37421 on tonights test train Penzance to Exeter via Newquay & Looe
Roger Winnen
Roger Winnen
230927a 37421 on the 20.48 Test Train to Exeter via Newquay and Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen
230927b 37421 On tonights Test Train to Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen
***
NINTEEN SIXTY TWO 62 - PART 43
Michael L. Roach
Michael L. Roach
The Southern Railway's Z-Class
On Saturday 28 July 1962 I took a half-day trip from Plymouth to Exeter, outwards at 2.45pm. This was The Royal Duchy, the 11.50am off Penzance which was allowed nearly eight hours to reach Paddington at 7.42pm. The load was 14C hauled by a D8xx series Warship piloted by a North British Type 2 in the D63xx series; and the duo took 14 minutes to pass Hemerdon Box. The fare was ten shillings (50p) return. There was one scheduled stop at Totnes and no less than three signal slows and three signal stops. The pilot came off at Newton Abbot on the through road. Just in front of my train must have been the late running 12.30 Newquay to Paddington which was nominally non-stop from Plymouth to Paddington. My train started 4L and lost a further 13 minutes to Exeter St. Davids where I stayed from 4.30pm to 7.47pm photographing steam. No film was expended on photographing diesels, as film was too precious, although I did photograph diesels later in the 1960s. Ten steam engines were photographed, as follows: 1009, 1471, 3810, 9635, 30957, 31853, 34011, 34023, 34081, and 34096 representing seven different classes. The highlights were seeing GW 2-8-0 3810 on a parcels train; an SR 0-8-0 30957 on banking duties; and seeing the Okehampton to Surbiton car-carrier banked up the 1 in 37 to Exeter Central.
Several British railways built 0-8-0 tender engines for haulage of heavy freight trains, but 0-8-0 tank engines were very rare. The Southern Railway's Z-class was a 3-cylinder 0-8-0 tank engine designed by Richard Maunsell for heavy shunting. The initial batch of eight were built at Brighton Works in 1929 and at first they were spread all over the Southern system. A second order for ten engines to be built at Eastleigh in 1931 was cancelled due to the depression in trade of the early 1930s. With a tractive effort of 29,380 and all the 71 ton weight on the driving wheels the Z-class were the complete master of what they were asked to do. British Railways rated the class 7F and numbered them 30950 to 30957.
Although the class had been based at Exeter before, the first half of the 1950s saw none at Exmouth Junction Shed. Two of the class arrived in 1956; one in 1958; and no less than five in 1959, meaning that the whole class had gravitated to Exmouth Junction Shed, although I cannot imagine that Exeter ever needed all eight engines. This state of affairs would last from May 1959 to October 1962 when the first of the class was condemned and by the end of that year the whole class had been withdrawn. An attempt to preserve 30952 for use on the Bluebell Railway ended in failure and all eight examples were cut up. In two adjacent images are shewn examples of two differentn 8-coupled engines. The one thing they have in common is the driving wheel diameter which is very similar. A comparison of all the other main dimensions shows them to be completetely different; Maunsell was quite definitely not copying Churchward's 2800-class 2-8-0s intoduced 25 years earlier or the 4200-class of 1910. This was the only occasion I managed to capture a Z-class on film.
I left Exeter at 7.47pm (5L) on a Manchester to Plymouth train as far as Newton Abbot where I transferred to the following 4.30pm Paddington to Truro train (The Mayflower) perhaps in the vain hope that the train might be steam-hauled. Both were hauled by unrecorded D800-series Warships.
MLR / 23 September 2023
On Saturday 28 July 1962 I took a half-day trip from Plymouth to Exeter, outwards at 2.45pm. This was The Royal Duchy, the 11.50am off Penzance which was allowed nearly eight hours to reach Paddington at 7.42pm. The load was 14C hauled by a D8xx series Warship piloted by a North British Type 2 in the D63xx series; and the duo took 14 minutes to pass Hemerdon Box. The fare was ten shillings (50p) return. There was one scheduled stop at Totnes and no less than three signal slows and three signal stops. The pilot came off at Newton Abbot on the through road. Just in front of my train must have been the late running 12.30 Newquay to Paddington which was nominally non-stop from Plymouth to Paddington. My train started 4L and lost a further 13 minutes to Exeter St. Davids where I stayed from 4.30pm to 7.47pm photographing steam. No film was expended on photographing diesels, as film was too precious, although I did photograph diesels later in the 1960s. Ten steam engines were photographed, as follows: 1009, 1471, 3810, 9635, 30957, 31853, 34011, 34023, 34081, and 34096 representing seven different classes. The highlights were seeing GW 2-8-0 3810 on a parcels train; an SR 0-8-0 30957 on banking duties; and seeing the Okehampton to Surbiton car-carrier banked up the 1 in 37 to Exeter Central.
Several British railways built 0-8-0 tender engines for haulage of heavy freight trains, but 0-8-0 tank engines were very rare. The Southern Railway's Z-class was a 3-cylinder 0-8-0 tank engine designed by Richard Maunsell for heavy shunting. The initial batch of eight were built at Brighton Works in 1929 and at first they were spread all over the Southern system. A second order for ten engines to be built at Eastleigh in 1931 was cancelled due to the depression in trade of the early 1930s. With a tractive effort of 29,380 and all the 71 ton weight on the driving wheels the Z-class were the complete master of what they were asked to do. British Railways rated the class 7F and numbered them 30950 to 30957.
Although the class had been based at Exeter before, the first half of the 1950s saw none at Exmouth Junction Shed. Two of the class arrived in 1956; one in 1958; and no less than five in 1959, meaning that the whole class had gravitated to Exmouth Junction Shed, although I cannot imagine that Exeter ever needed all eight engines. This state of affairs would last from May 1959 to October 1962 when the first of the class was condemned and by the end of that year the whole class had been withdrawn. An attempt to preserve 30952 for use on the Bluebell Railway ended in failure and all eight examples were cut up. In two adjacent images are shewn examples of two differentn 8-coupled engines. The one thing they have in common is the driving wheel diameter which is very similar. A comparison of all the other main dimensions shows them to be completetely different; Maunsell was quite definitely not copying Churchward's 2800-class 2-8-0s intoduced 25 years earlier or the 4200-class of 1910. This was the only occasion I managed to capture a Z-class on film.
I left Exeter at 7.47pm (5L) on a Manchester to Plymouth train as far as Newton Abbot where I transferred to the following 4.30pm Paddington to Truro train (The Mayflower) perhaps in the vain hope that the train might be steam-hauled. Both were hauled by unrecorded D800-series Warships.
MLR / 23 September 2023
7256 0-4-2 no. 1471 propels the 3.15pm from Dulverton into Exeter St. Davids at 4.33 on 28 July 1962. Note the banking engine on the left. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7257 34023 Blackmore Vale leaves St. Davids on the Brighton to Plymouth train. 34023 lasted until the end of steam on the Southern Region and was preserved.. c=Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7258 1471 takes water ready for its next trip to Dulverton at 5.48pm. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7259 Z-class 30957 banks the Surbiton car carrier train out of St. Davids. The train engine was 34096 Trevone hauling three coaches and eight GUVs Copyright Michael L. Roach.
7265 3810 is seen on a lengthy down parcels train. 3810 was based at Cardiff Canton Shed but would move to East Dock Shed the following month to allow Canton to be converted to a diesel depot. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks indeed Michael - as usual the usual feast on knowledge contained in the captions.
Silverton today 26th September 2023
Another departure
David Tozer
Another departure
David Tozer
Yet another pair of HST Power cars and coaches leave the West Country.
37608 with 43192 48143 48144 48145 49115 49110 48128 43010 are working 5L46 09:57 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings taken at Silverton in murky conditions.
Will these be heading to Mexico I wonder.
I find it odd that these are not 'green' enough for our Department of Transport, yet in Mexico they have a further use whilst some of our trains are now overcrowded.
Dave
37608 with 43192 48143 48144 48145 49115 49110 48128 43010 are working 5L46 09:57 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings taken at Silverton in murky conditions.
Will these be heading to Mexico I wonder.
I find it odd that these are not 'green' enough for our Department of Transport, yet in Mexico they have a further use whilst some of our trains are now overcrowded.
Dave
7608 43192 and 43010 26th September 2023. Copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks David - sad reflections on current happenings.
The Pilning story continued
Richard Giles
Richard Giles
Hello Keith
Sorry for the late reply on this subject (due to recent holidays) - reference Phil Smith's 3rd , published 9th September view.
Pilning Station, South Gloucestershire has always been an interesting subject, cited on the South Wales mainline between Patchway (the Severn Tunnel) and Severn Tunnel Junction Stations being in latter times poorly served, currently having only two trains calling a week both on a Saturday despite several recent changes in the surrounding landscape regarding a large TESCO distribution depot and the WAVE an inland water surfing park (probably not as good as Newquay and the North Cornwall Coast!) but popularity here is growing non the less, nearby.
The placard Platform 2 opened 1st December 1886, relates to its unpopular closure during the Autumn of 2016 as electrification was nearing. Image 1 (copyright Richard Giles) taken on 10th September 2016 shows 153361 + 150127 with 2U12 1407 Taunton - Cardiff Central service 'the last train' (so called by many at the time!) as an engineering work line blockade was to start the next day, 11th September through to 21st October for internal tunnel electrification 'contact rail' installation to take place. The footbridge (which was already observed to have had some flame cutting taken place on this date) was to be removed to accommodate the passage of overhead line wires and supports and as can be seen a number of locals, a village councilor, members of the excellent Friends of the Surburban Railway (FOBSR) area pro-rail lobby group (now known as Bristol Rail Campaign Friends of Surburban Bristol Railways) and rail enthusiasts were present, the latter in fact causing problems as the train guard who was in the second coach of 150127 (57127) had to cancel at least two departure attempts (this eventually taking place at 1542) as persons kept jumping out of its front coach (52127) presumably wanting to be the final passenger to get off and last back on a train to call at this station platform prior to closure! Bunting, flags and other home-made placards which had been put up by station supporters to mark the occasion, completed the scene.
HOWEVER, this was not to be and two more trains (the first being on Saturday 22nd October) later, Image 2 (copyright Richard Giles) 150938 (formed 57219+52238+57238) which is seen with 2U20 1407 Taunton - Cardiff Central (which was started at Bristol Temple Meads on the day at 1521 - the original set having failed with a door defect) departing at 1545 (5 minutes late) in not so good weather conditions and a lower turn out re observers, this being the 'real' final train to call on 29th October 2016. Two further week-end blockades following the six-week work period had been 'overlooked' and these were the ones planned for the eventual demise of the foot-bridge this having been completed by mid-November.
Hope of interest, regards,
RICHARD GILES Clevedon. North Somerset.
Sorry for the late reply on this subject (due to recent holidays) - reference Phil Smith's 3rd , published 9th September view.
Pilning Station, South Gloucestershire has always been an interesting subject, cited on the South Wales mainline between Patchway (the Severn Tunnel) and Severn Tunnel Junction Stations being in latter times poorly served, currently having only two trains calling a week both on a Saturday despite several recent changes in the surrounding landscape regarding a large TESCO distribution depot and the WAVE an inland water surfing park (probably not as good as Newquay and the North Cornwall Coast!) but popularity here is growing non the less, nearby.
The placard Platform 2 opened 1st December 1886, relates to its unpopular closure during the Autumn of 2016 as electrification was nearing. Image 1 (copyright Richard Giles) taken on 10th September 2016 shows 153361 + 150127 with 2U12 1407 Taunton - Cardiff Central service 'the last train' (so called by many at the time!) as an engineering work line blockade was to start the next day, 11th September through to 21st October for internal tunnel electrification 'contact rail' installation to take place. The footbridge (which was already observed to have had some flame cutting taken place on this date) was to be removed to accommodate the passage of overhead line wires and supports and as can be seen a number of locals, a village councilor, members of the excellent Friends of the Surburban Railway (FOBSR) area pro-rail lobby group (now known as Bristol Rail Campaign Friends of Surburban Bristol Railways) and rail enthusiasts were present, the latter in fact causing problems as the train guard who was in the second coach of 150127 (57127) had to cancel at least two departure attempts (this eventually taking place at 1542) as persons kept jumping out of its front coach (52127) presumably wanting to be the final passenger to get off and last back on a train to call at this station platform prior to closure! Bunting, flags and other home-made placards which had been put up by station supporters to mark the occasion, completed the scene.
HOWEVER, this was not to be and two more trains (the first being on Saturday 22nd October) later, Image 2 (copyright Richard Giles) 150938 (formed 57219+52238+57238) which is seen with 2U20 1407 Taunton - Cardiff Central (which was started at Bristol Temple Meads on the day at 1521 - the original set having failed with a door defect) departing at 1545 (5 minutes late) in not so good weather conditions and a lower turn out re observers, this being the 'real' final train to call on 29th October 2016. Two further week-end blockades following the six-week work period had been 'overlooked' and these were the ones planned for the eventual demise of the foot-bridge this having been completed by mid-November.
Hope of interest, regards,
RICHARD GILES Clevedon. North Somerset.
153361 + 150127 2U20 1407 Taunton-Cardiff Central 10th September 2016. Copyright Richard Gies
150938 57219 (lead) 52238 57238 2U20 Pilning P2 1407 Taunton. 29th October 2016 Copyright Richard Giles
Pilning - long may it continue to linger and soon to prosper.
Many thanks Richard for your detailed letter.
Many thanks Richard for your detailed letter.
The Ken and Colin show
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
Today Colin and I have agreed to join forces with SOME of the photos I took [at KEMBLE] and SOME that Colin took at SWINDON. Hopefully I've sorted them out helpfully below:-
[1] 0Z56 - Barnetby Sidings to Swindon Transfer taken by COLIN at SWINDON . This train was due to pass KEMBLE at 1354 - its actual time of passing was 1151, so KEN missed it because it passed this station 122 minutes EARLY! Colin's photo shows 56113 and 56051 alongside platform at SWINDON some 118 minutes EARLY!
[2] A Paddington bound IET slows down for the KEMBLE stop taken by KEN
[3] This is probably a mileage marker at KEMBLE [platform 1 - the London bound platform]
[4] Running 11 minutes LATE passing KEMBLE and taking KEN by surprise was 1Q15 Derby to Swansea {Landore] via 'the world'.
[5] 1Q15 passes through SWINDON and makes its way to Cockleberry Sidings just east of the station [photo by COLIN] where it reverses. The power cars are 43277 and 43274.
[6] Having reversed,1Q15 returns through SWINDON 1 minute EARLY [again photo by COLIN] and takes the Gloucester branch via KEMBLE.
[7] Whilst KEN was waiting at KEMBLE for 1Q15 to return, this photo was taken from the station's footbridge of a 'Lock-jaw' Cheltenham bound IET slowing down for the KEMBLE stop.
[8] 1Q15 passes the old water tower on platfrom 2 at KEMBLE - photo by KEN. Now 4 minutes EARLY!
[9] 1Q15 going away shot by KEN at KEMBLE but unable to get the rear power car!
[10] Meanwhile back at SWINDON, COLIN took this photo [at the eastern end of platform 4] of the pioneer class 66 [66001] with 6C03 - Northolt to Severnside .
[11] 70802 on the Up Main Line [UML] photographed by COLIN with 6M40 - Westbury to Stud Farm.
[12] Units 756106 and 756108 undergoing mileage accumulation trials between South Wales and Swindon - photographed by COLIN at SWINDON.
[13] 60015 does some shunting in preparation for taking 6V53 [Swindon Stores to Toton Sidings] later that day.
Kind regards,
Ken and Colin.
[1] 0Z56 - Barnetby Sidings to Swindon Transfer taken by COLIN at SWINDON . This train was due to pass KEMBLE at 1354 - its actual time of passing was 1151, so KEN missed it because it passed this station 122 minutes EARLY! Colin's photo shows 56113 and 56051 alongside platform at SWINDON some 118 minutes EARLY!
[2] A Paddington bound IET slows down for the KEMBLE stop taken by KEN
[3] This is probably a mileage marker at KEMBLE [platform 1 - the London bound platform]
[4] Running 11 minutes LATE passing KEMBLE and taking KEN by surprise was 1Q15 Derby to Swansea {Landore] via 'the world'.
[5] 1Q15 passes through SWINDON and makes its way to Cockleberry Sidings just east of the station [photo by COLIN] where it reverses. The power cars are 43277 and 43274.
[6] Having reversed,1Q15 returns through SWINDON 1 minute EARLY [again photo by COLIN] and takes the Gloucester branch via KEMBLE.
[7] Whilst KEN was waiting at KEMBLE for 1Q15 to return, this photo was taken from the station's footbridge of a 'Lock-jaw' Cheltenham bound IET slowing down for the KEMBLE stop.
[8] 1Q15 passes the old water tower on platfrom 2 at KEMBLE - photo by KEN. Now 4 minutes EARLY!
[9] 1Q15 going away shot by KEN at KEMBLE but unable to get the rear power car!
[10] Meanwhile back at SWINDON, COLIN took this photo [at the eastern end of platform 4] of the pioneer class 66 [66001] with 6C03 - Northolt to Severnside .
[11] 70802 on the Up Main Line [UML] photographed by COLIN with 6M40 - Westbury to Stud Farm.
[12] Units 756106 and 756108 undergoing mileage accumulation trials between South Wales and Swindon - photographed by COLIN at SWINDON.
[13] 60015 does some shunting in preparation for taking 6V53 [Swindon Stores to Toton Sidings] later that day.
Kind regards,
Ken and Colin.
The pictures are numbered Left and Right then down.
Please click on a picture to see an enlaged and framed version.
Please click on a picture to see an enlaged and framed version.
Many thanks to Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon.