Tracks the monthly magazine of the Inter City Railway Society websites: icrs.org.uk & icrs.fotopic.net
Aggregates Industries 59002 ‘Alan J Day’ with the 6V18 Hither Green - Whatley empty boxes passes southbound through Willesden Junction High Level with a freightliner on line behind (see page 6 in November issue) and showing the early stages of platform lengthening on the left 13 October 2009
Volume 37
No.12 December 2009 Inter City Railway Society founded 1973
The content of the magazine is the copyright of the Society No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the copyright holder
President: Simon Mutten (01603 715701) Coppercoin, 12 Blofield Corner Rd, Blofield, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4RT Chairman: Carl Watson - [email protected] 14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG Secretary: Gary Mutten - [email protected] (01953 600445) 1 Corner Cottage, Silfield St. Silfield, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 9NS Treasurer: Gary Mutten - [email protected] details as above Membership Secretary: Trevor Roots - [email protected] (01466 760724) Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD Editorial Manager: Trevor Roots - [email protected] details as above Website Manager: Mark Richards - [email protected] (01908 520028) 7 Parkside, Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1BX
Editorial Team: Sightings: James Holloway - [email protected] (0121 744 2351) 246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3ES News: John Barton - [email protected] (0121 770 2205) 46, Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham B37 7LD Wagons & Trams: Martin Hall - [email protected] (0115 930 2775) 5 Sunninghill Close, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 6LS All Our Yesterdays: Alan Gilmour - [email protected] 24 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2HJ Europe (website): Robert Brown - [email protected] (01909 591504) 32 Spitalfields, Blyth, Worksop, Notts. S81 8EA Magazine Distribution: Peter Britcliffe - [email protected] (01429 234180) 9 Voltigeur Drive, Hartlepool TS27 3BS
Publications Team: UK Combine / Pocket Book: Carl Watson - [email protected] details as above UK Wagon Combine: Scott Yeates - [email protected] Paul Eveleigh (contact via Scott) Name Directory: Eddie Rathmill
Publications Distribution: Carl Watson - [email protected] details as above
Website Assistant: vacant
Contents: Officials Contact List...... 2 Traffic and Traction News...... 7 Society Notice Board ...... 3-6 Wagon Corner...... 26 Publications ...... 28 Feature Articles: Publication Reviews ...... 4 Days Out...... 19-20 Current News / Sightings: Location ‘Spot’Light ...... 21 Gloucester / Stirling Sightings...... 17-19 Location ‘Spot’Light Update...... 21 Light Rail and Metro News...... 27 Open Day Report...... 16 Open Day News...... 6 Preservation Photo Spot...... 6 Out and About Sightings ...... 11-15 Railway Globetrotters ...... 22-25 Stock Changes / Liveries ...... 27 Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast...... 8-10
£1.25 where sold separately (post free)
Printed by Ords Group, Progress House, Usworth Road Industrial Estate, Hartlepool TS25 1PD
2 Society Notice Board
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR
The Committee of ICRS would like to thank you for your continued support and send best wishes for the coming Festive Season
Editor’s Comments: Well I’m now into my fourth year as editor, having started with the Dec 2006 issue and I hope you find the mix of articles interesting and absorbing. One of the nice problems I now have is finding space and unfortunately for good reason this month, the content has been affected by the inclusion of important news, a result of which should ultimately allow more pages to be included in ‘Tracks’.
Firstly it’s all been happening on the rails, two of the new Cl.70s have arrived in the UK and their looks will need some getting used to. If any member can come up with a quality ¾ front photo of one, including next batch on their way, then it may end up on the cover of the 2010 Pocket Book.
Secondly NatExEC has been ditched and the government is temporarily running the franchise, under the new name of East Coast, third incarnation in under two years.
Thirdly, if any of you did look for us at the National Model Show at the NEC, I apologise as unfortunately I was unable to make the long journey south, the weather didn’t help. The following statements also explain that there were also events happening rapidly over several days around that weekend.
Fourthly and more importantly we have a Chairman again. As reported in the August issue Carl Watson unfortunately had to step down from the role of Chairman. The committee is pleased to be able to announce that Carl has resumed his position at the helm after his brief sojourn away. Please note the following greeting and important statements from our Chairman, which heralds a new bold move forward in our gradual evolution.
“It's great to be back!
I'm very pleased to have been given the opportunity to return to the Chairman's role in ICRS. My first task as Chairman has been to announce a very bold step on behalf of ICRS in changing our Publications Strategy. The announcement made on 23rd November is shown below and on our website. If you haven't yet read it, I urge you to do so. The decision was made by the existing ICRS Officials and is fully supported by myself. We aim to transform ICRS from a Society that has been criticised as 'just a book club' dependent on publications to a Society that has control of its own publications and finance generation entirely for the benefit of the Society and its members as a whole.
With the announcement comes a change in our relationship with HB Publications (see below). One obvious result of this is the reduction in titles that ICRS will publish. We are intentionally concentrating on the core best selling titles to start with, but have retained ownership of several others, which we hope to re-release as time and finances allow. There will be further updates on exactly what our publication plans are in the coming weeks.
I'd like to thank you all for your continued support and take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.”
