Yoshi had a walk along a section of the “Strawberry Line” which was a rural railway linking Yatton to Cheddar and Wells, opening in 1869. The last passenger train ran along the route in September 1963 with freight services continuing for a few more years before the final axe fell – 01/04/2025
We kicked off April with a trip to Somerset to see the nuclear flask train and met up with friend of this blog @smithy.377 (don’t forget to check out his Instagram page!). On the way, Yoshi and I saw GBRf Class 60 No. 60096 ‘Skiddaw’ thundering through Trowbridge at the head of 6Z52 0704 Tytherington to Quainton Railhead – 01/04/2025
This was followed by a visit to Yatton to capture the Bridgwater flasks operated by Direct Rail Services (DRS0 Class 68 No. 68007 ‘Valiant’ and Class 88 No. 88008 ‘Ariadne’ top and tailing 6M63 1200 Bridgwater F.D to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 01/04/2025
GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ snuck into the far end of Bournemouth platform 3 working 0Z69 1255 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard. This mirrored a similar working which took place the previous week – 03/04/2025
GBRf Class 73/9 No.’s 73963 ‘Janice’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ passing Poole with the monthly Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) Test Train 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 07/04/2025
Yoshi took time out for a trip to North Dorset on 8th April to see Loram Class 37 No. 37418 ‘An Comunn Gaidhealach’ leading inspection saloon No. 975025 ‘Caroline’ into Gillingham working 2Z32 1035 Exeter St Davids to Guildford U.C.H.S. – 08/04/2025
Yoshi poses with Loram Class 37 No. 37418 ‘An Comunn Gaidhealach’ at the head of inspection saloon No. 975025 ‘Caroline’ at Gillingham reporting as 2Z32 1035 Exeter St Davids to Guildford U.C.H.S. – 08/04/2025Yoshi with inspection saloon No. 975025 ‘Caroline’ at Gillingham – 08/04/2025
Class 66 shenanigans around the witching hour at Dorchester West as Freightliner operated No.’s 66565 and 66563 passed through twice having reversed at Dorchester Junction with their train consisting of five HQA ballast hoppers reporting as 6Y91 2202 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 9th/19th April 2025
Colas Rail Class 43 power cars No.’s 43272 & 43251 were in action once again on the Heart of Wessex line working the Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) test train to Weymouth, reporting as 1Q22 0710 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road. We saw the train at Maiden Newton and Bincombe – 23/04/2025
For The Record: A late test train addition to the schedules saw Colas Class 37 No. 37175 heading through North Dorset overnight 22nd/23rd April 2025 with the Ultrasonic Test Unit.
Over the final weekend of April, Key Model World Live took place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Of particular interest to me was the display model of EFE’s forthcoming Class 74 OO scale model locomotive.
The Class 74 Electro-Diesel Locomotive is the next new tooling model to be developed for the EFE Range and a subject that has never before been produced as a mainstream ready to run model in OO Scale. This class of ten locomotives was creating by rebuilding redundant Class 71 Electrics and whilst they operated for little more than a decade at most, their work was varied and spanned the early years of the popular BR Blue era making this new model a must for any Southern Region modeller depicting the period from the end of steam to the late-1970s – 26/04/2025A Lego replica of the Forth Bridge, made from around 100,000 bricks, was on display at Model World Live. The 26ft (8m) long display features two working replica train tracks and was created by a team of four dedicated builders from the Lego UK railways group – 26/04/205While I was passing through Birmingham New Street, I saw Class 20 No.’s 20007 + 20205 working “The Really Good Positiong Move” charter train 1Z38 Kings Norton Signal Sy522 to Stratford. Class 37 No. 37403 was at the other end – 26/04/2025
After a weekend spent in the West Midlands, we stopped off at Penkridge as I hoped to see a steam hauled train heading North. Unfortunately the assigned locomotive, LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 45212 had failed at Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot with a suspected hot axle box on the tender and “The Great Briton XVII: Day 3” was instead in the charge of West Coast Railways Class 57 No. 57314. However to sweeten the disappointment, we also saw Class 37 No. 37403 ‘Isle of Mull’ an hour after the Class 57, as it worked to Crewe.
WCRC Class 57 No. 57314 hauls “The Great Briton XVII: Day 3” 1Z20 0946 Cardiff Central to Carnforth on the approach to Penkridge – 28/04/2025Class 37 No. 37403 ‘Isle of Mull’ at Penkridge working positioning move 1Z92 1007 Stratford (London) to Crewe. The locomotive is owned by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (SRPS) – 28/04/2025 Usual traction for stopping trains at Penkridge are Class 350 Desiro electric multiple units operated by West Midlands Trains No. 350130 1G57 1433 Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street. Class 350 trains are nearly identical to those of South Western Railways’s Class 450. The latter class is only fitted with traction equipment for Southern Region 750 V DC third rail, whilst the Class 350/1 units can operate from either 25 kV 50 Hz AC OLE, as is done in regular service, or alternatively third rail – 28/04/2025
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In March, Yoshi underwent a surgical procedure to improve his quality of life. This meant he had to endure a cone of shame for a few weeks. Our boy was not happy, but we’re pleased to report he has recovered well! His cuddly squirrel has not fared so well however……
The Snow & Ice Train (SITT) continued running in March featuring GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66720 ‘Wascosa’ & 66776 ‘Joanne’ as visits to Dorset took place on 3rd and 5th with the final run taking place overnight on 29th/30th March 2025.
Screengrabs of GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66720 ‘Wascosa’ & 66776 ‘Joanne’ working the SITT through Hamworthy – 03/03/2025
On 6th March we popped over to Wool to see Network Rail’s Linsinger Rail Milling Train MG31/ SF06-UK No.’s DR79105/79104 & DR79103/79102 at rest in the sidings.
The track machines had been working around the Dorchester area having arrived from Crewe on Sunday 2nd March 2025 working as 6Q01 0940 Gresty Lane Down Sidings to Wool.
Railway tracks are subjected to constant wear. In order to extend rail service life and to extend traffic safety, rail profiles have to be regularly maintained. Linsinger develop mobile rail milling machines that enable fast rail head reprofiling and minimise traffic disruption.
GBRf Class 73/9 Electo-Diesels No.’s 73961 ‘Alison’ & 73963 ‘Janice’ working the monthly PLPR test train 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard. The train is seen passing Holton Heath and Dorchester South – 10/03/2025
GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66734 ‘Platinum Jubilee’ and 66797 passing through Christchurch with a rail delivery train reporting as 6G24 2223 Eastleigh East Yard to Brockenhurst. The train ran to Bournemouth where it reversed and headed back to Brockenhurst – 11th/12th March 2025
The annual Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Stakeholders Open Evening took place on 12th March 2025.
Rail related highlights were:
It was revealed Capital Expenditure for 2025/26 includes £1m for reinstatement of the port rail link.
The previous government had ambitious targets to grow rail freight. Waiting to see what the current government’s targets for rail freight will be.
Talking to Brittany Ferries with a view to bringing container traffic through the port and out via rail.
The only question from the floor during the Q&A was rail related: “How long before the rail link is actually going to appear?”
PHC CEO Captain Brian Murphy: “That’s a great question and the rail link is there now, it just needs upgrading and reinstating. So the first train, the first cargo out of Poole is likely to be towards the end of the year. We’re planning January next year – hopeful late in the year this year.
Q: “So it actually goes from the port to Hamworthy.. Junction is it?”
Captain Murphy: “Correct. And then onwards to West London”
There was a supplemental question which I think was going to ask how the train would turn round, but this was lost as the session was wrapped up.
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) CEO Captain Brian Murphy gives his annual presentation at the PHC Stakeholders Open Evening took place – 12/03/2025.
Colas RailFreight Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43257 and 43357 working the monthly “Heart of Wessex” Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) train, reporting as 1Q22 0745 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road, in and around Dorchester. As the train was running almost half an hour late on reaching Dorchester West the decision was made to reverse at Dorchester Junction, foregoing Weymouth – 19/03/2025
GBRf Class 69 No. 69014 in its striking unique Electro Motive Division (EMD) demonstrator livery of yellow and black with EMD branding is seen at Eastleigh having departed the works working 0M45 1020 Eastleigh Works Gbrf to Longport F.D. The nameplates were covered over, but are believed to read “Longport EMD”. The video also features selected trains running through Eastleigh around the time No. 69014 ran through the station – 20/03/2025
GWR 4900 Class 4-6-0 No. 4953 ‘Pitchford Hall’ arrives on Swanage Railway metals in advance of the 2025 Spring Steam Gala Built at by the Great Western Railway at Swindon Works at a cost of £4375, No. 4953 entered traffic in August 1929. The locomotive worked from a wide variety of sheds all over the GWR network, until withdrawal by British Railways in May 1963. Acquired for scrap by Woodham Brothers in Barry, South Wales during October 1963, she was purchased for preservation by Dr John Kennedy in 1984. ‘Pitchford Hall’ is owned by and based on the Epping Ongar Railway and currently carries British Railways lined black livery. – 24/03/2025
As the clocks were getting ready to move forward, I was at Brockenhurst waiting for a DB Cargo engineering train reporting as 6N01 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth. Surprisingly both Class 66 locomotives – No.’s 66013 & 66089 – retained the diminishing EWS livery, a sight set to disappear from the railway scene. The train is also seen racing through Christchurch – 30/03/2025
Bark Along to the Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala 2025 as we join Yoshi in the Purbeck Hills. The gala took place over the final weekend of March 2025. As well as home fleet locomotives in action, we also saw visiting guest locos; GWR 4900 Class 4-6-0 No. 4953 ‘Pitchford Hall’ and BR built LMS Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-2T No. 41313
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Yoshi caught up with the Snow & Ice Train in Weymouth during February. GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’ provides the backdrop – 10/02/2025
The Wessex Snow & Ice Train continued to make regular appearances into Dorset during February 2025. The motive power for the workings in the early part of the month were in the care of GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’ & 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’. We captured several of the runs at various locations including Poole and Weymouth as seen in the video below:
Compilation of Snow & Ice Trains in Dorset during early February 2025
10/02/2025 –
The regular plain line pattern recognition (PLPR) train ran to Weymouth via the South West Main Line on Monday 10th February 2025 reporting as 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard top and tailed by GBRf Class 73/9 No.’s 73961 ‘Alison’ & 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’. We saw the late running train passing through Poole. PLPR uses a series of lasers and cameras to detect faulty track components as the train passes over them
GBRf Class 73/9 locos work the plain line pattern recognition (PLPR) train through Poole – 10/02/25
11/02/2025 –
We visited Eastleigh briefly during the morning of Tuesday 11th for an hour or so of watching trains – this has been distilled into twenty minutes for your delectation:
Watching trains in Eastleigh – 11/02/2025
In the afternoon, I was in Poole where GBRf Class 66 No. 66710 ‘Phil Packer’ reversed working 0Y70 1432 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard.
GBRf Class 66 No. 66710 reversing at Poole – 11/02/2025
12/02/2025
The following day it was the turn of GBRf Class 66 No. 66720 ‘Wascosa’ to make it as far as Poole working 0Y70 1432 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard. This, and the previous days trip, was to provide a driver transferring from passenger to freight to get hours under his belt on a locomotive
GBRf Class 66 No. 66720 ‘Wascosa’ reversing at Poole – 12/02/2025
Earlier on in the day, I spent some time filming trains around the Westbury area, including freight hauled by Class 59 / Class 70 and Class 60 locomotives
Rails Around Westbury – a day out watching trains in Wiltshire – 12/02/2025
14/02/2025 –
The Snow & Ice Train (SITT) made a return to Dorset on 14th February 2025 with an after dark run this time featuring GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66720 ‘Wascosa’ & 66776 ‘Joanne’ reversing at Poole instead of the scheduled Dorchester South following an incident at Woodsford level crossing between Wool and Dorchester. Reporting as 3Y89 2215 Totton Yard to Totton Yard
The Wessex Snow & Ice Train reversing at Poole with GBRf Class 66’s – 14/02/2025
15/02/2025 –
DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66124 arrived at Bournemouth in the early hours with engineers train 6N02 0032 Eastleigh East Yard to Christchurch before running around its wagons and departing back east for the work site
Late night engineering train at Bournemouth station with DB Class 66 – 15/02/2025
February 2025 boasted two test trains featuring Class 37 locomotives running to Weymouth via the “Heart of Wessex Line” on two consecutive days. First up were No.’s 37402 & 37610 with the Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) train reporting as 1Q22 0745 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road on Wednesday 19th February, while the following day – Thursday 20th February- produced No. 37219 with DBSO No. 9702 working the Ultrasonic Test Unit 3Q14 1113 Westbury Down T.C. to Westbury Down T.C.
Stand By For Class 37 Action with “Heart Of Wessex Line” hauled test trains – February 2025
28/02/2025 –
On the last day of February 2025, I popped over the county border to Somerset to catch up with friend of this blog @smithy.377 and see 30 seconds worth of two Class 37’s with barrier coaches returning to Derby after they had delivered a Class 175 Diesel Multiple Unit to Plymouth Laira earlier in the day. The video shows No’s 37423 and 37901 ‘Mirrlees Pioneer’ storming through Highbridge & Burnham working 5M57 0954 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail)
Class 37’s with barrier coaches storming through Highbridge & Burnham – 28/02/2025
Later, the final Wessex Snow & Ice Treatment Train of February 2025 passed Poole top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66776 ‘Joanne’ and 66720 ‘Wascosa’ just before midnight
GBRf Class 66’s passing Poole railway station with the Wessex Snow & Ice Treatment Train – 28/02/25
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Yoshi takes a visit to the Swanage Railway for their annual “Winter Warm-Up” – 04/01/2025
02/01/2025 –
We spent New Year in London and I couldn’t resist going to the top floor of our hotel to capture images overlooking Charing Cross and Waterloo East
Charing Cross – 02/01/2025Waterloo East – 02/01/2025
04/01/2025 –
Bark along with us as we visit the Swanage Railway for their first event of 2025, the “Winter Warm Up” which took place on January 4th & 5th. We visited on the Saturday to watch a combination of steam and diesel locomotives hauling both passenger and freight trains through the Purbecks. Remember to dress up warm as it’s mighty cold!
A day out on the Swanage Railway watching trains as part of the “Winter Warm Up” event – 04/01/2024
The first week of 2025 saw a number of runs for the Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) in Dorset utilising GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’ + 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’. This video includes clips of every daylight movement from 01/01/2025 to 07/01/2025 (the early morning outing on 04/01/2025 is omitted as even I was tucked up in my bed!) Passenger trains along the route from London Waterloo to Weymouth draw their power from a conductor rail, commonly known as the Third Rail as it is positioned alongside the standard railway track. If ice forms on the surface of the conductor rail, the flow of electricity is interrupted and trains are unable to draw power to move. To combat this, Network Rail has a fleet of treatment trains which scrape the ice off the conductor rail using metal brushes and spraying thousands of litres of anti-icing fluid to prevent the formation of ice.
Snow & Ice Treatment Train workings in Dorset during the first week of January 2025
For a few days in January, we swapped Dorset for Suffolk as we visited friends in Ipswich. I took the opportunity to point my phone camera at various passenger and freight workings in and around the county town
Trains at Ipswich – January 2025
12/01/2025 –
A call from @jamiesmithgoingloco inviting me along to the Southampton area to see Colas Railfreight Class 56 No. 56094 with an empty Long Welded Rail set working 6C01 0720 Ashford International to Eastleigh East Yard was too good to resist. We saw the Class 56 and other trains passing Horseshoe Bridge, St Denys after an initial visit to Eastleigh to catch sight of DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66088 at the head of 6N66 0700 Herne Hill to Eastleigh East Yard. A fine way to spend a Sunday morning
Trains passing St Denys & Eastleigh including Colas Class 56 No. 56094 – 12/01/2025
16/01/2025 –
Colas Rail Freight Class 37 No. 37175 with DBSO No. 9708 passing through Poole on a foggy night with the Structure Gauging Train reporting as 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard. The loco sounded in fine fettle on the way to Weymouth, but all expectations for a similar performance on the return working were dashed as the train passed at a sedate pace!
