Yoshi at Chester with West Coast Railways (WCR) Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 behind him awaiting departure of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” 1Z35 1610 Chester to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023
December 1st 2023 to December 10th 2023
Lots of catching up to do before we reach the end of 2023 – so here is part one of Yoshi’s December adventures. More next week!
Winter Is Coming
The first Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) of the 2023/24 season ran over the Bournemouth to Weymouth line on Saturday 2nd December 2023. Because of a points failure at Brockenhurst, this was running over 30 minutes late on the outward leg and was delayed over an hour on its return to Eastleigh East Yard.
The first Snow & Ice Treatment Train of the 2023/24 season saw GBRf Class 66 No.s 66303 and 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ working 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth. The SITT is seen here at Hamworthy – 02/12/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66303 leading on 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth passing Hamworthy – 02/12/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ bringing up the rear of the outward working of 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth at Hamworthy – 02/12/2023Nameplate of No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ – 02/12/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66719 ‘Metro-Land’ at the rear of 3Y88 0900 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth SITT at Hamworthy – 02/12/2023
Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) in Dorset – 02/12/2023 (Additional video clips courtesy of G Barrett and @da_buckley967)
Yoshi’s Northern Adventure
Yoshi with Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ at Scarborough – 05/12/2023
Back in June this year, Caroline arranged to meet up with her old school friends in Liverpool on Saturday 9th December for a pre-Christmas reunion. I was, of course, happy to volunteer my services as chaffeur as I envisaged a day of watching trains in the North West while Caroline caught up with her chums. As we got closer to the date and with announcements from TransPennine Express (TPE) confirming their decision to discontinue the use of its “Nova 3” locomotive-hauled train sets – comprised of a Class 68 locomotive and Mk5a coaches – effective from the December 2023 timetable change, my brain started working overtime at the possibility of getting one last chance of seeing these trains. If we were heading to the north west, why not take a slight detour!
Class 68 No. 68021 ‘Tireless’ having arrived at Scarborough working 1U63 1703 York to Scarborough (set TP10) – 05/12/2023
The story of the “Nova 3” programme dates back to the original tender invitation for the TPE franchise, where the Department for Transport (DafT) had initially specified the procurement of coaches, expecting the future operator to repurpose redundant five-car third-rail Electric Multiple Units (EMU) for use with diesel locomotives. However, in December 2015, FirstGroup, the eventual winner of the franchise process, opted to order brand new train sets from Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF). These became the “Nova 3” sets; 52 standard Mk5a carriages and 14 Driving Trailers were built which were formed into thirteen 5-carriage sets (65 coaches intended for regular service, with the 66th coach being a spare Driving Trailer). The trains commenced service on the Liverpool – Scarborough route on 24th August 2019, powered by modified Class 68 locomotives subleased from Direct Rail Services (DRS).
Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ stands at platform 1 Scarborough awaiting time to depart with 1U64 1548 Scarborough to York (set TP06) – 05/12/2023
From their introduction, the “Nova 3″ sets were beset with multiple challenges, including technical issues, slow driver training progress, the impact of Covid-19, and noise complaints from local residents living near the maintenance facility in Scarborough. In July 2023 it was widely reported that faults were discovered in some of the Mk5a coaches, including body cracks around the yaw damper and anti-rollbar bracket area. All these issues limited the fleet’s usage, with very few sets being in service on a daily basis and much of the fleet remaining in storage. FirstGroup’s management of the TPE franchise faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly over the high level of cancelled services and abuse of an operational accounting process, widely deemed to have been used to conceal the true level of missed services. These revelations eventually led to the UK government taking control of the service through their Operator of Last Resort provision. Subsequently, an extensive review of TPE’s operations was conducted, leading to the decision to terminate the “Nova 3” programme prematurely. From December 10th 2023, the Mk5a train sets will be placed into warm storage by TPE until April 2024 at which point they will be returned to their leasing agent. It is hoped that another operator might express an interest in taking over the vehicles.
“None 3” Driving Car of set TP06 leading 1K42 2043 Scarborough to York – 06/12/2023
So, early on Tuesday 5th December, with Yoshi safely secured in the back seat of the car, we set off North and destination Scarborough. I had hoped that five “Nova 3” sets would be in operation during our stay in the North Yorkshire seaside town, but alongside TPE clearly running down the trains and the Aslef union drivers overtime ban meant that on most days only two sets were working.
Class 68 No. 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U75 1934 Leeds to Scarborough (set TP11) – 06/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ 5K42 1956 Scarborough TMD to Scarborough forming 1K42 2043 Scarborough to York (set TP06) – 06/12/2023Class 68 No. 68021 ‘Tireless’ having arrived at Scarborough working 1U63 1703 York to Scarborough (set TP10) – 05/12/2023Class 68 No. 68027 ‘Splendid’ at Scarborough at the rear of 1U56 1348 Scarborough to York (set TP13) – 05/12/2023Class 185 DMU No. 185101 the following days (06/12/2023) 1U24 0548 Scarborough to Leeds with 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ standing at platform 1 awaiting time to depart with 1U64 1548 Scarborough to York (TP06)- 05/12/2023What should have been a Class 68 working, Class 185 DMU No. 185145 awaits departure working 1U36 0845 Scarborough to York – 06/12/2023Class 185 No. 185101 out of use awaiting the following days (06/12/2023) 1U24 0548 Scarborough to Leeds – 05/12/2023Northern Trains Class 170 DMU No. 170459 having arrived with 2C00 0542 Sheffield to Scarborough – 06/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ having arrived with 1U67 1803 York to Scarborough (set TP06). Class 37 No. 37407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ at the rear of RHTT 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 05/12/202337407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ on RHTT duties working 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 05/12/202337266 ‘Victorious’ on RHTT working 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa which reverses at Scarborough – 05/12/202337419 ‘Driver Tony Kay 1974 – 2019’ 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 06/12/202337419 ‘Driver Tony Kay 1974 – 2019’ 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 06/12/2023DRS Class 37 No. 37407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ getting ready to depart with 3J51 0950 York Thrall Europa to York Thrall Europa – 06/12/2023
We stayed in Scarborough until Thursday, but before departing for pastures new, we enjoyed a trip over to York in order to sample the “Nova 3” coaching stock, which we found very comfortable and I was impressed with the acceleration of the Class 68 locomotive in charge of the train. I asked a number of TPE staff, from drivers, despatch, ticket office and train guards if they would miss the Class 68’s and Mk5a carriages and was quite surprised that only 10% expressed any disappointment of their impending demise. The phrase “more trouble than they are worth” cropped up numerous times!
Settling down with a latte for a train journey from Scarborough to York – 07/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ at York at the head of 1U39 1103 York to Scarborough (set TP06) with No. 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U40 0948 Scarborough to York (set TP11) in the background – 07/12/2023Class 68 No. 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ at York working 1U39 1103 York to Scarborough (set TP06) – 07/12/2023LNER Class 91 No. 91119 ‘Bounds Green InterCity Depot 1977 – 2017’ in bay platform 6 at York having arrived with 1N81 0906 London Kings Cross to York (set NL13) – 07/12/2023
Wednesday was probably our best day where the weather was concerned and we took the opportunity to walk a section of the closed Scarborough & Whitby Railway. The line opened in July 1885 and closed in March 1965 as part of the Beeching Axe. The 21 miles of line traversed the picturesque coast between the two towns serving eight stations. The route, now a multi-use path, is known as “The Cinder Track”.
