The Railway Dog

Category: Freight Trains

  • 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!

  • GBRf Gala – Sept 2024

    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 – 08/09/2024
    GBRf 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’ – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66768 at Peterborough – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66760 ‘David Gordon Harris’, Peterborough – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66741 ‘Swanage Railway’ at Peterborough – 08/09/2024
    GBRf 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 – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ arrives at Peterborough Nene Valley – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 rests at Wansford – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024
    Another view of GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024
    Surely not GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 at Wansford – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 69 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at platform of Wansford station – 08/09/2024
    GBRf 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 – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66312 departs Wansford – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ double heads with Class 69 69009 ‘Western Consort’ at Wansford – 08/09/2024
    GBRf Class 08 No. 08632 runs into the bay platform at Wansford – 08/09/2024
    Nene 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 – 08/09/2024
    GBRf 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 – 04/09/2024
    LSL 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 – 05/09/2024
    Colas 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 – 08/09/2024
    Screenshot 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!

     

  • Mostly Swanage

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

    April 25th to May 16th 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    National Trust Moseley Old Hall – 29/04/2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yoshi’s New Year

    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 – 01/01/2024
    This 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 – 01/01/2024
    The 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 – 06/01/2023
    SR 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 – 06/01/2024
    This time working a passenger train, SR West Country 4-6-2 No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ has departed Norden with the 1415 service to Swanage – 06/01/2024
    Class 33 No.D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ takes her turn on the freight wagons working 1302 Norden to Swanage – 06/01/2024
    Class 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 – 07/01/2024
    GBRf 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 – 07/01/2024
    GBRf 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 – 09/01/2024
    DRS Class 68 No. 68003 ‘Astute’ leads the return 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) at Hamworthy – 09/01/2024
    Class 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 – 22/07/1979
    A 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 1977
    Class 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 – 30/04/1978
    Withdrawn Class 74’s at Eastleigh Diesel Depot Open Day including No.’s 74005 and 74009 – 30/04/1978
    Eastleigh Open Day 1978 flyer
    Class 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 – 13/05/1981
    The 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 – 08/01/2024
    Yoshi 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 – 06/01/2024
    Sunrise at Durdle Door – 06/01/2024

  • December ’23 Catch Up

    Yoshi at Yeovil Junction with Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ was in charge of UK Railtours “Carols At Sherborne Abbey” 1Z15 0715 Peterborough to Yeovil Jn Heritage Platform. The Class 67 locomotives are a class of Bo-Bo diesel electric mainline locomotives which were built for the English, Welsh and Scottish Railway between 1999 to 2000 by Alstom at Meinfesa in Valencia, Spain with drive components (engine and transmission) from General Motors Diesel. Yoshi is a cockapoo dog, a miniature poodle and cocker spaniel mix produced in Wiltshire – 23/12/2023

    December 11th 2023 to December 31st 2023

    The second part of our December blog is finally here! After our trip to the North, we didn’t have to wait long for some local railway themed action as another Class 458 EMU drag from Widnes Transport Tech to Bournemouth depot took place on Wednesday 13th running as 5X73 0722 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth TRSMD. I kept one eye on its movement via the live maps available on the Open Time Trains website, and at one point almost left home early as the train was running well ahead of time.

    GBRf Class 69 No.69008 at Branksome preparing to reverse into the depot with 5X73 0722 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth TRSMD – 13/12/2023

    However, the train was held outside of Eastleigh for a while so I was able to get to Branksome on the train as planned just prior to the arrival of GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 and Class 69 No. 69008 with South Western Railway (SWR) Class 458 No. 458424 sandwiched in-between barrier coaches. The return run taking another Class 458 for refurbishment in Widnes was set for departure the afternoon of the same day, but was afforded three different paths out of the depot. Avoiding the possibility of picking the wrong working and either missing the departure or having a lengthy wait I decided just to remain at home instead!

    GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 with SWR Class 458 No. 458424 in tow arrives at Branksome heading 5X73 0722 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth TRSMD – 13/12/2023

    No. 56081 is to to be retired to Longport in the New Year. While the option for additional Class 69 conversions doesn’t appear to have been taken yet, the planned despatch of the Class 56 to Longport certainly places it in position for potential conversion to No. 69017.

    Later on the same day, the Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) ran from Totton to Dorchester South and back as 3Y89 2211 Totton Yard to Totton Yard with Class 66 No.’s 66743 and 66772 ‘Maria’. I toyed briefly with the notion of driving to Dorchester to get a photo of No. 66743 in its Belmond Royal Scotsman livery, but decided against it on this occasion.

    GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66743 and 66772 ‘Maria’ passing Hamworthy with 3Y89 2211 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 13/12/2023

    Saturday 16th December was a bit of a road trip so I could see what could well be the final DB Cargo (DBC) Class 60 hauled railtour as the class are to be ‘retired’ in April 2024 by the Deutsche Bahn owned freight operator following an announcement it is to eliminate the use of its Class 60 locomotives by re-gearing ten of its Class 66 loco’s to provide an enhanced tractive effort.  As most of its services are operated by Class 66 locomotives, with the Class 60’s only seeing limited use, DB Cargo concluded that if services operated by its Class 60 locomotives could be transferred to Class 66’s with a higher tractive effort, it would benefit its customers and the company.

    DB Cargo has also said that in the future they are going to focus on contractual railtour operations, with the likes of the Belmond British Pullman trains, and less on the ‘ad hoc’ operations for other tour promoters, such as Pathfinder Railtours who were running “The Festive Midland-Ian” which was promoted as an attempt to try and cover as many freight lines, loops and locations as possible in the West Midlands, featuring some “rare track”. The requested motive power had been Top & Tail DBC Class 60’s but, due to the low numbers of the class remaining in service, on the day DBC were forced to substitute a Class 66 for one of them.

    Pathfinder named the railtour “The Festive Midland-Ian” after Ian Loveday who devises and helps with many enthusiast rail based excursions. Ian often advises and assists with access to heavily sought after lines including this 16th December charter.

    The route for the tour was confirmed as:  GLOUCESTER, CHELTENHAM SPA, WORCESTER SHRUB HILL, Kidderminster DGL, STOURBRIDGE JUNCTION, Stourbridge DGL, Rowley Regis UGL, BIRMINGHAM SNOW HILL, Up & Down Small Health Goods, Caledonia Yard, Up & Down Small Heath Goods, Tyseley Up Through Siding, Dorridge UPL, Leamington Spa UCV, Fenny Compton UGL, Banbury DGL, Banbury Reservoir Sdgs – BANBURY (Break), Fenny Compton DGL, Kineton Branch NR Limit, Leamington Spa DCV, Hatton DGL, Dorridge UDGL, Birmingham New Street (non-stop), Wolverhampton Logistics Centre, Bescot Stadium, Bushbury DGL, Stafford RMT, Oxley Chord, Wolverhampton, Bescot Stadium, Bescot DGL, Aston, BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET, Rowley Regis DGL, STOURBRIDGE JUNCTION, WORCESTER SHRUB HILL, CHELTENHAM SPA, GLOUCESTER

    I decided to head to Banbury as I remembered an accesible road bridge close to the Tarmac works which in turn is adjacent to Banbury Resevoir sidings. “The Festive Midland-Ian” is believed to be the first passenger train to visit to the Reservoir stone terminal sidings at Banbury. On the way, I took a slight detour so I could pick up @smithy.377 and looking at the timings available to us on real Time Trains, we realised we’d have a few passes of the train as it worked its way along Banbury Goods Loop and back before tackling the stone terminal sidings. We also enjoyed a few other passing passenger trains and a couple of freights.

    Chiltern Class 58 No. 68012 (set AL04/ DVT 82309) propels 1H27 08:19 Stourbridge Junction to Marylebone towards Banbury railway station – 16/12/2023
    Freightliner Class 70 No. 70014 working 4O27 06:49 Crewe Basford Hall SSM to Southampton Marine Container Terminal nears Banbury – 16/12/2023

    The railtour had to arrive at Resevoir Sidings prior to the arrival of a scheduled GBRf stone train which was confirmed as running on the 16th. The Pathfinder tour was then diagrammed to head into Banbury for a brief layover before heading back up the mainline towards Wolverhampton. I had read the previous day that the Class 66 would be leading towards Banbury, but I was very pleased to see the Class 60 at the front as it rounded the distant curve heading for down goods loop. This meant that we managed to get numerous shots of the leading locomotive and led me to abandon any thoughts of chasing the train up to Fenny Compton and possibly beyond.

    DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60024 hauling “The Festive Midland-Ian” 1Z60 0545 Gloucester to Banbury towards Banbury on the Down Goods Loop – 16/12/2023
    DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60024 hauling “The Festive Midland-Ian” 1Z60 0545 Gloucester to Banbury – 16/12/2023
    DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60024 hauling “The Festive Midland-Ian” 1Z60 0545 Gloucester to Banbury towards Banbury on the Down Goods Loop – 16/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66740 ‘Sarah’ arrives with 6G34 02:59 HINDLOW GBRF to Banbury Reservoir Redland Aggregates – 16/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66740 ‘Sarah’ prepares to run around her train; 6G34 02:59 HINDLOW GBRF to Banbury Reservoir Redland Aggregates – 16/12/2023
    Class 66 No. 66194 takes charge of the second leg of “The Festive Midland-Ian” 1Z61 1211 Banbury to Wolverhampton Walsall Street Steel Terminal – 16/12/2023

    After seeing the Class 66 No. 66194 taking “The Festive Midland-Ian” back towards Wolverhampton, I opted to return home via Didcot in the hope that I could get a photo of special King Prince Charles Coronation liveried Class 66 No. 66023 which had been showing as being on Didcot Fuelling Point. On arrival at Didcot railway station, we were allowed up onto the platforms by Great Western Railway gateline staff, but unfortunately, the No. 66023 was nowhere to be seen. @smithy.377 later discovered the locomotive was inside a shed and therefore out of sight of our cameras. We were able to photograph a few other DBC Class 66 locomotives however.

    In red DB Cargo livery Class 66 NO. 66149 in Didcot Yard – 16/12/2023
    Still carrying EWS livery, DB Cargo Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66083 and 66063 at Didcot – 16/12/2023
    Video from Banbury on 16th December 2023 featuring DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60024 and Class 66 No. 66194 top and tail working “The Festive Midland-Ian” from Pathfinder Railtours; 1Z60 0545 Gloucester to Banbury & 1Z61 1211 Banbury to Wolverhampton Walsall Street Steel Terminal. Other trains featured include:
    68012 (set AL04/ DVT 82309) – 1H27 08:19 Stourbridge Junction to Marylebone
    221139 – 1M30 07:45 Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly
    221137 – 1O08 07:25 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth
    70014 – 4O27 06:49 Crewe Basford Hall SSM to Southampton Marine Container Terminal
    168108/168106 – 1R17 09:02 Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street
    168218/168328 – 1H28 09:13 Birmingham Moor Street to Marylebone
    220031 – 1V83 06:23 Newcastle to Reading
    168004 / 168xxx – 1H30 09:43 Birmingham Moor Street to Marylebone
    168xxx/ 168107 – 1R19 09:32 Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street
    168xxx/ 168217 – 1R21 10:02 Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street
    66740 ‘Sarah’ – 6G34 02:59 HINDLOW GBRF to Banbury Reservoir Redland Aggregates
    168001 ‘Adrian Shooter’/168xxx – 1H33 10:43 Birmingham Moor Street to Marylebone
    220027 – 1O12 09:25 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth
    220033 – 1M38 09:45 Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly
    168322/168215 – 1R25 11:02 Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street

    Engineering works at Middle Stream Bridge near Wool on Sunday 17th December meant there were no trains running in the area. Yoshi and I had a little “family” trip out to Weymouth and I grabbed a couple of photographs of track machines resting between duties on our way home.

    Balfour Beatty Matisa B66UC Tamper No. DR75501 in the sidings at Dorchester South prior to working the following days 6Q66 05:00 Dorchester Junction to Eastleigh East Yard – 17/12/2023

    A tamping machine or ballast tamper, informally simply a tamper, is a self-propelled, rail-mounted machine used to pack (or tamp) the track ballast under railway tracks to make the tracks and roadbed more durable and level. Prior to the introduction of mechanical tampers, this task was done by manual labour with the help of beaters. As well as being faster, more accurate, more efficient and less labour-intensive, tamping machines are essential for the use of concrete sleepers since they are too heavy to be lifted by hand.
     
    At its most basic, a tamping machine only packs the ballast. Some modern machines, sometimes known as tamper-liners or tamping and lining machines, also correct the alignment of the rails to make them parallel and level, in order to achieve a more comfortable ride for passengers and freight and to reduce the mechanical strain applied to the rails by passing trains. This is done by finding places where the sleepers have sunk from the weight of the passing trains or frost action, causing the track to sag.
     
    The B 66 UC is a high-performance universal continuous action tamping machine designed for normal and high-speed lines. In addition to the plain line, it can handle the heaviest switches and crossings, especially those with concrete sleepers. This machine has a tamping shuttle fitted with four tamping units and a lifting and slewing clamp. In addition to these tools, telescopic diverging track lifting devices can be used when handling heavy switches and crossings. The very responsive shuttle allows a substantial output on plain line despite the fact that this is a single-head machine. The longitudinal stroke of the tamping units is long enough to position the units in a way to easily and quickly tamp Y shaped sleepers. Located in the centre of the machine, the tamping cabin provides an excellent visibility on the tools and the track. Thanks to the machine’s user-friendliness and its ergonomic controls, only two operators are needed to operate the B 66 UC to its full potential.
     
     Loram C44 Rail Grinding Machine No. DR79301 in Wool Sidings. It will depart for Poole on 19/12/2023 as 4Q01 23:44 Wool MOD Siding Freightliner Heavy Haul to Poole – 17/12/2023

    A railgrinder is a permanent way maintenance train used to restore the profile and remove irregularities from worn tracks to extend tracklife and to improve the ride of trains using it.
     
    The C44 Series Rail Grinder is designed with advanced technology features that also meets stringent international standards, weights and clearances. The C44 Series complies with the W6A clearance diagram and the axle weights of international commuter lines and freight rail applications.
     
    Loram’s C44 rail grinder delivers high-efficiency re-profiling of the railhead, removing or reducing rail corrugations, corrosion, joint mismatches and other railhead surface irregularities with industry-leading productivity.

    Monday 18th December and with all lines re-opened, it was the turn of the monthly Colas test train from Derby RTC to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth running as 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard employing the usual traction of GBRf Class 73 locomotives. This time it was the turn of No.’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’.

    GBRf Class 73’s No.’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ passing through Hamworthy working 1Q51 11:15 Derby RTC Serco to Eastleigh East Yard – 18/12/2023

    Another day out to see a railtour took place on Saturday 23rd December, this time closer to home as DB Cargo Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ was in charge of UK Railtours “Carols At Sherborne Abbey” 1Z15 0715 Peterborough to Yeovil Jn Heritage Platform. No. 67006 is one of two class members painted in a special Royal Claret livery and as such would be primarily tasked with working the Royal Train. However, the locomotive is often used for special charter trains and other occasional passenger services when not fulfilling her Royal duties. We took a roundabout route to see the railtour, taking in Totton Yard so I could finally get a clear photograph of GBRf Class 66 No. 66743 in Belmond Royal Scotsman livery as it is was still being employed on the SITT along with No. 66772 ‘Maria’.  I also popped in on Freightliner Southampton Maritime and Eastleigh (which admittedly was rather quiet!)

    GBRf Class 66 No. 66743 at Totton Yard – 23/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No.66772 ‘Maria’ on the rear of the SITT at Totton Yard – 23/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66743 and No.66772 ‘Maria’ in Totton Yard on the SITT. The train was scheduled to head to Eastleigh East Yard later that evening where it would remain over the Christmas period – 23/12/2023
    Freightliner Class 70 No. 70001 at Southampton Maritime – 23/12/2023
    FL Class 66 No.’s 66606 and 66570 at Southampton Maritime – 23/12/2023
    Class 08 diesel shunter No. 08785 at Southampton Maritime – 23/12/2023
    A trio of FL Class 70’s at Southampton Maritime; 70007, 70002 and 70005 – 23/12/2023
    Class 153 Video Inspection Unit (VIU2) No. 153376 at Eastleigh – 23/12/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66158 on a DB Infrastructure Train destined for Abbey Street Junction for work over the Christmas period at Eastleigh – 23/12/2023

    Always looking for a new photographic location, I had time to scout out the western portal of Gillingham tunnel. After parking up at the side of the road above the tunnel, Yoshi and I made our way along a public footpath through fields which are adjacent to the railway track. A trio of sheep were not too sure about our arrival and took off to the opposite corner to watch us from afar. Yoshi, thankfully, showed little interest in the ovine beasts and settled down at my feet as we waited for the Class 67 to turn up hauling its train.

    Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ emerges from Gillingham Tunnel hauling 1Z15 0715 Peterborough to Yeovil Jn Heritage Platform – 23/12/2023

    After seeing the train at Gillingham tunnel, I popped into Yeovil Junction in time to see the locomotive running around her train which was being serviced after dropping off the passengers in Sherborne for the festive carol service at the Abbey the tour was named after.

    Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ runs around its train at Yeovil Junction – 23/12/2023
    Crests applied to Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ – 23/12/2023
    Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ reversing back onto the coaching stock to form the return leg of the “Carols At Sherborne Abbey” railtour – 23/12/2023
    Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ at Yeovil Junction whilst the coaching stock employed on the “Carols At Sherborne Abbey” railtour is serviced – 23/12/2023
    Video of 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ working “Carols At Sherborne Abbey” 1Z15 0715 Peterborough to Yeovil Jn Heritage Platform
    Also includes the following passing trains:
    Gillingham Tunnel:
    159020/159013 – 1L25 1021 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids
    159012/159105 – 1L44 1125 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo
    Yeovil Junction:
    159003/159015 1L29 1120 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids

    On my way home from Yeovil, I made another slight detour to take a look at the Swanage Railway’s “Polar Express” operation, this years seasonal offering from the Purbeck Heritage line, which I had so far not managed to see in 2023. “Polar Express” trains started running on 17th December and continued through to 30th December. With failing light which rendered photography of moving trains difficult, I waited for the late running 1445 trip from Swanage to show at Corfe Castle with resident Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling the outward run and Southern Railway 4-6-2 West Country Class No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ with “Polar Express” emblazoned on her tender, working the return. I followed the train down to Swanage and as darkness fell this only enhanced the colourful lights within the carriages.

    Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ heads up the 1445 “Polar Express” service from Swanage – 23/12/2023
    SR 4-6-2 West Country Class No. 34028 ‘Eddystone’ heads towards Swanage after stopping at The North Pole (Norden) with a “Polar Express” train – 23/12/2023
    Class 33 No. 33111 and LSWR 4-4-0 T9 Class No. 30120 in the sidings at Swanage while Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ waits with a “Polar Express” service in the station – 23/12/2023
    Class 33 No. 33111 at Swanage – 23/12/2023
    LSWR 4-4-0 T9 Class No. 30120 at Swanage – 23/12/2023
    Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ awaits departure of the 1645 “Polar Express” service from Swanage – 23/12/2023
    Darkness falls on Class 33 No. 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ as she awaits departure of the 1645 “Polar Express” service from Swanage – 23/12/2023
    Swanage Railway’s “Polar Express” – 23/12/2023

    With SWR Desiro Electric Multiple Unit’s (EMU’s) remaining in the old South West Trains (SWT) livery now in single figures, it has been reported that Class 450 No. 450111 and Class 444 No. 444040 ‘The D-Day Experience Portsmouth’, both wrapped in a striped form of the South Western Railway grey livery, will be the last two units to be painted into standard SWR colours.

    Class 450 No. 450111 at Eastleigh working 2B32 0902 Bournemouth to Winchester – 23/12/2023
    Side view showing the “stripey” South Western Railway livery carried by Class 450 No. 450111 at Eastleigh
    Class 444 No. 444040 ‘The D-Day Experience Portsmouth’ at Poole having arrived with 1B31 1357 Brockenhurst to Poole – 24/12/2023
    Side view of Class 444 No. 444040 ‘The D-Day Experience Portsmouth’ – 24/12/2023
    Bodyside detail of Class 444 No. 444040 ‘The D-Day Experience Portsmouth’ – 24/12/2023
    Class 444 No. 444040 ‘The D-Day Experience Portsmouth’ at Poole forming the 5B31 1437 Poole to Poole Storage Sidings ECS – 24/12/2023

    The original South West Trains train livery used the Stagecoach Group colours – red, blue and orange – in a similar style to the Network South East (NSE) livery. Some detail variations were introduced before a major updating of the group’s design identity in 2000. New logos and typefaces were developed, as well as new bus and train liveries.

    An unidentified Class 442 “Wessex Electric” EMU on the approach to Wareham in Network South East Livery at some point in the late 1990’s
    Another unidentified Class 442 “Wessex Electric” EMU, carrying the original South West Trains livery based on the NSE style previously carried by the trains, nearing Upwey station – 05/09/1998
    Class 442’s at Dorchester South in the revised SWT livery in the early 2000’s

    The second-generation South West Trains liveries, designed by industry specialist Best Impressions, have swooshes of the Stagecoach colours, which sweep back from the nose of the train to give an impression of movement. There were three versions of the livery employed – white on the Class 444 and 159 trains used on many longer-distance services, red on Class 455 and 456, and blue used on Class 458 and 450 trains.

    SWR Class 444 No. 444034 on the approach to Weymouth showing the colours of its former operator SWT – 01/05/2020
    The final South Western Railway Class 444 in South Western Trains livery No. 444045 arrives at Hamworthy working 1W55 0735 London Waterloo to Weymouth – 30/12/2023
    SWR Class 450 No. 450060 in blue SWT colours at Weymouth – 20/05/2020
    Class 450 No. 450088 departing Hamworthy with an early morning Weymouth to Brockenhurst stopping service – 23/12/2021

    The final Desiro’s to be re-liveried from former SWT colours into SWR grey are No.’s 450031, 450099, 450116 and 444045.

    For completion: a Class 455 No. 455854 in the SWT red livery with a London Waterloo bound service at Clapham Junction – 10/12/2022

    The final railtour of 2023 bordering on the Dorset area was run by UK Railtours employing DB Cargo Class 66 locomotives booked for use in a top and tail formation. “Another Awkward Week Adventure”, named because of those so called awkward days between Christmas and New Year originated in Peterborough. Problems with one of the locomotives; No. 66185 meant the railtour left 60 minutes late from its originating station after No. 66028, which had been the rear locomotive, was removed from the back of the train and re-attached to the front with No. 66185 remaining inside. This was how Yoshi and I saw the train after it had passed through Winchester on its way to Eastleigh. Here passengers had the option to detrain and take a bus to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or remain onboard for some rare track miles into Southampton Eastern and Western Docks.

    DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66028 and 66185 ‘DP WORLD London Gateway’ double heading 1Z66 0730 Peterborough to Southampton Eastern Docks “Another Awkward Week Adventure” railtour west of Winchester – 30/12/2023

    I next moved onto Southampton where I fancied filming the excursion crossing Canute Road which is adjacent to the former Southampton Terminus railway station which served the Port of Southampton and Southampton City Centre from 1839 until 1966. The former Terminus station building is now a casino and The South Western Hotel opened by the LSWR in 1872 has been converted into private apartments. Of the station platforms, all that remains is the glass canopy and a single line that runs from Northam junction to the Queen Elizabeth II Cruise Terminal. The private road into where the platforms once stood is now a car park.

    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66028 crossing Canute Road, Southampton with 1Z66 0730 Peterborough to Southampton Eastern Docks – 30/12/2023
    Disgraced DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66185 ‘DP WORLD London Gateway’ dead in the consist of 1Z66 0730 Peterborough to Southampton Eastern Docks – 30/12/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66158 runs light engine across Canute Road, Southampton as 0Z66 1340 Eastleigh Down Carriage Shed to Southampton Eastern Docks – 30/12/2023
    After running light into the docks, DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66158 leads out working 1Z67 1402 Southampton Eastern Docks to Southampton Western Docks – 30/12/2023

    Our final location was the footbridge over the railway line between Southampton Central and Millbrook ready to catch the train head towards Western Docks and out again Yoshi waited in the car as the weather, already very windy, turned increasingly wet! I photographed the railtour on its outward leg into Western Docks, but by the time it returned (running late) the light had gone and I didn’t want another DSLR to fall foul of water damage in 2023! Instead I managed some dodgy video which can be seen lower down the page.

    Back leading the tour again; DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66028 and 66185 ‘DP WORLD London Gateway’ on the approach to Millbrook heading up 1Z67 1402 Southampton Eastern Docks to Southampton Western Docks – 30/12/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66158 at the rear of 1Z67 1402 Southampton Eastern Docks to Southampton Western Docks on the approach to Millbrook – 30/12/2023
    “Another Awkward Week Adventure” DB Cargo Class 66 No.’s 66028 and 66185 ‘DP WORLD London Gateway’ and 66158: 1Z66 0730 Peterborough to Southampton Eastern Docks / 0Z66 1340 Eastleigh Down Carriage Shed to Southampton Eastern Docks / 1Z67 1402 Southampton Eastern Docks to Southampton Western Docks / 1Z68 1531 Southampton Western Docks to Eastleigh – 30/12/2023

    One final festive gift courtesy of GB Railfreight saw the SITT run to Weymouth on New Years Eve as 3Y88 1200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard, top and tailed by Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66723 ‘Chinook’ and 66772 ‘Maria’. The SITT with the same two Class 66’s in charge was also the first locomotive hauled train into Dorset early on New Years Day 2024 when it returned as far as Bournemouth in the early hours working as 3Y89 0100 Totton Yard to Totton Yard.

    GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66723 ‘Chinook’ and 66772 ‘Maria’ at Hamworthy on SITT 3Y88 1200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 31/12/2023
    Close up of the helicopter decal on the side of GBRf Class 66 No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ – 31/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66772 ‘Maria’ at the rear of the SITT 3Y88 1200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. Classmate No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ leads – 31/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66772 ‘Maria’ 66723 ‘Chinook’ passing Hamworthy working the return SITT 3Y88 1200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 31/12/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66772 ‘Maria’ 66723 ‘Chinook’ working the return SITT 3Y88 1200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard (Dorchester South video courtesy of G E Barrett) – 31/12/2023

    For The Record

    Following 16 days closure for engineering work on the West of England Line, the line between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction re-opened on Monday 11th December while landslip repairs were affected by flooding at Crewkerne tunnel which extended the duration required for work to be completed with SWR advising customers not to attempt to travel between Yeovil Junction and Exeter St David’s until Wednesday 13th December.

    Class 66 No. 66732 ‘GBRf The First Decade 1999-2009 John Smith – MD’ at Dinton near Salisbury during the 16 day engineering possession. TV screen grab from BBC South Today – 01/12/2023
    Class 66 No. 66732 ‘GBRf The First Decade 1999-2009 John Smith – MD’ at Dinton near Salisbury. TV screen grab from BBC South Today – 01/12/2023
    Class 66 No. 66790 ‘Louise’ at Gillingham. TV screen grab from BBC South Today – 01/12/2023

    Thanks for reading, that’s it for 2023! Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. We’ll leave you with a pic of Yoshi at Durdle Door. Be seeing you!

    Yoshi took an early morning trip to Durdle Door to see the sunrise – 22/12/2023

  • Poppy Fields

    Definitely not coming to a cinema near you anytime soon! A movie poster created using Microsoft Bing Creator Artificial Intelligence.

    October 26th 2023 to November 2nd 2023

    It was very quiet around these parts this last week. Nothing much of note to report on the rails of Dorset as far as I’m aware. Storm Ciarán hit the South West in the early hours of Thursday 2nd November with the BBC reporting train lines ground to a halt, with some rail operators telling commuters to work from home – and drivers in the south and west of UK were told to avoid coastal roads. South Western Railway (SWR) ran a revised service during the day and warned of the weather conditions ability to cause flooding, landslips, low adhesion from increased leaf fall and debris on the tracks. Across the South West of England, there were no Great Western Railway (GWR) services in Cornwall because of flooding and fallen trees. The line was also closed between Exeter and Taunton, Salisbury and Southampton, Reading to Gatwick and a reduced service to Heathrow.  Locally, SWR Weymouth services terminated at Bournemouth with an hourly shuttle service between Bournemouth to Weymouth providing half the normal frequency.  The line between Bournemouth and Hinton Admiral was blocked for a time due to heavy flooding. A pair of two-car SWR Class 158 Diesel Multiple Units No.’s 158884/886 then formed a shuttle service between Bournemouth and Brockenhurst. CrossCountry (XR) services to Bournemouth were also disrupted with several services stopping short at Brockenhurst. Brittany Ferries cancelled most of their services on Wednesday and Thursday, while Condor Ferries suspended all sailings on these two days.

    Tuesday evening I was in Winchester visiting the Cathedral to see “Poppy Fields” an immersive light and sound show by Luxmuralis. Billed as a “spectacular light and sound show which takes you on a mesmerising journey of reflection and hope”, the art installation did not disappoint. Developed from the concept of “son et Lumiere” Luxmuralis is a collaborative team combining artists from different backgrounds and artistic disciplines who create works across multimedia and presentation formats whilst exploring the development of fine art tradition through new media ultimately taking the medium onto the streets and providing access to visual artwork in public as well as unexpected places.

    Winchester Cathedral – 31/10/2023

    “Poppy Fields” was sponsored by South Western Railway and was presented at Winchester Cathedral from 31stOctober to 4th November 2023. Appropriately enough, we took the train for our visit, arriving in the City in good time for our ticketed time of 2000. By good judgement of the stewards in attendance we were allowed early access to the cathedral due to the wet weather and joined a queue of other eager first night attendees.

    “Poppy Fields” at Winchester Cathedral created by Luxmuralis – 31/10/2023
    “Poppy Fields” at Winchester Cathedral created by Luxmuralis – 31/10/2023
    “Poppy Fields” at Winchester Cathedral created by Luxmuralis – 31/10/2023
    “Poppy Fields” at Winchester Cathedral created by Luxmuralis – 31/10/2023

    Unfortunately our usual good time keeping was lacking for our return journey and this, compounded by our SWR service departing Winchester early meant that we were left on the station platform with the last train west of Poole disappearing into the night. Taking a screen grab from Real Time Trains of evidence, one of our party had the foresight to contact the SWR helpline to advise of the situation with the result that within the hour we were heading home in a taxi (which had come all the way from Southampton to collect us!) provided by the railway company. While our transport was on its way, I obviously took the opportunity to see a couple of freight trains passing through Winchester amongst an assortment of SWR Class 450’s, 444’s and a XR Class 221 Voyager.

    CrossCountry Voyager Class 221 No. 221135 working 1O30 1825 Manchester Piccadilly to Winchester. This service would normally run to Bournemouth but on this occasion terminated short at Winchester, the unit moving forward as 5Z30 2228 Winchester to Eastleigh TRSMD empty coaching stock – 31/10/2023

    Winchester railway station was opened on 10th June 1839 by the London and Southampton Railway as a temporary terminus for the Winchester to Southampton section. Another station was opened at Basingstoke on the same day, which acted as the temporary terminus of the London to Basingstoke section. The line connecting Winchester and Basingstoke completed in March 1840.

    Another line was constructed to run via Guildford, Farnham and Alton, which joined the main line north of Winchester. The present day line runs via Aldershot instead of Guildford, and the line finishes at Alton. British Rail closed the line from Alton to Winchester in 1973 but a section from Alton to Alresford is preserved as the Watercress Line.

    The Great Western Railway had their own line having absorbed the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway which opened in stages between 1882 and 1885. This used a separate station on the eastern side of Winchester, when opened called Winchester Cheesehill, which I think is an excellent name but this was later changed to Winchester (Chesil). It was renamed again in 1949 when the brackets were dropped and the station became known as Winchester Chesil, whilst Winchester’s main station was renamed Winchester City. When Chesil closed in 1966, British Rail (BR) changed the station name from Winchester City during the following year to Winchester as it is known today.

    SWR Class 450 No. 450119 at Winchester working 1B73 2205 London Waterloo to Bournemouth in tandem with Class 444 No. 444012 – 31/10/2023
    Class 444 No. 444031 stops at Winchester working 1W82 2100 Weymouth to Woking – 31/10/2023
    Video from an hours sojourn at Winchester railway station – 31/10/2023

    In other news, the government has cancelled rail industry plans for the mass closure of ticket offices in England, saying they failed to reach the “high threshold of serving passengers”. You may recall The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) had announced over the summer that it intended to shut almost all of the nation’s 1,007 train station ticketing outlets in an effort to reduce costs after a ‘post-COVID fall in passenger numbers’. Following a public outcry over the three week public consultation period running from 5th to 26th July as originally proposed, this was hastily extended to 1st September.  Although the cost-cutting proposals were made by the train operators managing the station offices, they were widely understood to have been pushed by a government eager to trim the subsidy for rail. According to the passenger watchdogs managing the survey after receiving over 750,000 responses to the consultation, with what is believed to have been a figure of around 99% of which were objections, the Transport Secretary Mark Harper confirmed he had asked train operators to “withdraw their proposals”.

    The government announcement on Tuesday 31st October came after watchdogs Transport Focus and London TravelWatch said they opposed every single planned closure due to concerns over the impact on passenger accessibility. During the previous week a cross-party transport committee of MP’s also warned the plans went “too far, too fast” and described the consultation as lacking in transparency.  Prime Minister and private jet enthusiast Rishi Sunak said in September that closing ticket offices was “the right thing for the British public and British taxpayers” because “only one in 10 tickets are sold currently in ticket offices”.  However, Mr Harper said in his statement on Tuesday that the government had made clear to the industry throughout the consultation that its proposals “must meet a high threshold of serving passengers”. He added; “We have engaged with accessibility groups throughout this process and listened carefully to passengers as well as my colleagues in parliament. The proposals that have resulted from this process do not meet the high thresholds set by ministers, and so the government has asked train operators to withdraw their proposals. We will continue our work to reform our railways with the expansion of contactless Pay As You Go ticketing, making stations more accessible through our Access for All programme and £350m funding through our Network North plan to improve accessibility at up to 100 stations.”

    Another AI generated image from Bing!

    A lot of words this week, and not many visuals! Thank you for visiting and for your comments. We’ll be back soon, in the meantime take care and….. be seeing you!

  • Yoshi Sees Green

    The sun sets on the final CrossCountry scheduled HST passenger service with Class 43 No. 43008 leading 1E73 1627 Plymouth to Leeds (No. 43007 was at the rear) on the approach to Foal Mead Viaduct – 18/09/2023

    September 13th 2023 to September 19th 2023

    Wednesday 13th September 2023 saw what I believe to be the final steam hauled excursion of the year to pass through our neck of the woods. Once again LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 46995 ‘Bahamas’ headed a Railway Touring Company railtour, this time travelling from London Victoria through to the heritage Swanage Railway. We saw the outward bound leg as the train passed Poole Storage Sidings. As yet, there are no facilities to turn a steam locomotive on the Swanage Railway and on the return the tour was diesel hauled as far as Southampton Central by West Coast Railways Class 47 No. 47746  ‘Chris Fudge’. The loco was named after Chris Fudge who passed away following a long battle with a brain tumour in 2010. Chris garnered an interest in trains from an early age and went on to work for the railways, his final role being a timetable planning manager for Arriva trains. 

    LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ works “The Swanage Belle” 1Z91 0815 London Victoria to Swanage out of Poole – 13/09/2023
    LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ heading 1Z91 0815 London Victoria to Swanage passes South Western Railway Class 444 EMU No. 444001 at Poole Storage Sidings – 13/09/2023

    We watched the late afternoon return at Hamworthy (and still home for dinner!) 

    West Coast Railways Class 47 No. 47746  ‘Chris Fudge’ works the return “Swanage Belle” 1Z92 1555 Swanage to London Victoria on the approach to Hamworthy – 13/09/2023
    LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ at the rear of 1Z92 1555 Swanage to London Victoria passes through Hamworthy – 13/09/2023
    LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ on “The Swanage Belle” – 13/09/2023

    Wednesday night, I set out for Poole as the second Permanent Way (PW) train of the week was timetabled to pass through the station just after midnight and reverse at Poole Storage Sidings to drop lengths of new rail at Parkstone in readiness for engineering work over the weekends of 16/17th and 23/24th September. The earlier run, reported on in last weeks blog entry, was operated by DB Cargo whereas the Thursday run was in the hands of Colas Rail who sent Class 66 No.’s 66847 ‘Terry Baker’ and 66850 working as 6C17 2240 Eastleigh East Yard to Parkstone (Dorset). Unlike previously, the engineers train did not stop as booked in Poole station and I had to be content with taking photographs of South Western Railway Desiro’s. The associated return working of the PW train ran as 6C17 0507 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard when I was tucked up in bed!

    Class 450 No. 450084 at Poole having arrived with the 2B73 2316 Brockenhurst to Poole service – 13/09/2023
    Colas Class 66 No.’s 66847 ‘Terry Baker’ and 66850 working 6C17 2240 Eastleigh East Yard to Parkstone (Dorset)- 14/09/2023

    On Friday we took the opportunity provided by Heritage Open Days to visit Morgan Carey Architects in Wareham who restored the former Goods Shed for use as their offices.  Originally constructed in red brick with a hipped slate roof in circa 1847 for the Southampton and Dorchester Railway, Morgan Carey have completed a stunning and sensitive restoration using as much original materials as possible. We very much enjoyed our visit and thanks to Mark for showing us around.

    The former Goods Shed at Wareham – 15/09/2023
    A length of track marks the course of the rail line into the former Goods Shed at Wareham which is now the entrance to Morgan Carey Architects – 15/09/2023
    The new roof of the former Goods Shed in Wareham, the original roof having been destroyed by fire prior to the conversion work – 15/09/2023
    Rear of the former Goods Shed at Wareham showing what would have been access to the platform level – 15/09/2023

    As mentioned above, the past weekend saw a number of engineering trains visit the Poole area as work necessitated the closure of the railway line between Bournemouth and Wareham. Buses ran between these two points, connecting passengers with trains running a revised service for onward journeys. Yoshi and I spent most of Saturday shuttling between Christchurch and Hamworthy in our attempts to see and document the work as a section of the down line west of Branksome was relayed. Track lifting started at a point near milepost 111 and extended under St. Osmunds and Sandecotes Road bridges down Parkstone Bank towards the station. The somewhat heavy rain on Sunday morning curtailed our observations and we refrained from going out to see the return workings of the engineers trains. Maybe we’ll do that next Sunday! I hope the following images capture a flavour of the activities being carried out.

    GBRf Class 66 No. 66796 ‘The Green Progressor’ arrives at Bournemouth working 6G13 0709 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 16/09/2023
    Colas Rail DR73931 Track Maintenance Tamper in the siding at Bournemouth – 16/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66176 at Christchurch at the head of 6N01 0809 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 16/09/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66707 ‘Sir Sam Fay Great Central Railway’ west of Branksome railway station – 16/09/2023
    Yoshi was pleased to tick off seeing GBRf Class 66 No. 66796 ‘The Green Progressor’ at Branksome – 16/09/2023
    Colas Class 66 No.66847 ‘Terry Baker’ passes through Poole with a train load of lifted track panels – 16/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66200 6N02 1048 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 16/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66200 in the distance with its train of new ballast at the Parkstone worksite as work continues – 16/09/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66707 ‘Sir Sam Fay Great Central Railway’ at Parkstone prior to running down through Poole and spending the night near Hamworthy – 16/09/2023
    6C04 1348 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth hauled by Colas Rail 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ passing Pokesdown – 16/09/2023
    With a train of wagons being filled with old ballast, DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66176 at the western extreme of the worksite – 16/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66176 on Parkstone Bank – 16/09/2023
    Colas Class 70 No. 70803 speeds through Christchurch at the head of 6C05 1653 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 16/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66007 having worked 6N03 2154 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – 17/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66199 at Branksome with a train of fresh ballast – 17/09/2023
    Another view of DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66199 at Branksome – 17/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66007 at the work site – 17/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66106 on Parkstone bank – 17/09/2023
    Colas Class 70 No. 70803 adjacent to Poole Storage Sidings in heavy rain. Plastic tents can be seen covering point work beyond where work was being carried out – 17/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66199 and Colas Rail DR73931 Tamper at Parkstone – 17/09/2023
    DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66007 stands in Poole station – 17/09/2023
    Colas Rail Class 70 No. 70803 seen from Sterte Road Bridge – 17/09/2023

    For the record, the incoming Permanent Way trains began to leave Eastleigh East Yard late on Friday 15th September with the majority arriving in Dorset on the Saturday.

    As each train fulfilled its need, collecting old track panels, empty wagons for the collection of old ballast or wagons full of new stone, most then passed through Poole and were stacked across Holes Bay awaiting their return to Eastleigh which commenced on Sunday evening. 

    Trains were stacked across the Holes Bay causeway while not in use. An early morning view of Colas Class 66 No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ and DB Cargo No. 66200- 17/09/2023
    The view across Holes Bay – 17/09/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66707 ‘Sir Sam Fay Great Central Railway’ seen amidst the trees of Upton Park – 17/09/2023
    Colas Class 66 No.66847 ‘Terry Baker’ sits above Blandford Road, Hamworthy – 17/09/2023

    The workings and the associated motive power were:

    6C03 2355 Eastleigh East Yard to Branksome – Colas Rail No. 66847 ‘Terry Baker’

    6G12 0315 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth – GB Railfreight No. 66707 ‘Sir Sam Fay Great Central Railway’

    6G13 0709 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  GB Railfreight No. 66796 ‘The Green Progressor’

    6N01 0809 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  DB Cargo No. 66176

    6N02 1048 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  DB Cargo No. 66200

    6C04 1348 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  Colas Rail No. 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’

    6C05 1653 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  Colas Rail No. 70803

    6N03 2154 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  DB Cargo No. 66007

    6N04 2352 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth  DB Cargo No.’s 66199 and 66106

    Video of Dorset Permanent Way trains over the weekend of 16/17th September 2023

    As an aside, North Dorset also saw engineering work take place on Sunday 17 September 2023 when the West of England main line was closed between Templecombe and Gillingham. As far as I’m aware there were no PW trains allocated to this work.

