Yoshi takes a close look at ‘Clan Line’ while visiting Yeovil Junction – 04/12/2024
04/12/2024
Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ worked the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour 1Z28 0842 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform. We saw the train passing Worting Junction and its arrival at Yeovil Junction with ‘Clan Line’ later being turned on the turntable at the Yeovil Railway Centre.
Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ at Worting working the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour 1Z28 0842 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform – 04/12/2024Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ at the head of the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour arrives in Yeovil Junction – 04/12/2024Yoshi meets Francis Bourgeois at the Yeovil Railway Centre – 04/12/2024
Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ working the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour 1Z28 0842 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform – 04/12/2024
08/12/2024
West Coast Railways Class 57 diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 57601 ‘Windsor Castle’ and 57315 top and tailed “The Northern Belle” into Castle Cary working 1Z25 1311 Paddington to Castle Cary before reversing and running back towards London as 1Z26 1540 Castle Cary to Euston.
West Coast Railways Class 57 diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 57601 ‘Windsor Castle’ and 57315 top and tailed “The Northern Belle” into Castle Cary working 1Z25 1311 Paddington to Castle Cary – 08/12/2024West Coast Railways Class 57 diesel-electric locomotive No.57315 leads away from Castle Cary at the head of 1Z26 1540 Castle Cary to Euston – 08/12/2024
The Northern Belle reverses at Castle Cary – 08/12/2024
10/12/2024
Overnight 09/12/2024 – 10/12/2024 saw Colas Railfreight running a Network Rail ballast train into Dorset reporting as 6C13 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South / 6C13 0455 Moreton (Dorset) to Eastleigh East Yard with Class 66 No. 66846 and Class 70 No. 70815 in charge. We saw the train passing Poole on the outward leg and at Hamworthy and Parkstone on the return.
Colas Rail Freight Class 70 No. 70815 passing Hamworthy with 6C13 0455 Moreton (Dorset) to Eastleigh East Yard – 10/12/2024
Colas ballast train – 10/12/2024
12/12/2024
A day out in Somerset began with seeing Colas Railfreight Class 43 HST power cars No’s 43274 & 43303 at Yeovil Junction on the Network Rail New Measurement Train 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury
Colas Railfreight Class 43 HST power car No’s 43274 arriving at Yeovil Junction with 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 12/12/2024Yoshi with Class 43 No. 43303 at Yeovil Junction. The HST power car was at the rear of the outward leg of 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 12/12/2024
1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 12/12/2024
A drive over to Highbridge saw HNRC’s Regional Railways liveried Class 37 No. 37425 which has been reunited with her ‘Concrete Bob’ nameplates in honour of Sir Robert McAlpine passing Highbridge & Burnham whilst working the 5Z11 0949 Bristol Kingsland Road to Bristol Kingsland Road test train
Harry Needle Railroad Company’s Class 37 No. 37425 ‘Concrete Bob’ passing Highbridge and Burnham working the 5Z11 0949 Bristol Kingsland Road to Bristol Kingsland Road test train – 12/12/2024
Later we caught up with the twice weekly Direct Rail Services flask train departing Bridgwater in the care of Class 68 No.’s 68009 ‘Titan’ and 68034 ‘Rail Riders’ working 6M63 1210 Bridgwater F.D to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS)
DRS Class 68 No.’s 68009 ‘Titan’ and 68034 ‘Rail Riders’ in the sidings at Bridgwater – 12/12/2024DRS Class 68 No. 68034 ‘Rail Riders’ prepares to depart Bridgwater with 6M63 1210 Bridgwater F.D to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 12/12/2024
DRS Flasks at Bridgwater – 12/12/2024
16/12/2024
Having missed November, the monthly PLP test train utilising GBRf Class 73 locomotives made it to Weymouth in December. The train, in the charge of GBRf Class 73 No.’s 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ and 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’, reported as 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth. I saw 73’s on their way from Weymouth to Eastleigh at Hamworthy having missed the outward leg as I was being entertained by the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens.
1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth – 16/12/2024
17/12/2024 – 19/12/2024
The trials and tribulations of delivering SWR Class 458/4 No. 458414 which was the final unit to be converted from a five car Class 458/5. Tuesday 17th December 2024, GBRf Class 57 No. 57310 reversed at Poole with the intention of delivering the refurbished EMU to Bournemouth depot as 5Q64 1603 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. However due to a points failure leading into the depot, the consist traveled back up the line to Eastleigh East Yard. The following day sister locomotive No. 57303 did the honours working 5Q64 1548 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D which saw the Class 458 safely delivered to its Home Depot. Finally on the morning of 19th December 2024, No. 57303 returned to Leicester with the barrier coaches formed from ex-Class 508 driving coaches working 5M09 0855 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Leicester L.I.P. which I saw at Totton as it passed running 46 minutes late.
Class 57 movements in association with SWR Class 458 drags to Bournemouth – December 2024
18/12/2024
The Heart of Wessex test train ran once again with ex High Speed Train Class 43 power cars – No.’s 43274 & 43303 – reporting as 1Q22 0647 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road. We saw the train at Yeovil Pen Mill and Upwey
Heart of Wessex Network Rail Test Train – 18/12/2024
19/12/2024
The Wessex Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) arrived at Totton Yard on 7th December 2024 in readiness for the winter 2024/25 season. However, it wasn’t until 19th December that the train turned a wheel in anger and ran down to Weymouth as 3Y88 0905 Totton Yard to Totton Yard top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’ + 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’. Caught out by the late departure of this service from Totton Yard, I was able to see the train arrive back at base
Snow & Ice Train – 19/12/2024
24/12/2024
A Christmas Eve treat from GBRf and SWR as Class 57 No. 57303 hauls Class 458/4 No. 458419 with barrier coaches No.’s 64664 & 64707 past Baiter Park, Poole reporting as 5Q45 1118 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. The train was running 46 minutes ahead of schedule on arrival at Poole. The EMU is the last member of the class to be delivered to Bournemouth depot following the completion of the 458 refurbishment programme carried out at Widnes Transport Tech. The locomotive and barrier coaches departed Bournemouth depot as the early running 5Z66 1851 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard, but by that time I was in the pub enjoying a festive drink.
The final 458 refurb drag to Bournemouth – 24/12/2024
27/12/2024
The video below is of trains during a post Christmas visit to the Southampton area on 27/12/2024, taking in Eastleigh, Winchester and St Denys.
Freightliner anniversary liveried Class 70 No. 70008 working 4M61 1256 Southampton MCT to Trafford Park FLT on the approach to St Denys – 27/12/2024
My vote for the favourite ’spot of the day’ would have to be FL Class 70 No. 70008 carrying a new special yellow and green livery in a nod to the company’s past. The locomotive’s repaint was carried out by UK Rail Leasing in Loughborough, and completed on November 20th 2024 in readiness for Freightliner’s 60th anniversary in 2025. When sold by British Rail, Freightliner originally used a version of the old BR two- tone grey livery, before moving to a new green livery with yellow cabs – first for its Class 57’s and then its Class 66 locomotives. The arrival of the first Class 70 in 2010 resulted in a new ‘PowerHaul’ livery being introduced that was latter applied to a handful of Class 66’s, 86’s and 90’s. The takeover by Genesee and Wyoming saw a break from this, with a striking orange and black livery starting to be applied, as seen in this video being carried by Class 66 No. 66419 ‘Lionesses’ Roar’
Southampton area compilation – 27/12/2024
Thanks for reading – a reminder the best way to keep up to date with our latest videos is via the Railway Dog YouTube Channel – why not subscribe today! Or you can catch random witterings and photos via the Railway Dog Facebook group. Be seeing you!
Yoshi shows off his new grooming cut while visiting the Old Ship in Dorchester – 18/11/2024
On Friday November 1st, Caroline and I went to a performance of “The Truth About Harry Beck” at the Cubic Theatre located in the London Transport Museum, Covent Garden. The play is a two hander and outlines the creation of the iconic London Tube map we know so well today – well recommended and is on multiple dates and times until Sunday 5th January 2025.
The Truth About Harry Beck – 01/11/2023
Over the first weekend of November 2024, the railway line between Wareham and Weymouth was closed to SWR passenger trains (GWR services terminated and originated at Dorchester West) as engineering work was carried out at a number of locations. Eight trains arrived with materials and equipment and eight trains left, involving ten locomotives (count them!):
70815 tnt 70811: 6C01 2212 Eastleigh East Yard to Upwey / 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe’,: 6C02 2252 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe’ at Hamworthy56051 ‘Survival’ : 6C03 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Moreton / 66757 ‘West Somerset Railway’ : 6G11 0051 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham / 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ : 6G12 0132 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ at Poole66711 ‘Sence’ : 6G13 0241 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham / 66557: 6Y84 0330 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham / 66511 tnt 66413 : 6Y85 0400 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham at Poole
Saturday 02/11/2024:
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66413 running early through Hamworthy heading up 6Y85 1800 Wareham to Eastleigh Yard – 02/11/2024
The list of workings for the Friday & Saturday were: 6C01 2212 Eastleigh East Yard to Upwey – 70815 tnt 70811, 6C02 2252 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe’, 6C03 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Moreton – 56051 ‘Survival’, 6G11 0051 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 66757 ‘West Somerset Railway’, 6G12 0132 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’, 6G13 0241 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 66711 ‘Sence’, 6Y84 0330 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 66557, 6Y85 0400 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 66511 tnt 66413, 6Y85 1800 Wareham to Eastleigh Yard – 66413, 6Y84 2045 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 66511
Sunday 03/11/2024:
Colas Railfreight Class 70 No. 70813 at Weymouth – 03/11/2024Colas Railfreight Class 70 No.’s 70811 and 70813 at Weymouth – 03/11/2024Colas Railfreight Class 56 No. 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe’ at rest in Dorchester – 03/11/2024Colas Railfreight Class 56 No. 56051 ‘Survival’, Dorchester – 03/11/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66557 working 6G13 1555 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard passing Wareham – 03/11/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66722 powers through Holton Heath working 6G11 1755 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 03/11/2024
The list of workings for the Sunday were: 6G13 1555 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 66557, 6G12 1655 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 66711, 6G11 1755 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 66722, 6C03 1930 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 66757, 6C02 2035 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 56051 tnt 56049
The remaining departure was scheduled for the Monday morning and ran as 6C01 0400 Wareham to Eastleigh East Yard – 70815 tnt 70811
Friday evening, November 8th 2024, I was visiting a good friend near Eastleigh and on the way home, I took the opportunity to see DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66177 passing through the station working 6N05 2249 Eastleigh East Yard to Poole. The train was scheduled for a ten minute layover at Redbridge which would give me plenty of time to get closer to home in order to see No. 66177 once again. In the event, 6N05 went straight through Redbridge, but this meant Yoshi and I didn’t have long to wait at Branksome before getting another shot of the train. Finally we saw the consist parked up at Sterte, Poole in readiness for the locomotive to get in position for the weekend engineering work.
Screenshot DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66177 crawls through Eastleigh at the head of 6N05 2249 Eastleigh East Yard to Poole – 08/11/2024
The video below also includes views of Balfour Beatty Rail Services Matisa B41UE Tamper No. DR75411 working 6J61 2213 Eastleigh East Yard to Poole Storage Sidings at Southampton Airport Parkway and Branksome. The engineering work itself centred around Creekmoor Viaduct on the Holes Bay causeway.
DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66177 on the Holes Bay causeway – 10/11/2024
13th November 2024 – Working 5B09 0757 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D, GBRf Class 57 No. 57310 arrived at Poole hauling ex-Class 508 driver trailer barrier vehicles on the way to Bournemouth depot to collect the final South Western Railway Class 458/5 EMU to be delivered to Widnes Transport Tech later in the day. This was originally diagrammed to run as 5Z66 1441 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard but was later updated to 5Z66 1241 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard, which caught a lot of folk by surprise, including me and despite an attempt to see the train passing Christchurch, I just failed to capture a video of it passing!
GBRf Class 57 No. 57310 5B09 0757 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D
The New Measurement Train ran through North Dorset on Thursday 14th November 2024 with Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43251 and 43303 reporting as 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter New Yard.
For the first time since 2019, the South Devon Railway hosted a diesel gala. This one day event utilised the SDR’s home fleet of diesel locomotives throughout the day alongside guest Class 60 No. 60029 ‘Ben Nevis’ provided by DCRail. We popped to Buckfastleigh for an afternoon of diesel action – 09/11/2024
Class 60 No. 60029 ‘Ben Nevis’ provided by DCRail at Buckfastleigh during the South Devon Railway’s diesel gala – 09/11/2024
In amongst the usual Avanti West Coast Pendolino’s and West Midlands Trains Class 350 EMU’s, I spent an interesting few hours at London Euston on 17th November 2024 as Great Western Railway diverts took place due to engineering work for the construction of HS2’s new station at Old Oak Common requiring the closure of the Great Western Mainline into London Paddington. The Caledonian Sleeper and the GWR Night Riviera stood side by side in the former LMS terminal. Class 92 No. 92033 ‘Railway Heritage Trust’ arrived with the empty coaching stock for the Caledonian Sleeper and departed light loco as 5S96 2117 Wembley Inter City Depot to London Euston / 0A96 2337 London Euston to Wembley Inter City Depot. While Class 92 No. 92018 headed up 1S26 2330 London Euston to Glasgow Central and Edinburgh having arrived light engine as 0S26 2104 London Euston to London Euston. The GWR sleeper stock was top and tailed by Class 57 No.’s 57602 ‘Restormal Castle’ and 57605 ‘Totnes Castle’ which arrived reporting as 5Z51 2115 Reading Traincare Depot to London Euston and departed forming 1Z51 2333 London Euston to Penzance. Locomotive Services Limited Class 90 No. 90001 ‘Royal Scot’ worked in light engine as 0Z51 Crewe Holding Sidings to London Euston and departed as 0Z52 2356 London Euston to Wembley H.S. , the locomotive hired in to provide power to the GWR Night Riviera stock while at Euston to alleviate diesel fumes from the Class 57 locomotives while waiting at platform. We were also treated to a Rail Head Treatment Train top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66750 and 66752 working as 3J01 1414 Kings Norton Ot Plant Dept to London Euston / 3S01 0007 London Euston to London Euston.
Great Western Railway IET No.’s 800019/800016 forming 1Z29 2132 London Euston to Reading meets Avanti West Coast Pendolino Class 390 No. 390155 which had arrived as 1A68 1855 Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston – 17/11/2024Caledonian Sleeper ECS with Class 92 No. 92033 ‘Railway Heritage Trust’ at Platform 1 London Euston with Locomotive Services Class 90 No. No. 90001 ‘Royal Scot’ providing power to the GWR Night Riviera stock at Platform 2 – 17/11/2024 Screenshot of Class 92 No. 92033 ‘Railway Heritage Trust’ running light engine as 0A96 2337 London Euston to Wembley ICD pass GWR Class 57 No. 57602 ‘Restormal Castle’ which is about to depart with the Cornish Riviera Sleeper 1Z51 2333 London Euston to Penzance sleeper service – 17/11/2024Locomotive Services Class 90 No. No. 90001 ‘Royal Scot’ ready to depart London Euston – 17/11/2024
Video of GWR diverts at London Euston – 17/11/2024
The monthly PLP test train utilising GBRf Class 73 locomotives did not make it to Dorset in November, the train being cancelled at Bedford due to a problem with the traction equipment. No.’s 73965 and 73963 had been allocated to 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth.
Another Class 458 Unit drag to Bournemouth was scheduled to take place on 19th November 2024 with GBRf Class 57 No. 57305 bringing No. 458403 down from Widnes following conversion. However the Class 57 failed at Wembley and was replaced by Class 47 No. 47739 which eventually arrived at Bournemouth depot the following day as 5Q64 1700 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&RSMD. The first leg of the return path to Leicester LIP with loco and barrier coaches reported as 5Z66 2008 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard.
On a visit to Oxford, we enjoyed a walk along the Oxford Canal from the City Centre to the Trout Inn at Wolvercote. On the way we saw a couple of passing freight trains as well as Harry Needle Railroad Company Class 37 No. 37405 working 0Z38 1100 Oxford Down Engineers Siding to Oxford Down Engineers Siding – 26/11/2024
Screenshot Harry Needle Railroad Company Class 37 No. 37405 working 0Z38 1100 Oxford Down Engineers Siding to Oxford Down Engineers Siding passing Wolvercote – 26/11/2024
Video from Oxford – 26/11/2024
A launch event to mark the rollout of long-delayed new trains for South Western Railway (SWR) was held at London Waterloo on Thursday 28th November 2024 where Class 701 No. 701031 was named ‘Nighthawk’ by cricket legend Stuart Broad. The former One Day and Twenty20 captain unveiled the name a short trip up the line from Vauxhall, home to the Oval cricket ground where he took the final wicket in his last Test match. ‘Nighthawk’ is a nickname given to Broad by his teammates and reflects his role as a nightwatchman in the game of cricket. Thank goodness for press releases!
Highlighting its suburban network as a hub for sporting excellence, SWR also named trains the ‘Jockey’ for horseracing destinations such as Ascot, Sandown and Kempton Park; the ‘Red Rose’ for English rugby at Twickenham; the ‘Ace’ for the Wimbledon Championships; and the ‘Thames Racer’ in honour of the Boat Race.
The Derby-built Class 701 Arterio trains are five years behind schedule. Ninety trains, costing £1bn, were ordered in 2017 and were due in service from November 2019. The trains have been held up by extensive faults, mostly to do with their software. Many have spent years stored in sidings around the country.
The RMT union held 78 days of strikes about the role of guards on these trains before reaching an agreement with the train operator. The first Arterio train carried passengers between London Waterloo and Windsor in January 2024. The “development” service was mostly restricted to one return trip a day outside peak hours. Since then, five Arterios have appeared in service, serving the routes to Windsor & Eton Riverside and Shepperton, calling at some of SWR’s busiest stations including Earlsfield, Kingston, Richmond, Twickenham and Wimbledon.
Building on those destinations, it was confirmed that the new fleet will serve stations including Dorking, Epsom, Guildford, Hampton Court and Reading over the next six months, moving SWR closer to its ultimate goal of transforming every journey on its suburban network.
Each ten-car Arterio carries over 50% more customers than the eight-car Class 455 trains they replace, significantly increasing capacity for customers. The fleet will also improve customer comfort, providing modern features including Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, real time information, accessible toilets and air conditioning.
To mark the Arterios being named and to celebrate the next ten being rolled out, an orchestra played a medley of well-known sporting tunes, including the themes from TV’s Grandstand and Match of the Day and the film Chariots of Fire.
SWR is training 750 drivers to operate the Class 701 trains.
SWR Class 701 No. 701031 stands at London Waterloo in readiness for the Arterio launch event – 28/11/2024SWR Class 701 No. 701031 ‘Nighthawk’ – 28/11/2024SWR Class 45 No. 455717 along with 455865 prepares to depart with the late running 2M25 1117 London Waterloo to Raynes Park – 28/11/2024A view of London Waterloo with Class 455’s in evidence – 28/11/2024
Video from London Waterloo – 28/11/2024
Thanks for reading – don’t forget the best way to keep up to date with our latest videos is via the Railway Dog YouTube Channel – why not subscribe today! Or you can catch random witterings and photos via the Railway Dog Facebook group. We’ll be back with the December 2024 round-up soon. Be seeing you!
Yoshi with Class 153 No. 153376 (VIU2) when it visted Bournemouth on 8th October 2024 whilst working 2Q30 1200 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard – 08/10/2024
The Severn Valley Railway held their Autumn Diesel Bash from 3rd October – 6th October 2024 when a collection of heritage diesel locomotives were in service operating a busy timetable. I was fortunate to attend on the Friday, when Class 58 No. 58023 worked its first passenger turns in over 25 years, indeed, this was the first time a Class 58 had worked a train in the UK since 2002.
Class 58 No. 58023 ‘Leicester Depot’ opens up after departing Bewdley. The locomotive made two round trips during the event, one on Friday and one on the Saturday – 04/10/2024In London Transport red livery, Class 20 No. 20142 ‘Sir John Betjeman’ acted as translator for Class 58 No. 58023 to enable it to haul coaching stock – 04/10/2024The Class 58 and Class 20 pairing heading a train bound for Bridgnorth – 04/10/2024
Other highlights included a pair of Class 25 locomotives in No. 25262 visiting from the South Devon Railway and No. D7628 from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a Great Western Railway High Speed Train and locomotives from the SVR home fleet.
Visiting Class 25 locomotives No. 25262 and No. D7628 on the approach to Bewdley – 04/10/2024Great Western Railway (GWR) Class 43 No. 43122 leads on the visiting Castle set – 04/10/2024GWR HST Castle set Class 43 No. 43094 at the rear of a Kidderminster to Highley shuttle service – 04/10/2024Class 43 Power Car No. 43094 leads on the return Kidderminster to Highley shuttle service – 04/10/2024SVR resident Class 52 “Western” diesel-hydraulic No. 1062 ‘Western Courier’ heads to Kidderminster – 04/10/2024Class 37 No. 37263 based at the Severn Valley – 04/10/2024“Warship” Class 42 No. D821 ‘Greyhound’ accelarates away from Bewdley – 04/10/2024A pair of Class 20 Locomotives No.’s 20189 and 20048 nearing Bewdley – 04/10/2024“Western” Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ exits Bewdley Tunnel western portal – 04/10/2024Class 46 “Peak” 46045 heads a morning service to Bridgnorth – 04/10/2024Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’, one of four Class 50 locomotives owned by Class 50 Alliance – 04/10/2024Recently repainted from GBRf livery, Class 50 No. 50007 ‘Hercules’ exits Bewdley Tunnel. The tunnel was built by the GWR in 1876-77 – 04/10/2024Also recently repainted into BR large logo livery Class 50 No. 50049 ‘Defiance’ works a Bridgnorth to Kidderminster train – 04/10/2024Class 33/1 No. 33108 heads to Kidderminster – 04/10/2024Class 40 No.40106 is the Class 40 Preservation Society and resides on the Severn Valley Railway – 04/10/2024The final shot of my day was of the Class 25’s returning to Kidderminster with No. D7628 leading No. 25262 – 04/10/2024
Thanks to Jamie for driving and for organising the locations – check out Jamie Smith Going Loco on You Tube.
Video of the Severn Valley Railway 2024 Autumn Diesel Bash – 04/10/2024
October Video Review
01/10/2024 – GB Railfreight Class 57 No. 57310 arrives at Poole Storage Sidings working 5Q64 1603 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D having hauled refurbished South Western Railway Class 458/4 No. 458406 from Widnes Transport Tech before running around its train and heading to the depot. This video also features SWR Desiro workings and an MPV. I spoil you. Later the same day, the Class 57 returned to Poole hauling Class 458/5 No. 458503 on the first leg of its journey to Cheshire for conversion into a four car unit. The lights on the up platform at Poole station were out creating a darker than usual atmosphere.
Class 57 No. 57310 engaged in Class 458 EMU drags to / from Bournemouth TRSMD – 01/10/2024
02/10/2024 – The Network Rail New Measurement Train (NMT) visited the Heart of Wessex line operated by two class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars No.’s 43303 & 43301 reporting as 1Q22 0748 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth. The NMT has the full panoply of on board railway testing equipment, from lasers and cameras to overhead testing and gauging. Radios on board can be used to test equipment such as GSM-R, and non-contact monitoring systems can detect wear on overhead cables, along with their position in relation to the rails the train is travelling on. We saw the late running train at Maiden Newton, Winterborne Monkton and Dorchester West.
Video of 1Q22 0748 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 02/10/2024 (With grateful thanks to my brother for additional Dorchester West video on the outward run.)
08/10/2024 – Three single-car Class 153 Diesel Multiple Units have been leased from Porterbrook by Network Rail’s infrastructure monitoring team since 2021 following their withdrawal by East Midlands Railway. Designated “Visual Inspection Units”, they are used for automated inspections of switches and crossings with the intention of removing “boots from the tracks”.
No. 153376 (VIU2) visited Bournemouth on 8th October 2024 whilst working 2Q30 1200 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard. The Class 153’s are affectionately nicknamed Dogboxes and Yoshi took time out to examine the DMU in between rain showers.
2Q30 1200 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard – 08/10/2024
12/10/2024 – North Dorset was visited by steam traction as SR Merchant Navy Pacific No.35028 ‘Clan Line’ passed through working the “Atlantic Coast Express” rail tour. We missed this one, but friend of this Blog @Smithy.377 filmed the return leg as it passed through Highbridge as 1Z29 1640 Exeter St. Davids to Waterloo via Bristol East Yard with Class 47 No. 47812 in tow.
Clan Line – 12/10/2024
21/10/2024 – Early Monday morning of 21st October 2024, I popped into Yeovil Pen Mill to watch the Great Western Railway Night Riviera sleeper trains passing through on divert from their usual path along the GW mainline. Class 57 locomotives are employed on these services. No. 57602 appeared first at 0154, two minutes behind schedule, working 1A50 2115 Penzance to London Paddington, while No. 57603 worked 1C50 2350 London Paddington to Penzance passing six minutes ahead of time at 0247.
GWR Sleeper diverts at Yeovil Pen Mill – 21/10/2024
21/10/2024 – To misquote Benjamin Franklin, “nothing is certain except death, taxes and Class 79/9’s on the monthly Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) train” which paid another visit to Dorset this evening, once again top and tailed by GBRf’s No. 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ and No. 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’. I saw the train reporting as 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C. (Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth passing through Poole on the outward run and at Hamworthy on the return leg.
Class 73’s – 21/10/2024
23/10/2024 – Another refurbished Class 458 EMU returned from Widnes Transport Tech on Wednesday 23rd October – the 25th out of the 28 units being converted by South Western Railway – as GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 hauling Class 458/4 No. 458402 reporting as 5Q64 1603 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. Later in the evening the Class 57 returned with Class 458/5 No. 458519 working 5Z66 2008 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard. This video also includes views of Class 444 Desiro EMU’s on South Western Mainline passenger services.
Class 458 unit drags – 24/10/2024
24/10/2024 – A late evening trip to Yeovil Junction to see Class 37 No. 37425 working 3Q07 2031 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. via Salisbury Ultrasonic Testing Unit (UTU) train. UTU’s usually have a locomotive at one end, and a Driving Brake Standard Open (DBSO) at the other. When leading, the DBSO controls the locomotive at the other end, as was the case on this occasion as the train headed through Yeovil Junction on its way to Yeovil Pen Mill, where it reversed and returned to Junction where it stabled adjacent to the Heritage Platform. No. 37425 is owned Harry Needle Railroad Company and is on-hire to Colas Railfreight. UTU trains have ground-penetrating radar systems to detect voids and deformations up to two metres into the ballast and earth using rail profile scanners to help identify problems or degradation in track profile, comparing it to a template of an ideal track.
Class 37 UTU at Yeovil Junction – 24/10/2024
30/10/2024 – The New Measurement Train (NMT) top and tailed by Colas Rail High Speed Train (HST) Class 43 Power Cars No.’s 43274 & 43272 made a visit to the Heart of Wessex line reporting as 1Q22 0744 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road. We were at Dorchester West to see the set pass through running 27 minutes behind schedule. Because of the late running, the train was reversed at Dorchester Junction instead of Weymouth.
Heart of Wessex NMT – 30/10/2024
From The Archive
In celebration of Class 58 No. 58023 ‘Leicester Depot’ returning to life, I’ve had a dig about in The Railway Dog video bin and pulled out the following clips for your delectation:
The Worksop Open Day committee ran a series of railtours using double-headed class 58’s to various parts of the UK. In 1998 the “Worksop Wessex Wanderer” ran on 27th June to Weymouth via Birmingham, Dorridge and Leamington Spa with EWS liveried Class 58 No.’s 58047 and 58039. The leading locomotive, No. 58047 was removed at Dorchester South due to a weak bridge between there and Weymouth. The tour departed on the return working from Weymouth top and tailed.
Class 58’s were regular visitors to Dorset in the late 1990’s when the hauled LPG tanks from Furzebrook to Hallen Marsh near Avonmouth. I didn’t see many of these workings, something I am could get quite cross with myself over. However, I redeemed myself at least once as the video below will attest to.
The Class 58 diesel locomotive has a Co-Co wheel arrangement and was designed to haul heavy freight trains. Their design represented a major departure from British conventions of construction; amongst the innovations was the adoption of the American practice of modularisation. For example, the cab is a complete unit, having been designed to be fitted out with all systems as a complete module. The narrow body with cabs at either end earned them the nickname “Bone” amongst rail enthusiasts.
Class 58 Cab mock up at Doncaster Works – 31/01/1982Class 58 cabs at Doncaster Works – 31/01/1982
The first locomotive of the class was handed over to British Rail at Doncaster Works in December 1982, with deliveries of further locomotives continuing until 1987. On delivery, the Class 58 locomotives were painted in Railfreight grey with a red solebar. This livery was soon replaced by the Trainload Coal livery, with the final example No. 58050 being the first to receive the new colours. This livery remained standard until the lead-up to privatisation when the class came under the ownership of Mainline Freight. Some locomotives received the full Mainline Blue livery, while others retained the triple grey livery with Mainline branding.
Class 58 No. 58002 on display at Stratford depot Open Day – 09/07/1983Class 58 No. 58002 on display at Stratford depot Open Day – 09/07/1983Class 58 No. 58002 on display at Stratford depot Open Day – 09/07/1983Class 58 No.’s 58003 and 58009 seen from F+W Railtours “The Vital Statistician” railtour. I have no record of the location – 11/02/1984Again snapped from a passing F+W Railtours “The Vital Statistician” railtour. I have no record of the location Class 58 No. 5800611/02/1984The final member of Class 58 No. 58050 ‘Toton Traction Depot’ on shed at Toton – July 1987 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58015 at Water Orton – 1989 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58015 at Water Orton – 1990(Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58038, Acton – 25/06/1996 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58046 near Oxford in 1995 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58032 @ Wigan Springs Branch – 30/06/1996(Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58008, Eastleigh – 1995 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58036 at Didcot – 29/07/1995 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)
With the privatisation of British Rail in the mid-1990’s, the Class 58’s were transferred to English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS). The locomotives then adopted the EWS livery, with two variations seen across the fleet. However, their time under EWS was short-lived, as they were soon displaced from their primary Merry-Go-Round (MGR) duties. By the late 1990’s, withdrawals began in earnest, with many remaining locomotives allocated to Eastleigh for departmental and Ministry of Defence (MoD) traffic.
Class 58 No. 58049 ‘Littleton Colliery’ at Didcot in 1997 – (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58037 at Eastleigh TMD – 13/09/2002 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)Class 58 No. 58050 passing Newport – 19/05/1999 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)
Despite expectations of a lengthy service life, by 2002 EWS decided to withdraw all remaining examples of the type after only 19 years in service. Subsequently, 32 were hired abroad – four to the Netherlands, eight to Spain and twenty to France. The majority of these exported locomotives had been cut up by mid 2023 in Montrose-del-Cid in Spain or Alizay in France. There are a small number which are believed to survive in Europe, including No.50050 at Albacete in Spain which has allegedly been earmarked for survival as part of the National Collection.
Donor loco for the Ivatt LMS 10000 recreation project, Class 58 No. 58022 is seen at Rowsley South – 20/04/2019 (Photographer unknown – The Railway Dog Collection)
As well as No. 58023, No.’s 58012, 58016 and 58048 are in various stages of restoration. The frames of No. 58022 are destined for the replica build recreating Ivatt LMS 10000, which along with its twin No. 10001 were the first mainline diesel locomotives in the UK.
Class 58 No. 58023 ‘Leicester Depot’ on the approach to Bewdley on her first trip of the Severn Valley Railway Autumn 2024 Gala – 04/10/2024
Don’t forget the best way to keep up to date with our latest videos is via the Railway Dog YouTube Channel – why not subscribe today! Or you can catch random witterings and photos via the Railway Dog Facebook group. We’ll be back with another blog entry soon – thanks for reading and, as always, your comments and corrections. Be seeing you!
Yoshi at Edinburgh Waverley railway station with ScotRail Inter7City High Speed Train Class 43 power car behind – 14/09/2024
On September 3rd 2024, it was announced that ScotRail’s Inter7City High Speed Train fleet used on routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness, is to be replaced with formal procurement due to start within weeks.
Class 43 No. 43021 at Edinburgh Waverley having arrived at the rear of 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
ScotRail operates 52 Class 43 power cars with 22 sets of Mark 3 coaches modified with sliding doors. Two, No.’s 43030 and 43140 were written off after the 2020 Carmont derailment. ASLEF, the train drivers union, have called for the withdrawal of the ScotRail HST fleet for a number of years as “not fit for purpose”citing drivers descriptions of the trains as “notoriously unreliable”, an “unmitigated disaster” and that using them is “tantamount to environmental vandalism”
ASLEF have further expressed the view that “the HST’s are not crashworthy and do not meet modern safety standards. Their fibreglass cabs with wooden frames bolted on were built in the 70’s and are not fit for purpose for speeds of up to 125 mph. As such our members who drive these trains have little or no confidence in them.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop announced ScotRail will lead the acquisition of replacement rolling stock and a detailed delivery timetable will be announced at the award of the contract, adding; “Resilient, reliable ScotRail services are key to encouraging more people to choose to travel by train rather than car, to cutting our transport emissions and to helping to move people around Scotland for work, leisure and learning. Over 4 million passenger journeys were made on inter-city trains in the last year. We want to maintain and where possible, increase that number choosing to go by train between Scotland’s cities. We want to replace the current inter-city fleet with trains which provide more comfort and accessibility for passengers on these routes. This planned investment will ensure the reliability of our inter-city routes for the long-term, will reduce emissions from inter-city services and will support our efforts to decarbonise Scotland’s railways.”
ScotRail Managing Director Joanne Maguire said “today’s announcement is good news for our customers and an important step for ScotRail as we work towards delivering a safe, green, and reliable railway.”
Although no announcement on whether new-build or cascaded trains will be deployed, suitable inter-city rolling stock could soon become available with the introduction of East Midlands Railway’s Hitachi Class 810 bi-mode units, which will replace its Class 222 Meridian DEMU’s. Introduced by Midland Mainline from 2004, EMR operates 27 sets, running in five and seven-car formations, owned by Eversholt.
I mention the Inter7City HST’s because we had already planned a road trip which would give me an opportunity to see these surviving trains from a bygone age of British Rail at Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
At Edinburgh Waverley Yoshi and I were very kindly allowed through the electronic ticket barriers and on to the platforms to photograph the HST sets. We were approached during our visit at the end of platform 18 by a member of station staff who wanted to know if we were “lost or just catching the breeze”. Once we’d explained ourselves, we had a friendly chat as we walked over to platform 2 in time for the next HST arrival.
Class 43 No 43168 forming the rear of 1A81 1130 Edinburgh to Aberdeen at the buffer stops alongside Class 158 “Express Sprinter” DMU No.158741, Edinburgh Waverley – 14/09/2024Class 43 No 43179 1A81 1130 Edinburgh to Aberdeen at Edinburgh Waverley in the company of Class 158 No. 158740 and Class 334 Coradia Juniper EMU No. 334013 – 14/09/2024Another view of Class 43 No. 43021 at Edinburgh Waverley having arrived at the rear of 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024Class 43 No 43126 having arrived at Edinburgh Waverley with 1B74 0905 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024Class 43 No 43139 at Edinburgh Waverley leading on 1B74 0905 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024ScotRail Inter7City High Speed Train Class 43 power cars side by side at Edinburg Waverley. No. 43177 having arrived at the rear of 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh and No. 43148 on the rear of 1B30 1248 Inverness to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024Class 43 No 43177 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024Afternoon arrivals at Edinburgh Waverley; Class 43 No. 43028 having arrived with 1B30 1248 Inverness to Edinburgh stands alongside No. 43177 which was working 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024Another view of Class 43 No. 43028 having arrived with 1B30 1248 Inverness to Edinburgh stands alongside No. 43177 which was working 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
The dark blue and pale grey ‘Inter7City’ livery features large silhouettes of landmarks in the seven cities of Scotland. Before relivery, the power cars were in the plain blue livery of First Great Western.
Abellio ScotRail received nine 4-carriage and 17 five-carriage trainsets from Great Western Railway (GWR) for use on longer-distance services between the major Scottish cities.
The power cars were refurbished at Brush Loughborough, with the coaches being refurbished at Wabtec Doncaster. The first set, which included power cars No.’s 43021 and 43132, was delivered to ScotRail on 1st September 2017. The set was transferred to Aberdeen Clayhills on 10th September for the start of driver training. The first refurbished set was due in February 2018, with a full fleet in service by December 2018.
On the 15th October 2018 after months of crew training, the first revenue earning and fully branded ‘InterCity’ diagram began and ran with power cars No.’s 43033 & 43183 along with refurbished MK3 Set HA26 on the Edinburgh – Aberdeen route.
