4th November 2021

Colas Test Train
Melksham & Trowbridge
Guy Vincent

Due to the usual pair of Colas class 67 locos being used on a RHTT set this year the monthly 1Z22 Colas-operated test train from Derby to Bristol via various routes in the midlands and south of England was powered today by a pair of former LNER HST power cars 43272 and 43251.  The train arrived at Westbury around 1415hrs and rather than continuing as booked to Weymouth terminated and stabled in the 'Up Trowbridge' siding to await further instructions.

43272 may possibly have been making a debut appearance in my local area as it is one of just a handful of power cars I have never recorded here.   43251 was originally part of WR set 253025 and was used on 8th August 1977 on a 'Silver Jubilee' special with sister PC 43050 when HM the Queen and Prince Philip visited several locations in the Bath and Bristol area.  Early in the afternoon the shortened HST set ran to Bradford Junction and stabled on the now lifted north to west chord line where the royal party ''took luncheon''. 

Two photos of the train 1) passing through Melksham and 2) stabled in the 'Up Trowbridge' siding at Westbury.

With best regards, Guy Vincent.

Melksham 43272 & 43251 1Z22 Colas Test Train 3rd November 2021 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 43272 & 43251 Colas Test Train recesses in the up Trowbridge siding at Westbury. 3rd November 2021 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy.
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Aller Junction 28th July 1984
Michael Forward

Here is a picture taken at Aller Junction on a glorious 28 July 1984 and it shows 47311 heading the 12.18 service from Paddington to Paignton.The lovely old GW sign must have been for the crews of loose coupled goods trains that have just come down Dainton bank.(I wonder if it is still there). Thanks, all the best, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Footballer at
​Paignton
Driver Alan Peters

Freight trains to Paignton are something of a rarity and only then in the hours of darkness as was the case in the early hours of Wednesday 3rd November when GBRf 66729 "Derby County" visited Paignton with 6C97 the rail delivery train from Westbury to Goodrington Sidings, the GBRf locomotive was actually on hire to Colas Rail.
Driver Alan Peters

Paignton 66729 Derby County on rail deliveries. - Driver Alan Peters. 3rd November 2021..Copyright

Many thanks Alan - good to hear from you.
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Hinksey Yard
Ron Kosys

Fresh from Royal Train duties, 47501 heads north past the southern access to Hinksey Yard as it approaches Oxford with the late afternoon Poole – Manchester, 20th July 1988.

Looking extremely smart 47501 passes Hinksey Yard 20th July 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron - the loco looking very smart - white wheels and all.
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Rattlesbrook Peat Rly
Andrew Jones & Clive Smith

Firstly Andrew  Jones and then later Clive Smith explore the route of this little known Peat Railway which stemmed from the Southern Main line at Bridestowe climbing 1,000 feet up on Dartmoor in its five and a quarter mile route.  Several photographs plus links to track diagrams and additional photographs. This link will take you to the alphabetically arranged section where you will find it very near the end. 

Clive Smith and his faithful companion Megan explore the route of the Rattlesbrook Peat Railway. copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks to Andrew and Clive.
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Don't destroy our old rail routes
A Plea from Colin Burges seconded by Michael L Roach

This is a copy of a letter sent by our good friend Colin Burges to the Western Morning News - it is, as Mike says. as true today as it was when originally published 12 years ago.
Many thanks Mike and Colin I am sure these are still all our sentiments.
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