Kind Regards Carl Watson Chairman
The following Statements were released on the website on dates shown (with shortening of references to ‘Tracks’ and website, as not necessary to repeat here, plus insertion of contact details)
3 23rd November 2009
INTER CITY RAILWAY SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT It has been unanimously agreed by ICRS Officials on 22nd November 2009 that, with immediate effect, ICRS will bring Publications activities back in-house to be wholly managed within the Society. This means that Researching, Compiling and Production of all ICRS Publications will be carried out and managed within ICRS. All printing will be carried out by outside companies on a commercial fee paying basis, rather than the current arrangement whereby ICRS receive a small sum in royalties for each book sold. The main benefit in these changes will be the increased financial return to the Society for what have become popular titles within the general railway enthusiast community. This, in turn, will enable the Society to re-invest the additional money in projects to enhance Member benefits and improve the overall value of ICRS to its Members and Customers. For 2010 this will mean concentrating initially on our core best selling titles: UK Combined, UK Wagon Combined & UK Pocket Book
Release dates for these books will be made available in ‘Tracks’, on our website and on the ICRS Yahoo Forum. Additional titles will be made available as and when possible and full details will be given in the above places at the appropriate time. The Member discount of 20% will continue to be offered on all ICRS Publications. Exact details of the ongoing relationship with HB Publications are yet to be finalised, but ICRS anticipates fully supporting HB Publications in those Publications that ICRS no longer plans to produce, ie the many European titles.
Members will receive regular updates on our plans for Publications through the website, Forum and ‘Tracks’ but if you have any specific questions please email or write to the Chairman (details shown on page 2. Our aim is to make ICRS a better experience for all Members. We would like to thank you all for your past support and hope that you will continue to support us through these necessary but positive changes.
25th November 2009
FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT ON INTER CITY RAILWAY SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS Following our announcement on 23rd November I can now provide more details on the ongoing relationship with HB Publications. In an email received on 24th November, HB Publications (HBP) has announced that, with effect from 1st January 2010, it intends to terminate the relationship with ICRS. ICRS will continue to receive royalties up until that date for any ICRS Publications sold by HBP.
HBP have also announced that they intend to withdraw the 20% discount for ICRS Members with effect from 1st January 2010. HBP will be announcing plans for their new discount strategy on their website in due course. It’s worth noting that joint ICRS / GBBG Members will still be able to get discount on HBP titles, obviously this may alter depending on what the new HBP discount strategy is. Whilst this will be disappointing for ICRS Members, the 20% Member discount will still be available on the titles being published directly by ICRS: UK Wagon Combined, UK Combined Volume & UK Pocket Book
In due course we hope to be able to also offer the following titles, which remain owned by ICRS: Loco Datafile, EMU Datafile, DMU Datafile, Ultimate Sighting Files, Irish Datafile, Name Directory
All other ICRS branded titles will continue to be available from HB Publications until 1st January 2010, at which point they will be re-branded with the PTI name. This affects the European, UK Preserved and Tram & Light Rail series of publications.
From 1st January 2010, in order to make it as easy as possible for Members to work out where they need to get their books, we will ensure our website is updated to include links to the HBP website where appropriate. Full details will also be made available on our own titles and their planned availability.
The last two sentences as per website were omitted as they are as previous statement…ed
STOP PRESS… In a further email from HBP, they confirm no further ICRS books as per list above will be printed and sold by them beyond 1st December, though the change in discounts will be as previously stated. Though royalties will stop, some ICRS branded books, due to become rebranded PTI, will however be in the system as existing stocks are used up, in case anyone sees or receives these.
4 As stated above further details will appear, but we anticipate releasing our main books as previously planned and by the time you read this, our first all new ICRS title, UK Wagons 2010 will be with a printer for release in late January 2010.
ICRS Website: We have our own Yahoo Group, established in March 2004, open to members and non-members alike to post sightings and observations, share comments and debate about the current railway scene. Web address is: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/intercityrailwaysociety/ Please note also that more contributions from members would be appreciated, especially photos for the Fotopic site or news items. Event and exhibition details are always welcome as are details of railtours. Please email Mark Richards at ([email protected])
Membership Matters: Membership Rates: Annual: £16.00 Five year rate: £75.00 (saving £5.00) Joint: (with GBBG saving £3.00): £26.00 ICRS Membership gives you: • A high quality monthly magazine ‘Tracks’ - covering all aspects of railways: UK past and present, wagons, preservation, European scene, trams and Location ‘Spot’lights – how to get there and what to see. (the photos can be viewed in colour through the Members Area on the web site). Joint membership also entitles you to the GBBG magazine, ‘Trident’ • An informative web site, with access to previous editions of the magazine. • A 10% discount on lan Allan publications and first time magazine subscriptions (not additional to discount for IA Subs Club members). plus a 20% discount on all transport book titles published by HB Publications (direct orders only) NB. only until 31 December 2009, thereafter the discount will just apply to ICRS publications (see rear cover)
Payment: If paying by cheque / postal order, please make payable to ICRS for all types of Membership. You can also renew or join quickly and easily online via the website, using our PayPal facility. In a few clicks you can be signed up for another year, or take advantage of the 5-year subscription, saving £5 on annual fee, or take a joint membership with GB Bus Group, saving £3 on the normal combined annual membership subscription rate. Select ‘Join ICRS’ from the menu on the homepage at icrs.org.uk Membership Cards: On membership cards generally, please remember on renewal, your new card will be sent out with the next issue of Tracks. Now this may mean that you might wait up to 5 weeks if you’ve just missed the end of month cut off when I send cards out for distribution. So there is no need to send a separate sae for card. The way I’m sending out renewal forms and issuing cards now means that assuming you renew at first request, your existing card will always be valid until new one arrives. Unfortunately I can’t speak for previous cards issued. But bear with me and in another 7 months everyone should be on this new system. Also many of you will have already received the new look card, which I hope you approve of. New Members: (* joint members with GBBG) The following new members have joined this month: Martin Hall (Horncastle), Hugh Longworth (Twickenham) & Neil Scarlett (Horbury) - a warm welcome to you all. Obituary: It is sad to report that member Alan Daniels from Nottingham has recently died and our condolences go to his widow and family.
Magazine Submissions: Contributions to regular features should be sent to the appropriate officer. Any information / article on any railway related item will always be most welcome for inclusion in the magazine. Your travel stories / anecdotes about far flung parts of the railway network, past or present can give pleasure to others or inform of places to visit. This railway hobby of ours is made all that more enjoyable by the sharing of information, knowledge and experiences. Neatly hand written submissions are perfectly acceptable, but ideally a typed document is preferable. Better still, If you have a PC and internet connection, then email the appropriate official. Good quality photographs are always welcome for inclusion in the magazine, prints or preferably high resolution digital photographs via e-mail (not compressed please). Please include full contact details with any submissions, including your Christian name, it’s less impersonal than just initials.
