The Railway Dog

Category: High Speed Train

  • ScotRail Inter7City HST’s

    Yoshi at Edinburgh Waverley railway station with ScotRail Inter7City High Speed Train Class 43 power car behind – 14/09/2024

    On September 3rd 2024, it was announced that ScotRail’s Inter7City High Speed Train fleet used on routes between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness, is to be replaced with formal procurement due to start within weeks.

    Class 43 No. 43021 at Edinburgh Waverley having arrived at the rear of 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024

    ScotRail operates 52 Class 43 power cars with 22 sets of Mark 3 coaches modified with sliding doors. Two, No.’s 43030 and 43140 were written off after the 2020 Carmont derailment. ASLEF, the train drivers union, have called for the withdrawal of the ScotRail HST fleet for a number of years as “not fit for purpose”citing drivers descriptions of the trains as “notoriously unreliable”, an “unmitigated disaster” and that using them is “tantamount to environmental vandalism”

    ASLEF have further expressed the view that “the HST’s are not crashworthy and do not meet modern safety standards. Their fibreglass cabs with wooden frames bolted on were built in the 70’s and are not fit for purpose for speeds of up to 125 mph. As such our members who drive these trains have little or no confidence in them.”

    Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop announced ScotRail will lead the acquisition of replacement rolling stock and a detailed delivery timetable will be announced at the award of the contract, adding; “Resilient, reliable ScotRail services are key to encouraging more people to choose to travel by train rather than car, to cutting our transport emissions and to helping to move people around Scotland for work, leisure and learning. Over 4 million passenger journeys were made on inter-city trains in the last year. We want to maintain and where possible, increase that number choosing to go by train between Scotland’s cities. We want to replace the current inter-city fleet with trains which provide more comfort and accessibility for passengers on these routes. This planned investment will ensure the reliability of our inter-city routes for the long-term, will reduce emissions from inter-city services and will support our efforts to decarbonise Scotland’s railways.”

    ScotRail Managing Director Joanne Maguire said “today’s announcement is good news for our customers and an important step for ScotRail as we work towards delivering a safe, green, and reliable railway.”

    Although no announcement on whether new-build or cascaded trains will be deployed, suitable inter-city rolling stock could soon become available with the introduction of East Midlands Railway’s Hitachi Class 810 bi-mode units, which will replace its Class 222 Meridian DEMU’s. Introduced by Midland Mainline from 2004, EMR operates 27 sets, running in five and seven-car formations, owned by Eversholt.

    I mention the Inter7City HST’s because we had already planned a road trip which would give me an opportunity to see these surviving trains from a bygone age of British Rail at Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

    At Edinburgh Waverley Yoshi and I were very kindly allowed through the electronic ticket barriers and on to the platforms to photograph the HST sets. We were approached during our visit at the end of platform 18 by a member of station staff who wanted to know if we were “lost or just catching the breeze”. Once we’d explained ourselves, we had a friendly chat as we walked over to platform 2 in time for the next HST arrival.

    Class 43 No 43168 forming the rear of 1A81 1130 Edinburgh to Aberdeen at the buffer stops alongside Class 158 “Express Sprinter” DMU No.158741, Edinburgh Waverley – 14/09/2024
    Class 43 No 43179 1A81 1130 Edinburgh to Aberdeen at Edinburgh Waverley in the company of Class 158 No. 158740 and Class 334 Coradia Juniper EMU No. 334013 – 14/09/2024
    Another view of Class 43 No. 43021 at Edinburgh Waverley having arrived at the rear of 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
    Class 43 No 43126 having arrived at Edinburgh Waverley with 1B74 0905 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
    Class 43 No 43139 at Edinburgh Waverley leading on 1B74 0905 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
    ScotRail Inter7City High Speed Train Class 43 power cars side by side at Edinburg Waverley. No. 43177 having arrived at the rear of 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh and No. 43148 on the rear of 1B30 1248 Inverness to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
    Class 43 No 43177 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
    Afternoon arrivals at Edinburgh Waverley; Class 43 No. 43028 having arrived with 1B30 1248 Inverness to Edinburgh stands alongside No. 43177 which was working 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024
    Another view of Class 43 No. 43028 having arrived with 1B30 1248 Inverness to Edinburgh stands alongside No. 43177 which was working 1B82 1309 Aberdeen to Edinburgh – 14/09/2024

    The dark blue and pale grey ‘Inter7City’ livery features large silhouettes of landmarks in the seven cities of Scotland. Before relivery, the power cars were in the plain blue livery of First Great Western.

