). The c/stock in use was: W35333 (loco support), 5276, 4998, 1863, 3107, 3098, 3144, 80041, 3146, 3141, 21245. The return trip arrived back at Temple Meads at 20:20 (12 late), departing at 20:44 (6 late) again behind 67005. A second steam movement for the day was 5029 Nunney Castle running 5Z32 11:55 St. Phillips Marsh - Bishop’s Lydeard loco + support coach W35461 (noted passing Parson’s street at 12:09) for the following weekend’s West Somerset Railway gala event.

31/08 66610 + 66599 top n’tailed a return 6Y33 HOBC working to Taunton Fairwater at Temple Meads around 04:00. Later, 66135 was on the 6C99 21:47 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight service, reported loaded to 24 wagons (including FEA water cannon wagons 642027 + 642031) and passing Bath at 23:05.

01/09 A 6Z29 08:10 Marsh junction - Taunton Fairwater departmental move headed by 66614 was noted passing Nailsea & Backwell at 09:55 formed with DR92701 (YSA) + DR92307 (YEA) + DR92601 (YXA).

02/09 The 6V74 01:48 Crewe Coal sidings - Bridgwater nuclear flasks arrived at it’s destination at 06:05 headed by 37038 + 37259 with FNA wagons 550030 + 550015. The NRMT HST set with power cars 43013 + 43014 covered the usual 1Z17 Derby RTC - Taunton test run, departing Temple Meads at 19:40 heading west, later returning off Taunton at 20:35 for Old Oak Common via Bristol and Swindon (twice). Also, 66135 was on the evening 6C39 St. Blazey - Newport ADJ freight service, the loco then running 0C39 23:49 light-engine to Barton Hill (not Plymouth Tavistock yard as expected) passing Filton Abbeywood at 23:19 (83 early).

03/09 66135 was unusually rostered with 67028 in top n’tail formation on the days Bristol -Cardiff- Taunton diagram, the 2C79 14:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service being noted departing Yatton at 15:17. The Class 66 had replaced 67019, which had meanwhile run 0A16 09:33 Barton Hill - Didcot light-engine, passing Westerleigh junction at 09:30. 67016 + 67027 were on the other day’s workings. Barton Hill’s out-based 47815 was in use on it’s booked Torbay Express stock short servicing diagram. The day’s working is confirmed as: 0Z27 08:40 Barton Hill - Temple Meads light-engine, 5Z27 09:20 Temple Meads - Barton Hill, 5Z28 15:00 Barton Hill - Temple Meads , 0Z28 15:20 Temple Meads - Barton Hill light-engine.

04/09 Marking what was billed (again !) as the final Weymouth loco-hauled relief (2O72 09:09 Temple Meads - Weymouth and 2V67 16:55 return) was worked by First/GW loco 57604 Pendennis Castle now in a smart lined Brunswick green livery repainted for the GWR 175 celebrations. The Class 57 had arrived in Bristol as 0Z40 05:13 Exeter St. David’s - Barton Hill depot light-engine having been dropped off in Exeter from the rear of the 1C99 23:45 Paddington - Penzance First/GW sleeper service headed by 57605. For the record, the c/stock in use was: 9527 (former Anglian livery), 5998 (Anglian), M6046 (blue/grey), 5985 (Anglian), M6117 (blue/grey) and the small blue circular ‘Sand & Cycle Explorer’ headboard was carried this last being noted in use by Class 37/4s on these trains during the late nineties! It was interesting also to note, 67028 was on standby on Barton Hill depot during the day in case of any problems, the Class 57s having a recent bad failure rate on their First/GW sleeper services ! The driver was from First/GW with a DBS pilot man reported as travelling throughout. There were however, no problems, the outward was seen near Keynsham at 09:15, arriving in Weymouth at 12:20 (5 late) and on the return passing Newton-st-Loe near Bath at 19:26.

With the mainline closed in the Westerleigh area, some Arriva XC HST diversions were recorded via the Severn Tunnel, Newport (reverse), Chepstow to Gloucester as follows: 43357 + 43285 - 1S59 11:35 Newquay - Edinburgh Waverley, 43303 + 43366 - 1V56 08:50 Edinburgh - Temple Meads, 43304 + 43207 - 1V48 08:10 Leeds - Exeter St. Davids. Also during the morning 142063 was on a 5Z42 05:05 Exeter St. Davids - Heaton maintenance move and during the evening 66610 and 66617 were stabled in Kingsland Road sidings.

05/09 57604 returned as 0Z79 10:03 Temple Meads - Old Oak Common light-engine (noted passing Keynsham at 10:25). The loco was then put back to it’s normal duties working the evening 1C99 23:15 Paddington - Penzance sleeper service being booked to run overnight via Yeovil.

06/09 The day’s First/GW loco and coach ‘hires’ were covered by: 67016 + 67027 ( Bristol -Cardiff- Paignton diagram) and 67026 + 67028 (Bristol-Cardiff-Taunton diagram). Later, 67020 arrived as 0Z67 19:00 Didcot - Barton Hill light-engine to replace 67027 which was due for an exam at Toton.

07/09 Royal dedicated duo 67005 + 67006 arrived during the afternoon on a Prince Charles climate change Royal Train special working which was reported as passing Pilning at 15:45 (also see Newport notes & news). With the train later stabled on Barton Hill the Prince, with the Duchess of Cornwall visited Bristol ’s Cabot Circus shopping mall to open a new shop. The train was later recorded passing Cheltenham at 21:10 heading north on the next stage of this round Britain tour.

08/09 The day’s HST diagrams were covered as follows: 43207 XC03 43304 - 1V46 06:32 York - Plymouth / 1S55 13:23 Plymouth - Edinburgh Waverley, 43303 XC04 43366 - 1V44 06:44 Leeds - Plymouth / 1S51 12:23 Plymouth - Glasgow Central, 43321 XC05 43285 - 1V50 06:08 Edinburgh Waverley - Plymouth / 1E63 15:23 Plymouth - Leeds. It has been reported that the Arriva XC HST diagrams will be reduced to two from the December 2010 timetable change. Also, 31602 was reported to have been a Bristol arrival on a 3Q08 17:27 Exeter - Barton Hill test working.

09/09 A northbound 6Y11 track replacement train passed Parson’s Street at 20:02 top n’tailed with 66614 + 66620.

10/09 DRS 37059 working a 6Z71 04:36 Crewe - Keyham submarine flask move, formed with KYA wagons 95770 + 95771, was recorded as running 72 minutes late, but due to missing out ‘booked’ stops at Charfield and Bristol Parkway passed Worle junction (Weston-super-Mare) to time at 10:27.

11/09 37059 returned north as 0Z71 10:48 Plymouth Park sidings - Crewe light-engine (via the Severn Tunnel), DBS livered 59206 was on a 6C80 Machen - Westbury loaded stone passing Filton at 15:25 and 66589 on the 4O51 12:44 Wentlooge -Millbrook containers now reported as additionally running on a Saturday. The 4O51 and 6B33 Theale - Robeston fuel tank empties (with 60013) were both routed via Bath and Day’s curve due to engineering work between Filton junction and Yate. Also, 67027 was on a 1Z48 Bath - Par ‘Edenex’ Northern Belle dining special formed with c/stock: Glamis 3174, Alnwick 3273, 325, Belvoir 3267, Harlech 3275, Warwick 3182, Chatsworth 3247, 17167, Balmoral 10734 the outward being reported through North Somerset junction at 08:05 (1 early). Some PW train details were as follows: 66198 - 6W38 13:30 Aberthaw - Westbury used ballast (noted Filton 16:20 and Bath 16:55), 66079 - 6W41 11:28 Westbury up yard - Barry (Bath 12:34), 66232 - 6W42 15:28 Westbury up yard - Barry, 66605 - 6Y25 19:42 Westbury up yard - Barnwood junction.

12/09 A return 6Y33 HOBC working was reported passing Uphill junction at 08:19 top n’tailed with 66618 + 66610. DRS 37611 + 37607 each side of coach DB977997 were on a 1Q12 radio tests train noted stabled in Temple Meads platform 2, end bay during the early afternoon.

13/09 The DRS Class 37 test train departed Temple Meads for South Wales passing Pilning at 10:56. The 2C89 19:00 Cardiff Central - Taunton service was top n’tailed with 67026 + 67028, the latter carrying a serious wheel-flat! 67019 later arrived in the area during the evening as a 0Z67 light-engine move from Didcot. Also during part of the day, 66561 was seen stabled in Kingsland Road sidings.

14/09 HST power car 43092 made a morning solo, no barrier coach move between Laira and St. Phillips Marsh, later the afternoon 6C41 Newport ADJ - Westbury departmental was recorded headed by 59202 + 66109 via Day’s curve. The DRS Class 37 test train departed Temple Meads at 09:15, and left the area. Other reports for the day were: 67016 on a 0Z80 Barton Hill - Ludgershall light-engine move (North Somerset junction 09:39) and test unit 950001 on a 2Q08 08:48 Merehead quarry - Plymouth working.

15/09 On the final day of the review period, 67028 + 67026 and 67019 + 67020 were working the First/GW loco and coach ‘hire’ diagrams.

Gloucester

04/08 66168 with only four wagons worked the 6A36 Ashchurch - Didcot MoD trip. Also noted were 0z70 Grestey Bridge-Plymouth 66422, 6M57 Robeston-Kingsbury 66002, 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh 59206 and 2A11 0711 Gloucester-Swindon 143618.

05/08 Noted today were the following workings 0Zz71 Plymouth-Gresty Bridge 66422, 6V74 Crewe-Bridgwater 37059/069, 6T90 Bescot-ADJ 66110, 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh 59206 and 6A36 Ashchurch-Didcot 66168.

07/08 Weekend engineering trains included 6Y34 1815 Westbury-Ashchurch 66615, 6Y33 2004 Fairwater-Ashchurch 66585/66618, 6Y26 2058 Westbury-Haresfield 66530/596. Other workings noted were 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh 59206 , 6V68 Beeston-Tidal 66069 and 0V66 Doncaster-Gloucester 66703 .

GBRf 66703 was stabled at Gloucester station overnight prior to working a train from Eastleigh two days later (see Bristol TM, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road notes & news).

09/08 Noted today were 0O66 1200 Gloucester -Eastleigh 66703, 4V66 1710 Eastleigh-Gloucester New Yard 66703, 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh 59206 , 6M70 Margam-Wolverhampton steel terminal 66080, 6E41 Westerleigh-Lindsey 60071 .

10/08 Passing through today were 4C53 0911 Gloucester New Yard-Long Marston 66703, 4V06 0906 Ironbridge-Stoke Gifford 66599 and 6B13 Robeston-Westerleigh 59206 .

12/08 Steam 44932, in place of 70013 Oliver Cromwell worked Steam Dream’s 1Z92 09:44 Victoria - Gloucester ‘Cathedrals Express’ and 1Z93 17:05 return which departed at 17:36, the train being routed both ways via Swindon, Kemble and the Stroud Valley line.

23/08 66004 was on the return 6A36 Ashchurch - Didcot MoD trip consisting of only five wagons.

01/09 67002 was an unusual choice for a 7X36 04:55 Didcot - Ashchurch MoD trip loaded with three wagons conveying army vehicles and reported passing St. Mary’s crossing (near Stroud) at 09:00. Later, the 6M56 return CEGB Berkeley - Crewe coal sidings nuclear flask was noted passing Barnwood junction (Gloucester) at 12:06 (133 early) headed by 37229 + 37087.

08/09 DRS 37409 was on a return 2Z01 saloon move running via Kemble and Swindon .

09/09 The NRMT HST formed with power cars 43013 + 43062 covered the Stroud Valley and Kemble line both ways as 1Z15 ex.Derby. The return departed Swindon at 15:20 for the Midlands .

Newport

02/08 66530 worked 0B42 Stoke Gifford – Pengam sidings. 66550 worked a Basford Hall – Aberthaw Cement Fly Ash train running as 6Z45. 66559 was on 6M61 and 66599 and 66597 were on 4V22.

03/08 70003 was in charge of 6M61, 66097 brought 59201 and 60049 DIT on 6B65 Westbury ADJ.

06/08 The monthly, Friday’s only NRMT HST was noted formed with power cars 43013 + 43014 at 09:08 as 1Z20 Swindon - Derby via Swansea . The return was later reported through Pilning at 12:23, heading towards Parkway.

07/08 Stock for a steam special railtour arrived top n’tailed by 47245 + 47760 as 5Z43 06:03 Southall Dmu depot - East Usk yard. The train’s formation being recorded as: 99993, 3136, 99127, 99371, 1859, 4831, 4994, 4836, 4905, 9392.

11/08 DBS livered 59206 passed at 04:17 on a retimed 6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh fuel train loaded to 28 wagons.

14/08 66185 + 60049 (dit) were paired on the morning 6V19 Immingham - Margam freight service.

25/08 60010 worked the 6V19 overnight Immingham - Margam freight.