The latest date for articles / info for the next magazine is Friday 1st January 2010. Items for Out and About Sightings should be sent in to James Holloway a few days earlier please.
5 Please note that due to the usual holiday break by the printers over Christmas and the new year, the Jan 2009 mag will be a little later in reaching you.
Magazine Contributors: Thanks to Ken Ireson, Coiln Mytton, PJ Foster, Tony Flatt, Dennis Dey, Ian McAlpine, Paul Tarrant, Danny Coyne, Andrew Woodcock, Paul Bright, Mike Rumens, Alan Gilmour, David Spencer, Derek Sneddon, Nigel Hoskins, John Barton, James Holloway, Ray Smith, Martin Hall, Carl Watson & Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has been missed. All photos by Trevor Roots unless shown otherwise.
Members Letter & Enquiry: Regular contributor Andrew Woodcock writes that he has read and enjoyed our various articles such as All our Yesterdays & Diaries of a Locospotter, his particular interest being Scotland which of course was featured in the November issue of Tracks. He comments that for some time Class D11 4-4-0 62687 Lord James of Douglas was in the P/W depot at Crianlarich, possibly as a standby loco and, if you had not heard it was there you would never have found it.
He also has a question for members relating to a Cl.20 during the early days of diesels on the West Highland line. Cl.20s regularly worked goods trains from Glasgow to Fort William & return, but one member of the class was a long time resident at Fort William. When requiring attention at Eastfield it worked as train engine with a Cl.27 as pilot back and from Glasgow on passenger training. To allow the train to be heated it was fitted at Eastfield and Andrew actually witnessed this, with a "Heath Robinson" outside pipe from front to back to allow the front loco to provide heat to the train. Do any members know anything about this, or help to identify the actual loco. Any help would be appreciated. Replies via the editor and I’ll publish any outcome….ed.
Stop Press….
A shuttle train service between Workington and Maryport is to run every weekday from Monday 30 November to provide further help to residents in West Cumbria following the recent severe floods. The shuttle train service will call at Maryport, Flimby, the new temporary station on the north side of Workington, called Workington North, and Workington. The shuttle train will have three carriages and will be operated by DRS on behalf of Northern Rail. The timings of the shuttle service are: From Workington to Maryport, leaving Workington at 07.05; 08.10; 09.40; 10.30; 11.20; 12.20; 13.35; 14.45; 15.50; 17.00; 17.55; 18.50 From Maryport to Workington, leaving Maryport at 07.25; 08.33; 10.00; 10.50; 11.45; 12.50; 14.00; 15.10; 16.25; 17.20; 18.20; 19.15. All the shuttle services will call at the new temporary station, Workington North, and Flimby. Northern Rail will continue to operate its normal weekday timetable on the Cumbrian coast, with some trains having additional carriages.
Preservation Photo Spot
0-4-4-0T ‘David Lloyd George’ about to 0-4-4-0T ‘Earl of Merioneth’ departing south cross the cob at Porthmadog, Ffestiniog Rly from Tan y Bwlch, Ffestiniog Rly 16 Sep 2009 16 Sep 2009 6 Traffic & Traction News by John Barton
November 2 November 12 (cont) The following Cl.60 workings were seen today: 66842 passed a very wet Rugby at 18.25 on 60011 headed west through Water Orton at 4Z91 Dollands Moor - Hams Hall. 15.39 on Bedworth - Port Clarence empty tanks November 14 for run around at Washwood Heath / Duddeston 158813 did a test run yesterday after Junction. refurbishment and 158810 was at Derby on 60084 headed east through Water Orton at Wednesday so should be the next one for 14.48 on Westerleigh - Lindsey empty tanks refurbishment at Delta Rail. 60041 was seen heading away from Kingsbury November 16 heading north at 11.43 on empty tanks to 325001+325012 passed through Crewe at 19.34 Humber. on Warrington RMT - Willesden PRDC mail November 3 train. 66729 hauling barrier 6378 + unit 378141 + 37602 from 6Z37 was sent to rescue broken barrier 6379 passed Bollo Lane (Old Oak down tanks at Barnt Green, which had been Common Lane) at 21.38. causing chaos since about 15.00. Nothing had 37610+37609 headed north through Willesden moved northbound since that time, with cross Junction LL at 19.15 with 3 flasks, the numbers city services from Redditch being delayed / were 550039/059/047. cancelled. November 4 37611+37059 thrashed up past Kentish Town 60004 worked the 6E30 Dalzell - Lackenby West, 60 minutes late at 14.05 empty steel today. November 17 60009 passed Lea Marston at 13.30 heading for 86613+86614 headed southbound through Tunstead. Milton Keynes at 17.50 on the slow lines November 5 66729 with barriers and 378001 arrived at Derby 66074 running about 12 hours late passed south Litchurch Lane with 378135. through Willesden LL towards Kensington November 18 Olympia at 18.40. 70001 did two return runs today from Lawley St 73212+73213 top and tailed two Porterbrook and Walsall. barrier coaches from St Leonards - St Leonards 67005+508302/302 passed Basingstoke at via Rye, Ashford and Tonbridge. Seen 15.00 on way from Eastleigh Yard – Bescot. approaching Paddock Wood at 12.35. November 21 November 7 70001 past Swinton with 0Z70 Lawley St. to A rail tour from York to the Blyth and Tyne ran Midland Road at 12.13 using Cl.67s top and tailing. On the day the tour 92005 was noted working the Dollands Moor - headed north using 66153 at the front with Doncaster empties past Maidstone East at 66094 at the rear. It ran as 1Z50 “The City of 12.39. Durham” with 90019 and 67008 top & tailing as November 22 far as Tyne Yard. From Tyne it became 1Z51 At March depot 66718 ‘Gwyneth Dunwoody’ and “The Pegswood Stage” back to Newcastle 66706 ‘Nene Valley’ were parked up outside the where the two original locos took it back to shed with ex-Advenza 66843 parked up on the King’s Cross as 1Z52. head shunt outside the signal box, minus logos, 90019 & 67008 were seen heading north just a white first logo on the cab side. passing Colton Junction at 11.13. November 23 November 9 508302/303 were parked in Warrington Arpley at 378142 is on commissioning trials this week, its 16.40 waiting to be moved to Birkenhead for use first runs on the 5Z80 passing Tonbridge at on Mersey Rail network. 15.23. November 25 November 11 47805+47812+47727+47749 arrived at Rugby 66585 hauled 70001 & 70002 from Newport at 17.02 on 0Z47 Ashford - Rugby OLE, then docks to Bristol Parkway, passing East Usk at onto Colas depot at 17.06. 00.11. November 26 November 12 37194+37510 passed Warrington Bank Quay at First Capital Connect has sent 317348 to 20.38 with single flask 550051. Wabtec Doncaster for exterior re-livery and interior refresh.
7 Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast by David Spencer - 1962 Part 3
As the year progressed my list of wants grew smaller and as you will have gathered I got more and more interested in closed lines, remember this is still pre Beeching but lines were still being closed. An example I visited on 19th July is a typical rural line which had it remained open would be a roaring success today, it was the Wellington (or Ketley Junction) to Much Wenlock which runs through what is now Telford New Town. To reach it I went down to Kidderminster and caught a Severn Valley line train to Buildwas on the way I photographed W26 at Bewdley and 6388 at Alvley Sidings. Buildwas was a two level station with the branch at a higher level climbing out of the valley I caught a DMU to Much Wenlock and back to Green Bank Halt then went back with 42139 as haulage this time returning to Wellington taking photographs of the stations and halts. Wellington shed had 12 on. The following Sunday for some unknown reason I did not keep records but went to Reading Southern and Oxford sheds, I expect Reading GW as well, but I have no photographs to prove it.
2-6-0 43xx 6379 4-6-0 Castle 7004 ‘Eastnor Castle’ (withdrawn August 1963) (withdrawn January 1964) Reading General, 22 July 1962 Oxford, 22 July 1962
Two other sheds were visited one of which was derelict with nothing in either. We did the Bourne End and Marlow branches in a single car DMU, the days of a 14xx tank stabled at Marlow had finished earlier in the year but the local Marlow Donkey pub had a picture of one on its sign and an 1895 saddle tank on the other. The derelict shed was the LNWR Oxford Rowley Road on the opposite side of the line to the GW shed. We had a good nose around including the station, then a garage and now part of the Buckinghamshire Railway centre at Quainton Road and the canal swing bridge, which I believe still has track on it to this day.
On the Tuesday following I was back at Bewdley, this time W20 was seen. I headed for the Wyre Forest line still open as far as Tenbury Wells for one train a day in school days only, out from Tenbury in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Research had shown that a Midland Red could get me back to Kidderminster so with 3619 and two coaches off we went. I was taking photographs at Tenbury when the guard asked me how I was getting home, when I told him the bus he offered me a brake van ride home with the empty stock part of a pick up freight. The engine took water at Cleobury Mortimer and did some shunting, then once the train was marshalled, the brake van was rejoined to the train by a gravity shunt.
I think I must have had the week off work as the following day, again using my railway connections, I had a footplate ride. I had asked for Birmingham to Paddington but they would only give me one within the district ie. from Wellington to Banbury. So I joined 7014 ‘Cathays Castle’ at Wellington as far as Wolverhampton (Low Level) and 6006 ‘King George II’ onward and 6021 ‘King Richard II’ on the return. However calamity struck when at Birmingham Snow Hill another inspector arrived with another bloke. We compromised, I stayed on as far as Wolverhampton and the other guy did Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury. Had the next train back to Birmingham been steam I would have gone back on the footplate but it was a Western so I went home on the cushions. Another line to close was the Stourbridge Junction to Priestfield part of the 'Old worse and worse". Old Hill was my starting point after studying the Dudley Canal tunnel I went via Windmill End Halt to Blowers Green, a complete wreck of a station, and had 8498 as haulage down to Stourbridge and 7306 back to Wolverhampton.
8 The next two weekends were quiet affairs. On 29th July I did Tilbury and Shoeburyness, where among the 24 locos was N1 69461 a long way from home. Still wearing its 37A shed plate, it was in use as a heating loco. (see photo opposite) I them moved on to Guildford and Feltham, the later had lost all its pre-grouping LSWR engines and replaced them with BRC&W type 3s (Cl.33).
0-6-0 Q1 33040 (withdrawn June 1964) Guildford, 29 July 1962
0-4-4T M7 30035 4-6-0 S15 30838 (withdrawn February 1963) (withdrawn September 1965) Feltham, 29 July 1962 Feltham, 29 July 1962
August 5th was even quieter, with a trip to Aberystwyth where the Vale of Rheidol shed was just that, a rickety garden shed with all three tanks being prepared for the days work. The main shed had 13 including 6 Manors, still the main stay of the Shrewsbury line. As you do I made the obligatory trip to Devils Bridge with 9 ‘Prince of Wales’ as haulage. (see photo opposite at Devils Bridge). On the return journey Oswestry beckoned where another 7 Manors were among the 32.