The start of the Cinder Track at the Scarborough end of the trail which is located next to a Sainsbury’s supermarket – 06/12/2023The Trail sets off north through a series of cuttings, passing under several bridges, into suburbia, before skirting alongside the playing fields, at the site of the former Northstead Carriage Sidings – 06/12/2023 (CS)By 1972 all of the railway track had been removed, however, the route remains as a designated trail for walking, cycling and even horse riding. The pathway was made from cinders rather than crushed stone which gives the route its name the Cinder Track. – 06/12/2023The bridge which once carried the railway over Scalby Beck – 06/12/2023We walked as far as the village of Burniston where we were pleased to find “The Three Jolly Sailors”, a Grade II listed pub which was previously a farmhouse dating back to the early 19th century, where, although packed out with pensioners enjoying early Christmas dinners, the staff found us space at the bar for eagerly anticipated refreshments – 06/12/2023There was only one bar stool in the pub, but I was very kindly allowed to use a broken chair (at my own risk) alongside from which I enjoyed my sandwiches and most excellent bowl of chips which I begrudgingly shared with Caroline. Yoshi was served sausages in his own little dish. He may also have had a chip or three – 06/12/2023 (CS)
We arrived in Liverpool on Saturday morning after spending a couple of nights with friends near Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. Our first port of call was the Museum of Liverpool and its Land Transport section which is home to Liverpool & Manchester Railway (LMR) 0-4-2 No. 57 ‘Lion’ built by Todd, Kitson & Laird of Leeds. We wrote about this particular locomotives’ starring role in one of my favourite films “The Titfield Thunderbolt” (1953) in March this year and I enjoyed seeing her again. ‘Lion’ actually appeared in three films, the other two being “Victoria the Great” (1937) and “The Lady with the Lamp” (1951).
The Museum of Liverpool, designed by architects 3XN and engineers Buro Happold and built by Galliford Try at a cost of £72 million, opened to the public on 19th June 2011 – 10/12/2023‘Lion’ on display at the Museum of Liverpool with a carriage from the Liverpool Overhead Railway behind which is fixed at the exact height of the original railway – 16 feet above the ground. – 09/12/2023
The LMR ordered two locomotives to haul luggage trains in 1837 as part of a larger order of 6 steam engines, which were named ‘Lion’ and ‘Tiger’. In 1859 ‘Lion’ was sold to the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and installed as a stationary pumping engine at Princes Dock. She was rescued by members of the Liverpool Engineering Society in 1928 and after restoration at the Crewe railway works she took part in the centenary celebrations of the LMR in 1930, hauling a replica train. During the period prior to the Second World War, ‘Lion’ stood on a plinth at Liverpool Lime Street railway station but was removed in 1941 and placed in storage at Crewe railway works, out of sight apart from her film appearances and railway publicity events. In 1967 she was loaned to the Liverpool Museum by the Liverpool Engineering Society. This was changed to an outright gift in 1970.
‘Lion’ at the Museum of Liverpool – 09/12/2023
In 1980 ‘Lion’ took part in the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway at Rainhill under her own steam. Afterwards, she made a number of working appearances at railway heritage centres and museums until 1989 when ‘Lion’ was withdrawn from steaming for conservation reasons. Following a survey in 1992 which showed that her original structure would need substantial modification if she were to be steamed again, the Trustees of National Museums Liverpool decided, on the basis of her internationally important status, to conserve her for static display only.
A view of the Liverpool Overhead Railway carriage on display at the Museum of Liverpool with Liverpool & Manchester Railway 0-4-2 locomotive No. 57 ‘Lion’ below – 09/12/2023
I really enjoyed the visit to the Museum of Liverpool and learning about the Liverpool Overhead Railway, the world’s first electric elevated railway, built in 1893 to ease congestion along seven miles of Liverpool’s docks. After saying goodbye to Caroline as she went off to meet her friends, Yoshi and I headed to Liverpool James Street Merseyrail station as I had ambitions to catch up with Class 507 EMU No. 507001 which has recently been outshopped in a retro British Rail blue livery wrap as a special project celebrating 45 years of service from the Class 507 and Class 508 trains in a collaboration between Merseyrail, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Angel Trains, and Stadler. The first Class 507 arrived at Birkenhead North Depot in 1978 with No. 507001 commencing revenue earning service with the very first Merseyrail train working the 0739 departure from Southport to Liverpool Central in November of that year.
The Class 507/508’s are being replaced by new Class 777 units and rail enthusiast Robert Hampton is aiming to save one of the iconic units for future generations to enjoy by starting The Class 507 Preservation Project.
Yoshi and I availed ourselves to a Merseyrail All Area Daysave ticket for the bargain price of £5.95. Having determined which diagram No. 507001 was working we sat at Liverpool James Street for the unit to pass through. Yoshi was often quite vocal at the passing trains and as we were there for a little while, having just missed 001 on our arrival at the station, a friendly Merseyrail station employee checked we were OK, which was kind. He instantly appreciated why we were waiting and told us all about the services No. 507001 had been running that week.
Class 508 EMU No. 508120 at Liverpool James Street working the 2N30 1407 service to New Brighton – 09/12/2023Class 507 EMU No. 507023 forms the 2W27 1342 departure from Liverpool James Street to West Kirby – 09/12/2023Class 777 No. 777005 pauses at Liverpool James Street as the delayed 2C28 departure for Chester – 09/12/2023Class 507 No. 507001 in retro BR Blue / Merseyrail wrap stands at Liverpool James Street forming 2N31 service to New Brighton – 09/12/2023
After photographing No. 507001 we jumped on the next train to Chester as another of our objectives that day was to record the return departure of Pathfinder Tours “The Chester Christmas Cromptons” headed up by West Coast Railway Co.’s (WCRC) Class 33 Bo-Bo diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 which were bound for Eastleigh.
Class 507 No. 507018 at Chester having arrived with 2C31 Chester to Chester service via Liverpool – 09/12/2023West Coast Railways Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 at rest in Chester sidings having arrived with Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” from Eastleigh – 09/12/2023West Coast Railways Class 47 No.47826 at the rear of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” waiting to run ECS into platform 3 for the return run to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023Class 197 DMU No. 197101 at Chester working 1H90 1443 Llandudno to Manchester International Airport. uilt by CAF, based on its “Civity” platform. They are currently operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), split into 51 two-car units and 26 three-car units. – 09/12/2023Class 221 Voyager DMU in Avanti West Coast livery No. 221108 (once named ‘Sir Ernest Shackleton’ while with Virgin Trains) at Chester working 1A64 1438 Llandudno Junction to Crewe – 09/12/2023Northern Trains Class 195 DMU No. 195117 forms 1E68 1529 Chester to Leeds. from the Civity family manufactured by CAF, owned by Eversholt Rail Group and currently operated by Northern Trains. A total of 58 units have been built; 25 two-car units and 33 three-car units – 09/12/2023Class 150 DMU No. 150131 works Northern Trains 2H32 1556 Chester to Manchester Piccadilly service. The 150’s were developed and constructed by British Rail Engineering Limited at York Carriage Works between 1984 and 1987 for use on regional services across the UK – 09/12/2023West Coast Railways Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 at Chester awaiting departure of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” 1Z35 1610 Chester to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023With the sun setting behind them, West Coast Railways Class 33 No.’s 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ and 33029 at Chester awaiting departure of Pathfinder Tours “Chester Christmas Cromptons” 1Z35 1610 Chester to Eastleigh – 09/12/2023
After watching the Crompton’s heading South, we returned to Liverpool on one of the new Class 777 units.
