The Railway Dog

Month: May 2023

  • Promenade Plantée

    Class 373 No. 3222 and Class 374 No. 4033 Eurostar trains at London St. Pancras – 27/03/2023

    At the end of March we had a few days in Paris having travelled by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Pais Gare du Nord. We did a lot of walking as we took in the sights and sounds of the City during our mini break.

    Paris Gare du Nord is the southern terminus of Eurostar services. Class 374 set No. 4025 rests at the buffer stops having worked 9O18 1026 London St. Pancras International to Paris Nord. Class member No. 4011 sits alongside – 27/03/2023

    On a quiet Tuesday morning, we avoided a demonstration against the raising of the pension age planned for later in the day and took the opportunity to track down the Promenade Plantée. We headed to Gare de Lyon via Metro Line 14 which was operating throughout the strike day as it is fully automated and features driverless Siemens trains.

    Double-deck TGV No. 249 at Gare de Lyon – 28/03/2023
    TGV No.’s 617, 272 & 791 Gare de Lyon – 28/03/2023

    On arriving at Gare de Lyon, we enjoyed a cup of tea and a very expensive macaroon before finding our bearings. We didn’t see any of the piles of uncollected bin bags which the mainstream media would have us believe were on every street corner and soon found a signpost directing us towards our destination; the world’s first elevated park walkway and a well loved part of the French capital City.

    Pointing the way to Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023

    Promenade Plantée is built on the former Vincennes railway line which once linked Bastille station to Verneuil-l’Étang after passing through Vincennes. It’s now a peaceful, green stroll 10 metres above street level, which begins just east of the Opera Bastille at the crossroads at rue de Lyon and avenue Daumesnil and winds through the 12th arrondissement for three miles, coming out before the Bois de Vincennes. 

    The original railway ceased its operation on December 14th, 1969. A section of the line beyond Vincennes was integrated into Line A of the RER, while the Paris-Vincennes section was completely abandoned. In the 1980’s, the area was renovated with the former Bastille station being demolished in 1984 to make way for the Opéra Bastille. The Reuilly section was designed in 1986 incorporating the old commercial rail depot of Reuilly into a group of park areas. The Promenade Plantée was put into place at the same time in order to reuse the rest of the abandoned line and was designed by architects Jacques Vergely and Philippe Mathieux. It was inaugurated in 1993.

    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023

    At its west end near the Bastille the walkway utilises a viaduct, renovated in 1989 by architect Patrick Berger, where its 45 archways have been adapted to house artisan shops displaying the works of florists, violin makers, glass blowers and furniture restorers all creating the Viaduc des Arts. 

    Viaduc des Arts, Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Viaduc des Arts, Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023
    Viaduc des Arts, Promenade Plantée – 28/03/2023

    Further along a modern building splits in two with the walkway running inbetween, while a long, wobbly cable footbridge stretches across the Jardin de Reuilly. Then the elevated section heads to street level – becoming accessible to bikers, rollerbladers and skateboarders, too; a tree-lined corridor passes through old railway tunnels before ending at another park, the Jardin Charles Peguy. This is right by the disused train tracks of what was known as La Petite Ceinture and plans are afoot to extend the Promenade Plantée along the old railway line in the future. There are other examples of disused high level railway lines having been converted into parks, notably the High Line in New York. There are plans for a similar venture in Camden, London.

    Later in the day we attempted the most touristy Paris activity; a vast to the Eiffel Tower. Every time I’ve tried to ascend the structure on previous visits to the City, the tower has been closed due to strike action and this time was no exception. We decided instead to visit La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre and take a short trip on the funicular located there.

    A line 6 Paris Metro train crosses the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background – 28/03/2023

    The closest metro station to the Eiffel Tower is Bir-Hakeim, an elevated station serving line 6 in the Boulevard de Grenelle in the 15th arrondissement. It is situated on the left bank of the Bir-Hakeim bridge over the Seine. The station opened as part of the former Line 2 South on 24 April 1906. The station was called Quai de Grenelle until 1949, when it was renamed. The name of both the bridge over the Seine and the station commemorates the World War II battle of Bir- Hakeim. A commemorative panel is situated at the entrance of the platform for trains traveling towards Nation.

    A line 6 Metro train on an elevated section of railway leading to Bir-Hakeim station – 28/03/2023
    Bir-Hakeim station – 28/03/2023
    Bir-Hakeim station – 28/03/2023
    Bir-Hakeim station – 28/03/2023

    We took the train to Montmartre and enjoyed a evening meal before asking for directions to the funicular railway which turned out to be a brief walk away. On arrival we found the funicular closed because of that days strike action. So we climbed the steps and watched the sun set over Paris.

    The furnicular is closed – 28/03/2023
    The funicular cars at rest – 28/03/2023
    A view of the top station – 28/03/2023
    La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre – 28/03/2023

    We returned back home on the Friday, and I was able to get a couple of photographs of locomotives at Gare du Nord as we awaited boarding for our Eurostar service to London St. Pancras.

    The SNCF class BB 15000 is a class of 25 kV 50 Hz electric locomotives built by Alstom and MTE between 1971 and 1978. This is No. 215059 at Gare du Nord – 30/03/2023
    The SNCF BB 22200 is a class of electric locomotives built by Alstom between 1976 and 1986. They are a dual voltage version of the BB 7200 and BB 15000 classes. No. 22243 stands at at Gare du Nord – 30/03/2023
    SNCF BB 22200 No. 22243 alongside TGV Thalys PBA No. 4533 at Gare du Nord – 30/03/2023
    Gare du Nord – 30/03/2023
    Overlooking the Eurostar platforms at Gare du Nord – 30/03/2023
    Arrival on 1703 Paris Gare du Nord to London St. Pancras formed of Class 374 No. 4005 – 30/03/2023

    We’ll hopefully be back with our regular update next week – thanks for reading. Take care and see you next time!

    Southern Railway poster; “I’m Taking and Early Holiday cos I know Summer Comes Soonest in the South”

  • Swanage Diesel Gala 2023

    With Corfe Castle on the horizon Class 40 No. D345 (40145) catches the evening light as she works an evening Norden to Swanage service in connection with the Beer Festival being held at Corfe – 13/05/2023

    Last week proved to be very much the lull before the storm as this week we have enjoyed many rare visitors along our patch of railway line, mostly associated with the 2023 Swanage Diesel Gala which proved to be a resounding success judging by the numbers of enthusiasts who turned out to travel and photograph the trains during the special event weekend. 

    But before any special movements to Swanage took place, another rare locomotive here these days, in the form of GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle,’ turned up on Wednesday 10th May heading for Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot where it was rostered to collect a Class 701 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) which was being stored at the depot and move it to Eastleigh Traction TRSMD prior to an onward working taking it to Worksop Down Yard for storage the following day.

    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ works light engine 0Z47 0814 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&RSMD approaching Branksome – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ rests briefly in Branksome station while the crew change ends to take the locomotive into the depot – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ runs light into Bournemouth T&RSMD to collect an SWR Class 701 EMU – 10/05/2023

    None of the Class 701 units have yet to turn a wheel in revenue earning service , but they continue to run mileage accumulation and test runs between Eastleigh, London Waterloo, Staines and Poole. It’s believed that SWR are moving any units in store from their facilities until they have accepted the 701’s into service. Despite the rain, I opted to see the Class 47 and 701 drag at Poole as this was the first location I ever saw one of the ubiquitous Brush type 4 locomotives way back in 1977 or thereabouts. 

    Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ arrives at Poole Storage Sidings with Class 701 No. 701041 in tow forming 5Q47 1240 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh TRSMD- 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ pauses at Poole Storage Sidings in heavy rain – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ has detached from 701041 prior to the locomotive running around the EMU for onward transit to Eastleigh – 10/05/2023
    47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ runs out of Poole Storage Sidings to the main line in order to run round the empty coaching stock formed of a Class 701 unit – 10/05/2023
    SWR Class 701 No. 701041 wait for 47727 to run round and re-attach on the London end of the unit – 10/05/2023
    Having re-attached to her charge, 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ leads 701041 through Poole station working 5Q47 1240 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh TRSMD- 10/05/2023
    Video of Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ working 0Z47 0814 Eastleigh East Yard to Bournemouth T&RSMD / 5Q47 1240 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh TRSMD – 10/05/2023

    Later on Wednesday the first of the visiting locomotives destined for the Swanage Diesel Gala arriving via the main line worked through to the branch in the form of GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’. As we reported last week, Clayton Class 17 No. D8568 arrived on the Swanage Railway via road transport in readiness for the Diesel gala being held over the weekend of 12-14th May 2023. The Clayton was also involved in a warm-up day on Thursday 11th and was to scheduled to remain after the gala for driver experience runs before a returning to the Severn Valley Railway, again by road, on 16th May.

    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Poole – 10/05/2023
    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Poole – 10/05/2023
    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Hamworthy – 10/05/2023
    GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesels No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ work 0Y68 Eastleigh East Yard to Swanage through Hamworthy – 10/05/2023

    The 73’s arrival was followed by Swanage resident Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ travelling light engine away from Swanage on her way to Eastleigh in order to collect the London Underground Class 438 4TC unit. Originally this combination was to have formed the Branch Line Society organised rail tour “The Jurassic Crompton” which had been designed to take the following pathing on Thursday 11th May: Eastleigh P3 (PU 11.12) – Fareham – Havant P2 – Haslemere P3 – Guildford P8 (PU 12.42) – Wokingham – Reading P14 (PU 13.22) – Dn Feeder Relief – Basingstoke P4 (PU 13.58) – Wallers Ash DPL – Shawford Jn – Dn Slow – Eastleigh – Southampton Central P4 (PU 15.07) – Up Fast – Church Lane Jn – Dn Main – Brockenhurst P1 (photo stop) – Bournemouth P4 (photo stop) – Poole P2 – Wareham – Norden – Swanage (SD 18:41). In the event paperwork associated with the rail tour and the 4TC’s ability to carry passengers on the main line was apparently submitted late and the special train cancelled, although the 33/0 and 4TC still ran to Swanage via the same convoluted route, only without fare paying passengers! 

    Showing as cancelled on Real Time Trains (RTT) but actually running as evidenced by this image, Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ runs light engine through Hamworthy as 0Z12 1750 Norden to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) – 10/05/2023

    The final special working of the day included a surprise visitor in the form of “Dave”, or to give the correct identification; Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’, which although previously announced as a visitor to the Swanage Gala had been withdrawn from the guest list as the loco was not going to be ready in time. After some tremendous effort by the team behind ‘Rodders’ the locomotive made the cut and was included in the convoy which was headed by English Electric Class 40 No. D345 (40145) and included Peak Class 45 No. 45108 and another Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’. 

    Convoy! In failing light, Class 40 No. D345 (40145) leads 50021, 50026 and 45108 through Holton Heath working as 0Z42 1848 Eastleigh Arlington to Swanage – 10/05/2023

    With two more guests due to arrive on Thursday 11th May it was a busy half hour as I waited at Hamworthy station for Class 33/0 No. D6515 on her return journey to Swanage having collected the LU 4TC unit forming 5Z34 1112 Eastleigh to Swanage closely followed by light engine Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ working as 0Z47 1635 Southampton Maritime Container Terminal to Swanage. Both these were signal checked at Hamworthy as they were running behind stopping service trains.  

    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ coming to a stop in Hamworthy station due to a signal check working 1Z33 1112 Eastleigh to Swanage bringing the London Underground 4TC unit for use at the Swanage Diesel Gala – 11/05/2023
    Class 33 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ pulls away from Hamworthy with the LU 4TC in tow – 11/05/2023
    Freightliner contributed their last remaining Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ to the Swanage celebrations. The locomotive is seen at Hamworthy working light engine with 0Z47 1635 Southampton MCT to Swanage – 11/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ preparing to stop due to a red signal ahead at Hamworthy – 11/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ pulls away from the signal check just outside of Hamworthy railway station working 0Z47 1635 Southampton MCT to Swanage – 11/05/2023
    Swanage guest locomotives on their way to the Purbeck based railway for the May 2023 Diesel Gala. Visiting Class 17 No. D8568 arrived and departed by road transport.

    Yoshi and I spent Friday at the Swanage gala, with a couple of brief visits to the railway on the Saturday.

    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) powers up near Cats Eye Crossing working 1R02 Swanage to River Frome Viaduct – 12/05/2023
    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) arrives at Swanage with a service from River Frome Viaduct – 12/05/2023
    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) at Afflington working evening Beerex train 2N37 1920 Norden to Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Class 40 No. D345 (40145) crosses Corfe Viaduct on the approach to Norden working 2N40 Swanage to Norden – 13/05/2023
    Class 45 No. 45108 arrives at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 45 No. 45108 at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ approaches Cats Eye Crossing with 1R03 1032 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage service. This loco was deputising for sister No. 50021 as a fault was being rectified – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ at Harman’s Cross – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No.’s 50026 ‘Indomitable’ and 50021 ‘Rodney’ prepare to drop off their train at Swanage and move to the turntable area – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No.’s 50026 ‘Indomitable’ and 50021 ‘Rodney’ at rest on the Swanage turntable – 12/05/2023
    Leading her first solo working, Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ on the approach to Furzebrook at the head of 1R15 1632 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Another view of Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ on approaching Furzebrook working 1R15 1632 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ catches the sun as she crosses Corfe Common hauling 1R03 1032 River Frome Viaduct to Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50021 ‘Rodney’ awaits her next service in the sidings at Swanage with Class 73’s and sister Class 50 behind – 13/05/2023
    Resident Class 33 No. 33111 passes the pair of Class 50’s and stabled resident locomotives as she is reunited with a 4TC unit. Once a common sight own the Bournemouth to Weymouth line – 12/05/2023
    Class 33 No. 33111 with train formed of the LU 4TC in the bay platform at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 33 No. 33111 runs to the sidings at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    The visiting London Transport liveried 4TC is propelled into Swanage passing a coach from the Swanage based 4TC which is being restored at the railway – 12/05/2023
    Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ arrives at Harman’s Cross with a shuttle service to Corfe Castle – 12/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ rests in the bay at Swanage station – 12/05/2023
    Class 17 No. D8568 makes a spirited departure from Harman’s Cross bound for Swanage – 12/05/2023
    GBRf owned Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ approaches Harman’s Cross – 12/05/2023
    Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ at the rear of a River Frome Viaduct bound train at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Class 73 No. 73107 ‘Tracy’ was the only visiting member of the class in use on the Friday and is seen here at Swanage – 12/05/2023
    Both GBRf Class 73’s appeared in service on Saturday. No.’s 73107 ‘Tracy’ and 73201 ‘Broadlands’ hauling the 4TC set approach Townsend Overbridge with 2C04 1015 Swanage to Corfe Castle – 13/05/2023
    Class 73’s No. 73201 ‘Broadlands’ and 73107 ‘Tracy’ await their next turn in the sidings at Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Class 73’s No. 73201 ‘Broadlands’ and 73107 ‘Tracy’ at Swanage – 13/05/2023
    Our record of Swanage Diesel Gala 2023

    Sunday saw guest attractions moving away from Swanage, the first working being the two GBRf Class 73’s which headed off with the LU Class 4TC for a night being berthed at platform 5 of Southampton Central before onward movement the following day. But for the late paperwork, the 4TC would again have been intended to carry passengers as “The Return Of The Jurassic Crompton” rail tour which would have involved D6515 (33012) and the two GBRf Class 73’s traversing the following route: Swanage (PU 15.30) – Norden – Wareham – Poole – Bournemouth – Brockenhurst – Southampton Central (SD 17.30) – Redbridge – Laverstock Curve – Andover – Basingstoke (SD 18.55) – Woking – Wimbledon – London Waterloo (SD 20.00 / RM) – Wimbeldon – Woking – Basingstoke (SD 20.55) – Andover – Laverstock Curve – Romsey – Southampton Central (PU 22.20) – Eastleigh (SD 22.40).

