Yoshi takes a close look at ‘Clan Line’ while visiting Yeovil Junction – 04/12/2024
04/12/2024
Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ worked the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour 1Z28 0842 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform. We saw the train passing Worting Junction and its arrival at Yeovil Junction with ‘Clan Line’ later being turned on the turntable at the Yeovil Railway Centre.
Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ at Worting working the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour 1Z28 0842 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform – 04/12/2024Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ at the head of the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour arrives in Yeovil Junction – 04/12/2024Yoshi meets Francis Bourgeois at the Yeovil Railway Centre – 04/12/2024
Southern Railway rebuilt Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ working the “Sherborne Christmas Carol” railtour 1Z28 0842 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Heritage Platform – 04/12/2024
08/12/2024
West Coast Railways Class 57 diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 57601 ‘Windsor Castle’ and 57315 top and tailed “The Northern Belle” into Castle Cary working 1Z25 1311 Paddington to Castle Cary before reversing and running back towards London as 1Z26 1540 Castle Cary to Euston.
West Coast Railways Class 57 diesel-electric locomotives No.’s 57601 ‘Windsor Castle’ and 57315 top and tailed “The Northern Belle” into Castle Cary working 1Z25 1311 Paddington to Castle Cary – 08/12/2024West Coast Railways Class 57 diesel-electric locomotive No.57315 leads away from Castle Cary at the head of 1Z26 1540 Castle Cary to Euston – 08/12/2024
The Northern Belle reverses at Castle Cary – 08/12/2024
10/12/2024
Overnight 09/12/2024 – 10/12/2024 saw Colas Railfreight running a Network Rail ballast train into Dorset reporting as 6C13 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South / 6C13 0455 Moreton (Dorset) to Eastleigh East Yard with Class 66 No. 66846 and Class 70 No. 70815 in charge. We saw the train passing Poole on the outward leg and at Hamworthy and Parkstone on the return.
Colas Rail Freight Class 70 No. 70815 passing Hamworthy with 6C13 0455 Moreton (Dorset) to Eastleigh East Yard – 10/12/2024
Colas ballast train – 10/12/2024
12/12/2024
A day out in Somerset began with seeing Colas Railfreight Class 43 HST power cars No’s 43274 & 43303 at Yeovil Junction on the Network Rail New Measurement Train 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury
Colas Railfreight Class 43 HST power car No’s 43274 arriving at Yeovil Junction with 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 12/12/2024Yoshi with Class 43 No. 43303 at Yeovil Junction. The HST power car was at the rear of the outward leg of 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 12/12/2024
1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury – 12/12/2024
A drive over to Highbridge saw HNRC’s Regional Railways liveried Class 37 No. 37425 which has been reunited with her ‘Concrete Bob’ nameplates in honour of Sir Robert McAlpine passing Highbridge & Burnham whilst working the 5Z11 0949 Bristol Kingsland Road to Bristol Kingsland Road test train
Harry Needle Railroad Company’s Class 37 No. 37425 ‘Concrete Bob’ passing Highbridge and Burnham working the 5Z11 0949 Bristol Kingsland Road to Bristol Kingsland Road test train – 12/12/2024
Later we caught up with the twice weekly Direct Rail Services flask train departing Bridgwater in the care of Class 68 No.’s 68009 ‘Titan’ and 68034 ‘Rail Riders’ working 6M63 1210 Bridgwater F.D to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS)
DRS Class 68 No.’s 68009 ‘Titan’ and 68034 ‘Rail Riders’ in the sidings at Bridgwater – 12/12/2024DRS Class 68 No. 68034 ‘Rail Riders’ prepares to depart Bridgwater with 6M63 1210 Bridgwater F.D to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 12/12/2024
DRS Flasks at Bridgwater – 12/12/2024
16/12/2024
Having missed November, the monthly PLP test train utilising GBRf Class 73 locomotives made it to Weymouth in December. The train, in the charge of GBRf Class 73 No.’s 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ and 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’, reported as 1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth. I saw 73’s on their way from Weymouth to Eastleigh at Hamworthy having missed the outward leg as I was being entertained by the Christmas lights at Kew Gardens.
1Q51 1115 Derby RTC to Eastleigh Yard via Weymouth – 16/12/2024
17/12/2024 – 19/12/2024
The trials and tribulations of delivering SWR Class 458/4 No. 458414 which was the final unit to be converted from a five car Class 458/5. Tuesday 17th December 2024, GBRf Class 57 No. 57310 reversed at Poole with the intention of delivering the refurbished EMU to Bournemouth depot as 5Q64 1603 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. However due to a points failure leading into the depot, the consist traveled back up the line to Eastleigh East Yard. The following day sister locomotive No. 57303 did the honours working 5Q64 1548 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D which saw the Class 458 safely delivered to its Home Depot. Finally on the morning of 19th December 2024, No. 57303 returned to Leicester with the barrier coaches formed from ex-Class 508 driving coaches working 5M09 0855 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Leicester L.I.P. which I saw at Totton as it passed running 46 minutes late.
Class 57 movements in association with SWR Class 458 drags to Bournemouth – December 2024
18/12/2024
The Heart of Wessex test train ran once again with ex High Speed Train Class 43 power cars – No.’s 43274 & 43303 – reporting as 1Q22 0647 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road. We saw the train at Yeovil Pen Mill and Upwey
Heart of Wessex Network Rail Test Train – 18/12/2024
19/12/2024
The Wessex Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) arrived at Totton Yard on 7th December 2024 in readiness for the winter 2024/25 season. However, it wasn’t until 19th December that the train turned a wheel in anger and ran down to Weymouth as 3Y88 0905 Totton Yard to Totton Yard top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66 66768 ‘Yvonne Bradley’ + 66714 ‘Cromer Lifeboat’. Caught out by the late departure of this service from Totton Yard, I was able to see the train arrive back at base
Snow & Ice Train – 19/12/2024
24/12/2024
A Christmas Eve treat from GBRf and SWR as Class 57 No. 57303 hauls Class 458/4 No. 458419 with barrier coaches No.’s 64664 & 64707 past Baiter Park, Poole reporting as 5Q45 1118 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. The train was running 46 minutes ahead of schedule on arrival at Poole. The EMU is the last member of the class to be delivered to Bournemouth depot following the completion of the 458 refurbishment programme carried out at Widnes Transport Tech. The locomotive and barrier coaches departed Bournemouth depot as the early running 5Z66 1851 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Eastleigh East Yard, but by that time I was in the pub enjoying a festive drink.
The final 458 refurb drag to Bournemouth – 24/12/2024
27/12/2024
The video below is of trains during a post Christmas visit to the Southampton area on 27/12/2024, taking in Eastleigh, Winchester and St Denys.
Freightliner anniversary liveried Class 70 No. 70008 working 4M61 1256 Southampton MCT to Trafford Park FLT on the approach to St Denys – 27/12/2024
My vote for the favourite ’spot of the day’ would have to be FL Class 70 No. 70008 carrying a new special yellow and green livery in a nod to the company’s past. The locomotive’s repaint was carried out by UK Rail Leasing in Loughborough, and completed on November 20th 2024 in readiness for Freightliner’s 60th anniversary in 2025. When sold by British Rail, Freightliner originally used a version of the old BR two- tone grey livery, before moving to a new green livery with yellow cabs – first for its Class 57’s and then its Class 66 locomotives. The arrival of the first Class 70 in 2010 resulted in a new ‘PowerHaul’ livery being introduced that was latter applied to a handful of Class 66’s, 86’s and 90’s. The takeover by Genesee and Wyoming saw a break from this, with a striking orange and black livery starting to be applied, as seen in this video being carried by Class 66 No. 66419 ‘Lionesses’ Roar’
Southampton area compilation – 27/12/2024
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GBRf Class 57 No. 57310 at GBRf’s Peterborough depot during the Key Publishing Gala weekend – 08/09/2024
A special gala weekend of activities, based around Peterborough and the Nene Valley Railway organised by “Modern Railways” magazine with support from their sister publication “Hornby Magazine”, took place over the weekend of September 7th/8th 2024.
The event was supported by GB Railfreight who provided a range of visiting locomotives hauling trains at the Nene Valley Railway on both days of the gala. The freight operator also offered the opportunity to look behind the scenes at its Peterborough headquarters in a series of pre-booked tours.
Because of family plans organised for the Saturday of the event, I booked to attend on the Sunday and drove over to Peterborough arriving in good time to join the designated shuttle bus which was running between the railway station and the GBRf facility.
GBRf House, Peterborough – 08/09/2024
On arrival at the GBRf depot the bus divested of its passengers and we all stood around on the lawned area in front of GBRf House before being split into two groups of around twelve people each. One group headed off to the Maintenance Hub and depot area while the other, which I was part of, were taken off to see the train driving simulators.
GB Railfreight (GBRf) invested in two state of the art simulators, which form part of their training school at Peterborough. At a total cost of £850,000, they are the UK’s first and only full cab freight European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) capable simulators. They are used by new and existing drivers for basic training, advanced training as part of the Driver rules exam, Mentor and Instructor training and post incident reconstruction – 08/09/2024 From the outset, the simulators covered the journey from London Kings Cross to Peterborough, and are designed with a route building tool which will enable the addition of all other GBRf routes going forward. The simulators were built with the recycled remains of Class 66 locomotive No. 66734, which was involved in a landslip derailment at Loch Treig in 2012 – 08/09/2024 Photographs on display at the GBRf Training facility showing Class 66 No. 66734, which was involved in a landslip derailment at Loch Treig in 2012 – 08/09/2024
Once everyone in my group had a chance to experience the simulator, we swapped over with the other crowd and were led off to the depot area. First up was a visit inside the new Peterborough Maintenance Hub.
The Peterborough Maintenance Hub, which is larger than six-Olympic swimming pools was completed in just 10 months and brings back into use a derelict plot of land. The facility is key to unlocking GBRf’s ambitious growth plans as it aims to run c.80 intermodal services a day by 2025. The building has strong sustainability credentials – it is fully powered by electricity and has been designed to support electric shunt engines and forklifts to reduce carbon emissions. By analysing four wagons per shift, the Hub is a strategic enabler that creates a step-change in maintenance for the rail freight industry. It delivers significant safety and reliability improvements that will allow current and future customers to move an even wider range of goods by rail. As new smart-technologies emerge, the Hub will be a testbed that will allow GBRf to identify innovative solutions that will drive continual improvement – 08/09/2024GBRf is in the process of converting a pair of redundant “Polybulk” hoppers to barrier vehicles at its new Peterborough wagon facility having won the contract to move brand new Piccadilly line trains from Siemens new £200 million factory in Goole, East Yorkshire to London. One end of each barrier wagon retains conventional buffering and drawer. The other end has this removed and replaced with couplers for the new Tube stock, and high-level brake pipes. When being transported, the Underground train will run between the two wagons – 08/09/2024
We were free to take photographs in the Hub facility and of the stabled locomotives as we walked back to join the bus which would this time take us to the Nene Valley Railway.
GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 on shed at Peterborough in the company of No. 66762, 57310, 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’, 66741 ‘Swanage Railway and 66711 ‘Sence’ – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 at Peterborough – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’, Peterborough – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66741 ‘Swanage Railway’ at Peterborough – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69003 ‘The Railway Observer’ at Peterborough. The locomotive was in operation on the Saturday of the gala – 08/09/2024
On arrival at the Nene Valley, there was a bit of a wait in the rain before enjoying a journey from Peterborough to Wansford hauled by GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66312. A volunteer at Peterborough Nene Valley very kindly gave me some treats to take home for Yoshi, which he enjoyed very much!
Our train to Wansford at the other end of the line was hauled by Class 66 No. 66312.
GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 was in operation on the Nene Valley during the Sunday – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ arrives at Peterborough Nene Valley – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 rests at Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024Another view of GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024Surely not GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 69 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at platform of Wansford station – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ with 45041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’ operating as a translator between the Brush Type 4 and the coaching stock on the approach to Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 departs Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ double heads with Class 69 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Wansford – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 08 No. 08632 runs into the bay platform at Wansford – 08/09/2024Nene Valley resident Class 14 No. D9529 is an 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic loco built at Swindon Works in 1964, weighing in at 48.5 tonnes. Originally intended for hauling working movements between local yards and short-distance freight trains on the western region, No. D9529 was sold to The British Steel Company and worked at Buckminster from 1968-1972. It was later moved to Corby Steelworks and worked there until 1981 when it was moved to Bardon Hill Quarry until 2010 when it was rescued by the Iron Steel & Traction Group and moved to the Nene Valley Railway – 08/09/2024“Peak” Class 45 No. 45041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’ is a 1-Co Co-1 wheel arrangement Diesel Electric loco built at Crewe Works in 1962, weighing 133 tonnes. The loco was originally based at Derby hauling passenger services on The Midland Mainline as No. D53. The loco was named in 1964 and was re-numbered in 1975. No. 45041 was used predominantly on freight trains during the 1980’s as it was not one of the Class 45’s that was selected to be converted to supply electric train heat (ETH) for passenger carriages. Unfortunately, the loco suffered a traction motor problem in 1988 and was condemned, but she was bought by the Peak Locomotive Society in 1996 and has been based at the NVR since then – 08/09/2024GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 with Class 66 No. 66312 getting ready to depart Peterborough Nene Valley with the final service of the gala weekend – 08/09/2024
Funds raised from the gala were donated to charity, supporting the work of the MS Society, which provides support to those suffering with Multiple Sclerosis. GB Railfreight donated funds raised from the site tours to its charity partner Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Video from Day Two of the 2024 GBRf Gala at the Nene Valley Railway – 08/09/2024
For The Record
Screenshot of LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ passing Poole at the head of empty coaching stock move 5Z50 0714 Crewe H.S. to Norden (Swanage Railway) – 03/09/2024
On 4th September 2024, Saphos Trains ran a “Welsh Marches Express” from Bournemouth to Shrewsbury. The empty coaching stock was scheduled to be stabled at Norden on the Swanage Railway the night before the railtour. However, a bridge strike at Grange Road (Bridge 9) near Creech on the Swanage Branch causing noticeable movement in the structure and likely requiring substantial and costly repair works meant the train was unable to travel to Norden and was stabled at Holme Lane (Bridge 7) instead. We saw the ECS passing Poole on 3rd September running almost three hours late after being diverted due to congestion at Reading West following the failure of an earlier freight train.
LSL Class 57 No. 57311 at the rear of empty coaching stock move 5Z50 0714 Crewe H.S. to Norden (Swanage Railway) – 03/09/2024
Locomotive Services Limited Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ and Class 57 No. 57311 were utilised in top and tail formation for the stock movements, with the pair taking the carriages to Bournemouth in the early hours to pick up passengers.
We were at Hamworthy the following morning as they passed through on the way to pick up passengers running thirty minutes late working 5Z50 0430 Norden (Swanage R) to Bournemouth. The Saphos Tour was scheduled for steam haulage from Bristol, but due to a fatality in the Taunton area necessitating the closure of the railway line, the allocated locomotive; LNER Thompson Class B1 No. 61306 ‘Mayflower’ was unable to get to Temple Meads in time. Instead the train continued with No.’s 57311 and 47805 in charge. ‘Mayflower’ eventually caught up with her train and while No. 57311 was sent home to Crewe, the B1 and No. 47805 returned South, the steam locomotive taking the train as far as Bristol and the Brush Type 4 then working solo back to Bournemouth where we were on hand to see the train arrive. On arrival at Bournemouth, the Class 47 then ran around the carriages to enable the empty stock to be hauled to Southall.
Having arrived around an hour early, LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ being detached from the coaching stock of 1Z52 1550 Shrewsbury to Bournemouth prior to running round – 04/09/2024LSL Class 47 No. 47805 ‘Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013’ ready to depart with 5Z54 2354 Bournemouth to Southall Locomotive Services Limited – 04/09/2024
Video from 3rd/4th September 2024 with movements in association Saphos “Welsh Marches Express”
Wednesday 4th September 2024 was the turn of the New Measurement Train (NMT) to visit the “Heart of Wessex” line with Class 43 ex-HST power cars No.’s 43274 and 43277 ‘Safety Task Force’ working 1Q22 0757 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth. My brother was on hand to catch it passing through Dorchester West on the outward leg.
Screenshot of Class 43 ex-HST power cars No. 43274 arriving at Dorchester West 1Q22 0757 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 04/09/2024 ( G E Barrett)Screenshot of Class 43 ex-HST power cars No.’s 43277 ‘Safety Task Force’ passing through Dorchester West with 1Q22 0757 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth – 04/09/2024 ( G E Barrett)Colas Rail Freight Class 37 No. 37175 at Weymouth having worked in with 3Q14 1112 Westbury Down TC to Westbury Down TC – 05/09/2024Colas Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ at Weymouth 3Q14 1112 Westbury Down T.C. to Westbury Down T.C.
Thursday 5th September 2024 and the booked “Heart of Wessex” test train produced Colas Rail Freight Class 37 No.’s 37175 and 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ at Weymouth top and tailing Network Rail’s Structure Gauging Train, reporting as 3Q14 1112 Westbury Down T.C. to Westbury Down T.C.
Screenshot of GBRf Class 66 No. 66798 ‘Justine’ passing Poole at the head of 6G15 2305 Eastleigh East Yard to Wool Signal PW5255 – 08/09/2024Screenshot of GBRf Class 66 No. 66303 at the rear of 6G15 2305 Eastleigh East Yard to Wool Signal PW5255 – 08/09/2024
A couple of engineering trains passing Poole just after midnight on 08/09/2024 in preparation for work in the Wool area. GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66798 ‘Justine’ and 66303 were first up forming a short ballast train 6G15 2305 Eastleigh East Yard to Wool Signal PW5255 followed quickly after by Colas Rail owned Plasser & Theurer 08-16/4x4C100-RT Tamper No. DR73931 ‘Brian Hill’ working 6J86 2338½ Brockenhurst Down Siding to Wareham.
North Dorset Route Learning runs: 10/09/2024: GBRf Class 66 No. 66731 ‘Capt. Tom Moore, A True British Inspiration’ ran light engine through Sherborne and Gillingham working 0Z47 1145 Eastleigh East Yard to Honiton and the corresponding return 0Z48 1521 Honiton to Eastleigh East Yard. The following week Monday to Friday saw the following schedules diagrammed: 0Z47 1145 Eastleigh East Yard to Honiton and 0Z48 1517 Honiton to Eastleigh East Yard. with the following running; 16/09/2024: operated by 66727 ‘Maritime One’. 17/09/2024: 66770, 18/09/2024: 69006. The Thursday and Friday moves were cancelled.
Colas operated rail delivery train ran 12/13th September 2024 with Class 66 No. 66791, on hire from GBRf and 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’. The outward run reported as 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South, while the return was 6C19 0525 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard
On hire from GBRf Class 66 No. 66791 with Colas decals applied stands at Dorchester South having arrived working 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 13/09/2024 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)Class 66 No. 66791 at Dorchester South working 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 13/09/2024 (Image courtesy of Scott Lewis)Colas Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ passing Poole at the rear of 6C19 2251 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 13/09/2024 (Image courtesy of Tony Henley)
What we like to call the North Dorset New Measurement Train ran on 19/09/2024 with Colas Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43251 and 43357 working 1Q23 0552 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter.
The October 2024 edition of “Railway Modeller” features a very well illustrated article on the impressive “Bournemouth West” model layout>
October 2024 edition of “Railway Modeller”Yoshi gets some ideas from the “Railway Modeller”
Hamworthy Branch
I followed up my email to Network Rail of twelve months ago to ask if there was any more information regarding the 2025 date previously given for rail traffic to commence on the Hamworthy Branch – I received the following response today (18/09/2024):
“Subject
Information Request – Hamworthy Branch, Dorset
Response By E-mail (Simon) (18/09/2024 04.34 PM)
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for getting in touch – I have reached out to the team concerned and although there’s not specifically anything more to add to the previous reply, I can let you know that we’re still on course for reactivating the terminal and running trains in 2025. You’d be surprised I’m sure if I didn’t add the proviso that this is always subject to change, but certainly 2025 is still looking good as of now.
I hope that helps for now,
Kind Regards
Simon
Community Relations – Network Rail”
That’s it for another blog entry – thank you for reading! We’ll be back soon with a look at the remainder of Dorset special railway workings and our trip North of the Border to photograph Scottish High Speed Trains. Grateful thanks to all corrections, submissions and suggestions. Be seeing you!
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 – 26/04/2024Steam 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 – 27/04/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66044 and 66028 on the Peak Forest Stabling Point – 27/04/2024GBRf 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 – 30/04/2024GBRf 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 – 01/05/2024GBRf 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 – 04/05/2024Steam 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 – 04/05/2024LSL owned Class 47 No. 47828 seen at the rear of 1Z36 0424 Nantwich to Kingswear – 04/05/2024Class 37 No.’s 37518 and 37668 at Whiteball with Pathfinder Tours “The Spring Cornish Explorer” 1Z65 0553 Dorridge to Penznce – 04/05/2024Featuring 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 – 04/05/2024Freightliner 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 – 04/05/2024GB Railfreight Class 73 No. 73136 ‘Mhairi’ on the rear of the BLS “May the Fourth be With You” charter at Exeter St. Davids – 04/05/2024After 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 – 04/05/2024Now 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 – 04/05/2024We 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! – 05/05/2024Wallace & 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 – 07/05/2024Celebrity 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 – 08/05/2024Class 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 – 09/05/2024Old 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 – 09/05/2024Screenshot 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 – 09/05/2024GBRf driver Bessie Matthews recognises Yoshin and says hello at Dorchester South – 09/05/2024Yoshi 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 – 09/05/2024Yoshi 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 – 10/05/2024Great 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 – 10/05/2024Support locomotive Class 47 No. 47773 working light engine as 0Z47 1435 Bristol East Depot DBC to Plymouth ahead of the steam hauled charter – 10/05/2024Great 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’ – 10/05/2024An evening scene in the sidings at Swanage – 10/05/2024GBRf 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 – 10/05/2024Class 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 – 11/05/2024GBRf Class 69 No. 69002 ‘Bob Tiller CM&EE’ ( a late replacement for failed sister loco No. 690XX) draws away from Harmans Cross – 11/05/2024Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) Class 20 No.’s 20311 and 20302 hauling the London Underground 4tc set on the approach toCorfe Castle – 11/05/2024The London Underground Class 438 4tc set being hauled by the HNRC Class 20’s towards Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024Class 52 “Western” Diesel-Hydraulic No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ on the approach to Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ makes a fine sight departing Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024Colas 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 – 11/05/2024Carrying 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 – 11/05/2024In its Network South East (NSE) livery, Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ powers towards Swanage – 11/05/2024GBRf 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 – 11/05/2024Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC) Class 20 No.’s 20311 and 20302 hauling the London Underground 4tc set towards Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024HNRC Class 20 No.’s 20302 and 20311 double head the London Underground 4tc set across Corfe Common – 11/05/2024Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33111 heads a train from Swanage – 11/05/2024Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ heads a Swanage bound train – 11/05/2024Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ hauls the London Underground 4tc set across Corfe Common – 11/05/2024Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’ heads towards Corfe Castle – 11/05/2024Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ powers towards Corfe Castle with Afflington Bridge behind – 11/05/2024My 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 – 12/05/2024D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ entering Wareham working light engine movement 0z36 1105 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Swanage – 13/05/2024D6515 (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 – 13/05/2024Homeward 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 pauses during a walk along the River Stour in Blandford. The two arches behind our boy are all that remain of the original structure that took the Somerset and Dorset Railway across Langton Meadows. The railway closed in 1966 and the Blandford Railway Arches Trust Limited, in partnership with Blandford Town Council are working to conserve the arches – 08/04/2024
April 1st 2024 to April 13th 2024
Yoshi visits the Dolphin Centre in Poole – 02/04/2024
Yoshi was recently quite perturbed on finding out Barclays Bank have been closing branches across Dorset, with both Weymouth and Poole getting the axe. To replace their High Street presence in Poole, the bank have opened a pod within the town’s Dolphin Shopping Centre. The decline of bank branches in the UK has been attributed to banking consumers’ changing habits and technological changes. Yoshi waited patiently in the ever growing queue at the pod when he wanted to transact business ensuring he had enough pocket money in his account to keep him in Beef & Poultry flavour Mini Tasty treats.
Our first railway themed adventure in April 2024 took place during an overnight trip to the Greater Manchester area. The purpose of our trip was to visit friends, but me being me, I was unable to resist the lure of checking out Real Time Trains and seeing what might be seen on the local tracks. I immediately noticed that regular Class 60 hauled freight trains were scheduled to pass through Rochdale, Lancashire where we were staying the night.
As we drove along the A664, Edinburgh Way, on the outskirts of Rochdale towards our hotel, we passed under a blue railway bridge with a sign welcoming us to “Rochdale – birthplace of co-operation”. The metropolitan borough in north-west England has long boasted of its association with the 28 mill workers, known as the “Rochdale Pioneers”, who opened their Co-Operative shop in the town on Toad Lane in 1844, devising the “principles” which became the model for cooperatives worldwide.
It conveniently transpired that our hotel was located a few minutes walk from the railway line running through Rochdale and while out walking Yoshi prior to our heading to bed, we took a stroll just in time to see a Class 60 pass over the A664 blue railway bridge with a Drax Power Station to Liverpool Biomass Terminal train of empty wagons.
The trains supplying Drax use distinctive state of the art biomass wagons – the largest on UK railways – designed specifically to transport and unload wood pellets.
The UK Central Electricity Generating Board began building Drax in 1967 to utilise coal from the Selby coalfield, and in 1974 it begins generating electricity for the first time. The power station is officially opened in 1975, with three generators and a total electrical capacity of just under 2 gigawatts (GW). It had the capability to power around two million homes but by 1986, Drax had doubled in size and capacity to just under 4 GW, becoming the largest power station in the UK.
In 1990, Drax Power Station comes under the ownership of National Power, one of three power generation companies created as part of the privatisation of the electricity industry in England and Wales. Nine years later, the power station is acquired by the US-based AES corporation for £1.87 billion but part ways in 2003 after one of the power station’s major customers goes into administration. As creditors, various financial institutions take control of Drax Power Station. 2005 saw the power station undergoing refinancing and Drax Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
In 2012, Drax committed to transforming the business into a mainly biomass-fuelled generator using compressed wood pellets in place of coal by upgrading the three generating units that came online in the early 1970’s to run on 100% sustainable biomass, with no use of coal. The first upgraded generating unit came online in 2013 and ten years later in April 2023 Drax announced the official end of coal-fired generation at Drax Power Station.
As I previously noted above, there are numerous daily paths to and from Drax which pass through Rochdale. So, in order to catch a view of these workings, I elected to get up early on the Thursday morning and drove the five minute journey to Castleton railway station. On arrival at 0530, in good time to witness 6E36 0205 Liverpool Biomass Tml to Drax AES (GBRf) pass through, the station was in darkness. Luckily for me, the lights flickered into life prior to Class 60 No. 60076 ‘Dunbar’ rumbling through the unstaffed station.
Screenshot of GBRf Class 60 No. 60076 ‘Dunbar’ running through Castleton working 6E36 0205 Liverpool Biomass Tml to Drax AES (GBRf) – 04/04/2024Northern Trains Class 150 No.’s 150120 and 150110 stop at Castleton railway station working 2B89 0551 Rochdale to Blackburn – 04/04/2024
Stopping train services at Castleton are currently provided by Northern Trains utilising Class 195 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. TransPennine Express train services also pass through the station.
GBRf Class 60 No. 60096 ‘Impetus’ on the approach to Castleton working 6M34 0545 Drax AES (GBRf) to Tuebrook Sidings (GBRf) – 04/04/2024
The first station to be opened in Castleton was in 1839, situated on the western side of the Rochdale to Manchester Road bridge and was originally called “Blue Pits for Heywood”. The existing station opened on 1st November 1875, on the eastern side of the road bridge. The Liverpool and Bury Railway from Bolton once joined the main line at a triangular junction just south of the station. This was previously a busy passenger and freight route utilised by trains avoiding Manchester, but was closed to passengers on 5th October 1970. Castleton station was formerly part of the Oldham Loop Line which provided through services to Oldham via Rochdale. This route was closed in 2009 and converted for light rail use by Manchester Metrolink.
The western portion of this line was retained for freight traffic after passenger trains ceased serving the coal depot at Rawtenstall until 1980, and subsequently to the Powell Duffryn wagon works. It now forms the link with the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) at Heywood. Subject to permission being granted by Network Rail (NR, in the future, the heritage line plans to extend its services along and towards a possible new bay platform – given the proposed name “Castleton Village” – which would be adjacent to the main Castleton station. Passengers could then alight from their ELR train and change station sides directly to Northern Rail services on the national network.