    Monday 18th September 2023 saw the final chapter for CrossCountry HST’s in use for scheduled passenger trains across the UK network. I was in two minds if to head out and see the last working heading from Plymouth to Leeds as the weather wasn’t particularly good on the day. However, with a few hours respite from the rain forecast and the XC trains on divert via Castle Cary and Westbury because of engineering work in the Worle area, I set off towards Langport as I was hopeful of photographing the train at Foal Mead Viaduct. Located just outside the small town of Langport, the structure consists of two half through girder spans, a truss span and two masonry arch spans. It’s a lovely spot where the main line between Cogload Junction and Castle Cary crosses the River Parrett and I was inspired to seek the location out after seeing recent photos taken by Robin Procter.

    To find out about the recent renovation work on the viaduct carried out by Taziker and the challenges this presented, look here.

    InterCity Swallow liveried CrossCountry HST Class 43 power car No. 43008 leading 1E73 1627 Plymouth to Leeds crossing Foal Mead Viaduct – 18/09/2023
    The final full length timetabled HST CrossCountry working crosses the River Parrett. The iron lattice girder railway bridge built in 1853, was recently totally refurbished as part of a major works to re-stabilise the earth embankment close to its approaches – 18/09/2023
    CrossCountry HST Class 43 power car No. 43007 in retro British Rail livery at the rear of 1E73 1627 Plymouth to Leeds crossing Foal Mead Viaduct, also know as Langport Viaduct or Pool Mead Viaduct, constructed 1900-1906 in RBE brick with 10 spans – 18/09/2023

    Two tours are planned to celebrate the XC farewell to the HST, the first being a public tour between Leeds, Swanage and Bournemouth on the 26th September, followed by a staff jolly between Plymouth and Blackpool North on the 29th.

    A Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) running a rail head treatment working ran from Totton Yard to Swanage on Monday 18th September 2023. I wasn’t able to go and see the Network rail machine on heritage rails, but with the magic of the Swanage Railway webcam, I was able to watch some of its activities.

    Network Rail MPV DB98920 + DB98970 arrives at Corfe Castle as 6Z21 0935 Totton Yard to Swanage – 18/09/2023
    Rail Head Treatment Train Network Rail MPV DB98920 + DB98970 6Z21 0935 Totton Yard to Swanage passes Class 33 No. 33111 at Swanage – 18/09/2023

    Hamworthy Branch Update: Along with the already reported Network Rail work for a bridge inspection which sees the closure of Lake Road from its junctions with Normandy Way/Lake Drive to its junction with Coles Avenue on 21st November 2023 at 2100 until 0500 the following morning,  there is a further planned closure in January 2024. This time the road will be closed for what are described as “Works for Rail Purposes” from 2200 on the 8th January 2024 until 0600 on the 12th January 2024.

    We asked Network Rail for an update on the Hamworthy Branch and they responded: “we are still looking to acquire funding for the Poole Harbour Port works to provide the infrastructure for freight traffic to start, this traffic being largely aggregates traffic. Over the last 6 months or so, the branch line has been put in a state of readiness by our  maintenance teams, this is an ongoing process and includes the bridge inspections that you have referred to.

    We remain hopeful we will see freight traffic return to Poole via the Hamworthy Branch and would predict 2025 for this if everything falls into place although this as you can imagine is always subject to change.”

    Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council are reviewing its strategic transport priorities and welcome our input. Recommendations for potential transport improvement schemes have been grouped into five clusters and relate to locations within the BCP Boundary, including local railway stations, Poole Port Expansion and the reopening of the Hamworthy Branch along with two further clusters with wider scope where one of these includes the South West Main Line.

    For more information go here.

    Thanks for reading. It was good to meet up with fellow enthusiasts at the weekend as we all took the opportunity to watch the toing and froing of the engineering works. Be seeing you!

  • Yoshi Travels High Speed

    Yoshi looking out to see if there are any more HST’s following Class 43 No. 43092 ‘Cromwell’s Castle’ into Taunton – 10/09/2023

    September 6th 2023 to September 12th 2023

    Saturday afternoon, I had booked with the Inter-City Railway Society (ICRS) for a visit to Eastleigh Arlington works. An accident involving three cars on the A31 forced the closure of the eastbound dual carriageway between Picket Post and Stoney Cross and created delays of up to two hours. Thankfully, I believe nobody was seriously hurt in the crash and I have Google Maps to thank in navigating me across the New Forest, arriving just before 1400 and the safety briefing which was given to all those in attendance at the new gated entrance to the works.

    The queue at the gates of Eastleigh Works ready for the safety briefing – 09/09/2023
    The safety briefing at Eastleigh Works – 09/09/2023

    Unfortunately part of the terms of entry were that no images taken on site during the visit can be shared, so I’m unable to post any photographs which I took during my time walking around the works. However, pics obtained from outside the fence on the public highway are fair game!

    Taken from a public area, Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ and Class 08 No. 08567 ‘John Arlington Stephens 20th May 1925 – 19th July 1984’ were providing cab rides for visitors to Eastleigh Works – 09/09/2023
    Locomotive Services Ltd owned Class 57 No. 57311 looked impressive turned out in a lined black livery – 09/09/2023
    GBRf Class 66 No. 66309 at Eastleigh Works – 09/09/2023
    GBRf Class 59 No. 59003 at Eastleigh Works – 09/09/2023
    Numerous withdrawn Class 313 EMU’s are dotted around the Eastleigh Works site, No. 313208 awaits its fate – 09/09/2023

    Originally a bustling carriage and wagon repair works for the London & South West Railway (L&SWR), Eastleigh Works boasts a history dating back as far as 1874. In January 1910 locomotive building was transferred to the workshops at Eastleigh from Nine Elms in London. Following the 1923 Railways Grouping Act, Eastleigh became the principal works for the new Southern Railway (SR). As with many large engineering locations, Eastleigh Works made a valuable contribution to the Second World War effort, with production resources being diverted, for example, to producing parts enabling Blenheim Bombers to be repurposed as fighters and building Horsa gliders for the D-Day airborne assault.

    Following the 1948 nationalisation of the railways in the UK, new steam locomotive building ceased at Eastleigh, the works concentrating on repair work and the rebuilding of 90 of the Bulleid Pacific classes carried out between 1956 and 1961. In 1962, Eastleigh Works built the first six electro-diesel locomotives which would become later known as the Class 73.  As steam locomotives disappeared from use, focus at the works changed from steam to diesel repairs. 

    As part of the privatisation of British Rail, the plant was acquired from British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL) through a management buyout in June 1995 and rebranded Wessex Traincare. In 1998 the site was sold to Alstom and renamed Alstom Wessex Traincare being used for carriage and multiple unit repairs. In 2004, Alstom announced the works were to close due to a lack of work, and this was realised in March 2006 after the completion of a contract to refurbish Class 455 EMU’s for Southern.

    However, this was not the end of the story and in more recent times, the works has seen something of a steady resurgence in activity with principal tenant Arlington Fleet Services capitalising on the site’s rail infrastructure and vast engineering sheds; with locomotive and carriage renovations and decommissioning projects all being undertaken.

    After spending three very enjoyable hours wandering around the Works, I made my way back to the car. As I walked over Cambell Road bridge, I cast an eye across to Eastleigh T&RSMD where a number of SWR Class 701 EMU’s are still in storage prior to their acceptance into traffic ( has there ever been such a new train fiasco in recent times? Answers on the back of a postage stamp to the usual address). As well as the stored units, I spied the distinct outline of a Class 67 locomotive. As its driver was making his way up the yard, I had a quick look at Real Time Trains (RTT – I really should create a glosary page with all the railway themed acronyms and abbreviations) and noted that the Class 67 was scheduled to depart the depot within the following 20 minutes working the empty coaching stock (ECS – see what I mean?) for the Belmond British Pullman Goodwood Revival railtour which was running that day from London Victoria to (you guessed it) Goodwood and return.

    DB Cargo operated Class 67 No. 67021 sits in Eastleigh depot as the driver of the Belmond British Pullman Goodwood Revival railtour empty coaching stock heads over to pick up his train. Class 701 EMU’s are still being stored on site – 09/09/2023

    I headed to Eastleigh railway station to take a few photographs of the Class 66 locos stabled adjacent the platforms, pick up some water and wait for the ECS to pass.

    Colas Class 66 No. 66846 at rest in Eastleigh – 09/09/2023
    DB cargo ‘Ukraine’ liveried Class 66 No. 66099 between duties at Eastleigh – 09/09/2023
    Class 66 No.’s 66099 and 66846 at Eastleigh – 09/09/2023
    Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ at the head of empty coaching stock move 5Z84 1719 Eastleigh Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Chichester passing through Eastleigh railway station – 09/09/2023
    Class 67 No. 67021 brings up the rear of ECS working 5Z84 1719 Eastleigh Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Chichester as the train manoeuvres into Eastleigh East Yard – 09/09/2023
    5Z84 1719 Eastleigh Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Chichester at Eastleigh – 09/09/2023

    On Sunday we took another opportunity to see some CrossCountry HST services passing through Somerset and Devon as only days of them in scheduled service remain. In fact, Yoshi and I decided to sample the delights of High Speed Train travel and planned a short trip utilising these now classic old girls of British Rail. On checking the timetable, we decided on taking a Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class HST set from Highbridge and Burnham to Taunton where, after a two hour wait, we could catch one of the two CrossCountry HST’s diagrammed that day on to Exeter St Davids. Here we would de-train and catch the next GWR Castle back to Highbridge.

    We were joined on our mini-rail adventure by @smithy.377 who, on our arrival at Highbridge and Burnham railway station, alerted us to the fact there was the imminent arrival of two Freightliner Class 66’s working a High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) train on its way to Fairwater Yard, Taunton.

    On the approach to Highbridge, Freightliner Class 66 No. 66548 heads up the Network Rail High Output Ballast Cleaner train working 6X37 0705 Didcot Parkway to Fairwater Yard – 10/09/2023
    Freightliner Class 66 No. 66511 brings up the rear of 6X37 0705 Didcot Parkway to Fairwater Yard passing through Highbridge – 10/09/2023

    I don’t think I’ve seen one of these HOBC trains moving, if at all. Over time, railway ballast wears down and becomes rounded, the pieces of ballast then fit together less easily. Fine pieces of granite, like sand, are also created by attrition – these are known as ‘fines’. These fines stick together when combined with water in the ballast, making the ballast like a lump of concrete. This hinders track drainage and the flexibility of the ballast to constrain the track as it moves under traffic. The HOBC is used to recycle old ballast as much as possible during possessions where the ballast is due for renewal, reducing the quantity of new stones needed as the cleaning removes ballast, screens it and replaces the dirty worn ballast with new angular ballast. When in operation, the half a mile long HOBC consists of locomotives each end (to move the train to and from the work site in traffic at up to 60mph), an impressive sounding RM 900 RT ballast cleaning machine, two power wagons used as traction vehicles to propel the train while in operation, and 44 material conveyor and hopper units (22 empty wagons for ballast waste and 22 wagons full of new ballast). The entire system is designed for a cleaning output of up to 900 m3 per hour or 400 metres of track per hour.

    You can get a sense of how long the Network Rail High Output Ballast Cleaner train is in this view of Freightliner Class 66 No.66511 at the rear of 6X37 0705 Didcot Parkway to Fairwater Yard at Highbridge – 10/09/2023

    Following thunder and a heavy persistent shower of rain our GWR HST rolled into Highbridge and Burnham railway station around five minutes late. Onboard announcements apologising for the delay mentioned unspecific problems with the train which would be checked at Taunton, from where it departed approximately 9 minutes late.

    Yoshi samples the delights of a GWR Castle set MKIII carriage on the journey to Taunton – 10/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43098 ‘Walton Castle’ readies for departure from Taunton working 2C69 0955 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth. No. 43162 was the rear power car – 10/09/2023

    While we waited for our CrossCountry train at Taunton station, we could see the HOBC train emerging and re-entering Fairwater Yard to the west of the station. After watching various CrossCountry and Great Western Railway trains arrive and depart and enjoying a coffee from the station Starbucks, it was over to platform two ready for the arrival of the 1V48 0811 Leeds to Plymouth service which rolled in 13 minutes late.

    GWR IET No. 800010 ‘Paddington Bear’ calls at Taunton working 1C76 0909 Reading to Plymouth. The cab at the other end of the unit is named ‘Michael Bond’ – 10/09/2023
    CrossCountry Class 221 DMU No. 221137 pauses to pick up passengers at Taunton working 1S45 0927 Plymouth to Dundee – 10/09/2023
    GWR Castle HST with Class 43 No. 43092 ‘Cromwell’s Castle’ at the rear of 2U14 0947 Plymouth to Cardiff Central. No. 43154 was the other power car – 10/09/2023
    GWR IET No. 800001 has a layover at Taunton having arrived with the 2C71 1000 Cardiff Central to Taunton working and prior to departing as 2U18 1317 Taunton to Cardiff Central – 10/09/2023
    XC Class 43 No. 43304 on the approach to Taunton as 1V48 0811 Leeds to Plymouth – 10/09/2023
    XC Class 43 No. 43303 at the platform in Taunton on the rear of 1V48 0811 Leeds to Plymouth- 10/09/2023
    XC Class 43 No. 43303 at Taunton working 1V48 0811 Leeds to Plymouth- 10/09/2023

    Once onboard the well loaded HST, we discovered the seats were comfy, if high density, and I could imagine being quite settled for a long journey in the MKIII carriage. Mosreso than the Class 220/221 Voyager DMU’s which work the majority of XC services in the West Country.

    Yoshi finds a comfy space on the CrossCountry HST to Exeter – 10/09/2023
    Me and the boy aboard a CrossCountry HST – 10/09/2023

    The journey to Exeter St Davids took around 25 minutes and although arrival was behind schedule, we had allowed plenty of time in our schedule for catching the return GWR Castle set back to Highbridge. This gave us time to watch a few trains, explore the immediate station vicinity and top up with water. 

    XC Class 43 No. 43304 having arrived at Exeter St Davids with 1V48 0811 Leeds to Plymouth – 10/09/2023
    Yoshi gets a look at the lead power car Class 43 No. 43304 of the 1V48 0811 Leeds to Plymouth service on which we had travelled between Taunton and Exeter – 10/09/2023
    GWR Class 150 DMU No. 150219 with 150266 having worked in as 5F11 1301 Exeter TMD to Exeter St Davids prior to working a service to Exmouth – 10/09/2023
    800306 ‘Harold Day DSC’ is the GWR Remembrance IET, seen here at Exeter St Davids working 1C78 1036 London Paddington to Paignton – 10/09/2023
    In 1934, on his way to London after visiting his friend Agatha Christie, the young publisher Allen Lane stopped at the station bookstall at Exeter St Davids and saw that the books on sale were of a poor quality and overpriced. What was needed, he realised, were good books at a price everyone could afford. Within a year he had founded Penguin Books, creating a paperback revolution that would sweep the world. A plaque recording Sir Allen Lane’s connection with Exeter St Davids is on display at the railway station – 10/09/2023
    Exeter St Davids now boasts a Penguin Books vending machine – 10/09/2023
    The Penguin Books vending machine situated on the concourse at Exeter St Davids – 10/09/2023- 10/09/2023
    Yoshi says hello to one of several Guide Dogs for the Blind collecting points dotted around Exeter St Davids – 10/09/2023
    The GWR Passenger Stationmaster’s House at Exeter is to be demolished to make way for a platform extension. Some of its architectural features will be moved to the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway and other heritage railways along the Western Route. Built around 1900 it is one of two such identical houses, one for the passenger manager and one for freight. The freight version, situated by Exeter St Davids main road entrance, is now used for non railway use – 10/09/2023

    Yoshi took a distinct dislike to a South Western Railway Class 159 in old South West Trains livery which had arrived from London Waterloo just prior to the arrival of our service train becoming quite vexed. So we headed off away from the offending vehicles and waited for our third and final train of the day. 

    The two GWR services we planned to take should have been diagrammed for the same Castle HST set out and back, but because of the problems with set GW16 (operated by power cars No.’s 43098 and 43162) as announced by the guard onboard as we had neared Taunton earlier, it was replaced on the diagrams for the day by another set; GW02 top and tailed by No.’s 43188 and 43186. This was the same unit we had seen on the Severn Valley Railway back in May.

    This, our second GWR HST set was possibly the best of the day as the air conditioning was working, so a cool journey ensued with right time arrival at Highbridge. After this I headed home via Cogload Junction to get a couple more snaps of passing CrossCountry HST’s on their way north and south in quick succession. 

    The relief driver for GWR HST Class 43 No. 43188 ‘Newport Castle / Y Cymru The Welshman’ gets ready to take charge of 2U20 1245 Plymouth to Cardiff Central at Exeter St Davids – 10/09/2023
    Yoshi gets comfy on a GWR Castle set – 10/09/2023
    XC HST Set XC03 with Class 43 Power Car No. 43303 leads the 1S55 1427 Plymouth to Edinburgh working on the approach to Cogload Junction – 10/09/2023
    XC Set XC03 with Class 43 Power Car No. 43304 at the rear of 1S55 1427 Plymouth to Edinburgh nearing Cogload Junction – 10/09/2023
    CrossCountry HST 1S55 working 1427 Plymouth to Edinburgh passing GWR HST Castle set forming 2C79 1400 Cardiff Central to Plymouth at Cogload Junction – 10/09/2023
    GWR Castle HST Set GW09 Class 43 No. 43092 ‘Cromwell’s Castle’ 2C79 1400 Cardiff Central to Plymouth having passed Cogload Junction – 10/09/2023
    Class 43 No. 43154 ‘Compton Castle’ sharing the load on 2C79 1400 Cardiff Central to Plymouth heads towards Creech St Michael – 10/09/2023
    CrossCountry HST Set XC05 with Class 43 No. 43321 leading on 1V56 0908 Edinburgh to Plymouth having passed Cogload Junction – 10/09/2023
    CrossCountry HST Class 43 No. 43378 at the rear of the 1V56 0908 Edinburgh to Plymouth service at Creech St Michael – 10/09/2023
    Video of our day out in the West Country – many thanks to @smithy.377 for allowing us to share his video clip of the HOBC train at Highbridge in the above compilation. Heaven knows how he manages to hold the camera so still – 10/09/2023

    With a couple of weekends worth of scheduled engineering works in the Bournemouth and Poole area coming up in September, the early hours of Tuesday saw something of a curtain raiser as DB Cargo operated 6N60 2240 Eastleigh East Yard to Parkstone (Dorset) and the associated return 6N60 0507 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard.  I went to Poole to see the outward working as the train, top and tailed by Class 66 “sheds” No.’s 66047 ‘Maritime Intermodal Two” and 66176, was scheduled to stop before moving out to Poole Storage Sidings and reversing back to Parkstone. I was pleased the blue liveried No. 66047 was leading as it made a pleasant change from the standard EWS or DB Cargo red liveries.  Although 6N60 arrived into Poole 14 minutes late it was still held at a red light in the station, so I was able to get a reasonable photo of the lead loco standing at the platform as well as the usual phone video. 

    66047 ‘Maritime Intermodal Two’ 6N60 2240 Eastleigh East Yard to Parkstone (Dorset)
    66047 ‘Maritime Intermodal Two’ 6N60 2240 Eastleigh East Yard to Parkstone (Dorset)
    6N60 2240 Eastleigh East Yard to Parkstone (Dorset) engineers train at Poole – 12/09/2023

    For The Record

    Wednesday 6th September 2023

    Colas operated test train 1Z22 0800 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Bristol Kingsland Road, in the capable hands of top and tailed Class 37 No.’s 37116 and 37610, was scheduled to run to Weymouth via the West route. Because of late running due to a track circuit failure, the train was reversed at Yeovil Pen Mill. 

    Thursday 7th / Fiday 8th September 2023

    Colas engineering train 6C19 1913 Eastleigh East Yard to Maiden Newton was operated by Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66847 and 66849. It’s not clear if the train went all the way to Maiden Newton despite Real Time Trains reporting it arrived on time. It certainly didn’t pass me as I was waiting at Yetminster well past its due time! The associated return working was 6C19 0500 Yeovil Pen Mill to Eastleigh East Yard.

    Two historic viaducts on a route which mostly follows the former Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR) will be a given a new lease of life after Somerset Council have approved plans for a new active travel route with the aim of encouraging people to walk or cycle to work and school. The route starts at the Ham Wood viaduct in Croscombe and runs through the Windsor Hill tunnel before passing over Ham Lane and Forum Lane. People will then cross the Bath Road viaduct, taking them above the B3136 Bath Road, before ending their journey at a new junction with the A37 at Kilver Street Hill. Once permissions and further funding have been secured, campaigners hope that the route intended to form part of the Somerset Circle – a 76 mile traffic free circuit which would link to the north Somerset coast – can be extended. Two new sections of the Strawberry Line – which will also form part of the Somerset Circle – were previously opened in Shepton Mallet during March 2023, with work currently under way on further extensions in Easton and Dulcote.

    PS Waverley on Town Quay, Poole – 11/09/2023
    Rear view of PS Waverley alongside at Poole Quay – 11/09/2023

    Yoshi and I took another opportunity to go see the last seagoing passenger-carrying paddle steamer, PS Waverley, alongside Town Quay in Poole on Monday 11th September. Built in 1946 for sailings from Craigendoran on the Firth of Clyde to Arrochar on Loch Long which she operated until 1973 when she was purchased by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society (PSPS) for the princely sum of £1 and restored to her 1947 condition. She now operates passenger excursions around the British coast. Most years she visits Dorset, operating tours from Poole and Swanage. 

    Yoshi during his visit to see PS Waverley in Poole – 11/09/2023
    PS Waverley is named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel. Yoshi is named after the Japanese word for lucky – 11/09/2023

    Thank you once again for visiting and for your comments and corrections. Hopefully we’ll be back next week with photos of the Railway Touring Company organised “Swanage Belle” railtour and the results of our efforts at tracking down local engineers trains! Be seeing you!

  • Winfrith Cats… again

    A freshly groomed Yoshi checks in at Christchurch railway station ticket office – 10/08/2023

    August 9th 2023 to August 15th 2023

    Yoshi is supporting the campaign to keep railway ticket offices open following the train companies proposals to begin closing 974 booking halls across England. The passenger watchdogs Transport Focus and London Travelwatch are overseeing a public consultation which closes on 1st September 2023. Have your say by completing the online form at: https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/ticket-office-consultation/

    You could also write to your MP. I did. I’ll let you know if I get a response.

    The plan represents the complete depersonalisation of the ticket retail process and another piece in the jigsaw to deter people from using the railways along with, but not limited to, scrapping Wi-Fi on trains and impossible to understand ticket machines. I also miss onboard buffets and / or tea trolleys on South Western Railway.

    We are told that 10% of travellers buy their tickets at a booking office, compared with 80% in the 1990’s when, as I’m sure you will recall, there was no other way in doing so (with the exception of season ticket purchases, granted).  13% of revenue still comes via ticket offices which shows, on average, high-value transactions which may well be too complex for a ticket machine to deal with. 

    Hamworthy ticket office current and proposed opening hours

    Take Hamworthy as an example which has been designated as Category 3 by South Western Railway with the proposed new staffing hours showing the station unstaffed on a Monday, which just seems a deliberate ploy to discourage users. When I commuted daily by rail I always purchased my weekly season ticket on a Monday. On visits to the ticket machine at Hamworthy over the last six months has found it not working or the touch screen smashed.

    Yoshi at Hamworthy ticket office – 11/08/2023

    I also believe the proposals to close ticket offices will have a severe detrimental effect on the disabled and elderly. Staffed ticket offices effect everything from the ability to buy tickets, receive assistance, access site facilities, navigate the station, plan routes, and feeling confident in making journeys. They are one of the most vital accessibility features of railway stations and their closure would only serve to isolate people further.

    The closures would also have negative implications more broadly speaking. Ticket office staff provide assistance not only to disabled and elderly people, but to tourists, passengers with luggage, the unbanked, parents with buggies, and everyone who needs advice or assistance. By potentially stopping so many people from travelling by rail, the closures will also negatively impact spending in local economies, slow economic growth, and prevent people from getting to work.  

    Although these reforms are being flown under the banner of ‘modernisation’, they are anything but. A modern railway is one that works for everybody – one that is accessible, safe, and easy to navigate. To remove ticket offices would therefore be an actively regressive step, making vital infrastructure unusable for millions.

    **********************************************************************

    A visit of the Network Rail New Measurement Train to Weymouth which arrived via Yeovil and Dorchester West took place on Wednesday 9th August. This time the train was sandwiched between a pair of Colas Class 43 High Speed Train power cars No.’s 43251 and 43272 running as 1Z22 0757 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Bristol Kingland Road. Yoshi had an appointment with the groomer in Broadstone at the same time, so I was unable to see this test train, but happily we can share the following video and photographs:

    Colas Class 43 HST Power Car No. 43272 at Weymouth (@da_bukley967) – 09/08/2023
    Looking in need of some TLC, Colas Class 43 HST Power Car No. 43251 at Weymouth (@da_bukley967) – 09/08/2023
    1Z22 0757 Derby RTC (Network Rail) to Bristol Kingland Road on 9th August 2023 (video courtesy of G E Barrett & @da_buckly967)

    Thursday was an early start for us as Yoshi’s mama was off to Guernsey for the day. After dropping Caroline off at Poole Port for the “vomit comet” ferry service to the Channel Islands, the boy and I headed towards the East of the county to Christchurch in search of a different (for me) photographic location in order to catch the latest Crewe to Winfrith Sidings train. With only a handful of these left to run I’m enjoying seeking out different locations from where to view them. On arrival in Christchurch we had a little time to wander and after visiting the railway station I settled on Barrack Road bridge as my vantage point overlooking the rails. This location, although quite busy from motor traffic affords a view back down to the station for trains heading west. The pavement is also quite wide meaning Yoshi and I wouldn’t be a hindrance to passers by.

    While we were waiting for the Winfrith, we also managed a glimpse of a SWR Class 701 on a mileage accumulation run as No. 701009 paused briefly in the platforms of Christchurch railway station waiting for the service train ahead of it to clear the section.

    SWR Class 701 No. 701009 passes through Christchurch on a mileage accumulation run working as 5Q50 0612 Eastleigh Trsmd to London Waterloo
    – 10/08/2023

    This run from Crewe to Winfrith turned up Direct Rail Services Class 68 No.’s 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ and 68001 ‘Evolution’, both of which had visited Dorset previously, although No. 68034 was un-named at the time. There had been a moment the previous day when it looked like a bi-mode Class 88 had been allocated to the empty wagons scheduled to run from Sellafield to Crewe, but this turned out to be a false hope and as yet a member of the class is yet to visit Dorset. The Class 88 has a pantograph for the collection of electricity from overhead wires, and a Caterpillar diesel engine which provides 500 miles of working when no electric source is available.

    Direct Rail Services Class 68’s No.’s 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ and 68001 ‘Evolution’ with empty PFA wagons bound for Winfrith passing Christchurch – 10/08/2023

    For the return working I opted for a visit to Poole High Street and planted myself on the footbridge by the level crossing which provided a good view from which to see the now loaded train of PFA wagons. Footfall across the bridge was a little busier than I expected but I have to admit to deriving some small pleasure in answering the usual “Is there a special train coming?” question from passers by with imparting the information that a train carrying nuclear waste was imminent.

    DRS Class 68 No. 68001 ‘Evolution’ leads the return Winfrith working across Poole High Street Level Crossing – 10/08/2023
    DRS Class 68 No. 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ at the rear of 6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) powers away from Poole – 10/08/2023
    Video from 10th August including:
    1M30 0730 Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly – 221129
    1B24 0734 Bournemouth and Weymouth to London Waterloo – 444029
    1W51 0530 London Waterloo to Weymouth – 444024
    5Q50 0612 Eastleigh Trsmd to London Waterloo – 701009
    6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings (Drs) to Winfrith Sdgs – 68034 / 68001
    1W26 1555 Weymouth to London Waterloo – 444024
    1W29 1430 London Waterloo to Weymouth – 444031
    6Z95 1551 Winfrith Sdgs to Crewe Coal Sidings (Drs) – 68001 / 68034

    Early doors Saturday morning found me and several other enthusiasts waiting on Poole railway station for the empty coaching stock (ecs) which would form the “English Riviera Express” excursion to Kingswear. This was top and tailed by Locomotive Services Limited’s class 47 locomotives No. 47805 assisted by No. 47593 deputising for No. 47828 which had developed a fault and remained at Eastleigh. The ecs ran through Poole out to the storage sidings before heading back into the station to pick up passengers.

    LSL Class 47 No. 47805 erupts working 5Z27 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Poole – 12/08/2023
    LSL Class 47 No. 47593 bringing the ECS in from Poole Storage Sidings into Poole station – 12/08/2023
    Now working as 1Z27 0635 Poole to Kingswear (For Dartmouth) LSL Class 47 No. 47593 prepares for departure – 12/08/2023

    With Yoshi now in tow, we headed off to Somerset to see the same train at Creech St Michael before the planned locomotive changeover to steam traction in the form of LNER A4 4-6-2 No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ which took place in Taunton.

    Having reversed at Westbury LSL Class 47 No. 47805 is back as the leading locomotive passing Creech St Michael 1Z27 0635 Poole to Kingswear (For Dartmouth) – 12/08/2023
    With only a matter of weeks left in service, CrossCountry HST set with Class 43 power cars No.’s 43366 and 43378 top and tail 1V44 0609 Leeds to Plymouth past Creech St Michael – 12/08/2023

    As there was a good 30 minutes or so in the schedule to enable the changeover from diesel to steam, we drove to the other side of Taunton to see ‘Sir Nigel’ passing Norton Fitzwarren at the head of the Poole to Kingswear excursion train. A location chosen as not long afterwards, LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ was also due to pass on her way to the West Somerset Railway.

    With Class 47 No. 47805 having been replaced at Taunton by LNER A4 4-6-2 No. 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ the English Riviera Express – 1Z27 0635 Poole to Kingswear (For Dartmouth) – passes Norton Fitzwarren. Class 47 No. 47593 remained at the rear of the train for support – 12/08/2023
    The second rail tour of the day through Taunton saw stalwart LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ hauling “The West Somerset Steam Express” heading off the mainline for the branch leading to the West Somerset Railway – 12/08/2023
    Video from Poole and the Taunton area on 12th August 2023

    After all the steam hauled rail tour excitement which afforded a few barks of approval from Yoshi, we headed for home with a slight diversion via Westbury, which, if I’m honest took far longer than expected! Although ultimately worthwhile as we were lucky enough to see a diverted container train on its way to Southampton as well as Class 67 No. 67027 which has recently reverted to Colas after being briefly part of the GBRf fleet, the intention being for it to be employed on sleeper services in the Scottish Highlands.

    A line up of Colas locos! Class 66 No. 66849 with Class 70’s 70811, 70809 and 70803 await their next turns at Westbury – 12/08/2023
    Freightliner Class 66 No. 66602 and DB Cargo No. 66023 with its special King Prince Charles Coronation livery mostly hidden by wagons at Westbury – 12/08/2023
    Freightliner Class 66 No. 66542 passes through Westbury working the diverted 4O51 1040 Wentloog Freight Terminal Freightliner to Southampton Maritime Container Terminal – 12/08/2023
    66175 ‘Rail Riders Express’ arrives light engine working as 0012 1106 Margam TC to Westbury Down TC – 12/08/2023
    Unique liveried GBRf Class 66 No. 66797 at Westbury – 12/08/2023
    Class 67 No. 67027 outside the Colas Maintenance Facility, also known as The Elephant House for some reason which has, as yet, escaped me – 12/08/2023

    On Monday I found myself once again in Southampton and obviously couldn’t resist a quick look in on Eastleigh!