Class 37 No. 37175 with the Structure Gauging Train at Poole – 16/01/2025
A second selection of January 2025 Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) workings in Dorset utilising GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’ + 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’. This video includes clips filmed between 08/01/2025 and 13/01/2025
Class 66 locomotives working Snow & Ice Treatment Trains in Dorset – January 2025
19/01/2025 –
Europhoenix/Rail Operations Group (ROG) in de-branded DRS livery Class 37 No. 37423 powers through Castle Cary hauling Eastern Rail Services’ MK2 lounge car No. 6703, buffet first No. 1220, seated brake No. 9805 and accessible sleeper No. 10699 from the West Somerset Railway, where the stock has been engaged in filming work carrying a fictional Highland Sleeper livery, to Great Yarmouth working as 5Z03 1002 Bishops Lydeard to Yarmouth C.H.S.
Trains at Castle Cary with ROG Class 37 No. 37423 – 19/01/2025
22/01/2025 –
Colas Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43274/43272 test train working a test train to Weymouth via the Heart of Wessex line running as 1Q18 0751 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road. This video also features South Western Railway Class 444’s and a Great Western Class 166 at Upwey
Colas Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43274/43272 test train – 22/01/2025
23/01/2025 –
The Wessex Snow & Ice Treatment Train operated in the early hours of 23/01/2025 reporting as 3Y89 0100 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. The usual suspects; GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’ + 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’ were once again in charge as the service ran from Totton Yard to Dorchester South and back
GBRf Class 66 No. 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’ passes Poole with 0Y89 0200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard which ran to Dorchester and back potentially checking for storm damage on the track
GBRf Class 66 No. 66714 passes Poole with 0Y89 0200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 24/01/2025
Soon after filming No. 66714 running solo through Poole, I was in a car heading to Gatwick Airport where I boarded a plane for Sydney, Australia. One of the reasons for my visit “down under” was to fulfil a long held ambition to see XPT’s .
During the 1970’s, the British Railways Board possessed an export division known as “Transmark”, which decided the InterCity 125 High Speed Train (HST) would make an attractive proposition to foreign operators and pitched the product to potential buyers. After a period of assessment, the Australian government duly placed an order for six power cars and 20 carriages in 1980. The trains were built under licence in Australia by Commonwealth Engineering and differed slightly from their British cousins by having a taller body to accommodate larger radiators and other heat and dust-combating equipment. There were also frontal air intakes and larger side windows.
The trains were introduced in 1982 and were an immediate success on long-distance routes – so much so that additional power cars and coaches were ordered. A total of 19 XPT power cars were built. During October 1990, the government announced that eight sleeper carriages would be ordered for use on overnight services to Brisbane, Murwillumbah and Melbourne. The XPT’s are presently operated under NSW TrainLink, running on long-distance regional and interstate North Coast, Main Western and Main Southern line services throughout New South Wales and interstate into Victoria and Queensland. The trains have been subject to refurbishments and overhauls to permit their use into the twenty-first century.
During October 2016, the NSW government announced the XPT fleet would be entirely replaced as part of the Regional Train Project. The replacement fleet, originally set to enter service in 2023, has encountered delays and is now scheduled for introduction around 2025–2027, resulting in the XPT operating longer than originally anticipated and will now be retained even after the new trains enter service. The XPT’s currently work daily services including Sydney to Grafton, Casino, Dubbo, Melbourne and Brisbane.
For the record; GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66750 & 66709 reversed at Poole Station on 29th January 2025 with a rail delivery train working as 2253 6G24 Eastleigh East Yard to Branksome. The train had been scheduled to run out to the storage sidings, but work being conducted on the longterm out of service track work prevented this.
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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!
