Freightliner Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66520 and 66512 at Bincombe during engineering work reporting as 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 18/03/2024
March 16th 2024 to March 22nd 2024
Maintenance work between Dorchester and Weymouth closed the railway line from Monday 18th to Wednesday 20th March 2024 affecting both South Western Railway (SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR) services along this route. In association with the work, an engineers train, in the hands of Freightliner, worked from Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South overnight of 16/17th March, arriving in the County Town at 0156 on the Monday morning, approximately 46 minutes behind schedule. We saw the train pass through Hamworthy, top and tailed by Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66520 and 66512, at which point it was running 36 minutes late.
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66520 leads through Hamworthy working 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 17/03/2024FL Class 66 No. 66512 brings up the rear on 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South passing Hamworthy – 17/03/2024
As we arrived at the station in good time to see the engineering train heading to Weymouth, we were surprised to see an empty coaching stock movement, formed of SWR Class 444 No. 444001 passing through Hamworthy just after 0100 on its way to Bournemouth Traincare depot working as 5W71 0041 Weymouth to Bournemouth TRSMD. A result of the line being closed in the Poole area on the Sunday meant trains from London Waterloo terminated at Bournemouth. A replacement bus service ran to stations between Bournemouth and Wareham with a shuttle train service operating between Wareham and Weymouth during the day.
The worksite necessitating the Monday to Wednesday line closure was located in the Bincombe area, where track would receive the attention of a tamper and gain some fresh ballast. We popped out on Monday afternoon to take a look at what was going on, expecting to find the two Class 66 locomotives parked up on the down line between Bincombe Tunnel and Bincombe Tunnel Number 2. Instead we found Quattro Group’s Mercedes rail road vehicle ‘Mad Vax’ and one of their tracked Road Rail Vehicles (RRV).
A RailRoad vehicle at Bincombe – 18/03/2024Quattro Group’s Mad Vax vacuum excavation system, which won the Most Innovative RRV Product Award at the National Rail Awards in 2019, prepares to do its stuff at Bincombe. Quattro Group are rightly proud of this piece of kit; “The Mad Vax vacuum excavation system has all the power and performance needed to complete a wide array of rail applications from ballast removal to spillage clean up operation. The unit’s spoil capacity is an impressive 6m3, and with a side tipping hopper it can be emptied lineside, utilising a special split-lid spoil tank to give a lower overall profile and to reduce overall tipping height for works under overhead power cables or at a suitable location when off track. The machine is also equipped with a Powerarm and IKE rotating suction tube to aid in breaking up harder ground for improved efficiency.” – 18/03/2024Bincombe worksite for the March 2024 maintenance work – 18/03/2024
After a quick chat with friend of this blog, Robin, we drove off towards Upwey to see if the engineers train was stabled near the railway station. Despite much of the line side trees and vegetation having been cut back, there was no sign of the Freightliner train. After refreshments at The Royal Standard in Upwey, we proceeded to drive back towards Dorchester when, glancing to the right as we came over the brow of Ridgeway hill, we could see the unmistakable sight of a Class 66 locomotive. Parking the car in the next lay-by, I crossed over the road and proceeded along the footpath back in the direction of Weymouth to see if it was possible to get a photo of the train at rest.
Class 66 No. 66512 stands out amidst the Dorset countryside – 18/03/2024
I was quite pleased with the resulting photo of the train parked at the northern portal of Bincombe Tunnel, perfectly placed for a photograph imho.
Because I liked the shot so much, another view of Freightliner Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66520 and 66512 at Bincombe during engineering work reporting as 6Y85 2348 Eastleigh East Yard to Dorchester South – 18/03/2024A tamper sits in the sidings at Dorchester South waiting to be deployed at Bincombe – 18/03/2024 (G E Barrett)
The Class 66’s returned to Eastleigh on the afternoon of Tuesday 19th March. It was quite a novelty to see a local engineers train working in daylight hours!
Class 66 No. 66512 awaiting departure with 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024 (G E Barrett)Class 66 No. 66520 in the gloom of a wet Dorchester South at the rear of 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024 (G E Barrett)Freightliner Class 66 No. 66512 ready to depart from Dorchester South working 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024 (G E Barrett)Freightliner Class 66 No. 66512 leads on 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard passing Hamworthy – 19/03/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66520 runs through Hamworthy at the rear of 6Y85 1454 Dorchester South to Eastleigh East Yard – 19/03/2024
Video of Freightliner Class 66 No.’s 66520 and 66512 working a Dorset engineering train – March 2024 (Additional video courtesy of G E Barrett)
The monthly New Measurement Train (NMT) which is scheduled to visit Weymouth via the West route through Maiden Newton was curtailed at Yeovil on Wednesday 20th March 2024 owing to the line closure between Dorchester and Weymouth. Allocated Class 43 High Speed Train (HST) power cars No.’s 43357 and 43277 worked 1Q18 0748 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road.