Video from Castleton – April 2024
We arrived back in Dorset on Thursday evening in time to see Colas operated Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) head towards Weymouth propelled by Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton’ with DBSO No. 9714 leading on the outward leg of 3Q45 2103 Woking Up Yard Reception to Reading Triangle Sidings.
Screenshot of Class 37 No. 37254 ‘Cardiff Canton at the rear of Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) passing Hamworthy reporting as 3Q45 2103 Woking Up Yard Reception to Reading Triangle Sidings – 05/04/2024
Video of UTU 3Q45 2103 Woking Up Yard Reception to Reading Triangle Sidings – 05/04/2024
The following day, Friday 5th April 2024, and we were back at Hamworthy station as Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ escaped the heritage railway and ventured out onto the mainline as she headed off to Eastleigh to collect preserved Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’. The two locomotives returned later in the day. The Class 50 is visiting the Swanage Railway to undertake power testing to ensure it is fit and ready to earn a mainline running certificate. More news on this is expected from the locomotives owners in the next few weeks.
Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ runs light engine into Hamworthy as 0Z33 1130 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) – 05/04/2024Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ running light engine passing Hamworthy as 0Z33 1130 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) – 05/04/2024Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ approaching Hamworthy reporting as 0Z50 1430 Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) to Swanage – 05/04/2024 – 05/04/2024Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ being hauled by Swanage resident Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ at Hamworthy – 05/04/2024
Video of D6515 & 50026 passing Hamworthy – 05/04/2024Yoshi after his date with the groomer. We celebrated by popping into the boys’ favourite pub – 05/04/2024
Hamworthy Branch update
The new electrical cabinet at Hamworthy Park crossing on Ashmore Avenue has been installed and the old one removed.
New cabinet at Hamworthy Park level crossing – 05/04/2024
For The Record
The New Measurement Train (NMT) visited North Dorset on Thursday April 4th top and tailed by former High Speed Train (HST) Class 43 power cars No.’s 43274 and 43257 which formed 1Q23 0555 Reading to Salisbury via Exeter.
Saturday 6th April 2024 and North Dorset witnessed the sight of preserved Hasting’s Unit operating “The Cogload Climber” rail tour run by Hastings Diesels Limited. The train passed through Sherborne and Gillingham on its return leg working as 1Z15 1440 Exeter Central to Hastings. Unfortunately, although I had planned to photograph and video the train as it made its way to and from Devon, this just wasn’t meant to be.
However, good friend of this blog, @smithy.377 has very kindly allowed us to share the following images and video of the tour in Exeter.
Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) No. 1001 led by Class 202/6L Power Car 60118 ‘Tunbridge Wells’ at Exeter St Davids prior to departure up to Exeter Central working the “Cogload Climber” railtour reporting as 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith, @smithy.377)
No. 1001 is a Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) which once worked on the London Charing Cross to Hastings route in British Rail days between 1957 and 1986. Following withdrawal, the train was subsequently preserved by Hastings Diesels Limited (HDL), restored to its former glory and returned to main-line operation ten years later, in 1996.
Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central having arrived with “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central having arrived with “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)Unit No. 1001 Class 202/6L Power Car No. 60116 ‘Mountfield’ in the bay platform at Exeter Central having arrived with “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central working “The Cogload Climber” 1Z14 0630 Hastings to Exeter Central – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)Unit No. 1001 at Exeter Central forming “The Cogload Climber” railtour. The train departed reporting as 1Z15 1440 Exeter Central to Hastings – 06/04/2024 (Ashley Smith/ @smithy.377)
“The Cogload Climber” railtour at Exeter – 06/04/2024. Video courtesy of Ashley Smith / @smithy.377
In other news, Network Rail (NR), who are responsible for UK railway infrastructure, is to spend approximately £2.8billion on protecting railways from extreme weather events over the next 5 years. The government owned organisation will fund measures such as making embankments more resilient, recruiting almost 400 extra drainage engineers, training operational staff to better interpret weather forecasts and installing CCTV at sites with known flood risks.
Collapsing embankments are causing major disruption to train services, including those which serve Dorset, and measures to prevent these occurring are required in the face of higher than average rainfall. The spending is part of NR’s £45.4billion investment plan for the next five years.
Weymouth railway station on 8th April when ASLEF industrial action meant no SWR trains were running. Class 444 EMU’s No.’s 444003 and 444005 stand at platform out of use while GWR Class 165 Turbo DMU No. 165101 forms the 2V60 0930 Weymouth to Gloucester service – 08/04/2024
The train drivers union, ASLEF, launched a new round of industrial action on Friday 5th April 2024 with the commencement of rolling one day strikes across 14 rail companies. In addition, five days of overtime bans caused further cancellations. The dispute has now entered its 22nd month.
SWR Class 444 No.’s 444036 and 444045 at Weymouth on the ASLEF strike which meant very few SWR services ran – 08/04/2024
Yoshi and I visited Blandford on the morning of 8th April and took a walk along the River Stour so we could view the “Blandford Railway Arches”, the only physical remaining evidence the Somerset and Dorset Railway once traversed over the river. You can read more about the rise and demise of Blandford’s railway history here.
A bridge to nowhere… the decision to close the Somerset and Dorset Railway connecting Bath and Bournemouth is one of the great tragedies of the Beeching Era. Yoshi pauses on a walk along the River Stour – 08/04/2024 For over 100 years the flood arches on Langton Meadows carried the Somerset and Dorset railway over the biodiversity rich Stour flood plain. When the railway closed, most of the infrastructure was demolished, but the arches were left standing, an unlisted but much-loved asset and memorial to the town’s Victorian industrial heritage. When North Dorset District Council considered demolishing them, public opinion in opposition resulted in Blandford Forum Town Council (BFTC) seeking a long-term lease for the structure so that it could be preserved – 08/04/2024
That brings us to the end of another blog entry. Thank you for reading, your comments and corrections, which are always welcome. Be seeing you!
End Piece:
The British Rail Class 165 Networker Turbo is a fleet of suburban Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) passenger trains, originally specified by and built for the British Rail Thames and Chiltern Division of Network South East (NSE). They were built by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) York Works between 1990 and 1992. GWR Class 165 No. 165101 forming 2V60 0930 Weymouth to Gloucester – 08/04/2024The British Rail Class 166 Networker Turbo Express is a fleet of DMU passenger trains, built by ABB Transportation in York between 1992 and 1993. The trains were designed as a faster, air-conditioned variant of the Class 165 Turbo, intended for longer-distance services, and, like the 165’s, belong to the Networker family. GWR Class 166 No.166216 at Weymouth forming 2V72 1528 Weymouth to Gloucester – 11/04/2024
Freightliner Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66520 and 66512 at Bincombe during engineering work reporting as 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 18/03/2024
March 16th 2024 to March 22nd 2024
Maintenance work between Dorchester and Weymouth closed the railway line from Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th March 2024 affecting both South Western Railway (SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR) services along this route. In association with the work, an engineers train, in the hands of Freightliner, worked from Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South overnight of 16/17th March, arriving in the County Town at 0156 on the Monday morning, approximately 46 minutes behind schedule. We saw the train pass through Hamworthy, top and tailed by Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66520 and 66512, at which point it was running 36 minutes late.
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66520 leads through Hamworthy working 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 17/03/2024FL Class 66 No. 66512 brings up the rear on 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South passing Hamworthy – 17/03/2024
As we arrived at the station in good time to see the engineering train heading to Weymouth, we were surprised to see an empty coaching stock movement, formed of SWR Class 444 No. 444001 passing through Hamworthy just after 0100 on its way to Bournemouth Traincare depot working as 5W71 0041 Weymouth to Bournemouth TRSMD. A result of the line being closed in the Poole area on the Sunday meant trains from London Waterloo terminated at Bournemouth. A replacement bus service ran to stations between Bournemouth and Wareham with a shuttle train service operating between Wareham and Weymouth during the day.
The worksite necessitating the Monday to Wednesday line closure was located in the Bincombe area, where track would receive the attention of a tamper and gain some fresh ballast. We popped out on Monday afternoon to take a look at what was going on, expecting to find the two Class 66 locomotives parked up on the down line between Bincombe Tunnel and Bincombe Tunnel Number 2. Instead we found Quattro Group’s Mercedes rail road vehicle ‘Mad Vax’ and one of their tracked Road Rail Vehicles (RRV).
A RailRoad vehicle at Bincombe – 18/03/2024Quattro Group’s Mad Vax vacuum excavation system, which won the Most Innovative RRV Product Award at the National Rail Awards in 2019, prepares to do its stuff at Bincombe. Quattro Group are rightly proud of this piece of kit; “The Mad Vax vacuum excavation system has all the power and performance needed to complete a wide array of rail applications from ballast removal to spillage clean up operation. The unit’s spoil capacity is an impressive 6m3, and with a side tipping hopper it can be emptied lineside, utilising a special split-lid spoil tank to give a lower overall profile and to reduce overall tipping height for works under overhead power cables or at a suitable location when off track. The machine is also equipped with a Powerarm and IKE rotating suction tube to aid in breaking up harder ground for improved efficiency.” – 18/03/2024Bincombe worksite for the March 2024 maintenance work – 18/03/2024
After a quick chat with friend of this blog, Robin, we drove off towards Upwey to see if the engineers train was stabled near the railway station. Despite much of the line side trees and vegetation having been cut back, there was no sign of the Freightliner train. After refreshments at The Royal Standard in Upwey, we proceeded to drive back towards Dorchester when, glancing to the right as we came over the brow of Ridgeway hill, we could see the unmistakable sight of a Class 66 locomotive. Parking the car in the next lay-by, I crossed over the road and proceeded along the footpath back in the direction of Weymouth to see if it was possible to get a photo of the train at rest.
Class 66 No. 66512 stands out amidst the Dorset countryside – 18/03/2024
I was quite pleased with the resulting photo of the train parked at the northern portal of Bincombe Tunnel, perfectly placed for a photograph imho.
Because I liked the shot so much, another view of Freightliner Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66520 and 66512 at Bincombe during engineering work reporting as 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 18/03/2024A tamper sits in the sidings at Dorchester South waiting to be deployed at Bincombe – 18/03/2024 (G E Barrett)
The Class 66’s returned to Eastleigh on the afternoon of Tuesday 19th March. It was quite a novelty to see a local engineers train working in daylight hours!
Class 66 No. 66512 awaiting departure with 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024 (G E Barrett)Class 66 No. 66520 in the gloom of a wet Dorchester South at the rear of 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024 (G E Barrett)Freightliner Class 66 No. 66512 ready to depart from Dorchester South working 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024 (G E Barrett)Freightliner Class 66 No. 66512 leads on 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard passing Hamworthy – 19/03/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66520 runs through Hamworthy at the rear of 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024
Video of Freightliner Class 66 No.’s 66520 and 66512 working a Dorset engineering train – March 2024 (Additional video courtesy of G E Barrett)
The monthly New Measurement Train (NMT) which is scheduled to visit Weymouth via the West route through Maiden Newton was curtailed at Yeovil on Wednesday 20th March 2024 owing to the line closure between Dorchester and Weymouth. Allocated Class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars No.’s 43357 and 43277 worked 1Q18 0748 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road.
While the NMT was making its way to Somerset, I could be found at Norden on the Swanage Railway watching visiting South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 being prepped for towing down to Swanage in readiness for the railways Victorian Weekend. Resident preserved Birmingham Rail & Carriage Works (BR&CW) Class 33 No. 33111 had the task of collecting No. 65 and hauling her down to Swanage.
Swanage resident Class 33/1 No. 33111 cautiously hauls South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 away from Norden sidings – 20/03/2024South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 at Norden during the operation to haul her to Swanage in readiness for the railway’s Victorian Weekend – 20/03/3024Class 33/1 No. 33111 hauls South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 as they depart Norden station heading to Swanage – 20/03/2024
SECR O1 No. 65 arrives on the Swanage Railway – 20/03/2024
The following day, I hitched a lift with friend of the blog Jamie for a visit to Maiden Newton to see Colas Railfreight Class 37 No.’s 37175 and 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ top and tailing a Structure Gauging Train on its way from Westbury to Weymouth and return. The working left Westbury around two hours late and I probably aged Jamie by a few years by claiming we had plenty of time to make the journey over to see the train! We arrived in Maiden Newton with ten minutes to spare.
Great Western Railway Class 166 No. 166210 on the approach to Maiden Newton working 2V68 1328 Weymouth to Gloucester – 21/03/2024Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37175 on the approach to Maiden Newton leading on 3Q14 1021 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard – 21/03/2024Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37175 with 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ at the rear at Maiden Newton leading on 3Q14 1021 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard on the outward leg to Weymouth – 21/03/2024On the return leg of 3Q14 1021 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard Colas Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ leads into Maiden Newton – 21/03/2024 Colas Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ pauses at Maiden Newton as the driver collects to token to allow the train to progress onto the next single line section of track – 21/03/2024Great Western Railway Class 166 Turbo’s cross at Maiden Newton; No.166220 working 2O76 1110 Gloucester to Weymouth and No. 166210 forms 2V68 1328 Weymouth to Gloucester – 21/03/2024
Maiden Newton trains – 21/03/2024
Later that night, another engineering train ventured into Dorset in conjunction with work in the Christchurch area. I didn’t see train 6N75 2300 Eastleigh East Yard to Christchurch arrive, but I did get up early Friday morning to see DB Class 66 No. 66118 and pioneer shed No. 66001 departing Bournemouth as they returned with their train to Eastleigh East Yard this time working as 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard. It was so early, Bournemouth railway station was still locked up when I arrived. However the train departed around 20 minutes behind schedule, but not wanting to risk missing filming the departure, I stood steadfastly at my vantage point overlooking the station when I could have easily ventured down to platform level once the station was opened up to the travelling public for the first passenger trains of the day.
