20th November 2020

37 Haulage today on the Measurement Train
Leslie Curnow Roger Salter  Jon Hird  Mark Lynam Mick House  Paul Barlow
Clive Smith & Roger Winnen

A pair of Class 37s were used for this months measurement train in dismal conditions from Reading to Paignton via Penzance. Namely 37099 Merl Evans and 37254 Cardiff Canton

37254 0611 Reading to Paignton via Penzance 1Q18 Exeter St Thomas Copyright Paul Barlow

37099 on rear of 0611 Reading to Paignton via Penzance 1Q18 Exeter St Thomas. Copyright Paul Barlow

The measurement train seen passing Brent Station the former junction of the Kingsbridge branch behind 37 Cardiff Canton. Copyright Clive Smith

37099 Merl Evans tails the train through Brent. Copyright Clive Smith

37254 Cardiff Canton crosses Hayle Viaduct with todays measurement train. Copyright Roger Salter

201120a 37254 Cardiff Canton heads through St Erth with the measurement train. Copyright Roger Winnen

201120b A glimer of light as the 37 heads for Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

201120c 37099 Merl Evans tails the train through St Erth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

You’ve heard of road kill, this must be Railroad kill. Copyright Mick House.

37099 Merl Evans has arrived at Penzance, daparting again at 12.01 to Paignton. Copyright Roger Salter

201120j Arrival at Penzance of th measurement train from Reading. Copyright Mark Lynam

201120k With 37099 tailing th train into Platform 2 at Penzance the measurement trains with enthusiasts gathered on Platform 3. Copyright Mark Lynam

201120l The vegetation is taking over on the wall at Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

201120i The old and the new at the Terminus. Copyright Leslie Curnow

201120f 37099 Merl Evans at Penzance. Copyright Leslie Curnow

201120h 37254 Cardiff Canton at Penzance. Copyright Leslie Curnow

37 099 takes the train through St Erth. Copyright Mick House.

37 254 bringing up the rear, through St Erth Copyright Mick House.

201120d 37099 Merl Evans heads the return working over Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

201120e 37254 Cardiff Canton tails the train over Hayle Viaduct just after noon today. Copyright Roger Winnen

I thought you might like these photos of the Colas 37s I took today, just east of Burngullow where some major lineside clearance has been taking place. Behind the Class 37 can be seen the buffer stops of Methrose Sidings where the stone traffic was loaded normally well hidden amongst the trees. Copyright Jon Hird

In the "going away" shot you can see the Network Rail contractors hard at work clearing Bamboo which has escaped from someone's garden and made it to the lineside! Copyright Jon Hird

37099 Merl Evans Climbing Hemerdon Bank on the return journey to Paignton assisted by 37254 Cardiff Canton. Copyright Clive Smith

A suprise visitor on the Southern yesterday
David Tozer

A surprise visitor to the former LSWR route. So I took some daily exercise to get a photograph.
First 159016 passed by at Exhibition Way, near the old Devon County Showfield with the 1025 St David's to Waterloo. On the rear was two car unit 158880. Then came 37099 top and tailing with 37254 on the 0541 1Q23 Reading Triangle Sidings via Salisbury and Honiton to Exeter and back to Salisbury. A rare replacement for the NMT.
Stay safe
Dave

A surprise visitor to the former LSWR route. So I took some daily exercise to get a photograph. 37099 and 37254 at Exhibition Way Exeter on the test train yesterday. Copyright David Tozer.

159016 passed me by at Exhibition Way, near the old Devon County Showfield with the 1025 St David's to Waterloo. On the rear was two car unit 158880. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Westbury
Guy Vincent

37099 and 37254 in Westbury station on the 1Q23 0541 Reading Triangle - Exeter - Salisbury - Westbury - Southampton - Salisbury - Reading test train.  This working is normally covered by the Network Rail NMT HST.   The train SHOULD reach Penzance tomorrow (Friday) so one to watch out for if it runs. Real Time Trains will provide the answer in due course..      Some years ago both locos were in preservation, 37099 on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and 37254 at the Spa Valley Railway.  

Cheers for now, Guy Vincent.

60020 creeps around the Hawkeridge curve with the 6B33 Theale-Robeston 18th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury 37099 heads the 1Q23 18th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 37254 brings up the rear on the 1Q23 18th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.
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Pendomer and Yeovil Junction
Bill Eston

A busy couple of days for Bill - he sends pictures of the Network Rail Test Train which ran from Reading to Exeter via Salisbury.  It was top and tailed by Colas locos 37099 'Merl Evans' and 37254 'Cardiff Canton', appropriate as this loco was a long-time resident of CF in BR days, spending much time in the South West.

37099 'Merl Evans' leads at Pendomer on the 19th November 2020. Bill Elston

37254 'Cardiff Canton' brings up the rear of the test train at Pendomer 19th November 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Caught at the platform at Yeovil Junction is 37099. 19th November 2020. Bill Elston

37099 at Yeovil Junction, detail of the very smart nameboard. 19th November 2020. Bill Elston

Another profitable day in good light - many thanks Bill. It is fortunate that you live near both Western and Southern routes.
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A busy rewarding hour at Berkley Lane Bridge
Nr Frome
Bill Elston

Yesterday (18th November 2020) I was in the Frome area to get my car MoTd by the dealer who sold it to me, so I took time out to visit Berkeley Lane bridge just East of Clink Road Jct and was well rewarded, in spite of the challenging light conditions.

166219 Gloucester to Weymouth from Berkley Lane Overbridge on the 18th November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Quite a coincidence and perfect timing. 1A78,1C76 Passing each other at 11.18 18th November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Next 159005 on the Yeovil to Salisbury 18th November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Hard at work and looking very grubby 66151 heads the RHTT passing at 11.30. 18th November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

248E 66542 heads the Whatley Quarry - Williesden it's 11.42 on the 18th November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

59101 Merehead to Colnbrook it's 11.45 on the 18th November 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

And finally we see 66540 on the Merehead to Wotton Bassett 12.02 18th November 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill - well done with all your records.
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