While the NMT was making its way to Somerset, I could be found at Norden on the Swanage Railway watching visiting South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 being prepped for towing down to Swanage in readiness for the railways Victorian Weekend. Resident preserved Birmingham Rail & Carriage Works (BR&CW) Class 33 No. 33111 had the task of collecting No. 65 and hauling her down to Swanage.
Swanage resident Class 33/1 No. 33111 cautiously hauls South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 away from Norden sidings – 20/03/2024South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 at Norden during the operation to haul her to Swanage in readiness for the railway’s Victorian Weekend – 20/03/3024Class 33/1 No. 33111 hauls South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SECR) Class O1 steam locomotive No. 65 as they depart Norden station heading to Swanage – 20/03/2024
SECR O1 No. 65 arrives on the Swanage Railway – 20/03/2024
The following day, I hitched a lift with friend of the blog Jamie for a visit to Maiden Newton to see Colas Railfreight Class 37 No.’s 37175 and 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ top and tailing a Structure Gauging Train on its way from Westbury to Weymouth and return. The working left Westbury around two hours late and I probably aged Jamie by a few years by claiming we had plenty of time to make the journey over to see the train! We arrived in Maiden Newton with ten minutes to spare.
Great Western Railway Class 166 No. 166210 on the approach to Maiden Newton working 2V68 1328 Weymouth to Gloucester – 21/03/2024Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37175 on the approach to Maiden Newton leading on 3Q14 1021 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard – 21/03/2024Colas Railfreight Class 37 No. 37175 with 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ at the rear at Maiden Newton leading on 3Q14 1021 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard on the outward leg to Weymouth – 21/03/2024On the return leg of 3Q14 1021 Westbury Down Yard to Westbury Down Yard Colas Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ leads into Maiden Newton – 21/03/2024 Colas Class 37 No. 37219 ‘Jonty Jarvis’ pauses at Maiden Newton as the driver collects to token to allow the train to progress onto the next single line section of track – 21/03/2024Great Western Railway Class 166 Turbo’s cross at Maiden Newton; No.166220 working 2O76 1110 Gloucester to Weymouth and No. 166210 forms 2V68 1328 Weymouth to Gloucester – 21/03/2024
Maiden Newton trains – 21/03/2024
Later that night, another engineering train ventured into Dorset in conjunction with work in the Christchurch area. I didn’t see train 6N75 2300 Eastleigh East Yard to Christchurch arrive, but I did get up early Friday morning to see DB Class 66 No. 66118 and pioneer shed No. 66001 departing Bournemouth as they returned with their train to Eastleigh East Yard this time working as 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard. It was so early, Bournemouth railway station was still locked up when I arrived. However the train departed around 20 minutes behind schedule, but not wanting to risk missing filming the departure, I stood steadfastly at my vantage point overlooking the station when I could have easily ventured down to platform level once the station was opened up to the travelling public for the first passenger trains of the day.
With Bournemouth railway station as its backdrop, DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66118 awaits departure working 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66118 at Bournemouth leading on 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66001 at the rear of 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66001 awaits departure of 6N75 0505 Bournemouth to Eastleigh East Yard – 22/03/2024
DB Cargo Class 66’s at Bournemouth – 22/03/2024
HAMWORTHY BRANCH
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Annual Stakeholders Open Evening 2024 – 20/03/2024
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Annual Stakeholders Open Evening 2024 took place on 20th March in the North Lounge of the Passenger Terminal. We went along to see if there were any updates on the restoration of freight traffic along the Hamworthy Branch which runs down to the port area from a junction to the mainline at Hamworthy railway station. PHC CEO Captain Brian Murphy said; “We are very fortunate to have the port railway. We haven’t used it for some time, but it’s there and it aligns perfectly with our decarbonisation goals. Modal shift is the best way to get transport off the roads. We want to grow the business, we want to grow the freight. We want more cargo through the port but we’d rather actually get as much as possible on to rail rather than the roads. So this does align with the governments ambitious targets which are of part of their 2050 plan for clean maritime and reducing carbon emissions and there has been a lot of work which has actually happened thus far. The commissioners have invested quite heavily in securing the lease that runs from the port all the way to the mainline and there has been a lot of upgrading work which has happened on the Hamworthy Branch. We’ve got a little bit more to do in terms of in the port but we are looking at the business case and hopefully it all aligns. But clearly in terms of ownership, it’ll be a lot of trucks off the road so very excited about that project.”