With Bournemouth railway station as its backdrop, DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66118 awaits departure working 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66118 at Bournemouth leading on 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66001 at the rear of 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66001 awaits departure of 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024
DB Cargo Class 66’s at Bournemouth – 22/03/2024
HAMWORTHY BRANCH
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Annual Stakeholders Open Evening 2024 – 20/03/2024
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Annual Stakeholders Open Evening 2024 took place on 20th March in the North Lounge of the Passenger Terminal. We went along to see if there were any updates on the restoration of freight traffic along the Hamworthy Branch which runs down to the port area from a junction to the mainline at Hamworthy railway station. PHC CEO Captain Brian Murphy said; “We are very fortunate to have the port railway. We haven’t used it for some time, but it’s there and it aligns perfectly with our decarbonisation goals. Modal shift is the best way to get transport off the roads. We want to grow the business, we want to grow the freight. We want more cargo through the port but we’d rather actually get as much as possible on to rail rather than the roads. So this does align with the governments ambitious targets which are of part of their 2050 plan for clean maritime and reducing carbon emissions and there has been a lot of work which has actually happened thus far. The commissioners have invested quite heavily in securing the lease that runs from the port all the way to the mainline and there has been a lot of upgrading work which has happened on the Hamworthy Branch. We’ve got a little bit more to do in terms of in the port but we are looking at the business case and hopefully it all aligns. But clearly in terms of ownership, it’ll be a lot of trucks off the road so very excited about that project.”
We recently learned of the passing of our friend and fellow railway enthusiast, Syd Brown. Syd has been a transport enthusiast for many years and could regularly be found supporting local transport events. He was an active member of the old Dorset Transport Circle in times past. Syd’s working life was spent in Dorset County Council’s Roads and Bridges department (now known as Transport and Engineering) and he was also an official in the Dorset County branch of NALGO (now UNISON). Our condolences to Syd’s family.
Thank you for reading and for your comments and corrections. We’ll be back soon with our record of our day attending the Swanage Railway Victorian Weekend. Be seeing you!
Postscript:
Will we ever see trains coming off the Hamworthy Branch again? Back in 2017, DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60054 heads towards the mainline at Hamworthy while South West Trains (SWT) Class 444 No. 444032 waits at platform with a Weymouth service – 17/02/2017 DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60054 draws up to the signal protecting the branch from the mainline at Hamworthy – 17/02/2017
GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ pass over Upton viaduct on Holes Bay, Poole working 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 27/02/2024
February 22nd 2024 to February 29th 2024
GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ arrives at Branksome with 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 22/02/2024
Thursday 22nd February 2024 saw more Class 458 EMU shenanigans with planned working 5X62 0530 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&RSMD and associated return 5M64 1315 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Leicester L.I.P. being cancelled due to a “request by the train operator”. Things were retimed, however, but we still saw GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ and 57303 arriving at Branksome with refurbished Class 458/4 No. 458424 65 minutes later than the revised schedule with 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&RSMD.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 prepares to lead into the depot working 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 22/02/2024
As the Class 57 and Class 458/4 consist departed Branksome to reverse into the depot, an un-refurbished Class 458/5 No. 458513, still in the old SWT blue livery, was poking its nose out of the sidings. Which was a bit of a bonus.
As Class 458/5 No. 458513 edges out of the depot working 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings, GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ moves in on the rear of 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 22/02/2024SWR Class 458/5 No. 458513 working 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings – 22/02/2024
Video from Branksome – 22/02/2024
The pair of Class 57’s departed almost an hour late top and tailing barrier wagons as 5M64 1515 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Leicester L.I.P. I was at home cooking dinner, being watched closely by a cockapoo of my acquaintance.
Later that same day, a Freightliner operated engineers train worked down from Westbury to Dorchester West, top and tailed by Class 66 No.’s 66562 and 66559. Having feasted, Yoshi and I headed off to Castle Cary to see the train arrive. Major redevelopments continue at Castle Cary station with a new car park taking shape which will provide spaces for 193 cars. An access ramp will take station users from the car park up to the front of the station. There will also be a new cafe and office space in the former milk factory building, which dates from 1910 and is adjacent to the new car par. This work is being carried out by the Emily Estate who also have planning permission for a creamery which may see the production of cheese return to the building. That’s something both Yoshi and I can get behind!
More car parking spaces have been much needed at the station which is located on the GWR line from London Paddington to Taunton. Trains travelling from Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth also call at Castle Cary. The present car park, which will be reconfigured to provide additional Blue Badge parking and spaces for taxi use, is often full on weekdays and, until now, no additional parking has been available nearby.
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 emerges out of the darkness at Castle Cary leading on 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024GWR Class 158 DMU No. 158950 having arrived at Castle Cary with ECS working 5C90 1847 Axminster to Exeter TMD – 22/02/2024The driver of GWR Class 158 DMU No. 158950 prepares to depart Castle Cary with ECS working 5C90 1847 Axminster to Exeter TMD as Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 waits right time with 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024
After seeing the engineers train at Castle Cary, and not wanting to out stay our 20 minute free parking allowance, we headed to Yeovil Pen Mill where we once again saw the pair of 66 locomotives arrive with 6Y91. The driver wearily acknowledged us as we passed each other on the platform.
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 at Yeovil Pen Mill leading on 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66559 pauses at Yeovil Pen Mill on the rear of 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024
Another lengthy booked stop at Yeovil meant Yoshi and I were able to get ahead of the train and see it pass through Yetminster before we were able to once again get ahead of it as there was a booked stop at Maiden Newton and for our fourth and final time of the evening see the Class 66’s pass through Dorchester West.
Arriving at Dorchester West and heading for Dorchester Junction to reverse and work back is Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 working 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66559 pauses at Dorchester West on the rear of 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West before heading down to Dorchester Junction – 22/02/2024
Freightliner Engineers to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024
As the train headed off to Dorchester Junction in order to reverse and return via Dorchester West up platform, Yoshi and I headed off home. The train worked up the West line to its work site and returned to Westbury the following morning as 6Y91 0430 Castle Cary to Westbury Down T.C.
GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ passing through Hamworthy railway station working 23/02/2024: 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. The return from Weymouth would be curtailed at Dorchester South – 23/02/2024
The Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) saw increased activity due to the cold snap in the South at the tail end of February. Top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’, the SITT ventured out of Totton Yard on the night of Friday 23rd February working as 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. However, this service was cancelled on the return leg between Dorchester South and Totton Yard “due to an error having been made”, although we believe in reality it was because there was no cover for the Dorsetway signal panel due to late staff absence. We hope everyone concerned is OK.
Having been tipped off by friend of the blog, Jamie, we were able to see the SITT parked up in Dorchester South Engineers Siding on the Saturday morning. Although the locomotives were fired up and looked like they were ready to leave, we were unable to wait to witness their departure towards Weymouth as 3Y88 1200 Dorchester South Isu (CE) to Totton Yard
Friday’s Snow & Ice Treatment Train, having been curtailed at Dorchester South and tucked into a siding by the signal box, returned to Totton on Saturday morning running as 3Y88 1200 Dorchester South Engineers Sidings to Totton Yard top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box – 24/02/2024 (Image: G E Barrett)GBRf Class 66 No. 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ stands in Dorchester South Engineers Sidings awaiting departure back to Totton Yard – 24/02/2024
The same locomotives and rolling stock also worked to Weymouth in daylight hours on Monday 26th February and Tuesday 27th February 2024, which gave opportunities for photography.
GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ and 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ pass Hamworthy working 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 26/02/2024GBRf Class 66 locomotives No. 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ at the rear of 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard having passed Hamworthy. No. 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ was leading on this occasion – 26/02/2024GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ and 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ on the approach to Bournemouth as 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 27/02/2024The SITT in the charge of GBRf Class 66 locomotives No. 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ at the rear and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ leading near Bournemouth railway station working 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 27/02/2024
February 2024 Dorset Snow & Ice Train video
Tuesday 27th also saw further Class 57 hauled unit drags to and from Bournemouth depot as GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ and 57303 returned with another refurbished SWR Class 458/4, this time No. 458420, from Widnes Transport tech.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ and I have rubbed buffers so many times now, we are on first name terms. We enjoyed a brief catch up here as the locomotive arrived at Branksome working 5X62 0531 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D bringing SWR Class 458 No. 458420 back following refurbishment at Widnes. Sister locomotive No. 57303 was on the other end. Again – 27/02/2024The driver of 5X62 0531 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D changes ends so Class 57 No. 57303 leads into the depot from Branksome – 27/02/2024
The pair of Class 57’s left with 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech, this time taking Class 458/5 No. 458522 for refurbishment. We saw this near Bournemouth from Beechey Road bridge overlooking the railway station.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ approaches Bournemouth railway station leading on 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech with Class 458 No.458522 sandwiched between barrier coaches – 27/02/2024Five car Class 458 EMU No.458522 heads to Cheshire for conversion onto Class 458/4 as 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech – 27/02/2024GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 brings up the rear of 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech as the train enters Bournemouth Station – 27/02/2024
Whilst awaiting the arrival of 3Y88 and 5Q64 at Bournemouth, I was almost caught out by a Class 458/4 test run as No. 458424 snuck up on me working the curtailed 5Q91 1320 Basingstoke to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. The outward run (5Q90 1119 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Basingstoke) had been terminated at Southampton Central due to a points failure.
Class 458/4 test run as No. 458424 passing Bournemouth working the curtailed 5Q91 1320 Basingstoke to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D, although on RTT the train kept its outward designation; 5Q90 1119 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Southampton Central – 27/02/2024Class 458/4 No. 458424 having passed through Bournemouth and heading to Branksome and the depot – 27/02/2024
More Class 458 EMU video – 27/02/2024
What better thing to do on the “extra day” provided in the 2024 calendar – 29th February – than pop over to Bournemouth and see Network Rail Class 153 Diesel Multiple Unit No. 153385 converted to a Video Inspection Unit which ran as 2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard.
2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East YardSWR Class 444 No. 444038 at Bournemouth forming 1W16 1103 Weymouth to London Waterloo – 29/02/2024CrossCountry Voyagers No.’s 220023 and 221214 at Bournemouth having arrived as 1008 0725 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth – 29/02/2024
Class 153 VIU at Bournemouth – 29/02/2024Poster seen at Bournemouth detailing the Weymouth line closure which takes place 18th – 20th March 2024 – 29/02/2024
We returned to Bournemouth later on the 29th to see a Colas Engineers Train top and tailed by regular visitors Class 66 No.’s 66848 and 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ which were running as 6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton.
6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton
Video of Colas Engineering Train reversing at Bournemouth – 29/02/2024
Saturday 24th February Yoshi took a visit to Dawe’s Twineworks at West Coker in Somerset. This is England’s only surviving working Victorian Twineworks. Built in 1899, Dawe’s Twineworks survived until 1968 utilising the flax and hemp grown in the local rich soil to provide the twine, rope and sailcloth required by sailing ships. “Coker Canvas” made the best quality sails and helped the Royal Navy rule the waves in the 19th Century. The volunteers were lovely, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable with the new Visitor Centre providing refreshments and information all for a donation. Dawe’s is open on the 4th Saturday of each month (please check before visiting).
Yoshi in the tea room and visitor centre built in 2018/2019 at Dawe’s Twineworks – 24/02/2024
South Somerset District Council made a compulsory purchase of the site in 2005 to save the buildings which were then close to collapse. The “Coker Rope & Sail Trust”, set up under the auspices of West Coker Parish Council, now has a 125 year lease on the site. In recent years the Trust has managed, with local effort, to restore parts of the building and machinery, install an engine and bring Dawe’s back to life.
Yoshi outside the engine house. To be honest, he wasn’t too keen on the engine once it was fired up – 24/02/20241927 Shanks 16 litre 23HP oil engine made in Arbroath was secured by the Twineworks. The engine has to be started using compressed air which is supplied by a 3.5HP Lister-Hamworthy compressor dating from the 1940’s and stored in a WWI torpedo casing at 25olb/in2 – 24/02/2024The “Walk” is an imposing structure 100m in length, allowing twine to be made in 200m lengths whatever the weather with its Bridgwater-tiled roof protecting valuable machinery – 24/02/2024Construction of the “Walk” was very simple, consisting of just oak posts in the ground, bolted trusses to support the roof and a pine first floor.The Ford model T was first produced in 1908, and was the first mass produced motor car, and due to this it also became affordable to the people. Due to its success the T was modified and different variants were produced. Yoshi is admiring this example which dates from 1926 – 24/02/2024
That’s it for another blog entry. Thanks for reading! Yoshi and I hope you’ve found something of interest. We’ll be back again soon. Be seeing you!
Yoshi after his recent grooming session – 26/02/2024
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 – 03/02/2024Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ reversing through Branksome – 03/02/2023Colas 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 – 03/02/2024New track panels resting on the Up platform at Branksome – 03/02/2024Road-Rail Vehicles (RRV) prepare to lift the first track panel into place – 03/02/2024The scene after the new track panels had been lowered into place and ballasted – 03/02/2024Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66846 at the rear of 6C02 spanning Archway Road – 03/02/2024Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66846 – 03/02/2024Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66848 at the head of 6C02 – 03/02/2024Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66848 having drawn forward to enable work to continue on the track – 03/02/2024Colas Railfreight Class 66 No. 66848 with RRV’s at work near Branksome railway station – 03/02/2024By 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 – 05/02/2024The 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 CoastUK ports to be rail connected and this link is likelyto become more relevant as the Governmentencourages modal shift of freight traffic to bemoved by rail rather than by the increasinglycongested road system.
Government guidance states that sites should beidentified and protected where they could becritical in developing infrastructure to widenchoices for movement of rail freight.
PHC is in discussion with Network Rail regardingimprovements to the Hamworthy branch line andport siding to align with customers’ expansionplans and transportation of cargo via rail. Rail canalso be a far more environmentally friendly modeof transport than road, aligning with our ambitionsto become a Leading Green Port.
Discussions with potential customers are ongoingand, if successful, could result in the reinstatementof the rail link as early as 2025.
In April 2022, Brittany Ferries announced that ithad given the go ahead for a new rail-freight linkbetween Cherbourg and Bayonne. With supportfrom the French Government, the EU, and theregions of Normandie and Nouvelle Aquitaine, Brittany Ferries will open the ‘rail motorway’linking the port of Cherbourg to the EuropeanFreight Centre at Mouguerre, near Bayonne,thereby connecting Spain to the UK and Irelandvia the French railway network. The launch of thenew service is expected by mid-2024.
