The Railway Dog

Category: New Measurement Train

  • 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 and the One Way Wizzo

    Having worked up to London Paddington earlier in the day, the Diesel Traction Group owned Class 52 “Western” diesel-hydraulic No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ passes through Pangbourne at the head of 1Z56 1352 London Paddington to Birmingham New Street charter train. Originally an empty coaching stock movement to Burton, it was instead tuned into a main line test run for No. D1015 and opened up for public use as a joint operation by UK Railtours and Pathfinder Tours named “The One Way Wizzo”. The “Western” worked the tour as far as Bescot Yard, from where Class 57 No. 57303 took over the last into New Street before taking the ECS forward to Burton-on-Trent – 14/04/2024

    April 14th 2024 to April 24th 2024

    On Sunday 14th April 2024, preserved Class 52 “Western” diesel-hydraulic locomotive No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ worked a loaded test run from London Paddington to Birmingham New Street, supported by GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 which was utilised as a passenger carrying one way rail tour. No. D1015 ran light into Paddington and then headed up the “One Way Wizzo” as far as Bescot Yard, with No. 57303 taking charge for the final leg into New Street. After the tour, ‘Western Champion’ returned to her base on the Severn Valley Railway.

    I was quite intrigued with the idea of trying to photograph both the Western’s light engine move as well as the loaded test run itself, so devised a plan for a visit to a National Trust property as a day-out for Yoshi and Caroline. Checking out the route of the Great Western main line on Google maps, I settled on Basildon Park as our heritage destination as the railway runs very close to the estate. On the day, I checked out potential photographic spots, but discounting these, back-tracked slightly to Pangbourne railway station as the car park is ideally situated for photography as long as you can position yourself above the line-side fencing; remembering to stay safe at all times!

    Pangbourne station is located close to the village centre, with the main station buildings on the opposite side of the railway to the village. It has two platforms, one on each of the relief (slow) lines, whilst the fast lines pass behind the station. The platforms are linked to each other and the station entrance, on the up relief platform, by a pedestrian underpass. The station once had four platforms with those situated on the main fast lines now no longer in situ.

    Exterior of Pangbourne railway station. The station is on the original line of the Great Western Railway, which was opened in stages: the portion between Reading and Steventon opened on 1st June 1840, with Pangbourne being the first station west out of Reading – 14/04/2024
    All services at Pangbourne are operated by Great Western Railway (GWR) using Class 387 EMU’s.
    The typical off-peak is two trains per hour in each direction between London Paddington and Didcot Parkway. On Sundays, the service is reduced to hourly in each direction. Screenshot of Class 387 Electrostar electric multiple unit (EMU) No.’s 387169 & 387170 depart Pangbourne working 2N42 1426 Reading to Didcot Parkway – 14/04/2024
    Great Western Railway Intercity Express Train (IET) pass Pangbourne on the fast lines situated behind the platforms at Pangbourne. Class 800 No. 800311 passes Pangbourne working 1A18 1300 Bristol Temple Meads to London Paddington – 14/04/2024
    CrossCountry trains also pass Pangbourne. Screenshot of CrossCountry Class 221 Super Voyager No. 221133 works 1O16 1124 Manchester Piccadilly to Southampton through Pangbourne – 14/04/2024

    While waiting for No. D1015 to pass us on her way to London Paddington, the local security operated by Land Sheriffs Ltd pulled into the car park and parked up casting a weather eye over my activity. As the Western was still a good few minutes off, I strolled over for a chat. The two security guards were really friendly and knew just what I was waiting for. They were, however, surprised to learn that the heritage diesel-hydraulic locomotive was making a solo pass prior to its railtour work as they had been charged with keeping an eye on proceedings further up the line at Didcot when the “One Way Wizzo” was due to pass later that afternoon as the train was sure to attract much attention from railway enthusiasts. Satisfied that I was not a security risk, the Land Sheriffs left me to await the first appearance of No. D1015.

    Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ runs light engine towards Pangbourne railway station working 0Z55 1020 Kidderminster SVR to London Paddington – 14/04/2024

    It was a good couple of hours before ‘Western Champion’ was timed to pass Pangbourne on her way to Bescot, so we decamped to National Trust Basildon Park where we enjoyed a woodland walk taking in the bluebells before Caroline took a tour of the mansion house and Yoshi and I headed back to the railway station car park for another shot at photographing No. D1015, this time at the head of a rake of carriages.

    Yoshi amongst the bluebells in the wooded parkland at Basildon Park – 14/04/2024
    Yoshi at National Trust Basildon Park. The estate was purchased by Francis Sykes in 1771. Sykes had made his fortune in the East India Company and required a home befitting his status. He demolished the old house and employed architect John Carr to build the Bath-stone mansion which exists today. The property was gifted to the National Trust in 1978 by Lord and Lady Iliffe who had bought Basildon Park in 1952 – 14/04/2024
    Class 52 “Western” diesel-hydraulic No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ passes Pangbourne with “One Way Wizzo” 1Z56 1352 London Paddington to Birmingham New Street – 14/04/2024
    Video of Class 52 “Western” diesel-hydraulic No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ passing Pangbourne – 14/04/2024

    Monday 15th April we were back at Poole railway station in readiness for GBRf Class 73 No.’s 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ and 73961 ‘Alison’ working the monthly 1Q51 11:15 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth test train.

    Video screenshots of GBRf Class 73 No.’s 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ and 73961 ‘Alison’ working 1Q51 11:15 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth – 15/04/2024
    Video of 1Q51 11:15 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth at Poole – 15/04/2024

    The following day, Tuesday 16th April, we were out to see GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 once again, this time performing electric multiple unit drag duties, hauling South Western Railway (SWR) refurbished Class 458 No. 458421 and 508 barriers as 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. having worked down from Widnes Transport Tech as far as Wembley Receptions 1-7 the previous day before progressing into Dorset.

    GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 leading SWR Class 458 No. 458421 and 508 barriers towards Parkstone railway station as 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. – 16/04/2024
    After running round its train, GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 hauls SWR Class 458 No. 458421 up Parkstone Bank working 5Q64 1534 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. – 16/04/2024

    Later the same day, No. 57303 departed Bournemouth depot with un-refurbished Class 458 No. 458513 as 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard. The formation was scheduled to stable at Eastleigh overnight before proceeding to Widnes Transport Tech on Wednesday 17th. We saw this formation at Poole on the first leg of its journey.

    Screenshot of GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 with Class 508 barrier coaches and SWR Class 458 No. 458513 arrives at Poole working 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard. The train heads out to Poole Storage Sidings – 16/04/2024
    Having left the Class 458 in Poole Storage Sidings, GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 runs light engine into Poole railway station before heading back to attach to the London end of its train – 16/04/2024
    GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 on SWR Class unit drags – 16/04/2024

    Following the successful restoration of LSWR Adams T3 Class No. 563, the team at the Swanage Railway are now turning their attention to their next challenge, that of returning LSWR T9 Class No.120 to steam in time for its 130th birthday in 2029 resplendent in Olive green livery. Thursday 18th April was therefore an eventful one for No.120 as she departed the Swanage Railway by road for transit to The Flour Mill Locomotive Repair Workshop in Lydney, Gloucestershire. The Flour Mill is a listed former colliery electricity generating station which was converted to a railway workshop between 1995 and 1996. The Flour Mill Ltd operates the business undertaking work repairing and overhauling steam locomotives. We popped over to the Purbeck line to witness the Victorian locomotive being collected from Swanage by resident diesel Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’. The pairing then travelled up to Arne Road sidings where No.120 was to be placed on a road low-loader.

    The T9 is owned by the National Railway Museum (NRM) and agreement has been reached where the condition of the locomotive will be assessed ahead of a commitment to return her to steam for further service on the Swanage Railway.

    Designed by Dugald Drummond and built in 1899 at Nine Elms works, No.120 was a member of the T9 class of locomotives, affectionately known as the “Greyhounds” for their swift performances on the West of England main lines.

    LSWR 4-4-0 T9 Class No.30120 at Swanage – 18/04/2024

    Altogether, sixty-six T9 locomotives were built, with No.120 being the only survivor. She was withdrawn from regular service in 1961 and painted in London South Western Railway (LSWR) ‘Pea Green’ livery, colours – inappropriate as she was modified with a superheater by Robert Urie and as a consequence her appearance was substantially altered from her early days. However, in this guise she hauled special trains for a few years before becoming part of the National Collection. After spells of service on the Mid-Hants Railway, at Swanage and on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, No. 120 returned to Swanage in 2017 and became a vital part of the fleet until her boiler certificate expired. During her time at Swanage the locomotive proved a powerful but economic machine, popular with both crews and visitors alike. Her restoration will allow the Swanage railway to develop a more sustainable locomotive fleet into the future as the T9, like the T3, is perfectly sized for the heritage branch.

    Swanage resident Class 33 No.D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ having coupled up to 4-4-0 T9 Class No.30120 in readiness of forming 6Z12 1652 Swanage to Arne Road Siding – 18/04/2024
    Crompton No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ is owned by the 71A Loco Group, and returned to Swanage in time for the May 2011 Diesel Gala after undergoing overhaul at Eastleigh works. She is seen here reversing into Swanage railway station with 4-4-0 T9 Class No.30120 – 18/04/2024
    Southern Railway 4-6-2 “West Country” Class No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ at Swanage having backed onto the coaching stock of the 2N10 1640 Swanage to Norden service – 18/04/2024
    Southern Railway 4-6-2 “West Country” Class No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ departs Swanage working 2N10 1640 Swanage to Norden – 18/04/2024
    Class 33 No.D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ hauls 4-4-0 T9 Class No.30120 away from Swanage working as 6Z12 1652 Swanage to Arne Road Siding – 18/04/2024
    Class 33 No.D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 4-4-0 T9 Class No.30120 on the approach to Harmans Cross working 6Z12 1652 Swanage to Arne Road Siding – 18/04/2024

    The Swanage Railway Trust are hoping to raise £50,000 for this project, which will enable No. 120 to be dismantled and assessed at the Flour Mill. Following this, a report will be produced detailing the work required to return 120 to service, including an assessment of the cylinder block and whether this needs to be replaced. If the report is favourable, the Trust can proceed to the next stage of the overhaul later in the year. Should it be decided the locomotive is not a suitable contender for restoration, the remainder of the £50,000 will see No. 120 re-assembled and returned to the NRM for further display.

    Class 33 No.D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ arrives at Arne Road with 4-4-0 T9 Class No.30120 in tow working 6Z12 1652 Swanage to Arne Road Siding – 18/04/2024
    Video of T9 Class No.30120 being hauled to Arne Sidings on the Swanage Railway – 18/04/2024

    Engineering Work took place in the Wareham area over the weekend of 20th / 21st April 2024. The sidings to the east of Wareham railway station were renewed, ballast was refreshed at Worgret Junction and the footbridge at Wool railway station received attention. Two engineering trains were engaged for the work; 6G13 2212 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66795 & 66749 ‘Christopher Hopcroft MBE 60 Years Railway Service’ and 6C03 1939 Eastleigh East Yard to Holton Heath in the sole charge of Colas Class 66 No.66850 ‘David Maidment OBE’. Two other associated workings featured 4-wheeler Track Machine Colas Tamper No. DR73931 forming 6J86 1844 Woking Up Yard Reception to Wool MOD Siding GBRf and Pandrol Jackson Plain Line Stoneblower No. DR80205 working as 6U37 2103½ Horsham Up T.C. to Holton Heath.