Class 507 No.507001 was on the New Brighton circuit on the day of our visit, so we couldn’t resist taking an evening trip from Liverpool to New Brighton and back. The unit is seen having arrived with 2N43 16:53 New Brighton to New Brighton and formed the subsequent departure 2N47 17:53 New Brighton to New Brighton – 09/12/2023Yoshi appreciated the retro British Rail /Merseyrail livery of Class 507 No. 507001 at New Brighton – 09/12/2023Class 507 No. 507001 at Liverpool James Street platform 1 arriving with 2N43 16:53 New Brighton to New Brighton – 09/12/2023 Class 319 EMU’s first introduced by British rail in 1987 are currently being phased out. Originally their last day of service with Northern Trains was to be 9th December 2023, but they have a slight reprieve as the planed withdrawal of the NT Class 319 fleet has be delayed until January 2024. No. 319385 is stood out of service at Liverpool Lime Street. It should have been working service to Wigan – 09/12/2023Yoshi with Northern Trains Class 319 No. 319385 at Liverpool Lime Street – 09/12/2023London North Western Railway Class 350403 ready to depart Liverpool with 1G65 1833 Liverpool Lime Street High Level to Birmingham New Street. The Class 350’s are members of the Desiro family and were built by Siemens Transportation Systems between 2004 and 2014 – 09/12/2023TPE Class 185 No. 185125 awaiting departure from Liverpool Lime Street with the 1K33 1854 service to Hull. Because of disruption on the network due to high winds that evening, the service left 51 minutes late – 09/12/2023Yoshi with the Royal Liver Building behind. Opened in 1911, the building was once the purpose-built home of the Royal Liver Assurance group, which had been set up in the city in 1850 to provide locals with assistance related to losing a wage-earning relative. One of the first buildings in the world to be built using reinforced concrete, the Royal Liver Building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of Liverpool with its two fabled Liver Birds, which watch over the city and the sea. Legend has it that if the two birds were to fly away, the city would cease to exist – 10/12/2023The Fab Five! The Beatles statue, by artist Andrew Edwards, on the Pier Head in Liverpool depicts the larger-than-life Fab Four casually strolling along the River Mersey. The Beatles Statue was donated by the musical group’s home venue, The Cavern Club, and was unveiled in 2015 on the 50th anniversary of their final public appearance in the city – 09/12/2023The Great Western Railway (GWR) warehouse and offices at Liverpool. The GWR never ran trains to Liverpool though it offered through passenger fares to the city via the Birkenhead Railway (which it operated jointly with the London & North Western Railway (LNWR), in competition with the Cheshire Lines) and connecting ferries from its terminus at Woodside. Goods were transported by barge across the River Mersey from Morpeth Dock and landed at the Manchester Dock where this warehouse was built around 1890, incorporating earlier offices from the 1850’s. The Manchester Dock was filled in during 1928 using spoil from the construction of the Kingsway road tunnel leaving the GWR buildings high and dry beside the Canning graving docks, inaccessible by rail or water. Once restored to their former splendour, the buildings form part of Liverpool’s World Heritage site – 10/12/2023
On our way home, we had a planned stop in Shrewsbury for a visit to the Christmas Market being held in the prison, which was closed in 2013 and is now a visitor attraction. The prison is located adjacent to Shrewsbury railway station, and I couldn’t resist a quick visit!
TfW Class 153 DMU No. 153353 arriving at Shrewsbury with 1W55 0856 Swansea to Manchester Piccadilly – 10/12/2023MPV No. DR98955 arrives at Shrewsbury as the 3S02 0940 Kings Norton On Track Plant Depot to Kings Norton On Track Plant Depot RHTT working – 10/12/2023Shrewsbury Severn Bridge Signal Box (1903) built in LNWR style, the impressive Grade 2-listed three-storey redbrick building is a marvel of Edwardian engineering, standing imposingly at the south end of Shrewsbury station where lines to Hereford and Wolverhampton diverge. It is the largest surviving mechanical signal box in Great Britain and is rail-locked within a triangular site that will make access difficult for any future reuse. However, Network Rail currently believes replacing the current mechanical semaphore signalling system in the area with colour-light signals would not be economical and envisages it remaining in operation until at least 2030, and possibly as long as 2050 on current plans. We shall be back! – 10/12/2023
VIDEO CLIPS
Video clips from our recent travels:
Class 68 locomotives on the TPE Scarborough / York diagram during their final week of service – December 2023
An hour at York watching; 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U40 0948 Scarborough to York (set TP11) 68030 ‘Black Douglas’ 1U39 1103 York to Scarborough (set TP06) 801207 (LNER) 1E07 0832 Edinburgh to London Kings Cross 802203 (TP) 9M10 1001 Newcastle to Liverpool Lime Street 66118 6M16 0540 Wilton EFW Terminal to Knowsley Freight Terminal 170460 2C33 1110 York to Leeds 195129 1B25 1123 York to Blackpool North 91119 ‘Bounds Green InterCity Depot 1977 – 2017’ 1N81 0906 London Kings Cross to York (set NL13) 802219 9E09 0924 Liverpool Lime Street to Newcastle / 180105 1A64 0954 Sunderland to London Kings Cross 185112 1P68 0951 Saltburn to Manchester Airport 800201 5Z60 1050 Doncaster Carr Iep Depot to Newcastle 802219 1S10 0930 London Kings Cross to Edinburgh 801229 1E08 0900 Edinburgh to London Kings Cross 170472 2C85 1142 York to Leeds 68026 ‘Enterprise’ 1U43 1203 York to Scarborough (set TP11) – 07/12/2023
Rail Head Treatment Trains at Scarborough and Shrewsbury during the final days of operation in 2023
“The Chester Christmas Cromptons” railtour departing Chester -09/12/2023
For The Record
06/12/2023 and 07/12/2023 – DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66111 and 66192 worked 6N70 2304 Eastleigh East Yard to Branksome and the associated return 6N70 0410 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard. A further engineers possession train scheduled for the following night run by GBRf was cancelled.
10/12/2023 – Network Rail Video Inspection Unit VIU3 No. 153385 worked 2Q30 1540 Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury Down T.C via Bournemouth
That’s all folks! All that remains is for Yoshi and I to thank you for visiting our page and wish you a very Merry Christmas 2023. We plan on being back for our final blog entry of the year next week. So, until then – Be seeing you!
Yoshi and Class 68 No. 68026 ‘Enterprise’. The “Nova 3” set was scheduled to hang about at Scarborough all day before working 1U72 1748 Scarborough to Leeds (set TP11) – 06/12/2023
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 LewisColas 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 – 19/04/2023Colas 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 – 20/04/2023DRS Class 68 No. 68001 ‘Evolution’ is seen prior to marshalling the loaded train together at Winfrith. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ is in the background – 20/04/2023DRS 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 – 24/10/1982Class 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 – 22/04/2023Southern Railway West Country Class No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ approaches Romsey working Steam Dreams 1Z93 1444 Salisbury to Winchester – 22/04/2023Second 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 – 23/04/2023Cabs from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023Cabs from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023Cab from Class 47 No. 47236 – 23/04/2023Cab 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 ChappellClass 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John ChappellClass 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John ChappellClass 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John ChappellClass 47 No. 47236 in the aftermath of the 25th August 1974 derailment at Dorchester West – Image by John ChappellClass 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 – 23/04/2023Timetable 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 – 26/04/2020South 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 – 25/06/2011Newly 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.
British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ on the turntable at the Yeovil Railway Centre – 22/03/2023
Hello there – after a week away, we are back with a lot to catch up on. We hope you found last times Beeching blog of interest – it’s certainly a period in railway history which incites discussion and reflection. This time we are concentrating on more recent events concerning the Swanage Railway including our visit to their excellent March 2023 Steam Gala – which featured British Rail Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ – and the first diesel multiple unit train departing Wareham connecting the Purbeck heritage railway to the main line.
British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ approaches Yeovil Junction working 5Z70 Crewe HS to Swanage having used the connecting curve from Yeovil Pen Mill – 22/03/2023
On Wednesday 22nd March 2023, we headed over to Yeovil to see No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ arrive at Yeovil Junction in readiness for her being turned on Yeovil Railway Centre’s turntable. I always enjoy watching locomotives on the turntable, and despite a few initial barks form Yoshi, he mostly watched on with quiet fascination.
British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ is turned on the Yeovil Railway Centre turntable – 22/03/2023British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ after being turned at the Yeovil Railway Centre – 22/03/2023
Following her spin on the turntable, ‘Britannia’ backed out onto the main line at Junction station and we drove down to Yeovil Pen Mill so that we could capture a pair of Class 37 diesel locomotives working test train 1Z22 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth which was scheduled to pass through at around 1500, 20 minutes or so before ‘Britannia’ was due to arrive at Pen Mill prior to a tender first run down to Weymouth. The test train, however, top and tailed by Colas No.’s 37116 and 37254 arrived at Pen Mill almost thirty minutes late and by this time ‘Britannia’ had already made the run down from Junction with her support coach. We were also able to see a Great Western Railway (GWR) Class 800 IET pass through on a divert as engineering work was taking place on the Taunton line and services to Exeter were taking the West of England route.