Class 43 No. 43137 arrives at Aberdeen working the 1A87 1530 Edinburgh to Aberdeen service 17/09/2024Class 43 No. 43152 rests at Aberdeen Clayhills Carriage Maintenance Depot. I didn’t think to check on the power car at the other end! The Caledonian Sleeper stock shares the depot with Class 73 No. 73968. Clayhills depot is used for maintaining and stabling long distance locomotive hauled services, more specifically, ScotRail Class 43, High Speed Trains, their respective Mark 3 carriages, Class 158 Express Sprinters and Class 170 Turbostars, as well as LNER Class 800 Azumas – 17/09/2024Class 43 No. 43175 at Aberdeen having arrived at the rear of A87 1530 Edinburgh to Aberdeen service 17/09/2024Class 43 No. 43003, the oldest HST power car in service at Aberdeen having arrived with 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 17/09/2024Class 43 No. 43137 arrives at Aberdeen having terminated working 1A87 1530 Edinburgh to Aberdeen service 17/09/2024Class 43 No. 43124 has arrived at Aberdeen with 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen prepares to depart as 5A75 1853 Aberdeen to Aberdeen Clayhills Carriage MD. No. 43175 in the background will be leading on 1T62 1836 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street – 17/09/2024Class 43 No. 43003 has arrived at Aberdeen Clayhills – 17/09/2024Screenshot of Class 43 No. 43028 passing over the River Dee Railway Bridge working 1T50 1535 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street. The bridge, built by Lock and Errington in 1848 has 11-spans, consisting of 7 principal spans of steel trussed on granite and sandstone piers, with cutwaters forming a crenellated parapet for mesh railings. There are four round-arched sandstone approach spans with polished arch rings and a coped parapet. The original bridge, as constructed by the Aberdeen Railway Company, included wooden beams on stone foundations, but from the 1880’s onwards, these were replaced by iron girders as a major programme of bridge improvements to accommodate heavier trains 18/09/2024Another chance encounter with Class 43 No. 43003 in Glasgow preparing to work 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 19/09/2024Class 43 No. 43003 prior to working 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 19/09/2024Class 43 No. 43003 at the head of 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 19/09/2024
While in Aberdeen, as well as taking the opportunity to pop down to the railway station one evening to see some ScotRail HST workings, I was also able to observe Class 73/9 No. 73968 at rest having worked into the station on empty coaching stock move 5B16 1935 Aberdeen Clayhills Car.M.D to Aberdeen prior to heading the Aberdeen to Edinburgh section of 1B16 2143 Aberdeen to London Euston.
Class 73/9 No 73968 at rest having arrived at platform with 5B16 1935 Aberdeen Clayhills Car.M.D to Aberdeen – 17/09/2024
Class 73’s are Electro-Diesel locomotives, built by English Electric between 1962-1967 for the Southern Region of British Rail. Primarily intended to work on 3rd rail electrified lines, as built they were also equipped with a 600hp diesel engine for short distance movements.
Between 2013 and 2016, eleven of these locomotives owned by GB Railfreight were rebuilt by Wabtec at the Brush Traction works in Loughborough and designated Class 73/9.
Plaque detailing rebuild on No. 73968 – 17/09/2024
The rebuilt locos have a 1600hp MTU ‘R43 4000’ V8 diesel engine, coupled to a new Lechmotoren alternator. The existing bogies and DC traction motors are retained. The locos are now fitted with AAR multiple working control and can also work with class 66 and 67 locos, however the old Style MW jumpers are kept for compatibility with un-rebuilt Class 73’s. Other features retained were the driving controls on both sides of the cab, the drop-head buckeye coupling, central buffing plate and retractable side buffers.
Five locos for duties in Southern England are numbered 73961 to 73965 and painted in GBRf livery. Six of these locomotives are deployed on Sleeper services north of Edinburgh replacing Class 67 locos from 2016. The locos utilised for Caledonian Sleeper duties are numbered 73966 to 73971, and painted in ‘Midnight Teal’ livery.
Having arrived with the Caledonian Sleeper ECS, Class 73/9 No 73968 will work the Aberdeen to Edinburgh section of the 1B16 2143 Aberdeen to London Euston sleeper service – 17/09/2024
No. 73968 was formerly No. 73117 (E6023).
The Caledonian Sleeper locos No.’s 73966-971 have several detail differences to the earlier No.’s 73961-965 batch:
* Driving Desk is more extensively modernised.
* The cab centre window is ‘unblanked’ and fitted with a wiper.
* 1-piece miniature obstacle deflectors fitted.
* High-level air hoses removed.
* Communications jumper socket left of coupling.
* Additional main air reservoir pipe left of coupling.
* NRN Radio and aerials. (NRN radios removed in 2016).
* ETS on/off indicators on the sides of the Headlamp clusters.
* Electric Train Supply to coaching stock increased from ETH 38 to ETH 70.
* 3rd-rail pick-ups were initially retained, but isolated.
* RETB-NG (fitted to the locos in Scotland during 2016).
* The buckeye coupling and central buffing plate would later be removed in favour of drop-head Dellner couplings, with the obstacle deflectors changed to accommodate this.
* The cab centre window (formerly a 2-character headcode display) was not installed on locos No.’s 73966 and 73967 until return visits to Loughborough in February 2016.
* The conversion programme and introduction to service (originally intended for the 1st April 2015) was severely delayed, a major factor being the new alternators suffering from vibration problems, particularly when at full power.
* From October 2016 the Sleeper Class 73/9s were only providing ETH, with Class 66 providing traction, rather than working in multiple.
* Delivery of the final conversion No. 73971 was postponed until November 2016, while a solution to the alternator issue was sought.
Class 73 No. 73968 at Aberdeen with the Caledonian Sleeper – 17/09/2024
* Further changes to the locomotive were required to operate with the new Mk5 sleeper coaches which have dellner semi-automatic couplings.
* The first to be equipped was No. 73971 which went south to Brush at Loughborough on 19th of April 2017 and returned to Craigentinny on 9th July 2017 with its new drop-head Dellner coupling fitted, but covered up.
* The class 73/9s had initially retained 3rd rail pick-up shoes, but these were removed when the six locomotives visited Eastleigh Works for new wheelsets in 2019/2020.
The Heart of Wessex Line closed between Castle Cary and Weymouth on Monday 23rd September 2024 to Sunday 29th September 2024 as Network Rail replaced less than a mile of over fifty year old track. Improvements were also made to the junctions either side of Maiden Newton railway station. A rail replacement bus service operated during the closure period for passengers.
GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66789 awaits clearance to proceed at Yeovil Pen Mill at the head of engineers train 6G12 2145 Hinksey Sidings to Maiden Newton. The locomotive was scheduled to return to Eastleigh East Yard via Dorchester West and the South Western Mainline later that morning but the driver was not cleared for the route, so instead the Class 66 travelled back through the engineering possession to Yeovil Pen Mill and made its way to Eastleigh via Westbury – 23/09/2024Colas Railfreight Class 70 No. 70807 at Yeovil Pen Mill at the head of 6C01 2047 Hinksey Sidings to Yeovil Pen Mill – 23/09/2024
The first two engineering trains in association with the works arrived at Yeovil Pen Mill in the early hours of 23rd September. Colas and Freightliner were also involved with engineering trains during the ensuing days.
Video at Yeovil Pen Mill of engineering trains – 23/09/2024
Monday 23rd September and it was time for the monthly Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) train which this time around was top and tailed by GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotives No. 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’.
Screenshot of GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotives No. 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ at Poole working 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 23/09/2024
I saw the train reporting as 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth passing through Poole in heavy rain. Must be mad!
1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 23/09/2024
GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ was once again charged with transporting South Western Railway Class 458 Electric Multiple Units between Widnes Transport Tech and Bournemouth T&RSMD. The loco hauled refurbished SWR Class 458/4 No. 458411 on its return south as 5064 1603 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D, returning later with SWR Class 458/5 No. 458502 reporting as 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard.
GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Poole while running around its train – 24/09/2024
As part of the operation, the consist heads to Poole Storage Sidings where the loco changes ends and the train heads back east along the South Western Mainline.
Class 458 EMU drags to/from Bournemouth TRSMD – 24/09/2024
Network Rail’s Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) visited Dorset in the early hours of 26th September. UTU’s usually have one locomotive at one end and a Driving Brake Standard Open (DBSO) at the other. The train can operate in push-pull mode with the loco hauling or pushing with the DBSO controlling it. UTU trains have ground penetrating radar systems to detect voids and deformities up to two metres into the ballast and ground and employ rail profile scanners to identify issues in track profile in comparison to an ideal track template.
Screenshot of Colas Railfreight Class 37 No.37057 ‘Barbara Arbon’ at Poole working 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 26/09/2024
Running 102 minutes late, Colas Railfreight Class 37 No.37057 ‘Barbara Arbon’ passes through Poole working 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth. No. 37057 was named in honour of Barbara Arbon on July 4th 2021 at Loram, Derby. Barbara was a member of the Colas Infrastructure Monitoring Team who sadly passed away in 2020. She was affectionately known by her colleagues as ‘Auntie Barbara’.
Video of 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 26/09/2024
“The Last Post”
Class 325 No.’s 325001 & 325002 on the approach to Quintinshill working 1M27 1235 Shieldmuir Mail Terminal to Willesden PRDC – 20/09/2024
Reportedly the final DB Cargo operated mail trains on the West Coast Main Line ran on Friday 20th September 2024, the cessation of the services being brought forward from the original end date of October 10th. I was fortunate enough to see Class 325 No.’s 325001 & 325002 passing Quintinshill working 1M27 1235 Shieldmuir Mail Terminal to Willesden PRDC while we were on a walk to remember the Quintnshill Railway Disaster which claimed the lives of over 200 people and left 246 injured. The incident remains the worst rail disaster in British history.
Fire rages amongst the debris of the Quintinshill rail disaster – 22/05/1915 (Unknown – The Illustrated London News, 25 May 1915)
Human error caused the accident, two signalmen made several careless mistakes and omissions in their duties. They had shunted a local train onto the main line and while it stood there in plain view of the signal box, they accepted a troop train travelling south carrying 500 soldiers of the 1/7th Royal Scots Territorial Battalion and then, minutes later, a sleeper from London heading north on the same line. The local train’s brakes were on, which upon collision, caused the troop train to telescope to half of its original length, while survivors staggered from the wreckage, the Carlisle express ran into It.
The impact of the collision pushed the express locomotives on top of the debris of the first crash. The carriages were telescoped, after the collision the troop train which was 215 vards in length was reduced to only 67 yards – 05/1915 (Unknown) The fire in the wooden carriages was almost impossible to extinguish with the small jets of water that the fire brigade could play on the flames – 22/05/1915 (Unknown)
Immediately after the collisions, fire broke out. Hot coals from the engine of the troop train set alight the wooden carriages and the flames were fed by gas from the train’s lighting supply. Despite vain attempts to quell the fire with water from the tanks of two goods trains and by syphoning water from a nearby stream, the inferno raged for 24 hours with devastating results. Once it was extinguished, 82 bodies were unrecognisable and 50 were never traced at all.
Memorials to the troops were built at Rosebank Cemetery, Edinburgh and one was erected at Gretna Visitor Centre by the Scottish Area of the Western Front Association, being unveiled on 21st May 1995. In September 2010 a plaque to commemorate the disaster was unveiled on Blacksyke Bridge which overlooks the crash site. Today, little trace of Quintinshill remains, the signal box having been demolished in the early 1970’s.
Memorial overlooking the site of the Quintinshill disaster at Rail Gretna Visitor Centre. Avanti West Coast Class 390 No. 390044 is passing with 9M55 1156 Glasgow Central to London Euston – 20/09/2024The plaque which commemorates the disaster on Blacksyke Bridge – 20/09/2024Trans Pennine Express Class 397 No. 397001 passes the site of the disaster working 1S51 1104 Manchester Airport to Glasgow Central. Left to right: up loop; up main (where the first collision occurred); down main; down loop. The signal box was on the outside of the up loop – 20/09/2024
To round off a Scottish themed September, on Monday 23rd, while Caroline was shopping in Southampton, I decamped to Eastleigh for a few hours to see Locomotive Services Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ which has been outshopped in retro ScotRail livery depart with stablemate Class 57 No. 57003 ‘Inter City Railway Society 50th Anniversary 1973 – 2023’ which carries Trainload Freight Speedlink colours.
Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ leads Class 57 No. 57003 ‘Inter City Railway Society 50th Anniversary 1973 – 2023’ on the approach to Eastleigh railway station forming 5Z45 1500 Eastleigh Arlington to Crewe HS. The Class 37 would later fail near Northampton, requiring rescue by a Class 86 also belonging to LSL – 23/09/2024Class 57 No. 57003 ‘Inter City Railway Society 50th Anniversary 1973 – 2023’ shows off its retro Trainload Freight Speedlink livery at Eastleigh Arlington – 23/09/2024
Video from a day at Eastleigh – 23/09/2024
That’s it for another blog entry. We’ll be back in a few weeks with a look back at October lineside adventures. Thanks for popping by and for your comments and corrections which are always welcome.
Don’t forget you can catch up on our latest videos on the Railway Dog YouTube Channel or catch random witterings and photos via the new Railway Dog Facebook group.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57310 at GBRf’s Peterborough depot during the Key Publishing Gala weekend – 08/09/2024
A special gala weekend of activities, based around Peterborough and the Nene Valley Railway organised by “Modern Railways” magazine with support from their sister publication “Hornby Magazine”, took place over the weekend of September 7th/8th 2024.
The event was supported by GB Railfreight who provided a range of visiting locomotives hauling trains at the Nene Valley Railway on both days of the gala. The freight operator also offered the opportunity to look behind the scenes at its Peterborough headquarters in a series of pre-booked tours.
Because of family plans organised for the Saturday of the event, I booked to attend on the Sunday and drove over to Peterborough arriving in good time to join the designated shuttle bus which was running between the railway station and the GBRf facility.
GBRf House, Peterborough – 08/09/2024
On arrival at the GBRf depot the bus divested of its passengers and we all stood around on the lawned area in front of GBRf House before being split into two groups of around twelve people each. One group headed off to the Maintenance Hub and depot area while the other, which I was part of, were taken off to see the train driving simulators.
GB Railfreight (GBRf) invested in two state of the art simulators, which form part of their training school at Peterborough. At a total cost of £850,000, they are the UK’s first and only full cab freight European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) capable simulators. They are used by new and existing drivers for basic training, advanced training as part of the Driver rules exam, Mentor and Instructor training and post incident reconstruction – 08/09/2024 From the outset, the simulators covered the journey from London Kings Cross to Peterborough, and are designed with a route building tool which will enable the addition of all other GBRf routes going forward. The simulators were built with the recycled remains of Class 66 locomotive No. 66734, which was involved in a landslip derailment at Loch Treig in 2012 – 08/09/2024 Photographs on display at the GBRf Training facility showing Class 66 No. 66734, which was involved in a landslip derailment at Loch Treig in 2012 – 08/09/2024
Once everyone in my group had a chance to experience the simulator, we swapped over with the other crowd and were led off to the depot area. First up was a visit inside the new Peterborough Maintenance Hub.
The Peterborough Maintenance Hub, which is larger than six-Olympic swimming pools was completed in just 10 months and brings back into use a derelict plot of land. The facility is key to unlocking GBRf’s ambitious growth plans as it aims to run c.80 intermodal services a day by 2025. The building has strong sustainability credentials – it is fully powered by electricity and has been designed to support electric shunt engines and forklifts to reduce carbon emissions. By analysing four wagons per shift, the Hub is a strategic enabler that creates a step-change in maintenance for the rail freight industry. It delivers significant safety and reliability improvements that will allow current and future customers to move an even wider range of goods by rail. As new smart-technologies emerge, the Hub will be a testbed that will allow GBRf to identify innovative solutions that will drive continual improvement – 08/09/2024GBRf is in the process of converting a pair of redundant “Polybulk” hoppers to barrier vehicles at its new Peterborough wagon facility having won the contract to move brand new Piccadilly line trains from Siemens new £200 million factory in Goole, East Yorkshire to London. One end of each barrier wagon retains conventional buffering and drawer. The other end has this removed and replaced with couplers for the new Tube stock, and high-level brake pipes. When being transported, the Underground train will run between the two wagons – 08/09/2024
We were free to take photographs in the Hub facility and of the stabled locomotives as we walked back to join the bus which would this time take us to the Nene Valley Railway.
GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 on shed at Peterborough in the company of No. 66762, 57310, 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’, 66741 ‘Swanage Railway and 66711 ‘Sence’ – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 at Peterborough – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’, Peterborough – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66741 ‘Swanage Railway’ at Peterborough – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ at Peterborough. The locomotive was in operation on the Saturday of the gala – 08/09/2024
On arrival at the Nene Valley, there was a bit of a wait in the rain before enjoying a journey from Peterborough to Wansford hauled by GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66312. A volunteer at Peterborough Nene Valley very kindly gave me some treats to take home for Yoshi, which he enjoyed very much!
Our train to Wansford at the other end of the line was hauled by Class 66 No. 66312.
GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 was in operation on the Nene Valley during the Sunday – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ arrives at Peterborough Nene Valley – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 rests at Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024Another view of GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024Surely not GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 69 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at platform of Wansford station – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ with 45041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’ operating as a translator between the Brush Type 4 and the coaching stock on the approach to Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 departs Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ double heads with Class 69 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 08 No. 08632 runs into the bay platform at Wansford – 08/09/2024Nene Valley resident Class 14 No. D9529 is an 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic loco built at Swindon Works in 1964, weighing in at 48.5 tonnes. Originally intended for hauling working movements between local yards and short-distance freight trains on the western region, No. D9529 was sold to The British Steel Company and worked at Buckminster from 1968-1972. It was later moved to Corby Steelworks and worked there until 1981 when it was moved to Bardon Hill Quarry until 2010 when it was rescued by the Iron Steel & Traction Group and moved to the Nene Valley Railway – 08/09/2024“Peak” Class 45 No. 45041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’ is a 1-Co Co-1 wheel arrangement Diesel Electric loco built at Crewe Works in 1962, weighing 133 tonnes. The loco was originally based at Derby hauling passenger services on The Midland Mainline as No. D53. The loco was named in 1964 and was re-numbered in 1975. No. 45041 was used predominantly on freight trains during the 1980’s as it was not one of the Class 45’s that was selected to be converted to supply electric train heat (ETH) for passenger carriages. Unfortunately, the loco suffered a traction motor problem in 1988 and was condemned, but she was bought by the Peak Locomotive Society in 1996 and has been based at the NVR since then – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 with Class 66 No. 66312 getting ready to depart Peterborough Nene Valley with the final service of the gala weekend – 08/09/2024
Funds raised from the gala were donated to charity, supporting the work of the MS Society, which provides support to those suffering with Multiple Sclerosis. GB Railfreight donated funds raised from the site tours to its charity partner Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Video from Day Two of the 2024 GBRf Gala at the Nene Valley Railway – 08/09/2024
For The Record
Screenshot of LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ passing Poole at the head of empty coaching stock move 5Z50 0714 Crewe H.S. to Norden (Swanage Railway) – 03/09/2024
On 4th September 2024, Saphos Trains ran a “Welsh Marches Express” from Bournemouth to Shrewsbury. The empty coaching stock was scheduled to be stabled at Norden on the Swanage Railway the night before the railtour. However, a bridge strike at Grange Road (Bridge 9) near Creech on the Swanage Branch causing noticeable movement in the structure and likely requiring substantial and costly repair works meant the train was unable to travel to Norden and was stabled at Holme Lane (Bridge 7) instead. We saw the ECS passing Poole on 3rd September running almost three hours late after being diverted due to congestion at Reading West following the failure of an earlier freight train.
LSL Class 57 No. 57311 at the rear of empty coaching stock move 5Z50 0714 Crewe H.S. to Norden (Swanage Railway) – 03/09/2024
Locomotive Services Limited Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ and Class 57 No. 57311 were utilised in top and tail formation for the stock movements, with the pair taking the carriages to Bournemouth in the early hours to pick up passengers.
We were at Hamworthy the following morning as they passed through on the way to pick up passengers running thirty minutes late working 5Z50 0430 Norden (Swanage R) to Bournemouth. The Saphos Tour was scheduled for steam haulage from Bristol, but due to a fatality in the Taunton area necessitating the closure of the railway line, the allocated locomotive; LNER Thompson Class B1 No. 61306 ‘Mayflower’ was unable to get to Temple Meads in time. Instead the train continued with No.’s 57311 and 47805 in charge. ‘Mayflower’ eventually caught up with her train and while No. 57311 was sent home to Crewe, the B1 and No. 47805 returned South, the steam locomotive taking the train as far as Bristol and the Brush Type 4 then working solo back to Bournemouth where we were on hand to see the train arrive. On arrival at Bournemouth, the Class 47 then ran around the carriages to enable the empty stock to be hauled to Southall.
Having arrived around an hour early, LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ being detached from the coaching stock of 1Z52 1550 Shrewsbury to Bournemouth prior to running round – 04/09/2024LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ ready to depart with 5Z54 2354 Bournemouth to Southall Locomotive Services Limited – 04/09/2024
Video from 3rd/4th September 2024 with movements in association Saphos “Welsh Marches Express”
Wednesday 4th September 2024 was the turn of the New Measurement Train (NMT) to visit the “Heart of Wessex” line with Class 43 ex-HST power cars No.’s 43274 and 43277 ‘Safety Task Force’ working 1Q22 0757 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth. My brother was on hand to catch it passing through Dorchester West on the outward leg.
Screenshot of Class 43 ex-HST power cars No. 43274 arriving at Dorchester West 1Q22 0757 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 04/09/2024 ( G E Barrett)Screenshot of Class 43 ex-HST power cars No.’s 43277 ‘Safety Task Force’ passing through Dorchester West with 1Q22 0757 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 04/09/2024 ( G E Barrett)Colas Rail Freight Class 37 No. 37175 at Weymouth having worked in with 3Q14 1112 Westbury Down TC to Westbury Down TC – 05/09/2024Colas Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ at Weymouth 3Q14 1112 Westbury Down T.C. to Westbury Down T.C.
Thursday 5th September 2024 and the booked “Heart of Wessex” test train produced Colas Rail Freight Class 37 No.’s 37175 and 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ at Weymouth top and tailing Network Rail’s Structure Gauging Train, reporting as 3Q14 1112 Westbury Down T.C. to Westbury Down T.C.
Screenshot of GBRf Class 66 No. 66798 ‘Justine’ passing Poole at the head of 6G15 2305 Eastleigh East Yard to Wool Signal PW5255 – 08/09/2024Screenshot of GBRf Class 66 No. 66303 at the rear of 6G15 2305 Eastleigh East Yard to Wool Signal PW5255 – 08/09/2024
A couple of engineering trains passing Poole just after midnight on 08/09/2024 in preparation for work in the Wool area. GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66798 ‘Justine’ and 66303 were first up forming a short ballast train 6G15 2305 Eastleigh East Yard to Wool Signal PW5255 followed quickly after by Colas Rail owned Plasser & Theurer 08-16/4x4C100-RT Tamper No. DR73931 ‘Brian Hill’ working 6J86 2338½ Brockenhurst Down Siding to Wareham.
North Dorset Route Learning runs: 10/09/2024: GBRf Class 66 No. 66731 ‘Capt. Tom Moore, A True British Inspiration’ ran light engine through Sherborne and Gillingham working 0Z47 1145 Eastleigh East Yard to Honiton and the corresponding return 0Z48 1521 Honiton to Eastleigh East Yard. The following week Monday to Friday saw the following schedules diagrammed: 0Z47 1145 Eastleigh East Yard to Honiton and 0Z48 1517 Honiton to Eastleigh East Yard. with the following running; 16/09/2024: operated by 66727 ‘Maritime One’. 17/09/2024: 66770, 18/09/2024: 69006. The Thursday and Friday moves were cancelled.
Colas operated rail delivery train ran 12/13th September 2024 with Class 66 No. 66791, on hire from GBRf and 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’. The outward run reported as 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South, while the return was 6C19 0525 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard
On hire from GBRf Class 66 No. 66791 with Colas decals applied stands at Dorchester South having arrived working 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 13/09/2024 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)Class 66 No. 66791 at Dorchester South working 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 13/09/2024 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)Colas Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ passing Poole at the rear of 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 13/09/2024 (Image courtesy of Tony Henley)
What we like to call the North Dorset New Measurement Train ran on 19/09/2024 with Colas Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43251 and 43357 working 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter.
The October 2024 edition of “Railway Modeller” features a very well illustrated article on the impressive “Bournemouth West” model layout>
October 2024 edition of “Railway Modeller”Yoshi gets some ideas from the “Railway Modeller”
Hamworthy Branch
I followed up my email to Network Rail of twelve months ago to ask if there was any more information regarding the 2025 date previously given for rail traffic to commence on the Hamworthy Branch – I received the following response today (18/09/2024):
“Subject
Information Request – Hamworthy Branch, Dorset
Response By E-mail (Simon) (18/09/2024 04.34 PM)
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for getting in touch – I have reached out to the team concerned and although there’s not specifically anything more to add to the previous reply, I can let you know that we’re still on course for reactivating the terminal and running trains in 2025. You’d be surprised I’m sure if I didn’t add the proviso that this is always subject to change, but certainly 2025 is still looking good as of now.
I hope that helps for now,
Kind Regards
Simon
Community Relations – Network Rail”
That’s it for another blog entry – thank you for reading! We’ll be back soon with a look at the remainder of Dorset special railway workings and our trip North of the Border to photograph Scottish High Speed Trains. Grateful thanks to all corrections, submissions and suggestions. Be seeing you!
I rather like this video screenshot of LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ as she opened up while passing through Branksome during a heavy rain storm heading “The Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z48 0416 Nantwich to Weymouth – 24/08/2024
North Dorset Railway
Class 62 No. 30076 and the Shillingstone signal box – 26/08/2024
On Bank Holiday Monday, the North Dorset Railway operated behind the scenes guided tours at Shillingstone allowing visitors to get a close up view of the projects currently being worked on by railway volunteers. This included the signal box and Project 62 which is working towards the restoration of Yugoslavian built Class 62 USA type 0-6-0 tank steam locomotives No.’s 30075 and 30076.
Yoshi enjoyed his tour of the replica signal box at Shillingstone – 26/08/2024Yoshi on the steps to the signal cabin – 26/08/2024Project 62 represents the owners of Yugoslavian built Class 62 USA type 0-6-0 tank steam locomotive No. 30075 (formerly JZ 62-669 acquired from Store Steel in Slovenia in 1990) which, having been most recently operational since June 2004, was out of service pending firebox repairs and full overhaul – 26/08/2024The group is also involved in the current project to construct No. 30076 from 62-521, which was acquired from ArcelorMittal Zenica in Bosnia & Herzegovina in December 2006 – 26/08/2024
Class 62 “Yankee Tank” steam locomotives are a pattern build of the World War II USATC S100 Class 0-6-0T Switcher/Shunters designed by Colonel Howard G Hill. Many of these locomotives saw service in the UK – including 14 on the Southern Railway plus a number in industrial service with Austin Motors/BMC at Longbridge, the NCB in the North East and on the Longmoor Military Railway. Four original US built and two Yugoslavian built locomotives are preserved in the UK.
Some of the impressive retired wagons at the North Dorset Railway – 26/08/2024Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 Diesel Loco ‘Ashdown’ was built by Hudswell Clarke, Leeds in 1959 for the Manchester Ship Canal Railway. After working at several locations, it arrived at Shillingstone in Sept 2020 – 26/08/2024Shillingstone station running board – 26/08/2024It’s the small detail! – 26/08/2024Reconstruction of the embankment and trackbed at Shillingstone is going well by the looks of things and it is hoped they can soon commence tracklaying on the northern extension towards cattle creep over Haywards Lane bridge – 26/08/2024Haywards Lane bridge which one day soon may see trains running over it once again – 26/08/2024
We had a lovely weekend at Shillingstone, everyone we spoke to was friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable and we look forward to more visits to see developments in the future.
Shieldhall
Yoshi takes a look at Steamship Shieldhall – 28/08/2024
Yoshi took the opportunity to pop down to Poole Quay to see the Steamship Shieldhall, the largest working steamship in Britain, on her annual visit to the town.
Thanks to Shieldhall, PHC and Caroline, I had a look around the impressive vessel, visiting the engine room with its original steam engines and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork. You can discover more about how you can see Sheildhall here.
15/08/2024 – “Weymouth Harbour – The Dorset Coast” and “The Dorset Coast Express”
Class 57 No. 57313 ‘Scarborough Castle’ at the stops in Weymouth having arrived with The Northern Belle operated “Weymouth Harbour – The Dorset Coast” 1Z82 0743 Birmingham International to Weymouth – 15/08/2024
With two railtours scheduled to visit Weymouth on Thursday 15th August, it was set to be a busy afternoon in the Dorset seaside town. First up was The Northern Belle operated “Weymouth Harbour – The Dorset Coast” special which originated from Birmingham International and was top and tailed by two West Coast Railway Company (WCRC) Class 57 locomotives. I intended to catch train to Weymouth to see the ensemble arrive, but problems with crossing gates in the Wool area resulted in my train being delayed and I arrived in Weymouth over 15 minutes late and behind the arrival of the “Northern Belle”.
Class 57 No. 57315 prepares to depart Weymouth station and head to Jersey Sidings with the ECS of The Northern Belle operated “Weymouth Harbour – The Dorset Coast” 5Z82 1340 Weymouth to Weymouth Jersey Sidings – 15/08/2024
Following the arrival and shifting into the sidings of the “Northern Belle”, around an hour later we saw the arrival of The Railway Touring Company’s “The Dorset Coast Express” hauled into Weymouth by another WCRC locomotive, this time Class 47 No. 47848. This excursion, however, enjoyed the sight and sound of a steam locomotive on the return working in the form of London Midland Scottish (LMS) Stanier Class 5 No. 44871. I stayed in Weymouth to watch the steam locomotive being serviced and the stock being shunted out to Jersey sidings to rest alongside that of the earlier arrival from Birmingham International.
Class 57 No. 57313 ‘Scarborough Castle’ rests in Jersey Sidings, Weymouth with the ECS for The Northern Belle operated “Weymouth Harbour – The Dorset Coast” while Class 47 No. 47848 passes leading The Railway Touring Company’s “The Dorset Coast Express” 1Z91 0845 London Victoria to Weymouth – 15/08/2024LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 in Jubilee Sidings, Weymouth awaiting coaling and watering in preparation for hauling “The Dorset Coast Express” to London Waterloo – 15/08/2024Close up of the “Dorset Coast Express” headboard carried by LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 – 15/08/2024LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 in Jubilee Sidings – 15/08/2024Class 57 No. 57313 ‘Scarborough Castle’ with Class 47 No. 47848 alongside in Jersey Sidings, Weymouth – 15/08/2024
For the return steam hauled “Dorset Coast Express”, I opted for Parkstone bank. I was disappointed with my photographic efforts, but the sound of the LMS Black 5 climbing the bank made it worthwhile all the same.
LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 makes the climb to the top of Parkstone Bank at the head of “The Dorset Coast Express” 1Z96 1736 Weymouth to London Waterloo – 15/08/2024
Video from Thursday 15th August Railtours to / from Weymouth – 15/08/2024
17/08/2024 – “English Riviera Express”
A couple of days after the Weymouth bound excursion trains, Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) Class 57 No. 57311 and Class 47 No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ passed through Poole with the empty coaching stock for Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” reporting as 3Z28 0432 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Poole. The top and tail formation ran to Poole Storage Sidings before returning to platform 1 in order to pick up passengers who were off to Devon. The train departed with the Class 47 leading working 1Z29 0634 Poole to Kingswear (For Dartmouth). I declined popping out later in the day to see the return working, which was around an hour late back into Poole following a fatality further up the line.
Screenshot of LSL Class 57 No. 57311 passing through Poole with 3Z28 0432 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Poole ECS 3Z28 0432 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Poole (via Poole Storage Sidings) for Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” – 17/08/2024Screenshot of Class 47 No. No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ at the rear of the empty coaching stock for Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” – 17/08/2024Having reversed at Poole Storage Sidings, Class 47 No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ is now at the head of Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” 1Z29 0634 Poole to Kingswear (For Dartmouth) – 17/08/2024
Video of Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” departing Poole – 17/08/2024
19/08/2024 – Track Recording Unit (TRU) at Yeovil
Monday 19th August and we had a little trip just over the border into Somerset so I could see the Network Rail Track Recording Unit No. 950001. I’ve not seen this purpose-built unit previously, so took the opportunity while it was passing reasonably close to us on its way to Devon and Cornwall.
Owned and operated by Network Rail, the Track Recording Unit (TRU) was built by British Rail Engineering Limited’s Holgate Road carriage works in York during 1987 for the British Rail Research Division for use as a track assessment unit. It utilised the final class 150/1 from the original batch built at York. The TRU is formed of two driving motor vehicles, numbered 999600 and 999601 and is designed to monitor and record track geometry. On Monday August 19th 2024, No.950001 worked 2Q08 0352 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth. I had planned on seeing the TRU trundle through Yeovil Pen Mill, however because of road traffic delays and the train running 16 minutes early on departure from Castle Cary, I instead opted for Yeovil Junction. The unit was held in the station to allow a late running passenger service to make headway on the single line section west of Yeovil Junction. The driver took the opportunity to visit the buffet on platform 2, hence stopping the train short of the signal, catching me out! The unit is currently painted in a plain overall yellow livery with Network Rail branding. It mostly works on branch lines, where the track quality is not good enough for larger and heavier track assessment stock. It is able to operate over most railway lines around Great Britain. The unit is based at the Railway Technical Centre in Derby.
Network Rail’s Class 150 Track Recording Unit No. 950001 working 2Q08 0352 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth arrives at Yeovil Junction – 19/08/2024Network Rail’s Class 150 Track Recording Unit No. 950001 working 2Q08 0352 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth awaits the “Off” at Yeovil Junction – 19/08/2024Network Rail’s Class 150 Track Recording Unit No. 950001 working 2Q08 0352 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth at Yeovil Junction – 19/08/2024
Video of Network Rail’s Class 150 Track Recording Unit No. 950001 working 2Q08 0352 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Plymouth at Yeovil Junction – 19/08/2024
20/08/2024 – Balfour Beatty Class 20’s to Eastleigh
Much excitement was generated on the enthusiasts grapevine recently when it was discovered two Class 20 locomotives were being dispatched to Woking, following their use in Scotland, as cover for unavailable motive power for the “drain train”. The move which was carried out on the 12th/13th August was well covered and I considered making the journey up to Woking Yard the following Saturday in the hope of photographing the Balfour Beatty liveried Class 20’s No. 20901 & 20905 where they were being stabled since their arrival. I’m pleased I held off as the internet railgen was buzzing again when the pair were diagrammed to run from Woking to Eastleigh and back on Tuesday 20th August reporting as 6J09 1100 Woking Up Yard Reception to Woking Up Yard Reception. This was too much of a temptation for me, and I set off for Shawford to capture the outward and return runs. Despite a few spots of rain, the sun shone when the Class 20’s appeared on their outward run.
Class 20 No. 20901 leads on 6J09 1100 Woking Up Yard Reception to Woking Up Yard Reception approaching Shawford on the outward leg to Eastleigh – 20/08/2024Balfour Beatty liveried Class 20 No.’s 20905 and 20901 at Shawford working 6J09 1100 Woking Up Yard Reception to Woking Up Yard Reception having reversed at Eastleigh – 20/08/2024
Video of Balfour Beatty liveried Class 20 No.’s 20901 and 20905 passing Shawford operating 6J09 1100 Woking Up Yard Reception to Woking Up Yard Reception – 20/08/2024
24/08/2024 – “Dorset Coast Statesman”
Saturday 24th August 2024 saw Statesman Rail run a railtour from Nantwich to Weymouth initially top and tailed by two Locomotive Services Limited Class 47 diesel locomotives No.’s 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ and 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’. The train named the “Dorset Coast Statesman” experienced problems with 47593 leading on the outbound journey which forced a change of route in the Newport area so the train could turn and 47805 could lead. This configuration is how I saw the train passing through Branksome in the pouring rain.
Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ rounds the curve leading into Branksome at the head of the “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z48 0416 Nantwich to Weymouth – 24/08/2024Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ passing Branksome in the rain hauling the “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z48 0416 Nantwich to Weymouth – 24/08/2024 LSL’s Class 47 No. 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ disappears through the road bridge situated at the country end of Branksome railway station at the rear of the “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z48 0416 Nantwich to Weymouth. This locomotive carries “The Statesman” headboard as before developing motive power issues she was leading on departure from Nantwich. The train was reversed in the Newport area to allow No. 47805 to lead – 24/08/2024
For the return journey from Weymouth to Nantwich, the train was rearranged and both Class 47’s were marshalled to the front of the carriages and the train departed double-headed. I went to Holes Bay to see the “Statesman” pass over the causeway. As I was driving back towards Poole, I noticed the train was standing in the station, so pulled into the car park area behind the down platform and was able to get a bonus shot of the “Dorset Coast Statesman” pulling away. Hurrah!
