Westbury Grid Action
Guy Vincent
An early start to catch Colas Rail’s 56049 arriving at Westbury at 9 am with discharged ballast hoppers running early as 6C24 0730 Southall East Jcn - Westbury. Hired-in Freightliner loco 66544 was at the other end. 56049 then went into the Colas sidings where it attached to 56051, the pair then being joined by 70811. The weather was quite hot by 1030am which was in complete contrast to the previous Monday (18th). Then, it was chillingly cold on platform 3 when the former 56065, now rebuilt and running as 69010 was setting back the afternoon 6V41 trip from Eastleigh, consisting of a long train of recovered track panels from Worplesdon, Surrey.
Although the 69s are officially regarded as a ‘new’ class I still like to see them as modified class 56s. Of note is the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the construction of the first Romanian batch of 56s with delivery to British Rail commencing in April 1977. How many of us still regard them as ‘modern’ I wonder?
Although the 69s are officially regarded as a ‘new’ class I still like to see them as modified class 56s. Of note is the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the construction of the first Romanian batch of 56s with delivery to British Rail commencing in April 1977. How many of us still regard them as ‘modern’ I wonder?
56049 arriving with 6C24 (taken from Bridge). 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
56049 running into sidings. 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
56051 in Colas sidings. 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
70811 56049 56051 in Colas sidings. 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
69010, the former 56065, setting back into Westbury up yard with 6V41 1448 Eastleigh - Westbury engineers consisting of recovered track panels from a weekend possession near Worplesdon, Surrey. How cold it was on this afternoon, Monday 18th May! Copyright Guy Vincent.
69010 shunting track panels at Westbury. 18.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
69010 shunting track panels at Westbury. 18.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
Interesting info and photos Guy - many thanks.