9th October 2019

Taking it easy
On the A30
Paul Roach

4612 returns to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway seen here on the A30. 8th October 2019. Copyright Paul Roach.

Many thanks Paul.

Barton Hill 50
Guy Vincent

As my train passed Bristol Barton Hill depot this morning (8th October)  I was surprised to see a blue class 50 sitting outside with two Chiltern Railways carriages. These were brought down for attention from Wembley last Saturday, 5th.   The loco is 50008 'Thunderer' and it has a large bodyside sticker that reads 'Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions'.   Barton Hill  hosts interesting traction from time to time and repairs and refurbishes a variety of rolling stock, mainly class 158 sets and loco-hauled carriages. 

Regards, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy - you were quick to get that one.

Bristol Barton Hill on the morning of 8th October 2019. 50008 Thunderer & 2 Chiltern Coaches. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Parkway 59's
Guy Vincent

Ready to leave Stoke Gifford sidings for Westbury just as a torrential downpour arrived, 59003 'Yeoman Highlander' was clearly visible from the platforms at Bristol Parkway station around 0830 this morning.  Freightliner has hired the loco from GB Railfreight for staff training as they prepare for the imminent start of a new 10 year contract handling all the aggregate traffic from the Mendip Quarries.  This contract has been won from DB Cargo and as part of the deal the fleet of locos previously owned by MRL (59001 002 004 005 and 59101 102 103 & 104) transferred to Freightliner ownership at the end of 2017.  59003 was sold by Mendip Rail in 1996 and spent almost 18 years in Germany until it was resold to GB Railfreight in 2014 and repatriated to the UK.  It would be great to see it back on Mendip stone workings again...

Recently offered for sale, DB's small fleet of six class 59/2's are still active although it is reported that 59202 and 59206 are unavailable for traffic.    It remains to be seen what will happen to them once the contract changes over. 

Cheers for now,  Guy Vincent.
      Your picture and extra detail is much appreciated, thank you. 

Stoke Gifford Sidings. 59003 8th October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Stoke Gifford 59003 & 66589 8th October 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Worcester Loco Society visit (2)
South Devon Railway
Steve Widdowson

1369 Buckfastleigh 5th October 2019. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

'Bubble car' 55000 ready for duty at Buckfastleigh 5th October 2019. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Looking grand the Worcester Loco Society's own loco 5786 { L92 } Buckfastleigh 5th October 2019 Copyright Steve Widdowson

An unusual view of the Littleworth coach at the South Devon Railway 5th October 2019. Copyright Steve Widdowson