This new rail freight link to Cherbourg willprovide opportunities for the Port of Poole toincrease the volume of freight received fromFrance. It is expected that the majority of theonward UK distribution will be via the UK’s Roadnetwork but PHC are in discussion with BrittanyFerries to determine whether their customerswill 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) – 26/07/2012NR Class 43 No. 43014 forms one end of the NMT at Weymouth – 26/07/2012Class 43 No. 43062 ‘John Armitt’ leading the NMT on the approach to Upwey railway station. No. 43014 was at the rear – 28/07/2011Class 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 – 26/07/2012The 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” – 09/02/2024The 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 visited The London Museum of Water & Steam to celebrate the New Year. In the background are the museum buildings and the impressive Victorian standpipe tower, which is not, as you might expect, a chimney but a brick winter coat for the two systems of vertical pipes – through which water was pumped before it entered the mains water supply – contained within to prevent freezing and is the museum’s most striking feature standing at 200 ft high. The Grade I brick tower, of Italianate design, was constructed in 1867 to replace an earlier open metal lattice structure – 01/01/2024
January 1st 2024 to January 11th 2024
We kicked off 2024 with a visit to the “New Years Steam Up” being held at the London Museum of Water & Steam in Brentford. The Steam Up weekend of celebrations was the first opportunity in two years for people to marvel at the monstrous working steam engines that once provided water to the millions living and working in London. In July 2022, the Museum’s 96 year old Lancashire Boiler failed an inspection when it was discovered one of the seventeen rivets which hold the crown valve mounting flange onto the main boiler shell had lost its heat inside the boiler’s steam space. This meant that the boiler could no longer be used and the steam engines fell silent and still while extensive repairs were carried out. Now, just in time to celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary the boiler is steaming once again.
Situated on the site of the former Kew Bridge Pumping Station, close to Kew Bridge on the River Thames in West London, the museum is centred on a collection of stationary water pumping steam engines dating from 1820 to 1910. It is the home of the world’s largest collection of working Cornish engines, including the largest working beam engine in the world; the Grand Junction 90 inch.
The Grand Junction 90 inch has a cylinder diameter of 90 inches (hence its name!) and was used to pump water to London for 98 years. This machine is over 40 feet high and weighs about 250 tons. It was described by Charles Dickens as “a monster”. It was built by Sandys, Carne & Vivian of Hayle in 1846 as the first Cornish beam engine specifically designed for water supplies and was powerful enough to supply water to the upper floors of buildings, allowing direct supply to upstairs bathrooms 01/01/2024
We arrived early after a good run in the car up from Dorset and luckily found parking on site in the small car park at the museum, although the site is only a 3 minute walk from Kew Bridge railway station if you chose to arrive by train. There were a number of families in evidence with young children during our visit and the museum is a great place to learn and have fun.
Exhibiting a plethora of steam, diesel and electric powered pumps, the London Museum of Water & Steam tells the story of London’s water supply housed in historic Georgian buildings and they very kindly allowed access to Yoshi, but explained that our boy may not like some of the steam engines when they are working. We duly followed this advice and Yoshi waited with one of his hoomans in the Pump and Grind Coffee Shop or explored the garden area while the machines were being operated. The coffee shop was very busy and served an excellent cuppa. It is run by “Our Barn Community”, a local charity working with young people with learning difficulties enabling a supported work placement.
We have shared just a small fraction of the engineering marvels housed at the museum below:
The Waddon Engine with drove 3 pumps was built by James Simpson & Co of Newarkin 1910 and originally found use at Waddon Pumping Station in Croydon. It was the last steam water-pumping engine in active UK service before being retired in June 1983. It was restored in 1990 and restored to original Edwardian colours for display at the museum – 01/01/2024This waterwheel was built in 1902 by S. Hindley & Sons in Bourton, Dorset for the Duke of Somerset to serve his estate at Maiden Bradley in Wiltshire and was one of the last waterwheels ever built to pump water in the UK – 01/01/2024The Boulton & Watt (West engine) is the oldest engine in the London Museum of Water & Steam having been built in Birmingham in 1820.It was one of a pair moved to Kew in 1840 which were then converted into a Cornish type between 1846 and 1848. Retired in 1944, this was the first engine to be returned to working order in 1975 – 01/01/2024
Kew Bridge Pumping Station was originally opened in 1838 by the Grand Junction Waterworks Company, expanding over the ensuing years and ultimately housing six steam pumping engines as well as four Allen diesel pumps and four electric pump sets. The steam engines were retired from service in 1944, although two were kept on standby until 1958. The Metropolitan Water Board thankfully decided not to scrap the resident steam pumping engines and set them aside to form the basis of a museum display at a later date which came to fruition in 1974 with the formation of the Kew Bridge Engines Trust.
The original Number 1 horizontal AC motor driving centrifugal pump was built in 1944 by Hawthorn Davey & Co of Leeds. This type of electric pump replaced steam engines at pumping stations across the UK and this example is the oldest surviving pump of its kind. It was retired in the late 1980’s – 01/01/2024
The museum also runs a 2 ft narrow gauge railway, which despite being advertised as running over the weekend, was unfortunately not operating during our visit. The museum has been a filming location for many television programmes, including the Doctor Who serial “Remembrance of the Daleks” broadcast in 1988.
After our visit to the London Museum of Water & Steam, we had planned on taking a trip into central London by rail, but in the event decided against this and instead took a drive and a leisurely walk around nearby Richmond, including a visit to the railway station. Of course we did!
The Art Deco façade of Richmond railway station complete with its square clock centrepiece – 01/01/2024
The Art Deco station building in Richmond, designed by James Robb Scott (1882-1965) for the Southern Railway and constructed in Portland stone dates from 1937 and replaced an earlier station on the site. Scottish born Scott became the Chief Architect of the Southern Railway and is perhaps best known for his redesign of London Waterloo between 1910 and 1923 where he was chiefly responsible for the offices, main entrance and war memorial to the fallen employees of the railway known as the Victory Arch. Scott also designed Wimbledon and Surbiton railway stations – now part of the South Western Railway (SWR) network – the latter having recently celebrated 40 years since being bestowed Grade II listed status.
SWR, Network Rail (NR) and the Railway Heritage Trust are jointly funding a £325,000 programme of improvements with hopes of more refurbishment to come in the future, subject to additional funding being made available. Initial work includes cleaning the Portland stone façade, repairing the timber entrance doors and polishing its bronze embellishments, repairing flagpoles and refurbishing customer toilets.
The restored entrance doors to Richmond railway station which Yoshi unceremoniously christened on our visit…. 01/01/2024
The style of the building at Richmond is suggested as being inspired by the work of Charles Holden (1875-1960), the architect behind London Underground stations including South Wimbledon on the Northern line. Holden’s designs included multi-frame glazing, enamelled signage panels, the use of an iconic typeface for signage and brick and tile detailing. Similar features at Richmond have been lost or covered up over time, including during the station’s last major refurbishment in 1985. SWR, NR and the Railway Heritage Trust have worked with Benedict O’Looney Architects on designs that include restoring or replicating those features, and others, in future improvements. Paying close attention to detail, the station’s original, hand-drawn plans are being used together with promotional photographs from when the station first opened its doors to customers. Samples of the station’s original paint are also being analysed by the University of Lincoln, specialists in the conservation and restoration of the interior and exterior features of listed and historic buildings.
The area in front of Richmond station main entrance was pedestrianised in 2013 and includes a war memorial to soldier Bernard Freyberg, who was born in Richmond. As well as Sir trains, the station is served by the London Overground North London Line and Underground District Line trains.
Star of the show, Adams 4-4-0 T3 No. 563 working the 1200 Swanage to Norden service approaches Corfe Common – 06/01/2024
The Swanage Railway’s first event of 2024 was their annual “Winter Warm Up” weekend held on January 6th & 7th. With cold, but clear weather forecast, I decided on heading down to Swanage on the Saturday after taking a chance on a picturesque sunrise at Durdle Door on the way.
Resident Class 33 No. 33111 crosses Corfe Viaduct hauling the 1245 Swanage to Norden train – 06/01/2023SR West Country 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ takes her turn on the demonstration freight working the 1132 Norden to Swanage nearing Afflington. Later during the weekend, brake van rides were offered – 06/01/2024This time working a passenger train, SR West Country 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ has departed Norden with the 1415 service to Swanage – 06/01/2024Class 33 No.D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ takes her turn on the freight wagons working 1302 Norden to Swanage – 06/01/2024Class 33 No.D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ departs Harman’s Cross with the 1030 Norden to Swanage – 06/01/2024
In action this year was the recently restored Adams 4-4-0 T3 No. 563 hauling its first freight train since its return to service, SR West Country 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ and the resident Class 33 diesel locomotives no.’s 33111 and D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’
Adams 4-4-0 T3 No. 563 powers away from Corfe Castle at the head of the 1357 Swanage to Norden demonstration freight – 06/01/2024
The Swanage Railway Trust 563 Locomotive Group have been nominated for the “Steam Railway Magazine Award”. This award is decided by the public and will be announced at Heritage Railway Association’s annual ceremony on February 10th 2024 and you can now cast your vote online until the 18th January 2024: www.steamrailway.co.uk/read/hra-awards
Video from January 6th 2024 Swanage Winter Warm Up
Scheduled mainline action kicked off the year with a “no-show” as the HST powered New Measurement Train (NMT) failed to reach Weymouth on January 3rd after a points failure at Castle Cary curtailed 1Z22 1211 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road – top and tailed by Class 43 power cars No.’s 43274 and 43257 – at Westbury. Interestingly three different paths were put in for this test train on this particular day. The one which finally ran was timed later than the usual working to Dorset, but not as late as one of the options given for the day!
We did, however, get to experience a daylight Snow & Ice treatment Train (SITT) on Sunday 7th January as GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66772 ‘Maria’ in top and tail formation worked to Weymouth as 3Y88 1035 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. 66764 replaced No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ and No. 66743 which had both been previously paired up with No. 66772 on the Totton based SITT locomotive diagram.
Sunday morning tranquility is disturbed as GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66772 ‘Maria’ top and tail SITT 3Y88 1035 Totton Yard to Totton Yard across Upton Viaduct on the Holes Bay causeway – 07/01/2024GBRf Class 66 No. 66772 ‘Maria’ leads on the return 3Y88 1035 Totton Yard to Totton Yard Snow & Ice Treatment Train through Hamworthy with No. 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ at the rear – 07/01/2024GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66772 ‘Maria’ at Hamworthy working 3Y88 1035 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 07/01/2024
Major John Poyntz served in the British army for 35 years, with the Royal Engineers and later the Royal Corps of Transport. After military service, he joined the Railway Inspectorate, now part of the Office of Rail and Road, and was the last Royal Engineer to take such a route, spending 25 years in the role as a Railway Inspector. His work included inspections of heritage railways and dealing with accidents and incidents such as the Severn Tunnel rail accident and the Cannon Street rail crash, both in 1991.
Overnight on Saturday 6th/Sunday 7th a ballast train headed to Moreton working as 6C03 2312 Eastleigh East Yard to Moreton (Dorset) in the hands of Colas locomotives Class 66 No. 66848 and Class 70 No. 70809. We saw the ensemble pass through Hamworthy on the outward leg and had planned to see the associated return 6C03 0810 Moreton (Dorset) to Eastleigh East Yard crossing Holes Bay, but as the train set off over an hour early and with the sun yet to rise, we played safe and returned once again to Hamworthy railway station to watch the train pass through.
January ballast train with Class 66 No. 66848 and Class 70 No. 70809
The SITT returned to the Bournemouth to Weymouth line under the cover of darkness on Monday 8th and Wednesday 10th January employing the same pair of Class 66’s as the previous Sunday run.
January 2024 Dorset Snow & Ice Treatment Train workings (additional video courtesy of G E Barrett)
In between the SITT workings, on Tuesday 9th January, we saw a first for Dorset as Direct Rail Services (DRS) ran a service to Winfrith using a Class 88 locomotive No. 88002 ‘Prometheus’ which had replaced failed Class 68 No. 68004 (which itself had substituted for No. 68005) and No. 68003 ‘Astute’ in top an tail formation. This was the inaugural use a Class 88 on the Bournemouth to Weymouth line.
DRS Class 68 No. 68003 ‘Astute’ with Class 88 No. 88002 ‘Prometheus’ working the empties to Winfrith as 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings through Hamworthy – 09/01/2024DRS Class 68 No. 68003 ‘Astute’ leads the return 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) at Hamworthy – 09/01/2024Class 88 No. 88002 ‘Prometheus’ at the rear of 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) to Winfrith Sidings having cleared Hamworthy railway station. Class 68 No. 68003 ‘Astute’ leads – 09/01/2024
The Class 88 is a mixed traffic electro-diesel locomotive manufactured by Stadler Rail and is part of the Stadler Euro Dual family.
Class 88 No. 88002 ‘Prometheus’ remained at the rear for the return 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sidings to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 09/01/2024
During the development of the Class 68 diesel locomotive for DRS which was first announced in January 2012, the design team at Stadler proposed the concept of a dual-mode locomotive that could be alternatively powered by an onboard diesel engine or via electricity supplied from overhead lines (OHLE). In comparison to conventional diesel locomotives, this arrangement enables operational costs to be significantly reduced when diagrammed on routes partially or entirely under OHLE, under which the diesel engine can be deactivated.In September 2013, DRS placed an order for ten such locomitives which would become the Class 88. Having been developed alongside the Class 68, considerable similarities are shared between the two locomotive types, with an approximate 70% share of components.
Video of January 9th 2024 Winfrith run (additional video courtesy of G E Barrett)
The Class 88 is the first dual-mode locomotive type in the UK to use the 25 kV AC electrification, as the only other electro-diesel locomotives to have entered service with British Railways are the Class 73’s and Class 74’s, which operated on the Southern Region using third rail electrification, and we’ve reached back into the archives to find some images to share:
Class 74 No. 74010 at Doncaster Works. Withdrawn from service in December 1977, the locomotive was cut up here in October 1979 after being given a brief reprieve so that it could be for evaluated for departmental use by the Railway Technical Centre (RTC) in Derby. It was given a light overhaul at Eastleigh before being towed to Derby, where it was eventually deemed to be unsuitable and taken to Doncaster for scrapping – 22/07/1979A hastily taken photo of Class 74’s at London Waterloo taken from a departing train bound for Weymouth. This side of the station later became Waterloo International between 1994 and 2007 – July 1977Class 74 No. 74004 has had a bit of a bump (not helped by my camera shake!) as it stands forlorn at Eastleigh Diesel Depot during the 1978 Open Day. This locomotive was withdrawn from service in December 1977 and cut up at Birds in Long Marston. She was originally built as the pioneer Class 71 and numbered E5000 – 30/04/1978Withdrawn Class 74’s at Eastleigh Diesel Depot Open Day including No.’s 74005 and 74009 – 30/04/1978
Eastleigh Open Day 1978 flyerClass 73 No. 73122 and 2-HAP Unit No. 6103 with a third unidentified carriage and Class 33 No. 33116 working a test train towards Dorchester South – 13/05/1981The same test train as in the image above focussing on Class 33 No. 33116 on the approach to Dorchester South – 13/05/1981
For The Record:
In other news, the SWR Class 701 Electric Multiple Units (EMU’s) finally entered revenue earning service on Tuesday 9th January 2024 when No. 701037 worked a single round trip between Waterloo and Windsor Eton Riverside. The Derby-built trains had been due to enter service in 2019. SWR have since promised the rolling stock would enter passenger service in 2023 – a promise echoed by the Department for Transport (DaFT) in a statement issued in May 2023, which said the trains would run “this calendar year”. It is intended a Class 701 will continue to run off-peak Monday to Friday between London Waterloo and Windsor, in order to fulfil that commitment, making one single round trip each day, or working between 1000 and 1600. The phased entry into service of the Class 701’s – which continue test runs to Poole and Bournemouth – will eventually allow for the withdrawal of SWR’s Class 455 units and the cascade of the Class 458 fleet to longer distance services.
Back in 2020, the first Class 701 to be delivered, No. 701002, was delivered to South Western Railway and somehow made its way to Weymouth where it is seen here in Jersey Sidings awaiting commissioning tests. Yoshi and I stumbled across it while out for our morning walkies – 16/06/200
The North Dorset NMT ran on Thursday 11th January 2024 – a week earlier than I expected – in the hands of HST Class 43 power cars No.’s 43013 and 43257.
Lake Road was closed to road traffic from its junction with Lake Drive to its junction with Coles Avenue from Monday 8th January up to and including Friday 12th January 2024 – 2200 to 0600 daily to facilitate removal of material from a bridge strike and replace missing signage on Lake Road Bridge situated on the Hamworthy Branch. We popped by a couple of times, and although the road was indeed closed, there didn’t seem to be any activity taking place with regards to bridge repairs, which is disappointing to say the least.
Road closure at Lake Road bridge – but little sign of any repairs taking place – 08/01/2024Yoshi had his first grooming session of 2024 on Monday 8th January and couldn’t wait to show off his new cut to his grandmama – 08/01/2024
That brings us to the end of another blog entry. Next week, we’ll celebrate Yoshi’s birthday and hopefully have some more Dorset based railway images and video to bring you. Thank you for reading and for your comments, corrections and amendments. All very much appreciated. We’ll leave you with a couple of shots from that early morning trip to Durdle Door! Be seeing you!
Sunrise at Durdle Door – 06/01/2024Sunrise at Durdle Door – 06/01/2024
Yoshi visited STEAM: The Museum of the Great Western Railway and saw GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V’ – 11/11/2023
November 10th 2023 to November 17th 2023
Having not seen any of the locomotive operated Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT) this year, we decided to combine a visit to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Swindon with a visit to STEAM Museum and the chance of photographing an RHTT or two. The railways of Dorset are serviced by Multi Purpose Vehicles (MPV) during leaf fall season with leaves on the railway line causing problems.
An early morning MPV RHTT working crosses Upton Viaduct on the Holes Bay Causeway, Poole as 3S81 0547 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 07/11/2023
Windy conditions can cause heavy leaf fall in a short space of time and rain means they are more likely to stick to the rails. When trains pass over leaves, the heat and weight of the trains bake them into a thin, slippery layer on the rail. This is equivalent to black ice on the roads. This can create operational issues for the signalling system (track circuits) and reduce a trains grip – which can change the ability of a train to start from a station, accelerate and climb hills, or stop at stations and signals. Across the GB Rail Network, there are 32 MultiPurpose Vehicles and 29 locomotive hauled RHTT’s. Both types of train are equipped with a high-pressure water pump delivering 1,500 Bar and, if required, can apply adhesion modifier – a mixture of suspension gel (so it can be pumped), sand (to help train wheels grip the rail), and steel or iron shot that is pushed through contamination (compressed leaves and debris) on the rail head to help the track circuits work correctly – to each running rail. If the track circuits fail to identify, or ‘lose’ a train (because the leaf and debris contamination is preventing this) then the signalling system is designed to automatically stop all the trains to prevent an accident.
Colas Class 66 No.’s 66848 & 66850 ‘David Maidment OBE www.railwaychildren.org.uk’ on the approach to Swindon working 3S59 09:00 Hereford to Swindon Transfer Yard Rail Head Treatment Train – 11/11/2023
Swindon has been synonymous with railways, and in particular the Great Western Railway (GWR) since the 1840’s, when Daniel Gooch – working under Isambard Kingdom Brunel – picked the Wiltshire town as the location for a central repair works with the site opening on 2nd January 1843. The Works transformed Swindon from a small market town with a population of 2,500 into a bustling railway themed hive of industry. Built to the north of the main town centre, Swindon works had a need for locally accessible housing and services for the men and women who worked there. The development of the railway village was on the lines of similar Victorian-era model village lifestyle concepts, such as Bournville near Birmingham, and architect/builder Rigby’s were given license to create a commercially viable development by the GWR. The completed village provided the town with medical and educational facilities that had been previously sorely lacking, together with the large St Mark’s Church and the Bakers Arms public house, all completed before 1850.
The first locomotive constructed at Swindon Works, emerging in 1846 having taken less than two weeks to build, was the ‘Premier’, originally built with a 2-2-2 wheel arrangement but later converted to 4-2-2 and renamed ‘Great Western’ becoming part of the Iron Duke Class of broad gauge locomotives. She was joined by six more engines, with the Iron Dukes being considered the fastest broad gauge engine of its day. By 1851, the works employed over 2,000 people and were producing about one locomotive a week, with the first standard gauge engine being built in 1855. In addition to locomotive building standardised goods vehicles were produced, and in 1867 Swindon was made the central workshop for the construction of carriages and wagons.
In its heyday, Swindon works employed 14,000 people as Charles Collett (GWR’s Chief Mechanical Engineer from 1921 to 1941) greatly improved boiler making and facilities for working heavy gauge sheet metal. In 1927 the GWR’s most powerful and largest class of locomotive, the King’s, were introduced becoming the flagship of the GWR fleet. The King’s had been developed from the Castle Class which, along with the Hall Class, helped cement GWR’s reputation and image.
At the nationalisation of British Railways (BR) in 1948, the works was producing 60 new locomotives a year, with this number reducing to 42 in 1954. From 1948 to 1956, the works made 452 steam engines to GWR designs and between 1951 and 1960 200 BR standard classes. When the decision was made to transition the railways from steam to diesel and electric motive power, the works produced BR’s last steam locomotive; No. 92220 ‘Evening Star’. By this time the works employed 5,000 people and had become the regional hub for the storage and scrapping of steam locomotives and rolling stock.
BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No. 92220 ‘Evening Star’ at the National Railway Museum, York 03/07/2012Nameplate and commemorative plaque commemorating No. 92220’s status as the final steam locomotive built for BR at Swindon – 03/07/2012
As part of its Modernisation Plan, BR Western Region opted to develop and build diesel hydraulic locomotives rather than the diesel electric varieties employed across the rest of the network. From 1957 the works produced 38 “Warship” class D800’s and 30 “Western” class D1000’s.
Class 42 Warship Diesel Hydraulic No. D818 ‘Glory’ at Swindon Works. This locomotive entered traffic on 30th March 1960 and was withdrawn on 1st November 1972. She was cut up in November 1985. ‘Glory’ was a static exhibit at Swindon longer than she was in revenue earning service. Although No. D818 donated much needed parts to fellow classmate No. D821 ‘Greyhound’, it is still sad that this third candidate for preservation was lost – 06/06/1981Class 52 Western Diesel Hydraulic No. D1023 ‘Western Fusilier’ at Swindon where she had been built in September 1963. She was withdrawn in February 1977 having operated various runs including the last ever Western hauled rail tour; the ‘Western Tribute’. In 1973 she was the last ever hydraulic to have a general repair at Swindon. The locomotive was preserved as part of The National Collection and placed on display in the National Railway Museum at York in 1977. No. D1023 has been placed on loan to the Didcot Railway Centre for a period of five years commencing January 2023 – 06/06/1981Class 14 0-6-0 650hp diesel hydraulic No. D9551 in non-original ‘golden ochre’ livery at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway. 56 of these locomotives were built by BR’s Swindon Works between 1964 and 1965. Locomotives of the class were given the nickname “Teddy Bears”, after a comment by Swindon Works foreman George Cole, “We’ve built the Great Bear, now we’re going to build a Teddy Bear!” – 15/05/2021
Locomotive building ceased at Swindon in 1965 following the construction of the Class 14 “Teddy Bear’s” after which the works became a heavy repair facility. In the 1970’s it was decided that the diesel hydraulic’s were non-standard and were withdrawn in favour of the diesel electric classes. The works were absorbed into British Rail Engineering Ltd (BREL) but won less and less maintenance business against the internal competition of Crewe and Derby Works. With the town of Swindon expanding and needing land close to its centre for development, the decision was made to close the works with the final day of operation being 26nd March 1986.
The redevelopment of the works took account of the listed building status of the original core infrastructure. The engineers’ office is now the headquarters of English Heritage, with most of the remaining buildings redeveloped as part of the Designer Outlet Village. The rest of the site’s extensive railway yard was used for housing and commercial buildings including purpose built storage for the English Heritage Archive and the National Trust’s central office building, known as “Heelis”, the married name of Beatrix Potter, one of the key figures in the early history of the organisation.
Another original works building houses STEAM: The Museum of the Great Western Railway, which “tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the GWR, a network that, through the pioneering vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, set the standard for rail travel. The story is brought to life with famous GWR locomotives, story-telling displays, videos – mixing rare archive film footage with the stories of ex-railway workers – hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and a large number of rare GWR objects and memorabilia.”
The folk at STEAM had very kindly given Yoshi permission to accompany me on my visit to the museum and we are very grateful for the team in extending the hand of friendship and being very helpful during our time there, which coincided with the National Trust’s AGM being held at the venue, so everyone was already very busy indeed.
King Class 4-6-0 No 6000 ‘King George V‘
GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V’ on display at STEAM 11/11/2023
Charles Collett, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Swindon Works 1922 – 1941, designed the King Class to be the most powerful express passenger steam locomotive in Britain.
In 1927, King George V was the first of the King locomotives to be built. The engine was named after the reigning monarch and later locos were named after previous kings of England.
The King locos were much heavier than previous engines. A number of bridges and platforms had to be strengthened to accommodate them. The Kings weren’t used in Cornwall because the Royal Albert Bridge was too weak to support their weight.
In 1927, No. 6000 ‘King George V’ was sent to the USA to take part in the centenary celebrations for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. While there, it was presented with the brass bell which is still attached to the front of the locomotive.
In 1947, the GWR began experiments leading to a number of modifications to ensure the King locomotives continued to perform well. By the time ‘King George V’ was retired in 1962, it had travelled nearly two million miles. But this wasn’t the end of the story as No. 6000 was preserved as part of the national collection and restored to main line running order at the Bulmer’s Railway Centre in Hereford. In 1971 ‘KGV’ became the first steam locomotive to break the British Rail mainline steam ban that had been in place since the completion of the “Fifteen Guinea Special” – the last main line passenger train to be hauled by steam locomotives over BR metals on 11th August 1968. No. 6000’s restoration to main line service and subsequent operation is often credited with opening the door for the return of steam to the mainlines of the UK.
Back in the 1980’s when I could afford to travel on steam hauled excursion trains, “run-pasts” were a feature where passengers would de-train and the locomotive would back up the stock and then go hell for leather through the station to enable travellers to get photographs of the steam locomotive as here with No. 6000 ‘King George V’ at Craven Arms during a “Welsh Marshes Pullman” tour – 21/11/1981GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V’ at Shrewsbury – 21/11/1981GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V arrives at Bristol Temple Meads at the head of “The Brunel Pullman” – 12/06/1983GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V’ pauses under the Royal Mail conveyor which was situated at the northern end of Bristol Temple Meads railway station. Built in the 1970’s to convey mail to the sorting office situated adjacent to the eastern edge of the station, use of the conveyor was stopped after closure of the sorting office on the transfer of Royal Mail’s activities to the West of England Mail Centre at Filton. It has now been removed – 12/06/1983GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V’ at Bristol Bath Road diesel depot – 12/06/1983GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 ‘King George V’ runs light engine through Bristol Temple Meads – 12/06/1983
2800 Class 2-8-0 No 2818
No. 2818 was built at Swindon Works in 1905 and has bee resident at STEAM since 2018 – 11/11/2023
George Jackson Churchward, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Swindon Works 1902 – 1921, designed the 2800 class of heavy freight locos – a completely new design and not based on any previous loco type. Churchward’s design proved to be so successful that they were built from 1903 until 1942. During the 60 years that they were in service, they only underwent minor changes to their original build.
The original paint livery was black with red lining. This was changed to green during the First World War. Once the locomotive was under British Railways ownership, it was given the standard unlined black livery.
No. 2818 was allocated to work in South Wales where she hauled heavy coal trains. During the First World War, the loco, along with most others in the class, hauled the Jellicoe Specials, transporting coal to the Royal Navy’s fleet of ships based in Scapa Flow. Unusually for freight locos, the 2800’s were also used on Bank Holiday passenger special trains, where they demonstrated both their strength and their speed.
City Class 4-4-0 No 3717 ‘City of Truro‘
Yoshi meest ‘City of Truro’ at STEAM – 11/11/2023
George Jackson Churchward also designed the City Class of locomotive. For the City locos, he used initial designs prepared by his predecessor, William Dean. The GWR built ten City Class locomotives between 1903 and 1907. They also converted ten GWR Atbara Class locos into the City Class.
‘City of Truro’ nameplate – 11/11/2023City Class 4-4-0 No 3717 ‘City of Truro’ at STEAM, Swindon – 11/11/2023
In 1903, No. 3440 ‘City of Truro’ became the 2,000th loco built at Swindon Works. She was re-numbered No. 3717 by GWR in 1912. This meant that locos of the same class all had consecutive numbers.
On 9th May 1904, ‘City of Truro’ laid claim at being the first steam locomotive to reach over 100 miles an hour. She was travelling between Plymouth and London Paddington, hauling the “Ocean Mails” consisting of a light load of 8-wheeled parcels vans with 1,300 bags of mail onboard giving a total weight of 148 tonnes. ‘City of Truro’ was timed as taking 8.8 seconds to travel a quarter of a mile; equal to 102.3 miles an hour. This was while descending Whiteball in Somerset and can only ever be a claim. It was recorded by railway journalist Charles Rous-Marten, but there was no second timekeeper to confirm his reading. ‘City of Truro’s record has therefore always been a matter of dispute, however if Rous-Marten’s timings are accurate they would indeed correspond to a speed of 102.3mph.