03/09 The NRMT HST, again with power cars 43013 + 43014 passed Newport at 08:12 with 1Z20 heading for Swansea prior to the return to Derby RTC.

07/09 The Royal Train, top n’tailed by dedicated locos 67005 + 67006, departed Newport at 08:00 as part of the Prince Charles round Britain ‘climate change’ tour. The locos were dressed with flags and a headboard and were reported as being powered by bio fuels. Part of the c/stock formation was recorded as: 2921, 2922, 2923, 2915, 2916. The train later visited Bristol during the day (also see Bristol Temple Meads, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road notes & news).

09/09 57315 was on the Arriva XC 1W91 16:15 Cardiff Central - Holyhead service. Earlier, 66605 had worked through at 06:23 on 6O56 Pengam - Crawley loaded stone.

The currently DBS operated Margam - Dollands Moor French export steel service is expected to be operated by Colas-Rail Class 66/8s from early January, with Llanwern becoming it’s new starting point.

The “WAG” 1V31 Holyhead – Cardiff and 1W91 Cardiff Holyhead was hauled by the following 57s during the month

57314 23-25/08. 57315 02-04/08, 12-13/08, 16-18/08, 26-27/08, 31/08.  57316 05-06/08, 09-11/08, 19-20/08.

Portbury branchline

10/08 66213 + DBS livered 67018 were unusually paired on the 6X52 17:33 (TThO) Portbury - Warrington/Mossend loaded and empty car carriers, noted passing Pilning at the regular time for here of 18:25! The Class 67, off the First/GW ‘hire’ passenger workings, was reported as en-route to Toton for an exam and remained on the rear of the train following the booked call and loco run-round at Newport ADJ, once steel wagons, destined for the north had been added.

07/09 Another doubled-headed 6X52 saw 66109 + 67027 work the train being reported through Parson’s Street at 17:53.

Locos recorded on coal duty during the review period have included: 66040/120/136/193/237.

66506/530/559/617. 70003/004/006.

Swindon

The roof of the former Institute of Mechanical Engineers training building, close to the former works site has become a safety issue and has had to be removed at a cost of £250,000. The facility, closed by BR in 1986 is expected to eventually be converted into residential flats.

Tytherington Quarry branch line

10/08 Following on from the October 2010 Magazine report, the South Gloucestershire branch line saw it’s first stone traffic since October 2008 when three outward loaded trains ran to cover a short-fall from Whatley due to a train derailment on the quarry branch line. 66046 handled the first train, which struggled on a damp rail with the climb into the quarry loaded with stone scalpings (using JNA and JYA boxes) for blending and running as 7Z52 05:25 Whatley quarry - Tytherington and 7Z53 11:50 return. The 7Z52 was recorded as passing Parkway at 07:10 (8 late) and the 7Z53 return through Dr. Day’s junction at 14:34 (111 late). The late running was believed to be due to off-loading problems at the quarry.

12/08 59002 was in charge of the second working, the 7Z52 being noted passing Yate at 07:33, whilst the return was recorded at Latteridge crossing on the branch late at 12:38-12:39 and later North Somerset junction at 14:04 (78 late).

16/08 59002 again worked the 7Z52/7Z53 with a better return time being noted passing Westerleigh junction at 12:28 (2 late !).

17/08 A trial run using 20 loaded wagons (formed 6 JNAs, 12 JYAs and 2 VTG (JNA) boxes) and loaded to 2,100 tonnes took place, instead of the previous 16 wagons (which grossed around 1,700 tonnes). The train was top’n tailed with 59001 + 59002, noted passing Dr. Day’s junction at 07:05 and was reported to have lost 7 minutes on Filton bank, again suffering from a damp rail. The return was noted passing Westerleigh junction at 13:24 (64 late), doubled-headed as there was a problem with 59001 (also see the August 2010 Magazine cover). The two loco ‘trial’ plan was to see half the train and one loco left at the bottom of the quarry bank at Tytherington village on the branch line whilst the first 10 wagons were off-loaded and left in the quarry the lead loco then collecting the second wagons for off-loading. The train was then to be again formed in a top n’tail formation for the empty return run to Whatley. If successful, a 2 train a day operation over the next 18 months is under consideration, otherwise financially road movements from Whatley quarry would be a cheaper option then a loaded train with only 16 wagons running between the two locations.

Westbury

08/08 Following a gap of several weeks, 08757 returned as the area yard shunting pilot.

Weymouth

11/08 Steam 60019 Bittern worked the 1Z96 London - Weymouth ‘Dorset Coast Express’. The following light-engine move from Weymouth -Yeovil junction, for a loco service and turning was reported in trouble at Maiden Newton, the A4 running low on water !

15/08 Steam 5029 Nunney Castle became the first former GWR steam loco * to visit the coastal resort since 7029 Clun Castle on 05/09/65, with a ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ (1Z27 09:25 ex. Bristol TM). The return was 1Z28 17:10 to Bristol (also see Bristol TM, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road notes & news).

*Note: Ex. GWR ‘Mogul’ 7325 did visit Weymouth on 15/11/97 with Pastime Rail’s ‘Hardy Express’ (ex. Bristol TM), but was paired with ex. LMS ‘Crab’ 42968.

18/08 Steam 30777 Sir Lamiel (not the booked 44932 which was failed with a TPWS fault) arrived on a further ‘Dorset Coast Express’. The return working, the 1Z87 18:12 Weymouth - Waterloo departed at 18:24 with 60019 Bittern leading and 30777 on the rear of the train assisting over Bincombe bank being detached at Wareham , then running light-engine to the Swanage Railway for stabling. 37706 was the assisting diesel loco, the train’s c/stock being reported as: 5236, 5237, 1961, 99371, 3143, 13441, 1840, 5216, 4994, 9104.

19/08 47580 + 47826 top n’tailed a 1Z62 Shrewsbury - Weymouth ‘Dorset Coast Statesman’ and 1Z63 16:27 return which departed 6 minutes late, running each way via Southampton, Basingstoke, Reading, Didcot and Banbury.

01/09 The ‘Dorset Coast Express’ 1Z96 Victoria - Weymouth was worked in both directions by steam 44932.

03/09 A ‘ Weymouth & Waverley ’ UK Railtours excursion from Victoria - Weymouth arrived at 11:32 top n’tailed with 73204 + 73212 and c/stock: 17015, 3097, 3149, 1691, 3068, 3069, 3141, 1683, 3098. 3107. The return working departed around 18:00 for the Capital.

15/09 FLHH 66615 arrived at Dorchester South to run-round the Wool sand trip, departing at 10:31 in the up direction.

Yatton

Following local fund-raising, a £148,985 grant from the Rural Development Programme for England and a £65,000 contribution from the Railway Heritage trust, the Isambard Kingdom Brunel Grade II listed platform buildings here were due to reopen during October as the Strawberry Line cafe. The former office, waiting room and toilets have been refurbished with all the existing Victorian oak panelling and external timber panels on the original extension of the building professionally stripped and restored. A full time manager, with two assistants are expected to run the facility along with adults with learning difficulties under the care of the Brandon Trust who will be able to use the location for training and employment.  

Units seen during the month

142009/063.

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

150121/125/127/219/221/232/233/234/238/239/243/244/246/247/248/249/261/263

150265/266/267/278/279/281.

153305/318/329/368/370/372/373/377/382.

158749/763/766/767/798/952/953/954/955/956/957/958.

220001/002/004/005/007/008/009/010/011/014/016/017/018/020/021/022/023/024026/027/030/032/033/034.

221119/120/121/123/124/125/127/128/129/130/131/132/134/135/136/138/140/141

950001.

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

SWT First/GW ‘hire’ units: 158881 (06/08). 158883 (11/09). 158887 (13/08). 159003 (19/08). 159108 (19/08).

LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS

4V50/4O51 Southampton - Wentlooge containers

02/08 66502. 03/08 66505. 04/08 66542. 05/08 66501. 06/08 66537.

09/08 66567. 10/08 66576. 11/08 66587. 12/08 66577. 13/08 66593.

16/08 66505. 17/08 66543. 18/08 66588. 19/08 66562. 20/08 66503.

23/08 66538. 24/08 66539. 25/08 66577. 26/08 66532. 27/08 66567.

31/08 66516. 01/09 66541. 02/09 66577. 03/09 66594. 06/09 66954.

07/09 66587. 09/09 66542. 10/09 66542. 11/09 66589. 12/09 66503.

14/09 66537. 15/09 66564.

4V60 Calvert - Bristol Barrow Road binliner

01/08 66559. 03/08 66559. 04/08 66559. 06/08 66559. 17/08 66559.

18/08 66610. 20/08 66610. 24/08 66623. 27/08 66510. 31/08 66510.

01/09 66510. 03/09 66610. 08/09 66957. 10/09 66605 + 66561*

Note: * The train operated in a top n’tail formation for part of it’s journey.

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

02/08 66559. 03/08 70003. 05/08 70003. 06/08 66530. 20/08 70006.

14/09 66506.

6M04 10:50 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal

09-13/08 70004. 13/08 70004. 18/08 70004. 23/08 70006. 25/08 66617.

31/0-8 70006. 01/09 70006. 02/09 70006. 06-10/09 70006.  

6A21 Wentlooge - Theale loaded stone

03/08 66530. 10/08 66530. 12/08 66559. 24/08 66601. 31/08 66601.

07/09* 66605. 14/09 66605.

Note: * The train was confirmed as running 6Z21on this date.

6M05 21:40 Avonmouth West Wharf - Ironbridge P.S. loaded coal

10/08 66599. 11/08 66530. 12/08 66530. 16-20/08 66556.  22/08 66561.

23/08 66561. 24/08 66561 + 66528. 31/08 66601. 08/09 66548.

10/09 66548. 12/09 66520. 12-15/09 66520.

6M36 12:10 Westbury ‘la Farge’ Hope (Earles sidings) cement empties (MFO)

02/08 66607. 06/08 66510. 20/08 66602. 31/08 66611. 03/09 66619.

06/09 66508. 10/09 66519.

4V32/4L32 11:00 Bristol West (Railport) - Tilbury empty and loaded container wagons

02/08 66563. 03/08 66563. 04/08 66532. 05/08 66532. 06/08 66955.

09/08 66576. 11/08 66576. 12/08 66576. 13/08 66563. 17/08 66533.

18/08 66533. 19/08 66589. 20/08 66589. 23/08 66576. 24/08 66576.

25/08 66576. 27/08 66563. 31/08 66563. 11/09 66516. 13/09 66516.

14/09 66516. 15/09 66516.

4L30 10:00 Bristol West (Railport) - Felixstowe empty and loaded container wagons

02/08 66503. 09/08 66532. 11/08 66563. 23/08 66516. 31/08 66575.

13/09 66592.

4V32 11:11 Felixstowe (*11:11 / **11:31 Ipswich) - Bristol West (Railport) (SO) containers

07/08 66576. 14/08* 66533. 21/08 66576. 28/08 ** 66575.

4V26/4024 11:00 Bristol West (Railport) - Grain empty and loaded container wagons

01/09 66575. 02/09 66575. 03/09 66575. 08/09 66503.

LOCAL DBS WORKINGS

6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded fuel tanks

02-05/08 59206. 07/08 59206. 09/08 59206. 09-11/08 59206. 12/08* 66069.

13/08 60013. 14/08 60013. 16-20/08 60013. 23-27/08 60013. 31/08 60010.

01/09 60010. 02-04/09 60010. 06-10/09 59202. 13/09 59202. 14/09 60010.

15/09 60010.

Note: The working on this date was routed via Bristol Parkway instead of Gloucester following the failure of 59206.

6E41 Westerleigh - Lindsey fuel tank empties

03/08 60011. 05/087 60011. 12/08 60071. 16/08 60071. 16/08 60071.

18/08 60071. 19/08 60071. 23/08 60049. 24/08 60040. 25/08 60040.

27/08 60096. 30/08 66126. 31/08 60084. 01/09 60084. 01/09 60084.

02/09 66051. 03/09 66095. 09/09 60071.

6B49/6B50 Llanwern - Swindon stores yard loaded steel (TFO)

03/08 66013. 06/08 66013. 10/08 66162. 13/08 66162. 17/08 66043.

19/08 66046. 20/08 66098. 24/08 66169. 27/08 66107. 03/09 66188.

07/09 66157. 10/09 66079. 14/09 66168.

6B33 Theale - Robeston fuel tank empties

03/08 60013. 05/08 60013. 07/08 60013. 10/03 60013. 12/08* 66069.

17/08 60049. 19/09 60049. 20/08 66119. 21/08 60049. 24/08 60049.

26/08 60010. 27/08 66078. 31/08 60013. 02/09 60013. 04/09 60013.

07/09 60013. 09/09 60010. 11/09 60013. 14/09 60013.

Note: * 66069 powered the train onwards from Newport following the failure of 60013.

6B83/6A83 Westbury - Machen - West Drayton ARC loaded stone

02/06 66176. 04/08 66091. 06/08 66161. 11/08 66167. 13/08 66046.

16/08 59202. 18/08 66070. 23/08 66182. 25/08 66162. 27/08 66068.

01/09 66196. 03/09 66124. 08/09 59205. 11/09* 59206.

Note: The train on this date was confirmed as running 6C80 Machen - Westbury only.

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

03/08 66131. 10/08 66087. 17/08 66067. 24/08 66094. 31/08 66227.

07/09 66175. 14/09 66092.

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

03/08 66180. 05/08 66035. 10/08 66213+67018. 12/08 66058.

17/08 66137. 19/08 66083. 24/08 66035. 26/08 66061 31/08 66189.

02/09 66056. 07/09 66109+67027. 09/09 66189. 14/09 66138.

6O78 Margam - Dolland’s Moor export steel

11/08 66078. 19/08 66075. 02/09 66169. 16/09 66141.

6V78 Dolland’s Moor - Margam export steel empties

03/08 66008. 07/08 66142. 14/08 66181. 17/08 66174. 27/08 66051.

28/08 66070. 31/08 66156. 02/09 66078. 03/09* 66107. 04/09 66162.

11/09 66185.

Note: * The working on this date was confirmed as being terminated at Didcot.

 6B35 Hayes - Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties

04/08 66156. 06/08 66156. 11/08 66156. 18/08 66167. 24/08* 66066.

01/09** 66131. 08/09 66140. 10/09 66131. 13/09 66034.

Notes: * The working on this date ran as Brentford - Moreton-on-Lugg. ** The working on this date was confirmed as running as 4B35.

6B65 Westbury - Newport ADJ departmental

03/08 66097+59201+60049.  11/08 66250.

6B59 Exeter ( Alphington Road ) - Cardiff Tidal sidings loaded scrap (ThO)

12/08 66074. 26/08 66060. 09/09 66145. 16/09 66061.

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

10/08 * 66098. 17/08 66082. 08/09* 66081.

Note: * The service ran to Acton instead of Lea Interchange on these dates.

6M60 02:25 Exeter ( Riverside ) - Bescot (downside) freight (SO)

07/08 66003. 14/08* 66164. 21/08 66037. 28/08 66180. 04/09 66099.

Note: * Reported as headed by 66194 onwards from Newport .

6A29 Wentlooge - Didcot yard freight

02/08 66168. 03/08 66171.

LOCAL DRS WORKINGS

6V73/6M56 Crewe Coal sidings - CEGB Berkeley nuclear flasks

28/08 37069+37610. 30/08 37229+37603. 01/09 37087+37229.

06/09 37038+37218. 09/09 37087+37688. 13/09 37218+37259.

6V74/6M67 Crewe Coal sidings - Bridgwater nuclear flasks

02/08 37194+37682. 05/08 37059+37069. 12/08 66420+66426.

19/08 66425+66431. 26/08 66415+66418. 31/08 66415+66418.

02/09 37038+37259. 08/09 66415+66418. 15/09 37218+37259.

Stock Alterations

Locomotives

Transfers

08892(BH)-ZA (On Loan), 47270(HQ)-CS, 47810(BH)-KM,

66191/239/243/246( France )-TO

XHNC – 20303/309 –KM, XHSS – 66301/303/304 –(at Longport)

EXPS – 87009/017/023 – Europhoenix stored Cl87

Stored

BH: 20306. CE: 37401. HQ: 73109/136. LD: 57001.

TO: 08605/706. 37419. 60003/007.

ZG: 08032/826/933. (Foster Yeoman Locos) 66578/579*/580/581.

Seen working 4M99 Southampton – Trafford Park liner at Nuneaton on 21/10/10, stored at Eastleigh on 22/10/10.

Traffic

09007 –WN( London Overground), 57010 –KM, 70007 –LD(DFGI).

Class 60s in traffic (23) by Pool Code

WCAI – 60013/024/040/045/049/063/073

WCAK – 60009/011/019/048/054/074/084

WCBI – 60010/059/091/096

WCBK – 60015

WFMU – 60039/071/099

Disposals

EMR-Attercliffe: 37689. 56041/053/055/072/093/099/110/119

EMR-Kingsbury: 08538. 37709/886. 86212/223/226/230.

87018/021/027/032. 12049

For Sale – HNRL - for preservationists

03020/037/118/180/197. D2302/10/24. 20032/072/081/088.

37428/680/696. 47829.

Diesel Multiple Units

Transfers

150120/123(WN)-PM, 125(PM)-TS, 130(WN)-PM

Traffic

172008 -WN

Electric Multiple Units

Renumbered

313115 - 215

378011 – 211, 014 - 214

New Stock

380101/110/11 - HQ

Coaching & NPCC Stock

Stored

BY: 10237. 11019/027/030/044/046/054

Traffic

3100 –EH (Re-registered), 42384 -NL

Disposals

Booth: 96210/218

Epping & Ongar Rly: 3385. 5989. 9479. 9513.

Bachmann Europe (Barwell): 977966

Renumbered

41078 – 42384

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

Bristol Harbour Railway (26/08/10)   R.W.Giles

RH 418792/59 moved the very first exhibit into the newly refurbished museum building hauling No.34 Portbury (AE 1764/17).

The new building, to be known as the ‘M Shed’ is to open in the spring of 2011, following closure in October 2006. The work was originally planned to be completed in July 2009, but problems with over budgeting followed. The locos were both viewed inside the new building two days later through the glass panels, the Ruston diesel had been previously kept at the Smeaton Road over bridge shed along the Wapping Wharf branch near the former Ashton river swing bridge.

West Somerset Railway (08/08/10)   R.W.Giles

For what is believed to be the third (or fourth?) year, the August WSR Vintage Rally Weekend was held at Norton Fitzwarren inside the newly purchased ‘triangle’ area where new track for turning and stabling locos and trains is being laid, close to the Taunton-Exeter mainline junction. This event had previously been staged in fields alongside Bishop’s Lydeard station over the years.

On display were: ex GWR 7821 Ditcheat Manor, ex BR diesel D9526, Industrial diesel: MSC DH16 (S 10175/64), with a number of items of hauled rolling stock including: restored ex. GWR sleeper coach W9038 and Fruit C 2823. A narrow gauge railway was also operating giving rides with No. 3 Tinkerbell ( 2-4-2 steam loco) of the Evergreen Miniature Railway. Also in the area were road-rail excavators: 99709 940219-7 (Hydrex Case) and M23CCD (maker and works number unknown) along with at least one unidentified support trailer. DMU set: W51859 + W59678 Buffet + W51880 were working connecting shuttle passenger trains to and from Bishop’s Lydeard throughout the day.

Fry’s (Cadbury), Somerdale, Keynsham (04 - 05/09/10)  R.W.Giles

Following on from a report in the July 2010 Magazine, ‘lost’ Sentinel loco 7492/28 is now safely stored on Avon Valley Railway pending full restoration. The return of this loco back to it’s original work place was all down to three years of detective work by former Fry’s employee and historian Eric Miles who was inspired to track the loco (which was assumed as scrapped) down following a picture taken at Bacton (Suffolk) he had seen in the RCTS book ‘Railways of Keynsham’. Having worked from new at the Somerdale factory, the loco was replaced by a Hudswell-Clarke diesel in 1956, being eventually sold for scrap to a Fishponds, Bristol merchant in 1964. However, the loco was purchased by a traction and steam engine collector in Suffolk , but was sold on and had disappeared from the Industrial Railway Society ‘EL’ book listings between 1990-1993, eventually reappearing under a private owner location in Essex . Mr. Miles had made several visits to the Suffolk and Essex areas over the years interviewing local villagers in the quest to discover the Sentinel’s whereabouts, even the internet facility Google Earth was reported as used to view the area, but without success! Eventually a haulier was discovered who had last moved the loco and its new location tracked down - inside a nissen hut type structure surrounded by trees! Following a site visit where the loco had been kept for the past 19 years, the owner agreed to sell, being reported as in a reasonable condition and appeared to have received attention over the years, with parts greased and new buffers fitted. A lorry road move followed, sponsored by Cadbury, although hopes of it’s return to Somerdale for a 24-26th August special ‘90 year Somerdale site history exhibition’, held in the factory social club building (which will remain open when the works closes in early 2011), was missed due to Police road clearance issues. The loco eventually arrived during the morning of Saturday 4th for display in front of the factory (see September 2010 Magazine cover) and departed around 16:20 the following day, being routed via Keynsham’s Station Road, the A4175, then the A4174 ring road by-pass to Cadbury Heath, Oldland and Cherry Garden Road to Bitton so the lorry would be facing the correct way to tackle the station approach road leading to the off-loading area in the goods yard.

MISCELLANEOUS

Road Movements

12/08 Mk I coach 3100 (in choc/cream livery). M5 north-bound Avonmouth bridge (Jcn 18) at 13:30.