    Screenshot of GBRf Class 66 No. 66795 at Poole leading on 6G13 2212 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 20/04/2024
    Screenshot of GBRf Class 66 No. 66749 ‘Christopher Hopcroft MBE 60 Years Railway Service’ passes through Poole at the rear of 6G13 2212 Eastleigh East Yard to Wareham – 20/04/2024
    Screenshot of Colas Class 66 No.66850 ‘David Maidment OBE’ passing Poole working 6C03 1939 Eastleigh East Yard to Holton Heath – 20/04/2024
    Wareham Railway Station – 21/04/2024
    A hand written note informs us that the pedestrian crossing at Wareham railway station is closed due to engineering work – 20/04/2024
    New track panels stacked adjacent the unused signal box at Wareham – 20/04/2024
    Work continues at Wareham – 20/04/2024
    A view up the line towards Wareham sidings which would be partially renewed during the weekend engineering works- 20/04/2024
    A Road Rail Vehicle (RRV) at work in Wareham – 21/04/2024
    Pandrol Jackson Plain Line Stoneblower No. DR80205 used for the initial levelling of track after it has been freshly installed awaits the call of duty at Holton Heath – 21/04/2024

    The Class 66 hauled engineers trains departed the possession area in the early hours of Monday 22nd reporting as 6G13 0230 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard and 6C03 0330 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard.

    Holton Heath railway station – September 2022

    20th April was the 35th anniversary of a collision which occurred at Holton Heath in 1989. Tragically, Bournemouth train driver Clive Brooker lost his life in the accident. The archived report can be found here.

    Plaque in memory of Driver Clive Brooker situated at Hamworthy railway station; “At about 1202, a light locomotive, that is one travelling without a train, collided with the rear of a freight train at Holton Heath. I regret to report that the driver of the light locomotive… died as a result of the accident. The driver and the guard of the freight train suffered minor injuries.

    On a dry clear day, the diesel locomotive, No. 33107, was travelling at speed under clear signals along the Up line between Wareham and Hamworthy Junction, when it struck the rear of the 1145 Wool to Eastleigh freight train 6W54 as it was accelerating away from a stand after carrying out shunting duties at Holton Heath Siding. The freight train consisted of eight wagons hauled by an electro-diesel locomotive No. 73002; the rearmost wagon being the Type VAA four-wheeled covered van with long sliding doors and loaded with bagged and palletised ballcla.”

    Wednesday April 24th 2024 and it was the turn of Network Rail’s (NR) New Measurement Train (NMT) to visit Weymouth via the western route from Yeovil Pen Mill. Having missed out the Dorset seaside town because of line closures in March the train, which monitors and records track condition information at speeds up to 125mph, was in the hands of former High Speed Train Class 43 power cars No.’s 43274 and 43357 this month. Yoshi and I visited Upwey to see the outward and return legs.

    In its Colas branded East Midlands Railway (EMR) livery, Class 43 High Speed Train power car No. 43274 leads on the approach to Upwey working the New Measurement Train 1Z22 0747 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 24/04/2024
    At the rear of the New Measurement Train – reporting as 1Z22 0747 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – in de-branded CrossCountry livery Class 43 High Speed Train power car No. 43357 passes through Upwey on its way to Weymouth – 24/04/2024
    Class 43 High Speed Train power car No. 43357 forming the New Measurement Train 1Z22 0747 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth passes South Western Railway Class 444 No. 444024 forming 1W27 1335 London Waterloo to Weymouth at Upwey – 24/04/2024
    Video of the Dorset HST Hew Measurement Train – 24/04/2024 (with thanks to da_bucklet967 and G E Barrett for additional video content)

    Train drivers union, ASLEF, have announced fresh strikes and an overtime ban taking place between Monday 6th May and Saturday 11th May 2024. Train Operating Companies (TOC) in Dorset affected by strike action days are SWR on Tuesday 7th May and GWR on Wednesday 8th May when revised services will run, with short-notice cancellations possible.

    That’s it for another belated blog entry, thanks for joining us looking back on our railway themed adventures! We appreciate your comments, corrections and feedback. We’ll be back with another update soon. Until then, be seeing you!

    Yoshi travels by SWR – 22/04/2024

  • The One With The Last Blue Class 450

    The last South Western Railway Class 450 No. 450031 to carry South West Trains Blue Livery working 5B61 2152 Bournemouth to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D at Branksome – 05/02/2024

    February 1st 2024 to February 9th 2024

    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ waits with 6C01 at Branksome – 03/02/2024

    Over the weekend of 3rd and 4th February 2024, engineering works took place in Branksome station. A small number of track panels were relaid and remedial work carried out to the west of the station. Colas Railfreight were entrusted with providing the  motive power for the two Network Rail engineering trains used during these works; 6C01 0013 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth / 6C02 0315 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth on Saturday and the associated return workings; 6C02 0530 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard / 6C01 0630 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard which ran early Sunday morning.

    Three Class 66 locomotives were employed, No.’s 66846, 66848 and 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’. I elected not to watch the trains arrive in the early hours of Saturday morning (I’m mad, but not that mad), and instead hoped I would be able to find them at work during the day. Initial intel was that the work site was most likely Poole Storage Sidings as activity had been observed in the locality during the week. In the event, it was Branksome railway station which saw the majority of the action.  I made two visits and was lucky enough to observe both trains being utilised obtaining record shots of all three locomotives engaged at work. This meant that I could also rest easy in bed on the Sunday morning as the trains returned, although, if I’m being completely honest, I was quite tempted to set my alarm to see the Class 66’s departing for their journeys back to Eastleigh!

    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ at Branksome. The first wagon containing old sleepers removed from the station area – 03/02/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ reversing through Branksome – 03/02/2023
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ reversing its train through Branksome, clearing the way for Rail-Road Vehicle’s (RRV’s) to begin work lifting the new track panels into place – 03/02/2024
    New track panels resting on the Up platform at Branksome – 03/02/2024
    Road-Rail Vehicles (RRV) prepare to lift the first track panel into place – 03/02/2024
    The scene after the new track panels had been lowered into place and ballasted – 03/02/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66846 at the rear of 6C02 spanning Archway Road – 03/02/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66846 – 03/02/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66848 at the head of 6C02 – 03/02/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66848 having drawn forward to enable work to continue on the track – 03/02/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66848 with RRV’s at work near Branksome railway station – 03/02/2024
    By the afternoon, Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ had moved forward to occupy Parkstone railway station – 03/02/2024
    Engineering work at Branksome – 03/02/2024

    Monday 5th February there was a great deal of chatter on social media channels regarding South Western Railway (SWR) Class 450 No. 450031, believed to be the last remaining member of the class still adorned in the old second generation South West Trains (SWT) blue livery, carried by trains employed mostly on medium distance services. It was heavily implied that No. 450031 was enjoying its last day in service before heading to the paint shops for a repaint into standard SWR white and grey colours. It was quite easy to trace the workings of the unit on Real Time Trains and I found that it was indeed heading to Bournemouth Traction and Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot, due to arrive just after 2200.

    Bournemouth depot is southwest of Bournemouth station, occupying the approach to the former Bournemouth West station. The branch leading to Bournemouth T&RSMD turns off at Branksome station where trains can often be seen stopping at platform 2 and reversing into the depot. Hopeful of getting a record shot of quite possibly the last EMU in SWT blue, I headed off to Branksome with friend of this blog, Jamie, to capture this event for posterity.

    SWR Class 450 No. 450022 at Branksome awaiting to reverse in the depot working 5W81 2128 Bournemouth to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D alongside unique Pride liveried Class 444 No. 444019 which is also destined for the depot working 5B60 2131 Poole to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 05/02/2024
    The last blue Class 450 No. 450031 destined for the paint shop? The Desiro is working 5B61 2152 Bournemouth to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D and is seen waiting to reverse into the depot at Branksome – 05/02/2024
    Contain yourself for Desiro action from Branksome on 5th February 2024, featuring:
    444005 – 1W81 1935 London Waterloo to Weymouth
    450022 – 5W81 2128 Bournemouth to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D
    444019 – 5B60 2131 Poole to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D
    444007 & 444034 – 5E57 2025 Fareham to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D
    444010 – 1W82 2100 Weymouth to Woking
    450031 – 5B61 2152 Bournemouth to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D

    Tuesday, and it was a dash to Christchurch to see GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66759 ‘Chippy’ and 66305 – top and tailing a Network Rail National Delivery Service Schweerbau High Speed Milling Machine consisting of No.’s  DR79602/79603/79604 – just after midnight working 6X69 2316 Eastleigh East Yard to Pokesdown. As the weather was rather inclement, I stayed in the dry under the station canopy on the down platform. There was a fair bit of Network Rail activity around Christchurch Railway station, with members of NR’s Orange Army milling around and to be honest, I was hopeful the train would stop in the platform, but it sailed straight through. I was able to catch up with Bob who was also out braving the elements, however. On my drive home, I had a quick look in at Pokesdown to see if I could identify the work site, but I was unable to see any Network Rail activity from my vantage point over looking the station platforms. 

    Every train that runs on the UK rail network causes an element of wear and tear, and in some causes damage to the rails.  In 2002, Network Rail (NR) implemented a process of frequent rail grinding which removes small amounts of metal from the rail surface to maintain the profile – the portion of the track which comes in to contact with the train wheel. Each year, NR grinds more than 5,000 miles of track and more than 3,000 switch units (points) to remove defects and maintain a smooth rolling surface for trains. Passing trains and exposure to the elements can cause cracks; a severe crack not addressed in time can break the rail, leading to potential derailments. All metal removed from the rails is returned and recycled.

    The associated return working of the Milling Machine was 6X69 0435 Pokesdown to Eastleigh East Yard.

    I think this weeks 6X69 was most likely this machine which I photographed at Eastleigh in the company of Beacon Rail liveried Class 66 No. 66797 in November 2022 – 24/11/2022
    6X69 2316 Eastleigh East Yard to Pokesdown passing Christchurch – 07/02/2024

    Hamworthy Branch

    The Poole Harbour Commissioner’s (PHC) Draft Masterplan Consultation Document is available online. The document is the first draft in the process of updating PHC’s existing Masterplan, published in March 2013, and sets out the strategy and proposals for the future development of the Port over the next twenty years. Following a consultation process, the Final Masterplan is to be approved in early 2024.

    In particular interest to this blog is the following (found on page 42 of the Draft Masterplan):

    MAXIMISE THE PORT ESTATE POTENTIAL

    In addition to the Marine Centre project, we will look at the following activities to make sure we maximise the Port estate’s potential.

    EXPLORE POTENTIAL FOR THE RAIL LINK

    The Port of Poole is one of the few South Coast UK ports to be rail connected and this link is likely to become more relevant as the Government encourages modal shift of freight traffic to be moved by rail rather than by the increasingly congested road system.

    Government guidance states that sites should be identified and protected where they could be critical in developing infrastructure to widen choices for movement of rail freight.

    PHC is in discussion with Network Rail regarding improvements to the Hamworthy branch line and port siding to align with customers’ expansion plans and transportation of cargo via rail. Rail can also be a far more environmentally friendly mode of transport than road, aligning with our ambitions to become a Leading Green Port.

    Discussions with potential customers are ongoing and, if successful, could result in the reinstatement of the rail link as early as 2025.

    In April 2022, Brittany Ferries announced that it had given the go ahead for a new rail-freight link between Cherbourg and Bayonne. With support from the French Government, the EU, and the regions of Normandie and Nouvelle Aquitaine, Brittany Ferries will open the ‘rail motorway’ linking the port of Cherbourg to the European Freight Centre at Mouguerre, near Bayonne, thereby connecting Spain to the UK and Ireland via the French railway network. The launch of the new service is expected by mid-2024.

    This new rail freight link to Cherbourg will provide opportunities for the Port of Poole to increase the volume of freight received from France. It is expected that the majority of the onward UK distribution will be via the UK’s Road network but PHC are in discussion with Brittany Ferries to determine whether their customers will require onward rail transport within the UK.

    This ties in with what we were told by Network Rail last year. We have reached out to prospective users of the rail link, and will update with any responses received.

    For The Record

    Crewe Railwayana Auctions 18th online telephone/email auction, which runs from Friday 1st March until Sunday 3rd March 2024 has some local interest station totems included. Where did I put my wallet?

    What we like to call the “North Dorset New Measurement Train” ran on 8th February 2024 as an all yellow affair bringing back The Flying Banana in all its glory! Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43062 ‘John Armitt’ and 43013 ‘Mark Carne OBE’ have recently returned to service and this pairing worked 1Q23 05:56 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter. Because of the wet weather, we didn’t make the trip up to Gillingham or Sherborne to see this particular working this month, much as I thought about it!

    Here are some shots of “The Flying Banana” from the archive:

    Network Rail Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ at the buffer stops in Weymouth having arrived with the New Measurement Train (NMT). John Armitt is an civil engineer with close connections to UK railways including his time as chief executive of Railtrack being appointed in 2001, and from 2002 to 2007 its successor, Network Rail (NR) – 26/07/2012
    NR Class 43 No. 43014 forms one end of the NMT at Weymouth – 26/07/2012
    Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ leading the NMT on the approach to Upwey railway station. No. 43014 was at the rear – 28/07/2011
    Class 43 No.’s 43014 and 43062 ‘John Armitt’ top and tail the NMT up Bincombe bank, Weymouth. The Isle of Portland can be seen in the distance – 26/07/2012
    The NMT top and tailed by Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43014 and 43062 ‘John Armitt’ about to enter Bincombe Tunnel near Weymouth – 26/07/2012

    The February 2024 edition of “British Railways Illustrated” magazine contains a two page feature entitled “Last Days at Bournemouth Shed” by Keith Chambers.

    Yoshi with the latest edition of “British Railways Illustrated” – 09/02/2024
    The article on Bournemouth Shed in the February 2024 edition of “British Railways Illustrated” caught Yoshi’s eye – 09/02/2024

    Thanks again for visiting our little corner of the internet. We welcome and appreciate your comments and corrections – keep them coming! We’ll be back soon, all being well, with an archive look at Bournemouth Depot Open Days in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Be seeing you!

  • Yoshi’s Peak Rail Adventure

    SWR Class 701 No. 701505 at Poole working 5Q52 1724 Staines Up Loop to Eastleigh TRSMD – 28/09/2023

    September 28th 2023 to October 5th 2023

    Thursday September 28th 2023 saw another Direct Rail Services (DRS) run from Crewe to Winfrith for the collection of low level nuclear waste. If estimates are correct there may only be three of these trains left to run. When we took the public footpath alongside the sidings at Winfrith to see the Class 68 locomotives, we were surprised to see a new access gate and path leading to the ground frame which controls the point work to / from the main line into the sidings had been installed. A ground frame is a bank of point levers placed at the trackside to operate nearby points or emergency crossovers and are generally found in remote locations too far away from a signal box to be connected by traditional rodding or wires. The levers on a ground frame look very similar to those found in a signal box and operate in the same way but rarely have a building enclosing them. They are operated either by the train driver or a remote crew that is sent out in a van as and when their operation is required. Because the points at a ground frame are not under the direct control of a signal box, a token or key is required to operate them, this can be in the form of a physical key or in more recent years an electronic token.

    The Winfrith Ground Frame and new access gate – 28/09/2023
    New access gate and path leading to the Winfrith Ground Frame – 28/09/2023
    DRS Class 68 No. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ leads through Hamworthy on 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings with fellow class member No. 68033 ‘The Poppy’ at the rear – 28/09/2023
    DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68033 ‘The Poppy’ side by side at Winfrith as the PFA wagons are loaded with low level nuclear waste – 28/09/2023
    Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ edges out of Winfrith Sidings and onto the main line working 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS). The train heads to Dorchester South where it reverses for its onward journey – 28/09/2023
    Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ pulls away from Winfrith Sidings working 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 28/09/2023
    Class 68 No. 68033 ‘The Poppy’ leading 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) on the approach to Holton Heath – 28/09/2023
    Video of 28/09/2023 Winfrith Run

    Thursday evening, I was contacted by Bob from the “Christchurch Mafia” who kindly called to let me know that a pair of SWR Class 701/5’s were on their way to Poole on a mileage accumulation run. Class 701/5 are a five car variant of the ten car Class 701 EMU.

    SWR Class 701 No. 701506 pauses at Poole working 5Q52 1724 Staines Up Loop to Eastleigh TRSMD – 28/09/2023
    Class 701/5’s at Poole – 28/09/2023

    Over the weekend, Caroline, Yoshi and I had a trip to Derbyshire where we visited Hardwick Hall, the Matlock Bath illuminations and The Heights of Abraham. Despite there being a rail strike on Saturday 30th September, I still managed to find a railway element to indulge in and spent an enjoyable few hours at Peak Rail during the afternoon, the highlight of which was being shown around the shed and storage sidings. Peak Rail covers part of the old Midland Railway line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras which was closed in 1968 and currently operates on approximately 4 miles between Rowsley South Station and Matlock Station Platform 2 with ambitions to extend to Bakewell. Peak Rail operates a number of special events each year and during my visit a Mixed Traffic Gala was in full force with the train I travelled on running a restaurant service; The Palatine, on board two beautifully preserved railway carriages. Neither of which I joined and had to be content with my coffee and a seat in one of the non dining coaches!

    Robert Stephenson & Hawthorne No. 15 “Eustace Forth’ backs on to her train at Rowsley – 30/09/2023
    Class 25 No. D7659 (25309/25909) enters Darley Dale station. The locomotive  is owned by the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust and came back into service during the latter part of 2021 for the first time in more than 23 years following a comprehensive restoration that effectively saw the 1966 loco rebuilt. As the final locomotive built by Beyer Peacock and the noted Gorton Works in Manchester, D7659 saw 20 years of work with British Railways mostly in the Midlands and North West and also with service in Wales and Scotland and some summer holiday specials to Norwich during the 1970’s – 30/09/2023
    Hudswell Clarke S102 ‘Cathryn’ at Rowsley – 30/09/2023

    The Peak Railway Preservation Society was first established in 1975 and opened a site at the now closed Buxton Steam Centre with restoration facilities and a 300-yard operating line. However, the whole site was sold to Buxton Water when Peak Rail relocated its headquarters to Darley Dale in the 1980’s using funds from the sale. 

    Darley Dale Station is a Gothic Style building constructed by the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midlands Junction Railway – later to become part of the renowned Midland Railway and later still the London Midland Scottish – 30/09/2023
    The first station at Darley, as it was officially known until October 1890 was south of what is now Station Road. In 1874 this impressive station was built north of the level crossing and the contract for erection of the station was awarded to Joseph Glossop and the final cost was £2,247.17s – 30/09/2023
    Constructed in local stone, in a neo-gothic style, the work consisted of a single main line building on the down platform, and a smaller matching waiting room on the up side. Darley Dale was very much a country station, but traffic increases led to additional infrastructure with loop lines north of the station being opened in 1901 together with additional sidings to the south of the station – 30/09/2023

    By 1991, the railway had reopened the section of line between Matlock Riverside and Darley Dale with an extension to within a half-mile south of the Derbyshire village of Rowsley opening in 1997. A new station was constructed at Rowsley South next to the site of the former loco shed which housed banking engines for the route to Manchester.

    Owned by The North Notts Loco Group, Class 44 No. D8 (44008) ‘Penyghent’ was built in Derby in 1959 and was one of ten Pilot Scheme Peak class locomotives. She is seen here inside the shed at Rowsley – 30/09/2023
    Waterman Heritage Trust owned Class 47 No. D1501 (47402) has been at Peak Rail since June 2022.
    Class 37 No. 37310 ‘British Steel Ravenscraig’ is preserved at Peak Rail – 30/09/2023
    Network Rail acquired Class 73 No. 73138 in 2010 for use in its infrastructure monitoring fleet. Withdrawn in 2017 it was employed as a yard shunter at Derby Railway Technical Centre (RTC) until 2019 when it was placed in storage at Rowsley – 30/09/2023
    Class 37 No. 97301 (ex D6800 / 37100) was fitted with ERTMS Signalling equipment for use of the Cambrian Lines from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli and is being store at Rowsley for Network Rail – 30/09/2023
    The Heritage Shunters Trust are based at Rowsley in an impressive new shed which houses their collection of locomotives. Various examples went for a trip in the yard area during my visit – 30/09/2023

    After the construction of the Matlock by-pass, and a new Sainsburys supermarket in the former Cawdor Quarry, a new track alignment and track layout was installed between Matlock Riverside and Matlock railway station to provide a through connection from Peak Rail to the national network which re-opened on 2nd July 2011 with a 50 year lease for this and the use of platform 2 by the heritage line.

    W G Bagnall No. 2842 in the rain at Matlock Riverside. Class 03 No. D2128, which failed earlier in the day, can be seen in the background – 30/09/2023
    EMR Class 170 DMU No. 170530 forms 2A39 1237 Matlock to Nottingham service – 01/10/2023
    Matlock Railway Station – 01/10/2023

    Once famed for its hydro and spa treatments, Matlock’s central location, scenic surroundings and public transport links make it a popular base for exploring the Peak District and Derbyshire. Pioneering industrialist John Smedley developed the attractive market town as a fashionable spa in the 19th century, and his legacy lives on in buildings such as Smedley’s Hydro (now the offices of Derbyshire County Council) and Gothic-style Riber Castle. Matlock railway station, originally called Matlock Bridge, was opened by the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midland Junction Railway on 4th June 1849, when the line between Ambergate and Rowsley opened. The station buildings, designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, opened in 1850. The adjacent station master’s house is now Grade II listed.

    Grade II listed Matlock station masters house – 01/10/2023

    Just a mile and a half to the south, Matlock Bath is a lively town that was developed as one of England’s first true tourist destinations. It has been attracting visitors since the late 17th Century, and by the 19th Century it was a place for the finest in society to be seen, including royalty. Lord Byron dubbed it “Little Switzerland” on account of its magnificent views and steep, wooded hillsides. Matlock Bath is just as much fun to visit today. It has a long high street lined with quirky shops, cafés, amusement arcades and visitor attractions, as well as peaceful paths for shady strolls alongside the River Derwent.

    The Matlock Bath Illuminations are a popular annual event running from September to the end of October, when the riverside is decorated and the cliffs floodlit to create a magical scene of colour. At weekends during the Illuminations there are parades of decorated boats, entertainments and, on certain dates, firework displays.

    Slinky Dog at Matlock Bath Illuminations – 30/09/2023
    A well observed Foden steam lorry taking part at Matlock Bath Illuminations – 30/09/2023
    Peppa Pig’s steam train at Matlock Bath Illuminations – 30/09/2023

    Matlock Bath railway station is owned by Network Rail and managed by East Midlands Railway is also Grade II listed. Opened by the Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midland Junction Railway on 4th June 1849 and closed on 6th March 1967 but reopened on 27 May 1972.

    The station buildings have an unusual ‘chalet’ style, inspired by the romantic notion at the time that the resort was England’s “Little Switzerland”. The station buildings have been occupied by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust since the 1980’s and were restored in period-style and opened as a cafe/visitor centre in 2019 after a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support from Derbyshire Dales and Derbyshire County councils, and other donations, but were unfortunately closed when we visited.

    The unique chalet style of Matlock Bath Railway station – 01/10/2023

    The Heights of Abraham cable car runs from near the station up to the associated visitor attraction. Originally opened in 1787 as a “Savage Garden”, a popular term for wild and exotic locations first coined by the Georgians in the late 18th Century, the Heights is a unique and special hilltop park with guided underground cavern tours, historical exhibitions and other facilities.

    Yoshi at The Heights of Abraham with cable cars in the background – 01/10/2023
    Yoshi takes in the view from The Heights of Abraham – 01/10/2023

    Caroline took a guided tour of Masson Cavern, formed over 350 million years ago, while Yoshi and I took the quicker route to meet her after her underground experience at Tinker’s Shaft once the main access point when it was a working lead mine in the 17th Century. It is now safely capped and has been transformed into a viewing platform with incredible vistas over the Derbyshire Dales.