We recently learned of the passing of our friend and fellow railway enthusiast, Syd Brown. Syd has been a transport enthusiast for many years and could regularly be found supporting local transport events. He was an active member of the old Dorset Transport Circle in times past. Syd’s working life was spent in Dorset County Council’s Roads and Bridges department (now known as Transport and Engineering) and he was also an official in the Dorset County branch of NALGO (now UNISON). Our condolences to Syd’s family.
Thank you for reading and for your comments and corrections. We’ll be back soon with our record of our day attending the Swanage Railway Victorian Weekend. Be seeing you!
Postscript:
Will we ever see trains coming off the Hamworthy Branch again? Back in 2017, DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60054 heads towards the mainline at Hamworthy while South West Trains (SWT) Class 444 No. 444032 waits at platform with a Weymouth service – 17/02/2017 DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60054 draws up to the signal protecting the branch from the mainline at Hamworthy – 17/02/2017
Newly repainted in retro British Rail Blue and Grey livery SWR Class 455 No. 455868 with 455909 behind, awaits departure from Branksome forming 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs – 06/03/2024
March 1st 2024 to March 16th 2024
March 2024 kicked off with another visit to Dorset from the Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) in the charge of GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ working as 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. This ran on the evening of Friday 1st March and we saw the train passing through Hamworthy as it headed to Weymouth on its outward run.
GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ leads through Hamworthy on the SITT 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 01/03/2024
Video of GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ leads through Hamworthy on the SITT 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 01/03/2024
The following day, Saturday 2nd March, Yoshi exercised his National Trust membership and had an enjoyable day visting Lytes Cary Manor and Montacute House, both located in Somerset. On the way home we took a slight diversion and popped into the independent and dog friendly Winyard’s Gap Inn, situated on the outskirts of Chedington village in West Dorset overlooking the glorious Dorset and Somerset hills. After the First World War, the National Trust donated 16 acres of land close to the pub for a memorial to the 43rd Division of the Dorsetshire Regiment.
Yoshi with National Trust Lytes Cary Manor in the background – 02/03/2024Yoshi and daffodils at Montacute House – 02/03/2024Yoshi likes to walk around the grounds of Montacute House – 02/03/2024Winyards Gap where we stopped off on our way home. There were several doggos in the bar and a roaring fire. Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing….. – 02/03/2024
Monday 4th March was the planned date for the unveiling of South Western Railway (SWR) retro liveried Class 455/8 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) No. 455868, as the set was due to form a staff special running from Bournemouth to London Waterloo initially leaving Bournemouth depot as 5Z67 1012 Bournemouth TRSMD to Bournemouth. It was envisaged that SWR’s Managing Director would join the train at Woking in readiness for a ceremony being held at the London Terminus. However, these plans were cancelled following a derailment (or “operational incident” as it was described on the day) between Walton on Thames and Weybridge blocking all lines into Waterloo. This was the effect of a train, reportedly traveling at 90mph, hitting an object on the conductor rail.
A Network Rail Wessex safety bulletin posted on X (formerly Twitter) states the train struck scrap rail left on the track following engineering work:
At 05.50 on Monday 4th March 2024, a passenger train struck scrap rail travelling on the Up Fast line on the four track railway at Walton-on-Thames. This caused the front bogie of the train to partially derail. No passengers on the train were injured. Following the event, all lines were blocked to allow the safe evacuation of passengers. The derailment caused significant damage to the infrastructure. A few minutes before this incident, a train reported striking an object (at the time reported as a possible branch or piece of wood) on the adjacent Up Slow line. This was the third train in the Up direction following weekend engineering works, and the first on the Up Fast line. The works undertaken at the weekend included tamping, ballasting and scrap clearance. The location where the train struck the scrap rail was on a rail road access point (RRAP). This had been used at the weekend as part of a track renewal follow up. The incident is under investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and Network Rail.”
Rumours abounded that the newly repainted Class 455 would sneak out of the depot later on the Monday, and when that didn’t happen, it was said to be working to Wimbledon on the Tuesday. And when that run didn’t materialise, news came that it would definitely depart Bournemouth Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot on the Wednesday! So that’s how we found ourselves on Branksome Station after lunch on March 6th, delighted to be one of the first to see No. 458868 in all her retro glory as she formed the 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings working along with fellow classmate No. 455909 which is still in red SWT livery.
While we waited for the celebrity Class 455 to appear, we saw one of the Class 701 Arterio test runs heading to Poole (as well as its return leg). The introduction of these units is severely delayed, but once they are cascaded onto suburban services, the Class 455’s will be withdrawn from service.
