11th April 2021

Weekend work at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Major renewals being undertaken this weekend around Westbury

1) Bradford Junction.  Renewal of formation and ballast top-up.  The crossover at the junction has been removed and the formation dug out prior to refilling. 66097 on spoil train.

2 3 and 4) Hawkeridge Junction  Renewal of Up Loop or Chord line leading round to Westbury East Loop Junction.  This was last done around 30 years ago as a budget job with steel sleepers dropped onto the original formation and CWR installed.  Now with an increase in heavy freight traffic using the loop the entire formation is being excavated and renewed and new concrete sleepers are being laid.  

3) Westbury station.  Fleet of assorted buses engaged on rail-replacement services for Trowbridge Bradford on Avon and Bath.

Regards

Guy Vincent.  

1. Bradford Junction Crossover Relaying 10th April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

2. Hawkeridge Renewals 70806 10th April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

3. Hawkeridge Up Loop Renewal 70805 10th April 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

4. Hawkeridge Up Loop Renewal. 10th April 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

5. Westbury Road-Rail Replacement 10th April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent. Two signs of the times - (a) Bus replacements, and (b) Masks must be worn.

My apologies to Guy for the late publishing of this report - technical hitch.
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Devon & Cornwall
Roger Winnen
Good to see Roger about.

210408a Motive Power at Bere Ferrers. No 3 A.S.Harris and Earl of Mount Edgecombe in the process of a complete repaint. 8th April 2021 Copyright Roger Winnen

210408b Earl of Mount Edgecombe in the process of a repaint. Copyright Roger Winnen

210408bb A.S.Harris with the Gresley teak body brake coach at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

210408c 66170 on the 693W 1151 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside sits in Chapel Sidings at Par awaiting departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

210408d 66170 Departs Par at 15.26 for Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

Burngullow
Andrew Bryon

158763 Working the Penzance-Plymouth.. Copyright Andrew Bryon

43171/43029 Working theCardiff Central-Penzance. Copyright Andrew Bryon

Rare Visitor
​Keith Turley

A very rare visitor to the Westcountry today 10th April 2021.DRS class 57/0 No.57002 'Rail Express' pases Stoke Canonworking the OV83 10:00 Taunton to Taunton via Exeter St. Davidsdriver route learner.
Cheers Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith.
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Penleigh, Westbury 57002 (47322) 6Z82 10.57 Westbury - Taunton Fairwater 9th April 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

DRS class 57 57002 made an unexpected and rare appearance yesterday (9th) when it took some newly overhauled HOBC vehicles from the Plasser Works at West Ealing to Fairwater Yard, Taunton.    The train passed along the Westbury avoiding line at speed at 1545hrs.    57002 was rebuilt for Freightliner by Brush Traction at Loughborough in 1998 and was previously known as 47322.  I gather (from RTT) that it is currently scheduled to return from Fairwater to West Ealing by way of the Berks & Hants route departing at 0855 on Monday (12th).

Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy for the bonus info.
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A sunny walk at
St Keyne
Chris Harvey

I've spent today exploring the Looe branch and making the most of the wonderful sunshine! Here is my best shot - about half a mile north of St Keyne station, 150 248 is captured rolling south with the 09.36 Liskeard - Looe.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin

St Keyne, half a mile north of. 10th April 2021 Copyright Chris Harvey

Thanks Chris. A great day for a good walk.
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