    Yoshi waiting apr=tiently for his Mama at Tinker’s Shaft – 01/10/2023

    We also took time to visit the Masson Pavilion which houses a new exhibition entitled “A Mirror on the Past” which features 14 historically accurate life-sized figures dressed in reproduction period costumes as worn by the Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian guests who visited the Heights of Abraham between 1787 and 1910 created by Arts University Bournemouth Costume and Make-up students.

    Examples of costumes in the “A Mirror on the Past” exhibition at The Heights of Abraham – 01/10/2023

    Wednesday 4th October was another Aslef strike day, but one train which did run in our region was the Network Rail New Measurement Train top and tailed by Colas Class 37 diesel locomotives No.’s 37175 and 37254.

    Class Class 37 No. 37175 enters Dorchester West with the Network Rail NMT 1Z22 0749 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road (G E Barrett) – 04/09/2023
    Colas Class 37 No. 37254 at the rear of 1Z22 0749 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road at Dorchester West (G E Barrett) – 04/09/2023
    NMT 1Z22 0749 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road at Dorchester West (G E Barrett) – 04/09/2023

    For the record, Colas Class 37 No. 37116 was allocated to the Ultrasonic Test Unit with DBSO No. 9701 working 3Q14 1113 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard via Weymouth on Thursday 5th October. It would appear this service was turned around at Castle Cary.

    From The Archive:

    Video of Thomas and Friends event at Darley Dale on Peak Rail 08/04/1995:

    That brings us to the end of another blog entry, thanks for reading and for your comments and corrections. We will be taking a break for a few weeks, but hope to be back at the end of October. Be seeing you!

  • Winfrith Cats Return

    Yoshi watches Steam Dreams afternoon Test Valley rail tour passing through Romsey – 22/04/2023

    The Weymouth line was visited by a rail tour on Wednesday 19th April 2023 when Statesman Rail’s Dorset Coast Statesman, hauled by double-headed Brush Type 4 Class 47 diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ and 47828 ran from Crewe to the Dorset seaside town for an afternoon layover. We saw the train on its outward leg passing over Holes Bay at Poole. If you look very closely in the following video you might be able to work out the train as it crosses the causeway. Thankfully my brother was at Dorchester South and managed to capture a much better clip. On the return journey, I elected to pop up to Hamworthy railway station to see the train passing through, which I only just managed as it was running nine minutes early and I was only just able to grab my phone to video the pass, my stills camera remaining firmly in its bag!

    Class 47 No.’s 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ and 47828 working the outward leg of Statesman Rail’s Dorset Coast Statesman 1Z67 0614 Crewe to Weymouth – 19/04/2023
    Additional video from Dorchester South courtesy of G E Barrett

    Wednesday also saw the regular monthly New Measurement Test Train working to Weymouth. This month it ran with two former High Speed train power cars and arrived 75 minutes late because of incidents on its journey south from Derby. Thinking the train would be capped enroute, I elected not to go and see this working, so I’m very grateful for the great video kindly provided by both my brother, and Scott our North Dorset correspondent!

    Video courtesy of G E Barrett and Scott Lewis
    Colas Class 43 HST Power Car No. 43274 at Dorchester West working the late running 1Z22 0804 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road having reversed at Weymouth. Image courtesy of Scott Lewis – 19/04/2023
    Colas Class 43 HST Power Car No. 43251 runs through Dorchester West working 1Z22 0804 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road. Image courtesy of Scott Lewis – 19/04/2023

    The following day saw another out of the norm working as Direct Rail Services (DRS) Class 68’s No.’s 68001 ‘Evolution’ and 68018 ‘Vigilant’ top and tailed ten FNA wagons on their mission to collect low level nuclear waste from Magnox Winfrith. The previous working left empty because of operational difficulties preventing the loading of the train so it was good to see all went smoothly this time around. We were able to have another wander around the perimeter fence at Winfrith to see the train up close. As always, security staff were on hand to politely request that photographs and video refrained from showing buildings or the faces of staff. I was happy to oblige. Although leaving Winfrith more or less right-time, the return working was delayed by some 86 minutes further up the line following an incident at Basingstoke.  

    Direct Rail Services Class 68’s No.’s 68001 ‘Evolution’ and 68018 ‘Vigilant’ on the approach to Poole working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings – 20/04/2023
    DRS Class 68 No. 68001 ‘Evolution’ is seen prior to marshalling the loaded train together at Winfrith. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ is in the background – 20/04/2023
    DRS Class 68 No. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ leads out of Dorchester South with the return 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS). No. 68001 ‘Evolution’ at the rear – 20/04/2023

    On Saturday, to tie in with a passing steam hauled excursion train, Yoshi, his Mama and I had a walk along the Test Valley nature reserve. Or that was the plan at least. We encountered a fair bit of flood water so our walk was curtailed and instead, while we waited for the Winchester to Salisbury circular tour to pass by we grabbed a take away tea from a burger van outside of B&Q Nursling and sat awhile at a convenient picnic table located on Franconia Drive, named, we assume, after the Cunard ship of the same name. Or perhaps the road name is inspired by English Electric Class 40 Diesel loco No. D220 (40020) ‘Franconia’ which was of course definitely named after the liner. This is an excuse to share the following two images from 1982:

    EE Class 40 No. 40020 at Crewe, the ‘Franconia’ nameplates long gone having been removed but carrying a stencilled name instead – 24/10/1982
    Class 40 No. 40020 at Preston – 13/08/1982

    Class 40 locomotives in the number range D210–D235 were mostly named after ships operated by the Cunard Line, Elder Dempster Lines and Canadian Pacific Steamships as the diesel locos hauled express trains to and from Liverpool, the home port of these companies. In the early 1970’s, with Class 40’s no longer working these trains, the nameplates were gradually removed, although enthusiasts still remembered the names and as in the images above, replacement versions were often applied.

    Suitably refreshed following our cuppa (Yoshi had water and some snacks), we headed back to the footpath which runs alongside the railway line, only to discover the location had suddenly become very popular with other enthusiasts and observers of steam trains. The two locations I had thought about photographing the train from had ‘been taken’ so I settled for another view which was slightly obscured by lineside vegetation, but turned out to be a reasonable shot after all. Afterwards, we drove the short distance to Romsey to see the train head back to Winchester prior to its onward journey to London.

    Southern Railway West Country Class No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ powers along the Lower Test Valley working Steam Dreams 1Z92 1316 Winchester to Salisbury – 22/04/2023
    Southern Railway West Country Class No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ approaches Romsey working Steam Dreams 1Z93 1444 Salisbury to Winchester – 22/04/2023
    Second viewing for us as Class 47 No. 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ works Steam Dreams 1Z93 1444 Salisbury to Winchester through Romsey – 22/04/2023

    The following day, Yoshi and I went in search of a pair of Class 47 locomotive cabs which I have seen photographs of, but never quite managed to work out where they are located. Tipped off by our pal Nick, we headed out to Longham near Bournemouth and were able to get the following snaps. Our North Dorset correspondent, Scott, was able to confirm that the cabs came from Brush Type 4 No. 47236 which was retired from service and put into store in February 1999 lasting until November 2017 when it was cut up by Morecambe Metals at Carnforth.

    Cabs from Class 47 No. 47236 as garden decoration near Bournemouth – 23/04/2023
    Cabs from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023
    Cabs from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023
    Cab from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023
    Cab from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023

    No. 47236 was involved in an incident at Dorchester West on Sunday 25th August 1974 when she fell foul of trap points having passed a signal at danger in heavy rain whilst working 1Z61 Weymouth to Hereford excursion train. The main damage to the locomotive was at the trailing end where the leading coach had ridden up over the buffers, tearing them off in the process. The cab-end panelling was torn away from the bottom edge and stove in to just above the head code indicator; the side panelling between the corners and cab doors was torn and buckled. Both bogies suffered damage to their brake equipment. The leading coach, a brake second corridor, had its forward bogie displaced by about 7 feet and suffered minor damage to the end of the coach where it had struck the rear of the locomotive. The second coach, an open second, was also damaged. The track survived intact following the derailment and the only damage to the signalling equipment was the slight displacement of one lineside apparatus case. The accident report, published in 1976, was written by Major P. M. Olver who noted:

    “The train was the 2000 Weymouth to Hereford return passenger excursion train, consisting of 12 coaches and hauled by a Class 47 diesel-electric locomotive. Travelling at about 15 mile/h, the head of the train passed Dorchester Junction Up Main Starting signal at Danger, the locomotive and first two coaches being diverted into a sand drag by trap points protecting the single line to Maiden Newton. The locomotive and leading coach ran off the end of the sand drag and were derailed before the train came to a stand.

    I am glad to report that of the 600 passengers, who were railway staff and their families from the Hereford Staff Association and Social Club, only 6 were required to be taken to hospital for the treatment of their minor injuries and a further 12 were given first aid attention on site. A special train was formed from the rear 10 coaches of the train, after they had been examined and found fit to run, and the passengers finally departed for Hereford via Bournemouth and Southampton at 2346.”

    Class 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John Chappell
    Class 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John Chappell
    Class 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John Chappell
    Class 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John Chappell
    Class 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John Chappell
    Class 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John Chappell

    It’s been a family story that my brother spent much of one night following the derailment watching recovery operations, much to the consternation of our mum who wondered where he’d got to!

    For The Record

    An informal event took place on 21st April 2023 to mark the opening of the new look forecourt at Weymouth railway station. Work began on the £1 million redevelopment in November 2021 with most of the work having been completed by September 2022. 

    Network Rail has started a two-year project to refurbish London Waterloo’s roof, which was built in 1922. Around 10,000 new glazed panels will be installed across 12,000 square metres of roof – an area nearly twice the size of the pitch at Wembley Stadium. The panels will be made from a polycarbonate material which is around 50% lighter than the existing panels in order to reduce stress on the structure. Other changes to the station will include the addition of more seating and improved toilet and baby changing facilities. London Waterloo, which celebrates its 175th Anniversary in 2023, was originally opened in 1848 and is now Britain’s busiest train station with 99.4 million journeys a year. 

    South Western Railway (SWR) severely reduced services in the Romsey area and west of Salisbury following reports biofuel was clogging the engine fuel filters of Class 158 and Class 159 diesel multiple units (DMU’s) which reduced their power and performance. The fault was discovered in much of the diesel fleet at depots in Exeter and Salisbury on Wednesday 19th April 2023. The fuel tanks will have to be flushed clean and the filters replaced which is not an insignificant task.  SWR will run one train every two hours on routes connecting Salisbury to Exeter and Southampton. One train an hour will operate between Salisbury and Basingstoke, while services to Westbury and Yeovil Pen Mill will not run. Disruption is expected until the end of the day on 28/04/23.

    Class 158 DMU No.’s 158887 and 158884 working 2R50 1356 Salisbury to Romsey service – 23/04/2023
    Timetable changes meant Class 158 DMU No. 158884 reversed at Romsey to form the 2S43 1507 Romsey to Salisbury service. No. 158887 was the lead unit – 23/04/2023

    Initial Class 444 Desiro Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) No. 444001 has been the latest vehicle to receive the corporate South Western Railway (SWR) livery having been repainted at Bournemouth T&RSMD and released back into traffic on 23rd April 2023. Formerly still carrying South West Trains livery, No. 444001 was the last unit in SWR’s fleet to carry a proper nameplate which it carried since being named ‘Naomi House’ at London Waterloo on 24th May 2007 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Winchester charity of the same name. The unit emerged without the nameplate or a replacement SWR style sticker name.  

    South Western Railway Class 444 No. 444001 ‘Naomi House’ at Weymouth – 26/04/2020
    South West Trains Class 444 No. 444001 at Bournemouth while “slim gauge” Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) No. 1001 passes with the “Dorset Diadem’ Rail tour – 25/06/2011
    Newly re-liveried SWR Class 444 No. 444001 departs Poole working 5B19 1137 Poole to Poole Storage Sidings – 23/04/2023

    The Class 444’s were built by Siemens in Austria between 2002 and 2004, initially on Portsmouth services. They began replacing Class 442 “Wessex Electrics” on the Weymouth line from November 2006. They have five carriages and can operate in multiple, meaning two Class 444’s can run together as a ten-car service or they can work with a four car Class 450 to make a nine-car train.

    That’s all we have time for this week. Thank you for reading and for your corrections and comments – all very much appreciated!

    End Shot

    Class 47/4 No. 47555 ‘The Commonwealth Spirit’ heads up a rake of MK2 Inter-City coaches approaching Dorchester West on 5th September 1981. The locomotive entered traffic on 28th February 1964 as No. D1717. It carried the number 47126 for a short while, before being fitted with Electric Train Heating (ETH) in 1974. She was withdrawn in January 1999 and cut up at EWS Wigan Springs Branch CRDC by January of the following year. This was one of my favourite Class 47 locos. It’s a bit strange to have favourites I suppose, but I liked the name and I saw her many times. Unlike sister loco, No. 47595 ‘Confederation of British Industry’ which I always found a bit toxic.

  • Who Nothe?

    30th November to 6th December 2022

    Yoshi at the top of the Fusee Steps at The Nothe, Weymouth – 04/12/2022
    Fusee Steps, The Nothe Weymouth – 04/12/2022
    Broad gauge rail attached to Fusee Steps, The Nothe Weymouth – 04/12/2022

    On Sunday we had a wander around the Nothe in Weymouth where we had a close look at these rails fixed to walls either side of Fusee Steps and wondered what their origin was. Historic England dates the steps and inclined tramway as circa 1860 and describes them as “Three flights of steps with low flanking walls of rendered brick, on which are placed wrought-iron plate rails, forming an inclined tramway for trolleys with double-flange wheels. It was constructed for hauling trolleys transporting ammunition, spares and stores from the quay to Nothe Fort.” We asked the Nothe Fort for any information about the rails, and although there is some dispute about the age and purpose of the them it is believed the tracks themselves are Great Western Railway broad gauge rail, of which large amounts became redundant in the late 19th Century when the GWR converted to standard gauge and much of the track was recycled for use in engineering projects. Many thanks to Geoff Culver from the Nothe Fort Curatorial Team for responding to our questions.

    Yoshi previously visited the Nothe Fort for a silent disco around Luke Jerram’s “Museum of the Moon” – 13/07/2019

    Wednesday 24th November 2022 and it was time for the appearance of the regular 1Z22 0644 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth test train. This month the train was once again in the charge of two Class 37 locomotives, and we chose to see the train at Maiden Newton as it worked its way down to Weymouth running around eleven minutes late at this point.

    Class 37 No. 37612 approaching Maiden Newton leading 1Z22 0644 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road – 30/11/2022
    Class 37 No. 37610 having departed Maiden Newton at the rear of 1Z22 0644 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road – 30/11/2022
    30/11/2022 1Z22 0644 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – many thanks for additional video from G E Barrett and @da_buckley967

    We saw both of these locomotives, which are on hire from the Harry Needle Railroad Company at Barrow road earlier in the year:

    Class 37 No. 37612 on static display at Barrow Hill 150+2 – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No. 37610 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    The same pair of locomotives worked the equivalent test train in December 2020 which originated at that time from Tyseley LMD – 02/12/2020
    Class 37 No. 37610 at Weymouth having worked the 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding – 22/05/2019
    Class 37 No. 37521 assisted 37610 on this run of the 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding test train, seen here at Weymouth – 22/05/2019

    With Christmas fast approaching, it’s the time of year when many UK heritage railways run steam and lights trains, and the Swanage Railway is no exception. Thursday 1st December 2022 saw festive light adorned Southern Railway (SR) U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 and SR Bulleid West Country Pacific 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ top and tailing a trial run for staff and volunteers. The previous evening saw the train operated empty with resident Class 33 diesel locomotives as the final Christamassy tweaks were made to the service.

    SR U Class 2-6-0 No. 31806 prepares to depart Swanage with a special outing pre-season opener for the 2022 Steam and Lights train for staff and volunteers – 01/12/2022
    Video of the pre-season steam hauled lights train – 01/12/2022

    The Railway Touring Company ran a steam hauled excursion from London Victoria to Yeovil, stopping to drop off passengers at Sherborne for a Christmas carol service held at Sherborne Abbey on Tuesday 6th April 2022. The rail tour, top and tailed by London Midland & Scottish (LMS) Stanier Black Five 4-6-0 No. 44871 and West Coast Railway Company Class 47 No. 47813, continued on to Yeovil Junction for servicing before heading back to Sherborne to pick up passengers for the return to London.

    Ian Riley’s LMS Stanier Black Five 4-6-0 No. 44871 approaches Sherborne working 1Z82 0830 London Victoria to Yeovil JN DN Main Platform – 06/12/2022
    WCRC Class 47 No. 47813 pauses at Sherborne at the rear of “The Sherborne Christmas Carol” 1Z82 0830 London Victoria to Yeovil JN DN Main Platform – 06/12/2022
    “The Sherborne Christmas Carol” rail tour at Sherborne – 06/12/2022 with additional video kindly provided by Caroline Smith
    While we were in Sherborne, we visited the Castle Garden Centre where Yoshi enjoyed watching the trains on the festive themed model railway – 06/12/2022

    While waiting for the Class 37 test train at Maiden Newton last Wednesday, I remembered that previously the equivalent test train in recent years was often top and tailed by Colas Class 67 locomotives. During this period, the test train was often turned around at Dorchester and missed out the section to Weymouth, very frustrating for those of us waiting at the seaside terminus. The two Colas Class 67 locomotives which were repeatedly turned out for the Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding via Weymouth test train were No.’s 67023 ‘Stella’ and 67027 ‘Charlotte’. Formerly part of the DB Cargo fleet, in January 2017 these two Class 67’s were sold to Colas Rail and they were repainted into Colas orange and black at Toton Traction Maintenance Depot for use on Network Rail (NR) infrastructure monitoring trains. They received their nameplates in June 2017. In December 2018, the pair were included in a sale of 67 France and UK based locomotives to Beacon Rail Leasing. They were subsequently leased back to Colas Rail. More recently they have been acquired by GBRf for use on operations including charter, passenger and stock moves including hauling the Highland section of the Caledonian Sleeper.

    The Bo-Bo Class 67 diesel-electric locomotives were built for DB Cargo forerunner English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) between 1999 and 2000 by Alstom at Meinfesa in Valencia, Spain with the engine, generator and traction motors provided by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. The locomotives are able to supply Electric Train Supply for passenger train heating and air-conditioning. They were at first primarily utilised for mail trains, but with diminishing traffic, the contract finally ceased in March 2004.

    High speed running tests were undertaken with No. 67002 at Alstom’s facility at La Sagra, Toledo, Spain and running on the standard gauge Madrid-Toledo high-speed rail line where a top speed of 143 miles per hour was realised. 

    Colas Class 67 No. 67023 ‘Stella’, Weymouth working 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding – 22/04/2020
    Colas Class 67 No. 67023 ‘Stella’ arrives at Weymouth heading 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding – 19/06/2019
    Nameplate detail for Colas Class 67 No. 67023 ‘Stella’, Weymouth – 19/06/2019
    Nameplate detail for Colas Class 67 No. 67027 ‘Charlotte’, Weymouth – 19/06/2019
    Colas Class 67 No. 67023 ‘Stella’ at the buffer stops at Weymouth having arrived with 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding – 15/07/2020
    Colas Class 67 No. 67027 ‘Charlotte’ ready to depart Weymouth with 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding – 15/07/2020
    A dirty Colas Class 67 No. 67027 ‘Charlotte’ at Weymouth working 0820 Tyseley TMD to Bristol High Level Siding – 19/06/2019
    Various visits to Weymouth by Colas Freight Class 67 locomotives all mashed up

    Another blog entry draws to a close. Thank you for reading and for your comments, corrections and contributions. We’ll leave you with this thought; “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don’t even know we have.” – Thom Jones (1945-2016)

    Yoshi and I meet for the first time – 16/03/2019

  • See Monster

    Yoshi following his footplate visit to LNER Gresley A3 4-6-2 No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ – 06/11/2022

    Wednesday 2nd November to Tuesday 8th November 2022

    Hello faithful reader, here we are, back again for another railway dog blog entry. Settle down – quiet at the back there – and let me regale you with this weeks tales. Or should that be tails?

    Saturday November 5th was scheduled to be a rail strike day, so I had arranged a day out to Weston-super-Mare to visit See Monster, a retired offshore platform which once stood in the North Sea and has now been transformed into one of the largest public art installations in the UK. Located on Weston’s seafront within The Tropicana, the former 1937 lido which once contained an outdoor swimming pool, there is a waterfall, kinetic wind sculptures with a cascade of silvery scales wrapping around the structure. In previous times, the lido has hosted Hollywood legends Laurel and Hardy and more recently- in 2015 – street artist Banksy’s DismalLand, which was the last time I visited Weston-suoer-Mare.

    See Monster at Weston-super-Mare – 05/11/2022

    The planned rail strike was, of course, called off at the eleventh hour on Friday November 4th, but this was too late for the railways to gear up and run anything like a full timetable. However, one movement which did catch my eye was a Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) from Swindon Transfer Yard which was running a circuit taking in Bristol, Bath and Westbury top and tailed by Class 56 diesel locomotives. In fact Swindon was playing host to two pairs of Class 56’s at the weekend, but only one set was timed to cross my path on Saturday. Returning from Weston-Super-Mare we kept tabs on the how the train was running via Real Time Trains and decided that Trowbridge would be a safe bet to see the train as it was due to pass twice on its way to and from Westbury. We arrived at Trowbridge railway station just in time to see the consist running through on its first pass. Undeterred by the wait we positioned ourselves on the southbound platform and awaited the RHTT’s return. We were rewarded with the fine sight of Colas Class 56 No. 56105 with No. 56096 at the rear working 3S32 1002 Swindon Transfer Yard to Swindon Transfer Yard.

    Colas Class 56 No. 56105 with 56096 at the rear working 3S32 1002 Swindon Transfer Yard to Swindon Transfer Yard RHTT through Trowbridge – 05/11/2022
    Colas Class 56 No. 56096 at the rear of 3S32 1002 Swindon Transfer Yard to Swindon Transfer Yard RHTT passes Trowbridge with No. 56105 at the front – 05/11/2022

    Trowbridge, like Bradford on Avon which we visited a couple of weeks ago, is another station which was originally opened by the Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth Railway in 1848 as part of their Thingley Junction to Westbury line. It gained a link to Bath and Bristol nine years later thanks to the Great Western Railway which is now the main line, as the original route to Chippenham has been singled and reduced to secondary status. The original station buildings have been replaced with a bland brick structure containing a ticket office on the northbound platform.

    Trowbridge railway station – 05/11/2022
    Trowbridge, Wiltshire – additional footage courtesy of @dabuckley967 – 05/11/2022

    We were spoilt with ‘heritage’ diesel traction on the Bristol to Weymouth line this past week when no less than three Colas Rail Freight operated Class 37 diesels visited the Dorset seaside with test trains.

    In glorious sunshine, I headed to Upwey on Thursday 3rd November to see 3Q14 1037 Westbury Down TC to Westbury Down TC via Weymouth hauled by Class 37 No. 37175 in the distinctive orange, yellow and black Colas livery. Because of generous timings in the schedule, I had a bit of a wait at Upwey, but enjoyed watching the passing South Western Railway and Great Western trains.

    Class 37 No. 37175 nears Upwey in the afternoon sun working 3Q14 1037 Westbury Down TC to Westbury Down TC via Weymouth test train – 03/11/2022

    The weather on the previous day, Wednesday 2nd, had been a different story altogether when top and tailed class 37’s No.’s 37421 and 37254 worked the regular Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth New Measurement Train (NMT), which for most of the year has been powered by Class 43 High Speed Train power cars. As heavy rain showers were forecast, I decided to head to Dorchester West where I would be able to take shelter from the elements if need be in order to see the train pass.

    Colas Class 37 No. 37421 heads up 1Z22 0644 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingland Road as it eases through Dorchester West – 03/11/2022
    Colas Class 37 No. 37254 at the rear of 1Z22 0644 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingland Road powers away from Dorchester West – 03/11/2022
    Dorset Class 37 test trains – additional footage courtesy of @dabuckley967 – November 2022
    Earlier in 2022 the New Measurement Train was in the hands of HST Class 43 power car No.’s 43257 and 43251 working as 1Z22 0747 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingland Road seen here at Monkton near Dorchester – 15/06/2022
    Class 67 No. 67023 ‘Stella’ in Colas Rail Freight livery tops the NMT as it arrives at Weymouth. Thirty General Motors Class 67 locomotives were built in Valencia, Spain in 2000 for English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS), now DB Cargo – 19/06/2019
    Class 67 No. 67027 ‘Charlotte’ at the rear of the NMT seen at Weymouth. Both No. 67027 and 67023 are now part of the GBRf fleet having previously been sold by DB Cargo to Colas Rail in 2017 – 19/06/2019
    Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ having arrived at Weymouth with the New Measurement Train in July 2012. The all over yellow livery gave the train the nickname “The Flying Banana”. No. 43062 was built in 1977 at BREL Crewe works and formed part of HST set No. 254004 for use on East Coast Main Line services. Following the East Coast electrification No. 43062 moved to CrossCountry duties in July 1991. In February 2003 No.’s 43013/014 and 062 were all allocated to Network Rail, based at Derby, for use on the then new High Speed National Measurement Train (NMT). No.’s 43013/014 were selected as they were due major exams and could therefore receive all the specialist work whilst being overhauled. No. 43062 was selected as it had been ‘blacked’ by Virgin Trains drivers due to constant vibrations in the cab after a derailment at Coventry. As part of the overhaul she was fitted with a completely new cab and the vibration problem was eliminated. In the summer of 2009 No. 43062 was sent to Brush at Loughborough to be re-engineered and had the original Paxman Valenta engine replaced by an MTU unit, re-entering service with Network Rail in October 2009 and remains active in 2022 as part of the Network Rail Class 43 pool code QCAR – 26/07/2012
    Nameplate detail Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ – 26/07/2012
    Weymouth was host to the 2012 Olympic Sailing events and temporary station information boards pointed passengers arriving at the station in the direction of Portland Harbour – 26/07/2012
    Debranded Network Rail Class 43 No. 43014 prepares to depart Weymouth after the crew have changed ends – 26/07/2012
    Class 43 No. 43014 powers towards Upwey at the head of Network Rail’s NMT – 17/06/2010

    Sunday 6th November dodging the rain once again, we visited the footplate of LNER Gresley A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ at Swanage. It was good to see a large turn out on the last day the locomotive was publicly accessable, although this did mean that our visit to the footplate felt a little rushed.

    LNER Gresley A3 4-6-2 No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ in light steam at Swanage – 06/11/2022
    The tender corridor through which we gained access to the footplate of ‘Flying Scotsman’. This enabled crew changes to take place without the train stopping. Water could be replenished at water troughs set in the railway tracks via a scoop under the locomotives tender – 06/11/2022
    The firebox and some of the controls on the footplate of ‘Flying Scotsman’ – 06/11/2022
    Yoshi and I in the driving seat of ‘Flying Scotsman’ (Photo G E Barrett) – 06/11/2022
    I think everyone was surprised by how small the window through which the driver of ‘Flying Scotsman’ had to view the track ahead at speeds of up to 100mph – photo courtesy of Scott Lewis
    The drivers seat in the cab of ‘Flying Scotsman’ – photo courtesy of Scott Lewis
    The view looking out along the locomotive from the cab side – photo courtesy of Scott Lewis

    A couple of days later and it was time for No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ to leave Dorset and head north to Bury. I was up early to witness the 0705 departure from Swanage on a blustery and wet Tuesday 8th November.

    With Remembrance Sunday 2022 only a few days away, the following images are from our November 2021 visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas (near Lichfield) in East Staffordshire and is the UK’s national site of remembrance.  It was inspired by a visit to the Arlington Cemetery in the USA. 

    The Railway Industry Memorial was unveiled on 22nd May 2012 is situated within sight of the Derby to Birmingham railway line and celebrates the achievements of the railway family, who gave their lives in times of both conflict and peace.

    Sumatra Railway WW2 Memorial is formed of a replica section of the Sumatra railway, including wooden sleepers and railway track, set on an embankment and commemorates the c700 Allied Far East Prisoners of War who died in its construction.

    The Burma Railway Memorial was created to remember those who were forced to construct the infamous ‘Railway of Death’ during the Second World War. The memorial is constructed from 30 metres of the original track. During the construction of the 258-mile railway over 16,000 Prisoners of War and 100,000 labourers died – one life for every sleeper laid.

    In August 1943, Louis Mountbatten became Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Command and oversaw the recapture of Burma and Singapore from the Japanese by the end of 1945. For his service during the war, in 1946 Mountbatten was made a Knight of the Garter and created Viscount Mountbatten of Burma and in 1947 Earl Mountbatten of Burma. Two BR Southern Region Class 33’s were named in connection with Mountbatten and Burma.

    Class 33 No. 33027 ‘Earl Mountbatten of Burma’ on display at Eastleigh T&RSMD open day on 29/05/1983. This locomotive was one of only five Class 33’s which carried names at the time this photograph was taken. No. 33027 along with No. 33056 ‘Burma Star’ received their respective nameplates at London Waterloo on 02/09/1980 having been chosen to carry names after working Lord Mountbatten’s funeral train from London Waterloo to Romsey the previous year on 05/09/1979. Always immaculately turned out by the home depot, No.33027 is seen sporting an “Eastleigh Railway Preservation Society” headboard and the buffers are still wrapped in plastic to keep them clean prior to a charity “tug of war” involving the locomotive being pulled along a siding. No. 33027 was introduced into traffic in 1961 and withdrawn in 1991 before being cut up at Eastleigh East Yard the following year
    Class 33 No. 33056 nears Dorchester South on 26/09/1981. No. 33056 was built in 1961 and withdrawn and scrapped in 1991. The Burma Star is a military campaign medal awarded to British and Commonwealth forces who served in the 1941 to 1945 Burma Campaign during World War II

    That’s all we have time for this time. All being well, we’ll be back next week with more. Until then, take care and thank you for your comments, suggestions and updates!

  • Barrow Hill 150+2

    Wednesday 24th August to Tuesday 30th August 2022

    Yoshi was very excited to see the cab of Class 55 Deltic No. 55008 ‘The Green Howards’ when he visited the Barrow Hill 150+2 Celebration Gala – 28/08/2022

    In contrast to last week, Yoshi and I have been kept reasonably busy over the last seven days.

    New Measurement Train

    Colas operated NMT Class 43 No. 43299 at Yeovil Junction heading 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter St Davids seen at Yeovil Junction – 25/08/2022 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)
    NMT carriage from 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter St Davids seen at Yeovil Junction – 25/08/2022 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)
    NMT Class 43 No. 43274 at the rear of 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter St Davids seen at Yeovil Junction – 25/08/2022 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)

    Yoshi’s North Dorset Correspondent sent us video and photos of the New Measurement Train which passed through Dorset on the Salisbury to Exeter line on Thursday 25th August 2022.

    Network Rails’ New Measurement Train running 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter St Davids seen at Yeovil Junction – 25/08/2022 (With many thanks to Scott Lewis)

    South Western Railway (SWR) services between between Tisbury and Gillingham have emergency speed restrictions currently imposed because of the warm weather. Network Rail says the conditions have dried out the clay beneath railway embankments which can result in shrinkage and movement of the rails. SWR will be announcing a temporary, revised timetable on Friday 2nd September 2022 with the likelihood there will be a reduced number of services between Salisbury and Exeter St Davids and journeys will take longer than usual.

    87002 ‘Royal Sovereign’

    On Friday 26th August 2022, Yoshi spent the day with his cousins while I was in London escaping from martian invaders at Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience, which I can thoroughly recommend. After surviving the alien threat, I headed off to London Euston to see Locomotive Services Ltd’s “The Friday Charter” which, for only its second weekly run, between London and Manchester / Crewe was hauled by Class 87 No. 87002 ‘Royal Sovereign’ and a fine sight she looked at the head of a rake of Inter-City Executive liveried carriages. There were a number of railway enthusiasts waiting on platform 16 to see the train depart and it was good to see many were from a younger generation than myself, hopefully assuring interest in railways survives.

    1Z41 1742 London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly departs London Euston behind Class 87 No. 87002 – 26/08/2022

    On our way home from London Waterloo, I was able to see Class 701 No. 701046 depart on a mileage accumulation run.

    Class 701 No. 701046 at the platform 6 buffer stops of London Waterloo having worked into the SR terminus working 5Q42 1844 Eastleigh to London Waterloo. The unit would form the 2114 5Q43 London Waterloo to Eastleigh TRSMD departure. Note the new Arterio branding under the SWR logo – 26/08/2022
    Video of Class 701 mileage accumulation runs – August 2022
    Class 701 No. 701038 seen at Poole Storage Sidings working 5Q51 1115 London Waterloo to Eastleigh – 24/08/2022

    Great Dorset Steam Fair

    Yoshi didn’t make it to this years Great Dorset Steam Fair which is held at Tarrant Hinton near Blandford Forum, but his cousin the collie Jess had a great day out and sent us the following images of out of ticket Rebuilt Battle of Britain Class Bullied Pacific No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ which was on show healing to demonstrate heavy haulage and loading / unloading courtesy of heavy haulage contractor Allelys.

    No. 34053 is currently out of ticket following her recent stint at the Spa Valley Railway – 27/08/2022 (Image courtesy of G. E. Barrett)
    Nameplate detail No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ (Image courtesy of G. E. Barrett)
    Smokebox close-up of No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ (Image courtesy of G. E. Barrett)

    GBRf Staff Charter

    GBRf liveried Class 50 No.’s 50049 ‘Defiance’ and 50007 ‘Hercules’, the latter still running with one side disguised as No. 50034 ‘Furious’, having passed Cogload Junction north of Taunton working a GBRf staff charter from Warrington to Paignton and return – 27/08/2022

    Saturday 27th August Yoshi and I visited a friend in the Taunton area. We of course looked to see on Real Time Trains for any interesting workings we might be able to see while in Somerset. As luck would have it, GBRf organised staff charter hauled by two Class 50 locomotives were perfectly timed for our visit. We parked up at Creech St. Michael adjacent to the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and walked alongside the waterway until we reached the over bridge just south of Cogload Junction which was to be our vantage point.

    The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal – 27/08/2022

    The Canal was engineered by James Hollinsworth and opened in 1827. The original section ran from Taunton to Huntworth where it joined the River Parrett. Ten years later, in 1837, the canal as extended from Huntworth to Bridgwater dock where a lock was made to join the River Parrett. This was to be blocked off when the docks closed to coastal shipping in 1971.

    In 1866 the Canal was under considerable pressure from the railway and was eventually sold to the Bristol & Exeter Railway Company, although control eventually passed to the Great Western Railway. There was no interest in promoting commercial traffic on the Canal which slowly declined in preference to the much quicker railway. In 1907 the last barge tolls were collected after which the Canal became a water course. In 1947 the British Transport Commission took over responsibility of the Canal and later still in 1962 the British Waterways took over its management.

    A noticeable feature on the Creech section of the canal is “The Old Engine House”, built in 1827 to pump water into the canal from the RiverTone, originally housing a beam engine pump, and later two locomotive boilers which worked a centrifugal pump delivering 125,000 gallons per hour. Eventually the engine house supplied the water troughs fixed between the nearby railway lines, so that steam engines could pick up water from the troughs in the railway tracks without having to stop, saving valuable time for through express services.

