October 2011 Magazine

NOTES AND NEWS

Avonmouth

02/07 66050 and 66207 passed through Avonmouth station at 17:39 top n’tailing the 1Z27 14:31 Gloucester Avoiding line up/down reception line - Bristol TM leg of UK Railtour’s ‘Severnsider’ tour (also see Bristol TM, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road and Gloucester notes & news).

07/07 66561 worked an Avonmouth West wharf - Didcot loaded import stone, being reported at Bristol Parkway at 13:48.

09/07 Having passed Yate at 10:58, 66058 arrived at 11:33 on 4Z32 06:30 Ratcliffe - Avonmouth HTA coal empties.

11/07 59204 passed Brentry at 17:27 on 6C63 Avonmouth - Westbury loaded stone.

13/07 59001 powered 6A83 13:30 Avonmouth - West Drayton ARC loaded stone being reported as passing Dr. Day’s junction at 14:01.

16/07 A new DBS red repaint 66097 was present in the Bulk Handling terminal during the day.

18/07 66097 worked the 6B68 09:24 Avonmouth - Aberthaw loaded coal.

20/07 Another DBS livered loco, 59206 worked the 6A83 13:30 loaded stone departure from West Wharf - West Drayton ARC.

22/07 66003 was on the 6A83 West Drayton ARC loaded stone.

25/07 59206 was again recorded at Avonmouth on stone duty. The ‘Class 150’ departmental test unit 950001 was back in the area working 2Z08 05:35 Derby RTC - Westbury, covering the Filton West to Hallen Marsh line twice both ways, later being recorded through Patchway at 11:20 heading for South Wales. It was assumed a reverse had taken place at Hallen Moor during one of the trips (also see Bristol Parkway, Pilning & Westerleigh and Bristol TM, Barton Hill & Kingsland Road notes & news).

27/07 ‘Hybrid’ 153399 (formed 57369 + 57221) was on Severn Beach line local services during the day. 66004 worked the 6A83 loaded stone, the Hanson JHA empties being reported through Bath at 05:47.

28/07 66544 arrived in Stoke Gifford sidings at 15:25 on loaded stone from Avonmouth.

Locos recorded on coal duty have included:

66058/074/079/097/109/147/177/188/193/201.

Bristol Barrow Road branch line

03/07 66610 worked a early evening Sunday, 6Z58 Barrow Road - Burngullow empty sand train.

07/07 66610 arrived on a 6V87 Neasden - Barrow Road train of 17 empty HIA wagons during the late afternoon.

Bristol Parkway, Pilning and Westerleigh

01/07 Colas 66844 passed Parkway at 19:56 on a 0Z66 Dolland’s Moor - Llanwern light-engine move.

02/07 The morning 4V51 and return 4O51 Millbrook - Wentlooge container services were worked by 66304 still carrying its Fastline livery.

03/07 Engineering train reports for the day included: 66148 - 6W34 departing Yate north at 09:00. 66034 - 6W38 07:40 Hullavington - Westbury yard (rail train) passing Lawrence Hill at 08:24. 66059 - 6W48 07:45 Filton Abbeywood - Newport ADJ (rail train / MRAs) departing at 07:00 and routed via a loco run round in Margam up goods loop. 66148 - 6W34 07:55 Westbury - Westerleigh junction (concrete sleepers/YWAs) passing Lawrence Hill at 08:40.

04/07 66089 passed on an early evening 6V42 Acton - Cardiff Docks empty stone, whilst earlier in the day, Colas 66575 was reported as held (reason unknown) from 11:00 - 19:55 at Swindon Transfer yard, eventually reaching Parkway at 20:34.

Also during the evening the following were stabled on the down side at Stoke Gifford: 66509, 66527, 66622.

05/07 66527 was on 6V44 Angerstein Wharf - Stoke Gifford stone empties arriving during the early evening. Earlier, 66622 had worked five empty ‘heavy haul’ coal wagons north (via the Severn Tunnel and Hereford) to Leeds Midland road.

06/07 66613 was reported as passing Standish junction at 20:04 on departmental 6Z26 conveying ZWA 76501 on a 6Z26 Rugby - Taunton Fairwater move.

07/07 HST power cars 43053 + 43012 formed a 0Z86 Old Oak Common - Landore, back to back move passing Parkway at 16:03.

09/07 An evening arrival at Parkway was 66519 working 6B11 12:30 stone empties from Thorney Mill. The sidings held the following: 66610, 66619, 70004.

13/07 66305 now carrying its new DRS livery (ex. Fastline) worked the 4O51 Wentlooge - Millbrook containers.

15/07 66096 passed Pilning at 13:25 on an additional 6Z31 12:21 Westbury - East Usk engineers.

16/07 Working of the month may well have been the first operation of a Devon & Cornwall Railway’s freight service through the area involving 56311 (now carrying a grey livery with large DCR lettering at one end only on each side). The train 6Z56 13:00 Cardiff Tidal sidings - Hoo junction was reported as retimed prior to departure, rescheduled to 15:00, but was recorded passing Pengam at 14:17, Parkway at 15:20 - 60 early! departing Swindon at 16:17 - 58 early (Also see Cardiff notes and news). Stoke Gifford sidings held the following during the early afternoon: 66509, 66519, 66540, 70004.

17/07 A Sunday freight diversion was Colas 66745 (ex. Freightliner 66575) on 6Z78 14:15 Margam - Dollands Moor export steel passing Bridgend at 13:53 (43 early), Pilning 16:29 and Chippenham at 17:12.

18/07 47786 worked 5Z93 Temple Meads - Southall ECS (from the previous day’s steam hauled ‘Weymouth Seaside special’ trip) through Filton Abbeywood at 09:50 towards Parkway. Signalling problems north of Cheltenham (which lasted up until 21:00) saw the 1S59 14:25 Plymouth - Edinburgh Waverley Voyager service routed onwards from Parkway via Didcot and Oxford.

19/07 Delays at Yate were reported following the failure of 6V98 Lindsey - Westerleigh loaded fuel tanks in the area with 60011. 66013 was the rescue loco, the train eventually reaching the oil terminal 173 minutes late. It was believed several trains were diverted via Lydney and the Severn Tunnel because of the incident including the 2C65 06:17 Gloucester - Taunton First/GW local service.

20/07 66546 departed Parkway at 13:14 with stone empties for Neath Abbey Wharf.

22/07 The 1M77 20:00 Temple Meads - Birmingham NS Voyager service was terminated at Parkway so the unit could run ECS to Reading to cover an unavailable set on the 21:46 service to Birmingham NS! In the meantime, 170114 ran ECS from Cardiff to Parkway to form a 20:20 departure to Birmingham NS to run in place of the Voyager set.

23/07 Saturday afternoon and evening engineering train reports included: 66135 - 6W05 18:45 Westbury - Westerleigh junction (via Bath), 66140 - 6W15 18:15 Westbury - Chipping Sodbury, 66004 - 6W31 19:15 Westbury - Chipping Sodbury (via Parkway), 66560 - 6Y34 19:54 Newton Abbot Hackney yard - Lydney (due 01:30), 66620 + 66606 top n’tailing 6Y11 20:21 Taunton Fairwater yard - Berkeley Road junction high output ballast cleaner - HOBC (due 23:15).

24/07 Sunday freight divert reports included the following: 66087 - 6O32 Margam - Dollands Moor export steel (Keynsham 13:11 - being booked through Filton Abbeywood at 13:02). 66575 - 6Z78 Margam - Dollands Moor export steel (Filton Abbeywood 16:32 - 2 early), Bathampton junction 16:59 and Thingley Junction 17:09). 66617 - 6Z32 Dagenham - Cardiff Tidal sidings scrap empties (reported Swindon at 14:22). Some engineering train reports included: 66531 - 6Y27 09:10 Severn Tunnel junction - Newton Abbot Hackney yard. 66596 - 6Y12 14:30 Standish junction - Taunton Fairwater (via East Usk) noted Filton Abbeywood at 17:07 (3 late). 66619 - 6Y14 16:00 Standish junction - Taunton Fairwater (via East Usk) noted Filton Abbeywood at 18:39 (formed with JNA and MLAs). 59001 + 59002 top n’tailing 66166 - 6W33 23:00 (Westerleigh Junction - Westbury yard) JNAs.

25/07 Over running track work between Westerleigh Junction and Hullavington saw some diversions and additional travelling time of 30 minutes for passengers, via Dr. Day’s curve, Bath and Box. Also, the 1A09 07:12 Taunton - Paddington First/GW HST service was started at Temple Meads and did not call at Bath and Chippenham. Test unit 950001worked 2Z08 05:35 Derby RTC - Westbury being booked via Hallen Marsh 10:34 - 10:35, Portbury 12:24 - 12:29, Clifton Down 12:47, Severn Beach 14:16 - 15:18, Clifton Down 15:52 and Temple Meads 16:15 - 16:19 (also see Avonmouth notes and news).

26/07 Another new DBS livery repaint, 66101 worked an afternoon 6Z42 Acton - Cardiff empty RMC stone wagons train passing Pilning at 14:10.

27/07 Pathfinder Tour’s ‘Cumbrian Coaster’ (1Z36 05:05 Cardiff Central - Carlisle) was headed by 67028, being reported as passing Westerleigh junction at 06:56 after calling at Parkway for a Cam & Dursley stop, with c/stock: 5987, 5952, 1212, 3325, 3333, 3345, 1699, 3304, 3314, 17105. Passengers were able to de-train at Workington for a Lake District road tour rejoining the train on the return at Penrith.

28/07 66002 worked an additional afternoon 6Z37 Newport ADJ - Westbury departmental and the wagons off the day’s 6A21 Pengam - Theale loaded stone, with 66552, formed a 6O49 empty service to Wool instead of being returned to Stoke Gifford sidings.

29/07 Newly repainted DBS livered 66097 was on the 6O32 Margam - Dollands Moor export steel, passing Parkway at 13:21, later on followed by 66168 + 66188 + 66104 + 66074 + 66078 through Patchway at 16:20 on a Margam to Didcot light loco move, arriving at its destination at 17:40. During the evening, 66155 was noted with the 6A29 Wentlooge - Didcot wagonload service formed of four wheel TTA tanks only and earlier 66230 was recorded with the 6M17 Barry docks - Wembley freight service.

30/07 66552 powered the 6B11 Neasden - Stoke Gifford stone empties arrival.

Bristol Temple Meads, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road

01/07 31465 was stabled in the former high level stub at Temple Meads during the day with a 3 coach test train. First/GW HST power cars 43160 + 43041 formed a back to back 5Z20 St. Phillips Marsh - Stroud via Gloucester departing here at 11:05 (2 late) move for the naming of the latter ‘Meningitis Trust Support for Life’ to mark the trust’s 25th Anniversary, at Stroud station by MP David Drew. The power cars returned as 5Z21 11:56 Stroud - St. Phillips Marsh (via a reverse at Swindon).

02/07 Steam 60163 Tornado was back in the area following a boiler overhaul and repaint, passing Temple Meads at 09:55 with support coach on a 5Z63 Bishop’s Lydeard - Barton Hill positioning move ahead of ‘Torbay Express’ duty during the following day.

Later in the day, UK Railtour’s ‘Severnsider’ (1Z25 07:33 Stevenage - Temple Meads, 1Z26 11:36 Temple Meads - Gloucester avoiding line (up/down loops), 1Z27 14:31 Gloucester avoiding line (up/down loops) - Temple Meads and 1Z28 18:10 Temple Meads - Welwyn Garden City was top n’tailed throughout by 66050 + 66207. The train was reported as arriving at Bath at 10:53 (1 late) and Temple Meads at 11:10 (right time) and departing at 11:36 (right time).

The evening 1Z28 was also recorded as leaving to time. The train’s c/stock formation was recorded as: 5322, 5276, W4959, 4927, W5341, M5292, M1832, S3066, S3068, W1691, M3097, M3120, W17015. Both coaches S3066 and M3097 carried roof level ‘The Royal Scot’ boards in their former train identification slots on both sides.

03/07 Making it’s ‘Torbay Express’ debut in a new BR green colour scheme, 60163 Tornado was noted passing Yatton at 09:32 with the 1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return.

04/07 142001 formed a afternoon 5Z42 Exeter St. David’s - Newton Heath empty stock move to receive a temporary plain overall blue livery.

05/07 31602 was stabled in the Temple Meads high level sidings ‘stub’ on a test train during the day. Over at St. Phillips Marsh, it was reported that steam loco 029 Nunney Castle was to be allocated to 82B over the summer season for railtour duties!

09/07 Spitfire Tour’s ‘Deltic Devonian’ (1Z32 06:15 Doncaster - Paignton and 1Z34 17:25 return) was top n’tailed with mainline preserved 55022 + 47804 with c/stock: 5453, 99328, 5035, 4973, 4905, 4940, 6528, 3326, 3351, 3150, 3148, 99680. The working was recorded passing Charfield at 10:16 (6 early), Yate 10:27 (2 early), Worle 11:20 (1 early) and Taunton 11:43 (3 early), however an exhaust fire on the climb to Whiteball tunnel saw the train make an unscheduled stop in Tiverton loop for 47804 to take over. The train departed Tiverton at 12:42, but for the return the Deltic which had been revived fully was put on the front passing Bridgwater at 19:03 (8 late), Flax Bourton (near Bristol) at 19:22, Filton Abbeywood 20:14 (3 late) and Yate 20:24 (3 late).

A second diesel tour for the day was a return ‘Rail Blue Charter’ 1Z41 16:55 Minehead - Watford junction (via Bristol Parkway) headed by 67028 with a full rake of blue/grey Cargo D stock being noted passing Flax Bourton at 19:06.

The outward 1Z40 04:45 Nuneaton - Minehead was routed via the Berks & Hants and Westbury route. It was interesting to note, the 1Z40 whilst on WSR metals saw a ‘rare’ 33048 + 67028 combination between Minehead and Bishop’s Lydeard !

Other reports for the day included: MPV 98958 + 98908 on a afternoon 6Z08 Eastleigh - Barton Hill move, steam 5029 Nunney Castle which arrived on a 5Z20 12:09 Tyseley - St. Phillips Marsh positioning move which was routed via Kemble (passing here at 16:34) and a run -round at Swindon, not Charfield and Parkway as expected (the arrival in Bristol TM being at 18:08) and 47760 on a 5Z21 17:21 Southall - Temple Meads ECS formed: 3143, 99121, 99712, 99352, 99347, 1861, 5478 (arriving in Temple Meads at 17:43) for a Railway Touring Company trip from Bristol to Plymouth with 5029 Nunney Castle during the following day. With support coach W35461 to be added, eight coaches are the permitted number allowed over the Devon banks behind a single former GW steam loco.

10/07 Three Steam locos were recorded in the Bristol area during the day. 5029 Nunney Castle worked the Railway Touring Company ‘Cornishman’ (1Z22 08:05 Temple Meads - Par and 1Z24 17:36 return) taking on water at Tiverton loop outward and Plymouth on the return: 60163 Tornado was on the ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear and 1Z28 16:42 return) and more unusually 8F No. 48151 (believed to have last been seen in Bristol during 1988!) working 5Z51 09:36 Yeovil Junction - Carnforth loco and support coaches 99035 + 80217 being recorded passing Bath at 11:48 (right time) and Patchway at 12:16 (8 early) for the Severn Tunnel and Hereford to the north.

A Sunday diverted freight report was 66050 with a 6O32 Dollands Moor export steel service passing Bath at 13:34. For this year’s T4 on the Beach pop concert at Weston-super-Mare, First/GW strengthened all their morning Bristol - Taunton local services up until mid-day, to add extra capacity for the event.

11/07 First/GW operated two additional HST services from Weston-super-Mare to Paddington at 10:03 and 11:08 to help carry T4 on the beach pop festival visitors home. Around 50,000 people were reported to have attended this year’s event, although there was some disappointment following top act JLS pulling out at the last minute.

Later during the afternoon, 142029 returned west empty as 5Z43 10:25 Newton Heath - Exeter St. David’s (arriving at 17:13) following a plain blue repaint.

12/07 The Royal Scotsman land cruise set, normally based North of the Border made a second appearance in the area after the 2010 trip which called at Bath was thought to be only a one off! 57001 + 37685 top n’tailed this year’s round Britain outing, working 1Z29 06:24 Hereford - Bath (due 09:25) and later 1Z30 14:59 Bath - Oxford. The ECS ran 5Z29 Bath - Westbury, returning as 5Z30 12:17 Westbury - Bath down goods loop, but on the day, having departed Westbury at 12:20 the ECS went on to Temple Meads for the reverse and return back to Bath.

The c/stock formation was recorded as: 9493, 99967 (Dining Car no.1), 99131 /1999 (Dining Car no.2), 99962 (State Car No.2), 99963 (State Car No.3), 99964 (State Car No.4), 99968 (State Car No.5), 99969 (Service car), 99965 (Observation car), 99961 (State Car No.1).

Arriva XC HST power cars and intermediate set formations for the day were as follows: 43285 XC01 43378 - 1V44 06:00 Leeds - Plymouth / 1S51 12:23 Plymouth - Glasgow Central, 43321 XC02 43366 - 1V46 06:32 York - Plymouth / 1S55 13:23 Plymouth - Edinburgh Waverley, 43301 XC03 43304 - 1V54 06:32 Dundee - Plymouth / 1E73 17:23 Plymouth - Leeds, 43207 XC04 43303 - 1V50 06:06 Edinburgh Waverley - Plymouth / 1E63 15:23 Plymouth - Leeds.

13/07 66097, the second Class member to receive the new DBS red livery worked the 6B59 17:10 Exeter (Alphington Road) - Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap metal service being recorded passing Nailsea at 20:33.

14/07 Steam 71000 Duke of Gloucester was seen receiving attention in light steam on Barton Hill depot.

15/07 Blue livered 66623 worked the Monday only 6C73 Westbury - Taunton Fairwater departmental via Bristol being reported as passing Bridgwater at 13:48. Also, a 6Z26 10:13 Rugby - Taunton Fairwater move (booked Worle junction at 15:40) was reported passing Bridgwater at 16:42 down on time behind 66610.

Avon & Somerset Police carried out passenger checks for drugs during the evening period at Temple Meads station using a sniffer dog as they walked through the main entrance hall. Officers were working alongside British Transport Police looking out for people smuggling drugs into the City to take into bars and clubs. Several people were questioned and given cautions or street bail during the checks. This exercise formed part of a city wide day of action by the police in Bristol targeting drug-dealing, theft, road safety and speeding along with anti-social behaviour.

16/07 The First/GW 1A10 07:28 Exeter St. David’s - Paddington HST service (via Bristol TM and Bath) was noted formed with three first class coaches as: 43026, 41106, 41033, 41034, 40118, 42048, 42006, 44086, 43126. The day’s Arriva XC HST power car allocations were as follows: 43378 + 43285 - 1V44 06:00 Leeds - Paignton / 1S51 12:34 Paignton - Glasgow Central, 43321 + 43366 - 1V48 07:44 York - Penzance / 1E75 16:25 Penzance - Leeds, 43304 + 43301 - 1V52 06:01 Glasgow Central - Paignton / 1E67 16:34 Paignton - Leeds, 43207 + 43384 - 1V54 06:32 Dundee - Newquay / 2P86 19:55 Newquay - Plymouth.

47786 brought in a 8 coach ECS as 5Z92 Southall - Temple Meads arriving at 18:26 (34 early). The coaches were for use on the ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ trip during the following morning. Later, 66606 top n’tailing 66620 passed Nailsea & Backwell at 21:13 with a 6Y33 20:27 Taunton Fairwater - Gloucester New Yard HOBC.

66610 + 66623 had earlier top n’tailed the 6Y11 18:50 Taunton Fairwater - Cheltenham track replacement train.

17/07 Steam 5029 Nunney Castle worked the first Railway Touring Company ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ of the year (1Z92 08:50 to Weymouth) which departed platform 5 in Temple Meads at 08:51 (with c/stock: W35461 loco support, 3150, 3148, un-numbered Pullman 354, 1860, 4994, 4836, 99318) and later at 09:15, a second steam departure with 60163 Tornado departed platform 6 with 1Z27 09:15 to Kimgswear. The Weymouth train was reported as passing Twerton, near Bath at 21:04 on the 1Z93 return.

Two returning departmentals were as follows: 66623 + 66610 top n’tailing - 6Y11 08:00 Barnwood junction (Gloucester) - Taunton Fairwater HOBC (recorded Nailsea at 10:31) and 66620 + 66606 top n’tailing - 6Y33 11:00 Standish junction - Taunton Fairwater.

19/07 Following problems during the previous day and stock in the wrong position, A HST set worked the 06:25 Plymouth - Glasgow Central Arriva XC service in place of a Voyager set.

A fatality at Hayes & Harlington saw some late running of up to an hour, for some First/GW Paddington - Temple Meads HST services during part of the day.

20/07 Steam 71000 Duke of Gloucester left the area being hauled by 66119 as 5Z70 Barton Hill - Bishop’s Lydeard loco and support coach via Bath and Westbury being reported through Castle Cary at 07:27. Later, 67011 returned an afternoon VSOE working to Victoria passing Twerton, near Bath at 15:52.

21/07 Former Fastline loco duo 66305 and 66303 were present in the Bristol West Railport during the morning. The former had arrived on the 4V32 18:30 (Wed) ex. Felixstowe whilst the latter had headed the 4V30 23:00 (Wed) ex. Tilbury. 66303 later departed at 11:00 as 4L32 to Tilbury, 66305 then shunting it’s train prior to leaving on the 4L30 16:27 (ThO) departure to Felixstowe.

Between the 4L32 departure and the shunt, 70005 passed at 11:52 on the 6M04 10:50 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal service.

22/07 Having worked 2Z02 09:30 Waterloo - Exeter St. Davids (via the former LSWR route) inspection coach move (with 975025 Caroline), 37423 propelled the saloon onwards as 5Z02 09:00 Exeter New yard - Derby RTC, being recorded as passing Taunton at 10:07 and departing Temple Meads at 10:56 (12 early).

23/07 221135 + 220009 were used on the Arriva XC 1E75 16:25 Penzance - Leeds in place of a HST set. 47500 brought in the following days ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ ECS as 5Z92 17:10 Southall - Temple Meads (due 19:12) being recorded as passing through Bath at 18:47.

66560 ran 0Y27 light-engine from Stoke Gifford - Newton Abbot Hackney yard passing Parson’s Street at 16:33 to collect a rail train (also see Bristol Parkway, Pilning and Westerleigh notes and news).

Two evening engineering train reports through Nailsea & Backwell were: 66610 + 66606 top n’tailing 6Y33 20:54 Taunton Fairwater - Gloucester New Yard (21:16) and 66560 on 6Y27 19:54 Newton Abbot - Lydney rail train (21:34).

Both 150108 and 150126 were reported as new arrivals in the Bristol area from the London Midland.

24/07 The ‘Torbay Express’ was cancelled due to a lack of bookings, but the second ‘Weymouth Seaside Express’ ran (only two operated during 2010) with steam 5029 Nunney Castle and c/stock: W35461 (loco support), 3150, 3148, un-numbered Pullman 354, 6528, 4994, 99318, 9440 passing Hick’s Gate near Keynsham at 09:01. Some late running, cancellations and diversions were recorded during the morning following a fatality involving a 47 year old man on a foot crossing at Edithmead (just north of Highbridge) and the 2C45 08:28 Temple Meads - Penzance service. Two afternoon return engineering train records included: 66623 + 66551 top n’tailing - 6Y33 11:00 Standish junction - Westbury yard via Kemble (reported here 13:28 - 122 late), Swindon (reverse and pass 14:17 - 120 late) and Bath; 66610 + 66620 top n’tailing - 6Y11 14:30 Standish junction - Taunton Fairwater, via Kemble, Swindon (reverse), Bath (reported 16:35 - 1 late) and arrival in Taunton at 17:47 (2 late).

26/07 The First/GW sleeper services were headed by 57602 - 1C99 23:45 Paddington - Penzance (via the Berks & Hants route and Westbury) and 57603 - 1A40 21:45 Penzance - Paddington (05:21) via Temple Meads (booked 02:38 - 02:40 and Bath 02:52). 142001 worked west on a 5Z42 Newton Heath - Exeter St. David’s empty move following attention, passing Taunton at 19:00 and earlier 950001 worked west on 2Z08 05:43 Westbury - Plymouth having covered part of the Berks & Hants route and visited the Mendip quarries.

27/07 An afternoon arrival which was reported through Cheltenham at 14:01 was 31602 (with DBSO 9714) on a 3Q13 Derby RTC - Kingsland Road test train.

28/07 31602 continued on test train duty as 3Z15 09:32 Kingsland Road - Kingsland Road, being recorded through Lawrence Hill at 09:38 and routed via Parkway, Westerleigh junction, Swindon (reverse), Melksham, Westbury, Castle Cary, Yeovil, Weymouth (reverse), Yeovil, Castle Cary, Westbury, Trowbridge and Bath.

29/07 57602 with the First/GW 1A40 Penzance - Paddington sleeper service was recorded as passing Nailsea at 02:30 whilst the balancing 1C99 Paddington - Penzance train with 57605 was reported arriving Taunton at 02:02 (30 early) having been routed via the Berks & Hants and Westbury.

30/07 The days Arriva XC HST diagrams were covered with the following power cars (see the 16/07 for train details): 43303 + 43207 - 1V44 / 1S51. 43378 + 43285 - 1V52 / 1E67. 43357 + 43301 - 1V48 / 1E75. 43366 + 43321 - 1V54 / 2P86. Steam 34067 Tangmere arrived in Bristol to work the final ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ of the month as 5Z34 10:15 Crewe Heritage Centre - Bristol via the Marches and the Severn Tunnel being reported correct time through Patchway at 15:50.

Later, the train’s stock behind 37516 (not the expected Class 47) arrived as 5Z92 17:10 Southall - Temple Meads, at 19:02 (12 early) having been reported through Chippenham at 18:32.

One engineering train report was 66544 on a 6Y27 Newton Abbot Hackney yard - rail train passing Nailsea at 21:02. The loco had earlier worked west as a 0Y27 light loco off Stoke Gifford.

31/07 Two steam departures: 60163 Tornado worked the ‘Torbay Express’ (1Z27 09:15 Temple Meads - Kingswear) and 34067 Tangmere was on the ‘Weymouth Seaside Special’ (1Z92 08:55 Temple Meads - Weymouth) and noted near Bath at 09:13. The regular Keynsham and Trowbridge pick up points were not included for the latter working.

A new former LM unit arrival was 150126, still carrying its green/blue colours which along with 150129 worked the 1C04 09:45 Temple Meads - Plymouth service.

Some engineering train records were as follows: 59001 - 6W46 08:00 Lawrence Hill - Westbury yard (formed with two salmon wagons) passing St. Annes (Bristol) at 08:25, 66606 + 66551 top n’tailing - 6Y33 11:00 Standish junction - Taunton Fairwater (HOBC), 6Y11 - 66606 + 66551 top n’tailing 14:30 Standish junction - Taunton Fairwater and 66113 - 6W44 Westbury - Cardiff Queen street via Aberthaw (ballast-Seacows) noted passing Keynsham at 12:55.

Cardiff

12/07 British American Railway Service’s (Devon & Cornwall Railway) 56311 worked the firm’s first freight service, a trial 6Z56 10:30 Grimsby Town - Cardiff Tidal sidings loaded scrap (formed of 2 JNA and 17 KEA bogie box wagons) being reported through Cheltenham at 16:40 - 5 late and Lydney at 17:25 - 3 early (also see Bristol Parkway, Pilning and Westerleigh notes & news).

13/07 DCR 56311 was noted stabled at Central Station’s riverside siding during the day.

14/07 70005 was reported as working a 6V23 11:00 Crewe Basford Hall yard - Aberthaw flyash train, returning as 05:44 Aberthaw - Drax during the following day. The 6V23 was recorded as departing Cravens Arms at 13:18.

21/07 A view of Canton depot recorded the following: 08499. 37308. 50044/135.

23/07 A FLHH 6Z32 22:30 Dagenham docks - Tidal loaded scrap service was reported as a 05:15 arrival in Cardiff. The hauling loco 66617 returned the empties as 6L35 at a 20:47 departure time.

25/07 GBRf 66730 arrived two hours late around 08:45 at Cardiff Tidal sidings with a 6Z97 loaded scrap service from Beeston.

Gloucester

02/07 Royal Train dedicated 67005 worked a 1Z95 09:01 Victoria - Worcester VSOE special and 1Z96 17:35 return, via Kemble and the Stroud Valley both ways. Return reports were for Cheltenham at 18:22 (12 late) and Swindon at 19:25 (5 late). The train’s c/stock formation was recorded as: 6313, Lucille, Ione, Vera, Minerva, Perseus, Pheonix, Cygnus, Gwen, Ibis, Zena, 99545. Another special passenger working in the area was UK Railtour’s ‘Severnsider’ top n’tailed with 66050 + 66207 (1Z26 11:36 Temple Meads - Gloucester avoiding line, up and down loops via Gloucester station and Sharpness and 1Z27 14:31 return, via Westerleigh and Tytherington). Some recorded departure timings were Gloucester station 12:49 (1 late), Sharpness 13:59 (19 late), Westerleigh 15:31 (9 late) and Tyherington Quarry 16:32 (50 late). Also see Avonmouth and Bristol TM, Barton Hill and Kingsland Road notes and news. It was believed that this was the first passenger train over the Sharpness branch since Pathfinder Tour’s ran two return ‘Severnside Explorer’ trips using ex.LMS Stanier 5 No. 45407 becoming the first preserved steam working over the line on Sunday 22/04/07 (see June 2007 Magazine 424, page 10).

03/07 Returning late afternoon and evening engineering train reports were as follows, all being routed via Lydney and a loco run-round in East Usk yard, Newport: 6Y12 - 66622 11:30 Ashchurch - Taunton Fairwater yard (reported as arriving in East Usk at 12:00 - 2 late). 6W30 - 66040 16:00 Gloucester Yard junction - Westbury (track panels). 6W31 - 66118 17:00 Gloucester Yard junction - Westbury (FNAs and MLAs). 6W32 - 66065 18:00 Gloucester Yard junction - Westbury (JNAs and MLAs).

07/07 Steam 4492 Dominion of New Zealand (whose correct identity and name is 60019 Bittern), worked Steam Dream’s ‘Cathedrals Express’ 1Z86 08:45 Victoria - Cardiff Central and 1Z87 18:05 return, both ways being routed via Kemble, the Stroud Valley, Gloucester and Lydney. The train arrived in the Welsh Capital at 13:56 (2 late) and departed at 18:08 (3 late) and passed Newport at 18:25 (11 late). The c/stock formation in use during the day was as follows: 17013 (loco support), 5236, 5237, 1961, 99125, 3093, 9104, 13440, 1860, 5171, 5200. The A4 was working the train inplace of the unavailable 60163 Tornado.

08/07 Former Fastline owned loco 66302 was on a 6Z90 scrap metal move to Cardiff Tidal sidings passing Cheltenham at 17:52.

24/07 A returning departmental service was: 66544 - 6Y34 13:00 Standish junction - Westbury yard formed of 10 autoballasters being recorded passing Kemble at 13:59 (32 late) and Swindon at 14:50.

26/07 GBRf 66715 was used on a 6O85 Long Marston - Tonbridge wagon move formed of 5 JNAs and 4 flats. The train was reported through Cheltenham at 18:50 (30 late) and Kemble at 19:56 (35 late).

Newport

04/07 50044 returned light-engine through Newport at 16:52 running from Kidderminster - Cardiff Canton having returned preserved diesels which had taken part in a East Lancs gala event. GBRf 66703 worked 6Z30 Handsworth - Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap, the same loco making several other appearances on this train during the month.

18/07 GBRf 66730 was on Beeston - Cardiff Tidal loaded scrap train.

22/07 GBRf 66730 headed a 6Z30 Handsworth - Cardiff Tidal scrap service through Newport at 19:42, later followed by DRS 66424 with 6Z90, another loaded scrap service to Cardiff Tidal sidings passing at 20:01. It was reported that four different freight operators worked trains into and from Cardiff Tidal during the month!

29/07 60074 worked 6M11 00:04 Margam - Round Oak loaded steel.

Portbury Branchline

05/07 At least three track gangs were in the Ashton junction / level crossing area removing rubbish and dumped items off Network Rail property. Other ‘fly tipping’ areas targeted around Bristol, included Malago and between Avonmouth station and St. Andrews Road dock level crossing. The work formed part of a nationwide clean up week on the railway, as fly-tipping is costing Network Rail £2.3 million a year to action. It is estimated that 4,000 tonnes of rubbish has been removed from railway property during the last three years. Around 20 tonnes of dumped materials was expected to be collected from around Bristol during the clean up week, the national campaign being titled ‘Love Where You Live’.

25/07 Test unit 950001 was booked to cover the branch as 2Z08 reversing at Portbury dock gate from 12:24 - 12:29.

North Somerset Council submitted a £43.3 million bid to the Government department for Business, Innovation and Skills Regional Growth Fund for the reopening of the line to passengers. A further £4.8 million would be provided from council resources and 106 planning agreement money set aside from developments in Portishead.

If the bid is successful, the line could be reopened by 2015. The council owned three mile track bed from Pill would have to be re-laid and a new road bridge constructed at Quay’s Avenue in Portishead as well as a new station on a reserved site in Harbour Road.

Further work would still be needed at Pill tunnel which is prone to flooding and the existing freight only track between Parson’s Street and Portbury dock junction would also have to be up graded from 30 to 60 mph. Re-signalling would need to be carried out to increase train capacity over the branch with the additional passenger trains running alongside current freight workings.

Locos recorded on coal duty have included: 66509/550/557. 70004/005/006/011

Westbury

30/07 At 15:15 the following locos were present: 08737. 59001/101/204/206. 66002/077. 66092/102/139.

Weymouth

09/07 Steam 34067 Tangmere arrived with a Steam Dreams ‘Cathedrals Express’ working from London into platform 3 at 11:51. A second steam loco 48151 was used to haul the between Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil junction, and was expected to return the train to London, but Tangmere was used instead. The train’s c/stock was reported as formed: 80217, 5216, 5200, 5171,1860, 9104, 3093, 1961, 5237, 5236.