Five-Car SWR Class 701’s on test as No. 701530 leads to Poole working 5Q51 1115 London Waterloo to Staines Up Loop – 06/03/2024SWR Class 701 No. 701510 leads on the return working of 5Q51 1115 London Waterloo to Staines Up Loop – 06/03/2024Class 455 No. 455909 in SWT red livery leads No. 455868 into Branksome working 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings – 06/03/2024Newly repainted in retro British Rail Blue and Grey livery, applied by the paint team at Bournemouth depot, SWR Class 455 No. 455868 with 455909 behind, awaits departure from Branksome forming 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs – 06/03/2024
The retro look of No. 458868 is inspired by the original British Rail Blue and Minerva Grey livery that passengers would have seen when the trains first arrived on British Rail Southern Region in 1982. To meet modern accessibility standards, some slight changes have been made, with the units’ doors fully painted in Minerva Grey.
SWR’s name is displayed as are 12 Golden Spanners, commemorating Wimbledon Depot’s 12 award wins at the Modern Railways Golden Spanner awards in the category of Ex-British Rail Electrical Multiple Units. It’s presumed that this retro-painted train will be one of the last of its class to be taken out of service and likely to have a special farewell tour when that time arrives.
Underneath each of the Class 455 cab windows of No. 455868 there are 12 Golden Spanners, commemorating Wimbledon Depot’s 12 award wins at the Modern Railways Golden Spanner awards in the category of Ex-British Rail Electrical Multiple Units – 06/03/2024
A pair of refurbished Class 458 EMU’s were also out on day release from Bournemouth depot performing a test run, and we managed to snap a couple of shots of these as they arrived at Branksome to run into the depot before we headed home.
Refurbished Class 458/4 No.’s 458416 and 458424 approach Branksome working 5Q91 1320 Basingstoke to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 06/03/2024Awaiting reversal into the depot, SWR Class 458/4 No. 458424 sits at Branksome railway station working 5Q91 1320 Basingstoke to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 06/03/2024
Video featuring retro-BR livery SWR Class 455 No. 455868 – 06/03/2024
Monday 11th March and the monthly Class 73 top and tailed Colas Railfreight operated test train ventured onto our metals again. GBRf No.’s 73963 ‘Janice’ and 73961 ‘Alison’ took the honours this time working 1Q51 1005 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard. We were also able to see a nocturnal Class 701 run departing Poole prior to the Class 73’s arriving.
Ten-Car SWR Class 701 No. 701003 pauses briefly at Poole forming the return 5Q52 1844 Eastleigh to Eastleigh TRSMD having reversed in Poole Storage Sidings – 11/03/2024Dorsetway line stalwart Class 444 No.444027 reaches journeys end working 1B57 1835 London Waterloo to Poole – 11/03/2024GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesel No.’s 73963 ‘Janice’ and 73961 ‘Alison’ arrive at Poole top and tailing 1Q51 1005 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard – 11/03/2024GBRf Class 73 No. 73961 ‘Alison’ at the rear of 1Q51 1005 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard pauses at Poole – 11/03/2024
Video of GBRf Class 73 Electro-Diesel No.’s 73963 ‘Janice’ and 73961 ‘Alison’ passing Poole top and tailing 1Q51 1005 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Eastleigh East Yard – 11/03/2024
Wednesday 14th March saw more Class 458 Unit drags taking place to and from Bournemouth depot – this time with a variation in paths from recent similar movements when two locomotives have been employed – one loco at each end of the train to enable reversing into the depot sidings from Branksome railway station. On this run, only one locomotive was allocated to the train, necessitating a run round at Poole. This was believed to be at trial for future unit drag operations and saves the cost of hiring two locomotives by employing T7 EMU translator coaches which enable locomotives with standard hook and shackle couplers to move multiple units fitted with tightlock couplers. The coaches were converted at Eastleigh Arlington in 2014 from two ex-Class 508 Driving Motor Coaches, sourced from unit No. 508027, purposely for use on stock drags and make shunting simpler.
T7 barrier translator coach No. 64707 ‘Labezerin’ at the rear of 5Q64 Southampton Down Loop to Bournemouth T&RSMD – 13/03/2024
The two bright green T7 barrier translator coaches are registered as No. 64707 ‘Labezerin’ and No. 64664 ‘Liwet’ – both cars being named after angels; Labezerin is the genius of success in talismanic magic. He serves in the second hour of the day and, according to angelic lore, Liwet presides over unique ideas and inventions. So now you know.