British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ having turned at Yeovil Junction nears Yeovil Pen Mill where she will run round her support coach before proceeding to Weymouth – 22/03/2023Colas Class 37 No. 37116 arrives at Yeovil Pen Mill with 1Z22 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road. British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ stands in the sidings waiting to run round her support coach before proceeding to run tender first to Weymouth – 22/03/2022 Colas Class 37 No’s. 37116 and 37254 depart Yeovil Pen Mill top and tailing 1Z22 Derby Railway Technical Centre to Bristol Kingsland Road as No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ waits to reverse out of the station and back on to her support coach – 22/03/2023Great Western Railway Class 800 IET No. 802102 works the diverted 1C84 1404 London Paddington to Plymouth service through Yeovil Pen Mill – 22/03/2023British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ prepares to reverse out of Yeovil Pen Mill and run back in to couple up with her support coach – 22/03/2023British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ at Weymouth here she again ran around her support coach in preparation for the journey to Poole, where she again changes ends on the coach, before working back down to Swanage (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis) – 22/03/2023
Video from Yeovil, Dorchester, Upwey and Hamworthy as British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ makes her way to Dorset having departed Crewe earlier in the day as working 5Z70 Crewe HS to Swanage (additional video courtesy of G E Barrett and Scott Lewis – 22/03/2023
I had an idea that I would pop over to Yeovil Pen Mill at 2am some point during the week to see the Penzance sleeper services cross via the diversionary route, but decided to wait until warmer weather later in the year should the diversions take place again. However, our North Dorset Correspondent was far more intrepid and caught the following exchange as No. 57604 ‘Pendennis Castle’ passed No. 57602 ‘Restormel Castle’:
GWR Sleeper trains on divert pass at Yeovil Pen Mill. Video courtesy of Scott Lewis – 24/03/2023
Over the final March weekend, the Swanage Railway ran their popular Spring Steam Gala which featured ‘Britannia’ and BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No. 76084 as guest locomotives alongside home fleet Southern Railway U Class No. 31806 and Southern Railway Bulleid Pacifics No. 34070 ‘Manston’ and No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’. I headed down to join in the fun on the Saturday leaving Yoshi with his mama. I had planned on seeing the first train of the day which was scheduled to be double headed – but I also needed to pop into Wareham and visit the Post Office – so my arrival at the National Trust car park at Corfe Castle was delayed and I just missed the ensemble pass. To make things worse, the National Trust tea room at the car park was closed, so no breakfast for me as I had left home with the idea of catching refreshment between trains. However, luckily for me, Jamie came to my rescue and very kindly shared his packed lunch so I didn’t waste away through the lack of nourishment.
A video snap shot of the 2023 Swanage Steam Gala – 25/03/2023Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class Bulleid Pacific No. 34070 ‘Manston’ between Norden and Corfe Castle – 25/03/2023Rebuilt West Country Class Bulleid Pacific No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ nears Cat’s Eye Crossing with a train bound fro the River Frome boundary – 25/03/2023Bulleid Pacific No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ approaching Cat’s Eye Crossing – 25/03/2023BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No. 76084 nears Cat’s Eye Crossing – 25/03/2025BR Standard Class 4MT 2-6-0 No. 76084 approaching Cat’s Eye Crossing – 25/03/2023Bulleid Pacific No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ approaches Holme Lane Bridge on the Swanage Railway – 25/03/2023Bulleid Pacific No. 34070 ‘Manston’ hauls a train away from the River Frome boundary – 25/03/2023British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ with a train heading towards the River Frome boundary passing under Cat’s Eye Bridge – 25/03/2023British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ nears Cat’s Eye Crossing – 25/03/2023
Undoubtably the star of the gala; No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ was built at Crewe Works to a new design and entered servive in January 1951. She was the first British Railways Standard locomotive to be constructed and was the initial locomotive in the Britannia Class which went on to number 55 examples. The design of the ‘Britannias’ was based on best practice from the pre-nationalisation “Big Four” railway companies. The new classes were designed by Ernest Stewart Cox, under Robert Riddles who had previously designed the War Department Austerity 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 locomotives for use during World War 2. No. 70000 was named ‘Britannia’ during a ceremony held at Marylebone station by Minister for Transport Alfred Barnes on the 30th January 1951. ‘Britannia’ had the honour of hauling the funeral train of King George VI from King’s Lynn to London in February 1952, for which she had her cab roof painted white as was the custom for royal locomotives. No. 70000 was withdrawn after only 15 years of service in May 1966 and was initially destined for the National Collection, but was passed over for sister locomotive No. 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’. She was saved from the cutter’s torch by the Britannia Locomotive Company Ltd. She is currently operated by Locomotive Services Limited (LSL). One of most memorable main line steam locomotives when I used to enjoy the chase in the mid 1990’s, a video with footage of ‘Britannia’ from this period is below:
No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ also visited the Swanage Railway in 2015 and I’ve dug out a few images of that time to share:
British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ heads a Swanage bound service with Corfe Castle in the background – 18/04/2015British Railways Standard Class 4 2-6-4 No. 80104 double heads with BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ having just left Norden – 18/04/2015British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ works a demonstration freight nears Corfe Castle – 18/04/2015Another view of British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ working the Swanage Railway demonstration freight – 18/04/2015
The Swanage Railway has also been in the news following their launch of a trial train service from main line Wareham through to the heritage branch line. Operating from April to September 2023, tickets for the service will also be available from South Western Railway (SWR) from late April so passengers can add tickets for Corfe Castle and Swanage to their main line tickets. This is the first time in 51 years that through ticketing to Corfe and Swanage has been possible. The last day of British Rail passenger services between Wareham, Corfe Castle and Swanage was on Saturday 1st January 1972 when the branch was closed. The eleven mile service, one mile of which running from Worgret Junction into Wareham station will be over main line Network Rail metals, will utilise restored and upgraded 1950’s Class 117 and Class 121 heritage diesel multiple units. The trial service will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 4th April to 10th September 2023, with the first train departing Wareham at 1119 and the last train leaving Swanage for Wareham at 1620 giving visitors the opportunity to spend four hours in Swanage or Corfe Castle. The timetable is subject to change on special event days. We popped over to Wareham to see the first service arrive and depart from Wareham.
Swanage Railways Class 117 DMU leads into Wareham with the first trail service onto the main line – 04/04/2023South Western Railway staff pose at Wareham with an actual sized ticket to promote through ticketing to Corfe Castle and Swanage – 18/04/2023Dignitaries pose in front of the single car Class 121 DMU at Wareham ahead of the first departure to Swanage – 04/04/2023
A surprise run to Winfrith occurred on March 23rd 2023, timings only appearing on Real Time Trains late the previous day. Two new to Dorset Direct Rail Services (DRS) Class 68 locomotives top and tailed the train which interestingly returned empty to Crewe. It is thought that the high winds in evidence on the day meant it was unsafe to use the crane at Winfrith employed to load the low level nuclear waste onto the wagons.
DRS Class 68 No. 68003 ‘Astute’ heads up 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings DRS to Wool Winfrith Sidings with classmate No. 68009 ‘Titan’ behind passing through Hamworthy – 23/03/2023DRS Class 68 No. No. 68009 ‘Titan’ trails No. 68003 ‘Astute’ having passed through Hamworthy working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings DRS to Wool Winfrith Sidings – 23/03/2023DRS Class 68 No. 68003 ‘Astute’ at Dorchester South working 6Z95 1554 Wool Winfrith Sidings to Crewe Coal Sidings DRS (image courtesy of G E Barrett) – 23/03/2023DRS Class 68 No. No. 68009 ‘Titan’ prepares to lead 6Z95 1554 Wool Winfrith Sidings to Crewe Coal Sidings DRS away from Dorchester South (image courtesy of G E Barrett) – 23/03/2023
Video of the DRS Class 68 No.’s 68003 ‘Astute’ and 68009 ‘Titan’ working a Winfrith train. Additional video courtesy of G E Barrett – 23/03/2023
South Western Railway (SWR) have unveiled Class 444 Electric Multiple Unit No. 444019 in a new version of their ‘Pride’ livery. The unit was wrapped at Bournemouth Traction and Rolling Stock Maintenance depot on 25th/26th March 2023 and displays the LGBTQIA+ flag on the driving ends.
