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 – 21/07/2023SWR Class 458/4 No. 458407 awaiting reversal of the train on its way into Bournemouth depot stands in the consist at Branksome – 21/07/2023Class 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 – 24/07/2023Having 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 – 24/07/2023Class 66 No. 66791 operates 6V41 1450 Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury Down TC – 24/07/2023Freightliner 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 – 24/07/2023Class 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 – 24/07/2023Not 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 – 24/07/2023Still 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 – 24/07/2023Another old SWT livery variation is seen on Class 158 DMU No. 158882 on the “Romsey Rocket” service 2R62 1656 Salisbury to Romsey – 24/07/2023Newly 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! – 11/09/2019LNER 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 – 11/09/2019Yoshi 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 – 22/06/2021LMS 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.
Yoshi on the platform at Ropley on the Mid-Hants Railway with Class 20 No.’s D8059 (20059) and D8188 (20188) awaiting departure with a train bound for Alton – 15/07/2023
July 12th 2023 to July 19th 2023
I have a not so long list of locomotives or trains which I would like to photograph. This is distinct from my train spotting days when I wanted to see everything! This past week has been a good one in my efforts at ticking off a few items from the list, starting on Wednesday 12th July as I took the train to Birmingham for a work meeting.
South Western Railway Class 444 No. 444028 having arrived as an empty coaching stock movement from Bournemouth T&RSMD before forming the 1B14 0500 departure from Poole to London Waterloo – 12/07/2023
My journey began at 0430 when I left home for Poole Railway Station in order to catch the 0500 train towards London. Reports of over-running engineering work in the Solent area gave me unnecessary cause for concern as we were not substantially delayed by these. I was scheduled to change at Southampton Parkway onto a CrossCountry service, but on checking the train providers website I found that due to a shortage of train drivers, my scheduled train would instead start from Winchester further up the line. This was not a bad thing as it meant I had time to grab a caramel latte at Winchester (although they forgot to add the caramel syrup – bah!) before the allotted Class 221 Voyager diesel-multiple unit arrived to pick up passengers, despite being announced and signed as “not stopping” at this station. This announcement left many on the platform bemused and confused and there was no follow up advice via the station tannoy in an attempt to rectify things. This could have been a bad thing.
CrossCountry Voyager Class 221 DMU No. 221124 stands at Winchester platform 1 working the 1M22 0633 service to Manchester Piccadilly – 12/07/2023
The train was quite lightly loaded from Winchester, and after taking a quick snap of the train, on boarding I discovered there was only one other passenger in my coach. Frustratingly they had decided to sit in my reserved seat. To be fair the seat reservations took a few minutes to show up on the little electronic display panels, and things were soon resolved and we both set off in our allocated seats.
CrossCountry Voyager Class 221 DMU No. 221124 having deposited me at Birmingham New Street – 12/07/2023
On arrival at Birmingham it was a quick seven minute walk to Snow Hill where the work office is located. The meeting room situated on the 17th floor provides a panoramic view over the city and a vantage point looking down upon Birmingham Snow Hill railway station.
An unidentified West Midlands Trains Class 172/3 Turbostar DMU working 2S29 0854 Kidderminster to Stratford-Upon-Avon into Birmingham Snow Hill – 12/07/2023
The meeting over, I scurried back to Birmingham New Street as there was a train on my list I was hoping to see which was diagrammed to work through the station, stopping only to grab few pics of a passing tram.
West Midlands Metro was launched on 30th May 1999 as Midland Metro partly utilising the disused Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton low level route. CAF Urbos 3 Tram No. 38 passes Snow Hill – 12/07/2023 The same tram as in the previous image, No. 38, just beat me down the hill to the Grand Central stop just outside New Street station – 12/07/2023Another tick as in Regional Railways retro livery Class 323 No. 323221 stands at Birmingham New Street with the 2P37 1436 service to Lichfield. No. 323215 is the second unit in standard West Midlands Trains colours – 12/07/2023
Regional Railways retro livery Class 323 No. 323221 working 2P37 1436 Birmingham New Street to Lichfield at Birmingham New Street – 12/07/2023CrossCountry Voyager Class 221 DMU No. 221119 works through Birmingham New Street with 1O20 1325 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth which I eschewed for a Pendolino service to London Euston – 12/07/2023My Avanti West Coast Pendo Class 390 No. 390135 ‘City of Lancaster’ sits amidst the hustle and bustle at Birmingham New Street. 53 of these train sets were ordered by Virgin West Coast in 1999. They were built by Alstom in Italy and fitted out in Washwood Heath near Birmingham – 12/07/2023Nameplate detail of Class 390 No. 390135 ‘City of Lancaster’ – 12/07/2023
My return journey to Dorset was via London which gave me the opportunity to travel on an Avanti West Coast Pendolino train. I wish I hadn’t bothered to be honest, as my reserved seat didn’t match up with a window and my view was quite a slight one but required looking towards the window in the seating in front of me, but at least it provided some sort of view as we sped down the west Coast Main Line (WCML). The preceding service to London Euston ahead of my departure had been cancelled which meant increased numbers of customers travelling on my train. Because the Class 390 Pendolino trains have a tilting capability they have to be quite snug to fit into the UK loading gauge but I found this did not make for comfortable seating arrangements. But I found it fascinating to see the masts for the overhead catenary seemingly at 45 degree angles as we passed by on sections of curved track as otherwise I don’t think you’d know the train was tilting in order to smooth out the bends.
My journey’s end with Class 390 No. 390135 ‘City of Lancaster’ at the buffer stops of platform 7 of London Euston having worked the 1B50 1547 service from Birmingham New Street – 12/07/2023
On arrival in London I took the opportunity to pop into King’s Cross station as Class 91 No. 91111 ‘For The Fallen’ was scheduled to arrive with empty coaching stock forming a later service to Leeds which gave me time to take a few mobile phone photographs before I needed to get the tube over to London Waterloo and my final train home.
While waiting at London Kings Cross I made use of the pub located in the original Great Northern Railway parcels office dating back to 1852 with a view overlooking the platforms – 12/07/2023One from my list; much hoped for Class 91 No. 91111 ‘For The Fallen’ rests at platform 4 having arrived with empty coaching stock movement 5D29 Ferme Park Reception Sidings to London Kings Cross – 12/07/2023LNER Azuma Class 801 No. 801105 arrives at its final destination with 1Y88 1602 York to London Kings Cross – 12/07/2023Another study of LNER InterCity 225 Class 91 No. 91111 ‘For The Fallen’ which will haul 1D29 1903 London Kings Cross to Leeds – 12/07/2023Homeward bound courtesy of the South Western Railway 1W79 1903 London Waterloo to Weymouth service formed of Class 444 No.’s 444035 at the rear and 444041 out of sight at the head of platform 15. The train split at Southampton Central, the front five coaches running a fast service to Weymouth whilst the rear section performs a stopping service to Poole – 12/07/2023
The weekend of 14th to 16th July saw the Watercress Line / Mid-Hants Railway holding their diesel gala. Yoshi and I took the opportunity to visit on the Saturday. As usual, we purchased a gala day ticket and because of the wet weather forecast quite intended to use it! In the event, the rain held off for the most part, but I decided that it might make a pleasant change to enjoy some locomotive haulage along line and opted to ride in the London Underground 4TC unit which was visiting for the event. We were hauled by two visiting locomotives; Class 66 No. 66502 ‘Basford Hall Centenary 2001’ and Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’.
Home fleet Class 47 47579 “James Nightall GC” approaches Ropley – 15/07/2023Class 20 No.’s D8188 (20188) and D8059 (20059) arrive at Ropley with a train from Alresford – 15/07/2023The driver of “Teddy Bear” Class 14 No. 9551, visiting from the Severn Valley Railway courtesy of the SVR Class 14 Company Ltd, exchanges tokens at Ropley – 15/07/2023On static display on Ropley Shed; Class 08 No. 08032 – 15/07/2023Class 08 No. D3462 (08377) at Ropley shed awaiting a trip to Alresford – 15/07/2023 Class 11 No. D12082 was running driver experience opportunities up and down the yard at Ropley – 15/07/2023Class 08 No. 08288 ‘Phoenix’ on shed having worked a train up from Alresford – 15/07/2023Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ appeared courtesy of the 71A Locomotive Group and is, of course, usually found at the Swanage Railway. She is seen here at Ropley – 15/07/2023Another view of Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ this time taken from the footbridge at Ropley – 15/07/2023For many the star attraction, Class 66 No. 66502 ‘Basford Hall Centenary 2001’, courtesy of Freightliner on the approach to Ropley – 15/07/2023Freightliner Class 66 No. 66502 ‘Basford Hall Centenary 2001’ awaits the road at Ropley hauling the London Underground 4TC set No. 428 – 15/07/2023Freightliner Class 66 No. 66502 ‘Basford Hall Centenary 2001’ and the London Underground 4TC set No. 428 at Alresford – 15/07/2023Nameplate of Freightliner Class 66 No. 66502 ‘Basford Hall Centenary 2001’ – 15/07/2023Yoshi takes a ride onboard London Underground 4TC set No. 428 – 15/07/2023London Underground 4TC set No. 428 stands at Alton while No. 33012 runs around out of sho – 15/07/2023Having run round the 4TC coaching stock Class 33/0 No. D6515 (33012) ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ awaits departure time from Alton – 15/07/2023Alton is also a mainline station and is shared with SWR. Class 450 No. 450005 is ready for departure with the 1A50 1515 service to London Waterloo – 15/07/2023While we were getting off the train at Ropley, Yoshi had to say hello to train guard gone freight train driver, author, illustrator, columnist, fundraiser and lover of all dogs; Bessie Matthews. Bessie has written and illustrated railway safety book “Arlo’s Adventures There and Back” which follows Arlo the badger as he makes his first ever solo trip on the train to see his friends Duskie and Moss, who live a couple of stops away. The reader helps the trio stay safe by turning to the page they think is the best choice featuring real world scenarios such as level crossings and station platforms, as well including a child-friendly glossary of railway terms – 15/07/2023Resident Class 50 No. 50027 ‘Lion’ on static display at Ropley shed – 15/07/2023Always love seeing dog related railway images, and this is one of our faves. Seen at Ropley – 15/07/2023Yoshi didn’t look too pleased when I tried to recreate a railway poster in 2021. Maybe I’ll have another go when I have time on my hands!
Our snapshot video of the Mid-Hants Diesel Gala 2023
Before and after our visit to the Watercress Line, we popped into Eastleigh. In the morning I was looking to get a photograph of Direct Rail Services Class 68 No. 68034 which although had visited Dorset on a Winfrith run in recent months had in the meantime been named ‘Railriders 2000’ at Crewe Heritage Centre on 10th June 2023. The name had been previously carried by Class 66 No. 66303 having received the nameplates on 7thJuly 2021. However the Class 66 was moved to become part of the GBRf fleet in 2022 and the decision to transfer the name was taken.
Prior to seeing the DRS Class 68 move from Eastleigh to Crewe, we did our usual and parked up on Campbell Road for a view of the works. I was pleased to see Class 07 shunter No. 07007. This class of locomotive was originally built to replace USA steam tank engines at work on Southampton Docks back in the early 1960’s – 15/07/2023Eastleigh Works is currently the graveyard of Class 313 EMU’s which await their turn under the cutter’s torch – 15/07/2023More Class 313’s in store at Eastleigh – 15/07/2023While we were walking around Campbell Road to get a view of Eastleigh Works, we heard Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ fire up. She is seen here on the left of the image adjacent to still stored SWR Class 701 units – 15/07/2023The law of the jungle; the elderly Brush Type 4 has not eaten for days and is slowly stalking its prey, a much younger Stadler Rail cat as she manoeuvres out into the open.. DRS Class 68 No. 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ hauls two PFA wagons as 6Z32 0845 Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) while GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ is running light engine working OF47 0900 Eastleigh Trsmd to Leicester L.I. P. – 15/07/2023Nameplate detail of Class 68 No. 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ – 15/07/2023A busy scene at Eastleigh as DRS Class 68 No. 68034 ‘Rail Riders 2020’ passes through working 6Z32 0845 Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) to Crewe Coal Sidings (DRS) – 15/07/2023
Following the Class 68 departing Eastleigh Arlington, GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ was booked to run to Leicester light engine.
GBRf Class 47 No. 47727 ‘Edinburgh Castle’ running light engine on the approach to Eastleigh railway station working as OF47 0900 Eastleigh Trsmd to Leicester L.I. P. – 15/07/2023
We also ticked another locomotive off the wanted list in the shape of GBRf Class 66 No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ which we saw pass through Eastleigh in the morning whilst waiting for the Class 68 move. The Class 66 carries the distinctive outline of a chinook helicopter on its bodyside and with the aid of a step ladder was able to get mobile phone images through the ever rampant buddlea as the locomotive was stabled on Eastleigh East Yard in the afternoon.
GBRf Class 66 No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ stabled on Eastleigh East Yard – 15/07/2023Bodyside detail of GBRf Class 66 No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ stabled on Eastleigh East Yard – 15/07/2023Nameplate of GBRf Class 66 No. 66723 ‘Chinook’ stabled on Eastleigh East Yard – 15/07/2023GBRf Class 66 locomotives no.’s 66301 and 66717 ‘Good Old Boy’ parked up at Eastleigh East Yard – 15/07/2023
A short video from Eastleigh – 15/07/2023
Much excitement on Tuesday evening as the first of South Western Railway’s Class 458/4 electric-multiple units was scheduled to arrive at Bournemouth depot. An attempt to run the train the previous week had been cancelled so when the associated workings to Widnes Transport Tech to retrieve the unit went ahead it was a sure sign that we would see it in Dorset.
The 30 original 4-car Class 458 EMU’s were built by Alstom at Eastwood Heath, Birmingham between 1998 and 2002 for South West Trains (SWT) and are part of the Coradia Juniper type of trains. Between 2013 and 2016, the class was merged with the mechanically similar Class 460 units and extensively rebuilt to form a fleet of 36 5-car units which were designated as Class 458/5’s. The trains were operated by South Western Railway (SWR) following SWT’s loss of the South Western franchise.
In March 2021 SWR announced it would be refurbishing 28 Class 458 units, the work being carried out by Alstom at Widnes in Cheshire at a cost of £25 million. Work will involve returning each unit to its original 4-car formation by removing the Class 460 vehicles, restoring the original maximum speed of 100 mph, and reconfiguration of the passenger saloons. These “new” units will be reclassified and renumbered as Class 458/4’s. They will be leased from rolling stock company Porterbrook until at least 2027 and are to be based at Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot (T&RSMD). The first two units to be sent for refurbishment, No.’s 458507 and 458517, arrived at Widnes in August 2022. Now, finally, it is time for their return to SWR metals.
The real excitement was generated over the locomotives which had been allocated to dragging the first Class 458/4 to its new home; GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 and Class 69 No. 69008. Both unusual traction for Dorset. So it was no surprise to find Branksome railway station a very popular location for railway enthusiasts on Tuesday evening, all hopeful at getting a glimpse of the special working. The train was scheduled to arrive at Branksome for reversal into Bournemouth depot at around 1840. But it was soon clear that things were not going quite to plan when, looking at the live map on Open Time Trains (OTT), the train appeared stalled at Southampton Central. Many theories were passed around, but it would seem that there were concerns over the dampers or shock absorbers on the refurbished unit. And although not actually out of gauge west of Southampton, there was no paperwork to confirm this which resulted in the train being halted in platform 3 of Southampton Central. At first many commentators were of the opinion that the consist would be moved back to Eastleigh awaiting clearance for it to proceed to Bournemouth the following day. Being a pedant, I kept a close view on OTT and was rewarded by the notification of the train moving towards its intended destination. I was also thankful for the texts and messages from friends who were also observing what was happening. So after walking Yoshi, I returned to Branksome in time to see Class 56 No. 56081 rounding the curve into the station 264 minutes late. It was disappointing that I hadn’t seen the train in daylight as anticipated, but it was great to see anyway.
GBRf Class 56081 runs through Branksome hauling 5Q65 1435 Wembley Terminal Complex Wheel Lathe to Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot – 18/07/2023GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 at the rear of 5Q65 1435 Wembley Terminal Complex Wheel Lathe to Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot as the crew prepare to reverse into the depot – 18/07/2023
Obviously, by this time, the return working consisting of the locomotives and barrier coaches had missed the 2100 departure for Eastleigh, but I quite expected them to return that night, but I for one, wasn’t going to hang around to confirm this. On checking the Real Time Trains schedules the following morning I was quietly pleased to have been proven wrong as a path had been put in the system for a return working at 0900 taking the train to Eastleigh. So off I went to get those daylight shots I had missed the previous day.
Knowing I had to be back at home for 1000, I was getting a little perturbed when there was no sign of movement at the appointed hour or indeed for several minutes afterwards. Eventually the train headcode turned up on the OTT map, which is always a promising sign, followed by the sweet sound of the point motor shifting allowing trains access out of the depot onto the main line. I was very pleased, once again, to see No. 56081 approaching Branksome, this time giving a steam locomotive a run for its money with all the clag it was emitting. Clag can be defined as “dust, dried up oil and other associated bits of junk that have collected in the exhaust manifold being blowing out of the roof with a white to black colouration, in thick opaque clouds” and No. 56081 was certainly living up to that description! And that ticks another thing off my list – a Class 56 locomotive working on the mainline in Dorset.
A view I never though I’d see as Class 56 No. 56081 departs Bournemouth depot working 5M50 0900 Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/07/2023Top and tailed by GBRf Class 56 No. 56081 and Class 69 No. 69008 5M50 0900 Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Eastleigh East Yard eases towards the mainline – 19/07/2023GBRf Class 69 No. 69008 (converted from Class 56 No. 56038), the first of six members of the class to be fitted with Dellner couplers for use on multiple unit stock movements awaits departure from Branksome working 5M50 0900 Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/07/2023 With No. 69008 leading, 5M50 0900 Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot to Eastleigh East Yard powers away from Branksome with Class 56 No. 56081 at the rear with Mk1 barrier coaches No.’s ADB975974 ‘Paschar’, ADB975978 ‘Perpetel’, 6376 & 6377 – 19/07/2023
Video of unit stock movement and associated working to Bournemouth 18th & 19th July 2023
The arrival of Tuesday’s unit drag felt like it had taken as long as the time it is taking for the SWR Class 701’s to enter revenue earning service. It’s been a while since I ventured out to see one on a mileage accumulation run, but on July 13th I did just that and was lucky enough to see No. 701054 running through Poole with a brief stop to open and close its doors. Which was nice.
SWR Class 444 No. 444037 awaits departure time at Poole working 2W62 1400 service to London Waterloo as Class 701 No. 701054 passes with 5Q51 1115 London Waterloo to Staines Up Loop – 13/07/2023
The 701 mileage accumulation continues via Poole – 13/07/2023
For the record…
While I was in Birmingham on 12th July, Swanage based Class 33/0 No. 33012 ‘Lt. Jenny Lewis RN’ ran from her Isle of Purbeck home to Eastleigh to collect the LU 4TC set before an onward move to Alton in readiness for the Mid-Hants Diesel Gala. On the same day, via “the West”, Class 37 No.’s 37610 and 37612 ran to Weymouth with the New Measurement Train working as 1Z22 0757 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road.
Hamworthy Watch…
Work has been carried out at Ashmore crossing on the Hamworthy branch with the warning lights to the right of the above image being repaired after sustaining damage from a vehicle hit several weeks ago. Further vegetation clearance has also been observed along this section – 16/07/2023Roadworks have been scheduled to be in place overnight of 21st/22nd November 2023 at Lake Road Bridge on the Hamworthy branch. There has been concerns over the safety of the bridge structure at this point of the line and although there has been previous work to replace rotten timbers it looks as if more does need to be done before trains can pass over this section
Thank you so much for visiting. We really appreciate your feedback. Be seeing you!
Virgin Trains Super Voyager Class 221 No. 221106 ‘Willem Barents’ celebrates the “The Prisoner” as it carries advertising for “Festival No.6” which is held at Portmeirion, North Wales, the filming location for 1960’s cult TV series. Seen at London Euston on 22/02/2016
In between showers of rain, Yoshi takes a look at Hastings Unit No. 1001 at Weymouth following its arrival with “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” railtour – 08/07/2023
July 5th 2023 to July 11th 2023
This time around we were lucky enough to see two separate railtours grace our patch. But before that on Wednesday 5th July, the Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) reached Weymouth via Bournemouth working as 3Q02 2140 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth Signal DR194. As the name of the UTU suggests, ultrasonic equipment – the same technology used in medical practices – is employed to detect minute flaws in the track as the train passes over it. Hauled by Colas Class 37 No. 37175 the ensemble was in much use in the South and visited Weymouth once again on Sunday 9th July (although running around two hours late) as 3Q14 1517 Westbury to Westbury via Weymouth. UTU’s inspect around 64,000 miles of track all over the UK using four trains over 750 shifts annually.
Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) in Dorset – July 2023 (Additional video by kind permission of G E Barrett)
Ultrasonic Testing Unit trains usually have 1 locomotive at one end, and a DBSO (Driving Brake Standard Open) at the other. The DBSO controls the locomotive at the other end whilst it is leading the formation. UTU trains have ground-penetrating radar systems to detect voids and deformations up to 2 meters into the ballast and earth. Similarly to Plain Line Pattern Recognition test trains (on which more below), UTU trains use rail profile scanners to help identify problems or degradation in track profile, comparing it to a template of an ideal track.
Hastings Unit No. 1001 at Weymouth having arrived with “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” – 08/07/2023
The first railtour over the weekend was Hastings Diesels Limited’s (HDL) “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” which ran on Saturday July 8th 2023 employing their Hastings Diesel-Electric Multiple-Unit (DEMU), one of a class of trains built during 1957 and 1958 to replace steam-hauled stock operating between London and Hastings via Tunbridge Wells. The six-coach units, incorporating diesel generators at each end, were unique in having specially narrow bodies which enabled them to pass through the unusually narrow tunnels on the Hastings line. When the line was electrified in 1986, these “Hastings” diesel units were withdrawn (and the tunnels single-tracked to solve the width problem). The preserved example, certified for mainline running, is numbered Unit No. 1001 but actually includes vehicles from several different units and trains including a buffet car from a 4-BIG electric multiple unit (EMU) and a Trailer Second (TSO) from a 4-CEP EMU which unlike the other stock are built to standard UK loading gauge.
Hastings Unit No. 1001 speeds past Winfrith working 1Z70 0651 Hastings to Weymouth “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” – 08/07/2023Hastings Unit No. 1001 at rest in Weymouth whilst working “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” – 08/07/2023Hastings Unit DEMU nameplate detail ‘Mountfield’ – 08/07/2023Hastings Unit DEMU nameplate detail ‘Tunbridge Wells’ – 08/07/2023Hastings Unit No. 1001 powers up through Upwey whilst working the return “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” 1Z72 1538 Weymouth to Hastings – 08/07/2023 (With thanks to G E Barrett for Dorchester images)
Video of Hastings Unit No. 1001 railtour “The Jurassic Coast Explorer” – 08/07/2023
The following day, Sunday July 9th the seemingly annual tour celebrating “The End Of Southern Steam” reached Weymouth. The last day of regular steam haulage across the British Railways (BR) Southern Region took place on July 9th 1967. 56 years later and Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ returned to the metals she would have travelled over back in her working BR days. Starting out from London Victoria the passengers were hauled by No. 35018 to Yeovil Junction via Salisbury where the steam locomotive was removed from the train for turning and servicing, the tour advancing to Weymouth behind West Coast Railway Company (WCRC) owned Class 47 No. 47802 which had been on the rear of the train since its London departure.
I left home thinking I had lots of time to find a location to photograph the train near Gillingham, and was surprised to see on Real Time Trains the tour had in fact gained five minutes by the time it had reached Dorset. So a change of plan was instigated and I diverted off to Sherborne where I was caught out by the train approaching my over bridge vantage point wrong line.
Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ working wrong line at Sherborne as 1Z82 London Victoria to Yeovil Junction Down Main Platform – 09/07/2023WCRC Class 47 No. 47802 resides departure with 1Z83 1344 Yeovil Junction Down Main Platform to Weymouth which left Yeovil 20 minutes late – 09/07/2023Yoshi meets Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ at Yeovil Junction which was being serviced at the Yeovil Railway Centre – 09/07/2023Nameplate detail for Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ – 09/07/2023Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ having been turned on the Yeovil Railway Centre turntable – 09/07/2023
Having been refreshed by the team at the Yeovil Railway Centre, No. 35018 worked light engine down to Weymouth where she re-joined the railtour for a spirited late afternoon departure bound for London Waterloo. I waited for the light locomotive at Evershot, but my view was obscured by steam. I then got ahead of No. 35018 and saw her again very close to the former Monkton and Came Halt which had been opened by the Great Western Railway in 1905 as part of their ambitions to combat road based transport. The station served the nearby Came Golf Links and visitors to Maiden Castle. This ultimately failed and the Halt was closed in 1957. Some remains of the platforms can still be seen.
Running tender first to Weymouth as 0Z84 1523 Yeovil Junction Down Main Platform to Weymouth Jersey Siding to rejoin the main train Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ passes Monkton – 09/07/2023Making a spirited climb towards Bincombe summit Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ hauling Railway Touring Company’s “End of Southern Steam” 1Z84 1724 Weymouth to London Waterloo tour advances towards Upwey – 09/07/2023
Southern Railway Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ the “End of Southern Steam” tour – 09/07/2023 (With grateful thanks to @da_buckley967 for the departure from Weymouth and G E Barrett for Dorchester footage)
Co-incidentally two days later, London Waterloo celebrated its 175th anniversary which included the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the landmark birthday, a joint Network Rail and South Western Railway choir treated visitors to iconic ‘Waterloo’ songs such as ABBA’s “Waterloo” and The Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset” as well of a preview of Class 701 “Arterio” EMU No. 701043 on platform 19 which was also adorned with a celebratory London Waterloo 175 roundel . The fleet of 90 Class 701 trains are over two years late at being introduced on Reading, Windsor and South West London suburban routes. In addition, fittingly situated under the famous Waterloo clock on the station concourse, a fascinating 40-panel history exhibition was put on display for a limited time.
Celebrating Waterloo 175 logo – 12/07/2023An exhibition celebrating Waterloo 175 stood for a few days on the concourse of the Southern Terminus – 12/07/2023
Delayed by a week, Monday 10th July saw the monthly 1Q51 Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) test train head to Weymouth, as usual top and tailed by GBRf Class 73 electro-diesel locomotives, but this time in daylight. The train usually runs on our patch in in the late evenings but the rescheduled working was scheduled for a lunchtime turn around at Weymouth.
GBRf Class 73 No. 73962 ‘Dick Mabbutt’ leading the outward leg of 1Q51 1008 Woking Up Yard Reception to Woking Up Yard Reception via Weymouth Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) test train passing Hamworthy – 10/07/2023GBRf Class 73 No. 73961 ‘Alison’ at the rear of 1Q51 Woking to Woking via Weymouth passing Hamworthy – 10/07/2023
Plain Line Pattern Recognition uses a variety of tools to measure and detect defects and potential problems that might arise in track condition. PLPR uses equipment such as: 4 foot camera used to check the track condition, thermal imaging to check rail temperature, fasteners are checked with diagonal and top down cameras. The various cameras used store HD laser scanned images which show different angles and planes of the track and rails. PLPR was initially rolled out on the NMT measurement train, but has since been fitted to Network Rail’s coaches and can be seen across the UK rail network. The coaches on the PLPR may also by fitted with Radio Survey equipment, for testing of NRN, CSR and GSM-R communication systems.
Video of 1Q51 Plain Line Pattern Recognition (PLPR) Test Train – 10/07/2023 (With thanks to G E Barrett for Dorchester video)
From the Archive…
In contrast to how SR Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ looked on her recent visit to Weymouth, below are three images of the locomotive and tender when she left storage on Portland taken by John Chappell.
No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ was the first Merchant Navy locomotive to have the original air-smoothed casing removed as part of a rebuild of the class and emerged from Eastleigh Works in her new form during February 1956. She was withdrawn from service with British Railways in August 1964 and despatched to Barry Scrapyard for disposal. However, after languishing in South Wales for 15 years, she was purchased for preservation by Richard Heather and John Bunch, and in March 1980 the engine was moved to the Mid Hants Railway (MHR) where it was planned for her to be restored to full working order. In the event little work was undertaken on the locomotive during this time and she was later moved to a site in Portland but following little work again being undertaken on restoring the engine she moved once again, in 2012, to Carnforth in Lancashire having been purchased by David Smith. She finally underwent a thorough restoration to running order for mainline standards.
SR Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ departs storage on Portland – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)SR Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ is manoeuvred out of storage on Portland – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)Tender for SR Bullied Pacific No. 35018 ‘British India Line’ departs storage on Portland – 24/04/2012 (Image: John Chappell)
Hastings Unit No. 1001 was privately chartered for the Any Piper Memorial Railtour from Hastings to London Waterloo, Bournemouth and Poole in conjunction with Network rail and GBRf – 08/08/2010
“The Dorset Diadem” rail tour took Hastings Unit No. 1001 to Bournemouth and Swanage were she was scheduled to arrive at 1320 and giving passengers just under three hours at the seaside town.
Hastings Unit DEMU No. 1001 “The Dorset Diadem” at Wareham – 25/06/2011 (Image: John Chappell)No. 1001 forming the “The Dorset Diadem” railtour to Swanage rests at Wareham – 25/06/2011 (Image: John Chappell)
Hastings Diesel Limited’s 57th public rail tour the “Weymouth Envoy” ran from Hastings to Weymouth via London Waterloo therefore running the entire length of the LSWR main line.
At Weymouth No. 1001 was shunted to Jersey Sidings and is seen here pulling forward on the return to Weymouth Railway Station to pick up passengers passing Great Western Railway Class 150 No. 150927 – 20/07/2012 (Image: John Chappell)Hastings Unit No. 1001 awaits 1632 departure working as 1Z31 Weymouth to Hastings – 20/07/2012 (Image: John Chappell)Back in July 2015, Colas Class 37 No. 37175 was again in charge of the Ultrasonic Test Unit, seen here at Dorchester West propelling to Weymouth – 16/07/2015
Thank you for stopping by. Your comments, corrections, contributions are most welcome. Be seeing you.
This week Yoshi and I visited the East Lancashire Railway for their annual summer diesel gala. The original plan was to arrive in Bury by the early afternoon of Thursday 29th June, but a spanner was thrown in the works when I decided I’d like to see what might well be the final Winfrith working. Delayed by 24 hours, Direct Rail Services Class 68 locomotive No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68003 ‘Astute’ headed south from Crewe to collect low level nuclear west from the decommissioned Dorset power station. I chose the vantage point of the road bridge just west of Winfrith Magnox as I fully expected the train to consist of ten empty wagons as had been the usual consist. This would have meant the lead locomotive halting very close to the road bridge I had positioned myself prior to reversing into Winfrith sidings. However, I was disappointed to see the train was but two wagons long which obviously meant the train stopped well short of my vantage point and even with a long lens the train was a little too far away for my liking! We did have a quick walk down to the fenced boundary of Magnox Winfrith and after a quick chat with security who asked us not to photograph the workforce or buildings we took a few record shots and were on our way.
Direct Rail Services Class 68 No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68003 ‘Astute’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings DRS to Winfrith Wool Sidings reverse into Winfrith sidings from the mainline as a service train to Weymouth formed of a South Western Railway Class 444 unit awaits clearance – 29/06/2023Class 68 No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68003 ‘Astute’ with two PFA wagons await loading in Winfrith Sidings – 29/06/2023
Direct Rail Services Class 68 No.’s 68002 ‘Intrepid’ and 68003 ‘Astute’ working 6Z62 0100 Crewe Coal Sidings DRS to Winfrith Wool Sidings – 29/06/2023
Catching the “Winfrith” had a knock on effect to travel plans and we didn’t get on the road north until 1000, well behind schedule.
Further delays occurred around Bristol as I looked in vain around Portbury Docks for newly arrived Class 93 Tri-mode locomotive No. 93001 which had been delivered by ship from Spain the previous day. Traffic congestion didn’t help matters and by the time we arrived in Lancashire it was too late to catch any East Lancs Railway diesel action. So instead, after a quick refresh, we took a tram into Manchester where we took in the delights of Manchester Piccadilly.
Bombardier M5000 Manchester Metrolink Tram No. 3104 at Bury. The Bury line was identified by transport planners in the 1980’s as one of the local railway lines in the Greater Manchester area which was used mostly for local traffic, and could therefore be split off from the main line network and converted to light-rail operation – 29/06/2023Victory Over Blindness by Johanna Domke-Guyot was commissioned to commemorate the centenary of the First World War and is situated on Piccadilly Approach outside the main entrance of Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station. The bronze sculpture depicts seven blind figures guiding each other and walking together. Their likeness are based upon real veterans who all suffered blindness as a result of action on the frontline – Platforms at Manchester Piccadilly with Northern Rail Class 156 No. 156428 forming the rear of 2K34 2006 Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe and an Avanti West Coast Pendolino which had arrived with the 1H35 1753 London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly service – 29/06/2023Trans Penine Express Class 185 No. 185132 working the 2E91 2058 Manchester Piccadilly to Leeds service – 29/06/2023TPE liveried Class 68 No. 68022 ‘Resolution’ pauses at Manchester Piccadilly with 5H85 Liverpool Lime Street to Longsight Car. M.D. empty coaching stock. I believe Class 68’s will soon cease on services to Liverpool / Manchester – 29/06/2023Nameplate of Class 68 No. 68022 ‘Resolution’ We visited The Mill at Manchester Piccadilly located up on the Mezzanine. The staff were extremely welcoming and even provided Yoshi with sausages and water while I enjoyed a five bean chilli and a pint of Birra Moretti – 29/06/2023Avanti West Coast Pendolino Class 390 No. 390119 ‘Progress’ at Manchester Piccadilly platform 6 waiting to depart as 5H38 2136 Manchester Piccadilly to Longsight Carriage Maintenance Depot having worked up from London Euston with the 1H38 1853 service – 29/06/2023Transport for Wales service 1W65 1855 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly having been propelled by DB liveried Class 67 No. 67010 stands at Piccadilly platform 10 – 29/06/2023Following our Manchester outing we returned to our Travelodge accommodation in Bury. After brushing my teeth in the bathroom I returned to find Yoshi had well and truly made himself at home! – 29/06/2023
To make up for the lack of heritage diesel action the previous day, we had an early start on the Friday and we at Bury Bolton Street railway station in good time to see the first train of the day, behind Class 24 No. D5054 ‘Phil Southern’ depart. The weather on the Friday was dismal and it hardly stopped raining until the late afternoon. It was also frustrating that only a few locomotives were rostered on trains for the most part on the Friday. Resident Class 42 Warship No. D832 ‘Onslaught’, Class 25 No.25279 and visiting Class 37 No. 37059 were not in use.
Class 24 No. D5054 (24054) ‘Phil Southern’ is one of just four preserved examples from the original 151 strong fleet of locos and was amongst the first Diesel locomotives to be based at Bury, arriving in 1987 – 30/06/2023Beautifully restored Southern Region Ferry Van No. B889011 is owned by the 3P20 group which also restores and runs other parcel and non-passenger stock on the ELR – 30/06/2023Class 40 No. D345 (40145) was built in 1961, the first locomotive of the final 54 class 40’s, constructed with centre-headcode panels. Damage sustained in a derailment at Stourton Yard, Leeds saw 40145 withdrawn from the 10th of June 1983. 40145 was the first of the seven class members to be secured for preservation and was an early diesel arrival in Bury on the 16th of February 1984. The locomotive is seen adjacent to Bury South signal box – 30/06/2023Class 40 No. D345 (40145) awaits departure from Bury Bolton Street. The station is located in the heart of Bury Town Centre and was opened by the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), on 28th September 1846, as Bury station. The ELR was absorbed by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR) on 13th May 1859. The station was renamed Bury Bolton Street in February 1866. The station was rebuilt in the 1880’s and the existing platform canopy dates from that time. Street frontage buildings were also provided but were destroyed by fire on 14th May 1947 and replaced with a new brick and concrete entrance and footbridge in 1952. British Rail closed the station on 17th March 1980, when it was replaced by a new bus/rail interchange which has been the terminus of the Metrolink service from Manchester since 1991 – 30/06/2023
Originally opened by The East Lancashire Railway and operated from 1844 to 1859 the present day ELR began as a railway from Clifton via Bury to Rawtenstall. Following several years of discussions, the East Lancashire Railway was in 1859 amalgamated with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. Passenger services between Bury and Rawtenstall were withdrawn by British Rail on 3 June 1972. Coal services to Rawtenstall ended in 1980 and formal closure of the line followed in 1982. The East Lancashire Railway Trust reopened the line on 25 July 1987. The initial service operated between Bury and Ramsbottom, via Summerseat. In 1991, the service was extended northwards from Ramsbottom to reach Rawtenstall, via Irwell Vale. The heritage line is now just over 12 miles (19 km) long and has a mainline connection with the national railway network at Castleton, just beyond Heywood. The ELR is planning to extend the running line to Castleton in the future, with a new cross platform interchange being the preferred option.
It was soon evident that forgetting to take a coat along with me was a amateur mistake and after a brief stop at picturesque Summerseat station the rain forced a retreat to Ramsbottom where more cover would provide respite from the adverse weather.
Class 50 No. 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ arrives at Ramsbottom with a train from Bury. No. 50015 is one of 18 preserved Class 50’s out of 50 locomotives of the class, an extremely high percentage. Withdrawn by BR on the 5th June 1992, ‘Valiant’ was initially bought by Pete Waterman, she was later transferred to the Manchester Class 50 Group. The locomotive arrived at Bury during October 1992 and is now owned and maintained by the Bury Valiant Group – 30/06/2023Yoshi doesn’t mind the rain. Which was a good job! In between showers, Class 35 Hymek diesel-hydraulic No. D7076 awaits departure from Ramsbottom. This locomotive is one of four preserved examples of the class and the only remaining locomotive from the later MkII batch. Built in 1962, No. D7076 along with the other Hymeks had a very short service life, being withdrawn in May 1973. She was retained at the Railway Technical Centre (RTC) in Derby along with classmate No. D7096, used as dead loads etc. By the time No. D7076 was secured for preservation both of the RTC Hymeks were in a bad state and it was possible to restore one by using spares from the other. No. D7096 was the donor locomotive and its number is carried in D7076’s B-end cab in memory. The shell of No. D7096 was scrapped in 1986 at Marple and Gillots scrapyard in Attercliffe Sheffield – 30/06/2023Class 24 No. D5054 (24054) ‘Phil Southern’ at Ramsbottom – 30/06/2023Nameplate of Class 24 No. D5054 (24054). Named after Phil Southern, an early member of the ELR going back to their original base at Helmshore. When the ELR moved to Bury he became a director of the Railway responsible for electrical maintenance and projects. Phil was one of the pioneers who got the Bury to Rawtenstall line re-opened for passenger service for both steam and diesel. He was a member of the Bury Type 2 Group and sadly was the first member to pass away. It was thought by the majority of the group that D5054 should carry his name in memory of Phil and his great works at the ELR – 30/06/2023Yoshi takes a look at Class 14 “Teddy Bear” No. D9531 at Ramsbottom. The locomotive was nicknamed ‘Ernest’ during her 15 year restoration 1997 – 2012 – 30/06/2023Class 20 No. 20305 visiting courtesy of Harry Needle Railway Company (HNRC) approaching Ramsbottom – 30/06/20231965 built Class 14 “Teddy Bear” No. D9531 ‘Ernest’ passes under the loading gauge at Ramsbottom – 30/06/2023Class 14 “Teddy Bear” No. D9531 ‘Ernest’ leaves the sidings at Ramsbottom with the brake van freight stock – 30/06/2023Class 33 No. 33109 (D6525) ‘Captain Bill Smith RNR’ on the approach to Ramsbottom. Built by Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) in 1960, D6525 entered traffic with British Railways on the 8th October 1960. As No. 33109 she was named ‘Captain Bill Smith RNR’ in a special ceremony at Kensington Olympia on the 3rd July 1993 to commemorate Captain Smith who bought GNR No. 1247 in 1959 and the first locomotive to be bought privately from British Railways for preservation and has since been donated to the National Railway Museum (NRM) at York. Bill Smith played a significant part in the international field of railway preservation and in 1982 was made the first honorary life member of the Friends of the NRM. In September 1993, additional plaques were fitted under the nameplates with an explanation of the dedication. The nameplates were removed in October 1996 and the locomotive officially withdrawn on the 13th of February 1997. Sold for preservation in March 1997, No. 33109 moved to the Mid Hants Railway in September that year. The ‘Captain Bill’ nameplates, along with the plaques, were refitted and subsequently re-dedicated at Alresford station on the 1st of August 1999, once again carrying the identity of D6525 – 30/06/2023Class 47 No. 47765 ‘Ressaldar’ was new to British Railways as No. D1643 in January 1965, this loco is one of the 202 Class 47’s built by BR at Crewe to the Brush Traction design. She entered traffic at Cardiff Canton depot becoming No. 47059 in the TOPS system during September 1974. She was renumbered as No. 47631 in 1985, following removal of the steam heat boiler and conversion to supply Electric Train Heating (ETH). Further re-classified as a 47/7b, becoming No. 47765 in March 1994, she received extended range fuel tanks (former boiler water tank used for fuel) and RCH jumpers to enable working with Propelling Control Vehicles (PCV) as seen on Royal Mail trains of the time. No. 47765 was withdrawn for disposal in April 2004 but was sold in July 2005 and entered preservation in August of the same year. The locomotive is seen here at Bury Bolton Street – 30/06/2023No. D5705 is the sole survivor of the 20 ‘Co-Bo’ Class 28 locomotives. The Metro-Vic Class 28s were different to everything in many respects, not least the wheel arrangement from which the ‘Co-Bo’ or ‘Bo-Co’ name is derived, having a ‘Bo’ (two axled) bogie at one end and a ‘Co’ (three axled) bogie at the other. All five axles are powered via traction motors. No. D5705 was withdrawn in 1968 and the whole class by 1969. No. D5705 survived only due to being used by the BR Research Division and later being converted into a Carriage Heating Unit as TDB 968006. I remember seeing her at Bristol Bath Road depot where she resided for many years. The loco was secured for preservation in 1980 and, prior to arrival at the ELR, spent many years at Matlock. Seen here at Bury on static display, the locomotive is being restored to running order and we enjoyed a tour of the locomotive after giving a donation towards her return to traffic – 30/06/2023For some reason Yoshi decided he wanted to “cab” No. D5705 and jumped up into the open door. Thankfully he was no worse for wear and was content to sit outside being looked after by a volunteer member of the Co-Bo Restoration fund as I was shown around the inside of the locomotive – 30/06/2023English Electric Class 37 No. 37109 (D6809) seen at Bury was built in 1962 and is part of the ELR home fleet. Substantial bodywork repairs were undertaken during Winter 2022/23 plus a full repaint into Trainload Metals livery – she looked stunning – 30/06/2023 Class 37 No. 37109 (D6809) side by side with Class 47 No. 47765 ‘Ressaldar’ at Bury – 30/06/2023Class 37 No. 37109 (D6809) and Class 47 No. 47765 ‘Ressaldar’ seen from the covered footbridge at Bury – 30/06/2023Visiting from the Severn Valley Railway was Class 42 Warship diesel-hydraulic No. D821 ‘Greyhound’. I had hoped to see this locomotive paired with the ELR’s example No. D832 ‘Onslaught’ but during my visit the locomotives were not running at the same time. There were more interesting pairings and running the following day on the Saturday, but I was unable to attend due to other commitments – 30/06/2023My only view of D832 ‘Onslaught’ was through the gates of the yard at Bury. Class 25 No. 25279 on the right was also a non-runner during my visit – 30/06/2023
All in all a mildly disappointing day on the East Lancs. To compound things; on the way home via the M6 and M5 I was very much hopeful at catching a glimpse of the pioneer Class 93 which had departed Portbury that afternoon and was heading to Worksop. Unbeknown to me, I drove past the locomotive which had stopped off at the northbound Strensham Service area for an overnight stop. You win some, you lose some!
While we were away from home, Saltburn railtours had organised a Pullman charter “The Bournemouth Belle” over the weekend of 30th June to 3rd July 2023. Saltburn Railtours have been organising excursion trains since 1995 and have been to destinations the length and breadth of the UK. This year they came to Bournemouth utilising West Coast Railways locomotives and rolling stock. The tour was scheduled to arrive in Bournemouth at 1732 on the Friday after an early morning departure from Saltburn in North Yorkshire. Once the passengers detrained, interestingly the empty coaching stock ran to Weymouth before reversing and heading off to Southall. The tour returned North on the Monday, scheduled to depart Bournemouth and run via Weymouth and “up the West” via Yeovil.
Class 57 No. 57601 ‘Windsor Castle’ in Northern Belle Maroon / Cream livery working 1Z79 1045 Bournemouth to Saltburn through Hamworthy – 03/07/2023West Coast Railways Class 47 No. 47804 at the rear of 1Z79 1045 Bournemouth to Saltburn at Hamworthy – 03/07/2023
Saltburn Railtours Bournemouth rail tour and associated ECS (with kind help from G E Barrett) – 2023
However, things didn’t go quite to plan as a fallen tree over the track between Dorchester West and Maiden Newton meant the train reversed to Dorchester Junction and then headed east back through Dorchester South. The tour, already off route, travelled via Basingstoke and Oxford before regaining its original path at Bordesley Junction, approximately 68 minutes behind schedule. It would appear that later locomotive problems necessitated the use of WCRC Class 47 No. 47813 at Milford Loop. The train eventually reached Saltburn at 2305, 95 minutes late.
On Saturday Yoshi visited Ladram Bay, Devon for a surprise 60th birthday party being thrown for a friend. We must take the opportunity on a future visit to walk the disused railway line on the former Budleigh Salterton Railway, a single track branch railway line that ran from a junction on the Sidmouth Railway at Tipton St Johns to Exmouth. East Budleigh station would have been the closest railway stop to Ladram Bay and the station building is now a private residence. The line closed on 6th March 1967.[
Yoshi at Ladram Bay. The stacks behind Yoshi are the remains of caves and arches that have collapsed, leaving behind the stumps. The rock is Otter Sandstone deposited in a hot dry climate during the Triassic Period, about 220 million years ago. These are some of the best examples of sea stacks in the British Isles – 01/07/2023
Our trip to Devon (and spending the morning buying new sofas) meant we just missed out on seeing Northern Belle’s “Tribute To The Bournemouth Belle” tour which originated at London Victoria and ran, funnily enough, to Bournemouth. The motive power was provided by West Coast Railways Class 47 No.’s 47826 and 47813. Friend of this blog, Jamie Smith, shared the following:
Class 47 No. 47813 arrives at Bournemouth with “Tribute To The Bournemouth Belle” ECS (Image by kind permission of Jamie Smith) – 01/07/2023 Class 47 No.’s 47826 heads the return “Tribute To The Bournemouth Belle” (Image by kind permission of Jamie Smith) – 01/07/2023
Jamie’s most excellent video of the “Tribute To The Bournemouth Belle”. -don’t forget to check out the other videos on his You Tube channel!
Sunday 2nd July 2023 saw the annual Bournemouth Bus rally take place at Kings Park, Boscombe.
WLT349 1960 AEC Routemaster ex London Transport RM349 – 02/07/2023FEL218 Burlingham bodied Bedford WTB, new to Bournemouth in June 1939- 02/07/2023Yoshi and FEL218 – 02/07/20231013MW Weymann bodied Leyland Atlantean, new to Silver Star of Porton Down in February 1962 – 02/07/2023Yoshi poses with 8159EL Weymann bodied Leyland Titan PD3/1, new to Bournemouth in November 1960 – 02/07/2023CRU184C 1965 Weymann bodied Daimler Fleetline, new to Bournemouth in July 1965 – 02/07/2023OAX9F 1968 Eastern Coach Works bodied Bristol RELH-6L, new to Red & White in March 1968. Now preserved in Red & White livery – 02/07/2023Yoshi with JDV754 – 02/07/2023JDV754 Duple Vista bodied Bedford OB, new to Woolacombe & Morthoe Motor Company in December 1947, now preserved in Lewis Coaches of Henstridge, Somerset colours – 02/07/2023
Apologies for the late posting of this blog entry which was due to technical issues which prevented uploading of images or posts. I need to get to the bottom of these issues, I’ve tried a few simple things to fix errors, but to no avail. Having researched online it seems a common error, and one which can be sorted.