We went to Poole railway station to see Class 69 No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ hauling refurbished SWR Class 458 No. 458415 arriving with 5Q64 Southampton Down Loop to Bournemouth T&RSMD before heading out to Poole Storage Sidings where the locomotive would detach and run round its train. Poole Town Bridge is closed for two weeks for its annual maintenance and I was caught out with a bridge lift at Twin Sails, and arrived at Poole Station with minutes to spare. Unfortunately, the camera on my phone was ‘hunting’ it recorded the train running through platform 2 resulting in out of focus video and the SD card in my DSLR malfunctioned. Not a promising start!
Rebuilt from Class 56 No. 56038, GBRf Class 69 locomotive No. 69008 recently named after driver ‘Richard Howe’ at Poole whilst running round its train which has been deposited in Poole Storage Sidings – 13/03/2024GBRf Class 69 locomotive No. 69008 ‘Richard Howe’ running into Poole railway station before heading back out to Poole Storage Sidings and recouping to its train – 13/03/2024
Later in the day, I opted to film the return working at Branksome as under cover of darkness, No. 69008 left Bournemouth depot on the first leg of its journey up to Widnes with Class 458 No. 458521, the next unit in line for refurbishment and conversion, working as 5Z66 1937 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Eastleigh East Yard. We also saw another SWR Class 701 Arterio test run and several passenger and empty coaching stock movements. You can watch events in the video below.
Video from Poole, Branksome and Parkstone – 13/03/2024
15th March and the Snow & Ice Treatment Train made another Friday evening visit on the Bournemouth to Weymouth line, reporting as 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard and once again being top ‘n tailed by GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’.
GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ working 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard passing Hamworthy – 15/03/2024
View From North Dorset:
07/03/2024 – The New Measurement Train (NMT) passed through North Dorset with Network Rail Yellow liveried Class 43 HST power cars No.’s 43062 and 43013 as 1Q23 0556 Reading to Exeter via Salisbury.
Class 37 No. 37607 pauses at Yeovil Junction working the return leg of 3Q07 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. (Scott Lewis) – 15/03/2024
Over night on the 14th and 15th March 2024, the Ultrasonic Test Unit (UTU) made an appearance in North Dorset with Harry Needle Class 37 No. 37607 working 3Q07 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. Friend of the blog and North Dorset Correspondant, Scott, was on hand to see the train passing Gillingham and at Yeovil Junction in the early hours.
Class 37 No. 37607 working 3Q07 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. Video by kind permission of Scott Lewis – 15/03/2024
HAMWORTHY BRANCH
Work has been taking place at Hamworthy Park Crossing in connection with renewing the electrical supply and the restoration of signalling at this location.
Aiming to restore signalling, work to clear vegetation at Hamworthy Park Crossing began on 7th March – 07/03/2024New ducting etc. has been put in place – 12/03/2024Awaiting new electrical connections. We were told the relay box will also be replaced – 12/03/2024Lineside vegetation clearance has been carried out near Hamworthy Park Crossing – 12/03/2024
February 27th 2024 saw the publication of the new Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) Masterplan – which expands on the previous ambition in returning rail freight to the port by utilising the Hamworthy Branch. First published in March 2013, the Masterplan identifies PHC’s vision and strategic outcomes for the next 20 years.
PHC Masterplan in relation to the Hamworthy Branch – February 2024
A date of 2025 for the reinstatement of the rail link is quoted if negotiations with potential stakeholders bear fruit. This ties in with information we have been told previously by Network Rail (NR). This was further supported in the response to a Freedom Of Information Request recently shared on Facebook:
[Network Rail] can confirm that there are plans to resume freight traffic to Poole harbour along the Hamworthy Branch. The project is subject to funding being secured to redevelop the sidings infrastructure within the Port, which would prove the catalyst for some latent demand for sea dredged aggregates traffic to originate from the Port and serve the London and Southeast market.
“There is some potential for container traffic as an onward development, but that is a longer-term prospect and would need to overcome some gauging challenges elsewhere before it could start. The focus will very much be on aggregates traffic and the market should cater for a dally train. There is a potential pot of funding which Network Rail is seeking to utilise for the Poole project but the application for the Port works to be part of this is not confirmed yet.”