For comparison, the following photo (by Trevor Roots) shows the same loco 47 years, on, albeit rebuilt in 1990, as seen on 12 September 2009 in the much more substantial shed at Aberystwyth
9
I have already explained owing to my youth and lack of money I was very sparing with my camera and even then I was incredible dim in either forgetting the camera or a spare film on critical trips. One such trip was the closure of the Cheltenham Spa to Kingham and Kingham to Chipping Norton lines. I have no clue when I travelled, but I did note passenger numbers, starting with 10 at Cheltenham Spa (St James) we picked up another 5 by Charlton Kings. Andoversford and Notgrove and later Stow on the Wold were all nil. In between, Bourton on the Water had two-way traffic so the 15 got off at Kemble. On the Chipping Norton branch, Sarsden Halt did not trouble me in either direction as we had 3 out and 5 return. For the record I never did see the Cheltenham line again but did walk all the way from Kingham to Kings Sutton, but that is another year and another story.
Back to spotting and on August 12th a club coach to the East Midlands. Market Harborough (3) was the first and smallest and Leicester (66) the second and largest, perhaps unusual was a V2 60954 at Leicester. We then traced the Midland main line as far as Bedford, then across to Bletchley and Nuneaton on the way home. Out of a total of 265 locos nothing unexpected was seen, just 3 Crosti boilered 9Fs on Wellingborough and 7 Cl.24s on Bletchley as a sign of change. The following weekend has nothing recorded but on the Bank Holiday I had an unusual track bash, not rare as there were two or three trains a week during the summer. I travelled from Leicester (Belgrave Road) to Skegness on either GN or GN&LNW Joint track to Bottesford where we joined the normal route still used today The sheer size of Belgrave Road staggered me, unused except for a dozen or so summer weekends. The massive overall roof was amazing and in the yard, signs of an old shed. We picked up at the first two stations and at Melton Mowbray North and although closed for many years all the closed stations were intact with name boards. Melton was a bit like Blowers Green in that it was just a shell, everything was in place but not a pane of glass in platform awnings and an air of dereliction. Also GN somersault signals abound, it may be a joint line but obviously the GN did the signalling. On the return I did Boston shed with 16 flying pigs (Ivatt Cl.4s) out of 20 steam and 18 diesels. I returned from Boston on more hard to do track, which normally had a very sparse service, the line from Boston to Woodhall Junction and onto Lincoln. Memory fails me as to whether it was a diversion or not but I was chuffed to do it. One last thing for August was the traverser at Birmingham (Moor Street), it was always part of my life. I lived on the main GW line and had seen prairie tanks moved across hundreds of time and finally caught it on film on 29th, a lousy photo because light got in. Incidentally when Moor Street was renovated they kept the gaps under the platforms where the traverser went but sadly there are no plans to restore it.
I purchased a Freedom of Wales ticket starting on 2nd September, doing sheds when I could, but it was an opportunity to travel over lots of rural mid Wales lines. For this week I started to keep a full log of everything I saw, the first and only time I have ever done that! However tiredness later in the week meant my full narrative became sketchy notes but at least I tried. Starting with 7026 for haulage to Shrewsbury where the shed had 77 on. Another Castle 5085 took me on to Hereford where the engine changed to Warship D855 to Pontypool Road for another 65. Then I had 5981 to Newport and finished with a DMU to Cardiff with 80 locos on Canton and another DMU to Barry. Normally I am quite meticulous with my timetabling skills but I made an horrendous mistake at Barry. I had seen a superb Barry Railway and Docks cast iron sign at Barry Dock station so caught an earlier train to photograph it then waited for my train to Pontypridd via Wenvoe. A very rare route which I assumed would stop, but my train sailed through, not booked to stop and I never got another chance. Later I did walk to the northern portal to Wenvoe Tunnel I never did manage Cadoxton to Wenvoe section it was one of very few South Wales lines that got away. (all photos by David Spencer unless shown otherwise, to be continued)
10 Out and About Sightings by James Holloway