DRS Class 68 No. 68016 “Fearless’ at Winfrith with the first train of waste at Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository site at Winfrith Magnox. 68017 ‘Hornet’ is at the rear – 24th March 2022
It has been an interesting week in review with the first of what should be semi-regular visits to Dorset of trains in connection with a project to dispose of of more than 1,000 stainless steel drums of waste at Nuclear Waste Services’ Low Level Waste Repository site from Winfrith Magnox site. Gresley A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ made a visit to Hampshire and Wiltshire with a Steam Dreams rail tour to Salisbury which featured an added afternoon circular tour via Southampton before returning to London Victoria. The Bournemouth to Weymouth line saw probably the final Class 66 runs of the Snow and Ice Treatment Train of the season and the New Measurement Train powered by Class 43 power cars visited Dorset via the Bristol to Weymouth route.
68017 waits the go ahead as the points are changed at Winfrith ground frameWinfrith ground frameWinfrith ground frameDRS Class 68 No.’s 68016 and 68017 at Winfrith Magnox – 24th March 2022DRS Class 68 No. 68016 at Winfrith with the first train being loaded with waste at Nuclear Waste Services Low Level Waste Repository site at Winfrith Magnox. 68017 is at the rear of the photo – 24th March 2022DRS Class 68’s at Winfrith – 24th March 2022Close up of 68016’s nameplateClose up of 68017’s nameplate
Direct Rail Services (DRS) was conceived in 1995 by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd (BNFL) as a wholly-owned subsidiary company for the purpose of transporting nuclear waste after the privatisation of British Rail. The company has since diversified into other areas of freight workings. DRS has been moving nuclear waste for over 25 years. The 24th March 2022 train to Magnox Winfrith marked the first of eleven planned trains over the next couple of years to move the one tonne stainless steel drums of waste. The drums originated from the Winfrith Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor before being placed in Treated Radwaste Store awaiting their transfer to the Intermediate Level Waste facility at Harwell.
Top and Tailed 68017 and 68016 on a rake of 10 PFA wagons as 6Z96 1540 Winfrith Sidings to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) nearing St Denys – 24th March 2022
The trial run for the removal of nuclear waste took place on 26th February 2013. DRS Class 37 No.’s 37602 and 37607 top and tailed the train which at that point was the first time a nuclear material train had worked to Dorset in 14 years, the previous visit having taken place in September 1999.
Archive video from 1999 shows Class 37 and Class 20 motive power for the Winfrith flask trains which ran round at Dorchester South:
Going further back in time to 21st July 1980, Class 33 No. 33013 runs around a nuclear flask train at Dorchester South. I can recall being chased away from the train, hence the rather distant image taken by my trusty 110 Kodak camera. But it’s interesting to see the sidings which are now covered by the Brewery Square development.
The next video shows a compilation of clips showing the Snow & Ice Treatment Train in Dorset and Hampshire taken between 16th and 25th March. The locomotives are 66799 and 66760 throughout, but the weather is changeable!
The New Measurement Train visited Dorset on 23rd March 2022 formed of Class 43 power cars No.’s 43274 and 43272 working 185Y 0748 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road:
43274 about to depart from Maiden Newton having picked up the token to traverse the single line section to Dorchester West – 23rd March 2022
Class 701 test runs are still taking place, as evidenced by 701028 working the 28th March 2022 5Q51 1126 Wimbledon to Woking run:
99 year old Gresley A3 Pacific No.60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ worked her final rail tour before retiring for an overhaul, which is scheduled to start in April and last up to four months. Scotsman is scheduled to visit the Swanage Railway later in 2022 as well as appearances at the Bluebell and Strathspey railways and a possible static display at London King’s Cross to celebrate 170 years of the Great Northern Railway’s London terminus in October. We’ll devote a whole post to the Nation’s Locomotive in the future, but for now here are some photographs and short video from 24th March 2022:
Yoshi looks happy to be in the company of Flying Scotsman, seen on a previous visit to Southampton in June 2021
Thanks for visiting – we’ll hopefully be back again next week, we hope you’ll join us! As always corrections or suggestions welcomed.