No. 3440 ‘City of Truro’ in readiness to work the RCTS “North Somerset Rail Tour” – 28/04/1957 (Photo courtesy of Chris Bancroft)No. 3440 ‘City of Truro’ at Reading on the RCTS “North Somerset Rail Tour”. This tour was the first one for the RCTS that used ‘City of Truro’- 28/04/1957 (Photo courtesy of Chris Bancroft)Video screen grab of No. 3440 ‘City of Truro’ working the return leg of Pathfinders Tours “The Ocean Mail 100” celebrating the oft disputed record run of 9th May 1904 when Charles Rous-Marten claimed the locomotive exceeded 100mph. The loco is seen on the Exeter to Taunton section of the GW main line on which the controversial speed record was recorded – 10/05/2004
Video of No. 3440 ‘City of Truro’ working the return leg of Pathfinders Tours “The Ocean Mail 100”. Ian Riley Engineering Ltd Electric owned Type Three Class 37/0 No. 37197 diesel-electric followed the steam hauled train ready to provide support if required – 10/05/2004
City of Truro was withdrawn from service in 1931. Although she was later returned to heritage railway service and continued operating until 2011.
Castle Class 4-6-0 No 4073 ‘Caerphilly Castle‘
Yoshi poses with Castle Class 4-6-0 No 4073 ‘Caerphilly Castle’. The Castle Class celebrate their centenary in 2023 – 11/11/2023
Charles Collett, Chief Mechanical Engineer at Swindon Works 1922 – 1941, designed the Castle Class of locomotive. He based the designs for the Castle Class locos on the earlier Star Class.
Who built, Castle class loconotives were Britain’s most powerful express passenger loco. Castle Class locos had larger boilers, and were designed to pull heavier loads.
Nameplate of Castle Class 4-6-0 No 4073 ‘Caerphilly Castle’ – 11/11/2023
Between 1923 and 1950, the GWR built 155 Castle locos at Swindon Works. A further sixteen were converted from other classes. On the 23rd August 1923, No. 4073 ‘Caerphilly Castle’ was the first Castle Class loco to go into service. In 1924 and 1925, ‘Caerphilly Castle’ was exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley next to the LNER’s ‘Flying Scotsman’ ( a locomotive we may have mentioned more than once previously).
Visitors to STEAM can see underneath Castle Class 4-6-0 No 4073 ‘Caerphilly Castle’. Yoshi and I declined to take this opportunity – 11/11/2023
Castle Class locos were used on the express route between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa. The Cheltenham Spa Express was a record breaker. In June 1923, it took just 75 minutes to travel from Swindon to Paddington, at an average speed of 61.8 miles per hour.
In July 1929, it became the world’s fastest train when it achieved an average speed of 66.2mph. On June 6th 1932, the Cheltenham Flyer smashed its own speed record, reaching an average speed of 81.6mph.
Replica of broad gauge engine ‘North Star‘
Yoshi with the replica of broad gauge engine ‘North Star’ – 11/11/2023
North Star is a broad gauge locomotive, built in 1837 for the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad in the USA by Robert Stephenson and Company.
Replica of broad gauge engine ‘North Star’Replica of broad gauge engine ‘North Star’
The full size replica on display at STEAM was built at Swindon Works in 1926 to the 1837 specification. It was built to celebrate 100 years of the railways. The replica uses some parts from the original locomotive.
2301 Class 0-6-0 No 2516 Dean Goods
2301 Class 0-6-0 No 2516 Dean Goods – 11/11/2023
William Dean, Chief Locomotive Engineer at Swindon Works 1877 – 1902, designed the Dean Goods Class of locomotives. The first locomotive of the class was built in 1883 at Swindon.
During the First World War, 62 of these locos were sent to France and Salonika (Greece). The engines were lightweight, strong, and reliable, making them ideal for war work. Inexperienced crews also found them easy to drive. During the Second World War, 108 of these locos were requisitioned. Of these, 32 had already seen service during the First World War. Most were sent to France and many were destroyed in the retreat to Dunkirk or used on the French railways by German forces.
No. 2516 was built in 1897. It spent most of its working life taking goods and passengers up and down the GWR branch lines in Mid-Wales before being withdrawn from service in the 1950’s.
9400 Class 0-6-0T No 9400 Pannier Tank
9400 Class 0-6-0T No 9400 Pannier Tank on display at STEAM – 11/11/2023
Frederick Hawksworth designed the Pannier Tank Locomotives. Hawksworth spent his entire career at Swindon Works. He began as an apprentice in 1905 and rose to become Chief Mechanical Engineer in 1941, before retiring in 1949.
From 1947, GWR built ten Hawksworth Pannier Tan locos at Swindon Works. The loco was called a ‘Pannier Tank’ because the water tanks on either side of the boiler looked like pannier bags carried by horses.
Hawksworth Pannier Tank locos were used all over the rail network for shunting and hauling passenger and goods trains on smaller branch lines. The locos could often be seen taking empty carriages to and from Paddington Station.
In 1947, No 9400 was the first Hawksworth Pannier Tank to be built at Swindon. It was one of the last locos to be built by the GWR before the railways were nationalised in 1948. After nationalisation, private contractors for British Railways built another 200 Hawksworth Pannier Tanks. By 1965, all Hawksworth Pannier Tanks including No. 9400 had been withdrawn from service.
4200 Class 2-8-0T 4248 (skeleton only)
Diorama featuring 4200 Class 2-8-0T No. 4248 – 11/11/2023
No. 4248 was built in 1916 at Swindon Works. It is one of the 4200 class of 2-8-0 tank engines designed by George Jackson Churchward. No. 4248 spent most of its working life hauling coal trains in and around South Wales. After being withdrawn from service in 1963 the engine spent many years in Barry Scrapyard. It was rescued from there in 1986.
No. 4248 was purchased for the Museum with the support of a Museums and Galleries PRISM grant. The engine has been conserved at STEAM and is on display as if it is a locomotive under construction in the Boiler Shop area of the museum.
The collection holds a small but varied selection of Great Western rolling stock, which includes Queen Victoria’s Royal Saloon (above) which was built in 1897 and formed part of the Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee train. Another highlight is the beautiful art deco styled Buffet Car No. 9631 built at Swindon in 1934 (below).
Interior of Buffet Car No. 9631 – 11/11/2023STEAM holds a small collection of road vehicles, ranging from horse drawn carts to motorised vans like this Scammell Tractor and Trailer. Road vehicles were an essential part of Great Western operations and were used in and around Swindon Works, good depots and stations – 11/11/2023 Swindon Trip to Weymouth!Display case showing GWR’s nautical connections – 11/11/2023
After our visit to STEAM we met up with Caroline who had been exploring the Designer Outlet. The shopping centre is located on the site of the long shop which was once responsible for erecting steam and diesel locomotives. One such example is GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7821 ‘Ditcheat Manor’ which has been on display at the Designer Outlet centre since 2018 when she was moved from the STEAM museum taking the place of sister locomotive No. 7819 ‘Hinton Manor’.
GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7821 ‘Ditcheat Manor’ at Swindon Designer Outlet – 11/11/2023 (CS)Nameplate of GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7821 ‘Ditcheat Manor’ GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7819 ‘Hinton Manor’ at the Swindon Designer Outlet. The locomotive returned to the Severn Valley Railway in August 2018 – 20/02/2014GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7819 ‘Hinton Manor’ at the Swindon Designer Outlet – 20/02/2014GWR 7800 Class 4-6-0 No. 7821 ‘Ditcheat Manor’ when she was resident within STEAM museum – 20/02/2014
My next port of call was destined to be Swindon railway station as I was hoping to see and photograph Colas Class 67’s working the Cheltenham to Swindon Transfer Sidings RHTT. However a rare failing on behalf of Google maps, which directed us to the wrong car park, combined with the early running of the class 67’s meant I missed this particular working by a very thin margin. However, this was more than compensated by the DCR Class 60 which worked through the station on a Tytherington to Willesden DC Rail Sidings freight shortly after I arrived on the platform.
Swindon railway station opened in 1842. Until 1895, every train stopped here for at least 10 minutes to change locomotives. Swindon station hosted the first recorded railway refreshment rooms, divided by class – even the King and Queen of the time took refreshments there – 11/11/2023GWR Class 387157 (with 387167) ready to depart Swindon platform 4 working 1B14 1213 London Paddington to Cardiff Central -11/11/2023Freightliner Class 59 No. 59205 ‘L Keith McNair’ thunders through Swindon working 6C48 1147 Appleford Sidings Freightliner Heavy Haul to Whatley Quarry Freightliner Heavy Haul – 11/11/2023DCR Class 60 No. 60046 working east on the approach to Swindon at the head of 6Z52 10:20 Tytherington to Willesden DC Rail Sidings – 11/11/2023Colas Class 66 No.’s 66848 & 66850 ‘David Maidment OBE www.railwaychildren.org.uk’ on the approach to Swindon railway station working 3S59 09:00 Hereford to Swindon Transfer Yard Rail Head Treatment Train – 11/11/2023GWR IET No. 800320 working 1A20 1132 Taunton to London Paddington nears Swindon – 11/11/2023
Video from Swindon – 11/11/2023
The following day we were off to the Isle of Wight to celebrate our friends 50th Wedding Anniversary in Ryde. We chose to leave the car on the mainland and take the hovercraft from Southsea over to the island. The Hovertravel crossing takes a speedy ten minutes.
Griffon 1200TD Hovercraft GH-2160 ‘Solent Flyer’ in service with Hovertravel arrives at the Southsea HoverPort – 12/11/2023
As we arrived into Ryde, I noticed a number of the railway orange army on the pier. Trains that run to Ryde Pier Head station are currently out of action following extensive damage from Storm Ciarán. The Island Line between Ryde Pier Head and Ryde St Johns Road has been closed since the bad weather on 2nd November and engineers are working to reopen the line. South Western Railway (SWR) hope to have trains running on the pier section again by 20th November. Meanwhile, a minibus service is running between Ryde St Johns Road and Ryde Pier Head to allow passengers to connect with ferries.
The rail line had a £26m upgrade in 2021 which saw Island Line’s old 1938 tube trains replaced by refurbished London Underground District Line trains, and its tracks and platforms upgraded. You can revisit our 2022 IoW trip here
The line remains open between between Ryde St Johns Road and Shanklin with two trains per hour running. On our way to the Wedding Anniversary party, we took a slight detour to see SWR Class 484 No. 484002 depart Ryde St Johns Road with a lunchtime service to Shanklin.
SWR Class 484 No. 484002 awaits departure from Ryde St Johns with the 2D33 1332 service to Shanklin -12/11/2023Class 484 units No.’s 484003 and 484005 at Ryde depot – 12/11/2023SWR Class 484 No. 484002 ready for the off from Ryde St Johns with the 2D33 1332 service to Shanklin -12/11/2023
Isle of Wight – 12/11/2023
For The Record:
The New Measurement Train visited North Dorset on 16th November with High Speed Train Class 43 power cars No.’s 43013 and 43277 running as 1Q23 0556 Reading to Salisbury.
Network Rail has confirmed the successful completion of the first phase of works in a wider half a million-pound project to improve reliability on the mainline between Yeovil Junction and Axminster. A five day closure, which was announced at the end of last month, saw key upgrades carried out by engineers who worked day and night at four different sites and included works to stabilise the cutting at Crewkerne tunnel in Somerset following a landslip in October 2021. New drainage and specialist six metre long nails were installed into the earth just outside the tunnel entrance to help lessen the impact of heavy rainfall.
The second phase of the project will see a 16 day closure from Saturday 25th November to Sunday 10th December between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction, when approximately 0.3 miles of track on platform one at Gillingham in Dorset will be replaced and works to stabilise the ground by Gillingham tunnel will be carried out. A further 0.8 plus miles of track will be replaced between Tisbury, in Wiltshire’s Nadder Valley and Sherborne in Dorset and vegetation between Tisbury and Gillingham will be cleared. Maintenance work at the Wyley and Castleton level crossing is also planned. Rail replacement services will run during the two-week line closure.
A British Railways half-flanged green and white enamel steel Yeovil Pen Mill station totem is up for online auction on Thursday November 30th with Leonard Auction
We rather like this nameplate too!
Class 153 DMU Network Rail Video Inspection Unit No. 153385 ran to Bournemouth on Friday 17th November 2023 as 2Q34 0942 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard. I was picking Yoshi up from the groomer, so missed it!
Class 153 DMU Network Rail Video Inspection Unit No. 153385 at Eastleigh in 2022 – 06/03/2022Yoshi back from the groomer. Better than a Class 153! – 17/11/2023
ASLEF, the train drivers’ union have set dates for further strikes. In a change to previous industrial action, the strikes will be across a whole week split on different days affecting different Train Operating Companies (TOC’s). Union members will walk out at East Midland Railway and LNER on Saturday 2 December; at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink, andWest Midlands Trains on Sunday 3 December; at C2C and Greater Anglia on Tuesday 5 December; at Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line, South Western Railway depot drivers, and Island Line on Wednesday 6 December; at CrossCountry and Great Western Railway on Thursday 7 December; and at Northern andTransPennine Trains on Friday 8 December.
You’ve made it to the end of this blog entry, there are no prizes, but well done and thank you for reading. We’ll be back soon. Be seeing you!
Postscript:
Class 52 Western Diesel Hydraulic No. D1028 ‘Western Hussar’ in the scrap line at Swindon Works. Built at Swindon in 1964, the locomotive was withdrawn on October 5th 1976. She was cut up a month after this photograph was taken – 13/05/1979D1041 ‘Western Prince’ at Swindon. She was withdrawn from service in February 1977 but was rescued from being cut up by the East Lancashire Diesel Group and is one of the original diesel locos based at Bury – 13/05/1979
Yoshi meets Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 at Norden as the locomotive, complete with tender, is steamed for the first time in 75 years – 22/09/2023
September 20th 2023 to September 27th 2023
The big local news this week was centred on the Swanage Railway as Victorian era Adams T3 Class 4-4-0 locomotive No. 563 was reunited with her tender after remedial tasks were carried out at Herston Works and steamed while complete for the first time in around 75 years. Yoshi and I headed over to Corfe Castle railway station on Friday 22nd September with the objective of capturing her running light engine to Swanage. Road works in Corfe village delayed our arrival at the station and we were not sure if we had missed the action but after waiting a few minutes or so, the signalman at Corfe box told us he was off to have his lunch and there would be nothing running for the foreseeable. With this nugget of information, Yoshi and I jumped back into the car and headed back to Norden where we found the steaming T3 gleaming in the sunshine.
