The Railway Dog

Category: Class 50

  • Mostly Swanage

    The Sun sets on Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ as she awaits the start of another day at the Swanage Diesel Gala – 10/05/2024

    April 25th to May 16th 2024

    It’s been a while… where did we get to last time? Ah yes, Class 52 “Western”, the New Measurement Train, engineering trains, Swanage and such like. I think this post may be a case of deja vu as many of these topics appear once again. But first, we had a trip to Derbyshire to attend a wedding via Bridport where we bumped into Ninth Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston (outside the toilets, no less). Chris was attending a screening of Ken Loach’s “Kes” (1969) as part of Bridport’s Film Festival 2024 ‘From Page To Screen’ series. It was great to see the film on the “big screen”.

    Christopher Eccleston chats about “Kes” as part of the Bridport Film Festival – 25/04/2024

    Having dropped Yoshi off at his cousins, we headed to Derbyshire for wedding celebrations at the beautiful Buxton Pavilion. We arrived in good time and checked into our hotel which meant we had time for a wander into Buxton before the wedding ceremony.

    I was lucky enough to see a pair of Class 66’s top and tailing across Spring Gardens Viaduct as we looked for a pub to have lunch. I managed to get a shot of No. 66044 operating as tail gunner, but an hour or so later, I was able to see this “Shed” and sister loco No. 66156 continue on their way after reversing at Buxton Up Relief Sidings.

    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66044 at rest on Spring Gardens Viaduct, Buxton on the rear of 6H52 1305 Download Briggs Sidings to Ashburys SS – 26/04/2024
    Video of DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66044 and 66156 working 6H52 1305 Download Briggs Sidings to Ashburys SS at Buxton – 26/04/2024

    Following a wonderful wedding ceremony in the Buxton Spa Botanical Conservatory, as if the day couldn’t have been more fabulous, the bride and groom had arranged for the Buxton Pavilion Gardens Miniature Railway to be in service.

    Steam Outline 0-6-0 diesel-hydraulic No. 2000 ‘Edward Milner’ in Wedding Day Special service on the Buxton Pavilion Gardens Miniature Railway – 26/04/2024
    Steam Outline 0-6-0 diesel-hydraulic No. 2000 ‘Edward Milner’ on the Buxton Pavilion Gardens Miniature Railway – 26/04/2024

    The railway first opened in 1972 as a 10 1/4″ gauge line. Trains were initially hauled by ‘Borough of Buxton’ a Shepperton Metal Products locomotive. In the winter of 1998, the line was regauged to 12.25″ in order to accommodate Alan Keef stock. Steam Outline 0-6-0 diesel-hydraulic No. 2000 ‘Edward Milner’ was built in 2000 and is named after the designer of the park it runs in.

    Video of Steam Outline 0-6-0 diesel-hydraulic No. 2000 ‘Edward Milner’ in Wedding Day Special service on the Buxton Pavilion Gardens Miniature Railway – 26/04/2024

    After an evening of celebration, the following day we travelled north for a stay in Holmfirth via a quick look in at Cemex Peak Forest.

    DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66200 (left) and 66206 with GBRf No. 66707 ‘Sir Sam Fay GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY’ behind at Cemex Peak Forest – 27/04/2024
    DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66044 and 66028 on the Peak Forest Stabling Point – 27/04/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66752 ‘The Hoosier State’ at the head of an engineers train rests at Chinley – 27/04/2024

    We returned to Dorset, stopping off at National Trust Moseley Old Hall, a Grade II* listed Elizabethan farmhouse situated north of Wolverhampton. The house is notable as one of the hiding places of King Charles II during his escape to France following defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

    National Trust Moseley Old Hall – 29/04/2024

    Constructed in approximately 1600 by Henry Pitt, few structural changes were made to the hall until around 1870 when the outer walls were replaced by bricks and casements replaced the Elizabethan windows.

    Tuesday 30th April saw Swanage Railway resident Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny lewis RN’ working 0Z33 0920 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) in advance of booked railtour duties later in the week for the Branch Line Society (BLS). We saw the “Crompton” working light engine through Hamworthy.

    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny lewis RN’ working 0Z33 0920 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) light engine through Hamworthy – 30/04/2024
    Video clip of Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny lewis RN’ working 0Z33 0920 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG)

    Later the same day Bournemouth depot received another newly refurbished South Western Railway (SWR) Class 458 electric multiple unit (EMU) and despatched another to Widnes Transport Tech to enable modification works. Both of these unit drags involved GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ running round at Poole.

    GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ at Poole High Street Level crossing leading SWR Class 458 No. 458401 reporting as 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD – 30/04/2024
    GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ at Poole station running round working 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh Yard – 30/04/2024

    458527 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh Yard – 30/04/2024

    Video of GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ on Class 458 EMU drags – 30/04/2024

    In the early hours of Wednesday May 1st, I set out for Maiden Newton to see GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66725 ‘Sunderland’ and 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ working the South West Weedkiller reporting as 3Q98 2309 Exeter Riverside New Yard to Exeter Riverside New Yard. I really enjoyed this little excursion, the train ran more or less on time and as it had to stop at Maiden Newton where the driver needed to pick up a token to allow onward travel through single line sections of track, I had ample opportunity to take photographs as well as recording video.

    GBRf Class 66 No. 66725 ‘Sunderland’ at Maiden Newton leading on the outward leg of the South West Weed killer 3Q98 2309 Exeter Riverside NY to Exeter Riverside NY – 01/05/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ pauses at Maiden Newton during weed killer duties having reversed at Dorchester Junction working 3Q98 2309 Exeter Riverside NY to Exeter Riverside NY – 01/05/2024
    Video of GBRf Class 66 locomotives on the South West Weedkiller at Maiden Newton – 01/05/2024

    As our regular reader will know, we enjoy walking along old railway lines, and on Thursday 2nd May, we revisited the Rodwell Trail in Weymouth, the former trackbed of the line from Weymouth to Portland.

    Yoshi on the Rodwell Trail, with the Isle of Portland in the background – 02/05/2023

    For The Record: the North Dorset New Measurement Train passed through Gillingham and Sherborne with High Speed Train Class 43 power cars No.’s 43062 and 43274 reporting as 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter New Yard on 2nd May 2024. As we were walking along the old railway track bed in Weymouth, we missed this working, but friend of this blog, @smithy.377 kindly shared the video of the same consist running through Highbridge working 1Z18 1539 Paignton to Taunton the following day.

    New Measurement Train at Highbridge, courtesy of @smithy.377 – 03/05/2024

    On the weekend, the Saturday involved a drive to Exeter to see one of those BLS tours involving Class 33 No. D6515 we mentioned earlier. The Star Wars themed “May the Fourth be With You” charter originated and finished at Eastleigh running via Portsmouth, Westbury, Exeter, Yeovil, London Waterloo. Advertised as utilising the London Underground Class 438 4TC stock hauled by the preserved 71A Locomotive Group’s Class 33 and a GBRf Class 73/1 the reported addition of two Class 59 freight locomotives to pilot the train between Westbury and Exeter was too good to miss. Add to this the possibility of photographing two other rail tours in the West Country and a grand day out was in store. On the day we were surprised to learn that in fact three Class 59’s were being added to the train, meaning there were more locomotives than coaches!

    Class 37 No.’s 37518 and 37668 passing Highbridge with Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” 1Z36 0424 Nantwich to Kingswear – 04/05/2024
    Steam traction took over the “English Riviera Express” 1Z36 0424 Nantwich to Kingswear at Taunton. Southern Railway West Country Class 4-6-2 No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ prepares to storm Whiteball – 04/05/2024
    LSL owned Class 47 No. 47828 seen at the rear of 1Z36 0424 Nantwich to Kingswear – 04/05/2024
    Class 37 No.’s 37518 and 37668 at Whiteball with Pathfinder Tours “The Spring Cornish Explorer” 1Z65 0553 Dorridge to Penznce – 04/05/2024
    Featuring five engines, including three different liveried Class 59 Locomotives, the Branch Line Society’s “May the Fourth be With You” charter featured No.’s 59202 ‘Alan Meadows Taylor’, 59101 ‘Village of Whatley’, 59104 ‘Village of Great Elm’ with No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ on the approach to Exeter St. Davids. No. 73136 ‘Mhairi’ was on the rear of the London Underground 4tc set. The reporting number for this section of the rail tour was 1Z73 0648 Eastleigh to Exeter Central – 04/05/2024
    Freightliner Class 59 No.’s 59202 ‘Alan Meadows Taylor’, 59101 ‘Village of Whatley’, 59104 ‘Village of Great Elm’ with No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ and No. 73136 ‘Mhairi’ (at the rear) bring the LU 4tc set into Exeter – 04/05/2024
    GB Railfreight Class 73 No. 73136 ‘Mhairi’ on the rear of the BLS “May the Fourth be With You” charter at Exeter St. Davids – 04/05/2024
    After piloting c into Exeter Central the three Class 59’s departed 59104 ‘Village of Great Elm’, 59101 ‘Village of Whatley’, 59202 ‘Alan Meadows Taylor’ worked back to Westbury as 0Z73 1359 Exeter Central to Westbury Tarmac BY – 04/05/2024
    Now sole leading engine on the BLS tour, Class 33 No. No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ departs Exeter Central on the next leg 1Z33 1440 Exeter Central to London Waterloo – 04/05/2024
    We also caught the Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling the BLS charter “May the Fourth be With You” through Sherborne – 04/05/2024
    Video of BLS charter “May the Fourth be With You” and other trains – 04/05/2024

    The first Dorset Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival caught our attention on Sunday 5th May. Having read about traffic issues getting into the event on the Saturday and other largely negative reviews online, it was with some trepidation that we set off for Dorchester. We sailed into the car park with no problems, save the need for careful driving on a very muddy field. The music was provided by tribute acts to the likes of Neil Diamond, Ed Sheeran and Jess Glynne while a fun fair took up a large part the main arena. Unfortunately for visitors hoping to see a flurry of hot air balloons taking to the skies, weather conditions meant we were only able to witness three balloons lifting off. But they were a fine sight to behold all the same, and a very relaxing mode of transport to watch. I think there were some valid criticisms about the event organisation, but some were also unfairly exaggerated. Nevertheless, if suggestions are taken on board and improvements made, I look forward to this being an annual event in the Dorset calendar. The organisers can not, of course, be held responsible for the weather conditions!

    Weather conditions on the Sunday of the Dorset Hot Air Balloon & Music Festival meant only experienced balloonists could take to the air. The Wallace & Gromit balloon was a favourite! – 05/05/2024
    Wallace & Gromit head up into the skies – 05/05/2024

    The dispute between the ASLEF union and train operating companies continue and the 7th May saw SWR drivers calling a strike day.

    All stop at Weymouth on the South Western Railway drivers strike day. SWR Class 444 No.’s 444004 and 444007 stand idle in Weymouth – 07/05/2024
    Celebrity Pride liveried SWR Class 444 No. 444019 in platform 3 at Weymouth – 07/05/2024

    Although SWR drivers were on strike, this did not affect drivers from the freight companies working. DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66148 ‘Maritime Intermodal Seven’ and 66025 worked engineers train 6N65 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Moreton. We videoed the train passing through Poole.

    Video screenshot of DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66148 ‘Maritime Intermodal Seven’ and 66025 working 6N65 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Moreton through Poole – 07/05/2024
    Video of DB Cargo working 6N65 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Moreton – 07/05/2024

    8th May and time for my favourite railway working of the year; the arrival of the Swanage Railway Diesel Gala convoy of locomotives. This year the positioning move aroused much interest as it was headed up by Class 52 diesel-hydraulic No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ with Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) Class 20 No.’s 20302 and 20311 along with Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ in tow. We saw the consist passing through Hamworthy as it made its way over to the Purbeck heritage line.

    Convoy! Always a highlight of the year – the Swanage Diesel Gala convoy with visiting guest locomotives passes Hamworthy with Class 52 “Western” No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’, Harry Needle Railroad Compay Class 20 No.’s 20302 and 20311 with Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ bringing up the rear reporting as 0Z53 1544 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage – 08/05/2024
    Class 50 No. 50021 on the rear of the Swanage bound locomotive convoy 0Z53 1544 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage – 08/05/2024

    The following day, May 9th, and further Gala attractions made their way through Dorset in readiness for the annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival as Colas Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ ran light engine reporting as 0Z37 0946 Westbury Down TC to Swanage. We saw the locomotive as she ran through Hamworthy

    Colas Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ running light engine as 0Z37 0946 Westbury Down TC to Swanage passing Hamworthy – 09/05/2024

    GBRf had promised to provide a Class 69 locomotive for the Swanage Diesel Gala, with No. 69007 ‘Richard Trevithick’ being the ear marked example. In the event, this locomotive was declared a failure at Eastleigh and was replaced by fellow class member No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&E’. The Class 69 was scheduled to travel to Swanage as part of the BLS “The Jurassic Crompton” charter, again employing the London Underground Class 438 4TC coaching stock along with “Crompton” diesel Class 33 No. D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’. As a result of a temporary issue with the Electric Train Supply (ETS) on No. D6515, GBRf Class 73 No. 73109 ‘Battle of Britain’ was added to the consist to provide the ETS.

    As my camera “had issues”, here’s a video screenshot of the Branch Line Society promoted “The Jurassic Crompton” charter train with Swanage resident Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ and GBRf Class 69 No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ double heading on the London Underground Class 438 4tc set entering Poole – 09/05/2024
    Old and new pass at Poole! Screenshot of BLS “The Jurassic Crompton” special train headed up by Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’, passing SWR Class 701 No. 701059 on test / mileage accumulation working. Two members of the 701’s crew can be seen taking an interest in the charter – 09/05/2024
    Screenshot BLS “The Jurassic Crompton” charter with GBRf Class 73 No. 73109 ‘Battle of Britain’ bringing up the rear – 09/05/2024
    Video of Swanage Diesel Gala guest locomotives and BLS charter “The Jurassic Crompton” on their way to the Purbeck Heritage line

    Later that evening, a ballast train worked from Eastleigh to Maiden Newton via Dorchester Junction. GBRf provided the traction in the form of Class 66 No.’s 66725 ‘Sunderland’ and 66795 ‘Bescot LDC’. Yoshi was delighted to be reacquainted with GBRf driver Bessie Matthews who spotted our boy from the cab of the leading locomotive at Dorchester South. We saw also saw the train at Dorchester West, but as it was late, and there was no indication when the ballast train would depart for Maiden Newton, we headed home before it left.

    GBRf Class 66 No. 66725 ‘Sunderland’ on arrival at Dorchester South working 6G28 1939 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West – 09/05/2024
    GBRf driver Bessie Matthews recognises Yoshin and says hello at Dorchester South – 09/05/2024
    Yoshi takes a keen interest in GBRf Class 66 No. 66795 ‘Bescot LDC’ as it rests at Dorchester West working 6G28 1939 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West – 09/05/2024
    Yoshi poses with GBRf Class 66 No. 66725 ‘Sunderland’ at Dorchester West. The locomotive was working 6G28 1939 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West – 09/05/2024
    Video of GBRf ballast train 6G28 1939 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West – 09/05/2024

    For The Record: Colas Class 37 No. 37116 worked 3Q07 2031 Exeter Riverside NY to Exeter Riverside NY through North Dorset overnight of 10th May 2024. I had planned on seeing this move at Yeovil in connection with popping out to see the GBRf ballast train, but as the Class 37 ran early, this was not to be. I wasn’t too bothered, I will admit!

    10th May Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ supported by Class 47 No. 47773 operated the first of Vintage Trains two day “The Great Western Railway” tours between Birmingham Snow Hill and Plymouth. This tour marked 60 years when the locomotive achieved, what was then, the fastest ever non-stop run between Plymouth and Bristol completed in 133 minutes and 9 seconds. We saw the train heading West at Filton Abbey Wood and on its climb to Whiteball bank in Somerset. Unfortunately the return trip own the following day did not emulate the non-stop run of 60 years previously as ‘Clun Castle’ stalled on Hemerdon Bank. Tysley’s Class 47 No. 47773 which had been shadowing the train at this point came to the rescue and provided assistance. Part of the attraction for me of seeing this working was the steam locomotive working unassisted over the notorious Devon banks. But later timings on the Friday and my desire to attend the Swanage Diesel Gala on the Saturday meant I had to be content with the two viewings I was able to fit in.

    Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ at Filton Abbey Wood working “The Great Western” 1Z46 0830 Birmingham Snow Hill to Bristol Temple Meads – 10/05/2024
    Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ approaches Filton Abbey Wood station working the first day of Vintage Trains “The Great Western” charter which would see the steam locomotive tackle the Devon banks solo – 10/05/2024
    Support locomotive Class 47 No. 47773 working light engine as 0Z47 1435 Bristol East Depot DBC to Plymouth ahead of the steam hauled charter – 10/05/2024
    Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ makes the climb up Whiteball bank near Taunton reporting as 1Z47 1547 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth – 10/05/2024
    Video of Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’on the mainline – 10/05/2024

    The 2024 Swanage Railway Diesel Gala and Beer Festival took place from 10th to 12th May. Nine locomotives took part which involved an intensive three train service in operation with several trains running along the the entire length of the nine-mile line route from Swanage to the River Frome at the limit of the heritage line’s operations on the branch from Wareham. Star of the show was very much the Diesel Traction group’s Class 52 ‘Western’ No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ which visited the Purbeck line for the first time since 2007 and the first time a member of the class which has run on the Swanage Railway since 2011. Alongside the first Class 69 hauling passenger trains on the line, the two Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) Class 20’s, two Class 50’s and the Colas Class 37, the guest gala fleet was bolstered with Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’ which had previously arrived by road. The visiting locomotives were of course joined by Swanage Railway resident Class 33’s No. D6515 and 33111.

    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ working a Beerex train to Corfe Castle, passing visiting Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’, the London Underground Class 4tc set and resident Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ – 10/05/2024
    An evening scene in the sidings at Swanage – 10/05/2024
    GBRf Class 73 No. 73109 ‘Battle of Britain’ was on static display at Swanage station. The locomotive was enlisted to assist Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ on mainline railtour duty when the “Crompton” developed a fault – 10/05/2024
    Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’ from the East Lancs Railway. No. D5054 is one of just four preserved examples from the original 151 strong fleet of locomotives and was amongst the first diesel locomotives to be based at Bury. She is seen here at Swanage – 10/05/2024

    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ was only scheduled to haul the Friday evening “Beerex” trains and it wasn’t to take any further part in the gala weekend. However, issues with the electronic field supply for the Electric Train Heat (ETH) generator on No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ meant the locomotive was withdrawn from running and the timetable had to be revised and No. 50026 was pressed into service. On a Class 50, the ETH generator also powers the radiator fan so the fault meant the locomotive had no cooling fan and without which would quickly overheat.

    Visiting Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’ on the approach to Harmans Cross – 11/05/2024
    GBRf Class 69 No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ ( a late replacement for failed sister loco No. 690XX) draws away from Harmans Cross – 11/05/2024
    Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) Class 20 No.’s 20311 and 20302 hauling the London Underground 4tc set on the approach toCorfe Castle – 11/05/2024
    The London Underground Class 438 4tc set being hauled by the HNRC Class 20’s towards Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024
    Class 52 “Western” Diesel-Hydraulic No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ on the approach to Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ makes a fine sight departing Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ accelerates up the slight incline from Corfe Castle station – 11/05/2024
    Class 33 No. 33111 having departed Corfe Castle station – 11/05/2024
    Carrying a “Sulzer” headboard, Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ departs Swanage as the driver receives the token for the single line working from the signalman – 11/05/2024
    In its Network South East (NSE) livery, Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ powers towards Swanage – 11/05/2024
    GBRf Class 69 No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ having past Afflington. The London Underground 4tc set was made much use of during the gala weekend – 11/05/2024
    Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) Class 20 No.’s 20311 and 20302 hauling the London Underground 4tc set towards Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024
    HNRC Class 20 No.’s 20302 and 20311 double head the London Underground 4tc set across Corfe Common – 11/05/2024
    Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33111 heads a train from Swanage – 11/05/2024
    Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ heads a Swanage bound train – 11/05/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ hauls the London Underground 4tc set across Corfe Common – 11/05/2024
    Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’ heads towards Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ powers towards Corfe Castle with Afflington Bridge behind – 11/05/2024
    My final shot of the day, GBRf Class 69 No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ with Corfe Castle in the distance heads across Corfe Common with a Swanage bound train – 11/05/2024

    Unfortunately there was further disruption on Saturday evening when No. 50026, on the back of a six-carriage passenger train, became partially derailed at Castle Corfe station at approximately 1830 – around the same time I was settling down to watch new ‘Doctor Who’ on BBC 1. The evening gala and Beerex services were suspended following the incident. No passengers were injured and no damage was sustained to the carriages on the train. The government’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) were advised and they carried out an investigation on the cause of the derailment. The Class 50 was re-railed during the night by rail support service Goodman’s and inspections did not reveal any damage to the locomotive.

    Webcam Screenshot from the Corfe Castle camera showing Class 50 No.50026 ‘Indomitable’ being assessed after she came off the rails. The Webcam feed was later turned off at the request of the Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) – 11/05/2024
    Video glimpse of the 2024 Swanage Diesel Gala

    Also of nite, the Saturday saw a surprise run of a pair of SWR Class 450 EMU’s to Weymouth forming an eight coach train. I was too busy on the Swanage Railway or watching new “Doctor Who” to pop out and see them, but good friend of the blog @da_buckley967 was on hand to capture No.’s 450091 and 450038 in Weymouth station having worked in from Portsmouth earlier in the day.

    Unusual visitors for Weymouth; two four car SWR Class 450 EMU No.’s 450091 and 450038 stand at platform having worked in with a VSTP (Very Short Term Plan) working 1K21 1056 Portsmouth Harbour to Weymouth – 11/05/2024 (Image courtesy of da_buckley967)
    SWR Class 450 No. 450038 forming the rear of 1K32 1903 Weymouth to Portsmouth Harbour at the buffer stops in Weymouth alongside GWR Class 166 No. 166215 working 2V96 1845 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads – 11/05/2024 (Image courtesy of da_buckley967)

    A heavily revised timetable was implemented at the Swanage Diesel Gala on the Sunday, but the BLS charter the “Return of the Jurassic Crompton” ran as scheduled, departing Swanage at 1430. We saw the charter train crossing the Holes Bay causeway.

    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ traverses Creekmoor Viaduct with GBRf Class 73 No. 73109 ‘Battle of Britain’, the London Underground 4tc set and GBRf Class 69 No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ at the rear working the Branch Line Society railtour “The Return of the Jurassic Crompton” 1Z35 1420 Swanage to London Waterloo across Holes Bay causeway on the approach to Poole – 12/05/2024
    D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ entering Wareham working light engine movement 0z36 1105 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage – 13/05/2024
    D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ pauses at Wareham to pick up Swanage Railway crew as she returns to the heritage railway after the previous days railtour – 13/05/2024

    The other visiting locomotives mostly departed over the next couple of days, with No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ leaving first on Monday 13th and a convoy consisting of the No. D1015, the Class 20’s and both Class 50’s heading to Eastleigh on Tuesday 14th.

    Colas Rail Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ passes through Hamworthy running as 0F75 1030 Swanage to Westbury Down TC – 13/05/2024
    Homeward bound – the Swanage Diesel Gala guest locomotive convoy crosses Rockley Sands Viaduct with Class 52 D1015 ‘Western Champion’ hauling HNRC Class 20’s 20311 and 20302 with 50021 ‘Rodney’ and 50026 ‘Indomitable’ reporting as 0Z50 1032 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) – 14/05/2024
    Video from of the 2024 associated Swanage Diesel Gala mainline workings

    Tuesday and another Class 458 delivery / departure ran, once again in the hands of GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 heading up 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD with refurb SWR Class 458 No. 458413 and returning later on 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard which took No. 458512 on its first leg to Widnes for refurbishment. These moves ran early and I missed my chance at taking photographs, however I did manage to capture some quick video of the first working as it passed Poole Park.

    Screenshot GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 heading up 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD with 458413 – 14/05/2024
    Video of GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 working 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth TRSMD with SWR Class 458 No. 458413 – 14/05/2024

    And that brings us to the end of another blog instalment. We’ll be back in a week or so with our report from the Severn Valley Railway diesel gala and an update on out of the ordinary railway workings in Dorset. As always, thanks for reading and for your comments which are appreciated. Be seeing you!

  • Yoshi’s Castleton Adventure

    Yoshi pauses during a walk along the River Stour in Blandford. The two arches behind our boy are all that remain of the original structure that took the Somerset and Dorset Railway across Langton Meadows. The railway closed in 1966 and the Blandford Railway Arches Trust Limited, in partnership with Blandford Town Council are working to conserve the arches – 08/04/2024

    April 1st 2024 to April 13th 2024

    Yoshi visits the Dolphin Centre in Poole – 02/04/2024

    Yoshi was recently quite perturbed on finding out Barclays Bank have been closing branches across Dorset, with both Weymouth and Poole getting the axe. To replace their High Street presence in Poole, the bank have opened a pod within the town’s Dolphin Shopping Centre. The decline of bank branches in the UK has been attributed to banking consumers’ changing habits and technological changes. Yoshi waited patiently in the ever growing queue at the pod when he wanted to transact business ensuring he had enough pocket money in his account to keep him in Beef & Poultry flavour Mini Tasty treats.

    Yoshi supports Basil Brush and his fund raising for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) – 02/04/2024

    Our first railway themed adventure in April 2024 took place during an overnight trip to the Greater Manchester area. The purpose of our trip was to visit friends, but me being me, I was unable to resist the lure of checking out Real Time Trains and seeing what might be seen on the local tracks. I immediately noticed that regular Class 60 hauled freight trains were scheduled to pass through Rochdale, Lancashire where we were staying the night.

    As we drove along the A664, Edinburgh Way, on the outskirts of Rochdale towards our hotel, we passed under a blue railway bridge with a sign welcoming us to “Rochdale – birthplace of co-operation”. The metropolitan borough in north-west England has long boasted of its association with the 28 mill workers, known as the “Rochdale Pioneers”, who opened their Co-Operative shop in the town on Toad Lane in 1844, devising the “principles” which became the model for cooperatives worldwide.

    It conveniently transpired that our hotel was located a few minutes walk from the railway line running through Rochdale and while out walking Yoshi prior to our heading to bed, we took a stroll just in time to see a Class 60 pass over the A664 blue railway bridge with a Drax Power Station to Liverpool Biomass Terminal train of empty wagons.

    The trains supplying Drax use distinctive state of the art biomass wagons – the largest on UK railways – designed specifically to transport and unload wood pellets.

    The UK Central Electricity Generating Board began building Drax in 1967 to utilise coal from the Selby coalfield, and in 1974 it begins generating electricity for the first time. The power station is officially opened in 1975, with three generators and a total electrical capacity of just under 2 gigawatts (GW). It had the capability to power around two million homes but by 1986, Drax had doubled in size and capacity to just under 4 GW, becoming the largest power station in the UK.

    In 1990, Drax Power Station comes under the ownership of National Power, one of three power generation companies created as part of the privatisation of the electricity industry in England and Wales. Nine years later, the power station is acquired by the US-based AES corporation for £1.87 billion but part ways in 2003 after one of the power station’s major customers goes into administration. As creditors, various financial institutions take control of Drax Power Station. 2005 saw the power station undergoing refinancing and Drax Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

    In 2012, Drax committed to transforming the business into a mainly biomass-fuelled generator using compressed wood pellets in place of coal by upgrading the three generating units that came online in the early 1970’s to run on 100% sustainable biomass, with no use of coal. The first upgraded generating unit came online in 2013 and ten years later in April 2023 Drax announced the official end of coal-fired generation at Drax Power Station.

    As I previously noted above, there are numerous daily paths to and from Drax which pass through Rochdale. So, in order to catch a view of these workings, I elected to get up early on the Thursday morning and drove the five minute journey to Castleton railway station. On arrival at 0530, in good time to witness 6E36 0205 Liverpool Biomass Tml to Drax AES (GBRf) pass through, the station was in darkness. Luckily for me, the lights flickered into life prior to Class 60 No. 60076 ‘Dunbar’ rumbling through the unstaffed station.

    Screenshot of GBRf Class 60 No. 60076 ‘Dunbar’ running through Castleton working 6E36 0205 Liverpool Biomass Tml to Drax AES (GBRf) – 04/04/2024
    Northern Trains Class 150 No.’s 150120 and 150110 stop at Castleton railway station working 2B89 0551 Rochdale to Blackburn – 04/04/2024

    Stopping train services at Castleton are currently provided by Northern Trains utilising Class 195 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. TransPennine Express train services also pass through the station.

    GBRf Class 60 No. 60096 ‘Impetus’ on the approach to Castleton working 6M34 0545 Drax AES (GBRf) to Tuebrook Sidings (GBRf) – 04/04/2024

    The first station to be opened in Castleton was in 1839, situated on the western side of the Rochdale to Manchester Road bridge and was originally called “Blue Pits for Heywood”. The existing station opened on 1st November 1875, on the eastern side of the road bridge. The Liverpool and Bury Railway from Bolton once joined the main line at a triangular junction just south of the station. This was previously a busy passenger and freight route utilised by trains avoiding Manchester, but was closed to passengers on 5th October 1970. Castleton station was formerly part of the Oldham Loop Line which provided through services to Oldham via Rochdale. This route was closed in 2009 and converted for light rail use by Manchester Metrolink.

    The western portion of this line was retained for freight traffic after passenger trains ceased serving the coal depot at Rawtenstall until 1980, and subsequently to the Powell Duffryn wagon works. It now forms the link with the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) at Heywood. Subject to permission being granted by Network Rail (NR, in the future, the heritage line plans to extend its services along and towards a possible new bay platform – given the proposed name “Castleton Village” – which would be adjacent to the main Castleton station. Passengers could then alight from their ELR train and change station sides directly to Northern Rail services on the national network.

    Video from Castleton – April 2024

    We arrived back in Dorset on Thursday evening in time to see Colas operated Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) head towards Weymouth propelled by Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ with DBSO No. 9714 leading on the outward leg of 3Q45 2103 Woking Up Yard Reception to Reading Triangle Sidings.

    Screenshot of Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton at the rear of Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) passing Hamworthy reporting as 3Q45 2103 Woking Up Yard Reception to Reading Triangle Sidings – 05/04/2024
    Video of UTU 3Q45 2103 Woking Up Yard Reception to Reading Triangle Sidings – 05/04/2024

    The following day, Friday 5th April 2024, and we were back at Hamworthy station as Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ escaped the heritage railway and ventured out onto the mainline as she headed off to Eastleigh to collect preserved Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’. The two locomotives returned later in the day. The Class 50 is visiting the Swanage Railway to undertake power testing to ensure it is fit and ready to earn a mainline running certificate. More news on this is expected from the locomotives owners in the next few weeks.

    Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ runs light engine into Hamworthy as 0Z33 1130 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) – 05/04/2024
    Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ running light engine passing Hamworthy as 0Z33 1130 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) – 05/04/2024
    Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ approaching Hamworthy reporting as 0Z50 1430 Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) to Swanage – 05/04/2024 – 05/04/2024
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ being hauled by Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ at Hamworthy – 05/04/2024
    Video of D6515 & 50026 passing Hamworthy – 05/04/2024
    Yoshi after his date with the groomer. We celebrated by popping into the boys’ favourite pub – 05/04/2024

    Hamworthy Branch update

    The new electrical cabinet at Hamworthy Park crossing on Ashmore Avenue has been installed and the old one removed.

    New cabinet at Hamworthy Park level crossing – 05/04/2024

    For The Record

    The New Measurement Train (NMT) visited North Dorset on Thursday April 4th top and tailed by former High Speed Train (HST) Class 43 power cars No.’s 43274 and 43257 which formed 1Q23 0555 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter.

    Saturday 6th April 2024 and North Dorset witnessed the sight of preserved Hasting’s Unit operating “The Cogload Climber” rail tour run by Hastings Diesels Limited. The train passed through Sherborne and Gillingham on its return leg working as 1Z15 1440 Exeter Central to Hastings. Unfortunately, although I had planned to photograph and video the train as it made its way to and from Devon, this just wasn’t meant to be.

    However, good friend of this blog, @smithy.377 has very kindly allowed us to share the following images and video of the tour in Exeter.

    Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) No. 1001 led by Class 202/6L Power Car 60118 ‘Tunbridge Wells’ at Exeter St Davids prior to departure up to Exeter Central working the “Cogload Climber” railtour reporting as 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith, @smithy.377)

    No. 1001 is a Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) which once worked on the London Charing Cross to Hastings route in British Rail days between 1957 and 1986. Following withdrawal, the train was subsequently preserved by Hastings Diesels Limited (HDL), restored to its former glory and  returned to main-line operation ten years later, in 1996.

    Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central having arrived with “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)
    Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central having arrived with “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)
    Unit No. 1001 Class 202/6L Power Car No. 60116
    ‘Mount­field’ in the bay platform at Exeter Central having arrived with “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)
    Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central working “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)
    Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central forming “The Cogload Climber” railtour. The train departed reporting as 1Z15 1440 Exeter Central to Hastings – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)
    “The Cogload Climber” railtour at Exeter – 06/04/2024. Video courtesy of Ashley Smith / @smithy.377

    In other news, Network Rail (NR), who are responsible for UK railway infrastructure, is to spend approximately £2.8billion on protecting railways from extreme weather events over the next 5 years. The government owned organisation will fund measures such as making embankments more resilient, recruiting almost 400 extra drainage engineers, training operational staff to better interpret weather forecasts and installing CCTV at sites with known flood risks.

    Collapsing embankments are causing major disruption to train services, including those which serve Dorset, and measures to prevent these occurring are required in the face of higher than average rainfall. The spending is part of NR’s £45.4billion investment plan for the next five years.

    Weymouth railway station on 8th April when ASLEF industrial action meant no SWR trains were running. Class 444 EMU’s No.’s 444003 and 444005 stand at platform out of use while GWR Class 165 Turbo DMU No. 165101 forms the 2V60 0930 Weymouth to Gloucester service – 08/04/2024

    The train drivers union, ASLEF, launched a new round of industrial action on Friday 5th April 2024 with the commencement of rolling one day strikes across 14 rail companies. In addition, five days of overtime bans caused further cancellations. The dispute has now entered its 22nd month.

    SWR Class 444 No.’s 444036 and 444045 at Weymouth on the ASLEF strike which meant very few SWR services ran – 08/04/2024

    Yoshi and I visited Blandford on the morning of 8th April and took a walk along the River Stour so we could view the “Blandford Railway Arches”, the only physical remaining evidence the Somerset and Dorset Railway once traversed over the river. You can read more about the rise and demise of Blandford’s railway history here.

    A bridge to nowhere… the decision to close the Somerset and Dorset Railway connecting Bath and Bournemouth is one of the great tragedies of the Beeching Era. Yoshi pauses on a walk along the River Stour – 08/04/2024
    For over 100 years the flood arches on Langton Meadows carried the Somerset and Dorset railway over the biodiversity rich Stour flood plain. When the railway closed, most of the infrastructure was demolished, but the arches were left standing, an unlisted but much-loved asset and memorial to the town’s Victorian industrial heritage. When North Dorset District Council considered demolishing them, public opinion in opposition resulted in Blandford Forum Town Council (BFTC) seeking a long-term lease for the structure so that it could be preserved – 08/04/2024

    That brings us to the end of another blog entry. Thank you for reading, your comments and corrections, which are always welcome. Be seeing you!

    End Piece:

    The British Rail Class 165 Networker Turbo is a fleet of suburban Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) passenger trains, originally specified by and built for the British Rail Thames and Chiltern Division of Network South East (NSE). They were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) York Works between 1990 and 1992. GWR Class 165 No. 165101 forming 2V60 0930 Weymouth to Gloucester – 08/04/2024
    The British Rail Class 166 Networker Turbo Express is a fleet of DMU passenger trains, built by ABB Transportation in York between 1992 and 1993. The trains were designed as a faster, air-conditioned variant of the Class 165 Turbo, intended for longer-distance services, and, like the 165’s, belong to the Networker family. GWR Class 166 No.166216 at Weymouth forming 2V72 1528 Weymouth to Gloucester – 11/04/2024

  • Yoshi Climbs Gold Hill

    14th June 2023 to 20th June 2023

    We went to Shaftesbury on Sunday to see old buses. Caroline and I visited a pub or three and Yoshi took a liking to Gold Hill. Famous as the location for the 1973 Hovis bread TV advert directed by Ridley Scott. Still the same today as its always been – 18/06/2023

    Wednesday 14th June 2023 saw Colas test train 1Q18 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road visit Dorset in the capable charge of top and tailed Class 37 locomotives No.’s 37612 and 37254. I was in the east of the county hoping to capture a Class 701 drag from Bournemouth to Eastleigh which didn’t materialise. It’s been quite a month for unusual movements being cancelled here; a Class 69 hauled Weedkiller to Weymouth, a Class 37 test train via the West and a Class 455 drag with a Rail Operations Group (ROG) Class 37 to Bournemouth T&RSMD to mention a few.

    Class 37 No. 37612 leads 1Q18 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth into Dorchester West (video screen grab courtesy of G E Barrett) – 14/06/2023
    Class 37 No. 37254 leads out of Weymouth where 1Q18 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road has reversed for the run to Bristol (video screen grab courtesy of @da_buckley967) – 14/06/2023
    Video of Class 37 No.s 37612 and 37254 working 1Q18 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road courtesy of @da_buckley967 and G E Barrett – 14/06/2023

    On Saturday, I popped over to the Southampton area for a brief evening visit to see LNER A3 4-6-2 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’. I don’t understand the scorn poured on this locomotive by a certain section of the railway enthusiast fraternity. I think it’s great Scotsman captures the imagination of the general public and it was delightful to hear a lot of chatter on our local radio station before and after the locomotive visited Portsmouth. I was interested to see if No. 60103 retained her white roof which she had gained the previous week in advance of hauling the Royal Train carrying King Prince Charles over the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on Monday 12th June, and I was very pleased to see she had! I was able to observe the “Portsmouth Flyer” rail tour on its way back to London Victoria from the overbridge leading to Dock Gate 20 at Millbrook. It’s also an excellent vantage point to see the locomotives being stabled at Freightliner Maritime depot. I thought the location would be quite popular with onlookers, but in the event it was just myself and another photographer there to see the “People’s Locomotive” steam by. It was quite pleasant passing the time having a friendly chat about railways of today and years gone. 

    Freightliner Class 08 shunter No. 08785 at Southampton Maritime – 17/06/2023
    Class 66 No. 66594 at Southampton Maritime – 17/06/2023
    A line up of Class 70’s at Southampton Maritime, including No.’s 70003,70007 and 70014 with Class 66 No.’s 66565, 66594 and 66504 also visible- 17/06/2023
    Class 66 No. 66529 receives attention at Southampton Maritime – 17/06/2023
    CrossCountry Voyager No. 220011 nears Redbridge working 1020 1325 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth – 17/06/2023
    LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ at Millbrook working the return “The Portsmouth Flyer” 1Z73 1606 Portsmouth Harbour to London Victoria – 17/06/2023
    The white cab roof applied to LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ can be seen clearly in this view of the locomotive as she works the return “The Portsmouth Flyer” 1Z73 1606 Portsmouth Harbour to London Victoria on the approach to Redbridge – 17/06/2023
    West Coast Railway Company Class 47 No. 47802 at the rear of “The Portsmouth Flyer” 1Z73 1606 Portsmouth Harbour to London Victoria approaching Redbridge – 17/06/2023

    After seeing ‘Flying Scotsman’ I had just enough time to pop over to Eastleigh to get a photo of the Network Rail Class 153 Inspection Train. I was also able to see UK Railtours “The Magic Carpet” on its way from Exeter to London Victoria. This was hauled by two GBRf Class 73 Electro-diesels of the type we normally get here on a test train the first Monday of every month. 

    GBRf Class 66 No. 66726 ‘Sheffield Wednesday’ in Eastleigh East Yard in preparation for working 7C03 2302 to Clapham Junction Windsor Lines civil engineering train later in the day along with No. 66846 – 17/06/2023
    A view over Eastleigh East Yard with GBRf Class 66 No. 66726 ‘Sheffield Wednesday’ and Colas Rail Class 66 No. 66846 in the foreground – 17/06/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66100 ‘Armistice 100 1918 – 2018’ in the sidings adjacent Eastleigh railway station – 17/06/2023
    Nameplate detail of Class 66 No. 66100 ‘Armistice 100 1918 – 2018’ – 17/06/2023
    Still carrying EWS Livery, DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66083 partners No. 66100 ‘Armistice 100 1918 – 2018’ at Eastleigh – 17/06/2023
    Network Rail Video Inspection Unit No. 2 (VIU2) No. 153376 rests at Eastleigh. Network Rail employs three Class 153 DMU’s for video assessment of track and points – 17/06/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66701 having just reversed onto wagons ready to form 6G13 1952 Eastleigh East Yard to Cheam engineers train – 17/06/2023
    Maritime Blue liveried Class 66 No. 66051 ‘Maritime Intermodal Four’ passing through Eastleigh heading up 4V44 1824 Southampton Eastern Docks to Morris Cowley MAT – 17/06/2023
    GBRf Class 73/9 No.’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ hauling UK Railtours “The Magic Carpet” one the approach to Eastleigh – 17/06/2023
    GBRf Class 73/9 No.’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ hauling UK Railtours “The Magic Carpet” 1Z62 1533 Exeter St Davids to London Victoria on the approach to Eastleigh – 17/06/2023
    On the rear of “The Magic Carpet” 1Z62 1533 Exeter St Davids to London Victoria GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 – 17/06/2023
    In 2011, leasing company Akiem acquired seven unused JT42CWRM locomotives, which would originally enter service for Veolia Cargo SAS (77501-77503) as order 20078941 and Crossrail Benelux (77504-77507) as 20078920. On 20 June 2011, all seven locos were delivered with train protection systems for Germany, Belgium and France. After being delivered to Akiem, they were immediately leased to VFLI.
    Purchased and imported by GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66308 (ex-77503) and 66307 (ex-77502) are seen at Eastleigh Arlington Works having been repainted into standard GBRf livery following sizing modifications for the UK rail loading gauge carried out at Doncaster – 17/06/2023
    Class 313’s continue to arrive at Eastleigh Arlington for component recovery and scrapping. No.’s 313206, 313201, 313207 and 313208 can be identified in this view. An appeal to fund maintenance and storage costs of blue liveried No. 313201 has been launched – 17/06/2023
    No.’s 313206, 313201, 313217, 313207 and 313208 await their fate at Eastleigh Arlington – 17/06/2023
    These Class 313 EMU’s at Eastleigh Arlington have had their numbers cut out. We can identify No. 313202, closest to the camera, from the coach number 62530 – 17/06/2023

    “The Magic Carpet” passed through Dorset and our North Dorset correspondent was on hand to capture the train at Gillingham:

    GBRf Class 73/9 No.’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ head up UK Railtours “The Magic Carpet” at Gillingham on the return leg (photo courtesy of Scott Lewis) – 17/06/2023

    This past weekend the 2023 “Royal Blue Run” saw the return of preserved and restored coaches to roads across the West Country, showcasing these fine specimens in authentic settings across the country recreating lost scenes. This year the Royal Blue & Associated Motorways run saw the privately owned vehicles recreate an age of bygone travel on the open roads through Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall reaching Penzance in the far south west.  The specific routes chosen were drawn from Royal Blue timetables from different eras. Sometimes segments of express services are followed, or in other cases seasonal variants are used (e.g. summer Saturdays only or winter season routing).  Every stretch has to be pre-driven to ensure the original roads remain suitable for coaches to pass even with modern parking practices or traffic management schemes. The coaches set out from Salisbury bus station on Friday 16th June and we chose to see them passing through Shaftesbury on their return final stage run up the A30, as used by the ‘stopping’ Penzance to London services, to Salisbury.

    Burlingham C33F AEC Regal Reg No. CFK 340 in the livery of operator Burnham built 1948 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/2023
    Royal Blue ECW Bristol MW6G Fleet No. 2267 Reg No. 56 GUO built 1961 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/202
    Wilts & Dorset Beadle C32R Bristol L6B Fleet No. 279 Reg. EMW284, built 1947 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/202

    The Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust (TV&GWOT) website provides more information on the Royal Blue Runs which “were established in 2002 so that owners and their passengers can relive the pleasures of long distance luxury coach travel for which their carefully preserved vehicles were originally intended. The aim is to follow original Royal Blue routes as closely as possible and to travel at a leisurely pace redolent of the times. The runs also create a wonderful spectacle for innocent bystanders and dedicated photographers alike, thanks to the hard work and resources the owners have devoted to restoring and maintaining their fine coaches.

    A lot of work goes into planning the runs from selecting routes from the extensive Royal Blue network and researching the original drivers’ instructions and passenger timetables, preparing maps and outline routing, driving the routes to develop detailed instructions allowing for modern day features and constraints, organising refreshment stops, obtaining parking permissions, to identifying potential accommodation for a dozen or more coaches and their passengers. Despite all the preparations, final timings are hard to judge whether due to roadworks or things that might pique the interest of crews along the way. The coaches do not travel in close convoy so as not to inconvenience other road users. Some drivers have also been known on occasion to deviate from the intended route (unintentionally!).

    Overall the focus is on education and enjoyment and we hope that however you take part you share in the pleasure.”

    Western National Fleet No. 3307 Reg AFJ 727T Plaxton Supreme DP41F Bristol LH6L built in 1979 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/202
    A long way from home, Crossville Fleet No. CRG106 Reg AFM 106G ECW C49F Bristol RELH built in 1969 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/202
    Royal Blue Fleet No. 1286 Reg MOD 973 ECW Bristol LS6G C39F built in 1952 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/202
    Royal Blue (Western National) Fleet No. 1250 Reg. LTA 729 Duple Bristol LL6B C37F built in 1951 at Shaftesbury – 18/06/202
    A very short video of Royal Blue Run buses passing through Shaftesbury – 18/06/2023

    I certainly derived much pleasure from seeing the coaches which were running around thirty minutes behind schedule when they passed us. Not bad timing in my humble opinion! I previously saw the 2016 Royal Blue Run which having started at London Victoria Coach Station ran to Bristol on Day One. The following day was designed to commemorate 50 years since the final train on the Somerset & Dorset Railway, a much loved and mourned route that ran through Royal Blue heartland from Bath to Bournemouth. The route intertwined with several famous S&D locations, recreating in part the former rail replacement service that was created when the line closed in 1966. Day Three was an excursion from Bournemouth to Lulworth Cove, followed by a trip across the New Forest to Lyndhurst. It was Lulworth Cove where I decided to see the buses as they grouped together in the car park before once again taking to the open road where I took the opportunity to see them passing through Lulworth village and Wareham.

    Royal Blue Bristol MW6G Fleet No. 2246 Reg. 625 DDV built 1960 enters the car park at Lulworth Cove – 19/06/2016
    Western National Bristol MW6G ECW C39F Fleet No. 1423 Reg. EDV 505D built in 1966 and entered service in Plymouth seen at Lulworth Cove – 19/06/2016
    A Royal Blue line up at Lulworth Cove – 19/06/2016
    Royal Blue ECW Bristol MW6G Fleet No. 2267 Reg No. 56 GUO built 1961 passing through Lulworth – 19/06/2016
    Wilts & Dorset Beadle bodied Bristol L6B Fleet No. 279 Reg. EMW284, built 1947 at Lulworth – 19/06/2016
    Royal Blue Fleet No. 1299 Reg. OTT 98 1953 Bristol LS6G with ECW C39F coachwork at Lulworth village – 19/06/2016
    Royal Blue express services Fleet No. 2351 Reg. 837 SUO Bristol RELH6G ECW passing through Wareham – 19/06/2016

    From The Archives:

    Mention of Penzance as part of the Royal Blue Run this year reminded me that I was going to look for a photograph of the Pullman Camping Coaches which used to stand at Marazion and I mentioned as much in our blog entry “Yoshi Goes To Cornwall”. As luck would have it, I was looking for some paperwork the other day and came across the following images:

    For many years Marazion was home to six old Pullman coaches that were employed as camping coaches; holiday accommodation offered by the railway containing sleeping and living space designed to encourage people to travel by train to the stations where they were situated – March 1993
    British Rail Parcels Sector liveried Class 47 No. 47462 ‘Cambridge Traction & Rolling Stock Depot’ at Penzance – March 1993
    Class 47 No. 47463 (with her pre-TOPS number D1586 marked between her head code lights) in BR Standard Monastral Blue livery, which she retained to the end, stands at Penzance. The locomotive entered service in May 1964 and was cut up in November 1996 by MRJ Phillips at Crewe Works – March 1993
    Class 47 No. 47462 ‘Cambridge Traction & Rolling Stock Depot’ at Penzance. The locomotive was built at Crewe and entered traffic on May 16th 1964 as D1582. Named at Cambridge Open Day held on 29th September 1990 by Jack Firman a retired workshop supervisor, the nameplates were removed in December 1993 and later transferred to No. 47736 – March 1993
    Class 47 No. 47462 at Penzance. The locomotive was cut up at Toton by Harry Needle Rail Co in March 2003 – March 1993

    Alongside the Cornwall photographs above, the same box of documents contained, amongst other things, a Blake’s 7 ‘Liberator’ model and an old diary. I’ve not been one for keeping a diary, but for six months in 1982, I seemed to have managed it. Tucked inside the diary was a piece of paper from a rail tour I took from London Paddington to the Severn Valley Railway on Saturday 19th June 1982.

    Great Western Society Limited “The Salopian II” information sheet – 19/06/1982
    Great Western Society Limited “The Salopian II” information sheet – 19/06/1982

    This must have been my first visit to the SVR, and I don’t really remember much about the day if I’m honest. So from the pages of a diary not opened in years, here, extracted from amongst references to exams, my sister’s wedding, the Falklands War and working part-time at Bere Regis Motors in Dorchester, is my record of the Great Western Society Limited’s “The Salopian II”:

    Thursday June 10th 1982

    Rail tour tickets for the 19th arrived today. Going with Tony S.
    Adam Ant is number one with ‘Goody Two Shoes’

    Friday June 18th 1982

    At 2245 Tony and I boarded the mail train at Dorchester South. Jon H was there as well, but he’s going off somewhere else when we get to London. 

    There was talk about the mail train being taken off soon. If so, we will have problems if we want an overnight jaunt to connect with rail tours departing London in the future. 

    Saturday June 19th 1982

    The locomotive which hauled the mail train from Dorchester, 33118, came off at Eastleigh where it was replaced by 73122. We arrived at London Waterloo right-time and then, together, Jon, Tony and I took a black cab across to Euston. At 0600 we went our separate ways with Jon heading to Kings Cross while Tony and I undertook the two and a half mile stroll to Paddington railway station. The weather was dismal , but at least it didn’t pour down with rain.

    At Paddington, we were due to depart at 0740 but at the appointed time we were surprised to see our train loco; 47532, being taken off the stock at 0725 and taken away.

    Class 47 No. 47532 at the head of “The Salopian II” rail tour at London Paddington prior to being removed from the train. HST Class 43 Power Car No. 43145 is on the adjacent track – 19/06/1982

    We eventually left at 0757 with the class 47 having been replaced by 50012.

    Class 50 No. 50012 ‘Benbow’ approaches London Paddington to take over “The Salopian II” rail tour. The locomotive would be withdrawn from service in January 1989 and cut up by Vic Berry in Leicester by July of that year – 19/06/1982

    By the time we arrived at Didcot we were 27 minutes down on schedule. But a quick locomotive changeover meant this was reduced to 16 minutes when we left behind 7029 ‘Clun Castle’.

    GWR 4073 Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ backs onto “The Salopian II” at Didcot – 19/06/1982
    GWR 4073 Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ at Didcot – 19/06/1982
    GWR 4073 Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ at Didcot – 19/06/1982
    GWR 4073 Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ stopped at Banbury for a water stop – 19/06/1982
    Class 33 No. 33025 ‘Sultan’ in the bay platform at Banbury as No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’, having drawn forward from the previous image, takes on water – 19/06/1982

    By the time of our next locomotive changeover the ‘Castle’ had managed to make up the deficit and we arrived bang on time allowing 20165 and 20167 to take us forward to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway where we still managed to arrive 20 minutes late!

    GWR 4073 Class 4-6-0 No. 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ alongside Class 20 No.’s 20165 and 20167 which took over “The Salopian II” at Dorridge – 19/06/1982
    Class 20 No.’s 20165 and 20167 backing onto “The Salopian II” at Dorridge – 19/06/1982

    On the SVR we were hauled by 43106 from Bewdley to Dorridge and return. We had a couple of hours to look around the shed at Bridgnorth and get refreshments.

    While on Severn Valley Railway metals our train was hauled by LMS Ivan Class 4 No. 43106, the only surviving member of the class. Seen here at Bridgnorth – 19/06/1982
    GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ at Bridgnorth – 19/06/1982
    LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 5000 at Bridgnorth. No. 5000 is part of the National Collection and is currently on static display at the Shildon Locomotion Museum in County Durham – 19/06/1982
    Longmoor Military Railway No. 600 ‘Gordon’ (named after General Gordon of Khartoum) was. built in 1943 for the War Department and is seen here at Bridgnorth. In 1957, during the Suez Crisis, ‘Gordon’ worked highly secretive trains between Longmoor Military Base and Southampton. The locomotive is currently on static display on the SVR at The Engine House, Highley – 19/06/1982
    GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ at Bridgnorth – 19/06/1982
    GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ at Bridgnorth – 19/06/1982

    I managed to get a piece of smut in my in my eye from 4930 ’Hagley Hall’ which I just couldn’t get out. [2023 note: I’m thinking No. 4930 may have hauled us one way on the SVR, but my diary says No. 43106 worked the train in both directions]

    GWR Collett 4-6-0 Hall Class No. 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ at Bridgnorth. She was built in 1929 at Swindon Works and originally allocated to Wolverhampton Stafford Road – 19/06/1982
    GWR Collett 5700 Class 0-60PT “Pannier Tank” No. 5764 entered service at London’s Old Oak Common in 1929 and was later one of a number of the class sold to London Transport following withdrawal from British Rail in 1960. She is currently on static display in London Transport guise, numbered L95, at The Engine House, Highley. She is seen here in GWR livery at Bridgnorth – 19/06/1982

    Returning to Bewdley, the 20’s took control of our train once again and regained all lost time and even gained 15 minutes. But despite these efforts, the quarter hour and more was lost due to a number of signal stops. In my opinion the star of the day; 92220 ‘Evening Star’, to be precise, replaced the diesel power at Saltley and despite working hard we arrived back at Didcot some 16 minutes down.

    BR Standard Class 9F No. 92220 ‘Evening Star’ during a water stop at Banbury. No. 92220 was the last steam locomotive to be built at for British Railways and was earmarked for preservation before she entered service in March 1960. She hauled the last Pines Express on the Somerset & Dorset line on 8th September 1962. ‘Evening Star’ had a working life of five years before being withdrawn from service in March 1965 after sustaining damage in a shunting incident at Cardiff Docks. She was overhauled and restored at Crewe Works following withdrawal working in preservation until the late 1980’s. She is now on static display at the Railway Museum in York and one of nine existing locomotives of a class which numbered 251- 19/06/1982

    50040 took us forward to Reading where Tony and I de-trained for our connection down to Basingstoke and home. 

    Sunday June 20th 1982

    The down Mail arrived into Basingstoke at Midnight. We were extremely lucky to have made it as our connecting service train from Reading should have left at 2300 and “The Salopian II” arrived at 2302. We met Paul E and Mark B, two rail enthusiasts from Charminster who had been part of the group who went to Plymouth Laira with us in April. This time they had been to Calais with Mark’s parents. A class 73 took us from Basingstoke to Eastleigh where 33010 came on to bring us into Dorchester South just after 0300 where we all said our good-byes and headed home to our beds. 

    I was up again at 0900 in order to see some excursion trains.

    Class 33 No. 33029 approaching Dorchester South – 20/06/1982
    Class 47 No. 47526 at Dorchester West – 20/06/1982

    The piece of smut in my eye from ‘Hagley Hall’ was still there, so I called on [my brother], who was out. Anyway, he appeared at half four and spent an hour moving the smut from the blue bit of my eye to the edge and finally relief!

    GBRf Class 73 No.’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73961 ‘Alison’ were out on a GB Railfreight staff special the “Tonbridge Trailblazer” in June 2016 running from Ashford International to Weston-super-Mare. The ED’s are seen here at Bath Spa on the return leg working 1Z63 1725 Weston-super-Mare to Ashford International – 18/06/2016

    Postscript:

    Longmoor Military Railway No. 600 ‘Gordon’ as seen in 2023 at The Engine House, Highley – 20/05/2023
    London Transport No. L95 (the former GWR Collett 5700 Class 0-60PT “Pannier Tank” No. 5764) as seen in 2023 at The Engine House, Highley – 20/05/2023
    It’s goodbye from me, and a goodbye from Yoshi! Thanks for reading. We appreciate your comments, contributions, updates and corrections. See you soon!

  • Severn Valley Diesel Gala 2023

    Yoshi took a liking to RailAdventure Class 43 No.’s 43465 and 43484 which only hauled trains on the Friday of the 2023 Severn Valley Diesel Gala and seen here on display the following day at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023

    Last week we were enjoying the sun in Cornwall, so our report on our visit to the 2023 Severn Valley Diesel Gala ( which took place 18th – 21st May) is slightly delayed until now. We hope you found our mini blog about Promenade Plantée in Paris interesting and a bit different last week, but for now let us catch up with events at the Severn Valley.

    Saturday was my chosen day to visit the SVR as I was heading to the West Country the following day. The timetable for the gala was a packed affair with a large roster of resident and visiting locomotives scheduled to run, many of which were provided by freight and passenger operating companies. Indeed, the SVR event was undoubtably the biggest diesel gathering in the UK calendar for 2023, with its planned four-day extravaganza intended as a celebration of 50 years of diesel preservation. An early departure from home was required in the hope of seeing everything running. A few missed turnings and a closed motorway junction delayed our arrival time but in the event we arrived at Highley just in time to see sole-surviving Clayton Class 17 No. D8568 arrive with the first train of the day from Bridgnorth. Unfortunately there were no available parking spaces at the station, so we reversed out and headed up out of the car park to find alternative facilities. Although I later managed to capture a short video clip of the Clayton running light engine within the Highley station area, the locomotive avoided my camera lens for a still photo opportunity. As this particular diesel had been at Swanage the previous weekend, I didn’t mind too much!

    They even made a special badge to celebrate 50 years of Diesel Preservation!

    We had however trooped back down to Highley station in time to see Class 31 No. 31270, quite suiting her Regional Railways livery, arriving with the 0845 departure from Kidderminster. Although the first two trains on the Saturday were spot on for their time-keeping, it didn’t take too long for the timetable to go awry and things became progressively more delayed as the day went on.

    Peak Rail’s Brush Type 2 Class 31 A1A-A1A No. 31270 ‘Athena’ in British Rail (BR) Regional Railways sector livery approaches Highley. No. 31270 was built by Brush Ltd in Loughborough in 1961 and carried the pre-TOPS number D5800. She was withdrawn from traffic on 26th May 2000. She never carried this livery or the nameplate while in BR service – 20/05/2023
    Colas Rail Freight Class 56 No. 56051 ‘Survival’, built in 1978, on the approach to Highley with the Locomotive Service Ltd (LSL) restored ScotRail MK3 carriages that reproduce the push-pull stock used between Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in the 1980’s – 20/05/2023
    Scottish Push-Pull Class 47 No. 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ prepares to depart Highley. This locomotive and rake of air braked push-pull stock was paired with different visiting locomotives throughout the gala, top and tailing between Kidderminster and Highley. I thought it was a shame the loco and stock didn’t perform at least one run a day in push-pull mode as it had reportedly done on the Thursday – 20/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ nameplate – 20/05/2023
    Diesel- Hydraulic Western Class 52 No. D1062 ‘Western Courier’ departs Highley. This locomotive was built at Crewe Works and entered service at London’s Old Oak Common shed on 6 May 1963. She was withdrawn by British Rail on 23 August 1974 after 1,096,000 miles in service. Courier was an early withdrawal but was lucky enough to share “mascot” duties with Class 42 Warship No. D818 ‘Glory’, being placed on the turntable at Swindon works and given a repaint by the apprentices – 20/05/2023
    Class 37 No. 37263 displaying departmental grey livery approaches Highley. No. 37263 was introduced into traffic in 1965 and is visiting from the Telford Steam Railway – 20/05/2023

    The weather was extremely warm and I made the decision to stay on the viewing balcony at Highley as this ensured Yoshi was able to stay in the shade and not get over heated. He also seems to like it there as he gets lots of fuss from passers by and doesn’t seem too bothered by the trains passing below. It’s also close to the cafe, so despite issues with the new coffee machine, what could be better? On the downside, of course, it means that my photographs and video from Highley are from much the same two angles, but I’ll take this provided our boy is comfortable.

    Yoshi takes to the shade at Highley – 20/05/2023
    DB Cargo provided Class 60 No. 60062 ‘Sonia’ in her striking fiery Steel On Steel livery. Class 47 No. 47712 is on the rear – 20/05/2023
    Class 60 No. 60062 ‘Sonia’ approaches Highley – 20/05/2023
    Close up of Class 60 No. 60062 ‘Sonia’. The locomotive carries this special livery to celebrate the important role DB Cargo UK plays in supporting the UK’s metal transportation market. One full train load of steel coil can produce over 1,000 new cars or 60,000 white goods – 20/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ departs Highley with a Kidderminster bound train. There are several Class 50’s based on the Severn Valley but only one example was in operation over the gala as the GBRf pair No.’s 50007 and 50035 were undergoing some maintenance between mainline outings, while No.’s 50033 and 50044 were in the Traction Maintenance Depot and No. 50031 is currently minus a fuel tank – 20/05/2023
    Maybach Music as Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ arrives at Highley. No. D1015 is one of seven preserved Western locomotives from the original 74 built by BR at Swindon and Crewe – 20/05/2023
    Push-Pull fitted Class 33 No. 33108 in revised departmental “Dutch” livery (so named because of the similarity to the Dutch State Railway colours later adopted by the BR engineers sector) was in service following an overhaul – 20/05/2023
    Resident Class 31 No. 31466 in English Welsh Scottish (EWS) livery on the approach to Highley. The Class 31 locomotives received a number of derogatory nicknames over their years in mainline operation including Goyles (short for “gargoyles” in reference to the perceived ugliness of the design), Peds (short for “pedal cars” in reference to their speed and pulling power) and Gurglers, after the noise they made. 26 members of the class have been preserved – 23/05/2023
    Yoshi relaxes at Highley – 20/05/2023

    At some point we knew we had to move on from our balcony position, essentially to get photos of locomotives which were not planned to make it to Highley. Our original plan was to journey to Bewdley and then onto Kidderminster. As Bewdley can be somewhat busy on an average day and with this being the busiest I’d ever seen the Severn Valley, I opted instead to head straight for Kidderminster. This would mean we’d miss seeing the visiting Class 20 locomotives (No.’s 20048 and 20189) heading to Bridgnorth, but these were scheduled to return later. Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite to plan and one of the Class 20’s, No. 20048 failed and was removed from the train on reaching Bridgnorth and didn’t make the return outing. Another Class 20, No. 20142 in red London Transport livery was in attendance for the gala, but was not in use, or indeed visible, on the day of our visit.

    Direct Rail Services (DRS) Class 88 No. 88004 ‘Pandora’ awaits her turn while Class 33 No. 33108 prepares for departure form Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    DRS) Class 88 No. 88004 ‘Pandora’ and Class 33 No. 33108 at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Line up of No.’s 88004, 33108 and 57307 at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Colas Freight Class 56 No. 56051 ‘Survivor’ passes DRS Class 88 No. 88004 ‘Pandora’ at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Direct Rail Services (DRS) Class 57 No. 57307 ‘Lady Penelope’ awaits action in the sidings at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    DRS pair Class 88 No. 88004 ‘Pandora’ and Class 57 No. 57307 ‘Lady Penelope’ at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Class 88 No. 88004 ‘Pandora’ at the head of the ScotRail stock in Kidderminster. Ten Class 88 locomotives were built in 2015/16 by Stadler Rail Valencia. They are dual-mode locomotives that are fitted both with a pantograph to collect electricity from overhead wires, and a Caterpillar diesel engine. They are the first dual-mode locomotive in the UK to use the 25 kV AC electrification – 20/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ runs light engine out of Kidderminster. No. 50035 was the first BR Class 50 diesel locomotive to enter preservation The locomotive was built at English Electric’s Vulcan Foundry at Newton-le-Willows and entered BR service as No. D435 at Crewe in August 1968, being given the number 50035 in March 1974 under the TOPS scheme. She was withdrawn from service on 5th August 1990 – 20/05/2023
    RailAdventure Class 43 No.’s 43465 and 43484 on static display at Kidderminster. The pairing hauled trains on the Friday only – 20/05/2023
    RailAdventure Class 43 No.’s 43484 and 43465 at Kidderminster. RailAdventure signed a partnership deal with Hanson & Hall Rail Services in April 2021 having purchased eight Class 43 power cars, which will run back to back to operate domestic services. RailAdventure is based in Munich and has been involved in delivering new trains from Europe to the UK, such as the new Merseyrail Class 777 trains – 20/05/2023
    Network Rail Class 73 “Minions” No.’s 73951 ‘Malcom Brided’ and 73952 ‘Janis Kong’ were on display at Kidderminster over the gala. The two locomotives were withdrawn from service in mid-May. The pair were rebuilt by Loram in 2011/2015 with their English Electric engines being replaced by two newer, more powerful and lower emission Cummins QSK19 engines each rated at 750hp. Their acceptance into traffic was heavily delayed until 2016 and endured initial teething problems which were resolved and they became well liked by crews. They were used mostly on infrastructure monitoring trains. They are, however, non-standard locomotives and have limited crews trained to work on them. Network Rail currently lease five MTU-engined Class 73/9’s so the “Minions” are surplus to requirement – 20/05/2023
    Electro-Diesel Class 73 No.’s 73951 and 73952. The locomotives are scheduled to depart for warm storage, possibly at Peak Rail, by road – 20/05/2023

    The new footbridge across the railway line just outside of Kidderminster station has been rebuilt after an absence of a year or two, so following a brief sojourn looking at the static exhibits, sales stands and taking a few photographs of departing trains we marched round to see what the view was like from the bridge and spent most of the rest of our visit here.

    Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ has lost her central headlight (a later addition to the class in service) and is seen departing Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Class 37 No. 37263 catches the afternoon sun at Kidderminster. The locomotive is scheduled for a prolonged stay on the SVR over the summer months – 20/05/2023
    DRS Thunderbird rescue locomotive Class 57 No. 57307 ‘Lady Penelope’ runs out of Kidderminster light engine in readiness to attach to a train bound for Highley – 20/05/2023
    Yoshi watches as Warship No. D821 ‘Greyhound’ starts up on Kidderminster TMD – 20/05/2023
    Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ carried the identity of lost classmate D1039 ‘Western King’ on one side (to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III), seen approaching Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Great Western Railway HST Castle set formed of Class 43 power car No.’s 43186 ‘Taunton Castle’ and 43188 ‘Newport Castle’ ran shuttles between Kidderminster and Arley on all four days of the gala – 20/05/2023
    Class 43 No. 43188 ‘Newport Castle’ which also carries decals reading: ‘Y Cymro – The Welshman’ and a Welsh Dragon leads the GWR Castle HST set out of Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    D821 ‘Greyhound’ makes a fine sight as she runs towards Kidderminster station. D821 is one of two preserved Warship locomotives from the original 38 built by BR at Swindon Works. Sadly none of the 33 built by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow were saved for preservation. D821 has returned to service following an extensive overhaul – 20/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47712 ‘Lady Diana Spencer’ leads into Kidderminster with a shuttle from Highley – 20/05/2023
    Diesel Traction Group’s Warship No. D821 ‘Greyhound’ resplendent in British Rail monastral blue livery to celebrate 50 years in preservation. No. D821 was the first main line diesel to be preserved by a private group having being acquired from BR in May 1973 – 20/05/2023
    Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ as D1039 ‘Western King’ runs to the Traction Maintenance Depot at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Class 52 Western No.’s D1015 ‘Western Champion’ and D1062 ‘Western Courier’ between duties at Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    Two Western Diesel Hydraulics on to the Kidderminster turntable – 20/05/2023
    SVR Home fleet loco Class 31 No. 31466 on the entry to Kidderminster – 20/05/2023
    A study of Class 40 No. 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ running light engine into Kidderminster station. The loco was named ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ on 11th August 1984 in memory of the Cunard cargo ship and those on board who lost their lives in the 1982 Falklands war – 20/05/2023
    Class 40 No. 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ carries “The Caledonian” headboard as she awaits departure form Kidderminster. The locomotive was built at Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns factory in Darlington. The loco features the original four disc headcode system along with interconnecting gangway doors seen on various classes of BR diesels but ultimately under used – 20/05/2023
    Resident Class 40 No. 40106 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’ departs Kidderminster. The locomotive entered into BR service as No. D306, later becoming No. 40106 under the TOPS system in the 1970s. During her last works overhaul at Crewe in September 1978, No. 40106 was repainted into Dark Brunswick green with full yellow ends, thus becoming a firm favourite loco on railtours and other special passenger workings for several years. I fondly remember the cover of the 1979 Locoshed book which featured this loco – 20/05/2023
    20189 Ltd’s Class 20 Bo-Bo diesel-electric No. 20189 worked to Kidderminster solo, nose first, following the failure of classmate 20048 at Bridgnorth. 228 examples of these locomotives were built between 1957 and 1968. Each weighed 73 tonnes and delivered 1,000 hp, they were used to haul mixed freight traffic – often in tandem positioned nose to nose. – 20/05/2023
    Eastfield Scotty Dog depot plaque carried by Class 20 No. 20189 – 20/05/2023
    Last shot of the day; Western Class 52 No. D1062 ‘Western Courier’ prepares to depart Kidderminster. D1062 was bought from BR by the Western Locomotive Association on 4th November 1976, becoming the first Class 52 Western to be preserved  – 20/05/2023

    With 22 locomotives in traffic across the four day event, trains were very busy with the SVR reporting in excess of 4,000 pre-booked tickets sold and with pay on the day passengers a new record was set at over 6,500 visitors across the gala. This will certainly help with the SVR’s current £1.5 million appeal. It was certainly an interesting day, although I have to admit to feeling rather overwhelmed by the number of locomotives involved and my OCD in attempting to catch ’em all! Well done to all involved in the organisation and daily support of the railway.

    Video of our day at the Severn Valley Diesel Gala 2023

    For the record…

    While Yoshi and I were enjoying the delights of the Severn Valley on May 20th, two rail tours visited Dorset. Firstly, Class 47 No.’s 47828 and 47593 headed to Weymouth with the “Dorset Coast Statesman”. Next, LMS Jubilee No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ journeyed from London Waterloo to Exeter via Sherborne and Yeovil Junction hauling the “Atlantic Coast Express”.

    The Swanage Railway Diesel Multiple Unit service to and from Wareham was cancelled on 23rd May 2023 because of an electrical fault on the unit discovered during a routine inspection. Repairs and testing meant the service resumed the following day.

    Lake Road Bridge on the Hamworthy Branch – 29/05/2023

    The damaged access gate to the Hamworthy Branch at Lake Road Bridge has been repaired. Rumour is that metalwork on the bridge needs further attention before any trains can cross it.

    Warship

    D821 ‘Greyhound’

    D821 ‘Greyhound’ celebrated 50 years in preservation during the Severn Valley Diesel Gala. The locomotive had been procured from British Rail by Colin Massingham, owner of model rail white metal kit company Modern Traction Kits (MTK) and Chris Reid a customer at Colin’s shop in Slough. Along with other financial supporters the pair had hoped to purchase North British Class 22 No. D6319 but a misunderstanding meant this loco was cut up at Swindon. Instead, the pick of the remaining Class 42 “Warship” locomotives which had recently been withdrawn at Plymouth Laira was offered. No. D821 was chosen as she was virtually complete.

    D821 ‘Greyhound’ in Swindon. I was usually very good at keeping a record of dates, but a whole films worth of photos have no details recorded with them – 1980
    D821 ‘Greyhound’ in Swindon – 1980
    D821 ‘Greyhound’ in Kidderminster during the 2021 Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala – 15/05/2021

    The “Warship” diesel-hydraulic B-B locomotives were based on the West German V200 design, 38 examples being constructed at Swindon between 1958 and 1961. Each locomotive bore a name with all except D800 and D812 being named after Royal Navy vessels, thus the “Warship” moniker used to refer to the class. They were later designated as Class 42’s. The “Warships” took over from “Castle” and “King” Great Western steam locomotives on Top Link work but were deemed non-standard and all were withdrawn by 1972.

    No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway – 09/06/2013
    Nameplate of No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ showing the “Warship Class” designation carried under the locomotive name – 09/06/2013
    No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ was guest loco at the 2016 Swanage Diesel Gala and is seen here departing Corfe Castle – 08/05/2016
    No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ at Bishops Lydeard – 09/06/2013

    No. D821 was not the only member of the class to make it to preservation as No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ was also saved after being moved to the Railway Technical Centre (RTC) in Derby following withdrawal from service where it was used for various research purposes. However, a third member of the class, No. D818 ‘Glory’ wasn’t so lucky and, despite being kept at Swindon as a “pet” of the employees and for BR apprentices to work on, was cut up before the works was closed in 1985.

    “The one that got away”; No. D818 ‘Glory’ at Swindon – 06/06/1981

    Thanks for reading and your comments! Next week we’ll tell you all about our trip to Cornwall in search of Sleeper trains, pasties and semaphore signals!

    That 1979 Locoshed Book featuring Class 40 No. 40106 on the cover at a “New Lower Price of 40p!”

  • Swanage Diesel Gala 2023

    With Corfe Castle on the horizon Class 40 No. D345 (40145) catches the evening light as she works an evening Norden to Swanage service in connection with the Beer Festival being held at Corfe – 13/05/2023

    Last week proved to be very much the lull before the storm as this week we have enjoyed many rare visitors along our patch of railway line, mostly associated with the 2023 Swanage Diesel Gala which proved to be a resounding success judging by the numbers of enthusiasts who turned out to travel and photograph the trains during the special event weekend. 

    But before any special movements to Swanage took place, another rare locomotive here these days, in the form of GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle,’ turned up on Wednesday 10th May heading for Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot where it was rostered to collect a Class 701 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) which was being stored at the depot and move it to Eastleigh Traction TRSMD prior to an onward working taking it to Worksop Down Yard for storage the following day.

    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ works light engine 0Z47 0814 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&RSMD approaching Branksome – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ rests briefly in Branksome station while the crew change ends to take the locomotive into the depot – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ runs light into Bournemouth T&RSMD to collect an SWR Class 701 EMU – 10/05/2023

    None of the Class 701 units have yet to turn a wheel in revenue earning service , but they continue to run mileage accumulation and test runs between Eastleigh, London Waterloo, Staines and Poole. It’s believed that SWR are moving any units in store from their facilities until they have accepted the 701’s into service. Despite the rain, I opted to see the Class 47 and 701 drag at Poole as this was the first location I ever saw one of the ubiquitous Brush type 4 locomotives way back in 1977 or thereabouts. 

    Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ arrives at Poole Storage Sidings with Class 701 No. 701041 in tow forming 5Q47 1240 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh TRSMD- 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ pauses at Poole Storage Sidings in heavy rain – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ has detached from 701041 prior to the locomotive running around the EMU for onward transit to Eastleigh – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ runs out of Poole Storage Sidings to the main line in order to run round the empty coaching stock formed of a Class 701 unit – 10/05/2023
    SWR Class 701 No. 701041 wait for 47727 to run round and re-attach on the London end of the unit – 10/05/2023
    Having re-attached to her charge, 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ leads 701041 through Poole station working 5Q47 1240 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh TRSMD- 10/05/2023
    Video of Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ working 0Z47 0814 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&RSMD / 5Q47 1240 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh TRSMD – 10/05/2023

    Later on Wednesday the first of the visiting locomotives destined for the Swanage Diesel Gala arriving via the main line worked through to the branch in the form of GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’. As we reported last week, Clayton Class 17 No. D8568 arrived on the Swanage Railway via road transport in readiness for the Diesel gala being held over the weekend of 12-14th May 2023. The Clayton was also involved in a warm-up day on Thursday 11th and was to scheduled to remain after the gala for driver experience runs before a returning to the Severn Valley Railway, again by road, on 16th May.

    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Poole – 10/05/2023
    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Poole – 10/05/2023
    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Hamworthy – 10/05/2023
    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Hamworthy – 10/05/2023

    The 73’s arrival was followed by Swanage resident Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ travelling light engine away from Swanage on her way to Eastleigh in order to collect the London Underground Class 438 4TC unit. Originally this combination was to have formed the Branch Line Society organised rail tour “The Jurassic Crompton” which had been designed to take the following pathing on Thursday 11th May: Eastleigh P3 (PU 11.12) – Fareham – Havant P2 – Haslemere P3 – Guildford P8 (PU 12.42) – Wokingham – Reading P14 (PU 13.22) – Dn Feeder Relief – Basingstoke P4 (PU 13.58) – Wallers Ash DPL – Shawford Jn – Dn Slow – Eastleigh – Southampton Central P4 (PU 15.07) – Up Fast – Church Lane Jn – Dn Main – Brockenhurst P1 (photo stop) – Bournemouth P4 (photo stop) – Poole P2 – Wareham – Norden – Swanage (SD 18:41). In the event paperwork associated with the rail tour and the 4TC’s ability to carry passengers on the main line was apparently submitted late and the special train cancelled, although the 33/0 and 4TC still ran to Swanage via the same convoluted route, only without fare paying passengers! 

    Showing as cancelled on Real Time Trains (RTT) but actually running as evidenced by this image, Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ runs light engine through Hamworthy as 0Z12 1750 Norden to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) – 10/05/2023

    The final special working of the day included a surprise visitor in the form of “Dave”, or to give the correct identification; Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’, which although previously announced as a visitor to the Swanage Gala had been withdrawn from the guest list as the loco was not going to be ready in time. After some tremendous effort by the team behind ‘Rodders’ the locomotive made the cut and was included in the convoy which was headed by English Electric Class 40 No. D345 (40145) and included Peak Class 45 No. 45108 and another Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’. 

    Convoy! In failing light, Class 40 No. D345 (40145) leads 50021, 50026 and 45108 through Holton Heath working as 0Z42 1848 Eastleigh Arlington to Swanage – 10/05/2023

    With two more guests due to arrive on Thursday 11th May it was a busy half hour as I waited at Hamworthy station for Class 33/0 No. D6515 on her return journey to Swanage having collected the LU 4TC unit forming 5Z34 1112 Eastleigh to Swanage closely followed by light engine Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ working as 0Z47 1635 Southampton Maritime Container Terminal to Swanage. Both these were signal checked at Hamworthy as they were running behind stopping service trains.  

    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ coming to a stop in Hamworthy station due to a signal check working 1Z33 1112 Eastleigh to Swanage bringing the London Underground 4TC unit for use at the Swanage Diesel Gala – 11/05/2023
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ pulls away from Hamworthy with the LU 4TC in tow – 11/05/2023
    Freightliner contributed their last remaining Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ to the Swanage celebrations. The locomotive is seen at Hamworthy working light engine with 0Z47 1635 Southampton MCT to Swanage – 11/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ preparing to stop due to a red signal ahead at Hamworthy – 11/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ pulls away from the signal check just outside of Hamworthy railway station working 0Z47 1635 Southampton MCT to Swanage – 11/05/2023
    Swanage guest locomotives on their way to the Purbeck based railway for the May 2023 Diesel Gala. Visiting Class 17 No. D8568 arrived and departed by road transport.

    Yoshi and I spent Friday at the Swanage gala, with a couple of brief visits to the railway on the Saturday.

    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) powers up near Cats Eye Crossing working 1R02 Swanage to River Frome Viaduct – 12/05/2023
    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) arrives at Swanage with a service from River Frome Viaduct – 12/05/2023
    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) at Afflington working evening Beerex train 2N37 1920 Norden to Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) crosses Corfe Viaduct on the approach to Norden working 2N40 Swanage to Norden – 13/05/2023
    Class 45 No. 45108 arrives at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 45 No. 45108 at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ approaches Cats Eye Crossing with 1R03 1032 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage service. This loco was deputising for sister No. 50021 as a fault was being rectified – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ at Harman’s Cross – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No.’s 50026 ‘Indomitable’ and 50021 ‘Rodney’ prepare to drop off their train at Swanage and move to the turntable area – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No.’s 50026 ‘Indomitable’ and 50021 ‘Rodney’ at rest on the Swanage turntable – 12/05/2023
    Leading her first solo working, Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ on the approach to Furzebrook at the head of 1R15 1632 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Another view of Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ on approaching Furzebrook working 1R15 1632 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ catches the sun as she crosses Corfe Common hauling 1R03 1032 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ awaits her next service in the sidings at Swanage with Class 73’s and sister Class 50 behind – 13/05/2023
    Resident Class 33 No. 33111 passes the pair of Class 50’s and stabled resident locomotives as she is reunited with a 4TC unit. Once a common sight own the Bournemouth to Weymouth line – 12/05/2023
    Class 33 No. 33111 with train formed of the LU 4TC in the bay platform at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 33 No. 33111 runs to the sidings at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    The visiting London Transport liveried 4TC is propelled into Swanage passing a coach from the Swanage based 4TC which is being restored at the railway – 12/05/2023
    Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ arrives at Harman’s Cross with a shuttle service to Corfe Castle – 12/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ rests in the bay at Swanage station – 12/05/2023
    Class 17 No. D8568 makes a spirited departure from Harman’s Cross bound for Swanage – 12/05/2023
    GBRf owned Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ approaches Harman’s Cross – 12/05/2023
    Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ at the rear of a River Frome Viaduct bound train at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ was the only visiting member of the class in use on the Friday and is seen here at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Both GBRf Class 73’s appeared in service on Saturday. No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ hauling the 4TC set approach Townsend Overbridge with 2C04 1015 Swanage to Corfe Castle – 13/05/2023
    Class 73’s No. 73201 ‘Broadlands’ and 73107 ‘Tracy’ await their next turn in the sidings at Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Class 73’s No. 73201 ‘Broadlands’ and 73107 ‘Tracy’ at Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Our record of Swanage Diesel Gala 2023

    Sunday saw guest attractions moving away from Swanage, the first working being the two GBRf Class 73’s which headed off with the LU Class 4TC for a night being berthed at platform 5 of Southampton Central before onward movement the following day. But for the late paperwork, the 4TC would again have been intended to carry passengers as “The Return Of The Jurassic Crompton” rail tour which would have involved D6515 (33012) and the two GBRf Class 73’s traversing the following route: Swanage (PU 15.30) – Norden – Wareham – Poole – Bournemouth – Brockenhurst – Southampton Central (SD 17.30) – Redbridge – Laverstock Curve – Andover – Basingstoke (SD 18.55) – Woking – Wimbledon – London Waterloo (SD 20.00 / RM) – Wimbeldon – Woking – Basingstoke (SD 20.55) – Andover – Laverstock Curve – Romsey – Southampton Central (PU 22.20) – Eastleigh (SD 22.40).

    73107 ‘Tracy’ tops the 4TC unit through Hamworthy forming 5Z36 1515 Swanage to Southampton Central – 14/05/2023
    Class 73’s No. 73201 ‘Broadlands’ tails the LU 4TC working 5Z36 1515 Swanage to Southampton Central – 14/05/2023

    Later on Sunday the Freightliner Class 47 made her escape heading back to Southampton MCT. 

    The turn of Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ to head home, seen here climbing Parkstone Bank with 0Z48 1900 Swanage to Southampton MCT – 14/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ passing Parkstone with 0Z48 1900 Swanage to Southampton MCT – 14/05/2023

    The remainder of the visiting locomotives (with the exception of the Class 17 of course) formed a mini convoy on the morning of Tuesday 16th May and made a fine sight as they passed through Hamworthy in full sun where I was able to see them. I would have liked to have found a straight length of track to photograph the four departees, but time constraints meant Hamworthy was far more convenient. I did however, manage to mess up the video settings on my phone. Oh well! 

    In brilliant sunshine, Class 40 No. D345 (40145) leads 45108,50021 and 50026 through Hamworthy as 0Z50 0834 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) where the Class 50’s would be dropped off before the Whistler and Peak worked onwards. I messed up part of the video shot of this, so make the most of this image – 16/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ at the rear of the returning convoy having passed through Hamworthy – 16/05/2023
    Swanage Diesel Gala visitors work home

    After all the Swanage associated activity, the week was not yet done as on the evening of Tuesday 16th May 2023 there was one last special working as Colas operated an engineers train from Eastleigh to Dorchester West. We went to Wareham to see the train as it was booked to stop here for fifteen minutes. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t stop. I thought maybe I should have travelled to Dorchester after all as Class 66 No’s 66850 ‘David Maidment OBE’ and 66848 sped through the station working 6C15 1946 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West.

    Colas Class 66 No’s 66850 ‘David Maidment OBE’ passes Wareham heading up engineers train 6C15 1946 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West – 16/05/2023

    Looking at RTT this train was to enter engineering possession and work up through Yeovil overnight and arrive at Castle Cary before onward working to Westbury. In fact, the train appears to have reversed via Dorchester Junction and worked back up the South.

    Engineering train 6C15 1946 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West passes Wareham – 16/05/2023

    Time to catch our breath! We’ll be back properly in two weeks, although please check in next week as we’ll hopefully have a petit quelque chose for you. Thank you so much for reading and for your comments and corrections.

    Yoshi wondering just how long we are having to wait until something comes along to bark at whilst at Corfe Castle – 13/05/2023

  • A Brief Ingress

    It’s been a quiet week on the rails here, with only one special rail movement to report on the Bournemouth to Weymouth line. We’ve also been entertaining friends for an extended Coronation weekend, although I was fully behind the suggestion from Yoshi’s Mama of exploring Corfe Castle and Swanage on the Tuesday. I had hoped to see the Class 17 Clayton Type 1 diesel-electric locomotive arrive at Norden on a low loader in the afternoon but I was informed by the Norden crossing signalman that it wasn’t going to arrive that afternoon. I’ve since heard it did – so big sighs all round!

    Instead of watching an old diesel locomotive being unloaded off the back of a lorry, Yoshi enjoyed zoomies in Corfe Castle – 09/05/2023

    On Sunday we took a walk down Poole Quay in order to celebrate the sights, sounds and smells of the age of steam with visiting mini steam traction engines, all lovingly built and maintained by their owners and representing many hours of hard work. The traction engines are recreated from original Victorian drawings or old photographs. It was lovely relaxing on a sunny afternoon with a drink in one of the many pubs along Poole Quay as the smell of steam wafted in through the doors. Yoshi was initially quite happy to see the steam engines but later decided to bark at each one individually. Just like he would their full size cousins.

    Before Yoshi took a dislike to the mini steam traction engines, he happily posed with this example – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023

    The monthly Class 73 Electro-Diesel top and tailed Colas Test Train ran on Monday evening, passing through Hamworthy in a shower of rain on its outward journey to Weymouth. The weather put me off going back out to see the ensemble on the return journey as it headed to Eastleigh East Yard and journeys end. The locomotives utilised on the 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard working this time were GBRf Class 73 No’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’. 

    1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard – 08/05/2023

    Thanks for reading. As always, thank you for your comments and corrections. With the 2023 Swanage Diesel Gala just days away as I write this, I’ll leave you with some images taken from the 2016 event.

    Class 20 No’s. 20205 and 20142 pass Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ at Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Swanage resident Class 33 No’s 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 head to Norden – 07/05/2016
    BR Blue liveried Class 31 No. D5580 (31162), owned by A1A Locomotive Limited runs round her train at Swanage – 07/05/2016
    Class 40 No.D213 ‘Andania’ (40013) having departed Corfe Castle. A total of 200 Class 40 locomotives were built by English Electric between 1958 and 1962. Seven examples are preserved – 07/05/2016
    Warship No. D832 ‘Onslaught’, the first member of the class to visit the Swanage Railway, on the approach to Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Class 31 No. D5580 (31162) recreating a Kings Cross service with head code 1N08 – 07/05/2016
    Peak Class 46 No. D182 (46045) catches the sun crossing Corfe Common on her way to Swanage – 07/05/2016
    Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ heads towards Corfe. The Hoover was a late substitute for 50049 ‘Defiance’ which was unavailable to attend – 07/05/2016
    Class 33 No’s 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 between Harmans Cross and Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Another view of Swanage based Class 33 No’s 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 – 07/05/2016
    Class 40 No.D213 (40013) ‘Andania’ leads Class 46 No. D182 (46045) out of Norden towards Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Unusually coupled cab to cab, English Electric Class 20 No. 20205 leading No. 20142 which was acting as a translator as 205 is air-brake only and the coaching stock is vacuum brake, crossing Corfe viaduct – 07/05/2016
    Hastings gauge “Slim Jim” Class 33 No. 33202 with a Swanage bound train 07/05/2016
    Warship No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ makes a fine sight and sound powering out of Corfe Castle on her way to Norden – 07/05/2016

  • Cold Cats

    Wednesday January 18th to Tuesday January 24th 2023

    “It was very cold. To keep themselves warm they sang Pooh’s song right through six times, Piglet doing the tidily-poms and Pooh doing the rest of it, and both of them thumping on the top of the gate with pieces of stick at the proper places.” ~ A.A.Milne

    It has been much colder here this last week, as you might expect in January, and Yoshi has enjoyed sniffing the hardened frosty ground as we venture out on our walks. On Wednesday January 18th, ice was preventing trains picking up electricity from the third rail between Poole and Weymouth. Train services were cancelled or delayed for up to 60 minutes. In an attempt to rectify the situation, the Totton Yard based Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) made an additional afternoon day time run presenting a rare opportunity this year to see the SITT in daylight hours. We missed the ensemble heading to Weymouth, but we were able to get to Hamworthy railway station in time to see GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745 as they hurried on their way back to Totton working as 3Y88 1245 Totton Yard to Totton Yard.

    GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745 power through Hamworthy with 3Y88 1245 Totton Yard to Totton Yard Snow & Ice Treatment Train – 18/01/2023

    Earlier the same day, we were treated to the 5th Direct Rai Services (DRS) train to Winfrith for the collection of low level nuclear waste as 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool. Time constraints and with my car still out of use, I hurried to Hamworthy station to see the early running working, which because of the ongoing situation with the landslip at Hook ( see last weeks blog, and below, for more information), was re-routed via Reading. Running very close behind a South Western Railway (SWR) Weymouth bound service, the Class 68 hauled DRS train was signal checked at Hamworthy and the driver brought it to a stop in the station. This gave ample time for photographic opportunities as well as for the driver to briefly get out of the lead locomotive and distribute badges to grateful onlookers. I certainly wasn’t going to refuse this kind gesture.

    DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool at Hamworthy – 18/01/2023
    DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool at Hamworthy – 18/01/2023
    DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool rest at Hamworthy during a signal check – 18/01/2023
    DRS Class 68 No. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ at Hamworthy – 18/01/2023
    Class 68 No. 68016 ‘Fearless’ nameplate detail – 24/03/2022
    DRS Class 68 No.’s 68016 ‘Fearless’ and 68018 ‘Vigilant’ departing Hamworthy working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool – 18/01/2023

    We also popped out to see the return working (6Z95 1603 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS)) in fading light, which this time had no issues with red signals as it passed through Hamworthy.

    In fading daylight, hence the motion blur, DRS Class 68 No.’s 68016 ‘Fearless’ and 68018 ‘Vigilant’ storm through Hamworthy working 6Z95 1603 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 18/01/2023

    For more information, photos and video regarding these Winfrith workings, check out these previous blog entries:

    Holiday Time!
    Winfrith Cats 3
    Winfrith Cats 2
    Winfrith Waste

    For the final special working of the day, the SITT returned under cover of darkness working as 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard with the same pair of locomotives as earlier in the day. Two days later, on Friday 20th January, the SITT ran in the same path, again with No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745. Yoshi and I elected to remain in the warm at home!

    Wednesday 18th January 2023 – a busy day on the rails in our neck of the woods. Additional videography of the Class 68’s at Wool kindly provided by “North Dorset Correspondent”; Scott Lewis

    On Sunday, Yoshi and I took the train to Weymouth and Dorchester. Yoshi enjoyed all the attention he received and was a very good boy travelling on the train.

    Hook Update

    Over the weekend Network Rail engineers working to repair the railway line at Hook, Hampshire, temporarily remodelled the two undamaged tracks to enable a better train service between Basingstoke and Woking and allowing, once again, through services to run from Weymouth to London Waterloo.

    Up Trains cross to the Up Slow at Basingstoke East and run to Farnborough where normal working resumes and they can use either Up Fast or Up Slow towards London.

    Down Trains can use either Down Slow or Down Fast as far as Winchfield, where all trains use the Down Fast. Down Trains then use the temporary slewed tracks which take trains across to the Up Fast formation either side of the slip prior to returning to the Down Fast before Hook Station. Trains then continue to Basingstoke where they can use either line.

    Engineers plan to construct a 60 metre retaining wall made up of @100 12 metre long sheet piles which are driven into the ground in order to stabilise the embankment and protect the railway from future landslips at the site. The steepness of the embankment slope will also be reduced at the same time to minimise the risk of material falling away.

    From The Archive

    In other news involving a locomotive named ‘Fearless’ (don’t you just love a tenuous link?), if you fancy owning a Class 50 diesel locomotive, it was recently announced by Boden Rail Engineering that No. 50050 ‘Fearless’ is being sold to help fund the growth of the depot at Nottingham Eastcroft. The locomotive is to be sold for mainline use only, but Boden Rail say that it is dual braked and has been a very reliable runner.

    No. D400 was delivered to British Rail in October 1967, the first of fifty Class 50 locomotives. It was renumbered No. 50050 in February 1974, named after the warship ‘Fearless’ in August 1978. It was refurbished in 1983 at Doncaster, withdrawn in March 1994 and taken into preservation.

    Just prior to being bought by engineer Neil Boden in January 2015, No. 50050 was stored at the Yeovil Railway Centre, adjacent to Yeovil Junction railway station. The loco was on display during the Yeovil Railway Centre’s 20th Anniversary open weekend of 31st May and 1st June 2014

    Class 50 No. 50050 (D400) was owned by the D400 Fund in 2014 when this photo was taken and the Yeovil Railway Centre was her home for a number of years while its overhaul was ongoing before being sold to Boden Engineering Ltd. in February 2015 and returned to mainline running – 01/06/2014
    Visitors to the Yeovil Railway Centre’s 20th Anniversary weekend were able to visit the cab of Class 50 No. 50050 – 01/06/2014
    Devon & Cornwall Railways Limited (DCR) Class 56 No. 56303 working a shuttle along the Clifton Maybank branch. Originally closed in June 1937, volunteers undertook a significant task in relaying trackwork so that the Yeovil Railway Centre could run trains a short distance from Yeovil Junction – 01/06/2014
    Class 56 No. 56303 on land from DCR heads up the incline on the Clifton Maybank branch – 01/06/2014
    DCR Class 56 No. 56303 passing Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ at Yeovil Railway Centre – 01/06/2014
    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ adjacent to Yeovil Junction working the “Clifton Maybank Rambler” shuttles – 01/06/2014
    Fowler diesel ‘Cockney Rebel’ top and tailed shuttles with Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ – 01/06/2014
    R W Darch & Sons Sentinal Steam Lorry owned by Jerry Darch and Aberdeen Coal & Shipping Company Sentinal Steam Lorry ‘Tiger’ belonging to Bob Garnett were loaned for the event – 01/06/2014
    Steam Dreams operated “The Cathedrals Express” from London Victoria to Yeovil Junction via Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury. Originally intended to be hauled by SR West Country 4-6-2 No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ the train was actually in charge of LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 with Hastings Gauge Slim Class 33 No. 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ providing support at the rear – 01/06/2014
    LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 approaches Yeovil Junction as Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ on a Clifton Maybank shuttle – 01/06/2014
    LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 being coaled at Yeovil Junction – 01/06/2014
    LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 being turned on the Yeovil Railway Centre 70ft turntable, built by Cowans and Sheldon of Glasgow in 1947. The turntable had been left in situ following the end of steam on the Waterloo – Exeter route and was the genesis of the South West Main Line Steam Company, the group behind the Yeovil Railway Centre – 01/06/2014
    Having just been turned on the turntable LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 passes Class 33 No. 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ which had been shunting stock ready for the return working – 01/06/2014
    LMS Stanier Black 5 No. 44932 works the return “Cathedrals Express” past Bradford Abbas – 01/06/2014
    South West Trains Class 444 EMU No. 444018 meets Class 50 No’s 50007 ‘Hercules’ and 50050 ‘Fearless’ working 1Z50 0448 Derby – Swanage crossing Holes Bay, Poole – 11/06/2016
    Bearing her original number D400 on one cab end, Class 50 No. 50050 ‘Fearless’ stands head to head with classmate No. 50007 ‘Hercules’ at Swanage – 11/06/2016
    Nameplate detail of Class 50 No. 50050 ‘Fearless’
    Class 50 No.’s 50050 ‘Fearless’ and 50007 ‘Hercules’ passing the out of use sidings at Furzebrook working the return Pathfinders Tours “The Purbeck & Boom Explorer” 1Z52 1605 Swanage – Derby excursion – 11/06/2016

    For more Class 50 action, check out our previous post on the locomotive class:

    A 50/50 Week

    That’s it for another week, as always thank you for visiting dear reader! All things being equal, we’ll be back next week for more cockapoo / railway fun. Take care and may your dog go with you.

    Post Script

    A final look at DRS Class 68 No. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ at the head of 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool pausing at Hamworthy during a signal check with the Direct Rail Services badge embedded in the image (not to scale!) – 18/01/2023

  • Birthday Week

    For fans of photographs of trains taken through a shrubbery, here is Southampton Maritime Freightliner depot with pink liveried Class 66 No. 66587 ‘As One, We Can’ – 15/01/2023

    Wednesday January 11th to Tuesday January 17th 2023

    There has been a huge impact on rail services to and from London, Bournemouth and Weymouth as over the weekend, heavy rain washed away a clay embankment northeast of the Hampshire railway station of Hook situated between Basingstoke and London Waterloo. Passengers were advised against all but essential travel over the coming days on services which would usually pass through the area on the South West Main Line. The great majority of trains will not be able to run and repairs may take weeks before services are restored. As a result no trains will be stopping at Hook, Winchfield or Fleet.

    The landslip at Hook from the air – screen grab from BBC South Today – 16/01/2023

    Network Rail will need to build an access road to enable heavy machinery designed for piling to be brought in and repairs carried out around the clock. The embankment, originally built 190 years ago, is made of a mixture of London Clay and other local soils. Although there have been landslips at this location previously, they are becoming an increasing problem across the network because of drier summers and wetter winters with more intense rainfall which is a particular issue for clay embankments.

    Network Rail image of the Hook landslip – 16/01/2023

    The slip, which left one track hanging in mid-air, happened when the soil gave way along a 44-metre section of 10m high embankment, sliding out from underneath the tracks meaning only two tracks of the four-track railway are passable by trains. Both of the intact tracks are designed to be used by London bound trains only. This was the worst of 13 different flooding related incidents during the recent rainfall, which also included major flooding at Sway increasing the disruption on the already revised timetable between London Waterloo and Weymouth. South Western Railway (SWR) will run a service from Weymouth which will terminate at Basingstoke and a very limited shuttle will operate between Basingstoke and Woking, from where services continue thereafter.

    South Western Railway (SWR) service announcement published on 17/01/2023

    Wednesday 11th January, before the latest period of rain, Swanage based Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauled Network South East liveried Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ from the Purbeck Heritage Line to Eastleigh Arlington working as 0Z50 0942 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG). After dropping off the Class 50, the Crompton headed back to Swanage light engine the afternoon of the same day.

    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ working 0Z50 0942 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) through Hamworthy – 11/01/2023
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ travels solo as 0Z33 1430 Eastleigh Arlington to Swanage – 11/01/2023
    Video of Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ on a day out from Swanage – 11/01/2023

    On Sunday, Yoshi stayed with his mum while I headed towards Eastleigh to visit an old friend and a chance to put the world to rights. I obviously took the opportunity to get some railway time in on my way and my journey took me via Totton Yard, Freightliner Southampton MCT – which was quite full of locomotives with examples of Class 66’s, Class 70’s, Class 47 No. 47830 – and of course Eastleigh itself!

    A view of MPV’s and SITT sitting on Totton Yard – 15/01/2023
    Southampton Maritime Container Terminal depot with, amongst others, Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ and Class 66 No. 66587 ‘As One, We Can’ hiding behind a container train – 15/01/2023
    Nameplate detail of Class 66 No. 66587 ‘As One, We Can’ – 15/01/2023
    With impeccable timing, late running Freightliner Class 66 No. 66592 ‘Johnson Stevens Agency’ works 6Y85 1000 Andover to Eastleigh East Yard past Redbridge, Southampton – 15/01/2023
    Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ (also known as Dave) on Eastleigh Works. Hopefully this locomotive and sister No. 50026 will head to Swanage for the 2023 Diesel Gala in May – 15/01/2023
    A view across Eastleigh East Yard – 15/01/2023
    Colas Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ at Eastleigh East Yard – 15/01/2023
    Unbranded GBRf Class 66 No. 66303 at Eastleigh East Yard – 15/01/2023
    Network Rail Video Inspection Unit VIU-3 Class 153 No. 153385 at Eastleigh – 15/01/2023
    DB Class 66 No. 66142 ‘Maritime Intermodal Three’, Colas Class 66 No. 66847 ‘Terry Baker’, Class 153 No. 153385 at Eastleigh – 15/01/2023
    Maritime Blue liveried DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66142 ‘Maritime Intermodal Three’ at Eastleigh – 15/01/2023

    Monday 16th January was panning out to feature a busy evening with the Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) based at Totton Yard and the regular 1Q51 test train visiting the Bournemouth to Weymouth line. Much anticipation here when Colas English Electric Class 37’s No.’s 37116 and 37610 were allocated to the test train, normally in the hands of a pair of top and tailed Class 73 electro diesel locomotives, at Derby. However it soon became clear that the landslip at Hook meant the train would be forced off-route at Virginia Water, eventually terminating at Reading Triangle Sidings, instead of running to Weymouth via the South West Main Line and back to Eastleigh East Yard from where the consist normally operates over the rest of the week before returning to Derby. The train eventually continued to Eastleigh the following day, but at the time of writing, has not covered the section of line from Totton to Weymouth.

    Early Monday evening, the SITT was showing as cancelled on RealTimeTrains(RTT), although upon checking the following morning it was clear that the service did in fact run, at least as far as Dorchester South.

    GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745 worked as far as Dorchester South on Monday 16th January. The pair are seen here at rest in Totton Yard – 15/01/2023

    From The Archive

    January 2023 marks the 160th Anniversary of the launch of the World’s first underground railway; The Metropolitan Line, in 1863. Ten years ago on 13th January 2013, scenes not witnessed on the central London sub-surface sections of underground since July 1954 marked the start of LU150, a year long celebration, as an 1898 built steam locomotive puffed in and out of the tunnels, surprising unsuspecting passengers and delighting railway enthusiasts. I was one of those who enjoyed the spectacle as the short video below shows:

    Video of Anniversary shuttles with 0-4-4-Steam Locomotive Met No 1 and Metropolitan Electric loco No.12 ‘Sarah Siddons’ with brake of vintage coaches

    The following is adapted from The London Transport Museum’s ‘History of the Tube’;

    Back in 1863 the underground railway was intended to reduce street congestion, which by the 1850’s had reached a crisis point. Upon opening, The Metropolitan Railway was an immediate success, although its construction had taken almost two years and caused huge disruption as the sub-surface lines were built by digging a long trench, laying track and covering it over again (known as the cut and cover technique) leaving a tunnel system which were at first operated by steam trains. The 5.6km line connected the mainline stations at Paddington, Euston and King’s Cross to Farringdon, at the edge of the City. Success meant that extensions to both ends of the line soon followed.

    In 1868, The Met was joined by an associated railway company; the Metropolitan District Railway with the intention that the two would cooperate to form an ‘Inner Circle’, linking all London’s mainline termini. However, disagreements over money led to a falling out and both companies instead chose to prioritise their individual extensions. The Circle was only completed after government intervention in 1884.

    Despite their differences, the Met cooperated with the District Railway in plans for electrification in 1900. However, their ideas were rejected when a powerful American businessman, Charles Tyson Yerkes, took over the District and a group of struggling Tube schemes in 1901. Under Yerkes, the Circle and District were electrified along American lines by 1905, powered by a new generating station at Chelsea. The Met built its own power station at Neasden using the same system but electrified more slowly. 

    In 1908, the separate companies started to work together to promote the system as a coherent network under the UndergrounD brand. Gradually most of the companies merged and the network expanded, as the population of London soared. The resultant station architecture of the 1930’s is highly regarded. 

    The Met had been exploiting the land along its lines since the 1880’s but entered a new phase when their first housing estate was built at Pinner in 1900. The name ‘Metro-land’ was coined in 1915 to publicise the area, and in 1919 a subsidiary company was set up to concentrate on housing. Throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s, thousands of homes were built. Gradually Metro-land was electrified, with services to Harrow in 1908 and Rickmansworth in 1924. A new electric line from Wembley Park to Stanmore opened in 1932, but further north steam locomotives continued as before.

    While the rest of London’s underground railways all succumbed to the domination of the railway group Yerkes founded, the Metropolitan alone remained independent. The Metropolitan Railway had regarded themselves not as a commuter railway, but as an ambitious player in the mainline railway world, extending out from Baker Street in the 1870s and 1880s into open country. By 1899, at the height of their powers, they had reached Verney Junction and Brill in Buckinghamshire, more than 80km from Baker Street.

    The Met was forced to give up their independence when all of London’s public transport – buses, trams and trolleybuses, as well as the Underground railways – came under the centralised control of London Transport (LT) in 1933 and decisions about services could be fully coordinated for the first time. The Met’s mainline ambitions were over, with LT closing the rural Brill branch in 1935 and the withdrawal of services north of Aylesbury a year later. The Stanmore branch transferred to the Bakerloo in 1939. 

    A massive plan; The New Works Programme, designed to upgrade and expand services was prepared in 1935, but the work was interrupted by the Second World War. Some of these were revived in the difficult post-war economic climate, but others were not.  

    Modernisation in the early 1960s saw extensive track and signal work and new A stock trains. These worked the line until replacement with S stock trains between 2010 and 2012 under the new Transport for London (TfL) organisation. This was part of wider modernisation project across all the Underground’s sub-surface lines, replacing infrastructure and signalling and introducing automatic operation. 

    A new Tube line had been suggested in 1943, but delays meant that the new Victoria line did not serve its first passengers until 1968. The Tube reached Heathrow Airport in 1977. Another new line, the Jubilee, was added in 1979. It terminated in central London and was later extended eastwards in 1999.

    Today, The Metropolitan Railway lives on as the Metropolitan Line, it has 67km of track and 34 stations, running from Amersham and Chesham in the north-west to Aldgate in east London, as well as a branch to Uxbridge.

    Yoshi

    Despite his urge to drink water from the upstairs toilet, Yoshi celebrated his 4th birthday on Thursday 12th January. He enjoyed a special doggo cupcake and played with a toy wine bottle for all of ten minutes before tearing it to shreds in an attempt to extract the squeaker.

    Yoshi celebrates his birthday with cake!

    On that happy note, it brings us towards the end of another blog. Many thanks for visiting, reading, your comments and corrections. For anyone wondering about my car, which broke down last week, things don’t look too good for it. In fact the garage I took it to for repair declined to undertake any further work other than an initial inspection, charging me for the privilege of confirming what the AA had previously already told me. I may get a second opinion, or just cut my losses. I can’t say it’s not been a fun car to drive, but all good things……

    Post Script

    Seeing Network Rail Class 153 No. 153385 at Eastleigh on Sunday prompted me to have a brief look at this class of diesel multiple unit (DMU).

    In the mid 1980’s, looking to replace older DMU’s, British Rail ordered 35 two-coach Class 155 units from Leyland Bus at Workington. In 1990 the decision was made to split each of the 35 Class 155’s into single car vehicles for use on rural railway lines, the work being carried out by Hunslet-Barclay at their plant in Kilmarnock during 1991/92. A new drivers cab was retrofitted into the spaces previously used for luggage racks at the inside end (B-end) of each carriage where they had been coupled together in the Class 155 formation. The new cab is noticeably smaller than the original A-end one, as the position of the exterior doors were not amended during conversion.

    Locally, GWR/Wessex Trains utilised Class 153’s on services between Bristol Temple Meads and Weymouth having inherited 13 units from Wales & West.

    Transport for Wales currently run a fleet of 26 Class 153’s having modified them to comply with Reduced Mobility Technical Specification Interoperability (PRM-TSI) legislation which came into effect on January 1st 2020. Scotrail have five units which have been modified to provide racks for luggage and bicycles for use on the West Highland Line services between Glasgow and Oban, running them in conjunction with existing Class 156 DMU’s.

    In May 2021, Network rail (NR) acquired three Class 153’s to convert into Video Inspection Units (VIU) for infrastructure monitoring services and have been fitted with cameras, recording devices and a generator placed in the saloon to provide power to the tech. One of these is the aforementioned No. 153385:

    Still in passenger revenue earning service, East Midlands Railway (EMR) Class 153 No. 153385 is seen at Barnetby working a service to Grimsby Town – 15/04/2014
    Now belonging to Network Rail; Class 153 No. 153385, also known as VIU-3, retains its East Midlands Railway (EMR) livery but with black Network Rail branding and is seen stabled in the Locomotive Holding sidings at Eastleigh – 17/02/2022

  • Winter Warmer

    Thursday 4th January to Tuesday 10th January 2023

    Southern Railway Battle Of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ arrives at Corfe castle in the rain working 2N03 1115 Norden to Swanage – 07/01/2023

    With no trains running in Dorset until Sunday 8th January, it was down to the Swanage Railway to provide railway based entertainment, which they did admirably with their Winter Warm Up event over the weekend of 7th / 8th January 2023. The timetable involved four locomotives running passenger services between Swanage and Norden as well as each loco taking turns on a demonstration freight train which, to be honest, was the main attraction for me. The outlook for the weather forecast was poor, so it was decided Yoshi would remain home with his mama and join me later in the day.

    We started off by seeing Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ passing SR Battle of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ at Harmans Cross with the first workings of the day.

    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ in Network South East livery departs Harmans Cross working 2N01 1030 Norden to Swanage – 07/01/2023

    The rain held off until we arrived at Corfe Castle. Waiting for the late running first freight of the weekend in the charge of SR U Class No. 31806 the heavens opened. It was at this point where I think my Canon DSLR camera must have suffered from water ingress. I should have switched the camera off and removed the battery and lens, but I foolishly carried on using it throughout the day until the point it gave up the ghost and would not switch on at all.

    Southern Railway U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 working the first demonstration freight 6N04 1102 Herston Halt to Norden on the Saturday Winter Warm Up event – 07/01/2023
    Here I am getting soaked watching SR Battle Of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ departing Corfe Castle working 2N03 1115 Norden to Swanage – 07/01/2023 (Photograph courtesy of @da_buckley967)
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ approaches Harmans Cross with the 2N12 1245 Swanage to Norden service – 07/01/2023
    SR Battle Of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 stands at Harmans Cross carrying a “Locomotive Club of Great Britain” (LCGB) headboard 2N09 1245 Norden to Swanage – 07/01/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ takes a turn on the freight working 6N11 1302 Norden to Swanage seen here passing Harmans Cross – 07/01/2023
    U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 nears Harmans Cross 2N14 1330 Swanage to Norden – 07/01/2023
    The final image taken with my Canon D1200 DSLR camera before it shut down for the last time; Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ prepares to depart Swanage with the 6N22 1527 Swanage to Norden demonstration freight running as part of the Winter Warm Up – 07/01/2023
    Video from Saturday 7th January 2023 Swanage Winter Warm Up

    In 2016 the Winter Warm Up was on 27th December and I recall a frosty start to the day, as can be seen in the set of photographs below:

    U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 approaches a frosty Harmans Cross with an early morning service from Swanage – 27/12/2016
    U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 arrives at Harmans Cross in cloud of steam with the first steam hauled service of the day from Swanage – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ departing Harmans Cross – 27/12/2016
    A Diesel Multiple Unit set catches the sun at Harmans Cross sidings – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ nears journeys end at Norden – 27/12/2016
    London & South Western Railway (LSWR) 0-4-4T M7 Class No. 30053 being serviced at Swanage shed. No. 30053 is owned by the Drummond Locomotives Limited, and has been running regularly on the Swanage Railway since 1992. No. 30053’s boiler certificate expired in early 2017 but an extension to the certificate was obtained as the boiler had been re-tubed in 2011. The locomotive was in service until the end of October 2017 when the boiler certificate finally ran out.
    In December 2017 the boiler was lifted off the frames to enable the overhaul of the locomotive to start. The boiler was returned to the frames in September 2022 and it is planned that the locomotive will be back in service during 2023. She’s a particular favourite of mine and I look forward to seeing her running again – 27/12/2016
    London & South Western Railway (LSWR) 0-4-4T M7 Class No. 30053 taking shape once again at Swanage Railway’s Herston Works – 01/11/2022
    Three Class 33’s at Swanage, from left to right, No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’, No. 33111 and behind SR Battle Of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’, No. 33201 – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No. 33111 heads out of Swanage with a train destined for Norden – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ passes the observation area opposite Swanage depot while taking a turn on the freight wagons – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No. 33111 recreating a bygone era with a loose coupled freight – 27/12/2016
    U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 approaching Corfe Castle – 27/12/2016
    With Corfe Castle in the background, another image of Class 33 No. 33111 working the demonstration freight train – 27/12/2016
    U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 takes her turn on the Winter Warm Up freight consist – 27/12/2016
    London & South Western Railway (LSWR) 0-4-4T M7 Class No. 30053 nears Corfe Castle working a demonstration freight – 27/12/2016

    London & South Western Railway (LSWR) 0-4-4T M7 Class No. 30053 stands at Harmans Cross while working a demonstration freight – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No. 33111 double heads with sister locomotive No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ on the final working to Swanage on 27/12/2016
    The front end differences can be clearly seen in this image of Class 33 No.’s 33111 and D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ – 27/12/2016
    Class 33 No.’s 33111 and D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ are observed by the train crew of a Swanage bound train on their departure to Norden – 27/12/2016

    Tuesday 10th January 2023 and I decided an outing to Eastleigh was in order to test out a replacement camera body and hopefully put it through its paces. It was set to be a busy day in the Hampshire railway town with Class 33 No. D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ scheduled to haul Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ from Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington Works where the Hoover is to undergo a period of winter maintenance, Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ passing on a trip to Banbury and the release of the latest Class 69 conversion from the Works and its onward journey to Tonbridge. However it transpired that the Class 50 move from Swanage was revised to run the next day, Wednesday 11th January (photos next week my lucky reader!), the Class 47 was replaced by FL Class 66 No. 66596. The Class 69, however was in a reasonably good position for a photograph on the Works following a special naming ceremony earlier in the day.

