Former Radstock branch
Frome - Welshmill Lane
Guy Vincent
Frome - Welshmill Lane
Guy Vincent
Here are two shots of celebrity GB Railfreight locos 66718 (Black) and 66721 (White) both taken at Welshmill Lane, Frome working the 'as required' 6V42 0813 Wellingborough-Whatley empty hoppers. Once they have been loaded the hoppers return as 6M41 1643 Whatley-Wellingborough. This location is on the former Radstock branch just over half a mile from Frome North Junction. Beyond Hapsford (2m38ch) the Radstock branch has long been disconnected and the line continues through three short tunnels (Bedlam, Murdercombe, and Great Elm) to Whatley Quarry sidings (4m35ch). These images were taken exactly 53 weeks apart; 66721 on 9th March 2016 and 66718 on 16th March 2017.
G Vincent Many thanks again Guy.
G Vincent Many thanks again Guy.
66721 at Welshmill lane Frome with the 6V42 Wellingborough-Whatley 9th March 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Todays picture
66718 Frome, Welshmill Lane, 6V42 the 0813 Wellingborough to Whatley 16th March 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent
66 Rarity.
Loco hauled trains to Newquay are something of a rarity but on 15th March 2017 a ballast train worked 6C22 Westbury to Newquay comprising of 2 x Colas class 66 locomotives and 5 auto hoppers, the train is seen awaiting departure in Newquay platform in the early hours with 66848 leading with 66847 at the rear (note the token 'hoop' in the front window) Colas Driver Alan Peters. Many thanks Alan.
66848 top and tailed with 66847 and a set of autoballasters in the platform at Newquay. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.
Harry back in action
Harry Patch, patched up.
Guy Vincent
Harry Patch, patched up.
Guy Vincent
Harry Patch back in business
43172 'Harry Patch' was quickly repaired at Laira following it's extended stay at Castle Cary in February. The power car was moved up to Westbury with a pair of wheelskates applied at a maximum speed of 10mph on the night of 14th, Colas loco 70809 being used. By 10am on 15th 'Harry' had been loaded onto an Allelys low-loader and was removed via the A350, M4 and M5 to Laira depot where the necessary work was quickly undertaken. 43172 returned to normal traffic on Monday morning, February 20th and has performed well ever since. On the murky morning of March 16th it called at Westbury atop 1C74 0706 Paddington-Penzance, running exactly to time.
G Vincent Many thanks for this report and pictures.
43172 'Harry Patch' was quickly repaired at Laira following it's extended stay at Castle Cary in February. The power car was moved up to Westbury with a pair of wheelskates applied at a maximum speed of 10mph on the night of 14th, Colas loco 70809 being used. By 10am on 15th 'Harry' had been loaded onto an Allelys low-loader and was removed via the A350, M4 and M5 to Laira depot where the necessary work was quickly undertaken. 43172 returned to normal traffic on Monday morning, February 20th and has performed well ever since. On the murky morning of March 16th it called at Westbury atop 1C74 0706 Paddington-Penzance, running exactly to time.
G Vincent Many thanks for this report and pictures.
Westbury 43172 15th February .2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Westbury 43172 15th February .2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Westbury 43172 15th February .2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Westbury 43172 15th February 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Back in service - 43172 Westbury 16th March 2017 1C73 0706 Paddington - Penzance Copyright Guy Vincent
Many thanks to Guy Vincent for this article.
Clay at Par
Roger Geach
Roger Geach
37413 at the head of the 1520 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside depts Par 27th September 1993 Copyright Roger Geach
Westbury shed
Martin Scane
Martin Scane
2.8.2 7249 on Westbury shed. 9th May 1964 Copyright Martin Scane
Martin adds a note :- The second photo is dated 9/5/64 and shows 2-8-2 T 7249 at the head of a long row of engines on Westbury shed. 7249 was a Cardiff engine the (East Dock) which makes sense. Westbury shed was pretty busy then (those were the days) but never presented any problems when we fancied a wander around (which was fairly often).
Regards Martin Many thanks Martin
Regards Martin Many thanks Martin
Passed in a flash.
Worgret Junction
Kevin Jenkin
Worgret Junction
Kevin Jenkin
Worgret Junction from A352 road bridge 26th May 2001 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
From the train a view of this junction for the Swanage branch is difficult, and on the road heavy traffic usually prevents a stop for this view of the junction, however if on a bike and you can park easily it is a different tale. Many thanks Kevin.
Uffculme
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
There were several railtours to Hemyock during the dying year of the branch. All were usually in a couple of brakevans attached to the milk train. However John tells us on this occasion there were no brakevans available on this occasion and the party were conveyed in the van seen here, the view was very much restricted. There was, however, some compensation for the party as on the branch as the driver allowed them in the front and back cabs of the class 25 powering the train. Many thanks for this info and the picture John.