    73107 ‘Tracy’ tops the 4TC unit through Hamworthy forming 5Z36 1515 Swanage to Southampton Central – 14/05/2023
    Class 73’s No. 73201 ‘Broadlands’ tails the LU 4TC working 5Z36 1515 Swanage to Southampton Central – 14/05/2023

    Later on Sunday the Freightliner Class 47 made her escape heading back to Southampton MCT. 

    The turn of Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ to head home, seen here climbing Parkstone Bank with 0Z48 1900 Swanage to Southampton MCT – 14/05/2023
    Class 47 No. 47830 ‘Beeching’s Legacy’ passing Parkstone with 0Z48 1900 Swanage to Southampton MCT – 14/05/2023

    The remainder of the visiting locomotives (with the exception of the Class 17 of course) formed a mini convoy on the morning of Tuesday 16th May and made a fine sight as they passed through Hamworthy in full sun where I was able to see them. I would have liked to have found a straight length of track to photograph the four departees, but time constraints meant Hamworthy was far more convenient. I did however, manage to mess up the video settings on my phone. Oh well! 

    In brilliant sunshine, Class 40 No. D345 (40145) leads 45108,50021 and 50026 through Hamworthy as 0Z50 0834 Swanage to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) where the Class 50’s would be dropped off before the Whistler and Peak worked onwards. I messed up part of the video shot of this, so make the most of this image – 16/05/2023
    Class 50 No. 50026 ‘Indomitable’ at the rear of the returning convoy having passed through Hamworthy – 16/05/2023
    Swanage Diesel Gala visitors work home

    After all the Swanage associated activity, the week was not yet done as on the evening of Tuesday 16th May 2023 there was one last special working as Colas operated an engineers train from Eastleigh to Dorchester West. We went to Wareham to see the train as it was booked to stop here for fifteen minutes. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t stop. I thought maybe I should have travelled to Dorchester after all as Class 66 No’s 66850 ‘David Maidment OBE’ and 66848 sped through the station working 6C15 1946 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West.

    Colas Class 66 No’s 66850 ‘David Maidment OBE’ passes Wareham heading up engineers train 6C15 1946 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West – 16/05/2023

    Looking at RTT this train was to enter engineering possession and work up through Yeovil overnight and arrive at Castle Cary before onward working to Westbury. In fact, the train appears to have reversed via Dorchester Junction and worked back up the South.

    Engineering train 6C15 1946 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester West passes Wareham – 16/05/2023

    Time to catch our breath! We’ll be back properly in two weeks, although please check in next week as we’ll hopefully have a petit quelque chose for you. Thank you so much for reading and for your comments and corrections.

    Yoshi wondering just how long we are having to wait until something comes along to bark at whilst at Corfe Castle – 13/05/2023

  • A Brief Ingress

    It’s been a quiet week on the rails here, with only one special rail movement to report on the Bournemouth to Weymouth line. We’ve also been entertaining friends for an extended Coronation weekend, although I was fully behind the suggestion from Yoshi’s Mama of exploring Corfe Castle and Swanage on the Tuesday. I had hoped to see the Class 17 Clayton Type 1 diesel-electric locomotive arrive at Norden on a low loader in the afternoon but I was informed by the Norden crossing signalman that it wasn’t going to arrive that afternoon. I’ve since heard it did – so big sighs all round!

    Instead of watching an old diesel locomotive being unloaded off the back of a lorry, Yoshi enjoyed zoomies in Corfe Castle – 09/05/2023

    On Sunday we took a walk down Poole Quay in order to celebrate the sights, sounds and smells of the age of steam with visiting mini steam traction engines, all lovingly built and maintained by their owners and representing many hours of hard work. The traction engines are recreated from original Victorian drawings or old photographs. It was lovely relaxing on a sunny afternoon with a drink in one of the many pubs along Poole Quay as the smell of steam wafted in through the doors. Yoshi was initially quite happy to see the steam engines but later decided to bark at each one individually. Just like he would their full size cousins.

    Before Yoshi took a dislike to the mini steam traction engines, he happily posed with this example – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023
    Mini Steam On The Quay at Poole – 07/05/2023

    The monthly Class 73 Electro-Diesel top and tailed Colas Test Train ran on Monday evening, passing through Hamworthy in a shower of rain on its outward journey to Weymouth. The weather put me off going back out to see the ensemble on the return journey as it headed to Eastleigh East Yard and journeys end. The locomotives utilised on the 1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard working this time were GBRf Class 73 No’s 73964 ‘Jeanette’ and 73965 ‘Des O’Brien’. 

    1Q51 1115 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard – 08/05/2023

    Thanks for reading. As always, thank you for your comments and corrections. With the 2023 Swanage Diesel Gala just days away as I write this, I’ll leave you with some images taken from the 2016 event.

    Class 20 No’s. 20205 and 20142 pass Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ at Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Swanage resident Class 33 No’s 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 head to Norden – 07/05/2016
    BR Blue liveried Class 31 No. D5580 (31162), owned by A1A Locomotive Limited runs round her train at Swanage – 07/05/2016
    Class 40 No.D213 ‘Andania’ (40013) having departed Corfe Castle. A total of 200 Class 40 locomotives were built by English Electric between 1958 and 1962. Seven examples are preserved – 07/05/2016
    Warship No. D832 ‘Onslaught’, the first member of the class to visit the Swanage Railway, on the approach to Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Class 31 No. D5580 (31162) recreating a Kings Cross service with head code 1N08 – 07/05/2016
    Peak Class 46 No. D182 (46045) catches the sun crossing Corfe Common on her way to Swanage – 07/05/2016
    Class 50 No. 50035 ‘Ark Royal’ heads towards Corfe. The Hoover was a late substitute for 50049 ‘Defiance’ which was unavailable to attend – 07/05/2016
    Class 33 No’s 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 between Harmans Cross and Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Another view of Swanage based Class 33 No’s 33012 (D6515) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ and 33111 – 07/05/2016
    Class 40 No.D213 (40013) ‘Andania’ leads Class 46 No. D182 (46045) out of Norden towards Corfe Castle – 07/05/2016
    Unusually coupled cab to cab, English Electric Class 20 No. 20205 leading No. 20142 which was acting as a translator as 205 is air-brake only and the coaching stock is vacuum brake, crossing Corfe viaduct – 07/05/2016
    Hastings gauge “Slim Jim” Class 33 No. 33202 with a Swanage bound train 07/05/2016
    Warship No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ makes a fine sight and sound powering out of Corfe Castle on her way to Norden – 07/05/2016

  • Wales… again

    Yoshi takes a look at Transport for Wales Class 175 No. 175112 stands at platform 0 forming 1W61 1453 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly – 29/04/2023

    Saturday Yoshi and I had a brief trip to South Wales in the hope of seeing at least one Transport for Wales (TfW) liveried Class 67 working. We also caught up with @smithy.377 (please check out his Instagram account for a fabulous collection of railway images). Our first stop was Newport as what should not have been a diesel-multiple unit working had suddenly been switched to locomotive hauled.

    Newport station was originally opened in 1850 by the South Wales Railway Company and saw expansion in 1928. A new station building was built in 2010 with four full size platforms, to facilitate new 10 car bi-mode Intercity Express Trains (IET).

    Station staff were friendly and allowed us access in time to see DB liveried Class 67 No. 67010 arrive with a service bound for Manchester. Followed shortly after by a Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle set headed up by Class 43 No. 43040 ‘Berry Pomeroy Castle’. This loco was of interest as it carries 40th Anniversary Falkland Island decals on the body side. While I was recording images of this set, I managed to miss seeing a Class 66 on a freight working go through on the centre road. To compound matters, as we left the station we heard a Class 60 approaching, but had no time to get to platform level to take photographs or video. Luckily we were to see the same locomotive later in the day as it worked back through Cardiff, which was our next stop.