This week ( February 8th to 15th 2022 ) has seen the Bournemouth to Weymouth line welcome engineers trains and test trains which has provided an interesting variety and a change from the norm.
Class 701 testing continues and this week it was the turn of unit No. 701032 to run down to Poole.
On Tuesday 8th February 2022, we stopped off at Holton Heath to see GBRf Class 66 locomotives No’s 66786 and 66790 top and tail a handful of wagons on their way to Dorchester South. The following night we were in Dorchester to see 66790 joined by 66774 pull up to the work site near to Culliford Road Bridge where old lengths of rail were piled up ready for collection.
Over the weekend of 12th and 13th February, DB Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66118 and 66130 could be seen at Branksome with an engineers train which had arrived in the early hours of Saturday morning as 616M Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth. Work was carried out at the entrance to Bournemouth depot and as can be seen in the photo at the top of this entry, Yoshi went along to ensure things were going smoothly.
After a chat to the driver of the DB train, we made a brief visit to Swanage to take a look at the Swanage Railway Trust 4TC Group’s coaches which they have been busy restoring. The Class 491 unit at Swanage is one of two 4TC sets that were purchased from British Rail by London Underground for use on Metropolitan line excursions. When London Underground decided to dispose of one of its 4TC sets, it was purchased privately with the intent of it being based at Swanage.
In 2016 another DTSO (76275) was offered for sale. This was in much better condition than the other two DTSO’s owned by the Swanage group and needed little more than a new coat of paint largely because 76275 had survived in service as part of a 4VEP unit until 2004. It was decided to acquire this vehicle and use the third DTSO as a spare. DTSO 76275 was restored by its previous owners at St Leonards depot and delivered to Swanage in May 2017.
As can be seen in the images below, three of the unrestored coaches have now been covered with new tarpaulins to help protect them from the elements until their wait in the restoration queue is over. They have been formed into a new unit, and given the unit number 413. The aim is to restore the unit to full running order, based on the Swanage Railway, to run push pull with a class 33/1. There is a possibility of creating a 5 coach unit by including a buffet car. I’m all for that option!
Class 33 No. 33111 was also in evidence alongside the 4TC coaches. In the late 1960’s Class 33/1 and 4TC unit formations were introduced as the staple motive power for the then un-electrified track from Bournemouth to Weymouth. For three decades Weymouth bound trains started out from London Waterloo powered by third-rail electric 4REP units on the rear of unpowered 4TC’s. At Bournemouth the train would divide with at least one four car 4TC being hauled onward by a class 33/1 diesel locomotive. On the return working, the diesel pushed the train as far as Bournemouth where it would be detached and the 4TC(‘s) attached to a waiting 4REP. To commemorate the end of the push-pull era, Hertfordshire Rail Tours ran the Push-Pull Farewell on the 22nd January 1994. The train was formed of two 4TC units 410 and 417 with Class 33 No. 33116 providing motive power. Starting out from London Waterloo, the train ran to Exeter St. Davids via Yeovil before heading to Bristol Temple Meads when the tour ventured to Weymouth where it can be seen in the video below. At Weymouth, 33116 was joined by Class 73 Electro-Diesel No. 73109 and together they propelled the train back to London Waterloo via Southampton and Basingstoke.
At the locomotive viewing point in Swanage, Yoshi and I paid our respects to Ringwood the Railway Cat who passed away in July 2015. Swanage Railway staff said Ringwood knew the warmest and best places to sleep, occasionally ending up beyond shed limits on an unplanned journey if she was too lazy to wake up! Back in steam days, engine sheds would employ a cat to minimise rodent problems with a small stipend being paid for their upkeep and wellbeing.
On Monday 14th February GBRf Class 73’s No’s 73961 ‘Alison’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ headed for Weymouth working the 120N 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Arlington test train.
Thanks for reading. See you next week for some Westbury and Eastleigh travels, including our first video of the special livery given to 69004:
GBRf Class 69 No. 69004 in Railway Technical Centre Livery with Class 73 No. 73212 in tow working 0Y73 Eastleigh Works GBRf to Brighton Wall Siding – 17/02/2022