28/07 The NRMT HST visited the Dorset seaside resort with power cars 43062 + 43014 running as 1Q23 ex. Old Oak Common (taking in a 04:48 Exeter St. David’s - Weymouth via Westbury move), but departure from Exeter was around 3 hours late at 12:45 ! The eventual late return to Old Oak Common was via Salisbury.

Units seen during the month have included

142001/029/064.
143603/611/612/617/619.
150120/126/128/129/130/232/233/234/238/243/244/247/248/249/261/265/266.
153305/318/325/333/368/372/373/377/380/399.
158749/763/766/767/769/798/950/951/952/953/954/956*/957/958/959.
159012/018/102.
220003/009/030.
221119/125/126/128/133/133/135/137/140
950001
Arriva XC HST power cars: 43207/285/301/303/304/321/357/366/376/384.
Arriva/Wales/ First/GW ‘hire’ : 150231 (15/07). 150235 (26/07). 150242 (31/07). 150255 (05/070. 150256 (08/07). 150260 (10/07). 150278 (10/07).
SWT / First/GW ‘hire’ : 158883 (28/07). 158884 (26/07, 27/07). 158885 (02/07, 23/07).158890 (04/07).

Notes: 158956 * was noted in use as a 2 car set during the review period.

LOCAL LOCO HAULED PASSENGER SERVICES

1V31 / 1W91 05:32 Holyhead - Cardiff Central / 16:15 return ‘Wag Express’

07/07 57315. 19/07 57313. 20/07 57313. 21/07 57316. 26/07 57314. 28/07 57314. 29/07 57314.

Note: Coaching stock in use on the 07/07 was recorded as: 9539, 6137, 5976, 10259, but by the 21/07, 9521 had replaced 9539 in the train’s formation.

LOCAL FREIGHTLINER WORKINGS 

4V51 / 4O51 Southampton - Wentlooge containers

02/07 66304. 04/07 66567. 05/07 66538. 07/07 66542. 09/07 66566. 11/07 70007. 13/07 66305. 14/07 66570. 16/07 66517. 18/07 66593. 19/07 66567. 23/07 70007. 26/07 66588. 28/07 66955. 30/07 66565.

6M55 06:55 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal

01/07 70003. 11/07 70004. 12-14/07 70004. 15/07 70004. 29/07. 66550. 30/07 66550.

6M61 08:25 Portbury - Rugeley P.S. loaded coal

01/07 66509. 11/07 66519. 19/07 70004. 20/07 70011. 21/07 70011. 22/07 70005. 28/07 70011. 29/07 70006.

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

18/07 70004. 19/07 70004. 20/07 70005. 21/07 70005. 22/07 70004. 25/07 70011.

6F65 04:55 Portbury - Uskmouth P.S. (Fifoots) loaded coal

30/07 70006.

6A21 Pengam - Theale loaded stone

28/07 66552.

6M36 Westbury ‘la farge’ - Earles (Hope sidings) cement empties (MFO)

11/07 66606. 25/07 66613.

The Container Count - Bristol West (Railport)

The following have been recorded with headcodes listed where known:

01/07 66593 (4L32). 04/07 66569 (4L32). 09/07 66588. 14/07 66567 (4V32). 16-18/07 66504. 21/07 66305 (4V32). 66303 (4V30). 22/07 66303 (4L32). 23/07 66504. 27/07 66534. 28/07 66535 (4L30). 66534 (4L32). 29/07 66534.

Train notes: Arrivals - 4V32 18:30 (Wed) ex. Felixstowe. Departures: 4L30 16:27 (ThO) - Felixstowe. 4L32 11:00 - Tilbury.

LOCAL DBS WORKINGS

 6B13 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded fuel tanks

01/07 60074. 04-07/07 60010.  11/07 60074. 19-22/07 60074.  25-29/07 60049. 

6E41 Westerleigh - Lindsey fuel tank empties

01/07 66175 + 66053. 02/07 60011. 04/07 60011. 07/07 60011. 11-13/07 60011. 15/07 60099. 19/07 66013 + 60011. 21/07 60096. 26/07 60096. 28/07 60096. 30/07 60096.

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

01/07 66187. 26/07 66171.

6B33 Theale - Robeston (Margam SO) fuel tank empties

02/07 60010. 05/07 60074. 09/07 60074. 12/07 66013. 14/07 60049. 15/07 60074. 16/07 60049. 21/07 60049. 23/07 60049. 26/07 60074.  28/07 60074. 30/07 60074.

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

05/07 66054. 12/07 66014. 19/07 66007. 26/07 66161.

6V51 Warrington - Portbury docks (via Newport ADJ) steel and empty car carriers (TThO)

12/07 66019. 14/07 66174. 19/07 66177. 26/07 66051.

6B35 Hayes - Moreton-on-Lugg stone empties

01/07 66020. 20/07 66088. 27/07 66096.

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

04/07 66187. 13/07 66097.

6A83 Machen quarry - West Drayton ARC loaded stone

06/07 66086. 15/07 66141.

6M60 Exeter (Riverside) - Bescot (downside) freight (via Newport) (SO)

09/07 66017. 16/07 66090. 23/07 66092. 30/07 66027.

6C39 St. Blazey - Newport ADJ freight

07/07 66168. 14/07 66238. 21/07 66169. 28/07 66171.

6C99 Newport ADJ - St. Blazey freight

05/07 66168. 12/07 66238. 19/07 66015. 26/07 66171.

6A29 Wentlooge - Didcot wagon load freight

04/07 66184. 08/07 66148. 12/07 66065. 15/07 66097. 20/07 66003. 21/07 66232. 22/07 66122. 25/07 66074. 26/07 66018. 29/07 66155.

6O32 Llanwern - Dollands Moor / * Trostre export steel

01/07 66003. 11/07 66098. 17/07 66188. 21/07 66065. 24/07 66087. 29/07 66097. 28/07 66230.

6V13 Dolland’s Moor - Llanwern / * 6Z12 Trostre steel

02/07 * 66003. 16/07 * 66092. 23/07 66118. 30/07 660084

LOCAL COLAS WORKINGS

6O78 / 6Z78* Margam / Llanwern - Dollands Moor export steel

03/07 * 66844. 17/07 * 66745. 18/07 66575. 24/07 * 66575. 27/07 66849.

6V78 Dolland’s Moor - Llanwern / Trostre steel

04/07 66575. 19/07 66745.

LOCAL DRS WORKINGS

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

01/07 66420 + 66432. 13/07 37194 + 37601. 15/07 20303 + 37059. 20/07 66417 + 66428. 22/07 66417 + 66428. 27/07 66417 + 66428. 29/07 20303 + 37611.

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

04/07 57004 + 57008. 07/07 57004 + 57008. 11/07 20308 + 20309. 14/07 37229 + 57009. 18/07 37218 + 37229. 28/07 20308 + 20309.

MISCELLANEOUS

Station News

Ashley Down (Bristol): A study is to be carried out regarding the re-opening of this station between Stapleton Road and Filton Abbeywood, which had been open for 100 years prior to closure in 1964. Money is expected to be made available to carry out a feasibility study involving local residents, as the station has been listed for possible re-opening in the West of England Joint Local Transport Plan for 2011-2026. The nearest station in the area is at Montpelier on the Severn Beach line, but this is some distance from two local sports grounds which would benefit from a nearer station, the Memorial Stadium, home of Bristol Rugby and Bristol Rovers football club as well as the Gloucestershire County Cricket ground in Nevil Road. Electrification is also planned for this section of mainline and the probable reinstatement of two additional mainline tracks removed in 1984.

Highbridge: It has been reported that customers are unsure whether to catch a train at this Somerset station as there is no ticket staff or ticket machine and a prominent notice warning passengers they will be fined if £20.00 if they board a train without a valid ticket!

Stroud: First/GW are promoting the town’s two week Festival Fortnight during September with a special community type leisure ticket. Five Valleys, promotional material such as leaflets and posters have been put in place at Paddington to publicise the event and food & drink locations, walks, eco renovation, open homes nature and fringe festivals listed. First/GW are offering discounted off peak return fares and a complimentary drinks to passengers, having being approached by Stroud Commonwealth and the town’s Chamber of Commerce and Trade with the original idea to add extra passengers, besides the regular commuters, on a day out at times when the train’s have spare capacity.

Worle (Weston-super-Mare):  The station here, opened in 1990 is to benefit from investment with a further 305 parking places to be added in a newly created Diamond Batch area on the downside, this being addition to the 190 already in use on the up side. Also 48 cycle racks are to be installed along with 18 motorcycle bays. A better bus set down and pickup point will be created and CCTV cameras installed around the car park area.

Signal Changes

Network Rail is to carry out a massive signalling modernisation programme over the next 10 years reducing the current number of around 800 locations which include signal boxes and control rooms to just 14 regional super-centres covering the whole country.

South Wales and the West would come under a new centre, which has already been part set up and already operating at Didcot.

It was just over 100 years ago that there were 10,000 signal boxes in use around the country but they were reduced to just under a half by the mid - 1960s following the Beeching cuts.

By 1995 and rail privatisation signalling locations had fallen to less than 1,000 but closures slowed down with Network Rail spending money on keeping some of the boxes going instead of modernisation.

It is believed currently, around 500 original signal boxes remain in use under one man operation mainly on rural routes.

The plans will also see the NR signalling workforce reduced from between 5-6,000 employees to around 1,000.

Euro Cargo-Rail Class 66s

A check of the French DBS loco pool at the end of the month found the following:

66029/033/062/071/191/249 all to be returned for autumn sandite duty whilst 66203 was at Bescot to be returned to France and 66245 at Toton - status unknown.

PRESERVATION & INDUSTRIAL MATTERS

Westonzoyland Pumping station (near Bridgwater)  (05/07/11)    R.W.Giles

A specially arranged Tuesday evening visit found both locos working wagons or light engine around the 2ft gauge system, not an original feature at this location, but added so equipment and materials such as wood for the boilers could easily be moved around the site.

WZ lot 024 carried a yellow/green white livery (MR 40S310/68 - fitted with engine number WE88752) and Lister (34758/49) was in green.

Probably the star of the location is the Easton Amos drainage machine engine, which is original to the site, being built in 1861 to help control water levels on the low-lying Somerset levels.

On the evening of the visit the pump was in steam for demonstration purposes as it’s job is now undertaken by a small electrical unit housed nearby.

A large number of other steam driven machines and equipment are also on site, which is open on Good Friday, Easter Monday and all bank holidays (except Christmas and Boxing days) between 13:00 - 17:00.

West Somerset Railway (11/07/11)

Steam 70000 + support coach 35465 departed Bishop’s Lydeard at 22:30 for the Yeovil Junction steam centre being routed via Exeter and Honiton.

County of Avon Fire Brigade, Avonmouth Fire Station, St. Andrews Road R.W.Giles

Road/rail Renault emergency incident lorry N842HFB was noted outside the station on an unrecorded date during the month. The vehicle which is now based at this location having been previously at Yate, has received modifications and appeared to be in the old Network Rail lime green colours.

Road Movements

12/07 50135 Ark Royal on road trailer low loader in the M5/M50 abnormal load lay-by at the New Severn Bridge crossing at 07:30 en route to Cardiff Canton depot.

TRACK MACHINES & DEPARTMENTALS

02/07 Yate station yard: a number of road -rail machines were present with only: jeep (99709 975024-9) and a support trailer BT15(3?) identified.  Weston-super-Mare: DR80211.

07/07 Newport - west through station at 09:59: 77327.

10/07 Saltford (near Keynsham) - in the up direction at 14:06: DR73907.

12/07 Woodborough (near Pewsey): DR73905/911. DR77905. Kingsland Road (Bristol): DR73108. DR73919.

27/07 Chipping Sodbury: Quattro plant r/r excavator 238.