    GBRf Class 73 No. 73202 still in its unique rebranded Southern livery at Eastleigh East Yard – 14/08/2023
    GBRf Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ at Eastleigh Works – 14/08/2023
    Ex-Southern Coastway Class 313 No. 313211 with SWR Class 450 No. 450117 in the shed behind at Eastleigh – 14/08/2023
    LSL Class 47 No. 47828 in retro Inter-City livery at Eastleigh. This loco should have been on the “English Riviera Express” from Poole to Kingswear on Saturday 12th August, but was prevented from doing so after developing a fault – 14/08/2023
    Damaged in recovery attempts of the diesel-multiple units involved in the Salisbury tunnel incident in October 2021, GBRf Class 59 No. 59003 ‘Yeoman Highlander’ looks to be nearing a return to mainline service. Seen here at Eastleigh Arlington. A test run to Westbury scheduled later in the day did not materialise – 14/08/2023
    Arlington Fleet Group Ruston & Hornsby 0-6-0DH shunter No. 01508 built in 1961 with GBRf Class 59 No. 59003 ‘Yeoman Highlander’ and numerous Class 313 EMU’s at Eastleigh Works – 14/08/2023
    GBRf Class 59 No. 59003 ‘Yeoman Highlander’ surrounded by withdrawn Class 313 EMU’s at Eastleigh Works – 14/08/2023
    Eastleigh Class 07 shunter No. 07007 with the London Underground 4TC in the background – 14/08/2023

    Apologies for lateness and brevity of this weeks entry. I’ve been playing with 3D printing, to varied degrees of success! Please do make your thoughts known about the railway ticket office closures. As of 3rd August 315,000 responses had been received as part of the consultation, which shows just how much public interest there is to the Government’s proposals. We’ll be back again soon – be seeing you!

  • Yoshi’s Déjà vu

    July 20th 2023 to July 25th 2023

    This last few days have been rather quiet on our patch. However, there was a replay of last Tuesday / Wednesday when another South Western Railway (SWR) Class 458/4 electric multiple unit was moved from Widnes Transport Technology Centre, run by Alstom, down to Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot complete with feelings of déjà vu as delays were again caused by paperwork gauging issues. Originally scheduled to arrive at the depot near Branksome railway station at 1426 as 5Q65 0903 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&RSMD, the train was held at Woking for several hours before being allowed to proceed with a new headcode denoting it was ‘out of gauge’ running as 5X65 1405 Woking to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. Arrival into Branksome was at 1609, around an hour earlier than the scheduled revised path.

    Making their second visit in a matter of days, GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 top and tail with converted Class 56 and now Class 69 No. 69008 arrive at Branksome working 5X65 1405 Woking to Bournemouth T&RSMD – 21/07/2023
    SWR Class 458/4 No. 458407 awaiting reversal of the train on its way into Bournemouth depot stands in the consist at Branksome – 21/07/2023
    Class 69 No. 69008 at Branksome at the head of 5F66 1955 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Leicester LIP running in the earlier, original slot 5Q66 1750 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Widnes Transport Tech which should have seen another Class 458 EMU heading north. Instead the 56/69 combo left with the barrier coaches only – 21/08/2023

    Monday July 24th saw the return of Swanage Railway based Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ from her trip to the Watercress Line. It so happened that I was in the Southampton area as ‘Jenny’ was hauling the London Underground 4-TC unit into Eastleigh Arlington works. I wasn’t quite prepared for this working to be running 45 minutes ahead of schedule and my planned photographic opportunity at Shawford had to be abandoned in favour of the popular Campbell Road bridge situated next to the railway works and, as it was, the train was already passing through the station as I arrived at my second choice vantage point.

    Returning from her stay on the Watercress Line, Class 33/0 No. No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ hauling the London Underground 4TC set passes Eastleigh with the early running 5Z40 0940 Alton to Eastleigh Works GBRf on her way home to the Swanage Railway – 24/07/2023
    Having worked light engine to Eastleigh Arlington to collect a Pullman coach, DB operated Class 67 No. 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ in Royal Claret livery awaits clearance to return to Stewarts Lane forming 5Z25 1302 Eastleigh Arlington (ZG) to Stewarts Lane T&RSMD. In the event this move was cancelled as the coach was not yet ready to go and the Class 67 with the Pullman car eventually ran the following day. This Class 67 is one of the locomotives used to haul the Royal Train as required – 24/07/2023
    Class 66 No. 66791 operates 6V41 1450 Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury Down TC – 24/07/2023
    Freightliner Class 70 No. 70004 ‘The Coal Industry Society’ on the approach to Eastleigh railway station working 4O90 0604 Leeds Freightliner Terminal to Southampton Maritime Container Terminal as the 1M50 1245 Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly CrossCountry service formed of Voyager set No.’s 220008 and 221127 pass on the Up Fast – 24/07/2023
    Class 66 No. 66781 ‘Darius Cheskin’ stops for a crew change at Eastleigh working 4M46 1424 Southampton Western Docks (GBRF) to Trafford Park Euro TML GBRF – 24/07/2023
    Not many SWR Desiro units remain in the colours of former operator South West Trains (SWT). Class 450 No. 450082 awaits the “Off” at Eastleigh forming 2B48 1302 Bournemouth to Winchester – 24/07/2023
    Still in the original South Western Railway livery which has light grey stripes in the white part of the bodyside, Class 450 No. 450111 departs Eastleigh with 2B35 1349 Winchester to Southampton Central – 24/07/2023
    Another old SWT livery variation is seen on Class 158 DMU No. 158882 on the “Romsey Rocket” service 2R62 1656 Salisbury to Romsey – 24/07/2023
    Newly repainted and with silver buffers DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66190 ‘Martin House Children’s Hospice’ on the early running 4V39 1736 Southampton Eastern Docks to Morris Cowley MAT – 24/07/2023

    Further afield we were interested to learn that the famous “Jacobite” steam train service operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), which runs  from Fort William to Mallaig and return, are currently suspended. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has released a statement regarding the issues of concern found with the train. Things first went awry on Friday 9th June 2023 when a safety inspector visited “The Jacobite” service, and found failings which were considered a breach of Health and Safety. The ORR issued West Coast Railways with a prohibition notice that came into effect on the 15th June and prevented them running “The Jacobite” until the ORR was satisfied that the issues were rectified.

    More recently, on 14th July a further inspection found failings that breached the earlier prohibition notice and the conditions in WCR’s Railway Safety Regulation Exemption Certificate in relation to the management of the hinged door rolling stock employed on the service. The train operates on the main line under an exemption, granted by the ORR, that allows the continued use of heritage rolling stock without central door locking.

    The ORR says it is working with WCR to make sure robust safety arrangements are in place which will allow the use of heritage carriages on “The Jacobite” in the near future, and in the mean time, WCRC can use alternative carriages to operate “The Jacobite”.

    The full statement from the ORR reads:

    “A safety inspector from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) visited the Jacobite service run by West Coast Railway Company Limited (WCRCL) on Friday 9 June 2023. This inspection found safety failings which ORR considered breached Health and Safety Legislation and accordingly ORR issued WCRCL with a prohibition notice which came into effect at 00:01 on 15 June 2023 and which prevented it from running until WCRCL was satisfied that it could rectify the issues raised in that notice. The prohibition notice is published at P/KB/14062023 West Coast Railway Company Ltd prohibition notice (windows.net). The Jacobite service recommenced on 15 June 2023.

    Safety inspectors from ORR subsequently visited the Jacobite service run by WCRCL on Friday 14 July. This inspection found safety failings which ORR considered breached the earlier prohibition notice and the conditions contained in WCRCL’s Railway Safety Regulation Exemption Certificate. This type of exemption certificate is required for all train operators who want to use carriages without central door locking fitted – ordinarily heritage carriages of the type used on the Jacobite service. Due to the safety issues identified, ORR has revoked WCRCL’s Exemption Certificate. WCRCL will continue to be able to use carriages without central door locking fitted on its other services in accordance with the conditions of a new Exemption Certificate.

    ORR is working with WCRCL to ensure robust safety arrangements are in place to allow WCRCL to use heritage carriages on the Jacobite line in the near future. In the interim, it is open to WCRCL to use alternative carriages to operate the Jacobite service.”

    It’s one of my favourite railway journeys and I have been lucky enough to travel between Fort William and Malliag a few times over the years, most recently in 2020. 

    Our 2021 “Jacobite” experience
    “The Jacobite” at Fort William in September 2019

    “The Jacobite” commences its journey at Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands and is situated at the southern end of the Great Glen, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. This area is a great location to use as a base when discovering the West Highlands. One of the highlights on the journey is crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct (a location made famous in the Harry Potter films) which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument.

    Yoshi and I at Fort William with LNER K1 No. 62005. We could both do with a haircut! – 11/09/2019
    LNER Thompson/Peppercorn K1 Class No. 62005 was designed by the London and North Eastern Railway, built by the North British Locomotive Company in their Queen’s Park Works, Glasgow as NBL no 26609 and delivered to the fledgling British Railways in June 1949. She has been used for several seasons on “The Jacobite” service. She is currently undergoing an overhaul – 11/09/2019
    Yoshi and I at Fort William with LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871. The locomotive was one of four engines chosen to take part in the famous “Fifteen Guinea Special”, the last scheduled mainline passenger train to be hauled by steam locomotives over British Rail metals which took place on 11th August 1968 – 22/06/2021
    LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 45212 crosses Glenfinnan viaduct with the morning “Jacobite” service – 23/06/2023

    The end of the line, Mallaig was founded during the 1840’s when the owner of the North Morar Estate, Lord Lovat, divided up the farm on the coast here into parcels of land and encouraged his tenants living around Loch Morar and Loch Nevis to resettle in what became Mallaig and establish a fishing village. Today Mallaig is a busy fishing port and ferry terminal with services to Skye and the Small Isles.

    LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No. 44871 at Mallaig shunting stock for the return “Jacobite” working to Fort William – 22/06/2021
    “The Jacobite” filmed between Fort William and Mallaig in 1995. The final shot of this compilation is where my 8MM camcorder sighed and died. I didn’t think the footage was recoverable, but here we are!
    Scenes of “The Jacobite” from July 1996

    I have not mentioned the UK government plan to close railway station ticket offices at the majority of stations under the guise of changes proposed to bring station staff closer to customers because of the ridiculous short period of time given for the consultation process which was originally set to run for 21 days from 5th to 26th July. However this process has now been extended to end on 1st September 2023. Much of the covergae in the press focussed on the plan being an initiative driven by the Train Operating Companies wanting to cut costs and boost profits. This myth was perpetuated by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) taking ownership of the announcement, but there can be no doubt that this is an initiative from the Department For Transport (DaFT) under pressure from the Treasury and most likely the helicopter loving incumbent of No. 10. 

    This is a bad and impractical idea. As a user of the railways it is clear that ticket vending machines do not offer the full range of available ticketing and, by my experience, are often out of order. There is also a valid argument that ticket machines are not fully accesible.

    If you’d like to register a comment, please visit:  Train station ticket office consultation – Transport Focus

    Thanks for visiting. As always your comments, corrections and observations are most welcome. Be seeing you!