    GBRf Class 69 No. 69007 ‘Richard Trevithick’ at Eastleigh Works. The locomotive was converted from Class 56 No. 56037 which also carried the same name. Earlier in the day at a private ceremony for the benefit of ex Cardiff Canton employees the loco carried her former number and a double BR arrow emblem underneath the nameplate on one side. Before being released into traffic the 69007 number and GB Railfreight decals were affixed – 10/01/2023

    The Class 69 was scheduled to depart the Works at 1424, but by 1515 she still had to make her way out onto the mainline. At this point, conscious that Yoshi needed a bit of a comfort break, I decided not to wait any longer and instead decided to work our way towards home, stopping briefly to drop off a packet for a couple of Yoshi’s feline friends who are in the area.

    Package duly delivered we drove back through Eastleigh to see No. 69007 had moved up to Works gates and set to head into Eastleigh railway station to reverse before carrying onto Tonbridge. I made my own reversal and headed back into the station where I was just in time to get a photograph of the locomotive standing at platform 3 and video of her departure.

    GBRf Class 69 No. 69007 ‘Richard Trevithick’ reverses at Eastleigh railway station working the delayed 0Z07 1424 Eastleigh Works GBRf to Tonbridge West Yard GBRf – 10/01/2023
    Nameplate detail of Class 69 No. 69007, Eastleigh – 10/01/2023
    Class 56 No. 56037 and an unidentified member of the class working the heavy Port Talbot to LLanwern iron ore train through Cardiff Central. Class 56’s were employed in pairs on this working having replaced the perhaps even more impressive triple headed Class 37’s! At this point in time No. 56037 was yet to be named – 25/05/1981
    Now named ‘Richard Trevithick’, Class 56 No. 56037 is on display at Old Oak Common Open Day – 20/09/1981
    Nameplate detail of Class 56 No. 56037, Old Oak Common – 20/09/1981

    On our way home from Eastleigh as we neared Junction 1 of the M27 my car suddenly lost power and we cautiously limped off the motorway to the relative safety of The White Hart pub at Cadnam where we awaited assistance from the AA and our eventual recovery home. The car is booked in with the garage for Friday. If things happen in three’s, I am nervously awaiting incident number three!!

    My car being checked over by the AA. Unfortunately, it was not a problem that could be fixed at the roadside and we required a lorry to take us home – 10/01/2023
    Yoshi enjoys the delights of The White Hart, Cadnam as we await the arrival of the tow truck – 10/01/2023
    Video of Class 69 No. 69007’s first outing at Eastleigh – 10/01/2023

    Meanwhile, on the Hamworthy Branch, which has yet to see a train run along its length following the recent upgrade work, more remedial effort will be required following the damage to fencing and road crossing lights, as seen in the images below:

    An update to the long running South Western Railway (SWR) Class 701 Electric Multiple Units (EMU) saga has been reported with SWR formally accepting 24 finished units and repeating their commitment to introduce the fleet into service “as early in 2023 as possible”. A concurrent statement from the Department for Transport indicated that work to finalise a service-standard software package for the trains was still underway and that driver training had not yet commenced.

    A number of SWR Class 701 units standing in Eastleigh depot – 10/01/2023
    Class 701 No.’s 701031 and 701025 stabled in Eastleigh Works – 10/01/2023

    Thank you for joining us again this time. All being well, we’ll be back next week as long as I can avoid breaking anything else! This weeks blog was brought to you accompanied by the sounds of Stephen Sanchez, Ludovico Einaudi and Everything But The Girl.

    Endpiece:

    SR Battle Of Britain Class 4-6-2 No. 34070 ‘Manston’ at rest on Swanage shed following the first day of the Swanage Railway Winter Warm Up – 07/01/2023

  • SVR Autumn Diesel Bash

    Wednesday September 28th to Tuesday October 4th

    Yoshi at Kidderminster enjoying the last gasp of autumn sun with Class 52 Western diesel hydraulic No. D1040 ‘Western Queen’ in the background – 02/10/2022

    Hello Dear Reader! It’s been a relatively quiet week on the rails in Yoshi’s manor. Engineers trains for the Chetnole track upgrade came and went, utilising the same locomotives on a rota as at the start of the work. Because of the their early departures via Dorchester South, Yoshi and I remained snuggled up in our bed. We had planned on seeing the final two trains depart via Yeovil Pen Mill on the Friday evening, but the rain and winds put us off as we didn’t fancy hanging around for them to make an appearance on an open windswept railway station. In the event it appears they left more or less on time, so it would not have be so tortuous!

    Severn Valley Railway

    Sunday 2nd October found us back at the Severn Valley Railway, this time for their 2022 Autumn Diesel Bash. The main attraction for me being the visit of two GB Railfreight Class 56 locomotives which have been repainted into retro British Rail liveries. The GBRf Class 56’s will eventually be rebuilt as Class 69 locomotives in due course, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to catch these while we can. Only one of the two Class 56 locomotives ran each day over the weekend; No. 56098 on Saturday and 56081 on the Sunday. I hoped that the locomotive not being used would be on static display, but this wasn’t really the case, and only a record shot could be achieved from publicly accessible areas.

    GBRf Class 56 No.’s 56098 and 56081 coupled together at Kidderminster SVR awaiting their return to Old Dalby the following day – 02/10/2022

    Despite this, we had another great day out at the Severn Valley. Even the fact the coffee machine wasn’t working at The Engine House cafe in Highley didn’t dampen my spirits. As we left Dorset and made our way northwards, the weather didn’t look conducive to a day out, but once past Bristol, the sun made a welcome appearance for the rest of the day. Thanks to Andrew and Scott for their excellent company and helping to look after Yoshi.

    Deltic No. 55009 ‘Alycidon’ on the approach to Highley. I first saw this class of locomotive at London Kings Cross in 1977 and they immediately became my favourite diesel locomotives – 02/10/2022
    Class 50 No. 50049 ‘Defiance’ departs Highley – 02/10/2022
    Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ arriving into Kidderminster – 02/20/2022
    Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ awaiting to be rescued at Highley with a ‘local service’ after being declared a failure – 02/10/2022
    Class 31 No. 31466 plays Thunderbird loco for Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ at Highley. A minor defect in the Class 50’s air system intermittently prevented the locomotive creating a brake – 02/10/2022
    Class 31 No. 31466 at Highley – 02/10/2022
    Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ nears Highley – 02/10/2022
    Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ departs Kidderminster with an evening service – 02/10/2022
    Class 52 No. D1062 ‘Western Courier’ running as classmate No. D1040 ‘Western Queen’ catching the late afternoon sun at Kidderminster – 02/10/2022
    The second man on Class 52 No. D1040 ‘Western Queen’ ready to exchange tokens entering Highley – 02/10/2022
    GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 and Class 20 No. 20048 being used as a translator locomotive for braking near Highley – 02/10/2022
    GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 having arrived at Kidderminster after its sole round trip – 02/10/2022
    GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 prepares to run to the sidings at Kidderminster – 02/10/2022
    Large Logo liveried Class 56 No. 56098 at Kidderminster – 02/10/2022
    Class 09 No. 09012 (D4100) ‘Dick Hardy’ came to the rescue after Class 46 No. D182 was withdrawn from service earlier during the gala – 02/20/2022 
    Class 20 No. 20048 departs Kidderminster on the rear of a train to Bridgnorth – 02/10/2022
    Yoshi chats with the driver of Class 31 No. 31466 during a stop at Bewdley – 02/10/2022
    Our video from the 2022 Autumn Diesel Bash at the SVR

    Class 91’s

    Prior to our Seven Valley adventure, on Wednesday 28th September I was in London for a work meeting and I took the opportunity to pop into Kings Cross on my way to the office to catch a couple of Class 91 departures. I rather like the look of the business end of the Class 91 locomotive.

    A total of 31 Class 91 ‘Electras’ were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) at Crewe Works from 1988 to 1991 and numbered 91001 to 91031. They were overhauled by Bombardier at Doncaster between 2000 and 2003 and renumbered by adding 100 to their original number, with the exception of No. 91023 which became No. 91132 due to its involvement in fatal accidents at Hatfield in 2000 and Great Heck in 2001.

    The IC225 fleet of 314 Mk 4 carriages built by Metro-Cammell in Birmingham were formed into 30 sets and with the addition of a Driving Trailer Van (DVT) allowed push-pull operation with the Class 91’s. The fleet is now greatly reduced following the introduction of Hitachi InterCity Express Trains (IET) and eight coaching sets have been retained for use on the East Coast Mainline with 12 Class 91’s.

    Over the years the trains have seen several changes in operator as franchises have collapsed and taken over by government backed Operators of Last Resort. GNER was replaced by National Express East Coast, followed by East Coast, Virgin Trains East Coast and currently LNER. Each operator has applied its own livery to the locomotives and coaching stock with most recently LNER simply replacing the Virgin Trains branding with its own. Now, however, the fleet is receiving repaints with those not carrying a celebrity livery receiving a retro style inspired by the original Intercity 225 design of sharp lines and red and white styling, the LNER brand replacing the InterCity lettering and swallow motif which can be seen applied to No. 91004 in the video from 1994 further down this page.

    Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’ awaits departure from London Kings Cross with the 1003 1D09 service to Leeds. The InterCity 225 fleet leased by LNER is in the process of receiving a full repaint as the rolling stock is brought in for essential maintenance. The repaint of No. 91110 was completed in July 2022 – 28/09/2022
    Side detail of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’
    Side detail of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’
    Side detail and nameplate of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’
    Side detail of Class 91 No. 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’. In September 1989 No. 91110 achieved 162.8 mph on an overspeed test at Stoke Bank near Peterborough, the fastest ever recorded by a UK locomotive. Stoke Bank is the same location where the world record for a steam locomotive was set at 126 mph by Gresley A4 No. 4468 ‘Mallard’ on 3rd July 1938.
    Class 91 No. 91107 ‘Skyfall’ at Kings Cross platform 2 heading 1D10 1033 London Kings Cross to Leeds. The Class 91 powered IC225 trains have been operating on the East Coast Main Line for 33 years. The Gresley A4’s managed 27 years and the Class 55 Deltics 20 years. The Gresley A3’s and the IC125 HST’s both notched up 40 years of continuous ECML service – 28/09/2022
    Close up of nameplate for Class 91 No. 91107 ‘Skyfall’
    Class 91 departures at London Kings Cross – 28/09/2022
    Class 91 No. 91114 ‘Durham Cathedral’ at York – 04/07/2013
    Nameplate detail of Class 91 No. 91114 ‘Durham Cathedral’ at York – 04/07/2013
    Livery variation applied to Class 91 No. 91114 ‘Durham Cathedral’ at York – 04/07/2013
    East Coast liveried Class 91 No. 91120 at York – 28/08/2011
    Class 91 No. 91101 with Flying Scotsman branding at Doncaster – 05/07/2013
    Class 91 No. 91102 at York – 28/08/2011
    Class 91 No. 91121 at York – 28/08/2011
    Europhoenix liveried Class 91 No. 91117 stands adjacent to unique Class 89 No.89001 ‘Avocet’ at the recent Barrow Hill 150+2 celebrations – 28/08/2022
    The flat end of Class 91 No. 91120 can be seen clearly in this image alongside Class 89 No.89001 ‘Avocet’ at the recent Barrow Hill 150+2 celebrations. The Class 89 was a prototype for an electric six-axle mixed traffic locomotive which did not progress beyond this example – 28/08/2022
    Another view of Europhoenix Class 91 No. 91120 in the company of “Peak” Class 45 No. 45060 ‘Sherwood Forester’ and Class 66 No. 66726 ‘Sheffield Wednesday’ at Barrow Hill 150+2 celebrations – 28/08/2022

    From The Archives

    My first visit to London Kings Cross found Class 55 Deltic No.’s 55002 ‘The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry’ and 55008 ‘The Green Howards’ await departure in 1977
    In the diesel era the stabling point at London Kings Cross was commonly known as “Passenger Loco”. It was usually used by locomotives that needed a quick service and refuelling before their next trip north. There was a pit inside the shed where an “A exam” could be performed. A few locos would be berthed there during the day between trips and at night. Also from my first visit to The Cross in 1977
    Class 55 Deltic No. 55004 ‘Queens Own Highlander’ stands next to a Class 254 HST set at Kings Cross. The Deltic’s replaced Gresley A3 and A4 Pacific steam locomotives on top link duties before themselves succumbing to the advent of the High Speed Train which in turn were replaced by the Class 91’s – 25/09/1981

    In 1994 what was heralded as being the best ever programme of main line steam specials was announced on 11th August, exactly 26 years after the end of regular steam on British Railways. A big surprise was the announcement of the return to steam at Kings Cross on the weekend of 29th / 30th October 1994 when LNER A4 Pacific No. 60009 ‘Union Of South Africa’, coincidentally the last steam locomotive to leave the East Coast terminus thirty years previously, was booked to haul private charters to Peterborough. Following these successful charter runs, No. 9 found herself imprisoned in Bounds Green depot for six weeks following an “under the wires” ban imposed by Railtrack who declared the locomotive as being out of gauge by 1.5 inches at an overbridge near Primrose Hill Tunnel which could have resulted in a flashover. This led Railtrack to impose a complete ban on all steam movements under overhead wires across the rail network which saw the cancellation of three other rail tours until Railtrack backed down and agreed the locomotive was in gauge all along!

    I went along to Kings Cross on the 30th October 1994 to see the locomotive and train head for Peterborough – but as you can see in the video below my view of the departure was almost ruined by the arrival of Class 91 No. 91004 ‘The Red Arrows’! This Class 91 locomotive was withdrawn in February 2020 and is currently awaiting disposal at Booths of Rotherham, its fate is unconnected with passing in front of me while I was attempting to film steam at The Cross however!

    Steam at Kings Cross 30/10/1994

    Sixteen years later, I was once again able to see steam at Kings Cross – two A4’s this time when No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ hauled the Railway Touring Company special train “The Tynesider” from Newcastle to the London terminus with sister locomotive No. 60019 ‘Bittern’ sporting two tenders to facilitate a non-stop run to York as there was no requirement to take on water en-route. I was using a mini DV camera at the time which had a tendency to “hunt’ in low light. Well, in any lighting conditions to be honest. But we include it here as it seems appropriate.

    Steam at Kings Cross 27/11/2010

    Thanks for visiting. We aim to be back again next week and hope to see you again. Thank you as always for comments and corrections which are very much appreciated.