SWR Class 444 No. 444019 displays the new ‘Pride’ livery at London Waterloo before working IP65 2000 London Waterloo to Portsmouth & Southsea – 30/03/2023SWR Class 444 No. 444019 awaits departure from Poole with the 2W56 1100 service to London Waterloo – 31/03/2023SWR Class 444 No. 444019 in an earlier ‘Pride’ livery stands at the buffer stops in London Waterloo – 05/03/2022How Class 444 No. 444019 used to look, seen at Weymouth – 12/10/2019
That’s it for this week, thanks for joining us! We’ll be back in seven days or so when we have a look at the Crewe Heritage Centre amongst other things.
Yoshi watches on as British Railways Standard Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ turns on the Yeovil Steam Centre turntable – 22/03/2023
Wednesday January 18th to Tuesday January 24th 2023
“It was very cold. To keep themselves warm they sang Pooh’s song right through six times, Piglet doing the tidily-poms and Pooh doing the rest of it, and both of them thumping on the top of the gate with pieces of stick at the proper places.” ~ A.A.Milne
It has been much colder here this last week, as you might expect in January, and Yoshi has enjoyed sniffing the hardened frosty ground as we venture out on our walks. On Wednesday January 18th, ice was preventing trains picking up electricity from the third rail between Poole and Weymouth. Train services were cancelled or delayed for up to 60 minutes. In an attempt to rectify the situation, the Totton Yard based Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) made an additional afternoon day time run presenting a rare opportunity this year to see the SITT in daylight hours. We missed the ensemble heading to Weymouth, but we were able to get to Hamworthy railway station in time to see GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745 as they hurried on their way back to Totton working as 3Y88 1245 Totton Yard to Totton Yard.
GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745 power through Hamworthy with 3Y88 1245 Totton Yard to Totton Yard Snow & Ice Treatment Train – 18/01/2023
Earlier the same day, we were treated to the 5th Direct Rai Services (DRS) train to Winfrith for the collection of low level nuclear waste as 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool. Time constraints and with my car still out of use, I hurried to Hamworthy station to see the early running working, which because of the ongoing situation with the landslip at Hook ( see last weeks blog, and below, for more information), was re-routed via Reading. Running very close behind a South Western Railway (SWR) Weymouth bound service, the Class 68 hauled DRS train was signal checked at Hamworthy and the driver brought it to a stop in the station. This gave ample time for photographic opportunities as well as for the driver to briefly get out of the lead locomotive and distribute badges to grateful onlookers. I certainly wasn’t going to refuse this kind gesture.
DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool at Hamworthy – 18/01/2023DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool at Hamworthy – 18/01/2023DRS Class 68 No.’s 68018 ‘Vigilant’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool rest at Hamworthy during a signal check – 18/01/2023DRS Class 68 No. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ at Hamworthy – 18/01/2023Class 68 No. 68016 ‘Fearless’ nameplate detail – 24/03/2022DRS Class 68 No.’s 68016 ‘Fearless’ and 68018 ‘Vigilant’ departing Hamworthy working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool – 18/01/2023
We also popped out to see the return working (6Z95 1603 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS)) in fading light, which this time had no issues with red signals as it passed through Hamworthy.
In fading daylight, hence the motion blur, DRS Class 68 No.’s 68016 ‘Fearless’ and 68018 ‘Vigilant’ storm through Hamworthy working 6Z95 1603 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 18/01/2023
For more information, photos and video regarding these Winfrith workings, check out these previous blog entries:
For the final special working of the day, the SITT returned under cover of darkness working as 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard with the same pair of locomotives as earlier in the day. Two days later, on Friday 20th January, the SITT ran in the same path, again with No.’s 66722 ‘Sir Edward Watkin’ and 66745. Yoshi and I elected to remain in the warm at home!
Wednesday 18th January 2023 – a busy day on the rails in our neck of the woods. Additional videography of the Class 68’s at Wool kindly provided by “North Dorset Correspondent”; Scott Lewis
On Sunday, Yoshi and I took the train to Weymouth and Dorchester. Yoshi enjoyed all the attention he received and was a very good boy travelling on the train.
Hook Update
Over the weekend Network Rail engineers working to repair the railway line at Hook, Hampshire, temporarily remodelled the two undamaged tracks to enable a better train service between Basingstoke and Woking and allowing, once again, through services to run from Weymouth to London Waterloo.
Up Trains cross to the Up Slow at Basingstoke East and run to Farnborough where normal working resumes and they can use either Up Fast or Up Slow towards London.
Down Trains can use either Down Slow or Down Fast as far as Winchfield, where all trains use the Down Fast. Down Trains then use the temporary slewed tracks which take trains across to the Up Fast formation either side of the slip prior to returning to the Down Fast before Hook Station. Trains then continue to Basingstoke where they can use either line.
Engineers plan to construct a 60 metre retaining wall made up of @100 12 metre long sheet piles which are driven into the ground in order to stabilise the embankment and protect the railway from future landslips at the site. The steepness of the embankment slope will also be reduced at the same time to minimise the risk of material falling away.
From The Archive
In other news involving a locomotive named ‘Fearless’ (don’t you just love a tenuous link?), if you fancy owning a Class 50 diesel locomotive, it was recently announced by Boden Rail Engineering that No. 50050 ‘Fearless’ is being sold to help fund the growth of the depot at Nottingham Eastcroft. The locomotive is to be sold for mainline use only, but Boden Rail say that it is dual braked and has been a very reliable runner.
No. D400 was delivered to British Rail in October 1967, the first of fifty Class 50 locomotives. It was renumbered No. 50050 in February 1974, named after the warship ‘Fearless’ in August 1978. It was refurbished in 1983 at Doncaster, withdrawn in March 1994 and taken into preservation.
Just prior to being bought by engineer Neil Boden in January 2015, No. 50050 was stored at the Yeovil Railway Centre, adjacent to Yeovil Junction railway station. The loco was on display during the Yeovil Railway Centre’s 20th Anniversary open weekend of 31st May and 1st June 2014
Class 50 No. 50050 (D400) was owned by the D400 Fund in 2014 when this photo was taken and the Yeovil Railway Centre was her home for a number of years while its overhaul was ongoing before being sold to Boden Engineering Ltd. in February 2015 and returned to mainline running – 01/06/2014Visitors to the Yeovil Railway Centre’s 20th Anniversary weekend were able to visit the cab of Class 50 No. 50050 – 01/06/2014Devon & Cornwall Railways Limited (DCR) Class 56 No. 56303 working a shuttle along the Clifton Maybank branch. Originally closed in June 1937, volunteers undertook a significant task in relaying trackwork so that the Yeovil Railway Centre could run trains a short distance from Yeovil Junction – 01/06/2014Class 56 No. 56303 on land from DCR heads up the incline on the Clifton Maybank branch – 01/06/2014DCR Class 56 No. 56303 passing Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ at Yeovil Railway Centre – 01/06/2014Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ adjacent to Yeovil Junction working the “Clifton Maybank Rambler” shuttles – 01/06/2014Fowler diesel ‘Cockney Rebel’ top and tailed shuttles with Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ – 01/06/2014R W Darch & Sons Sentinal Steam Lorry owned by Jerry Darch and Aberdeen Coal & Shipping Company Sentinal Steam Lorry ‘Tiger’ belonging to Bob Garnett were loaned for the event – 01/06/2014Steam Dreams operated “The Cathedrals Express” from London Victoria to Yeovil Junction via Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury. Originally intended to be hauled by SR West Country 4-6-2 No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ the train was actually in charge of LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 with Hastings Gauge Slim Class 33 No. 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ providing support at the rear – 01/06/2014LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 approaches Yeovil Junction as Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 ‘Lord Fisher’ on a Clifton Maybank shuttle – 01/06/2014LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 being coaled at Yeovil Junction – 01/06/2014LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 being turned on the Yeovil Railway Centre 70ft turntable, built by Cowans and Sheldon of Glasgow in 1947. The turntable had been left in situ following the end of steam on the Waterloo – Exeter route and was the genesis of the South West Main Line Steam Company, the group behind the Yeovil Railway Centre – 01/06/2014Having just been turned on the turntable LMS Stanier Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44932 passes Class 33 No. 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ which had been shunting stock ready for the return working – 01/06/2014LMS Stanier Black 5 No. 44932 works the return “Cathedrals Express” past Bradford Abbas – 01/06/2014South West Trains Class 444 EMU No. 444018 meets Class 50 No’s 50007 ‘Hercules’ and 50050 ‘Fearless’ working 1Z50 0448 Derby – Swanage crossing Holes Bay, Poole – 11/06/2016Bearing her original number D400 on one cab end, Class 50 No. 50050 ‘Fearless’ stands head to head with classmate No. 50007 ‘Hercules’ at Swanage – 11/06/2016Nameplate detail of Class 50 No. 50050 ‘Fearless’ Class 50 No.’s 50050 ‘Fearless’ and 50007 ‘Hercules’ passing the out of use sidings at Furzebrook working the return Pathfinders Tours “The Purbeck & Boom Explorer” 1Z52 1605 Swanage – Derby excursion – 11/06/2016
For more Class 50 action, check out our previous post on the locomotive class:
That’s it for another week, as always thank you for visiting dear reader! All things being equal, we’ll be back next week for more cockapoo / railway fun. Take care and may your dog go with you.
Post Script
A final look at DRS Class 68 No. 68018 ‘Vigilant’ at the head of 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Wool pausing at Hamworthy during a signal check with the Direct Rail Services badge embedded in the image (not to scale!) – 18/01/2023
Felucca’s, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailing boat, at sunset on the River Nile at Aswan, Egypt – 16/09/2022
Dorset
After last weeks ‘filler’ blog entry on the XP64 livery, we’re back! I’ve been on my hols, as has Yoshi who has been staying with his cousins. I’m sure it was a very happy doggo madhouse for a couple of weeks! Have to admit I missed our boy and it was so very good to see his excited face again when we were all reunited together ready to catch up on Yoshi’s favourite TV programme; “Married At First Sight UK”.
Yoshi takes a break during his walkies
Before we went off on my travels, I was up early on Wednesday September 7th 2022 in order to see the departure of the “Welsh Marshes Express” rail tour from Poole on its way to Shrewsbury. The Dorset part of the tour saw top and tailed Locomotive Services Limited Class 47’s in charge, the working being taken over by steam in the form of BR Standard Class 7 No. 70000 ‘Britannia’ at Bristol where the train was taken forward to Shrewsbury and its return back to Temple Meads before the Class 47’s returned the train back to Poole.
LSL Class 47 No. 47593 ‘Galloway Princess’ having arrived at Poole with the empty coaching stock movement (5z64 0400 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Poole) for Saphos Trains “Welsh Marches Express” – 07/09/2022Class 47 No/ 47614 awaits the green with 1Z65 0508 Poole to Shrewsbury “Welsh Marshes Express” excursion at Poole – 07/09/2022
Early morning video of Class 47 No.’s 47593 and 47614 at Poole. I may have messed up the departure shot! – 07/09/2022
Also the same day was an additional Winfrith working; 6Z62 0103 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings with Class 68’s once again taking a train of empty PFA wagons to collect low level nuclear waste from the Magnox site.
DRS Class 68 No. 68002 ‘Intrepid’ with sister locomotive 68016 at the rear powers through Holton Heath with a train consisting of ten empty PFA wagons bound for Magnox Winfrith – 07/09/202268016 ‘Fearless’ at the tail end of 6Z62 0103 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings having passed through Holton Heath – 07/09/2022
DRS Class 68 No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68016 ‘Fearless’ pass through Holton Heath – 07/09/2022
I was enjoying the hospitality of Heathrow T5 when 2 x Colas Class 37’s were in Weymouth working the New Measurement Train which is normally in the control of former HST power cars, but by kind permission, we can share the video below of the train reversing at Weymouth:
Class 37 No.’s 37219 and 37421 work 1Z22 0729 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 07/09/2022 with many thanks to @da_buckley967
The return working of the Winfrith low level nuclear waste train was occupying Dorchester South at around the same time the Class 37’s were passing through Dorchester West with the return NMT working. I at least didn’t have to make a choice as to which train I would have photographed as at that moment I was boarding my BA flight to Egypt. However, with kind permission, we can share the following images of the loaded DRS train at Dorchester South:
DRS Class 68 No. 68002 ‘Intrepid’ with the return working of the loaded low level nuclear waste train working as 6Z95 Winfrith Sidings to Crewe at Dorchester South where the train reversed – 07/09/2022 with many thanks to Scott LewisDRS Class 68 No. 68016 ‘Fearless’ prepares to depart Dorchester South with the return Winfrith – 07/09/2022 with many thanks to Scott Lewis
Thursday 8th September and Thursday 15th September were scheduled dates for steam hauled excursions into Dorset run by The Railway Touring Company. Unfortunately a passenger falling ill and then sadly passing away at London Victoria on “The Swanage Belle” on the 8th meant the train was cancelled prior to departure. Our condolences to family and friends concerned. “The Dorset Coast Express” due to run on the 15th fell foul of the scheduled rail strike which in the event was itself cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Both trains were to have been worked on the outward leg by LMS Jubilee Class 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’. “The Swanage Belle” was rescheduled for 22nd September 2022.
Egypt
In 1851 Abbas I, Khedive of Egypt, began negotiations with British engineer Robert Stephenson for the construction of a railway from Alexandria to Cairo. This was only the second railway built in the world and the first on the African continent. The 120 mile line to Cairo was completed by 1856 and work began on a southern extension with a 230 mile section to Assiut finished in 1874.
in September 2022, the majority of Egyptian National Railway services we saw during our stay were hauled by the impressive ES30ACi Light Evolution diesel locomotives built by the American GE Transportation Systems (now owned by Wabtec) and are are equipped with a 12-cylinder, 3200 HP GE Evolution Series engine. The locomotives are capable of passenger and freight train duties and 110 were ordered in 2017, the final units being delivered in March 2021.
I was a little concerned about railway photography in Egypt as UK Foreign Office advice noted that British nationals have been arrested for photographing amongst other things, train stations and bridges. So, during my stay I ensured that permission was asked and if possible I was with my guide or a local travel company agent. I’m pleased to report I wasn’t arrested, and was in all instances greeted by friendly waves, enthusiasm and chat.
We spent a few days in Cairo before flying to Luxor to board the M/S Royal Esadora which would take us along the River Nile to Aswan and back.
M/S Royal Esadora at Edfu – 14/09/2022
The Alexandria Tramway Network – Alexandria is located on the Nile delta in the north of Egypt. We travelled by car from Cairo for the day and as we drove around, our guide enthused over the wooden trams which still survive. The license to build a tramway system in Alexandria was issued on 16 August 1860, and the first line of the network began operating in on 8 January 1863. The system was electrified in 1902. There is an extensive network of 20 tram lines operating on 32 kilometers of track, serving 140 stops, running in the streets of central and western Alexandria as well as the coastal Al Raml line.
Former Copenhagen DUEWAG GT6 – the vehicles are almost 60 years old – Alexandria 11/09/2022Former Copenhagen DUEWAG GT6 unit which were introduced to Egypt between 1969 and 1972 – Alexandria 11/09/2022Tatra-Yug K-1E6 in service on lines 5/6 on the Ramleh tram – the vehicles are fitted with both standard pantographs and trolley poles in order to be operated on both networks – Alexandria 11/09/2022The Japanese Kinki Sharyo units were built between 1975 to 1995. One of the six double-deck iterations on the Ramleh tram – Alexandria 11/09/2022 A restored single Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon car dating from 1925 – Alexandria 11/09/2022A glimpse of Alexandria Railway Station – 11/09/2022
Cairo – Ramsis Railway Station is the main railway station in Cairo and our first glimpse of the lengthy imposing structure was out of the windows of the transfer car taking us from the airport to our hotel on our first night in Egypt. The station is named after Pharaoh Ramses II. We saw a lot about him during our stay in the country!
An older railway station was opened at the site in 1854. Later in 1890 the Egyptian government, driven by a desire to give Cairo a grand entrance way began work on the current, much larger railway station. For most visitors before the advent of air travel, Ramsis station was the entry point into Cairo after arriving in Alexandria by ship. The station is part terminus with some through platforms.
An upgrade to the structure was carried out in 1955 and from January 2001 to early 2011 the station underwent major modernisation being fully upgraded and air conditioned with new marble flooring and the addition of escalators. The railway station has also a connection to the Cairo Metro (which I was unable to photograph), buses, and taxis (although no idea where these were!)