    GBRf staff charter; 1Z18 0732 Warrington Bank Quay to Paignton and 1Z20 1641 Paignton to Warrington Bank Quay – 27/08/2022

    Barrow Hill

    An early start on Sunday August 28th saw us heading North to Barrow Hill near Chesterfield for the deferred event celebrating 150 years since the opening of the roundhouse in 1870. Intended to take place in 2020, Covid meant that the gala could not take place until two years after the anniversary. Known as Staveley Roundhouse until 1948 when it was renamed as Barrow Hill to avoid confusion with an ex-Great Central Railway shed located nearby, it was built to a standard Midland Railway square shed design in 1870 with a central turntable under cover. The shed was operational from 1870 until 9 February 1991 and Grade II listed in the same year. Chesterfield Borough Council purchased the building and surrounding yard from the British Rail Property Board in December 1996. During the interim years, the Roundhouse and associated buildings were heavily vandalised and came dangerously close to being lost forever. The site reopened to the public in July 1998 after the building was restored by the Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society

    Recreated Baby Deltic Class 23 No. D5910 ( formerly Class 37 No. 37372) took centre stage on the turntable while GBRf Class 69 No. 69003 was named ‘The Railway Observer’ the day before our visit. GWR 1500 Class 0-6-0PT shunting engine No. 1501 was in steam working shuttle trains from the Roundhouse Halt up the Springwell branch line. Midland Railway 158A Class 2-4-0 No. 156 was on display alongside Midland Railway Compound No. 1000, the first time in several years the two Midland Railway locomotives have been seen together.

    It was a little on the warm side, so we took care to ensure Yoshi had lots of water and shade during our time at Barrow Hill. It was quite busy on arrival, but numbers thined out during the day.

    Baby Deltic Class 23 No. D5910 (formerly Class 37 No. 37372) Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 85 No. 85006 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 81 No. 81002 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 45 No. 45105 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 02 No. 02003 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Great Western Railway Class 2-6-2T No. 5164. Built in 1930. On loan from the Severn Valley Railway at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Hawthorn Leslie 0-40ST No. 2491 ‘Henry’. Built in 1901. Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Great Central Railway Class 11F (LNER Class D11)4-4-0 No. 506 ‘Butler Henderson’ built in 1919. On loan from the National Railway Museum at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Nameplate detail of Great Central Railway Class 11F (LNER Class D11)4-4-0 No. 506 ‘Butler Henderson’ built in 1919. On loan from the National Railway Museum at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 20 No. 20905 ‘Dave Darwin’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Midland Railway 156 Class 2-4-0 No. 158A. Built in 1866. On loan from the National Railway Museum at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Midland Railway Compound Class 4-4-0 No. 1000. Built in 1902. On loan from the National Railway Museum at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    GER Class G58 (LNER Class J17) 0-6-0 No. 8217. Built in 1905 at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Vulcan Foundry 0-4-0-OST No. 3272 Vulcan. Built in 1918 at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 08 No. D4092 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    GBRf honoured the Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (RCTS) by naming Class 69 No. 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ after the Society magazine at Barrow Hill. – 28/08/2022
    Nameplate detail of Class 69 No. 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 69 No. 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Yoshi with Class 69 No. 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 66 No. 66726 ‘Sheffield Wednesday’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 91 No. 91120 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 91 No. 91117 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 83 No. 83012 at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    The unique Class 89 No. 89001 ‘Avocet’, was built as a prototype in 1986 for a fleet that was never ordered. Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No. 37610 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No. 37612 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 45 No. 45060 ‘Sherwood Forester’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 82 No. 82002 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 82 No. 82002 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 20 No. 20304 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 20 No. 20301 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 08 No. 08956 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    EMR Class 156 No. 156498 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 27 No. 27066 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Yoshi with Class 50 No. 50008 ‘Thunderer’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 67 No. 67007 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Yoshi with Class 67 No. 67007 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 67 No. 67007 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    DC Rail liveried Class 56 No. 56091 ‘Driver Wayne Gaskell’ at Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No.’s 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ and 37901 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No. 37901 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No. 37667 ‘Flossie’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 37 No. 37667 (D6851)’Flossie’ with Class 47 No. 47769 and Class 20 No. 20314 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 55 No. 55015 ‘Tulyar’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Yoshi gets up close to Class 55 No. 55015 ‘Tulyar’ Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Cab of Class 55 No. 55008 ‘The Green Howards’ – Barrow Hill 28/08/2022

    Although Yoshi clearly took a liking to the Deltic locomotives, he was a little unsure about the metal steps leading up to the door of No. 55008 ‘The Green Howards’, so we reversed back down to the security of ground level. However, Scott kindly took the following video of the Napier Deltic engine simulation which we can all enjoy!

    Napier Deltic engine simulation (Courtesy of Scott Lewis)
    Class 03 No. 03066 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    No. 1501 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 02 No. D2868 Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Class 07 No.D2996 (07012) Barrow Hill – 28/08/2022
    Video of Barrow Hill 150 +2 Celebration Gala shuttles – 28/08/2022

    After our visit to Barrow Hill, we journeyed home via DB Cargo operated Toton Traction Maintenance DepotChanges and currently the only TMD within DB Cargo UK where heavy maintenance is carried out on locomotives. Our visit was to see the lines of withdrawn Class 60 locomotives currently in store. I was surprised by the number of diesel engines slowly rotting away.

    Class 60 locomotives at Toton – 28/08/2022 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)
    Yoshi having surveyed the Class 60 locomotives at Toton – 28/08/2022 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)

    In other news, Network Rail have been granted retrospective listed building approval for adorning the pedestrian bridge at Wareham railway station with a heritage style roundel sign which has been in place on the grade 2 station site since November 2021. The station was built in 1864 and listed for its historical and architectural importance in 1976. Network Rail said they did not realise the footbridge which is a later addition to the station buildings was included in the listed status.

    Shame about the lamppost! The Wareham station sign as seen on 03/01/2022

    Swanage Railway resident Class 33/1 No. 33111 was taken to Bristol St. Phillips Marsh depot on a low loader for wheel turning this week following her recent failure on the heritage branch.

    On Bank Holiday Monday Yoshi popped down to Poole Quay to see the arrival of Steamship Shieldhall, launched in 1955 for the transport of treated sewage sludge down the river Clyde to be dumped at sea – 29/08/2022

    This week’s blog has mostly been put together with the sound of Alexi Sayle’s “Strangers on a Train” gracing our ears. We loved the idea of combining the “Tank Museum” at Bovington with “Monkey World” and creating a monkey tank driving nightmare. Many thanks for popping by and for your comments, corrections and updates. Thank you to Caroline for helping out with video and putting up with me. And finally a big thank you for Scott for taking the driving seat on Sunday for our trip to Derbyshire. See you in seven!

  • Northward Bound

    Tuesday 12th July to Tuesday 19th July

    DB Cargo Class 67 No. 67025 in operation with Transport for Wales waits departure at Crewe with 5K67 0951 Holyhead Car. M.D. Empty Coaching Stock working to Crewe C.S. – 16/07/2022

    Fleetwood

    The North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood

    Yoshi and I spent much of last week in the North West of England as we made The North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood our base. The hotel was commissioned by Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, designed in the Greek classical style by architect Decimus Burton and built between 1839 and 1841 to serve overnight passengers making the journey by rail from London Euston who were destined for steam ships which would provide onward travel to Scotland where after disembarking at Ardrossan they would take the train on to Glasgow. Fleetwood was the northern most station at the time, hence the name “North Euston” for the hotel, and the railway was yet to run over the Shap hills. Queen Victoria made the journey in 1847 and stayed at the hotel, although I’m sure she didn’t stay in our room. The first manager of the hotel, Corsican born Xenon Vantini, had been a courier for Napoleon Bonaparte and was also the first person to open a refreshment room at Wolverhampton railway station. In 1859 following a decline in fortunes, the hotel was sold to the government and was converted into a school of musketry and later, in 1867, an officer’s quarters. The building existed in this form until the 1890’s when it was purchased by a group of London businessmen who converted it back into a hotel. The North Euston is currently owned by local business families. Yoshi very much enjoyed his morning sausage for breakfast and we celebrated our dubious achievement of coming last in the Sunday evening pub quiz which was a lot of fun.

    The railway to Fleetwood was opened on 15th July 1840 as the Preston & Wyre railway and was also the vision of Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood it being designed to connect the then new port of Fleetwood on the Fylde coast to Preston. The railway was constructed by George and Robert Stephenson with contribution from Joseph Locke. Its glory days lasted only six years until a direct route over Shap was finally achieved. The railway was absorbed into the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway ( later the London Midland Scottish Railway as part of the Big Four groupings in 1923) and extensions were built to Blackpool and Lytham to cater for the growing number of passengers traveling to the seaside. Fleetwood would become, for a time, one of the largest and most successful fishing ports in the UK but by 1970 the railway from Poulton-le-Fylde to Fleetwood was closed to passenger traffic and later, in 1999, to freight workings.

    Thornton Station is located in the heart of Thornton town centre – July 2022
    Until the late 1980’s a signal box operated the crossing over Station Road, Thornton – July 2022
    The current station buildings were the first built by the then newly formed London Midland Scottish Railway (LMS) in 1927 – July 2022

    In 2006, the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society was formed with the aim of reopening the railway. Since then, much work has been carried out in clearing sections of the line from the ingress of nature and a Class 108 Diesel Multiple Unit was purchased for restoration and use on the line. More recently, the Poulton-Le-Fylde to Fleetwood line was subject to a study as part of the UK Government’s Restoring Your Railway programme. In June 2022 it was announced that the scheme should progress further and Network Rail will receive funding to produce a detailed plan for the revival of services. The Poulton-Le-Fylde & Wyre Railway Society have now turned their attention to developing a heritage railway centre which will eventually house a collection of railway artefacts and memorabilia for public viewing.

    Churnet Valley Railway

    Having heard that Class 33/1 No. 33102 was hauling trains, Yoshi and I spent Tuesday morning ( 12th July 2022 ) visiting Cheddleton on the Churnet Valley Railway, a preserved heritage line in Staffordshire. I grew up with 33/1’s providing the daily motive power on local passenger services between Bournemouth and Weymouth, and even though No. 33111 lives on at Swanage, our local heritage railway, it was fantastic to hear the Crompton’s Sulzer engine at work hauling a passenger train.

    The Churnet Valley railway dates back to 1849 following the formation of The North Staffordshire Railway Company (NSR) in 1845. Falling passenger numbers saw the Beeching Report include the Churnet Valley line and its associated branches which became earmarked for closure with the final section from Leek Brook Junction to Oakamoor quarry lasting out until the late 1980’s as it was used for freight traffic. In 1992 the newly formed Churnet Valley railway (1992) PLC began talks with the Department of Transport with a view to operate the line. Trains currently run between Froghall and Ipstones, but the ambition is to run services into the Staffordshire market town of Leek for the first time since 1965. And they have an eye on the clock to achieve this as the railway needs to run its first passenger train into Leek by 1st December 2022 or lose a £1.4m EU grant. This means all track must be laid on the 0.5 mile extension, with additional resources being provided for a triangle at Leek Brook Junction, and a platform constructed at Leek. It really is a very picturesque railway with extremely friendly volunteers, Yoshi and I were escorted around the workshops to get a closer view of locomotives stabled there, and I wish them every success with their endeavours and look forward to a return visit in the future.

    Cheddleton Station which was to be demolished in April 1974 but saved by the actions of local businessman and parish councillor Norman Hancock who parked his car on the level crossing preventing access to bulldozers giving sufficient time for the building to be Grade II listed – July 2022
    Cheddleton Station – July 2022
    Time for a cuppa! Yoshi waits for the kettle to boil in the booking hall of Cheddleton Station – July 2022
    Class 33/1 No. 33102 ‘Sophie’ awaits departure from Cheddleton – 12/07/2022
    Class 20 No. D8057 (20057) sits outside the repair shed at Cheddleton – 12/07/2022
    S160 Class 2-8-0 No. 5197 was built by the Lima Locomotive Company in Ohio, USA and exported to China in 1946. The United States Army Transportation Corps Class S160 were designed for heavy freight work across Europe during World War 2 with a total of 2,120 being built they eventually worked all over the world – 12/07/2022
    Class 25 No. 25322 ‘Tamworth Castle’ was the final Class 25 locomotive to see mainline service with British Rail. She is currently in store at Cheddleton Yard awaiting restoration – 12/07/2022
    Yoshi inspects Class 33 No. 33021 ‘Eastleigh’ in Post Office Red style livery. This locomotive was amongst the first privately owned diesel locomotives to be used on the mainline – 12/07/2022
    The Churnet Valley Railway has acquired Class 47 No. 47292 for an initial loan period of five years supplementing Class 33 No.’s 33021 and 33102 for use on passenger trains – 12/07/2022

    On our way back to Fleetwood, we stopped off at Acton Bridge for an hour or so, primarily to capture Class 37 No. 37884 which was diagrammed to pass through with 0M58 Kilmarnock Long Lyes T.C. to Derby R.T.C. – which can be seen in the video below:

    Southport

    On the Wednesday, Yoshi and I took a trip on a heritage Blackpool Tram – more about that adventure next week – but first that we made a brief visit to Southport and Formby. Southport railway station is the terminal of the Southport branch of the Northern Line of the third-rail electric Merseyrail network, and the diesel-operated Manchester to Southport line. The station and services to Liverpool and Hunts Cross are operated by Merseyrail, with Manchester services operated by Northern Trains. The current station opened as Southport Chapel Street on 22 August 1851 and once boasted eleven regular platforms and two excursion platforms. Six truncated platforms are now in use (platforms 1-3 for Liverpool trains and 4-6 for Manchester services), the remainder having been demolished to make way for car parking. In 1970 the former terminal building was replaced with a shopping centre.

    New Stadler Class 777 trains are currently being tested, and one was scheduled to visit Southport that morning on test run. Despite the best attempts at numerous roadworks and traffic queues, we made it just in time to see Class 777 No. 777015 arriving. Members of The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers ( RMT – what these initials mean was one of the pub quiz questions I actually answered correctly! But I digress…. ) Anyway to continue; RMT members recently voted in favour of the proposed crewing plans for the new fleet which brings a five-year dispute to its conclusion. Merseyrail still has to reach agreement with the drivers union, the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), but intends to introduce the new Class 777’s into service later this year. Currently, 17 out of the 53 units purchased have been delivered to the UK. The arrival of the Class 777 fleet will see the demise of both the Class 507 and 508 electric-multiple units (EMU’s).

    The Class 507’s were built to work on Merseyside, replacing the London Midland Scottish Railway (LMS) built Class 502 units on Northern line services from Liverpool to Southport, Ormskirk and Kirkby. 33 sets were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) in York from 1978 to 1980 followed by 43 Class 508s constructed between 1979 and 1980. They were the second and fourth variety of BR’s then standard 1972 design for suburban EMU’s, which were derived from the prototype 2PEP and 4PEP EMU’s introduced in 1971 and eventually amassed 755 vehicles across five Classes (313/314/315/507/508). Originally, the Class 508’s were built as 4-car units for the Southern Region of British Rail working out of Waterloo on former London South Western Railway (LSWR) routes. From 1982 to 1984 they were reduced to 3 car units (one of the trailer cars was removed to be incorporated into the Class 455/7 EMU’s) and transferred to Merseyside to replace the former LMS Class 503 units that operated Wirral line services to New Brighton, Rock Ferry and West Kirby. Following rail privatisation the two fleets became interchangeable and work both sides of the Mersey. They are the oldest EMU’s still working in the UK after the Class 313’s.

    Yoshi with Merseyrail Class 507 No. 507020, Southport – 13/07/2022
    Yoshi compares the differences between EMU’s with a study of Merseyrail Class 508 No. 508140, Southport – 13/07/2022
    Merseyrail Class 777 No. 777015 having arrived with 5T02 0917 Sandhills Reversing Sdg to SouthportSouthport – 13/07/2022
    Northern Trains Class 769 No.’s 769424 & 769456 Southport – 13/07/2022
    Northern Trains Class 150 No. 150128 and 150134 Southport – 13/07/2022
    Merseyrail Class 507 No. 507020 Southport – 13/07/2022
    Merseyrail Class 507 No. 507020 and Class 508 No. 508131 stand side by side at Southport – 13/07/2022
    Merseyrail Class 508 No. 508126 at the buffer stops, Southport – 13/07/2022
    Merseyrail Class 777 No. 777015 awaits departure of 5T03 1008 Southport to Kirkdale C.S. Southport – 13/07/2022

    Crewe

    After breakfast on Thursday where we spent a few enjoyable hours watching freight movements around Crewe Basford Hall. You can relive this by playing the video below:

    We returned to Dorset on Friday, eschewing the opportunity of capturing two Colas Class 37’s at rest in Blackpool North Railway Station which had worked a test train from Carlisle in the early hours. However, the next day; Saturday 16th July, I was back in Crewe, this time without Yoshi, so I could attend the Direct Rail Services (DRS) Open Day at their depot at Gresty Road. Understandably, dogs were not allowed on site, so Yoshi spent the day with his mum, while I endured the heat of the day without my fluffy sidekick. Many thanks to Scott for driving and for his company.

    The Open Day coincided with LMS Coronation 4-6-2 No. 6233 ‘Duchess Of Sutherland’ passing through Crewe railway station with the Railway Touring Company’s “Cheshireman” rail tour from London Euston to Chester. (1Z86 0639 London Euston to Chester with Class 47 No. 47813 providing support at the rear). The station was extremely busy with the influx of enthusiasts in the town to visit the DRS site, but I managed to catch a short video clip of this magnificent locomotive departing Crewe. Later that day, SR Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ worked into Crewe light engine and support coach as 5Z46 Carnforth Steamtown to Crewe Heritage Centre for servicing ahead of rail tour duties scheduled for the following day:

    Crewe 16th July 2022

    3,500 people attended Nuclear Transport Solutions’ (NTS) rail division DRS’s open day, the first one to be held for a number of years because of the Covid pandemic. There were two locomotive naming’s at the event – the first saw Class 66 No. 66422 being unveiled as ‘Max Joule’ in tribute to one of DRS’s founders and former Managing Director who died in 1999. The second naming was for Class 66 No. 66424 which was named ‘Driver Paul Scrivens’ who had been a driver with DRS for more than 20 years. An emotional tribute was delivered by colleague Tim Howlett before the new plate was unveiled by Paul’s sister Emma.

    The open day raised over £39,000 from sponsorship and donations which is an amazing figure that will go to deserving causes across the UK. It was a fantastic event, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Because of the hot weather, DRS made bottles of water available at points across the site, which was very welcome.

    Locomotives on display were:

    Class 37 No. 37218 in retro DRS livery – 16/07/2022
    Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen Of Scots’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 37 no. 37419 ‘Carl Haviland’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 37 No. 37425 ‘Concrete Bob’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 68 No. 68025 ‘Superb’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 57 No. 57312 – 16/07/2022
    Class 88 No. 88002 ‘Prometheus’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 68 No. 68006 ‘Pride of the North’ in special green livery showcasing the environmental benefits of rail freight and how a diesel locomotive can reduce emissions by using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel – 16/07/2022
    Class 66 no. 66303 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 68 no. 68009 ‘Titan’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 66 No. 66422 ‘Max Joule 1958-1999’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 66 No. 66424 awaits its naming ceremony – 16/07/2022
    Class 57 No. 57304 – 16/07/2022
    Class 88 No. 88009 ‘Diana’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 66 No. 66429 – 16/07/2022
    Class 37 No. 37424/37558 ‘Avro Vulcan XH558’ – 16/07/2022
    Class 88 No. 88001 ‘Revolution’ – 16/07/2022

    On our way to the DRS Open Day, we stopped off at Longport to peer through the fence at Electro-Motive Diesel Limited’s (EMD) site and witnessed some shunting around of locomotives, mainly Class 56 / Class 69 conversions which are ongoing.

    With 69006 stencilled on the bodyside, the conversion of 56128 is almost complete. Longport – 16/07/2022
    The empty shell of Class 56 No. 56032 awaiting a second move to Marcroft Engineering with 69007 ( ex-56037 ) in the background – 16/07/2022
    56038 is being converted into 69008 and is still on accommodation bogies but some of its new innards are in place. An extra hole has been cut in the cab front ends to accommodate an additional connection with this locomotive likely being the first for use by the GBRf Rail Services sector which handles stock movements – 16/07/2022
    Class 56 No. 56009 sits in the yard at Longport. The locomotive was unofficially renumbered No. 56201 when it was converted for use as an engineering test bed by Brush Traction in order to assess refurbished Paxman engines of sister class members – 16/07/2022
    Former DB Cargo UK Class 66 No. 66048 rests on accommodation bogies at Longport. The locomotive was damaged when it derailed at Carrbridge in January 2010 and it ended up down an embankment. It was sold to EMD in March 2016 after being initially disposed of for scrap. It’s unclear what the future holds for this Class 66 locomotive – 16/07/2022

    On our way home we diverted to Keynsham to refuel the car and restock with drinking water. Fortuitously, Class 37 No.’s 37901 and 37800 were scheduled to pass through top and tailing an Eastleigh Works to Swansea Landore stock move consisting of a Great Central-liveried Mk4 set and an LNER-liveried Mk4 set (5Q79 1826 Eastleigh Arlington to Landore). This made a fantastic epilogue to the day!

    Class 37 No. 37901 heads an Eastleigh Works to Swansea Landore stock move consisting of a Great Central-liveried Mk4 set and an LNER-liveried Mk4 set with 37800 on the rear approaches Keynsham station – 16/07/2022.

    Dorset NMT

    While we were away it was a quiet week on the Bournemouth to Weymouth line, with only the New Measurement Train of particular interest on the main line as far as I’m aware. HST Class 43 power car No.’s 43272 and 43257 were in charge of 1Q18 0719 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road on Wednesday 13th July 2022.

    Class 43 No. 43257 sits in Weymouth station – 13/07/2022. Photograph courtesy of @da_buckley967
    Class 43 No. 43272 preparing to depart from Weymouth – 13/07/2022. Photograph courtesy of @da_buckley967

    My brother popped out to see the NMT return through Dorchester West on its way to Bristol and his video which he captured especially for Yoshi can be seen here:

    In other news, Swanage resident Class 33/1 No. 33111 headed off by road to the Mid Hants Railway (MHR) to participate in their 2022 diesel gala. I had considered visiting the MHR on Sunday, but felt it was far too hot for Yoshi to be out and about, so we decided to stay home and catch up on some gardening.

    The recent heat wave also resulted in speed restrictions being imposed on main line services by South Western Railways (SWR), including those on the Bournemouth to Weymouth line, with the increased risk of tracks buckling. Reduced services were introduced on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July 2022 in a bid to give passengers certainty over which trains would run. There was also a steam ban imposed by many heritage railways and on the main line. This includes the Railway Touring Company’s “Dorset Coast Express” excursion to Weymouth on Thursday 21st July which will now be diesel hauled throughout.

    Great Western Railways were under fire in the local press this week, when the Dorset Echo reported chaotic scenes at Weymouth station where passengers were turned away from trains as they tried to return home. The 1728 departure to Bristol Temple Meads from the Dorset seaside town was formed of just two carriages meaning station staff and police had to request some travellers to wait for the next service which was due to leave an hour later. Not so long ago a High Speed Train was regularly employed to run a relief service to Weymouth via the West route on Summer Saturdays in order to cater for anticipated increased passenger numbers.

    That’s all for this week – join us next time when we recount our trip on a heritage Blackpool Tram. Many thanks for reading, and for continued contributions, comment and corrections which are very much appreciated!