Wiltshire 'Peak'
Guy Vincent
Re Clive Smith's recent items regarding 'Peaks' and the 1985 rededication of 45143 at London Waterloo.
Today, between duties I managed to grab some photos of Locomotive Services immaculately turned-out 'Peak' 45118, en-route to Warminster and Salisbury.
I last recorded 45118 in the area on the evening of Wednesday May 6th 1987 when it passed Yarnbrook, midway between Westbury and Trowbridge, with a northbound weedkiller train at 18.10hrs. Peaks were fairly common here during 1987 as they would be detached from southbound arrivals at Bristol Temple Meads and then find use on local passenger stopping trains to Taunton and Cardiff plus occasionally even to Weymouth. Local engineers trips would also see them turn up at Westbury from Bristol East Depot or Stoke Gifford.
Twenty years ago we visited the Northampton and Lamport Railway and saw 45118 abandoned and forlorn on a short section of track. At some point it was visited by metal thieves who stripped it of copper etc. and this was the start of the loco's eventual return to main line use following repairs at Derby, changes in ownership and an overhaul at Barrow Hill. In April 1986 45118 had been the last 'Peak' to receive a classified light overhaul at Derby Works.
A truly nostalgic and welcome sight today, with special thanks to Jeremy Hosking and the Locomotive Services team.
Today, between duties I managed to grab some photos of Locomotive Services immaculately turned-out 'Peak' 45118, en-route to Warminster and Salisbury.
I last recorded 45118 in the area on the evening of Wednesday May 6th 1987 when it passed Yarnbrook, midway between Westbury and Trowbridge, with a northbound weedkiller train at 18.10hrs. Peaks were fairly common here during 1987 as they would be detached from southbound arrivals at Bristol Temple Meads and then find use on local passenger stopping trains to Taunton and Cardiff plus occasionally even to Weymouth. Local engineers trips would also see them turn up at Westbury from Bristol East Depot or Stoke Gifford.
Twenty years ago we visited the Northampton and Lamport Railway and saw 45118 abandoned and forlorn on a short section of track. At some point it was visited by metal thieves who stripped it of copper etc. and this was the start of the loco's eventual return to main line use following repairs at Derby, changes in ownership and an overhaul at Barrow Hill. In April 1986 45118 had been the last 'Peak' to receive a classified light overhaul at Derby Works.
A truly nostalgic and welcome sight today, with special thanks to Jeremy Hosking and the Locomotive Services team.
45118 arriving into platform 1 (old platform 2) at Westbury (Wilts) with 3Z44 0455 Crewe - Warminster ECS. Coaches used were 3348, 3344, 6708, 99993 and 35467. 30.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
45118 about to depart Westbury for Warminster. 30.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Bagged-over nameplate at Westbury. 30.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Driver awaiting the 'Right Away' tip from the train's guard. 30.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
The immaculately turned out train bears left towards Warminster at Westbury South Junction, passing BR Blue liveried 69007, formerly 56037, Richard Trevithick, in the unusually empty down yard while a class 66 crawls in from the Frome direction with the 6A18 0918 Whatley - Oxford Banbury Road loaded stone. 30.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
45118, now officially rededicated 'Royal Artilleryman', crossing the river Avon east of Bradford on Avon with the 5Z46 1255 Salisbury - Crewe empty stock working. 30.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Great work, Guy - many thanks indeed. I'm sure Clive will be glad to see these!
The Southwest NMT
David Tozer, Joe Birchall & Jon Hird
43013 + 43062 passing through Marsh Barton with the 0543 5Q18 Reading Triangle to Penzance and then return to Paignton at 0822. Copyright David Tozer.
43013 approaches Truro with the 'down' leg of the NMT circuit. 30.05.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
As it went past I noticed what looks like an ultra violet light on one of the coaches and was just wondering if you knew what it was? 30.05.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
The returning NMT east of Truro with 43062 leading the charge. 30.05.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
The clouds had formed by the time 43062 and 013 reached Moorswater Viaduct on the return working to Paignton. 30.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks, all
South West Loco Action
Mark Lynam
A distant 69005 approaching the village of Golant. 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
69005 passes the level crossing at Golant which goes down to the slipway and river. 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Not really anywhere to get the return shot that time of day with the sun out so it was to the pathway beside the railway line next to the crossing for the 0Z34 1031 Fowey Dock Carne Point to Lostwithiel Down Gds Loop. 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
A quick drive up to the A30 off the St Dennis exit and to Central Treviscoe in time to see 66127 at Treviscoe about 10 minutes after I arrived working 6M53 1151 Parkandillack to Cliffe Vale Jn. 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Made it to Burngullow just in time to see it come off the branch (Parked up and could hear it coming). 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
On the way back West MPV DR98906 + DR98956 sit in Truro Yard, they are running on various lines in Cornwall each night the next week carrying out weedkilling duties. 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
And 69005 again at Chacewater working 0Z37 1426 Penzance T&RSMD to Plymouth Park Sidings. 29.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
A great selection, Mark - many thanks.
37422 Going Home
Steve Widdowson
37422 going home to Derby after a ramble around the west country Seen near Abbotswood Jn ( just in your area ), just south of Worcester Parkway, 30th May 0Z14 1311 Reading Triangle Sidings to Derby. 30.05.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
A rather striking livery - many thanks for the photo, Steve.