5th November 2020

Today at Westbury
Guy Vincent

Following the visit yesterday (4th November 2020) of the Colas HST set on test duties today witnessed the presence of loco 37612 with another test formation (coaches 99666 72630 9801 62384 9714)  stabled outside the panel signal box.   The train arrived overnight after testing the GWML between Reading and Bristol Parkway then local lines via Bath to Westbury.  I understand it is due out late this evening to check branch lines in the Southampton  area before running to Bristol for stabling tomorrow (Fri 6th).

37612 was originally numbered D6979 and became 37179 under TOPS.  In 1986 it was rebuilt with an alternator and renumbered 37691.  Later it was rebuilt again as one of the 12 locos intended for the proposed 'Nightstar' passenger services from the South West and Wales to Europe via the Channel Tunnel but this project was abandoned before any trains had run! Direct Rail Services bought the fleet of twelve 37-6's and for many years they worked nuclear flask traffic to and from Sellafield before being superseded by class 66 and 68 locos.   37612 is now owned by Harry Needle Railroad Co and on long term hire to Colas for test train work.   Also a bonus shot of 37610 (D6881 37181 37687) which was at Westbury for crew training purposes a couple of weeks ago. Also owned by HNRC this loco is also on long term hire to Colas. 

Regards

Guy V

Westbury 37612 & 802015 - 802012 (1A85) 5th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury 37610 on the 22nd October 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks again Guy, not a detail missed!
​

The Day before Lockdown Part 2 Bodmin Parkway
Visited yesterday 4th November
Roger Winnen

201104g The Bodmin & Wenford Railway works train hauled by D8444 at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104h One of our members and a coach driver for many of our events Dave Letcher assisting in the operation of digging out the old ballast prior to installing a new crossover. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104i Men at Work at Bodmin. This part of the line will be laid in concrete sleepers. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104l Getting the excavator back on board the train after a mornings work. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104m All aboard as David Letcher surveys the scene. Copyright Roger Winnen

201104o The Aberthaw to Moorswater Cement hurries through Bodmin Parkway behind 70802 after running around at Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yesterday Mornings Arrival 'Night Riviera'
Roger Salter

201104a The Night Riviera hauled by 57306 in DRS Livery seen from the Railway Bridge at Marazion on its final 2 mile run into Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Unusual visitor at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

The monthly Tyseley-Weymouth-Bristol High Level PLP-R test train arrived at Westbury today with former East Midlands Power Cars 43050 and 43060 in charge.  These two PC's have recently been acquired by Colas and carry their branding.  43050, originally part of Western Region set 253025 was transferred away to the Midland Region in 1982.   I recall seeing it pass through Bradford-on-Avon on 8th August 1977 with a specially formed set consisting of three first class carriages, one kitchen coach and sister PC 43051 when it conveyed HM the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on one of their Silver Jubilee outings to the Bath area.   43060 was originally part of Eastern Region class 254 set 254003 which in 1978 was loaned for a period to the Western Region following problems with the WR fleet.  Welcome back!

Note: The train stayed in Westbury for around two hours before going as far as Castle Cary where it turned back and headed for Bristol.

Regards, Guy Vincent

43050 (Ex 253025)) together with 43060 on the 1Z22 pictured at Westbury on the 4th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

43060 on the rear of the 1Z22 4th November 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

The complete test train pictured at Hawkeridge Junction. 43050 and 43060 powering the 1Z22 looking very smart indeed. 4th November 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many many thanks Guy for excellent coverage of this bright new arrangement.
​

Scenes at
Marston Footbridge
Ken Mumford

Friends,
 I was at Marston Footbridge being  the right place at the right time to see two IET's  passing.
 Of particular note  was [1Z22 - Tyseley to Bristol via Worcester, Evesham, Oxford, Swindon, Westbury, Yeovil (Pen Mill), Weymouth, Yeovil (Pen Mill), Frome, Wstbury, Bath, Bradford-on-Avon, Bath, Abbey Wood, Bristol. ]It was 42 minutes late at Oxford North Junction, 11 minutes late at Didcot (Foxall Junction), 24 minutes EARLY passing me and also at Swindon station.  My latest is 6 minutes EARLY at Westbury.  This train consisted of HST type power cars 43060 and 43050 with coaches 6392, 977983, 5891, 6264 in between the power cars.
Kind regards,
Ken (Mumford)  

Two IET's passing at Marston footbridge. 4th November 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A very colourful catch and a rare coincidence caught at Marston footbridge in excellent light - well done Ken.
​

A visit to 'The Swan' at
Exminster
David Tozer

​My final visit to the Swan's Nest Exminster for lunch coincided with a Colas Tamper move from Par to Woodborough on Wednesday.
I think it was DR73905.
Take care.  Dave 

Colas Tamper passes 'The Swan' at Exminster. 4th November 2020 Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David, hope you enjoyed lunch - you take care too.
​

Exeter
Paul Barlow

45055 stabled at Exeter 28th February 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul