January 29th 2025

29/1/2025

Wooton Bassett Stone Terminal
Neil Philips

Hello Roger, Keith and Jon,

As a 35-year resident of Swindon until five years ago yesterday (as it happens!) I appreciate Ken Mumford's and Colin Pidgeon's contributions to the CRS. The stone train workings to Wootton Bassett (it wasn't 'Royal' at the time!) terminal are often illustrated but photos of the terminal itself - probably referred to as a 'virtual quarry' these days - are rarely seen. As with railway sites of old, public access these days is presumably forbidden but back in the 1970s and 1980s it was tolerated, as long as one didn't get in the way or hang about too long.

I am not sure now how I came to find D1051 'on site' on 19th March 1976, but in 1984 I spent 4 months commuting from Swindon to Bristol and on 11th September had noted 47901 in the sidings from the train on return to Swindon, so before heading home in the car I made a quick dash out to Wootton Bassett to see if I could capture this unique Class 47 there in the bright sunshine. It had also just received red bufferbeams to add a splash of colour!

47901 had started life as D1628 in October 1964, becoming 47046 in November 1973. Ten months later it suffered collision damage at Peterborough serious enough to put its future in doubt, but fortunately BR had need of a 'test bed' for the Ruston power unit to be fitted to the planned Class 56 fleet so 47046 was totally rebuilt at BREL Crewe for the purpose, becoming 47601 and re-entering traffic in January 1977. The loco was withdrawn in September 1978 to be re-equipped at Crewe with an upgraded Ruston engine and ancillaries, this time destined for the forthcoming Class 58, emerging as 47901 in December 1979 although it was mid-1980 before it got into its stride on the Mendip stone traffic, on which it was almost exclusively employed - in fact only Westbury drivers were trained in its operation - before final withdrawal in March 1990, being scrapped by MC Processors in Glasgow two years later. By all accounts as a Type 5 it acquitted itself well on these arduous duties, out-performing all of the lesser Type 4s.

Ken also submitted a photo of a mysterious bridge near the Cotswold Water Park - I knew which bridge he was referring to before even seeing his photo, it sits alongside the Spine Road and my work used to take me past it from time to time - but as to its purpose I'm as mystified as Ken!

Best regards,

Neil Phillips

D1051 'Western Ambassador' at Wootton Bassett stone terminal on 19th March 1976 Copyright Neil Phillips

Class 47 'test bed' loco 47901 at Wootton Bassett stone terminal on 11th September 1984. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many Thanks Neil

Classic Traction in Devon
Clive Smith & David Tozer

Railfreight Metals liveried 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer', two barrier coaches & Europhoenix 37510 'Orion' on the rear thrash up Hemerdon Bank in Plymouth with the 5W97 09.54 Laira T & R.S.M.D - Landore TMD move. The pair had come down overnight from Ely with 175009 which is now the third 175 at Laira. 'Slug' 37901 and 37510 were making quite a racket despite the light load. Good entertainment on another dull day. 28.01.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

37510 gives a helping hand from the rear of the train. 28.01.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Making a rare visit to Devon having delivered another Class 175 175009 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' with barrier coaches 6346 and 6344 with 37510 'Orion' on the rear pass the site of the former Exminster Station with the 0954 5W97 Laira to Landore. 28.01.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks, Clive and Dave - 37901 certainly looks the part.

More from Cattybrook
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

First Great Western 43144 leads a service past Cattybrook in 2001. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks as ever, Phil.

5 minutes at Stoneybridge
Jon Hird

The GWR 'Trainbow' unit 800008 climbs the bank towards Treverrin passing Stoneybridge, working 2P13 - the 1150 Penzance to Plymouth. To the right of the image is an interesting building - it's timber clad and very close to the railway. The current owner isn't sure what it was originally, but doesn't believe it was a railway building. 28.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Just a few minutes later came 66131 with the Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. The hedges in the gardens have recently had a haircut, so it's possible to look down on the train a bit more now, and see its full length running down the gradient. This shot and the one above were both taken from private property with the owners permission. 28.01.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

If you've any idea what the mystery building was, or even if you remember seeing it before it became so hidden by the bushes etc., please drop us an email - [email protected]

'Old Timers'
Michael Forward & Michael Adams

Hello Roger and all, A couple of shots of DMUs approaching their 40th birthdays. Firstly we see two 150s at Plymouth on 6 November 2024 ,150244 has just arrived with the 13.19 from Gunnislake. Copyright Michael Forward.

Now we go back in time to Exeter St.Davids on 4 April 1991 where Michael Adams photographed 155309 with the 12.35 Plymouth to Bristol service. These units introduced a few years after the 150s and some still in service as single cars in Wales and Scotland. I liked them,nice seats with tables and aligned with the windows for good views. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to 'the two Michaels' - hard to believe that these units are as old as they are. They've served their owners well.