Ramsis railway station exterior, Cairo – 20/09/2022An Egyptian National Railway ES30ACi Light Evolution diesel locomotive having backed onto a rake of coaches at Cairo railway station – 20/09/2022An EMD G16 built by General Motors at Cairo railway station having brought in empty coaching stock. Egyptian National Railway received a total of 111 G16’s in 1960–61 (ER numbers 3301–61) and seventeen G16Ws in 1964–65 (ER numbers 3362–411) – 20/09/2022Cairo Railway Station train shed – 20/09/2022A view from the twenty fifth floor of Fairmont Nile City of an Egyptian National Railways service about to cross the River Nile via the Imbaba Bridge. Just don’t ask what the bar bill was! – 09/09/2022
Luxor – Luxor is a modern city in Upper Egypt which includes the site of the Ancient City of Thebes. The temples of Karnak and Luxor are situated within the city with the Valley of the Kings (which includes the Tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter almost 100 years ago) and Valley of the Queens located on the opposite west bank of the Nile.
Luxor railway station is located near the centre of the city, the original station having opened in 1898 to accommodate standard gauge trains. The railway between Luxor and Aswan was built to a 3 ft 6 in gauge eventually being converted to standard gauge in 1926. The exterior of the current station is built to reflect the local temples.
Luxor Railway Station exterior – 18/09/2022Luxor Railway Station booking hall – 18/09/2022Luxor Railway Station booking hall – 18/09/2022A Cairo bound train arrives at Luxor – 18/09/2022An EMD G16 in the yard at Luxor – 18/09/2022
Aswan – Aswan is a busy market and tourist centre located just north of the Aswan Dam on the east bank of the River Nile at the first cataract (shallow lengths of the Nile where the surface of the water is broken by small rocks and boulders jutting out of the river bed). I was taunted by the sound of passing trains out of my view as I spent time in my cabin or on the sun deck whilst catching up on my reading time.
Aswan Railway Station exterior – 15/09/2022Aswan Railway Station booking hall – 15/09/2022Aswan Railway Station booking hall – 15/09/2022ES30ACi Light Evolution No. 2564 in the bay platform at Aswan – 15/09/2022A line up of ES30ACi Light Evolution locomotives at Aswan – 15/09/2022
Video of our railway sightings while in Egypt, September 2022
Egyptian Railway Museum, Cairo – On our last morning in Cairo, Caroline very thoughtfully surprised me by hiring an Uber which took us into the centre of Cairo and the Egyptian Railway Museum which is located in the eastern wing of Ramsis railway station. I’d been whinging on about trying to fit in a visit throughout our stay. Trying to find a taxi to take us back to our hotel in time for our flight home was a bit of an adventure in itself, but Caroline relished the challenge!
The museum first opened in January 1933 and contains over 300 models and exhibits, a collection of documents, maps and statistical data.
No. 986, fabricated by Robert Stephenson in 1865, on display outside Ramsis Railway Station Cairo – 20/09/2022Saied Pasha locomotive – 1862Saied Pasha locomotive works plate – 1862Sectioned 4-4-2 No. 194 manufactured in 1906 by The North British Locomotive Co. Ltd.Model of the first steam locomotive imported into Egypt – one of six built by Stephenson & Co.Model of a 1957 1700 HP Hanshel diesel electric locomotiveModel of a 1948 1600 HP English Electric Co. diesel electric locomotiveModel of German Hanshel diesel electric locomotive from 1983
Earlier in the week, we enjoyed another mode of transport in the form of a hot air balloon which gave us an exceptional view of the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el Bahri near Luxor:
Hot air balloons over the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el Bahri near Luxor – 13/09/2022SS Sudan, built for the Egyptian Royal Family in 1885 was converted into a cruise liner in 1921 and took Agatha Christie and her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan, on a trip along the Nile in 1933 and is believed to be the inspiration for her most famous work “Death On The Nile” published in 1937. SS Sudan fell into a state of disrepair following World War II but was restored in 1991 and again in 2000I couldn’t resist reading Christie’s novel onboard our ship on the Nile! While in Aswan, we visited “The Old Cataract Hotel” where Agatha Christie stayed and part of her novel “Death On The Nile” is set
We had a wonderful time visiting ancient Egyptian archaeological sites as well as modern railway stations! Huge thanks to our guides while we were in Egypt; Reda and Ahmed who shared their knowledge and facilitated some of the railway station visits.
This weeks blog was created while listening to Alphaville with Deutsches Filmerchester Babelsberg, Alison Moyet, and Handel’s Passacaglia, Suite no. 7 in G Minor, HWV 432/6 ( Modern Piano Solo Version performed by Johan Halvorsen on repeat). All being well, we’ll be back next week!
Yoshi in front of stationary Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ which was working Swanage Railway Friday Night Bistro train duties. The train stops here for around thirty minutes and we had permission from the driver and guard to take this photo. Please ensure you and your pets stay safe in and around railway property – 12/08/2022
This was looking like a quiet week on the local railway scene, but Yoshi and I had some lovely family events to fill the days. It’s not all about the trains, apparently. Despite the lack of main line entertainment, we were surprised to find another Direct Rail Services (DRS) Winfrith train was running on Thursday 11th August. These workings are in connection with the removal of low level nuclear waste from Magnox Winfrith. This weeks run only appeared on the schedules a couple of days previously (Tuesday 9th August 2022) and, according to folk at Magnox Winfrith I chatted to, may well be the last such working of 2022. The next is provisionally slated for around March 2023. Let’s see.
I chose to see the down working pass through Hamworthy on its way to Winfrith. The locomotives top and tailing the train were DRS Class 68 No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68007 ‘Valiant’. No. 68005 ‘Defiant’ had originally been allocated to the working but developed a fault on its way from Sellafield to Crewe with the empty PFA wagons which would be used for onward transit to Dorset. The Class 68’s were built by Vossloh at Albuixech, Valencia for use by Direct Rail Services.
DRS Class 68 locomotives No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68007 ‘Valiant’ top and tail a set of empty PFA wagons bound for Magnox Winfrith powering through Hamworthy with 6Z62 0103 Crewe Coal Siding (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings – 11/08/2022
For the return run, I wanted to catch the loaded train leaving Winfrith sidings as there will be only a limited number of these workings, so I thought I would take the opportunity on a beautiful sunny day. The security guys at Winfrith were pleasant and relaxed about my taking photos from a public footpath. After departure from Winfrith Sidings, the train goes on to Dorchester South where it reverses to embark on its trip back to Crewe. While it was doing this, I headed off to Poole in order to catch the consist passing over Holes Bay.
DRS Class 68 No. 68002 ‘Intrepid’ stands in Winfrith Sidings awaiting departure with the loaded train of low level nuclear waste – 11/08/2022DRS Class 68 No. 68002 ‘Intrepid’ edges out of Winfrith Sidings towards the main line – 11/08/2022At the rear of the loaded train DRS Class 68 No. 68007 ‘Valiant’ formerly in ScotRail livery – 11/08/2022DRS Class 68 locomotives No.’s 68007 ‘Valiant’ and 68002 ‘Intrepid’ crossing Holes Bay with the loaded 6Z95 1600 Winfrith Sidings to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 11/08/2022
And here’s our video of the August 2022 Winfrith Cats:
DRS Class 68 locomotives No. 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68007 ‘Valiant’ with the third Winfrith train of 2022 seen at Hamworthy, Winfrith and Holes Bay – 11/08/2022
Digital photography has given us the ability to snap away more or less at our hearts content. Back in my misspent youth armed at first with my 126 Kodak camera, then my 110 Kodak and finally my trusty Russian made 35mm Zenit SLR I was very conscious of both the cost of the film and of the developing and printing. This meant that, often, I had one chance to take a photograph of a particular train. I wasn’t always too mindful however of where the sun was in relation to my subject and the effect this would have on the resulting image. It would take a week or so for the prints to be returned in the post from Truprint or other postal D&P service which might have a money saving promotion on the go. In my mind I had always taken a masterpiece of railway photography, but invariably what was returned never lived up to my expectations. But what did it matter? There would be another Class 33/0 on the Weymouth Boat Train or Inter-Regional Class 47 hauled holiday special excursion to get into the camera viewfinder another day. Until when there wasn’t, of course. Railway’s have always encompassed change and development. If they didn’t, we’d still all be being hauled by variations of Stephenson’s ‘Rocket’ and getting smut in our faces sitting in open topped wagons. I sometimes wish I’d taken more photos of everyday scenes back in the 70’s and 80’s. But I didn’t and I don’t have a time machine to take me back there. Which is where, to some extent, our heritage railways step in. I have spent many a happy hour at a steam or diesel gala on a preserved railway. Some people like to travel behind their favourite class of locomotive, whereas I like to photograph or video the trains, as I know a lot of other enthusiasts do. I politely suggest photographers – and I am sure there are many who already do – who don’t travel on the trains make a donation to the railway they are using as their canvas. Or use the catering facilities, or buy merchandise. Anything to give something back.
Friday evening (August 12th), as the heat of the day had subsided, Yoshi and I ventured out to our local heritage line, The Swanage Railway, to see their resident Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) * ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling the custard and cream dining set on the Friday Bistro train. Although replicating an era prior to my interest in railways, the ensemble looked magnificent catching the last rays of the sun at the end of the day.
D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ working Swanage Railways Friday Night Bistro Train 1N08 1930 Swanage to Norden having just departed Corfe Castle station – 12/08/2022D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ working Swanage Railways Friday Night Bistro Train 1N09 2010 Norden to Swanage having just departed Norden – 12/08/2022
Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ with Swanage Railways Friday Bistro Train – 12/08/2022
Sister locomotive Class 33/1 No. 33111 experienced difficulties earlier on Friday and has had to be withdrawn from service pending repairs. Hopefully she won’t be out of action for too long. In the meantime, during the steam ban which resulted from the recent spell of dry weather, Swanage are employing their Diesel Multiple Unit set to run services in conjunction with No. D6515 with steam expected to return on Wednesday 17th August 2022.
*A note about British Rail diesel & electric locomotive numbering. Upon introduction as part of the 1950’s “Modernisation Plan”, diesel locomotives carried one to four-digit numbers prefixed with a letter ‘D’, and electric locomotives with a letter ‘E’. With a move to computerisation all locomotives were renumbered so they could be logged on the Total Operating Processing System (TOPS) which recorded the maintenance history of locomotives and rolling stock, along with its allocation to division and depot and duty, its current status, its location etc. Locomotives were numbered in a consecutive series in terms of classification with the first two or three digits used to denote the class of locomotive or multiple unit. Sub-classifications were indicated in the TOPS system with a slash and a subclass number. For example Birmingham R.C.&W. Co Type 3 Bo-Bo No. D6515 became Class 33/0 No. 33012.
Ian Allan were well known for publishing books of locomotive numbers for train spotters who could tick off or underline the examples they had seen. Here is the B.R.C&W Type 3 fleet list as at August 22nd 1966 published in “British Rail Locomotives And Other Motive Power”. As you can see D6502 is missing from this list, having already been withdrawn following an accident in 1964The Class 33’s divided into sub classes as seen from the 1980 edition of Ian Allan’s “British Rail Motive Power Combined Volume”Class 33/0 No. 33016 with a Bristol to Weymouth service at Dorchester West – 25/06/1981Class 33/1’s were modified for push pull operations on the un-electrified Bournemouth to Weymouth line and can be easily identified by their high-level brake pipes and jumper cables. They were originally going to be classified Class 34 under TOPS, but instead sensibly became a Class 33 sub-class. No. 33108 is seen at Norden on the Swanage Railway taking part in the 2013 diesel gala backing onto 4VEP EMU No. 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’. Class 31 No. 31466 can be seen in the background. No. 33108 is currently undergoing repairs to bodywork and traction motors at the Severn Valley Railway – 12/05/2013A batch of twelve locomotives were built with narrow bodies to enable working through narrow tunnels between Tunbridge Wells in Kent and Hastings in Sussex. These became Class 33/2 under TOPS and were nicknamed “Slim Jims” by enthusiasts. West Coast Railway Co. No. 33207 ‘Jim Martin’ is photographed in the sidings at Poole – 11/06/2011
I made a quick visit to Top o’ Town car park in Dorchester for The West Country Historic Omnibus & Transport Trust Dorchester Running Day on Sunday 14th August 2022. Although a smaller concern than in pre-covid times, it was still great to see these old vehicles making trips around town or on static display. It was far too hot to take Yoshi with me and he remained at home where it was much cooler for him.
Perhaps my favourite bus / coach is OTT 98 a Bristol/ECW LS6G integral coach. She was delivered to Southern National in 1953 and given the fleet number 1299 for working as part of the Royal Blue fleet from Bournemouth in 1969. I remember her from her Dorset Transport Circle days and associated trips out – 14/08/2022EFJ 92 a Bedford WTB with Heaver C25F body – delivered new to Taylors Central Garage (Exeter) Ltd in June 1938. Sold to Vic’s Tours of St. Mary’s on the Scilly Isles and operated until 1971 when she entered preservation – 14/08/2022WS 4522, a 1935 Scottish Motor Traction Co. (SMT) H110 Cowieson bodied Leyland Tiger TS7 – 14/08/2022FEL 218; Bournemouth Corporation Bedford WTB Duple B25F – 14/08/2022Preserved former Yellow Buses N465 TPR Dennis Dart with East Lancs body and H262 MFX Dennis Dominator with East Lancs body – 14/08/2022“Sea Dog” MSJ 499 a Leyland Atlantean PDR1 with open top Metro-Cammell body was delivered new in 1961 to Devon General and named ‘Admiral Blake’. She reminds me of my time working in Torquay in the mid-1980’s, not that I had much time to enjoy the local area! After she finished carrying passengers around the Devon coast she was sold to Yellow Buses in Bournemouth and used as a tree lopper before entering preservation in 2006 – 14/08/2022X688 XJT an Optare Solo M850 from 2000 in original Wilts & Dorset livery spent some years as a Tesco free bus – 14/08/2022
From The Archive
This week in….
2019: Saturday 10th August 2019, 8 month old Yoshi and I took a trip out to see SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ working UK Railtours “The Atlantic Coast Express” which originated from London Waterloo and took in Salisbury, Exeter, Bristol and Bath. It was around this time when I really renewed my latent enthusiasm in railways after several years of having only a passing interest.
Clan Line on “The Atlantic Coast Express” 1Z82 0752 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids and 1Z84 1550 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo – 10/08/2019
The following day, Sunday 11th August 2019, saw two special excursion trains visit Dorset. We saw “The Northern Belle” top and tailed by WCRC Class 57 No.’s 57601 ‘Windsor Castle’ and 57314 at Dorchester followed by a trip to Holton Heath to see the return working along with a glimpse of Class 73 No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ working “The Swanage Sunday Special No.3”.
Thursday 15th August 2019 saw LNER Thompson Class B1 No. 61306 ‘Mayflower’ and WCRC Class 47 No. 47802 working a Steam Dream Rail Company “Cathedrals Express” excursion from West Brompton to Weymouth and return. In between arrival and departure of the special train, Colas Rail Class 37 No. D6757 (37057) also visited the seaside terminal with a Network Rail test train.
2010: The Railway Touring Company ran “The Dorset Coast Express” on Wednesday 11th August 2010. The train departed London Victoria at 0845 and was hauled down to Weymouth by LNER A4 4-6-2 No. 60019 ‘Bittern’ which I saw pass through Bournemouth. The return working to London Waterloo was headed by SR N15 King Arthur Class 4-6-0 No. 30777 ‘Sir Lamiel’ with the A4 providing banking assistance at the rear until Wareham which is where I filmed the ensemble. The A4 was detached and then ran with her support coach to Yeovil Railway Centre at Yeovil Junction.
That brings us to the end of another entry, this week the Railway Dog blog was mostly put together to the sounds of The Who, Lily Williams and Yoshi barking at anyone moving outside. We really appreciate you stopping by and reading the blog and watching the video clips. As always, comments, suggestions and corrections are welcomed and thank you to everyone who has helped out in some way. We look forward to seeing you again next week.