Class 47 No.’s 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ and 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ cross the Holes Bay causeway, Poole with the return “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z49 1537 Weymouth to Nantwich – 24/08/2024The train was held at Poole which enabled me to get another shot of the pair of Class 47’s with No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ leading No. 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ on 1Z49 1537 Weymouth to Nantwich – 24/08/2024
Video of “The Dorset Coast Statesman” in Dorset – 24/08/2024
26/08/2024 – Network Rail Plain Line Pattern Recognition Train
The regular monthly Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) train ran on August Bank Holiday Monday, top and tailed by GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotives No. 73963 ‘Janice’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’. I saw the train reporting as 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard passing through Poole on the outward leg to Weymouth in what was a busy ten minutes of activity with SWR Desiro EMU’s coming and going.
Screenshot of GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotives No. 73963 ‘Janice’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ working 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard at Poole passing South Western Railway Class 444 No. 444019 forming 5W80 2026 Weymouth to Bournemouth T&RSMD – 26/08/2024Screenshot of GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotive No. 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ at the rear of 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard at Poole – 26/08/2024
Plain Line Pattern Recognition uses a variety of tools to measure and detect defects and potential problems that might arise in track condition. PLPR uses equipment such as: 4 foot camera used to check the track condition, thermal imaging to check rail temperature, fasteners are checked with diagonal and top down cameras. The various cameras used store HD laser scanned images which show different angles and planes of the track and rails. PLPR was initially rolled out on the NMT measurement train, but has since been fitted to Network Rail’s coaches and can be seen across the UK rail network. PLPR trains often use class 1 headcode, 1Qxx. If you use Rail Record live train times, it will show you that it is a test train in the service description once activated. The train service code (TSC) for PLPR is usually 52495111 or 52495113.
1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard at Poole – 26/08/2024
28/08/2024 – Class 458 Unit Drags to and from Bournemouth T&RSMD
While a CrossCountry Voyager and South Western Railway Desiro EMU’s come and go, refurbished SWR Class 458/4 arrives ‘down South’ after conversion work at Widnes Transport Tech as GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ hauls unit No. 458418 through Bournemouth station on its way to Bournemouth depot. Later on, the same locomotive makes a return trip setting off on the first leg with No. 458511 which will undergo refurbishment in Widnes. The train runs from Bournemouth Traincare depot to Poole Storage Sidings where the Class 69 runs around the train before propelling it back eastwards to Eastleigh.
GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ hauls SWR Class 458/4 No. 458418 through Bournemouth with 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&RSMD while CrossCountry Voyager No. 220001 awaits departure with the !M66 Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly service – 28/08/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ hauling SWR Class 458/4 No. 458418 passing Bournemouth with 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&RSMD – 28/08/2024Screenshot of GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ with SWR Class 458/4 No. 458418 powering through Bournemouth working 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&RSMD – 28/08/2024Screenshot of GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ with SWR Class 458/5 No. 458511 at Poole forming 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh East Yard. The EMU is destined for refurbishment at Widnes Transport Tech – 28/08/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Poole – 28/08/2024Screenshot GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ with SWR Class 458/5 No. 458511 passing back through Poole workiing 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 28/08/2024
GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ performing haulage duties with SWR Class 458 EMU’s – 28/08/2024
31/08/2024 – 33111’s Last Running Day on the Swanage Railway
Yoshi says a fond au revoir to Class 33 No. 33111 at Swanage – 31/08/2024
Announced as Swanage Railway resident BR&CW Class 33 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive No. 33111’s last scheduled running day on the Purbeck heritage line for the foreseeable future, Yoshi and I spent the afternoon of 31st August barking at our favourite Crompton. The loco is off to The Bluebell Railway in West Sussex at the beginning of September. This will be followed by much-needed bodywork repairs and a fresh coat of paint being carried out at Barrow Hill meaning she will be away from Swanage for several months.
Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33111 on the approach to Norden having departed Corfe Castle on her last day of 2024 working trains at Swanage – 31/08/2024Class 33 No. 33111 on her way to Swanage at Castle View between Norden and Corfe Castle – 31/08/2024
Video of Class 33 No. 33111 from her last 2024 running day at Swanage – 31/08/2024
For The Record
The New Measurement Train running as 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter passed through North Dorset on Thursday 22nd August 2024 top and tailed by Colas Class 43 former High Speed Train power cars No.’s 43272 and 43274 . We were not able to see this working, but good friend of the blog @smithy.377 caught the NMT configuration the following day passing through Highbridge working 1Z18 1539 Paignton to Taunton via Bristol East Yard before it returned to Derby RTC.
Screenshot of Class 43 No. 43272 leading on the NMT at Highbridge & Burnham – 23/08/2024 ( courtesy of @smithy.377 )
1Z18 1539 Paignton to Taunton via Bristol East Yard – 23/08/2024 ( courtesy of @smithy.377 )
Colas Class 37 No. 37610 ran through North Dorset with test train 3Q07 2031 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. overnight on 29th/30th August 2024.
The Heart of Wessex Line will be closing between Castle Cary and Weymouth on Monday 23rd September 2024 to Sunday 29th September 2024 as Network Rail replace less than a mile of over fifty year old track. Improvements will also be made to the junctions either side of Maiden Newton railway station. A rail replacement bus service will operate during the closure period.
Engineering work is also scheduled to take place between Dorchester West and Weymouth on Sunday September 22nd.
From the Archive
Back in 1989, Hunslet-Barclay acquired six Class 20 locomotives from British Rail, re-engineered and re-numbered them for use as the motive power on a Nomix-Chipman weedkiller train. A subsequent loco was also purchased for spares. Hunslet-Barclay were the second company after Foster-Yeoman to operate privately owned locomotives on the BR Network. Although driven by a Hunslet-Barclay employee, they were always accompanied by a BR driver over routes being sprayed. The locomotives were sold to Direct Rail Services in November 1998.
On 21st May 1996, Class 20 No.’s 20904 and 20901 visited Weymouth top and tailing a weedkiller train as this archive footage reveals.
Great Western Approaches
Great Western Railway (GWR) passengers across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset can now travel back in time as part of an archive film project by Windrose Rural Media Trust. It’s been inspired by an old film called “Great Western Approaches”, a renowned film made in 1936 and still available, which took viewers on a journey to the sun.
Windrose has used footage from 1909 to the 1990’s to craft short films relevant to 24 stations across seven routes:
Westbury to Salisbury
Westbury to Weymouth
Westbury to Bath
Westbury to Swindon
Westbury to Bedwyn
Westbury to Taunton
Taunton to Bristol
Each film explores local life as it used to be, allowing customers to travel into the past via a QR code linkon posters displayed at stations, which can be scanned into phones while waiting for the train.
Windrose Rural Media Trust is a Dorset-based charity which uses the media – television, radio and the internet – to portray the past of rural communities in the south west and to give them a voice in the present day.
A still of Weymouth from the Great Western Approaches project
That brings us up to date with Dorset railway events to the end of August 2024. Thanks for reading and your updates and corrections which are very much appreciated. Be seeing you!
An early morning start for Yoshi and I to see a piece of history as Class 45 No. 45118 ‘The Royal Artilleryman’ is the first member of its class to haul a mainline passenger train in 17 years as she prepares to depart Bristol Temple Meads with “The Diamond Jubilee Express” 1Z45 0703 Bristol Temple Meads to York – 27/07/2024
Backtracking….
On Saturday 27th July 2024 I had the mad notion of leaving home in the early hours in order to arrive at Bristol Temple Meads in time to see Locomotive Services Limited’s (LSL) newly restored Sulzer Type 4 Class 45 diesel locomotive No. 45118 ‘The Royal Artilleryman’ passing through the station with the empty coaching stock (ecs) ahead of her departure proper working inaugural railtour “The Diamond Jubilee Express” 1Z45 0703 Bristol Temple Meads to York. I should have had an extra hour in bed, as the day before the “Peak”, while on her way South, had to be rescued by stablemate Class 47 No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’. As insurance it was decided that the Class 47 would remain on the train for the Saturday in case of further trouble with the Class 45. This of course meant that the ecs move through Temple Meads was no longer required in advance of 1Z45’s departure as the Class 47 was able to pull the train into the station with no requirement for the Class 45 to run around the carriages for her to be at the correct end ready for setting off on the journey to York. This hadn’t crossed my mind until I was well on my way to Bristol – d’oh!
A last minute platform change meant a mad dash over to platform 15 – possibly the least desirable location for the train to depart in the morning light. By the time Yoshi and I had made our way over from platform 7, the “Peak” and carriages had already arrived.
I was pleased to discover this image posted by Jack William on Facebook which shows me attempting to get Yoshi to pose for a photograph with Class 45 No. 45118 ‘The Royal Artilleryman’ at Bristol Temple Meads. Many thanks to @smithy.377 and the member of station staff who assisted in persuading the boy to deign to look in my direction – 27/07/2024 (With kind permission of Jack William)
No. 45118 was built in 1962 and allocated to Derby shed numbered D67. She was fitted with electric train heating (ETH) in December 1973 and renumbered under the TOPS system. Withdrawn in May 1987 she was put in storage at March Whitemoor Yard from where she was purchased by David Young who moved her to the Northampton Steam Railway in September 1990. Unfortunately the locomotive suffered from vandalism by metal thieves and she subsequently found a new home at Rail Vehicle Engineering Limited based at the Derby Railway Technical Centre (RTC) in August 2009. LSL purchased the “Peak” in 2018 and contracted Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) for her restoration at Barrow Hill. No. 45118 is currently the only main line-certified Class 45 on the UK network and follows in the steps of previous “Peak” locomotives; Pete Waterman’s No. D172 (46035) ‘Ixion’ and No. 45112.
The 27th July charter was originally scheduled to run as far as Chesterfield but was extended to York, where the train arrived two minutes early despite leaving Bristol Temple Meads nine minutes late.
Class 45 No. 45118 ‘The Royal Artilleryman’ made a fine sight as she leaves Bristol Temple Meads bound for York – 27/07/2024
No. 45118 ‘The Royal Artilleryman’ at the head of “The Diamond Jubilee Express” 1Z45 0703 Bristol Temple Meads to York departing Bristol – 27/07/2024 (Additional video by kind permission of @smithy.377)
After seeing No. 45118 off, it was time for Yoshi and I to enjoy breakfast. As luck would have it, on our way to chosen fast food eatery, I passed Bristol St. Phillips Marsh and was able to take a quick photo of Colas Rail Freight Class 56 No. 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe’ which had arrived earlier the same morning having worked in on 0Z60 0635 Westbury Down TC to St Phillips Marsh HSTD.
Breakfast bonus of Colas Rail Freight Class 56 No. 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe 1938-2013’ stabled on St Phillips Marsh. The locomotive had arrived earlier that morning having worked in on 0Z60 0635 Westbury Down TC to St Phillips Marsh HSTD. No. 56049 is unique in having alternate cabs following damage sustained to the number two end – 27/07/2024If you’re wanting to compare the two ends, here’s Yoshi train spotting on the end of Westbury station with Colas Class 56 No. 56049 ‘Robin of Templecombe 1938 – 2013’ in the background showing the number one end cab design with the larger front horn grille cover – 03/09/2022
Instead of heading home after breakfast, I turned the car around and drove off to Kemble in the company of @smithy.377 as another example of Sulzer heritage traction; Swanage Railway resident Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ – one of my favourite locomotives back in the day – was scheduled to pass through with the London Underground 4-TC set on their way to the Forest of Dean Railway with a UK Railtours special working.
Preserved Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ approaching Kemble railway station with the London Transport 4-TC set forming a UK Raitours’ special train to the Dean Forest Railway. The outward leg ran as 1Z65 0744 Basingstoke to Lydney Junction and was routed via Woking, Herne Hill, Virginia Water to Reading through to Swindon and the Golden Valley – 27/07/2024Another shot of Swanage Railway resident Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ at Kemble, but this time closer to the camera – 27/07/2024
Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ passes Kemble bound for the Dean Forest Railway – 27/07/2024
From The Archive:
Let’s take a breather and look back at some shots of No. 33012 when she was in British Rail service and sported a rather unique livery for a Class 33!
An unsuccessful attempt at night photography in a bid to capture Class 33 No. 33012’s unique livery with full yellow ends carried by large BR logo locomotives of the period. The locomotive is at Dorchester West with a Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads service – 09/02/1981New Years Day 1982 and the alert went out that unique liveried Class 33 No.33012 was in Weymouth. I don’t recall if I got the train from Dorchester or managed to get a lift, but I was pleased to see the loco in daylight, even if my photos were left wanting – 01/01/1982Another view of unique liveried Class 33 No.33012 standing in the once extensive Jubilee sidings at Weymouth – 01/01/1982
Class 45 No. 45112 ‘The Royal Army Ordnance Corps’ has the distinction of making it into preservation and operated on the mainline on heritage railtours. Long before those days, here a couple of photos I took on my Kodak 110 film camera in 1977:
Class 45 No.’s 45104 ‘The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers’ and 45112 ‘The Royal Army Ordnance Corps’ at St Pancras railway station, London. No. 45112 was delivered to Derby in March 1962 spending most of its working life attached to London Midland Region (LMR) depots. No. 45112 was named at Derby Works on September 14th 1965. She received a general/refurbish at Derby Works during May 1980, transfer to Tinsley came in November 1986 and remained in service until May 7th 1987. She was rescued for preservation and had a period of mainline use. She is currently in store at Nemesis Rail, Burton-on-Trent. No. 45104 would not be so lucky. Introduced into service in February 1962, her working days ended on April 13th 1988, condemned with collision damage. She would linger for four more years until broken up at MC Metals, Glasgow in February 1992 – July 1977Class 45 No. 45112 ‘The Royal Army Ordnance Corps’ is seen at St Pancras in the company of an unidentified stablemate (possibly No. 45040 ‘King’s Shropshire Light Infantry’). On the 8th April 2004, No. 45112 had the honour of hauling the last loco-hauled train from St. Pancras before the station was closed prior to being rebuilt as the London Eurostar terminal – July 1977
Bristol Temple Meads was a regular haunt for “Peaks” hauling passenger trains when I visited in early 1980’s, as can be seen in the three images below:
Class 45 No. 45134 departs Bristol Temple Meads. Originally numbered as D126 she was built at Crewe works and entered traffic in November 1961, allocated to Derby MPD. In 1973 the Midland Main Line services started to migrate from steam heating to electric heating of the coaching stock and No. D126 was one of fifty class 45 locomotives selected to have its Stone Vapour steam heating boiler replaced with ETH equipment and emerged from Derby works in the Autumn of 1974 as No. 45134. She would survive in service until withdrawal in September 1987. Eventually towed to MC Metals in Glasgow in 1991 where she was broken up in November of that year. – 12/06/1983Class 45 No. 45023 ‘The Royal Pioneer Corps’ approaches Bristol Temple Meads. No. 45023 was delivered to Derby during September 1962 and would spend most of her time allocated to LMR depots. She was named at St Pancras on November 14th 1963. No. 45023 was loaned to the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) at Willington Power Station during October 1968 to substitute for an exciter under repair, running for 340 hours non-stop. Her only time away from LMR depots was when on allocation to Tinsley from February 1979 to January 1982. In June 1980 the locomotive survived a visit to Swindon Works for electrical repairs, but succumbed at Derby Works in September 1984 with worn tyres, after twenty two years in service and languished at Derby Works before being dragged to Vic Berry’s in Leicester for breaking up during December 1986. A crest carried by this locomotive sold for £1,500 at auction in January 2002 – 06/06/1981Class 45 No. 45121 at Bristol Temple Meads. No. 45121 (formerly No. D18 having entered traffic in December 1960) was one of two Class 45/1s (the other being No. 45110) that received white body side stripes and red buffer beams at Toton Depot in 1980. The loco carried these in service until a Heavy General Overhaul at Derby Works in 1981. She made a final visit to the works for generator repairs in June 1986, being one of the last Class 45’s to receive repairs there. The loco was scheduled to be withdrawn in May 1987, but received a reprieve due to other locos being in worse condition. The reprieve was cut short when the loco derailed at Healey Mills in October 1987 and was deemed beyond economical repair, being withdrawn on 19/11/1987. No. 45121 was then sent to Derby Etches Park for Carriage Heating duties a task the locomotive never actually performed. In 1993, No. 45121 by now unoffically named ‘Pegasus’ suffered the ignominy of being rammed by a Class 158 DMU as part of a crashworthiness test for the then new units. The Peak was sold for scrap soon afterwards to Thomas Hill scrap merchants and cut up on site at Crewe Works in March 1993 – 06/06/1981
And finally a video from the archives featuring the third main line “Peak” in preservation, No. D172 (46035) ‘Ixion’:
Class 46 No. D172 (46035) ‘Ixion’ rounds the curve at Penrith railway station on 16th December 1995 with Pathfinder Tours 1Z27 0500 Cardiff Central to Carlisle “Festive Cumbrian Mountain Express” railtour. The return working utilised the unique British Railways Standard 8P 4-6-2 No. 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’ which hauled the train over the Settle & Carlisle line. We see the train at Culgaith, Aisgill and Garsdale – 16/12/1995
Dorset Special Workings; 01/08/2024 to 14/08/2024
5th August – 0Z12 1443 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage LMD (GBRf)
August kicked off with the return of Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ to the Swanage Railway following on from her recent rail tour duties the Forest of Dean.
Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ crosses Upton Viaduct on the Holes Bay Causeway as she heads home following a prolonged stay in Hampshire post railtour duties working 0Z12 1443 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage LMD (GBRf) – 05/08/2024
7th August – Statesman Rail “Dorset Coast Statesman”
LSL Class 47 No. 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ opens up as she powers into Hamworthy railway station at the head of Statesman Rail “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z21 0604 Peterborough to Weymouth – 07/08/2024Video screenshot of LSL Class 47 No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ climbs the incline through Parkstone with the return “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z24 1638 Weymouth to Peterborough – 07/08/2024
13th August – Class 458 EMU drag to & from Bournemouth T&RSMD
Another Class 458 unit drag into and out of Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot took place, again with maroon liveried GB Railfreight Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’. The locomotive arrived hauling refurbished Class 458 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) No. 458409 which had worked its way down from Widnes Transport Tech.
The balancing working back up to Widnes saw No. 69009 taking Class 458 EMU No. 458506 away for conversion. As usual, the train departed Bournemouth Traincare Depot and headed for Poole Storage Sidings where the locomotive ran around its train before heading back east as 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh East Yard. Transit to Cheshire continued the following day.
Screenshot GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ hauls Class 458 EMU No. 458506 through Poole forming 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 13/08/2024Screenshot GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ running light engine into platform 2 at Poole – 13/08/2024Screenshot GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ having reattached to its train heads east back through Poole working 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 13/08/2024
Special workings in Dorset August 1st to August 13th 2024 (Additional video content courtesy of Gerry Barrett)
Western Memory
Much disappointment when Pathfinder Railtours announced their planned 14th August 2024 excursion to Weymouth employing Class 52 Western Diesel-Hydraulic locomotive No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ was unable to run because of pathing issues.
Statement from Pathfinder Railtours – August 2024
No. D1015 did however work at the helm of a UK Railtours special to the East Somerset Railway in July, the first charter from the mainline to arrive at Cranmore since 2019. I had originally planned to see the “Westbury Wizzo” at Westbury, but plans changed and I found myself in the Midlands for the weekend of 6th/7th July 2024. With No. D1015 starting and finishing her tour at East Midlands Parkway I took the opportunity to see the train arrive here on its return leg.
Screenshot Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ arrives at East Midlands Parkway after a late platform change working the return “Westbury Wizzo” 1Z79 1515 Cranmore to East Midlands Parkway – 06/07/2024Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ preparing to depart East Midlands Parkway with the tour ecs forming 5Z80 East Midlands Parkway to Burton On Trent Wetmore Sidings – 06/07/2024
The stock then ran empty to Nemesis Rail at Burton On Trent, where I was able to catch ‘Champion’ the following day as she returned to her home base on the Severn Valley Railway.
Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ at Nemesis Rail having just started up prior to working light engine back home to the Severn Valley Railway – 07/07/2024Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ in the sidings at Nemesis Rail, Burton On Trent – 07/07/2024Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ slowly moves out towards the mainline having stabled overnight at Nemesis Rail – 07/07/2024Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ opens up running as 0Z52 1400 Burton Wetmore Sidings to Kidderminster SVR – 07/07/2024
D1015 ‘Western Champion’ arrives at East Midlands Parkway and runs light engine from Burton-On-Trent – July 2024
Having been left to my own devices for most of the weekend, as well as seeing No. D1015 strut its stuff, I fulfilled a long held ambition of re-visiting Doncaster, with the objective of getting a photograph of Class 47 No. 47714 which has been stabled alongside the mainline for a number of years.
Class 47 No. 47714 hopefully has a new lease of life following the announcement from the Wensleydale Railway saying she has been purchased from The Harry Needle Railroad Company. She has been at Doncaster for the last three years. Tim Williamson, director and member of the General Management Group at Wensleydale Railway PLC, said: “The purchase of this locomotive improves our operational capabilities. It has electric train-heating capacity which will allow us to heat our carriages during the cold winter months, and particularly when operating our Polar Express Christmas train services.” Originally withdrawn by English Welsh & Scottish Railways in 1996, No. 47714 was subsequently sold to Cotswold Rail, which revived her with a return to main line duties. A subsequent hire to Anglia Railways between 2002 and 2007 saw her as the only Class 47 to be painted in the distinctive turquoise and white colours of the now-defunct train operating company – 06/07/2024Class 47 No.’s 47714 in Anglia livery and 47703 in faded Fragonset livery stabled within Doncaster Wabtec, taken from Frenchgate car park. The pair have been used as train supply locomotives for carriage testing – 06/07/2024
As mentioned above, rail enthusiasts often have favourite locomotives and this particular Brush Type 4 was another one of mine in an earlier guise as No. 47511 ‘Thames’
In a previous life, No. 47714 was BR Class 47 No. 47511 ‘Thames’ seen here at Swindon – 13/05/1979LNER Class 91 No. 91101 ‘Flying Scotsman’ winds her way into Doncaster hauling 1D18 1435 London Kings Cross to Leeds – 06/07/2024Another view of LNER Class 91 No. 91101 ‘Flying Scotsman’ arriving at Doncaster working 1D18 1435 London Kings Cross to Leeds – 06/07/2024
After spending 15 minutes or so at the top of Frenchgate shopping centre car park one looking Doncaster railway station and a great vantage point to see No.’s 47714 and 47703, Yoshi and I took a stroll through the bus station and onto the railway station where we we able to get photographs of stabled freight locomotives and bark at the occasional Northern Rail Class 150 arriving or departing.
Also at Doncaster the first of three Class 56 locomotives I spied was Colas Rail Freight No. 56302 ‘PECO 70 Years’ styled adjacent to the former Doncaster Works buildings – 06/07/2024The second Class 56 of the day; Colas Rail Freight Class 56 No. 56090 passes Doncaster working 0Z51 1705 Doncaster Colas Sidings to Bescot Up Engineers Sidings – 06/07/2024And the third Grid is… you can just about make out the roof No. 56051 tucked behind Colas Rail Freight Class 70 No. 70807 which rests alongside Freightliner class mate No. 70009 at Doncaster – 06/07/2024TransPennine Class 185 No. 185114 leaves Doncaster forming 1B85 1524 Cleethorpes to Liverpool Lime Street – 06/07/2024Northern Rail Class 150 DMU No. 150270 on the approach to Doncaster working 2R44 1605 Sheffield to Adwick – 06/07/2024
After my couple of hours visiting Doncaster, of which I have very fond memories of seeing Class 55 “Deltic” locomotives in the early 1980’s, I had time to make a detour to see a steam hauled special working which was returning to Birmingham after spending the day in Scarborough before Yoshi and I checked into our hotel and headed out to see the “Westbury Wizzo” arrive at East Midlands Parkway.
Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ makes attracted much attention as she stormed through Sherburn-in-Elmet railway station working Vintage Trains “White Rose” tour 1Z57 1647 Scarborough to Birmingham New Street – 06/07/2024The Tyseley collection’s main line diesel locomotive No. D1755 (47773) was built at the Brush Falcon Works, Loughborough, entering into service in August 1964 at Swansea. In November 1974 she was renumbered into TOPS as No. 47541. On 20th October 1982, she was named ‘The Queen Mother’ by HRH The Queen Mother at Aberdeen, named ‘Reservist’ and renumbered 47773 in August 1994 at Preston Royal Mail terminal and then renamed with her original title, in August 2002; possibly the only locomotive to have been given the same name twice! Withdrawn from service in March 2004, she was then purchased for preservation at Tyseley in March 2007. No. D1755 was at the rear of Vintage Trains “White Rose” tour 1Z57 1647 Scarborough to Birmingham New Street and is seen here having passed through Sherburn-in-Elmet – 06/07/2024Because of a water stop to replenish GWR Castle 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’, I was able to see her working Vintage Trains “White Rose” tour 1Z57 1647 Scarborough to Birmingham New Street for a second shot, this time at Moorthorpe – 06/07/2024
Video snippets of Class 56 No. 56090 at Doncaster and Vintage Trains “White Rose” charter train – 06/07/2024
That’s it for this time. I must admit I’ve been sitting on this blog entry for over a week now, trying to find an hour or so to tidy it up and finish it off. But here we are! If you’d like to keep up to date with our latest videos capturing special workings in Dorset, and sometimes beyond, our You Tube channel with new items added is now accessible here. Thanks as always to my reader for corrections to text, grammar and information – it is much appreciated. Until next time – be seeing you!
Postscript
One last photo for this instalment. A Class 55 Deltic at Doncaster in times past. Twenty-two production “Deltics” were built for British Rail in the 1960’s and they ran up and down the East Coast Main Line until the early 1980’s. They are my favourite class of diesel locomotive and I wish I’d been able to see more of them back in the day!
Class 55 No. 55011 ‘The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers’ departs Doncaster – 12/08/1981
Yoshi Inspection Unit K9 took a trip to Bournemouth to check out Network Rail’s Video Inspection Unit (VIU2) Class 153 Dogbox No. 153376 working 2Q10 0952 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/07/2024
Time flies and here we are. At the time of writing it is the beginning of August 2024 still playing catch up. So with little ceremony or narrative, what follows is a run through of notable railway comings and goings into Dorset territory during July 2024.
Monday 1st July –
Video screenshot of GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesel locomotives No.’s 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ & 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ top and tailing test train 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard through Poole on the return leg after reversing at Weymouth – 01/07/2024
73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ & 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’: 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard
Tuesday 2nd July –
GBRf Class 69 No. 69011 at Poole at the head of 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD which involved moving refurbished SWR Class 458 No. 458426 from Widnes Transport Tech to Bournemouth depot – 02/07/2024
69011 & 458426: 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD
GBRf Class 69 No. 69011 returns to Poole, this time dragging SWR Class 458 No. 458510, forming 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard passes SWR Class 444 No. 444010 on empty coaching stock movement 5B56 2032 Poole to Bournemouth TRSMD – 02/07/2024After running around SWR Class 458 No. 458510 utilising Poole Storage Sidings, GBRf Class 69 No. 69011 heads east at the head of 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 02/07/2024
69011 & 458510: 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard
Wednesday 3rd July –
West Coast Railway Company (WCRC) Class 47 No. 47812 worked 0Z47 Southall WCR to Swanage on 3rd July in advance of collecting LMS Black Five 4-6-0 No. 44871 which had been marooned on the Swanage Railway since 26th June following lineside fires earlier in the day at Brockenhurst attributed to the Class 5 steam locomotive. The locomotive is seen here in the sidings at Swanage in the company of Class 33 No. 33111 the following morning – 04/07/2024
47812: 0Z47 Southall WCR to Swanage
Thursday 4th July –
LMS Black Five 4-6-0 No. 44871 in light steam in Swanage with support coach awaiting collection by diesel motive power – 04/07/2024WCRC Class 47 No. 47812 heads into the Swanage station area to collect LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 – 04/07/2024WCRC Class 47 No. 47812 leads away from Swanage with LMS Class 5 No. 44871 forming 5Z71 0820 Swanage to Crewe Heritage Centre – 04/07/2024After a brief stop adjacent to Class 33 No. 33111, WCRC Class 47 No. 47812 and LMS Class 5 No. 44871 set off for the mainline as 5Z71 0820 Swanage to Crewe Heritage Centre – 04/07/2024WCRC Class 47 No. 47812 towing LMS Class 5 No. 44871 and support coach stands at Wareham working 5Z71 0820 Swanage to Crewe Heritage Centre – 04/07/2024
47812 & 44871: 5Z71 0820 Swanage to Crewe Heritage Centre
For the record: 37219 3Q07 2031 Exeter Riverside NY to Exeter Riverside NY
Saturday 6th July –
Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL) Class 47 No. 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ at the head of 1Z47 0545 Nantwich to Weymouth “The Dorset Statesman” powers towards Radley, Oxfordshire – 06/07/2024LSL Class 57 No. 57311 passing through Radley at the rear of 1Z47 0545 Nantwich to Weymouth – 06/07/2024
47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ & 57311: 1Z47 0545 Nantwich to Weymouth and 1Z48 1535 Weymouth to Nantwich
Tuesday 9th July –
35028 ‘Clan Line’ & 47812: 1Z94 0846 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform
WCRC Class 47 No. 47812 at Upwey with “The End of Southern Steam” anniversary railtour reporting as 1Z95 1350 Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform to Weymouth – 09/07/2024
47812: 1Z95 1350 Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform to Weymouth
Having been turned and serviced at the Yeovil Railway Centre, Somerset Southern Railway Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ runs tender first with support coach an hour or so behind the main train reporting as 5Z84 1436 Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform to Weymouth Jersey Siding – 09/07/2024
35028 ‘Clan Line’: 5Z84 1436 Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform to Weymouth Jersey Siding
Reunited with the rake of coaches, SR Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ storms through Hamworthy working 1Z96 1736 Weymouth to London Waterloo. Class 47 No. 47812 provided support from the rear of the train – 09/07/2024
35028 ‘Clan Line’ & 47812: 1Z96 1736 Weymouth to London Waterloo
Monday 15th July –
Back on 15th June, while in the consist of a “Dorset Coast Statesman” outing, it was identified that MK3 coach No. 11082 was not permitted to run on third rail tracks because it is fitted with long swinglink bogies which could under certain circumstances touch the live rail. Such vehicles should be fitted with short swinglink bogies instead and the coach was removed from the train and deposited in the tamper sidings at Poole. After a month of negotiations, LSL dispatched Class 47 No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ to retrieve the MK3 working light engine as 0Z45 1025 Southall Locomotive Services Ltd to Poole Storage Sidings – 15/07/2024 (Image by kind permission of Tony Henley / Hentis Rail)LSL Class 47 No. D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ removes carriage No. 11082 from the tamper sidings at Poole, before taking it to Southall working as 5Z44 1614 Poole Storage Sidings to Southall Locomotive Services Ltd – 15/07/2024 (Image by kind permission of Tony Henley / Hentis Rail)
D1924 (47810) ‘Crewe Diesel Depot’ : 0Z45 1025 Southall Locomotive Services Ltd to Poole Storage Sidings / 5Z44 1614 Poole Storage Sidings to Southall Locomotive Services Ltd
Tuesday 16th July –
GBRf Class 69 No. 69010 brings refurbished Class 458 No. 458408 from Widnes to Dorset. On the final leg reporting as 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD the ensemble passes through Poole – 16/07/2024Having run round the Class 458 EMU, GBRf Class 69 No. 69010 with 458408 heads back east working 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD – 16/07/2024
69010 & 458408: 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD
Later that day, GBRf Class 69 No. 69010 hauling unrefurbished Class 458 No. 458509 on the first leg of its journey to Widnes Transport Tech runs down Parkstone Bank reporting as 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 16/07/2024Having changed ends of the consist at Poole, GBRf Class 69 No. 69010 heads back through Parkstone with SWR Class 458 No. 458509 in tow as 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 16/07/2024
69010 & 458509 : 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard
Monday 22nd July –
Class 153 “Dogbox” No.153376, also known as Network Rail’s Video Inspection Unit (VIU2), in Bournemouth Middle Sidings working 2Q10 0952 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/07/2024
153376: 2Q10 0952 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard
Wednesday 24th July –
Seen passing Hamworthy, Railway Touring Company organised “The Dorset Coast Express” rail tour utilises WCRC Class 47 No. 47812 working 1Z91 0845 London Victoria to Weymouth. This particular tour ran with the diesel up front on the run between Southampton Central and Weymouth instead of the usual steam traction – 24/07/2024 With the steam locomotive unusually attached to the rear of the “The Dorset Coast Express”, LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 in light steam passes Hamworthy – 24/07/2024
47812 & 44871: 1Z91 0845 London Victoria to Weymouth
With steam traction on the front for the return run of the “The Dorset Coast Express”, LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 makes a fine sight at Hamworthy working 1Z96 1736 Weymouth to London Waterloo – 24/07/2024 By having the steam locomotive work the departure from Weymouth, passengers onboard would be able to enjoy the steam locomotive working hard climbing both Bincombe and Parkstone Bank. However, LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 looked pretty impressive storming through Hamworthy just before the rain at the head of 1Z96 1736 Weymouth to London Waterloo – 24/07/2024
44871 & 47812: 1Z96 1736 Weymouth to London Waterloo
Thursday 25th July –
North Dorset New Measurement Train (NMT) was formed of Network Rail Class 43 High Speed Train Class 43 Power Cars No.’s 43062 ‘John Armitt’ and 43013 ‘Mark Carne OBE’. The train is seen at Barford St Martin, Wiltshire reporting as 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 25/07/2024Network Rail Class 43 High Speed Train Class 43 Power Cars No. 43013 ‘Mark Carne OBE’ at the rear of 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 25/07/2024The NMT is famously nicknamed “The Flying Banana” earned because of its original all yellow livery. In this form, Network Rail Class 43 High Speed Train Class 43 Power Car No.’s 43062 ‘John Armitt’ leads on 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury with No. 43013 ‘Mark Carne OBE’ at the rear as the train nears Wylye, Wiltshire – 25/07/2024
With a UK Railtours outing to the Forest of Dean scheduled the following day, Swanage resident Class 33 diesel No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ is seen on the approach to Hamworthy running light engine as 0Z65 0935 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) – 26/07/2024
D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’: 0Z65 0935 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG)
Monday 29th July –
For the second time in July the Class 73 hauled plain line pattern recognition (PLPR) system test train ran to Weymouth. The train uses a series of lasers and cameras to detect faulty track components as the train passes over them. Image analysis software uses an algorithm to compare what the cameras see with an image of how the track should look. GBRf Class 73 No.’s 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ and 73963 ‘Janice’ pass through Hamworthy with 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard pass through Hamworthy – (Video screenshot) 29/07/2024
73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ & 73963 ‘Janice’: 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard
Tuesday 30th July –
The third refurbished SWR Class 458 unit drag of the month arrived in Poole some 108 minutes late after an enforced stay at Brockenhurst due to a points failure. However, things continued to go wrong as during the exercise where the locomotive changes ends in order to take the train back towards Bournemouth, relay issues caused further delays as the Class 69 failed to respond to its controls. Eventually No. 69009 made it back to Poole Storage Sidings to be reunited with its train – 30/07/2024GBRF Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ hauls SWR Class 458 No. 458410 through Poole some 168 minutes late working 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD – Video screenshot – 30/07/2024 (Many thanks to Tony Henley / Hentis Rail for the updates)
69009 ‘Western Consort’ & 458410: 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD
Wednesday 31st July –
Because of the late arrival in Bournemouth depot the scheduled Tuesday evening return working didn’t run. Instead GBRF Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ took the next Class 458 to be refurbished on the Wednesday afternoon. The locomotive is seen here with No. 458518 pulling into Poole Storage Sidings forming 5Z66 1530 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 31/07/2024On arrival at Poole Storage Sidings, GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ is detached from its train – 31/07/2024Once detached from its train the locomotive runs into Poole station before attaching to the London end of the consist – 31/07/2024Once more reunited with Class 458/5 No. 458518 and barrier coaches, GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ departs Poole hauling 5Z66 1530 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard. The train will later transit to Widnes Transport Tech where the EMU will undergo conversion to a Class 458/4, the locomotive returning to Leicester LIP – (Video screenshot) 31/07/2024
69009 ‘Western Consort’ & 458518: 5Z66 1530 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard
Video of the majority of Dorset and Dorset bound locomotive workings – July 2024 (additional video courtesy of G E Barrett – with thanks)
FROM THE ARCHIVE
To celebrate the return of Southern Railway Bulleid Pacific Merchant Navy Class No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ to Dorset metals, here’s a brief look back at this iconic locomotive.
No. 35028 was built with airstream casing at Eastleigh in 1948 and was a regular on prestige named express trains such as the “Golden Arrow” and “Night Ferry”. She was rebuilt in 1959 with her streamlined casing removed and continued to be utilised on famous trains in the South of England, namely the “Bournemouth Belle” and the “Atlantic Coast Express”
SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 stripped of her ‘Clan Line’ name plates sits at Bournemouth Central. A month from this photograph being taken, she was withdrawn from British Railways operational service having hauled a farewell special from London Waterloo to Bournemouth and back on 2nd July 1967 – 03/06/1967 (The Railway Dog Collection – Photographer Unknown)
Following withdrawal, ‘Clan Line’ was purchased by the Merchant Navy Locomotive Society (MNLPS) from British Railways for the princely sum of £3,850. She was one of the first preserved steam locomotives to run on British Rail hauling the “Return to Steam on Southern” railtour from Basingstoke to Westbury and return on 27th April 1974.
Double spread on the return of ‘Clan Line’ to the main line from the July 1974 edition of “The Railway Magazine”Editorial comment on the first “Return to Steam on Southern” tour from the June 1974 edition of “The Railway Magazine”
In 1994, ‘Clan Line’ was the first preserved mainline steam locomotive to be fitted with air brakes. This was in view of the diminishing number of vacuum-braked stock still being maintained on the railways in the UK. Air brakes provide shorter braking distances. In order to not disfigure the locomotive, a large section of the tender was cut out to accommodate the required air pump. This modification reduced the water capacity of the tender by 300 gallons to 5,700 but alterations to the coal space increased capacity here to eight tons. The first public special train the locomotive operated following modification ran on 15th October 1994 and took ‘Clan Line’ back to the former London & South Western main line. Promoted by the Merchant Navy Locomotive Society (MNLPS) the steam locomotive worked the train from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction with a water stop planned for Andover. No. 35028 would be turned and serviced at Yeovil Junction before running light engine with support coach to Weymouth to rejoin her train which had gone on ahead having been diesel hauled by Class 47 No. 47741 via Dorchester West. “The Wessex Venturer” was steam hauled from Weymouth to London Waterloo with water stops scheduled for Wareham and Eastleigh. The coaching stock employed on the rail tour was the maroon Flying Scotsman Services (FSS) BN91 set. Tickets cost £39.50 standard, £49.50 first and £89.50 premier – 15/10/1994SR Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ sits on the turntable at Swanage having worked onto the heritage railway with UK Railtours “The Royal Wessex” 1Z97 0845 London Victoria to Swanage. This was reported as being the first time a Merchant Navy class locomotive had worked a through train from Wareham to Swanage, as they were too heavy for the branch line during British Railways days – 27/04/2012 (John Chappell)
On 10th August 2019, No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ headed up the Atlantic Coast Express rail tour 1Z82 0752 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids- 10/08/2024
When we started “The Railway Dog” blog back in November 2021, it was my intention that it would be a repository for my photographs and videos from the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. It hasn’t quite turned out like that, and we have tended to record contemporary locomotive hauled railway movements in the County of Dorset as well as featuring mine and Yoshi’s adventures. We’ve fallen a little behind in recent months, but we are now up to date (for the end of July 2024 at least) with our record of exceptional local workings. We’ll be occasionally backtracking in order to feature some of the things we have been up to in the last few months, as well as attempting to keep up with all rail things Dorset as our valued reader seems to like it! Our thanks to everyone who has kindly contributed with photos, videos, news, information, corrections and speculation over the years. It’s been fun. So, until next time – be seeing you!
Yoshi takes in the sights, sounds and smells of “Strictly Bulleid II” at Norden on the Swanage Railway with SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ behind – 08/06/2024
June 2024
Welcome to another blog entry in the world of “The Railway Dog”. In an effort to get up to date, we’re looking at our local highlights from June 2024 when the big event was the Swanage Railway’s “Strictly Bulleid II” event which saw the gathering of eight of Oliver Bulleid’s Pacific locomotive designs working in one place. In fact, the most seen working together since the end of steam on the Southern Region of British Railways (BR) in 1967. A sequel to April 2017’s “Strictly Bulleid” gala held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the final operation of steam hauled services on the Southern, this was a wonderful celebration of these loco’s and we thoroughly enjoyed our time watching and traveling behind them.
Oliver Bulleid designed his Pacific locomotives against the back drop of World War II. They are stylish in both their original and rebuilt forms and operated express trains throughout Southern England ranging from Kent to Cornwall. They have always been a favourites of mine, so I was excited to witness the spectacle of eight examples all in steam at some point over the four day event (7th to the 9th of June, plus a preview day on 6th June).
All of the visiting locomotives arrived for the gala by road, the one exception being Merchant Navy No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ which came in by rail, bringing with her the maroon MKI coaching stock hired in for the event from West Coast Railways.
SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ passes Baiter Park, Poole working 5Z95 1013 Southall WCR to Swanage – 05/06/2024SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ passing through Baiter Park, Poole hauling 6 West Coast Railway Co. MKI coaches for use at Strictly Bulleid II – 05/06/2024Earlier the same day, another Swanage Railway related move passed through Dorset as resident Class 33 “Crompton” No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ ran light engine as 0Z33 1225 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) and is seen here crossing Creekmoor Viaduct on Holes Bay, Poole – 05/06/2024
The other guest Bulleid Pacific locos attending Strictly Bulleid II; No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’, No. 34070 ‘Manston’, No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’, No. 34081 ’92 Squadron’, 34092 ‘City of Wells’ and No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co’ made their way on low loader lorries and transferred to Swanage Railway metals at Norden. Swanage based No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ made up the eight locomotives featured across the event weekend.
Most of the ‘Strictly Bulleid II’ trains operated along the whole length of the nine-mile Swanage Railway between Swanage, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle, Norden and beyond to Furzebrook and the River Frome – just before the heritage line’s connection with the national railway network and within sight of Wareham.
Video from Swanage Railway’s “Strictly Bulleid II” event – June 2024SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ approaches Afflington with the 0925 service from Norden. The locomotive is named after Air Marshall Sir Keith Park who was largely responsible for the outcome of the Battle of Britain during the Second World War. No. 34053 has recently been overhauled at the Swanage Railway’s Herston works and will depart for the Spa Valley Railway. In recognition of the Swanage Railways assistance in finishing No. 34053 in time for the gala, her owners; Southern Locomotives Limited, loaned the locomotive to the line for free – 08/06/2024Another view of SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ with the first Saturday morning service to the River Frome – 08/06/2024SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ prepares to leave Swanage with the 1000 service to the River Frome while SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2’s No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co.’ & 35018 ‘British India Line’ are being readied for their rostered train – 08/06/2024Swanage resident SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ and SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ having departed Corfe Castle double heading the 1345 Swanage to River Frome train. No. 34028 was one of the first of the ‘Light Pacifics’ to be rebuilt minus the streamlined boiler casing (as still carried by No. 34092) and in 1958 was allocated to Bournemouth shed where she was a regular on the London Waterloo to Weymouth main line – 08/06/2024 SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34092 ‘City of Wells’ arrives at Norden at the head of the 1130 Swanage to River Frome service. The locomotive normally resides on the East Lancashire Railway – 08/06/2024SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co.’ and 35018 ‘British India Line’ approaching Harmans Cross with the 1045 departure from Swanage. No. 35006 was visiting from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) and along with sister loco No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ was the last of the Merchant Navy Class to be rebuilt. She was also one of the first MN’s to be withdrawn from service (in 1964) – 08/06/2024SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34092 ‘City of Wells’ at Harmans Cross working 1130 Swanage to River Frome at Harmans Cross – 08/06/2024Once a regular on the Swanage Railway, SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ now resides on the Spa Valley Railway. The streamlined casing on the locomotives as originally built earned them the nickname “Spam Cans”. No. 34072 is seen at rest in Norden station at the rear of the 1302 River Frome to Swanage – 08/06/2024SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34092 ‘City of Wells’ starts away from the signals protecting Harmans Cross station working 1130 Swanage to River Frome – 08/06/2024Screenshot of SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34081 ’92 Squadron’ working tender first on the 1047 River Frome to Swanage service. The locomotive failed shortly after with a leaking superheater element and removed from the gala rota. The locomotive was built at Brighton in 1948 and was named in 1950. She was withdrawn from service in August 1964 and towed to the scrap yard in April the following year. The Battle of Britain Preservation Society, formed by a small band of RAF stores personnel raised the required funds to rescue the locomotive in 1973 and she was towed away from Woodham’s scrap yard to her new home on the Nene Valley Railway in November 1976 for a restoration project which took 22 years – 08/06/2024SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ deputised for the failed No. 34081 and makes a spirited departure from Corfe Castle with the 1300 Swanage to River Frome – 08/06/2024In a first for the Swanage Railway, there were evocative night-time passengers trains on the Saturday night / Sunday morning that were scheduled to depart Swanage at 2300, 0100, 0300, 0500 and 0700 in an atmospheric re-creation of the night steam trains from the days of British Railways. SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ was in charge of the Saturday evening Real Ale Trains and the through night “Knight Rider” trains. The locomotive is seen here at Swanage preparing to run around her carriages. I had intended to travel on the 2300 departure on the Saturday, but late running meant this service effectively became a Real Ale train, the first “Knight Rider” proper becoming the 0100 departure from Swanage on the Sunday – 09/06/2024The Sunday running day featured trains fitted out with headboards representing Southern Region named trains of a bygone era. SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ carries the “Atlantic Coast Express” headboard as part of “Named Train Sunday” and is seen passing Furzebrook. No. 34070 was the last locomotive to be built by the Southern Railway and was released to traffic November 1947, just before the nationalisation of the railways. A deliberate “no cleaning” policy has been in place with ‘Manston’ and this gives an authentic well used finish, popular with photographers – 09/06/2024SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ carries the “Holland America” headboard passing Corfe Common. No. 34072 entered service in 1948, post nationalisation. She was once based on the Swanage Railway but moved to the Spa Valley Railway in 2023 – 09/06/2024SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co.’ displays “Locomotive Club of Great Britain Mendip Mercahntman Rail Tour” headboards as she passes Corfe Common – 09/06/2024The “Pines Express” headboard adorns SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ as she leads SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ towards Corfe Castle – 09/06/2024SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ appropriately displays the “Bournemouth Belle” headboard. No. 35018 was introduced into service by the Southern Railway carrying air-smoothed casing in 1945 and would regularly be employed on trains to Bournemouth and Exeter, including the first post-war “Bournemouth Belle” Pullman train. Mechanical issues with the 30 streamlined MN’s resulted in British Railways embarking on a programme to rebuild the locomotives in a more conventional style with No. 35018 being the first to be rebuilt in 1956. She was withdrawn in August 1964 and purchased by Woodham Bros. at Barry for scrap in 1965. However, Dai Woodham’s policy of cutting up wagons and other items before the steam locomotives in his yard meant that in 1979 No. 35018 was purchased by a consortium and the long road to restoration was commenced at the Mid Hants Railway. In 2003 ‘British India Line’ moved to Portland for storage before moving to West Coast Railway’s Carnforth base in 2012 where work to return her to working order was completed, being steamed for the first time in over 52 years during November 2016 – 09/06/2024Festooned in “Golden Arrow” insignia and headboard, SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34092 ‘City of Wells’ makes a fine sight on the approaches to Corfe Castle. No. 34092 was one of the locomotives regularly used to haul the British leg of the prestigious London to Paris “Golden Arrow” Pullman train – 09/06/2024
The Swanage Railway says the “Strictly Bullied II” spectacular attracted more than 4,700 passengers in what was their largest special event and one which really captured the imagination of railway enthusiasts. Will we ever see the like again?
The featured eight Bulleid Pacific steam locomotives were:
1. Merchant Navy class No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation’ courtesy of the 35006 Locomotive Company and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
2. Merchant Navy class No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ courtesy of West Coast Railways.
3. Battle of Britain class No. 34081 ‘92 Squadron’ courtesy of the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society and the Nene Valley Railway.
4. Battle of Britain class No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ courtesy of Southern Locomotives Limited.
5. Battle of Britain class No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ courtesy of the Spa Valley Railway and Southern Locomotives Limited.
6. Battle of Britain class No. 34070 ‘Manston’ courtesy of Southern Locomotives Limited.
7. West Country class No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ courtesy of Southern Locomotives Limited.
8. West Country class No. 34092 ‘City of Wells’ courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway.
The “one that got away’! I was unable to get a photograph of SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34081 ’92 Squadron’ as she failed during the Saturday gala event. So I took the opportunity of popping to the sidings at Norden as she was prepared for pick up by low-loader – 11/06/2024SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34081 ’92 Squadron’ at Norden with Class 33 No. 3311 in the background – 11/06/2024
Other notable railway comings and goings into Dorset territory during June 2024 were:
Monday 3rd June –
CrossCountry Voyager spotting in Bournemouth:
ex-Avanti Class 221 Voyager DMU No. 221126 ‘City of Bangor’ now with CrossCountry in modified XC livery while retaining its nameplates at Bournemouth moves to Bournemouth Middle Sidings as the 5O14 1517 from Bournemouth ecs having arrived with the 1O14 1025 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth service – 03/06/2024Pride liveried CrossCountry Class 220 No. 220005 arrives at Bournemouth working 1O20 1325 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth service – 03/06/2024
Class 73 Test Train:
Screenshot of GBRf Class 73 No. 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ at Hamworthy leading 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 03/06/2024Screenshot GBRf Class 73 No. 73963 ‘Janice’ passing Hamworthy at the rear of 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 03/06/2024
Wednesday 5th June –
Test Train Eastleigh East Yard to Weymouth
Screenshot of Colas Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ powers through Hamworthy working 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard. The test train was running 40 minutes late at this stage having been held at Branksome because of a trespass situation on the railway at Parkstone – 05/06/2024
Thursday 6th June –
Class 458 EMU drag from Bournemouth Depot on the first stage of its journey to Widnes Transport Tech for conversion to a four-car set:
GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 hauling SWR Class 458 EMU No. 458526 forming 5Z66 1645 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard pauses at Poole – 06/06/2024Having left its train in Poole Storage Sidings, GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 returns to Poole railway station as part of the move to change ends and head back east towards Eastleigh – 06/06/2024GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 having reunited with SWR Class 458 EMU No. 458526 works back through Poole as 5Z66 1645 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 06/06/2024
Monday 10th June –
33012’s return and 35018 leaves Swanage
SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ arriving at Wareham working 5Z18 1825 Swanage to Southall WCR complete with the hired set of MKI coaches employed during Strictly Bulleid II – 10/06/2024SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ pause at Wareham having worked off the Swanage branch as 5Z18 1825 Swanage to Southall WCR – 10/06/2024Class 33 “Crompton” No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ arriving at Wareham on her return to Swanage as 0W33 1653 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage. I had hoped that the Class 33 and the Merchant Navy would cross at Wareham, but they were 20 minutes apart – 10/06/2024Class 33 “Crompton” No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ picks up Swanage Railway crew at Wareham working 0W33 1653 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage – 10/06/2024
Tuesday 11th June –
A rare Weedkiller MPV working to Swanage and another Class 69 allocated to an SWR Unit drag making its way to Bournemouth depot
The services of SR Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35006 ‘Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co’ were retained following “Strictly Bulleid II” as the locomotive hauled trains over the Swanage branch. She is seen here ready to depart from Swanage in the company of resident Class 33 diesel locomotives No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 – 11/06/2024Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) No. DR98905 passes a line of Bulleid Pacific steam locomotives on the approach to Swanage working 3Z05 0828 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 11/06/2024A relatively rare site on the Swanage Railway, MPV No. DR98905 arrives at Swanage working 3Z05 0828 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. The vehicle made several passes along the branch – 11/06/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ – rebuilt from Class 56 No. 56060 – passes through Eastleigh with SWR Class 458 No. 458412 reporting as 5X64 1127 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Southampton Central. This formation continued on as 5Q64 1531 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD after reversing at Poole. SWR Class 450 No. 450025 stands at the platform as the 2B52 1402 Bournemouth to Winchester stopping service – 11/06/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Eastleigh working 5X64 1127 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Southampton Central – 11/06/2024 At Christchurch, GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ hauls un-refurbished Class 458 No. 458508 on the associated return working to the above; 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard – 11/06/2024
Saturday 15th June –
“Dorset Coast Statesman” Charter
Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) Class 47 No. 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ in ScotRail livery stands at Poole at the head of the “Dorset Coast Statesman” 1Z61 0505 Norwich to Weymouth which was held after it was identified the train consist included an out of gauge carriage. I had been waiting at Hamworthy for the train to pass, but as time went on, decided to drive over to Poole to investigate. SWR services bound for Weymouth were diverted via the UP platform – 15/06/2024The offending coach No. 11082 is not permitted to run on third rail tracks because it is fitted with long swinglink bogies which could under certain circumstances touch the live rail. Such vehicles should be fitted with short swinglink bogies instead. I have no idea either. The issue was only noticed as it passed through Bournemouth. The carriage was removed from the train and deposited in the tamper sidings at Poole where it remained for a month until it was retrieved on July 15th – 15/06/2024LSL Class 47 No. 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ assisted No. 47712 on the tour which finally made it to Weymouth after the MKIII was removed from the train. The locomotive is about to run ecs as 5Z62 1256 Weymouth to Weymouth Jersey Sidings – 15/06/2024
Wednesday 26th June –
“The Swanage Belle” railtour
LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 glides through Hamworthy at the head of the delayed 1Z92 0816 London Victoria to Swanage with The Railway Touring Company organised “The Swanage Belle” – 26/06/2024West Coast Railways Class 47 No. 47826 having passed through Hamworthy assisting the Black 5 at the rear of 1Z92 0816 London to Swanage – 26/06/2024On the return leg; 1Z93 1629 Swanage to London Victoria, the Black 5 should have been at the rear of the train as far as Southampton where the train would reverse with the steam loco leading on the journey back to London Victoria via Salisbury. However because of lineside fires earlier in the day at Brockenhurst attributed to No. 44871, the Class 47 No. 47826 worked the train throughout while the LMS steam locomotive remained on the naughty step at Swanage where it remained until 4th July. The following statement was issued by a Network Rail spokesperson: “We’re incredibly sorry to South Western Railway customers who were disrupted by the lineside fire at Brockenhurst yesterday. The fire service did a fantastic job putting the fire out quickly but unfortunately the flames damaged some of our power cables, which meant we couldn’t restore power immediately. We are working closely with the fire service to understand the root cause of the fire.” Additional info: The fire was reported at around 1420 and the traction current was restored for services to run again at 1715 The disruption was made worse by a separate signalling fault in the same location at 1320 We can confirm the steam train used the same route – 26/06/2024
Thursday 28th June –
For the record, the North Dorset New Measurement Train (NMT) was in the hands of Network Rail former High Speed Train Class 43 Power Cars No.’s 43013 and 43062 working 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter.
A video compilation of exceptional Dorset workings from June 2024
From The Archive:
We haven’t included anything from the archives here for a while, so let me rectify that oversight with this entry in connection with the “Strictly Bulleid II” theme.
My memory is a bit rusty (excuse the pun), however, back in 1983, I went on what I am sure was a school visit to Dai Woodham’s scrapyard in Barry. As an active member of the school railway society, it was suggested to sympathetic teachers that a minibus trip to the famous “locomotive graveyard” in South Wales could be a feature of what was termed “Project Week” when normal lessons were suspended with trips and activities planned in their place.
Some posters from my early 1980’s school railway society days, drawn by me which I would photocopy and add dates and times of meetings before sticking them up on noticeboards in the school corridors.
The photographs from the Barry trip below are dated 7th May 1983. This would have been a Saturday, so it a possibility my memory is playing tricks and this was not an educational trip, but a visit organised by another group. It was not unheard of for school activities to take place outside of teaching hours, so this – until proven otherwise – is how I choose to remember finding myself darting between rusting hulks on a grey overcast day in South Wales.
SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron’ – 07/05/1983
The story of Woodham’s is legend among rail enthusiasts. More than 80% of steam locomotives running on heritage railways in the UK today can be traced back there, as the yard became a centre of pilgrimage for steam enthusiasts from the fledgling steam railway preservation movement.
SR Battle of Britain 4-6-2 No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ – 07/05/1983
The business was first established in 1892 as Woodham & Sons by Albert Woodham, the company being based at Thomson Street, Barry and bought old rope, wood and scrap metal from the ships, boats and marine businesses which used the newly created Barry Docks, which it then resold or scrapped. When Albert retired in 1947, his son Dai took over the business and renamed it Woodham Brothers.
Following the British Railways (BR) Modernisation Plan of the late 1950’s, the majority of steam locomotives built for Britain’s railways were withdrawn from service to be reduced to scrap by the end of the 1960’s. However, such was the sheer number of loco’s which needed processing, the railway works belonging to BR were unable to cope and they contracted work out to private scrapyards like Woodham’s. Because Dai Woodham also had a massive wagon-breaking contract from British Rail, with thousands of wagons coming through the yard – and it was a lot easier to break up wagons up than steam engines – most of the locomotives which arrived at Woodham’s were shunted into sidings for cutting up when other sources ran low.
SR West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ – 07/05/1983
Indeed, the facts of Woodham’s history are startling. Of the 297 withdrawn British steam locomotives that were sent to the yard, 213 were subsequently rescued by preservationists.
Nothing is left of the scrapyard today – an Asda supermarket and a housing estate have long since replaced it. You can read more about The Barry Scrapyard Story here.
SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ being removed from storage on Portland. No. 35018 was withdrawn from service in 1964 and arrived at Woodham Brothers scrapyard in March 1965 where she remained until 1980 following her purchase by Richard Heather and John Bunch at the end of 1979 – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)Tender for SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ on Portland – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ on Portland – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)Wagons ready to roll as SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ prepares to depart Portland where she had been stored between 2003 and 2012 – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)
Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your comments and corrections. We’ll be back again soon and hope you’ll join us. Be seeing you!
Locomotive Services Ltd’s ScotRail liveried Class 37 No. 37409 ‘Loch Awe’ at Kidderminster during the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala – 17/05/2024
May 17th to May 31st 2024
Hello there, we’re slowly going to attempt to catch up with mine and Yoshi’s adventures over the last couple of months. So join us in the first instalment which brings up to the end of May 2024, the month which saw the Spring Diesel Gala taking place on the Severn Valley Railway. The Kidderminster based heritage railway reports the event significantly exceeded expectations with more than 5,000 attendees over the four day event which ran from 16th to the 19th of May. This year, a number of visiting British Rail and present day diesel classes were represented, including classes 20, 37, 43, 46, 59, 69, 70 and 73, in addition to several locomotives from the home fleet. I attended the gala on the Friday and concerned about the hot weather being forecast, Yoshi stayed with Caroline so he was able to stay cool. As is usual with the SVR diesel gala, the sheer number of locomotives involved means that not every example is in operation every day, so I didn’t get to see everything during my one day visit. Maybe another year, I’ll hang around for a bit longer!
My 2024 SVR Diesel Gala began at Bewdley with the arrival of Class 46 D182 (46045) working the 0830 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth service. The “Peak” is owned by the Peak Locomotive Company Limited and is normally based at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley – 17/05/2024LSLs ScotRail liveried Class 37 No. 37409 ‘Loch Awe’ arrived when I was at Bewdley working the 0855 Highley to Kidderminster service – 17/05/2024Guest loco Freightliner GE PowerHaul Class 70 Co-Co No. 70005 was at the other end of the 0855 Highley to Kidderminster train which enjoyed a 27 minute layover at Bewdley – 17/05/2024I next moved onto Highley, arriving in time to see BR Class 43 Bo-Bo No. 43301, provided by Colas Railfreight (along with No. 43303 at the other end of the MK3 carriages), departing with the 1022 service to Bewdley. This HST set was to fail later in the day – 17/05/2024 Diesel Traction Group’s Clayton Class 17 Bo-Bo No. D8568 is the only surviving example of the this particular Type 1 series of which 117 were built in total. The locomotive is pictured having arrived at Highley station with the 0955 service originating from Bridgnorth – 17/05/2024Class 50 No. 50007 ‘Hercules’ carries the temporarily re-designation of No. 50034 ‘Furious’ on one side as a thank you to GBRf charter manager Paul Taylor for his prostate cancer charity fundraising efforts, ‘Furious’ was his favourite Class 50. The locomotive is seen on the approach to Highley at the head of the 1000 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth working. No. 50007 was purchased by the SVR-based Class 50 Alliance in November 2016 – 17/05/2024Class 46 D182 (46045) at Highley returning to Kidderminster with the 1045 from Bridgnorth – 17/05/2024BR Class 40 1Co-Co1 No. 40106, owned by The Class 40 Preservation Society has been on long term hire to the SVR since August 2018. In my train-spotting days, No. 40106 was quite a celebrity being one of the last Class 40’s to be repainted into BR blue livery in September 1978, before being repainted in BR Brunswick green with full yellow ends almost immediately. In that form No. 40106 was used on a number of railtour and other special passenger workings. The locomotive was preserved in 1984 and the same year was named ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ in memory of the Cunard cargo ship and those on board who lost their lives in the 1982 Falklands War. n October 1987 the locomotive, disguised as D326, was used in a re-enactment of the ‘Great Train Robbery’ for the film ‘Buster’. The locomotive is seen at Highley working the 1125 Bridgnorth to Kidderminster – 17/05/2024BR Class 52 diesel-hydraulic C-C No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’, owned by the Diesel Traction Group, powers towards Highley on the 1130 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth service. The locomotive was star attraction at the Swanage Diesel Gala a couple of weeks previously. A total of 74 examples built for BR’s Western Region between 1961 and 1964 with all being given two-word names beginning “Western”, hence the type became known as Westerns! – 17/05/2024BR Class 33 Bo-Bo No. 33108 would have been a regular visitor on Dorset metals in the 1970’s having been fitted with push-pull equipment and primarily employed on the Bournemouth to Weymouth leg of London Waterloo services. Now owned by the Class 33/1 Preservation Company Ltd (who also own Swanage Railway based sister locomotive No. 33111). No. 33108 currently carries Civil Engineers ‘Dutch’ livery and is seen above on the approach to Highley with the 1215 service from Kidderminster – 17/05/2024English Electric Type 1 BR Class 20 Bo-Bo No. 20048 arrives at Highley with the 1225 “local” train from Bridgnorth. Currently owned by the Class 20189 Limited, of which Michael Owen is the sole Director, and is on loan to the SVR – 17/05/2024Having arrived on the “local” service, No. 20048 shunted its stock in to the loop at Highley awaiting the 1535 departure back to Bridgnorth. Class 20’s are nicknamed “Choppers” because of their distinctive engine beat under load which resembles the sound of a helicopter – 17/05/2024English Electric Class 37 Co-Co No. 37263 in Departmental Grey livery works the 1300 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth towards Highley. The locomotive arrived from the Telford Steam Railway in May 2023 and has remained for an extended stay – 17/05/2024Parry People Mover PPM 50 prototype ‘Car 12’ arrived at the SVR for trial purposes. Unfortunately, during tests ‘Car 12’s’ flywheel was damaged, and it was subsequently stored awaiting collection by the owner. In 2023 it was ‘tagged’ at Highley by vandals, and she was seen in this state on my visit. Parry People Movers Ltd. (PPM) was a small British manufacturer of lightweight railcars that utilise a rotating flywheel as a store of kinetic energy which is then used to power the vehicle, allowing electric systems to operate without overhead wires or third rails. The company built one prototype and two production vehicles, the British Rail Class 139. PPM was founded and directed by John Parry, who died on 17th February 2023, the company being liquidated later that year. In September 1996 a trial run utilising a PPM vehicle took place on the Weymouth Quay tramway which was cut short when the wheels hit hard debris embedded in the sunken rails. – 17/05/2024RailAdventure UK owned Class 43 Bo-Bo ex-HST power cars No.’s 43468 and 43480 at rest in Kidderminster railway station. RailAdventure purchased eight Class 43 power cars from Angel Trains in 2021, six for dual-car operational use, and two for spare parts – 17/05/2024D1015 ‘Western Champion’ arrives at Kidderminster with the 1345 service from Bridgnorth – 17/05/2024D1062 ‘Western Courier’ departs Kidderminster with the 1600 service to Bridgnorth. ‘Courier’ is one of four members of the class resident on the SVR and is looked after by the Western Locomotive Association – 17/05/2024Freightliner GM Electro-Motive Division Class 59 Co-Co No. 59206 ‘John F. Yeoman – Rail Pioneer’ was not in use on the day of my visit, but could be seen parked up at Kidderminster – 17/05/2024Freightliner GE PowerHaul Class 70 Co-Co No. 70005 takes a break from gala duty at Kidderminster – 17/05/2024GBRf Class 69 Co-Co No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’, one of the main line visitors to the gala at Kidderminster prepares to take over a rake of carriages to form the 1630 service to Bewdley – 17/05/2024English Electric Class 20 Bo-Bo’s No.’s 20007 and 20205 running light into Kidderminster. Weighing approximately 73 tonnes and delivering 1,000 horsepower, the Class 20’s were designed to work light mixed freight traffic at up to 75 mph. During the period of their introduction this traffic was already declining, and their low power and narrow field of view when operating ‘nose first’ limited their suitability for other work. Subsequently, Class 20’s were often paired together nose-to-nose, with their cabs at the outermost ends. This offered 2,000 hp and they gained employment on heavier coal and aggregates trains – 17/05/2024GBRf Class 69 Co-Co No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ departs Kidderminster with the 1630 train operating only as far as Bewdley – 17/05/2024
Video from my visit to the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala recorded on 17th May 2024
The Class 69 working was the last locomotive hauled train I saw on the SVR for this gala. Despite locomotives working that day, notably Class 20 No.’s 20142 and 20189, which I didn’t manage to see, I have to report I thoroughly enjoyed the day. On the journey home, a stop for refreshments at Newbury was added to the schedule and the opportunity to see two Class 56 locomotives double heading a freight train was also grasped!
GBRf Class 56 No. 56098 on hire to DC Rail with their recently returned to service Class 56 No. 56103 inside hauling 6Z61 1642 Merehead Quarry (FHH) to Willesden DC Rail Sidings passing Newbury – 17/05/2024Shortly before the Class 56’s passed through Newbury, Freightliner Class 66 No.’s 66415 ‘Your Are Never Alone’ and 66554 passed heading west working 7V70 1631 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Merehead Quarry (FHH) – 17/05/2024
Sunday 19th May 2024 saw The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) mark its 200th anniversary with a 40 boat flotilla in Poole Harbour in connection with a special open weekend where visitors could watch demonstrations, displays and talks at the RNLI College.
The finale; a “Parade of Sail” involved more than 20 historic RNLI lifeboats, the current lifeboat fleet including the most modern 25-knot lifeboat – the Shannon class – alongside current inshore lifeboats and the RNLI inshore rescue hovercraft and brought to a close the celebratory events in the town where the charity’s headquarters is based.
The oldest RNLI vessel taking part, the rowing lifeboat ‘William Riley’, went on active service in 1909. She was credited with saving 35 lives in 1914 during the First World War when the hospital ship, SS Rohilla, which was carrying wounded soldiers from Dunkirk, was caught in a fierce storm and ran aground. Although being badly damaged itself in the rescue operation, the lifeboat spent 50 hours at sea.
International lifeboats were also welcomed as part of the two-day event having travelled from France, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden, with the oldest rescue craft taking part being a Swedish rowing lifeboat from 1868.
Some images I captured are shown below. Many thanks to Caroline and Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) for organising special access to the Quay.
Tamar class lifeboat RNLI 16-10 during the “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024Built in 1954 by J Samuel White of Cowes, Isle of Wight, CITY OF BRADFORD III is a Watson Class lifeboat of timber construction with a Parsons Barracuda diesel engine, 70 shp. She served as the Humber lifeboat from 1954 to 1977 and as the Lytham St Annes lifeboat from 1978 to 1984. During her service life she was launched 377 times and saved 113 lives. RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024William Riley of Birmingham was built by Thames Ironworks on the Isle of Dogs, London in 1909 as a Thames Class Lifeboat. RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024RNLI “Parade of Sail”, Poole Harbour – 19/05/2024
We were up bright and early on Monday 20th May as we had planned a trip to National Trust Lacock Abbey and village. In a cunning plan, I had also hoped to see a Colas Class 56 at Westbury (No. 56090) on the return journey, but it cleared off at lunchtime! To be fair to Caroline, she did suggest I should pop in at Westbury railway station on the way to Lacock!
National Trust Lacock Abbey, seen from a public footpath as dogs are not allowed into the grounds at this time and Yoshi and I took a walk instead – 20/05/2024Yoshi was able to take a stroll through Lacock Village and took in some of the sights made famous in TV and film productions over the years, including the BBC 1995 version of “Pride and Prejudice” as well as the Harry Potter series of films – 20/05/2024Another view of Yoshi taking in the sights of Lacock village – 20/05/2024“The Red Lion” where we enjoyed lunch! – 20/05/2024Colas Rail Freight Class 67 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive No. 67027 at Westbury – 20/05/2024Colas Rail Freight Class 67 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotive No. 67023 outside The Elephant House at Westbury – 20/05/2024Great Western Railway Class 166 No. 166214 pauses at Westbury – 20/05/2024
On Wednesday 22nd May, Yoshi was at the groomers as the New Measurement Train (NMT) headed to Weymouth. I wasn’t able to capture the Colas High Speed Train on the NMT working, but my brother was on hand to record the train passing through Dorchester West.
Yoshi following his most recent grooming session – 22/05/2024Screenshot of Colas Rail Class 43 No. 43274 entering Dorchester West leading New Measurement Train (NMT) 1Z22 0729 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road – 22/05/2024 (With thanks to G E Barrett)Screenshot of Colas Rail Class 43 No. 43357 at the rear of 1Z22 0729 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road NMT as GWR Class 166 No.166209 waits departure with 2V72 1528 Weymouth to Gloucester – 22/05/2024 (With thanks to G E Barrett)
NMT at Dorchester West 22/05/2024 (With thanks to G E Barrett)
The Branch Line Society ran a railtour on Sunday 26th May 2024 utilising Hanson and Hall liveried Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ top and tailed with Freightliner Class 66 No. 66509 ‘Josiah’s Wish’. The train was destined for Weymouth, scheduled on the outward journey to traverse tracks from Eastleigh via Salisbury, Yeovil and Dorchester West returning via Dorchester South and Bournemouth. We headed to Gillingham to photograph the “The Millbrook Meander” as it headed to the seaside and planned to capture the train climbing Parkstone Bank on the return leg. Unfortunately, a fatality at Holton Heath later in the day meant that no trains were able to run between Wareham and Poole and the decision was taken to re-route the tour reporting as 1Z81 1708 Weymouth to Eastleigh via Dorchester West and Westbury on its return.
Hanson & Hall Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ hauling the London Underground 4-TC stock approaches Gillingham with Branch Line Society “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth – 26/05/2024Hanson & Hall Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ waits for the road at Gillingham with Branch Line Society “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth – 26/05/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66509 ‘Josiah’s Wish’ at the rear of “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth – 26/05/2024Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ departing Gillingham with Branch Line Society “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth – 26/05/2024Screenshot of Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ arriving at Dorchester West with Branch Line Society “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth – 26/05/2024Screenshot of Freightliner Class 66 No. 66509 ‘Josiah’s Wish’ at the rear of “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth passes Dorchester West – 26/05/2024
Video of “The Millbrook Meander” 1Z79 0959 Eastleigh to Weymouth passes Dorchester West – 26/05/2024 (Additional video courtesy of G E Barrett)
A class 458/4 Electric Multiple Unit drag to Bournemouth depot on Wednesday 29th May didn’t go to plan as one of the ex-Class 508 barrier coaches suffered brake failure whilst the train was in Poole Storage Sidings, where the locomotive assigned to haul the train changes ends. On this the occasion, the train was in the charge of GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 and, together with Class 458/4 No. 458427, the consist remained in Poole Sidings for a couple of days before repairs on the translator coach were completed.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 hauls refurbished Class 458/4 No. 458427 through Poole as 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD while SWR Class 444 No. 444025 awaits the off with 2W68 1700 Poole to London Waterloo – 29/05/2024Awaiting attention to the barrier / translator coach closest to the locomotive, GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 and Class 458/4 No. 458427 stand in Poole Storage Sidings. Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) movements which normally reverse in the sidings ran to Wareham and back while the only usable siding was otherwise occupied – 30/05/2024
Video: 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD – 29/05/2024
The New Measurement Train (NMT) which passed through North Dorset on Thursday 30th May was an all yellow affair as former High Speed Train Class 43 power cars No.’s 43062 ‘John Armitt’ and 43013 ‘Mark Carne OBE’ powered 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter. Friend of this blog, @smithy.377 shared the following images and video from Yeovil Junction.
Network Rail operated Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ arrives at Yeovil Junction leading NMT 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury – 30/05/2024 (image by kind permission of @smithy.377)Network Rail Class 43 No. 43013 ‘Mark Carne OBE’ at the rear of NMT 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury – 30/05/2024 (image by kind permission of @smithy.377)Network Rail Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ rests at Yeovil Junction whilst working NMT 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury – 30/05/2024 (image by kind permission of @smithy.377)Another shot of Network Rail Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury – 30/05/2024 (image by kind permission of @smithy.377)
Video: 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury – 30/05/2024 (With thanks to @smithy.377)
That brings us to the end of this instalment and, indeed, May 2024. Next time around we’ll be taking a look at the Swanage Railway “Strictly Bulleid 2” event which saw an unprecedented eight working Southern Railway (SR) Oliver Bulleid designed Pacific locomotives in one place post British Rail days. Be seeing you!