Mike Rumens: 28th October: 1st November: Spa Valley Railway: Nuneaton: 66572, 153334, 170115/637, D3489, 15224, 33063/065, 37254, E6047 390045 Steam locos 7715, 32650, 47493, 68077 Water Orton: 170397 Multiple Units 51669, 51849, 54408, 60142 Washwood Heath: 08865, 31190, 60010, 60616, 60916 66956 Tenterden Station, K&ESR: Lawley Street: 66543/583 D2023, Multiple Units 51571, 53971 Birmingham New Street: 3rd November: 153356, 170501/504/630, 323209, 390013/27 Aviemore: 158720, 170423/431 390028 4th November; 14th November: Aberdeen Station: Nuneaton 10.00-10.25: 158716/17, 170422 stabled due to landslides 31190+35465+3122+3107+5009+4927+5040+5 5th November: 350 Dingwall-Kyle of Lochalsh and return: 350252/60, 390002/06/19/51Colin Mytton: 158712/19/22/25 9th November: Worcester: Paul Bright: 31190 5Z47 Long Marston-Barrow Hill with 30th October: 9525+5906+5958+6168+5866+9497 Blackpool: 150225, 158752, 180108, 185143 Preston: Paul Tarrant: 57303, 66411, 142036, 150137/140/147/205 30th October: 150271/274, 153352, 156460/464/481, 158756 Wandsworth Road 11.40-13.25: 158850, 180106/08, 185110-12/25/27/29/34/38 59001, 66068/147/149/197/410/502/578/720 185141-44, 221101/03/08-12, 390029/30/36/46 66729/844, 92038, RHTT DR98921/71, 390048/53 98932/82 North Kent Junction: RHTT DR98930/80 Dennis Dey: 5th November: 9th October: Hampstead Heath 11.45-14.13: Hassocks: 377511/521 59201, St Pancras: 395015/026 66053/076/078/092/130/147/411/501/540 Euston 10.45-11.04: 590/955, 66841 in Colas livery working from 57309, 221104, 350114/130/231/234/240/243 Eastleigh to Tilbury light engine 350267, 378008, 390010/17/44/47 11th November: Camden Sidings: 350105/108/126/265 Hampstead Heath 14.01-14.55: Wiilesden: 378005/017 66129/501/597, 67002, 86501, 92001, 97301 Willesden PRDC: 66410 with 0Z37 to Ilford for driver training Wembley Yard: 66503/540/570, 92030 Stratford 10.35-12.04: Stonebridge Park: 90018/19, 325011 66097/129/167/538/568, 90043/44/46, 97301 Willesden High Level: 378007 Kentish Town: 66571 Euston 11.45: Gospel Oak 12.52-13.36: 350102/103/114/238/245/248/251, 390003/23 66053/078/092/129/422, 150120/123, 378005 390029 378010/13/17/18 St Pancras: 377501/509/517, 395011/15/16/27 24th November: Blackfriars: 377502/513 Lewisham 11.51-13.12: London Bridge: 377213/501/512/517/520 59202, 60009, 66067/533/572/598/702 16th October: DR98921/71, 98925/75 Hassocks: 377507/508 Euston 10.50-11.00: P J Foster: 57312, 350106/110/130/238/258-260, 378014 24th October: 390014/27 Coventry/Rugby area: Camden Sidings: 66574/575, 90043, 92036, 350105/110/119/121 321412 new livery, 350104/232/247/256/265 350231/234/237/241/243/257, DR73909 Willesden: 86701/02, 378015/17 27th October; Wembley Yard: 66502 Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway: Harrow & Wealdstone: 350117/252/254 1-12/14, PW1-3 Willesden PRDC: 66730 11 Stonebridge Park: 90019/24 Crewe: Willesden Junction: 66954+90047 86633/35, 153311, 156415, 175002, 350105 Kilburn High Road: 350108/249 350106/129/232, 323230/33/34 Euston 12.10: Derby: 221102, 350107/235/250/254/262, 390001/12 43072/76, 66301, 153310, 156406, 158852 390026/29/43/47 170101/103/107, 221132, 222002/06/18/20 St Pancras 13.00-14.00: DR73907/73936/77335 395001/04/06/16/24. Saturday service from Derby RTC: 10/10/2009 according to notice on barrier 08417/536/697/899, 31105/452/459/468, 37259 London Bridge 15.50-16.10: 37667, 45118, 56303 377505/512/513/516 Nottingham: 23rd October: 43059/61, 66144, 153308/13/76/84, 156401/10 Hassocks: 377509/516/521 156411, 158773/777/861/881, 170104/398 Crawley Yard: 66250 222012/13, Trams 205/11/14, DR98909/59 Blackfriars: 377517 Peterborough: St Pancras 10.30: 395015 43065/068/080/084/257/277/290/295/296/300 Euston 10.45-11.04: 43305/307/308/311/313/316/317/319/367 57312, 221118/43, 350120/128/245/262/263 66002/037/081/129/132/137/151/183/525/592 378008, 390005/10/18/28/39/41/51 66702/705/707/712-714/716/718/728, 67002 Camden Sidings: 91103/06-12/14/18/20/21/24-27/29/31, 153355 350112/118/239/252/265/267 153379/83, 156413, 158780/783/788/799/846 Willesden: 86401, 150123, 378007 158856/857/863, 170112/113/202/207/397/398 Willesden PRDC: 66410 170520/523/637/638, 180111-13, 317341/42/46 Wembley Yard: 66135/567, 92001 365506/08/29 Harrow & Wealdstone 11.20-11.37: DVTs 82201/03/04/07/08/12-16/18/19/25/26/29 57314, 66542, 221104, 350105/126/241/256 82231, coaches 11083+10242+5919+6122 350257 +5995+9506, DR98308 Stonebridge Park: 08934, 90024/36 28th October: South Hampstead: 350103/104/130 Leeds Midland Road 07.20-07.35: Euston 12.10: 66508/513/524/529/548/556/557/609/613 57312/14, 350108/109/115, 390020 142048 St Pancras 13.00: 395015 Doncaster: London Bridge: 377511 08648/754/871, 43068/084/238/302/305/308 Forest Hill: 377502 43316/318/320, 47813/28, 60011/13/21, 66089 Selhurst: 171722/725/726 66207/506/523/557/570/624/710/954, 67020 East Croydon 16.10-16.25: 91101-07/12-14/17/18/24-26/28/29/31, 142022 171802, 350123, 377506/518 142025/28/35/45/87/91, 144006, 153351/79 30th October: 158790/792/793/796/797/842/901/903, 170301 Hassocks 08.45-09.20: 180105/09/11/12, 185105/07/19/35, 220006/11 377512/517/519/520 220012/17/27/28/30, 321902/03 Euston 