Behind the scenes at Laira
Craig Munday
I was very grateful to colleagues at GWR Laira depot for allowing me a visit on Sun 16th Feb whilst on duty. The depot has seen many changes over the generations, steam to diesel hydraulic, diesel hydraulic to diesel electric, locos to HST, HST to IET and so on. The ever evolving scene will soon see the GWR Castle sets be replaced by former ATW class 175, and three are currently on depot awaiting entry to training / service.
Half the class 57/6 fleet are also on the depot and are seen with 08641. The wheel lathe is in the foreground, a rarely photographed, remarkable piece of equipment.
Half the class 57/6 fleet are also on the depot and are seen with 08641. The wheel lathe is in the foreground, a rarely photographed, remarkable piece of equipment.
57605 on the lift at Laira. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
57605 and 57604, both locos currently on 'G exam' at Laira. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
57604 and 57605 within the depot, with the wheel lathe in the foreground. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Moving outside we see, literally, the new and the old. Class 175 DMU's stand alongside GWR 'Castle' 2+4 HST sets. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
175002 in the yard at Laira. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
175009 and 175114 in the sidings at Laira. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
175009 and 175114 in the sidings at Laira. 16.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks for sharing these with us, Craig. You picked a good day for a visit - plenty 'on shed'.
950001 in Devon
David Tozer
950001 0417 2Q08 Derby R.T.C. to Plymouth Park Sidings at Silverton today. The unit was reported as running on one engine and got no further than Exeter. 17.02.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks, Dave - a pity, it was due to visit us in Cornwall today.
Spectacular Sulzers
Guy Vincent
This morning (17.02), a trip to the road over-bridge closest to the eastern portal of Box tunnel for a 5Z77 1008 Bristol Kingsland Road - Southall ECS headed by WCRC locos 47802, 33207 and 33029.
Although due to pass my vantage point at 1038am, things didn't go to plan.
Due to a fault with the signalling system the train was unable to leave Kingsland Road sidings via the eastern end, so had to set back into platform 15 at Temple Meads station from where departure was finally made at 1106.
Only 47802 appeared to be providing power, the two class 33s and 12 carriages in tow giving a combined timing load of approx 570 tons, or load 17 if you prefer!
While waiting for the ECS I was able to snap a pair of class 800 sets side by side as they passed each other entering / exiting the tunnel.
Although due to pass my vantage point at 1038am, things didn't go to plan.
Due to a fault with the signalling system the train was unable to leave Kingsland Road sidings via the eastern end, so had to set back into platform 15 at Temple Meads station from where departure was finally made at 1106.
Only 47802 appeared to be providing power, the two class 33s and 12 carriages in tow giving a combined timing load of approx 570 tons, or load 17 if you prefer!
While waiting for the ECS I was able to snap a pair of class 800 sets side by side as they passed each other entering / exiting the tunnel.
Potley Bridge, Corsham. 47802, 33207 and 33029 work 5Z77 1008 Bristol Kingsland Road - Southall 11.35am 17.02.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Box Tunnel East Portal (from Potley Bridge, Corsham) 2 x cl 800 1117am 17.02.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks, Guy - 47802 had its work cut out there!
Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
17.02.2025 - 47802, 33207 & 33029 on 5Z77 Bristol Kingsland Road to Southall West Coast Railways Depot. These locos were working an empty stock train to Southall WCR that formed a charter train Saturday using all 3 locos. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
17.02.2025 - 60055 on 6Z52 Tytherington Quarry to Appleford sidings. This train had been delayed due to fire alarms going off on 60055 between Hallvington and Wootton Bassett Junction. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
17.02.2025 - 66513 with 4L33 Wentloog to London Gateway. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
17.02.2025 - Next Freightliner on the UML is 4L36 not mentioned on Real Train Times headed by 66594 with this Wentloog to Felixstowe train. Interesting that both Freightliners had empty wagons at the front - 4L36 having many more than 4L33. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
17.02.2025 - 387166 & 387143 on 1L13 Cardiff to Paddington. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks to the Swindon duo for another interesting selection.
Eastbound engineers
Craig Munday
Whilst driving Eastwards on Sunday, I was alongside 6C23 with 70814/813 heading back to Westbury from Tregoss, the train is pictured at both Lostwithiel and Trerulefoot.
70814 and 70813 with an empty engineers train from the Mid-Cornwall Metro Goss Moor worksite passing Lostwithiel on 16.02.2025. copyright Craig Munday.
The pair of Colas locos are seen again at Trerulefoot as they head for Westbury on 16.02.2025. Copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks, Craig
Chasing 'Tractors'
Part 3 - To the west, for a rest!
Roger Winnen
10.06.2014 - 37607 Seen passing St Austell en route to Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Winnen
10.06.2014 - 37610 On the rear as the train heads away from St Austell Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
10.06.2014 - Looking majestic in Truro Yard 37610 Copyright Roger Winnen
10.06.2014 - 37607 resting in Truro Yard prior to an early morning run on the Falmouth Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen
10.06.2014 - 37610 T.S. (Ted ) Cassady 14-05-61 - 06-04-08. Copyright Roger Winnen
10.06.2014 - Viewed from the 1890s Black Bridge, the test train rests in Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Winnen