Beautifully restored Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 at Norden – 22/09/2023
We busied ourselves taking a few photographs and saying hello to Nathan Au from the 563 Locomotive Group who very kindly updated us with the information that the T3 was not likely to move from Norden for quite possibly two hours as various bits and bobs needed fitting to the locomotive and adjustments made. With one eye on the time, Yoshi and I headed home as we had other early afternoon commitments, during which we kept one eye on the Swanage railway webcams. Or rather I did, as Yoshi took time to snooze at my feet.
Viewing the webcams paid off as I saw the T3’s arrival in Swanage during a brief spell of rain at around 1500. Not knowing if the locomotive was set to run any additional test runs that day we went straight to Swanage to find the T3 simmering on the turntable. After another period of rain, expectations grew as coal was shovelled into the T3’s firebox and eventually the locomotive eased into movement, running into the station mouth and back out up to one of the sidings beyond the engine shed. Although I had missed what turned out to be the solitary the test run that day, I was happy to have at least seen No. 563 move under its own power!
Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 on shed at Swanage – 22/09/2023Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 beneath the coaling stage at Swanage – 22/09/2023Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 meets “Greyhound” T9 No. 30120 owned by the National Collection is based on the Swanage Railway after an agreement was reached between the National Railway Museum and the Swanage Railway Trust which will see the 1899 built London & South WesternRailwaylocomotive stored at the Purbeck heritage line following expiry of its boiler certificate in August 2020, which meant the T9 had to be taken out of use. The new agreement includes provision for a limited disassembly of the locomotive – including a boiler lift – so that the Swanage Railway Trust can assess the potential for the locomotive to be returned to steam. Designed by Dugald Drummond (1st January 1840 – 8th November 1912), No. 30120 was built at the Nine Elms Locomotive Works in London. During the Second World War, the T9 was attacked by a German Luftwaffe fighter at Wool station with the locomotive crew having to hide under No. 30120 for cover. The locomotive was withdrawn in 1961 from Exmouth Junction shed in Devon, and joined the National Collection in late 1963 with No.30120 later being put on display at the National Railway Museum in York. In 2010, the locomotive was overhauled at the Flour Mill engineering works, in the Forest of Dean, for service on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, in Cornwall before moving to the Swanage Railway in 2017. The T9 had previously hauled trains on the Swanage Railway in 1991 when passenger trains only operated on the three miles from Swanage to Harman’s Cross and was the first steam locomotive to run to Corfe Castle since June 1967 after relaid tracks reached Corfe Castle en route to Norden – 22/09/2023Two Victorian era locomotives at Swanage; Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 and Drummond T9 4-4-0 No. 30120 – 22/09/2023Swanage shed and turntable with T9 No. 563 and T9 No. 30120 – 22/09/2023Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 moving under her own steam chuffs out of Swanage – 22/09/2023Passing Class 33/0 No. 33012 / D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’, Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 heads to a siding at Swanage following a successful test run under her own steam for the first time in 75 years – 22/09/2023Class 33/0 No. 33012 / D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ at Swanage – 22/09/2023A cavalcade of locomotives at Swanage as Class 08 No.08436 ‘Beighton’ shunts steam locomotives around the station area at Swanage – 22/09/2023
Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 at Swanage in steam for the first time in 75 years – 22/09/2023
The weekend of 23/24th September saw another set of engineering work taking place in the Parkstone area on the down line. The work site was a continuation from where last weeks ended and this time continued through to Parkstone railway station itself. The need for the work to be carried out had apparently been identified by one of the monthly plain line pattern recognition (PLPR) trains. Further tamping of the new line is required in the coming weeks. There is no requirement for the up line to be replaced at present.
Colas Class 70 No. 70803 at Parkstone having worked in with 6C03 2356 Eastleigh East Yard to Branksome – 23/09/2023Colas Class 70 N0. 70809 on Parkstone bank which arrived as 6C04 0242 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’ arrives at the Parkstone worksite with 6G10 0524 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66721 ‘Harry Beck’ working 6G11 0635 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth moves slowly up to join the Permanent Way works at Parkstone – 23/09/2023DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66131 approaches Christchurch appropriately working 6N31 1113½ Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023EWS liveried DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66181 at Milton Road bridge forming 6N32 1313½ Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66721 named in tribute to ‘Harry Beck’ designer of the London Underground map which has been replicated throughout the World at rest on Parkstone bank – 23/09/2023GBRf Class 66 No. 66721 ‘Harry Beck’ with a train of fresh ballast at Parkstone – 23/09/2023Work taking place to relay the down tracks through Parkstone railway station – 23/09/2023As part of an charity auction, GBRf gave the opportunity to name a locomotive to one lucky winner who donated what has quoted to have been “an extraordinary amount of money” to good causes and chose to name Class 66 No. 66760 after his father, a career train driver celebrating his 60th birthday; ‘David Gordon Harris’. The loco is seen here running through Poole railway station heading for Holes Bay – 23/09/2023In Genesee & Wyoming livery, Freightliner Class 66 No. 66509 ‘Josiah’s Wish’ is about to set off from Holes Bay, Poole to form 6N32 1855 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 24/09/2023
Yoshi and I managed to photograph all but one locomotive involved in the engineering possession over the weekend – the loco evading our camera lens being Freightliner Class 66 No. 66420 which worked in with fellow class member No. 66509 ‘Josiah’s Wish’ on 23rd September’s 6Y83 2040 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – although we did see its exhaust as we drove above the track via Station road bridge on our way to Castlepoint shopping centre on Sunday morning! No. 66420 returned as 6Y83 1755 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard, but again I was unable to see this move.
Engineering work at Parkstone – 23/09/2023
Monday evening was the return of the Class 73 top and tailed PLPR train which travelled from Derby Railway Technical Centre down to Weymouth and back to Eastleigh East Yard. Class 73 Electro Diesels No. 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ were picked from the rergular roster of locomotives. We decided on seeing them this time on the outward run through Parkstone so we could admire the new track which was as mentioned above the result of a previous run of this particular test train.
1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard – 25/09/2023
Tuesday was highly anticipated with the scheduled run of a CrossCountry High Speed Train to Swanage designed as a farewell celebration to the XC HST fleet after more than 40 years of operation on across the UK. Proceeds from the trip were in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity in remembrance of CrossCountry employee Jo Taylor, who passed away in 2021. Jo was a popular member of the CrossCountry family and was a familiar face to many, having worked at both Leeds and Bournemouth over her 14 years with the company. This excursion train actually comprised of two tours with the “Pines Express” section running from Leeds to Swanage and return, and the “Bournemouth Belle” from Swanage to Bournemouth and return making use of the HST set in the afternoon. The train was a joint venture with CrossCountry, Modern Railways magazine and The Branch Line Society in association with the Swanage Railway alongside support from Porterbrook and Angel trains.
Retro Inter-City 125 liveried Class 43 No. 43007 departs Bournemouth with “The Pines Express” 1Z43 0635 Leeds to Swanage – 26/09/2023Inter-City Swallow liveried Class 43 No. 43008 departs Bournemouth at the rear of “The Pines Express” 1Z43 0635 Leeds to Swanage – 26/09/2023XC Class 43 No. 43008 crosses Corfe Viaduct working “The Bournemouth Belle” 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023Class 43 No. 43008 awaits departure from Wareham with 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023Class 43 No. 43008 carried the “Pines Express” headboard while working 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023Class 43 No. 43007 passes Wareham signal box at the rear of 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43007 and 43008 top and tail 1Z26 1452 Bournemouth to Swanage across Holes Bay, Poole – 26/09/2023Class 43 No. 43008 leads the return “Bournemouth Belle” 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds nearing Harman’s Cross – 26/09/2023CrossCountry High Speed Train Farewell headboard – 26/09/2023Class 43 No. 43007 at the rear of 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds passing through Harman’s Cross – 26/09/2023Captured by the gallery, Class 43 No. 43008 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds at Holton Heath – 26/09/2023Class 43 No. 43007 at the rear of 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds having cleared Holton Heath – 26/09/2023Retro liveries applied to (TOP) No. 43007 and (BOTTOM) No. 43008 – 26/09/2023
CrossCountry High Speed Train Farewell – 26/09/2023
It was great to see so many friends and fellow enthusiasts out on the day capturing images, video and memories of what is most likely the final scheduled public CrossCountry High Speed Train run. Our North Dorset Correspondent, Scott, travelled on the “Bournemouth Belle” mini-special and was able to kindly share images of the following goodies he picked up onboard:
Coaster of the CrossCountry Farewell HST publicity posterWindow stickers available for purchase on the trainCrossCountry HST Farewell BookletThe special Bournemouth Belle Swanage to Bournemouth souvenir ticketA set of CrossCountry themed HST pin badges were available for passengers to buy
Due to planned industrial action, a CrossCountry staff outing to Blackpool North from Plymouth that had been arranged for the 29th September has been cancelled.
Tuesday evening after all the HST excitement, a pair of preserved Class 50 locomotives were employed on a GBRf Class 458 EMU drag from Widnes Transport Tech to Bournemouth depot. However, due to slack oversight and ‘schoolboy’ error, I failed to notice the train worked early after it failed to observe a timetabled 40 minute layover at Brockenhurst. Despite a valiant effort from Jamie, we didn’t make it to Branksome in time to see the ensemble manoeuvre into the depot, arriving 53 minutes early as 5X72 1435 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D.
However, what goes into Bournemouth Depot has to also come out again, and the following day; Wednesday 27th September 2023, saw a return working to Widnes taking an un-refurbished Class 458 unit for conversion. I really thought the train would depart early and kept a weather eye on the Open Time Trains map for movement! In the event the working; 5Q73 1712 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech, left one minute early and by that time we were safely ensconced on the platform at Branksome, just outside the junction to the depot. Unsurprisingly the attraction of such unusual motive power attracted a number of fellow enthusiasts and the station was very busy.
English Electric Class 50 No. 50007 ‘Hercules’ runs through Branksome with 5Q73 1712 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech – 27/09/2023Class 50 No. 50049 ‘Defiance’ in GBRf livery awaits the off at Branksome working 5Q73 1712 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech – 27/09/2023Moving slowly away from Branksome, Class 50 No. 50049 ‘Defiance’ leads with 5Q73 1712 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech – 27/09/2023
5Q73 1712 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech – 27/09/2023
For The Record
North Dorset saw the New Measurement Train pass through on Thursday 21st with Colas Class 43 HST Power Cars No’s 43277 and 43274 in charge.
Preparatory work for the installation of new walking and cycling bridges across the railway line on Glenferness Avenue in Bournemouth started in May this year following public consultation on proposals undertaken 24th February to 31st March 2021. Funded through South East Dorset’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), the work forms part of a planned sustainable travel route linking Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown and will see the installation of a four metre wide bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the railway line on the west side of the road bridge. The existing footbridge on the eastern side of the road bridge will be demolished on site and replaced with a new four metre wide pedestrian and cycle bridge, the existing road bridge remaining unaltered.
The installation of the new bridges and removal of the existing pedestrian bridge is programmed to commence during a 26 hour window from Sunday 1st October to Monday 2nd October 2023. Impressive crane action is promised with the first new bridge being lifted into position on the west side of the road bridge and placed onto the precast concrete foundations. This will be followed by the removal and recycling of the existing footbridge. The installation of the new bridge on the east side of the road bridge will complete the process.
Following the bridge installation work, bridge ramps and stepped cycle lanes will be built on Glenferness Avenue between Elgin Road and Alyth Road. This work is anticipated to complete by December. The new bridges will give people a separate, safe, traffic free space to walk, cycle and wheel across the railway line. They form a crucial part of a sustainable travel route between Bournemouth town centre and Talbot Woods, Winton and Wallisdown and future plans for the route all the way out to Ferndown.
From The Archive
Taking a look at previous visits of High Speed Trains to the Swanage Railway.
First Great Western (FGW) High Speed Train at Wareham with Class 43 No. 43028 leading the 1Z12 Cotswold – Purbeck Express to the Swanage Railway having originated from Worcester Shrub Hill departing at 0732. This photograph was taken by a Network Rail staff member from a position of safety for John Chappell who is standing second from the right – 28/09/2013
Back in September 2013 the first High Speed Train ventured onto the Swanage Railway with the “Cotswold – Purbeck Express” organised by the Cotswold Line Promotion Group. Because of gauging issues, the train terminated at Corfe Castle where a connecting service to Swanage was provided.
FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 at Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 at Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013Close up of FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 after departing Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 leading away from Corfe Castle and crossing Corfe Viaduct (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013The return Cotswold – Purbeck Express 1Z13 1610 Swanage to Worcester Shrub Hill pauses at Wareham with leading power car FGW Class 43 No. 43078 at the head of the train (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013
The following year, in June 2014 “The Swanage Samaritan” railtour was a special train organised for East Midlands Trains (EMT), South West Trains (SWT) and their guests. The excursion which originated from Sheffield raised funds for the Samaritans charity and saw the first High Speed Train actually reach Swanage, the gauging issues preventing the previous trip from travelling all the way down the branch obviously having been sorted!
East Midlands Trains HST Class 43 power car No. 43089 at journeys end in Swanage having arrived working 1Z43 0613 Sheffield to Swanage (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014HST, Class 33 and Class 08 line up at Swanage (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014Class 43 No. 43064 with “The Swanage Samaritan” headboard at the buffer stops at Swanage Railway station (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014Class 43 No. 43064 carried temporary South West Trains branding for the tour (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014Class 43 power car No. 43089 about to cross Corfe Viaduct with the return “The Swanage Samaritan” 1Z44 1614 Swanage to Sheffield (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014Class 43 No. 43064 brings up the rear of “The Swanage Samaritan” 1Z44 1614 Swanage to Sheffield having departed Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014EMT Class 43 power car No. 43089 pauses at Wareham on its way back to Sheffield (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014
That’s it for another week. Many thanks to those who kept me company while out watching the T3, HST’s and Class 50’s, I appreciate it. And thank you for comments, suggestions and corrections for Yoshi’s blog. Be seeing you!