From The Archive:
‘Janus’ class 0-6-0DE Yorkshire Engine Co. diesel-mechanical no. 391 ‘Astolat’ (works No.2630 of 1956) at Poole Port. These engines were 0-6-0 wheel arrangement locomotives that weighed 48 long tons and had a maximum speed of 23mph. The two Rolls-Royce C6SFL diesel engines gave a total power output of 400 hp. Each engine had its cooling system at the outer end, and the its generator at the inner end. There were two traction motors, each being powered by one generator, thus simplifying the electrical system. Production began in 1956, and ended in 1965 with 102 Janus locomotives being constructed, mostly for the British steel industry. Other prominent customers included Imperial Chemical Industries (12 locomotives), the Port of London Authority (10), and the National Coal Board (7). Three locomotives were exported. The name Janus is from the two-faced god Janus: the locomotive was symmetrical with two ‘faces’ – 1992 (John Chappell)‘Astolat’ was hired in from Allied Steel & Co., Cardiff from May to November 1992 and is seen at Poole Port – 1992 (John Chappell)
A 1992 glimpse of ‘Astolat’ at Poole Port. Video by John Chappell
DC Tours 1Z24 Hamworthy Quay Phoenix with Class 37 No.’s 37227 & 37902 and Class 33 No. 33114 providing the motive power -15/03/1992 Video by John Chappell
For The Record:
Dorset Council announced it is now part of the North as it declared it would receive £2.068 million each for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25 from the Department for Transport (DafT) ‘Network North fund’, from “reallocated HS2 government funding”, which together with other maintenance and pothole funds, will be dedicated to carriageway maintenance in the council area.
Network Rail and Lambeth council have announced a Vision Statement on future plans for Waterloo Railway Station – the London terminus for the Bournemouth and Weymouth line. Plans include opening up the station undercroft area for public use with new office space built above the station to help fund the upgrade. The masterplan also looks at how the wider area can be improved, with the street outside the front of the station pedestrianised and several of the arches carrying the railway to Charing Cross, directly in front of Waterloo, opened up to form new public walkways. Some of the existing bus and taxi stops could also be relocated to a new enhanced interchange on the south-eastern side of the station.
For more information on future plans for London Waterloo, follow the links below:
That just about brings us to the end of another railway dog blog entry, but just enough time to say on March 16th 2024, Yoshi and I celebrated the fifth anniversary of Gotcha Day. On this day in 2019, Yoshi adopted me and I’ve loved having his companionship ever since.
Thanks for reading, and for your comments and corrections. We’ll be back soon, until then take care. Be seeing you.
Gotcha Day – five years apart!
Postscript:
I doubt we’ll see a Class 455 in former SWT livery again. No. 455713 is seen here approaching Clapham Junction (therailwaydog collection)
GBRf Class 66 No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ pass over Upton viaduct on Holes Bay, Poole working 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 27/02/2024
February 22nd 2024 to February 29th 2024
GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ arrives at Branksome with 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 22/02/2024
Thursday 22nd February 2024 saw more Class 458 EMU shenanigans with planned working 5X62 0530 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&RSMD and associated return 5M64 1315 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Leicester L.I.P. being cancelled due to a “request by the train operator”. Things were retimed, however, but we still saw GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ and 57303 arriving at Branksome with refurbished Class 458/4 No. 458424 65 minutes later than the revised schedule with 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&RSMD.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 prepares to lead into the depot working 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 22/02/2024
As the Class 57 and Class 458/4 consist departed Branksome to reverse into the depot, an un-refurbished Class 458/5 No. 458513, still in the old SWT blue livery, was poking its nose out of the sidings. Which was a bit of a bonus.
As Class 458/5 No. 458513 edges out of the depot working 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings, GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ moves in on the rear of 5X62 0909 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D – 22/02/2024SWR Class 458/5 No. 458513 working 5Y51 1432 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings – 22/02/2024
Video from Branksome – 22/02/2024
The pair of Class 57’s departed almost an hour late top and tailing barrier wagons as 5M64 1515 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Leicester L.I.P. I was at home cooking dinner, being watched closely by a cockapoo of my acquaintance.
Later that same day, a Freightliner operated engineers train worked down from Westbury to Dorchester West, top and tailed by Class 66 No.’s 66562 and 66559. Having feasted, Yoshi and I headed off to Castle Cary to see the train arrive. Major redevelopments continue at Castle Cary station with a new car park taking shape which will provide spaces for 193 cars. An access ramp will take station users from the car park up to the front of the station. There will also be a new cafe and office space in the former milk factory building, which dates from 1910 and is adjacent to the new car par. This work is being carried out by the Emily Estate who also have planning permission for a creamery which may see the production of cheese return to the building. That’s something both Yoshi and I can get behind!
More car parking spaces have been much needed at the station which is located on the GWR line from London Paddington to Taunton. Trains travelling from Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth also call at Castle Cary. The present car park, which will be reconfigured to provide additional Blue Badge parking and spaces for taxi use, is often full on weekdays and, until now, no additional parking has been available nearby.