    DB Class 67 No. 67010 arrives at Newport working 1W57 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly – 29/04/2023
    Great Western Railway (GWR) Class 43 No. 43040 ‘Berry Pomeroy Castle’ awaits departure from Newport working 2C73 1100 Cardiff Central to Penzance – 29/04/2023
    40th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict decals on the side of HST power car No. 43040 ‘Berry Pomeroy Castle’ – 29/04/2023

    We arrived in Cardiff just in time to miss a double-headed light engine movement through the station heading to Westbury. But we saw a number of GWR Castle HST sets on Cardiff services to and from the West Country.

    GWR Class 43 43188 ‘Newport Castle’ arrives at its final destination working 2U14 1043 Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central – 29/04/2023
    Class 43 No. 43194 ‘Okehampton Castle’ awaits departure at the rear of 2C81 1500 Cardiff Central to Penzance – 29/04/2023

    Good news that GWR will be retaining four of its Castle Class HST sets into 2024. The operator had originally planned a phased rundown of the fleet through 2023.

    The four carriage HST’s are used on a variety of regional and inter-urban services in the West of England. While they are gradually being replaced by IET’s on these diagrams, the retention of a small number of HST’s will assist GWR with providing adequate capacity. A planned cascade of Turbo DMU’s to the West of England, released by the introduction of Class 769’s in the Thames Valley, has been abandoned as the 769’s have been sent off lease. GWR will still rid themselves of the HST’s which are owned by Angel Trains, but a small number of sets are either owned by FirstGroup or are franchise assets, and it is these sets which will remain into 2024. It is understood that they are likely to remain in service until December 2024.

    The Class 60 we missed at Newport reappeared much to our relief working Llanwern to Margam train. We saw two Class 60’s during our trip. I have a soft spot for these locos and hope that they find a future. It’s understood that GBRf will be undertaking an evaluation study at EMD Longport with the view of possible Class 60 conversion work in the future.

    Class 60 No. 60024 working the early running 6H26 1325 Llanwern Exchange Sdgs to Margam T.C passing through Cardiff Central.- 29/04/2023
    DB Class 60 No. 60010 works 6F06 1110 Newport Docks to Margam T.C. through Cardiff Central – 29/04/2023

    Having managed to miss out on other Class 66’s earlier I was pleased that I eventually managed to catch a couple of the locomotives, one of which can be seen in images below and the other, No. 66053 can be seen in the accompanying video further down this page.

    66776 ‘Joanne’ works 6V75 0931 Dee Marsh Recp GBRf to Margam TC GBR running 280 minutes early through Cardiff Central – 29/04/2023
    66776 ‘Joanne’ returns light engine through Cardiff Central – 29/04/2023

    Our last train of the day was scheduled to be another Class 67. This, like the first working we saw at Newport, was in DB red livery instead of the hoped for TfW colours. It didn’t really matter, Yoshi still barked at it. On leaving Cardiff Central, gate staff were very enamoured with Yoshi and we swapped cockapoo stories and I was shown photographs of cockapoo’s owned by the TfW staff present.

    DB Class 67 No. 67013 at the rear of the terminating 1V42 1230 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central – 29/04/2023
    Video from Newport and Cardiff – 29/04/2023

    The following day in inclement weather @da_buckley967, Yoshi and I headed over to Somerset for a fleeting glimpse of LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ as she worked the first rail tour of her Centenary year programme, The Railway Touring Company organised “The Royal Duchy”. To avoid trespassers on the railway, timings for this excursion were released a couple of days prior to the train running. But there were still good many people positioned safely on over bridges waiting for the ‘people’s locomotive’ to pass by on her way to Par.

    LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ storms past Cogload Junction working The Railway Touring Company “The Royal Duchy” 1Z45 0907 Bristol Temple Meads to Par – 30/04/2023
    Video of LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ storming past Cogload Junction working The Railway Touring Company “The Royal Duchy” 1Z45 0907 Bristol Temple Meads to Par – 30/04/2023
    The special stamps issued by the Royal Mail to celebrate 100 years of ‘Flying Scotsman’ in 2023. I rather like them!

    Monday morning I set the alarm for 0350am so I could drive over to Bournemouth to see the Midland Pullman blue HST set which was running an excursion to and from North Wales. On arrival at the Bournemouth station I found everything locked up, but managed to video the arrival through a convenient gate! Thinking I’d be the only one foolish to get up at such an hour for the purpose of seeing a train, I was pleased that this was far from the truth as a number of railway enthusiasts had made the effort. I was doubly pleased that an old colleague and friend, Nick, was at the station to witness the occasion. Slightly late, the station doors were unlocked, and train crew, passengers and railway enthusiasts gained access to the platforms. It really is a stunning train and the onboard staff were very friendly and happy to show off their charge.

    LSL Midland Pullman Class 43 No. 43046 ‘Geoff Drury 1930-1999’ at Bournemouth having arrived empty coaching stock from Eastleigh Arlington – 01/05/2023
    Nameplate of LSL Midland Pullman Class 43 No. 43046 ‘Geoff Drury 1930-1999’ – – 01/05/2023
    LSL Midland Pullman Class 43 No. 43055 awaiting departure from Bournemouth at the head of 1Z43 0516 Bournemouth to Llandudno railtour the “Llandudno Victorian Pullman” – 01/05/2023

    This is the first time the Midland Pullman HST set has visited Bournemouth, and the second time I’d seen the train. Back in October 2020 the set was seen in public for the first time as it departed Eastleigh Arlington Fleet Services. Having always loved the original Blue Pullman train set of the 1960’s Yoshi and I headed over to Eastleigh in good time prior to it’s intended departure. However, as usual in railway moves, things did not go to plan and the HST set last several hours late under cover of darkness. I was caught out by a passing container train and by the time Yoshi and I had made it over the station footbridge to get a clear view the Midland Pullman was already passing through the station. In my rush, I’d also knocked the video setting on my phone to time lapse. You can see the results in the video below. The honking at the beginning is the HST set making its presence known over on the works at the time it should have been well on its way to Crewe.

    Eastleigh on 30/10/2020

    The carriage set, powered by Class 43 no.’s 43046 and 43055 has been fully configured using leather First Class seats from GWR HST trailers, with a Pullman motif on the antimacassars.

    Video screen grab of the Midland Pullman’s first public outing passing through Eastleigh – 30/10/2020
    Prior to be repainted into Midland Pullman blue livery, Class 43 power cars No.’s 43055 and 43046 in East Midlands Railway (EMR) livery await attention at Eastleigh Arlington works – 22/08/2020

    We’ve been beaten by the clock once again, although to be fair any arbitrary deadline is one of my own imposition. But if I didn’t set myself a Wednesday posting date, I’d never edit photos, video or update anything. The bank holiday weekend was very enjoyable and it was good to share it with some lovely folk and the best cockapoo buddy I could wish for. The next week is looking to be a quiet one in Dorset and for Yoshi and I, but all being well, we’ll find something to write about. Thank you for reading and your comments, corrections and observations. As always these are much appreciated.

    I didn’t want to close this week without paying tribute to well known photographer and author, Brian Morrison, who has sadly passed away, at the age of 93. Brian’s name is one I fondly remember from railway magazines of my youth right up to more recent publications. Brian’s images were, and continue to be, an inspiration to all who enjoy railway photography. His was a name that spanned the generations, with his first picture being published in 1951 and across almost every British railway magazine to have been published. 

    The following is from “The Railway Herald”:

    Brian had a railway interest since a young age, and after being ‘demobbed’ from the army in 1951, went and bought a camera, the same day visiting Liverpool Street station in London and taking his first picture, depicting Gresley-designed B17/1 ‘Sandringham’ 4-6-0 No. 61625 ‘Raby Castle’ being serviced in the yard at the end of the platforms. Remarkably, it was published a couple of months later in “The Railway Magazine”! Few photographers can claim to have their first picture, taken on their first camera, published!

    Through the pages of Ian Allan published abc number books and subsequently in almost all printed and digital railway titles that have been published in the UK, Brian’s photographs have been enjoyed by a wide variety of people and have inspired generations into photography of the rail network. In addition, he was also the author, or co-author, of over 50 books.

    Our thoughts and condolences go to Brian’s family and friends.