    Abellio ScotRail received nine 4-carriage and 17 five-carriage trainsets from Great Western Railway (GWR) for use on longer-distance services between the major Scottish cities.

    The power cars were refurbished at Brush Loughborough, with the coaches being refurbished at Wabtec Doncaster. The first set, which included power cars No.’s 43021 and 43132, was delivered to ScotRail on 1st September 2017. The set was transferred to Aberdeen Clayhills on 10th September for the start of driver training. The first refurbished set was due in February 2018, with a full fleet in service by December 2018.

    On the 15th October 2018 after months of crew training, the first revenue earning and fully branded ‘InterCity’ diagram began and ran with power cars No.’s 43033 & 43183 along with refurbished MK3 Set HA26 on the Edinburgh – Aberdeen route.

    Class 43 No. 43137 arrives at Aberdeen working the 1A87 1530 Edinburgh to Aberdeen service 17/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43152 rests at Aberdeen Clayhills Carriage Maintenance Depot. I didn’t think to check on the power car at the other end! The Caledonian Sleeper stock shares the depot with Class 73 No. 73968. Clayhills depot is used for maintaining and stabling long distance locomotive hauled services, more specifically, ScotRail Class 43, High Speed Trains, their respective Mark 3 carriages, Class 158 Express Sprinters and Class 170 Turbostars, as well as LNER Class 800 Azumas – 17/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43175 at Aberdeen having arrived at the rear of A87 1530 Edinburgh to Aberdeen service 17/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43003, the oldest HST power car in service at Aberdeen having arrived with 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 17/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43137 arrives at Aberdeen having terminated working 1A87 1530 Edinburgh to Aberdeen service 17/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43124 has arrived at Aberdeen with 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen prepares to depart as 5A75 1853 Aberdeen to Aberdeen Clayhills Carriage MD. No. 43175 in the background will be leading on 1T62 1836 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street – 17/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43003 has arrived at Aberdeen Clayhills – 17/09/2024
    Screenshot of Class 43 No. 43028 passing over the River Dee Railway Bridge working 1T50 1535 Aberdeen to Glasgow Queen Street. The bridge, built by Lock and Errington in 1848 has 11-spans, consisting of 7 principal spans of steel trussed on granite and sandstone piers, with cutwaters forming a crenellated parapet for mesh railings. There are four round-arched sandstone approach spans with polished arch rings and a coped parapet. The original bridge, as constructed by the Aberdeen Railway Company, included wooden beams on stone foundations, but from the 1880’s onwards, these were replaced by iron girders as a major programme of bridge improvements to accommodate heavier trains 18/09/2024
    Another chance encounter with Class 43 No. 43003 in Glasgow preparing to work 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 19/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43003 prior to working 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 19/09/2024
    Class 43 No. 43003 at the head of 1A49 1539 Glasgow Queen Street to Aberdeen – 19/09/2024

    While in Aberdeen, as well as taking the opportunity to pop down to the railway station one evening to see some ScotRail HST workings, I was also able to observe Class 73/9 No. 73968 at rest having worked into the station on empty coaching stock move 5B16 1935 Aberdeen Clayhills Car.M.D to Aberdeen prior to heading the Aberdeen to Edinburgh section of 1B16 2143 Aberdeen to London Euston.

    Class 73/9 No 73968 at rest having arrived at platform with 5B16 1935 Aberdeen Clayhills Car.M.D to Aberdeen – 17/09/2024

    Class 73’s are Electro-Diesel locomotives, built by English Electric between 1962-1967 for the Southern Region of British Rail. Primarily intended to work on 3rd rail electrified lines, as built they were also equipped with a 600hp diesel engine for short distance movements.

    Between 2013 and 2016, eleven of these locomotives owned by GB Railfreight were rebuilt by Wabtec at the Brush Traction works in Loughborough and designated Class 73/9.

    Plaque detailing rebuild on No. 73968 – 17/09/2024

    The rebuilt locos have a 1600hp MTU ‘R43 4000’ V8 diesel engine, coupled to a new Lechmotoren alternator. The existing bogies and DC traction motors are retained. The locos are now fitted with AAR multiple working control and can also work with class 66 and 67 locos, however the old Style MW jumpers are kept for compatibility with un-rebuilt Class 73’s. Other features retained were the driving controls on both sides of the cab, the drop-head buckeye coupling, central buffing plate and retractable side buffers.

    Five locos for duties in Southern England are numbered 73961 to 73965 and painted in GBRf livery. Six of these locomotives are deployed on Sleeper services north of Edinburgh replacing Class 67 locos from 2016. The locos utilised for Caledonian Sleeper duties are numbered 73966 to 73971, and painted in ‘Midnight Teal’ livery.

    Having arrived with the Caledonian Sleeper ECS, Class 73/9 No 73968 will work the Aberdeen to Edinburgh section of the 1B16 2143 Aberdeen to London Euston sleeper service – 17/09/2024

    No. 73968 was formerly No. 73117 (E6023).

    The Caledonian Sleeper locos No.’s 73966-971 have several detail differences to the earlier No.’s 73961-965 batch:

    * Driving Desk is more extensively modernised.

    * The cab centre window is ‘unblanked’ and fitted with a wiper.

    * 1-piece miniature obstacle deflectors fitted.

    * High-level air hoses removed.

    * Communications jumper socket left of coupling.

    * Additional main air reservoir pipe left of coupling.

    * NRN Radio and aerials. (NRN radios removed in 2016).

    * ETS on/off indicators on the sides of the Headlamp clusters.

    * Electric Train Supply to coaching stock increased from ETH 38 to ETH 70.

    * 3rd-rail pick-ups were initially retained, but isolated.

    * RETB-NG (fitted to the locos in Scotland during 2016).

    * The buckeye coupling and central buffing plate would later be removed in favour of drop-head Dellner couplings, with the obstacle deflectors changed to accommodate this.

    * The cab centre window (formerly a 2-character headcode display) was not installed on locos No.’s 73966 and 73967 until return visits to Loughborough in February 2016.

    * The conversion programme and introduction to service (originally intended for the 1st April 2015) was severely delayed, a major factor being the new alternators suffering from vibration problems, particularly when at full power.

    * From October 2016 the Sleeper Class 73/9s were only providing ETH, with Class 66 providing traction, rather than working in multiple.

    * Delivery of the final conversion No. 73971 was postponed until November 2016, while a solution to the alternator issue was sought.

    Class 73 No. 73968 at Aberdeen with the Caledonian Sleeper – 17/09/2024

    * Further changes to the locomotive were required to operate with the new Mk5 sleeper coaches which have dellner semi-automatic couplings.

    * The first to be equipped was No. 73971 which went south to Brush at Loughborough on 19th of April 2017 and returned to Craigentinny on 9th July 2017 with its new drop-head Dellner coupling fitted, but covered up.

    * The class 73/9s had initially retained 3rd rail pick-up shoes, but these were removed when the six locomotives visited Eastleigh Works for new wheelsets in 2019/2020.

    Source: http://www.scot-rail.co.uk/page/Class+73#google_vignette

    For The Record

    The Heart of Wessex Line closed between Castle Cary and Weymouth on Monday 23rd September 2024 to Sunday 29th September 2024 as Network Rail replaced less than a mile of over fifty year old track. Improvements were also made to the junctions either side of Maiden Newton railway station. A rail replacement bus service operated during the closure period for passengers.

    GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66789 awaits clearance to proceed at Yeovil Pen Mill at the head of engineers train 6G12 2145 Hinksey Sidings to Maiden Newton. The locomotive was scheduled to return to Eastleigh East Yard via Dorchester West and the South Western Mainline later that morning but the driver was not cleared for the route, so instead the Class 66 travelled back through the engineering possession to Yeovil Pen Mill and made its way to Eastleigh via Westbury – 23/09/2024
    Colas Railfreight Class 70 No. 70807 at Yeovil Pen Mill at the head of 6C01 2047 Hinksey Sidings to Yeovil Pen Mill – 23/09/2024

    The first two engineering trains in association with the works arrived at Yeovil Pen Mill in the early hours of 23rd September. Colas and Freightliner were also involved with engineering trains during the ensuing days.

    Video at Yeovil Pen Mill of engineering trains – 23/09/2024

    Monday 23rd September and it was time for the monthly Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) train which this time around was top and tailed by GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotives No. 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’.

    Screenshot of GBRf Class 73/9 electro-diesel locomotives No. 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’ at Poole working 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 23/09/2024

    I saw the train reporting as 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth passing through Poole in heavy rain. Must be mad!

    1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 23/09/2024

    GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ was once again charged with transporting South Western Railway Class 458 Electric Multiple Units between Widnes Transport Tech and Bournemouth T&RSMD. The loco hauled refurbished SWR Class 458/4 No. 458411 on its return south as 5064 1603 Southampton Central to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D, returning later with SWR Class 458/5 No. 458502 reporting as 5Z66 2018 Bournemouth TRSMD to Eastleigh East Yard.

    GBRf Class 69 No. 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Poole while running around its train – 24/09/2024

    As part of the operation, the consist heads to Poole Storage Sidings where the loco changes ends and the train heads back east along the South Western Mainline.

    Class 458 EMU drags to/from Bournemouth TRSMD – 24/09/2024

    Network Rail’s Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) visited Dorset in the early hours of 26th September. UTU’s usually have one locomotive at one end and a Driving Brake Standard Open (DBSO) at the other. The train can operate in push-pull mode with the loco hauling or pushing with the DBSO controlling it. UTU trains have ground penetrating radar systems to detect voids and deformities up to two metres into the ballast and ground and employ rail profile scanners to identify issues in track profile in comparison to an ideal track template.

    Screenshot of Colas Railfreight Class 37 No.37057 ‘Barbara Arbon’ at Poole working 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 26/09/2024

    Running 102 minutes late, Colas Railfreight Class 37 No.37057 ‘Barbara Arbon’ passes through Poole working 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth. No. 37057 was named in honour of Barbara Arbon on July 4th 2021 at Loram, Derby. Barbara was a member of the Colas Infrastructure Monitoring Team who sadly passed away in 2020. She was affectionately known by her colleagues as ‘Auntie Barbara’.

    Video of 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth – 26/09/2024

    “The Last Post”

    Class 325 No.’s 325001 & 325002 on the approach to Quintinshill working 1M27 1235 Shieldmuir Mail Terminal to Willesden PRDC – 20/09/2024

    Reportedly the final DB Cargo operated mail trains on the West Coast Main Line ran on Friday 20th September 2024, the cessation of the services being brought forward from the original end date of October 10th. I was fortunate enough to see Class 325 No.’s 325001 & 325002 passing Quintinshill working 1M27 1235 Shieldmuir Mail Terminal to Willesden PRDC while we were on a walk to remember the Quintnshill Railway Disaster which claimed the lives of over 200 people and left 246 injured. The incident remains the worst rail disaster in British history.

    Fire rages amongst the debris of the Quintinshill rail disaster – 22/05/1915 (Unknown – The Illustrated London News, 25 May 1915)

    Human error caused the accident, two signalmen made several careless mistakes and omissions in their duties. They had shunted a local train onto the main line and while it stood there in plain view of the signal box, they accepted a troop train travelling south carrying 500 soldiers of the 1/7th Royal Scots Territorial Battalion and then, minutes later, a sleeper from London heading north on the same line. The local train’s brakes were on, which upon collision, caused the troop train to telescope to half of its original length, while survivors staggered from the wreckage, the Carlisle express ran into It.

    The impact of the collision pushed the express locomotives on top of the debris of the first crash. The carriages were telescoped, after the collision the troop train which was 215 vards in length was reduced to only 67 yards – 05/1915 (Unknown)
    The fire in the wooden carriages was almost impossible to extinguish with the small jets of water that the fire brigade could play on the flames – 22/05/1915 (Unknown)

    Immediately after the collisions, fire broke out. Hot coals from the engine of the troop train set alight the wooden carriages and the flames were fed by gas from the train’s lighting supply. Despite vain attempts to quell the fire with water from the tanks of two goods trains and by syphoning water from a nearby stream, the inferno raged for 24 hours with devastating results. Once it was extinguished, 82 bodies were unrecognisable and 50 were never traced at all.

    Memorials to the troops were built at Rosebank Cemetery, Edinburgh and one was erected at Gretna Visitor Centre by the Scottish Area of the Western Front Association, being unveiled on 21st May 1995. In September 2010 a plaque to commemorate the disaster was unveiled on Blacksyke Bridge which overlooks the crash site. Today, little trace of Quintinshill remains, the signal box having been demolished in the early 1970’s.

    Memorial overlooking the site of the Quintinshill disaster at Rail Gretna Visitor Centre. Avanti West Coast Class 390 No. 390044 is passing with 9M55 1156 Glasgow Central to London Euston – 20/09/2024
    The plaque which commemorates the disaster on Blacksyke Bridge – 20/09/2024
    Trans Pennine Express Class 397 No. 397001 passes the site of the disaster working 1S51 1104 Manchester Airport to Glasgow Central. Left to right: up loop; up main (where the first collision occurred); down main; down loop. The signal box was on the outside of the up loop – 20/09/2024

    To round off a Scottish themed September, on Monday 23rd, while Caroline was shopping in Southampton, I decamped to Eastleigh for a few hours to see Locomotive Services Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ which has been outshopped in retro ScotRail livery depart with stablemate Class 57 No. 57003 ‘Inter City Railway Society 50th Anniversary 1973 – 2023’ which carries Trainload Freight Speedlink colours.

    Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ leads Class 57 No. 57003 ‘Inter City Railway Society 50th Anniversary 1973 – 2023’ on the approach to Eastleigh railway station forming 5Z45 1500 Eastleigh Arlington to Crewe HS. The Class 37 would later fail near Northampton, requiring rescue by a Class 86 also belonging to LSL – 23/09/2024
    Class 57 No. 57003 ‘Inter City Railway Society 50th Anniversary 1973 – 2023’ shows off its retro Trainload Freight Speedlink livery at Eastleigh Arlington – 23/09/2024
    Video from a day at Eastleigh – 23/09/2024

    That’s it for another blog entry. We’ll be back in a few weeks with a look back at October lineside adventures. Thanks for popping by and for your comments and corrections which are always welcome.

    Don’t forget you can catch up on our latest videos on the Railway Dog YouTube Channel or catch random witterings and photos via the new Railway Dog Facebook group.

    Be seeing you!

  • The One With The Last Blue Class 450

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

    February 1st 2024 to February 9th 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Hamworthy Branch

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

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

    MAXIMISE THE PORT ESTATE POTENTIAL

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

    EXPLORE POTENTIAL FOR THE RAIL LINK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For The Record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yoshi and the T3

    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 – 22/09/2023
    Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 beneath the coaling stage at Swanage – 22/09/2023
    Adams 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 Western Railway locomotive 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 – 22/09/2023
    Two Victorian era locomotives at Swanage; Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 and Drummond T9 4-4-0 No. 30120 – 22/09/2023
    Swanage shed and turntable with T9 No. 563 and T9 No. 30120 – 22/09/2023
    Adams T3 4-4-0 No. 563 moving under her own steam chuffs out of Swanage – 22/09/2023
    Passing 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 – 22/09/2023
    Class 33/0 No. 33012 / D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ at Swanage – 22/09/2023
    A 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 – 23/09/2023
    Colas Class 70 N0. 70809 on Parkstone bank which arrived as 6C04 0242 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’ arrives at the Parkstone worksite with 6G10 0524 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023
    GBRf 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 – 23/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66131 approaches Christchurch appropriately working 6N31 1113½ Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023
    EWS liveried DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66181 at Milton Road bridge forming 6N32 1313½ Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 23/09/2023
    GBRf 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 – 23/09/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66721 ‘Harry Beck’ with a train of fresh ballast at Parkstone – 23/09/2023
    Work taking place to relay the down tracks through Parkstone railway station – 23/09/2023
    As 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 – 23/09/2023
    In 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 – 26/09/2023
    Inter-City Swallow liveried Class 43 No. 43008 departs Bournemouth at the rear of “The Pines Express” 1Z43 0635 Leeds to Swanage – 26/09/2023
    XC Class 43 No. 43008 crosses Corfe Viaduct working “The Bournemouth Belle” 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43008 awaits departure from Wareham with 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43008 carried the “Pines Express” headboard while working 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43007 passes Wareham signal box at the rear of 1Z25 1310 Swanage to Bournemouth – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43007 and 43008 top and tail 1Z26 1452 Bournemouth to Swanage across Holes Bay, Poole – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43008 leads the return “Bournemouth Belle” 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds nearing Harman’s Cross – 26/09/2023
    CrossCountry High Speed Train Farewell headboard – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43007 at the rear of 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds passing through Harman’s Cross – 26/09/2023
    Captured by the gallery, Class 43 No. 43008 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds at Holton Heath – 26/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43007 at the rear of 1Z44 1618 Swanage to Leeds having cleared Holton Heath – 26/09/2023
    Retro 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 poster
    Window stickers available for purchase on the train
    CrossCountry HST Farewell Booklet
    The special Bournemouth Belle Swanage to Bournemouth souvenir ticket
    A 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 – 27/09/2023
    Class 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 – 27/09/2023
    Moving 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) – 28/09/2013
    FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 at Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013
    Close up of FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 after departing Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013
    FGW Class 43 power car No. 43078 leading away from Corfe Castle and crossing Corfe Viaduct (John Chappell) – 28/09/2013
    The 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) – 14/06/2014
    HST, Class 33 and Class 08 line up at Swanage (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014
    Class 43 No. 43064 with “The Swanage Samaritan” headboard at the buffer stops at Swanage Railway station (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014
    Class 43 No. 43064 carried temporary South West Trains branding for the tour (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014
    Class 43 power car No. 43089 about to cross Corfe Viaduct with the return “The Swanage Samaritan” 1Z44 1614 Swanage to Sheffield (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014
    Class 43 No. 43064 brings up the rear of “The Swanage Samaritan” 1Z44 1614 Swanage to Sheffield having departed Corfe Castle (John Chappell) – 14/06/2014
    EMT 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!