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 emerges out of the darkness at Castle Cary leading on 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024GWR Class 158 DMU No. 158950 having arrived at Castle Cary with ECS working 5C90 1847 Axminster to Exeter TMD – 22/02/2024The driver of GWR Class 158 DMU No. 158950 prepares to depart Castle Cary with ECS working 5C90 1847 Axminster to Exeter TMD as Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 waits right time with 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024
After seeing the engineers train at Castle Cary, and not wanting to out stay our 20 minute free parking allowance, we headed to Yeovil Pen Mill where we once again saw the pair of 66 locomotives arrive with 6Y91. The driver wearily acknowledged us as we passed each other on the platform.
Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 at Yeovil Pen Mill leading on 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66559 pauses at Yeovil Pen Mill on the rear of 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024
Another lengthy booked stop at Yeovil meant Yoshi and I were able to get ahead of the train and see it pass through Yetminster before we were able to once again get ahead of it as there was a booked stop at Maiden Newton and for our fourth and final time of the evening see the Class 66’s pass through Dorchester West.
Arriving at Dorchester West and heading for Dorchester Junction to reverse and work back is Freightliner Class 66 No. 66562 working 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024Freightliner Class 66 No. 66559 pauses at Dorchester West on the rear of 6Y91 1929 Westbury Down T.C. to Dorchester West before heading down to Dorchester Junction – 22/02/2024
Freightliner Engineers to Dorchester West – 22/02/2024
As the train headed off to Dorchester Junction in order to reverse and return via Dorchester West up platform, Yoshi and I headed off home. The train worked up the West line to its work site and returned to Westbury the following morning as 6Y91 0430 Castle Cary to Westbury Down T.C.
GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ passing through Hamworthy railway station working 23/02/2024: 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. The return from Weymouth would be curtailed at Dorchester South – 23/02/2024
The Snow & Ice Treatment Train (SITT) saw increased activity due to the cold snap in the South at the tail end of February. Top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’, the SITT ventured out of Totton Yard on the night of Friday 23rd February working as 3Y89 2200 Totton Yard to Totton Yard. However, this service was cancelled on the return leg between Dorchester South and Totton Yard “due to an error having been made”, although we believe in reality it was because there was no cover for the Dorsetway signal panel due to late staff absence. We hope everyone concerned is OK.
Having been tipped off by friend of the blog, Jamie, we were able to see the SITT parked up in Dorchester South Engineers Siding on the Saturday morning. Although the locomotives were fired up and looked like they were ready to leave, we were unable to wait to witness their departure towards Weymouth as 3Y88 1200 Dorchester South Isu (CE) to Totton Yard
Friday’s Snow & Ice Treatment Train, having been curtailed at Dorchester South and tucked into a siding by the signal box, returned to Totton on Saturday morning running as 3Y88 1200 Dorchester South Engineers Sidings to Totton Yard top and tailed by GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box – 24/02/2024 (Image: G E Barrett)GBRf Class 66 No. 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ stands in Dorchester South Engineers Sidings awaiting departure back to Totton Yard – 24/02/2024
The same locomotives and rolling stock also worked to Weymouth in daylight hours on Monday 26th February and Tuesday 27th February 2024, which gave opportunities for photography.
GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ and 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ pass Hamworthy working 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 26/02/2024GBRf Class 66 locomotives No. 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ at the rear of 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard having passed Hamworthy. No. 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ was leading on this occasion – 26/02/2024GBRf Class 66 locomotives No.’s 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ and 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ on the approach to Bournemouth as 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 27/02/2024The SITT in the charge of GBRf Class 66 locomotives No. 66764 ‘Major John Poyntz Engineer & Railwayman’ at the rear and 66750 ‘Bristol Panel Signal Box’ leading near Bournemouth railway station working 3Y88 0931 Totton Yard to Totton Yard – 27/02/2024
February 2024 Dorset Snow & Ice Train video
Tuesday 27th also saw further Class 57 hauled unit drags to and from Bournemouth depot as GBRf Class 57 No.’s 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ and 57303 returned with another refurbished SWR Class 458/4, this time No. 458420, from Widnes Transport tech.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ and I have rubbed buffers so many times now, we are on first name terms. We enjoyed a brief catch up here as the locomotive arrived at Branksome working 5X62 0531 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D bringing SWR Class 458 No. 458420 back following refurbishment at Widnes. Sister locomotive No. 57303 was on the other end. Again – 27/02/2024The driver of 5X62 0531 Wembley Receptions 1-7 to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D changes ends so Class 57 No. 57303 leads into the depot from Branksome – 27/02/2024
The pair of Class 57’s left with 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech, this time taking Class 458/5 No. 458522 for refurbishment. We saw this near Bournemouth from Beechey Road bridge overlooking the railway station.
GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 ‘Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate’ approaches Bournemouth railway station leading on 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech with Class 458 No.458522 sandwiched between barrier coaches – 27/02/2024Five car Class 458 EMU No.458522 heads to Cheshire for conversion onto Class 458/4 as 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech – 27/02/2024GBRf Class 57 No. 57303 brings up the rear of 5Q64 1315 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Widnes Transport Tech as the train enters Bournemouth Station – 27/02/2024
Whilst awaiting the arrival of 3Y88 and 5Q64 at Bournemouth, I was almost caught out by a Class 458/4 test run as No. 458424 snuck up on me working the curtailed 5Q91 1320 Basingstoke to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D. The outward run (5Q90 1119 Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D to Basingstoke) had been terminated at Southampton Central due to a points failure.
Class 458/4 test run as No. 458424 passing Bournemouth working the curtailed 5Q91 1320 Basingstoke to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D, although on RTT the train kept its outward designation; 5Q90 1119 Bournemouth T&RSMD to Southampton Central – 27/02/2024Class 458/4 No. 458424 having passed through Bournemouth and heading to Branksome and the depot – 27/02/2024
More Class 458 EMU video – 27/02/2024
What better thing to do on the “extra day” provided in the 2024 calendar – 29th February – than pop over to Bournemouth and see Network Rail Class 153 Diesel Multiple Unit No. 153385 converted to a Video Inspection Unit which ran as 2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard.
2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East Yard2Q32 1113 Eastleigh East Yard to Eastleigh East YardSWR Class 444 No. 444038 at Bournemouth forming 1W16 1103 Weymouth to London Waterloo – 29/02/2024CrossCountry Voyagers No.’s 220023 and 221214 at Bournemouth having arrived as 1008 0725 Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth – 29/02/2024
Class 153 VIU at Bournemouth – 29/02/2024Poster seen at Bournemouth detailing the Weymouth line closure which takes place 18th – 20th March 2024 – 29/02/2024
We returned to Bournemouth later on the 29th to see a Colas Engineers Train top and tailed by regular visitors Class 66 No.’s 66848 and 66849 ‘Wylam Dilly’ which were running as 6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton.
6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton6C19 2259 Eastleigh East Yard to New Milton
Video of Colas Engineering Train reversing at Bournemouth – 29/02/2024
Saturday 24th February Yoshi took a visit to Dawe’s Twineworks at West Coker in Somerset. This is England’s only surviving working Victorian Twineworks. Built in 1899, Dawe’s Twineworks survived until 1968 utilising the flax and hemp grown in the local rich soil to provide the twine, rope and sailcloth required by sailing ships. “Coker Canvas” made the best quality sails and helped the Royal Navy rule the waves in the 19th Century. The volunteers were lovely, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable with the new Visitor Centre providing refreshments and information all for a donation. Dawe’s is open on the 4th Saturday of each month (please check before visiting).
Yoshi in the tea room and visitor centre built in 2018/2019 at Dawe’s Twineworks – 24/02/2024
South Somerset District Council made a compulsory purchase of the site in 2005 to save the buildings which were then close to collapse. The “Coker Rope & Sail Trust”, set up under the auspices of West Coker Parish Council, now has a 125 year lease on the site. In recent years the Trust has managed, with local effort, to restore parts of the building and machinery, install an engine and bring Dawe’s back to life.
Yoshi outside the engine house. To be honest, he wasn’t too keen on the engine once it was fired up – 24/02/20241927 Shanks 16 litre 23HP oil engine made in Arbroath was secured by the Twineworks. The engine has to be started using compressed air which is supplied by a 3.5HP Lister-Hamworthy compressor dating from the 1940’s and stored in a WWI torpedo casing at 25olb/in2 – 24/02/2024The “Walk” is an imposing structure 100m in length, allowing twine to be made in 200m lengths whatever the weather with its Bridgwater-tiled roof protecting valuable machinery – 24/02/2024Construction of the “Walk” was very simple, consisting of just oak posts in the ground, bolted trusses to support the roof and a pine first floor.The Ford model T was first produced in 1908, and was the first mass produced motor car, and due to this it also became affordable to the people. Due to its success the T was modified and different variants were produced. Yoshi is admiring this example which dates from 1926 – 24/02/2024
That’s it for another blog entry. Thanks for reading! Yoshi and I hope you’ve found something of interest. We’ll be back again soon. Be seeing you!
Yoshi after his recent grooming session – 26/02/2024