11.00-11.10: DVTs 82106/139/200/202/204/205/209/211- 350105/258/262, 378011, 390003/35/38 213/215/217/218/220/223/224/227/229-231 Camden Sidings: TRU 950001, DR77802, ADB975974/8 350108/115/116/127/263 Retford 11.26-14.56: Willesden: 66154, 86401, 378007/13 43251/257/277/295/299/302/308/313/315/316 Wembley Yard: 66117/594 43318/367, 66012/089/523/579/707/721, 91103 South Hampstead: 350234/236/242/250 91109/10/12/14/20/24/27, 142025/87, 153351 Euston 12.10: DVTs 82204/05/08/09/12-18/23-26 57307/312, 350120/128/237, 378011/14 4th November: 390012/19/20 Warrington: St Pancras 13.00-13.20: 08653, 37401/425, 66101, 67027, 86627/632 377505/510/512/517, 395004/10/15 92031, 142052, 175005/106/116, 221103/10 Blackfriars: 377519/520 325001/06-08/16, 390041/44, DR77332 Selhurst: 377501 Crewe: 47853, 66106, 86424/621, 153313, 158770 Danny Coyne: 175001, 221104, 323224/25/30/36, 325001/08 23rd October: 325016, 350113/114/127/257, 390021 Warrington: Stafford: 08653, 37401, 56018, 60039/49, 66011/020 66089/305/503/541/566, 90047, 92003, 220024 66142, 67025, 86638/39, 142033, 175009/110 221110, 325002/04/05, 350114/123/239/246 175115, 221102, 325005/07, 390015/18 350247/250/256/257, 390001/14/19/30/31/35
12 Wolverhampton Steel Terminal: 66124/137 Ken Ireson: Birmingham: 29th October: 43378/84, 153364, 150256, 158819/32/35/41 Lancaster: 170115/504/506/521/635/636, 220003/09/12/19 142017, 150222, 153324/60, 185128/38/44 220023/27, 221139, 321410, 323201/02/04-06 221109/12, 390016 323214/15, 350130/249/260, 390008/28/41/47 Bolton: 185102 DR98910/60 Manchester Oxford Road: 150137 Bescot: Manchester Piccadilly 12.30-13.10: 08886, 37893/895, 66019/035/063/107/126/155 90021/24, 142012/20/49, 156452/63/66/81/89 66523, 67008, 153304, 170514, 67012+12043+ 158777, 170301/02, 175003/04/10, 185108/12 11040+10235+82302 185113/14/17/18/36, 220007/27, 323229/30/32 Washwood Heath: 66614, DR79231 323233/35/38/39, 390006/07/28/45 Hams Hall: 09022, DR73922 Longsight: 08721 Nuneaton: Sheffield: 222005 66536/541/715/723/956, 86609/628, 90016/49 Doncaster West Yard: 92022, 153325, 170112/519/520/636-639 08853, 47727/813/828, 67020, 91119, 321424 350105/118-120/239/245/261/263, 390005/17 Wabtec Rail: 08648/669/864/871 390021, DR73913, 999801 Doncaster 14.40-17.40: Lichfield: 350232, DR73529 08428, 43238/257/295/296/305/311/313/315 Rugby: 57309, 66085, DR80203 43316/317/367, 66024/027/084/117/132/146 Daventry: 08632, 66419/510 66197/529/557/578/623/957, 91101/02/04/06 Northampton: 91107/10/11/14/15/20/28/30-32, 142035/45/87 66538/590, 92034, 350104/105/108/110/115 142092, 144005/06, 153358, 158784/792/815 350116/118/120/230-232/237/239/244/248/251 158830/849/872, 170302, 180107, 185104/05 350252/253/259/267 185107/18/28, 220007/12/13/15/17, 221141 13th November: 321901/02 Warrington: DVTs 82200/02/03/05/06/12/14/20/23/26/28-31 37425, 66013, 67002, 90018, 142044, 175102 DRC78235 175110, 221102, 325004/14/15, 390044/50 Preston: 57308 DR73903 Lancaster: 66415/18/32 Crewe: 20906, 43073, 47843/853, 57315, 66106/111 Tony Flatt: 66419/434/534/585/587, 86424/609/901 18th September: 158785, 175007, 221143, 323225/229/232 Didcot Parkway 10.50-16.35: 350102/111/113/244/257, 390013/48 43002/003/005/012/015/016/018/021/023/026 Stafford: 43027/029/031-033/035/036/040/053/069/071 66305/567, 90046, 92026, 220005/12/15 43078/079/088/093/094/098/122/126/127/129 350102/108/110/111/120/248/257/262/267 43130/136/139/140/142/143/149/151/154/158 390004/30/34 43161/162/165/171/174/176/181/182/190/193 Wolverhampton Steel Terminal: 66060/184 43195, D1916, 47848, 66025/055/075/089/099 Birmingham: 66172/173/502/526/532/542/580, 165102/03/05 153334, 158823/26/27/29/31, 170102/108/397 165107/09/12/13/16/28/35, 166205/10/12-14 170503/509/513/514/520/633/638, 220001/07 166216/18/20, 220003/04/07/10/16/23/31/34 220019/22/23/26/27, 323201/05/09/10/12/14 220035, 221123/33/37 323216/18/19/40/41, 350116/120/239/258/262 24th September: 350266, 390006/18/21/31/38/39, DR98907/57 Eastleigh 10.35-16.55: Birmingham Snow Hill: 08482, 20302-05/11, 37609, 59005, 66014/016 150001-003/005/007/011-017/102/106/108/122 66025/084/125/167/517/538/559/572/575/587 150125/214, 153364, 168002/003/107 66592, 73141/205, 158881/85/88, 159004 Trams 05-08/13/14 220006/10/16/34, 221121/24/29/35, 377102 Stourbridge Junction: 139001/02, DR73923 444001/02/04-06/13/14/17-21/23/25/28/31/34 Tyseley: 50033, 170104/109/508/510/511/519 444038/39/41, 450007/015/016/028/034/036 170519/635, DR73906 450037/072/073-75/082/096/098/105/116/122 Bescot: 450123-125/561 08393/886, 37203/893/895, 66024/058/110/147 25th September: 66177/553, 67012/13, 92005, DR76601/92400 Leamington Spa 10.00-13.48: Lawley Road: 66516/531, DR73901 66084/558/559/592/720, 67012/13, 165005/32 Nuneaton 14.55-16.16: 168001/003/005/107-109/112/113/214/217/218 66177/503/535/558/594/611/713, 153354 220003/09/10/14/17/21/22/27/28/30/34 170112/116/398/521, 221105/09, 350112/113 221120/24/37 350129/246, 390014, DR73907 DVTs 82301/03
13 30th September: Ian McAlpine: Didcot Parkway 10.00-13.48: 30th October: 43003-005/010/012/015/018/024/026-029/033 Peterborough-Swindon: 43040/053/056/070/087/088/094/098/128/130 31459, 43026/042/086/131/142/143/175/188 43131/133/136/138/140/141/143/145/149/156 43238/295/296/313/315, 59005/202, 66115/125 43158/171/172/174/175/179-181/185/187/189 66128/129/248/545, 91114/15/31, 158770 43190/192, 66014/041/065/066/089/125/568 165106/08/12/14/19/33, 166202/07/09/10/15 66572/591, 220023/25, 221121/28/36/40 180111, 317339, 332005/06/09/10/14, 360204 165103/04/08/14/16/19/24, 166206/11/12/15 360205, 365522 166216/17 DVTs 82202/03/26 7th October: 31st October: Crewe Station 10.43-15.22: Swindon-Newport and return: 43013+975814/977984/993-995+43062 43015/017/041/070/071/094/098/122/125/132 37059/069/604, D1916, 47769/815/839/848 43137/139/145/146/153/182, 47237, 60004/54 66413/420/426/557, 86638. 87004/13/14 60063/85, 66008/092/099/118/164/176/186 90016, 153321/27, 158820/23, 175008/103/111 143617, 150213/238/239/256/257/261/278/281 221101/03-05/08/11/12/15/43/44, 323235/37 153361/80, 158748/798/820/826/840/881/952 350120/231/238/246/247/249/261/264/265 158955/958, 170104/105/109/114/503, 175003 390001/03/10/21/26/30/31/35/43 175004/007/011/107/110/112/115 8th October: 1st November: Didcot Parkway 10.25-14.56: Swindon-Peterborough: 31106+999508+6262+999605+9702 43002/023/035/037/069/093/094/140/163/165 43022-025/027/028/030/032/036/041/053/063 43189/197, 59202, 66099/134/169, 165123/124 43086/087/098/131/132/135/137-139/141/142 166217/19, 170116, 332005, 360204 43146/150/155/159/162/163/171/172/175/176 37 3003/007/010/018/206/214/222 43181/182/185/188/190-92/194/195, 60045 6th November: 60077/96, 66090/095/134/141/52/178/501 Peterborough: 66534/569/577, 165101/02/04/07/08/13/14/25 31454, 43206/239/251/257/296/299/305/308 165128, 166202/06/09/12/14/18/20, 220009/11 43309/313/315/318/319, 66040/081/109/207 221121/33/36/39 66536/576/703/727/730, 91101/04/06/08/11/12 MPV 98916/56 91115/16/20/22/25/28/30, 92007, 153379/85 13th October: 158773/780/783/847/852/858/864, 170102/116 Leamington Spa 10.13-16.07: 170204/207/522/636/637, 180111/13, 321403 66040/189/534/567/559/579, 67010/13, 165009 365532/34/40 165037/39, 168003/004/106-109/111-113/214 DVTs 9703, 82201/04/05/07/10/15/16/20/23/24 166215/216/218, 220001/06/09/11-13/18/19/24 82229 220025/28/30/31, 221121/22/27/31-33/35/38 7th November: DVTs 82302/03 Peterborough-Blackpool: 27th October: 08754/762/871, 47813/828, 57302, 66011/081 Didcot Parkway 09.45-14.27: 66207/710/713/723/726/731, 87002, 91127-29 43002/003/005/004/009/012/016/017/022/026 142017/53, 144020, 150142/143/222, 153301 43027028//032/034/056/069/071/078/086/087 155341/44, 156470, 158752-754/773/792/795 43091/094/126/127/131/134/135/138/139/140 170204/302/636, 185140/50, 333008 43142/143/146/148/149/151/153/161/163/164 Trams 40/147/513/619/622/623/630/634/643 43175/176/182/187/189/191/192/194/197 644/645/647/672/675/707/711/718/724/754/762 59205, 60073, 66009/019/055/126/142/145/134 13th November: 66154/168/501/560/574/578, 165105/11/12/16 Peterborough-Darlington: 165117/19, 166201/10/11/15, 220010/18/20/21 43290/295/300/302/305/317, 66011/187/711 220030, 221127/37/38 66720/723/726, 67020, 91104/06/16, 153384 30th October: 158864, 170398/637, 185105/09, 321903 Didcot Parkway 09.58-14.43: DVTs 82207/20 31459+6264+997868+9701, 43002/003/005/009 14th November: 43022/023/026-028/031/032-034/036/056/041 Darlington-Saltburn and return: 43042/063/069/071/087/091-093/097/098/124 43304/366, 66068/171/506, 91128, 142019/23 43125/128/131/133/135/139/143/144/147-149 142078/87/91/93/95 43159/162-164/175/177/179/180/188/192/193 15th November: 43195, 60024, 66009/020/034/114/122/125/142 Darlington-Peterborough: 66148/173/189/569, 165102/03/05/06/08/11/12 43206/277/319, 66065/069/087/707, 91104/16 165114/19, 166202/08/09/16, 220002/07/28/33 142087/91, 156444, 158759/793/880, 185145 220034 220017 DVTs 82207/20
14 20th November: 21st November: Peterborough-Glasgow: Glasgow ' Roundabout ticket ' 08615, 37042, 66065/067/080/096/114/232/506 91109, 156435-437/446/458/476478/493/501 66556/612/707/715/721, 67025/27, 90021/29 156502/504/506-508/510/512/514, 185112 90036, 91104/06/12, 142018/91, 156432/433 314202/05/06/08-10/15, 318250/52/54/55/57 156437/442/443/457/462/469/476/477/485/492 318258/60/61/63-68/70, 320301/02/04-06/08 156495/502-505/507-514, 158726/883, 170203 320309/10/12-19/22, 334004/05/08/09/11-17 170413, 185103/07/13/29, 221144, 314201/02 334020/21/23-33/36/38-40, 390019, DVT 82208 314205/06/08-11/13-16, 318254/62/64, 322481 98923/73 322485, 334004/10/12/15/16/22/25-27/29/31 22nd November: 334032/34/34/37/39 Glasgow-Peterborough: DVTs 82204/30 43239, 66041/050, 67025, 90018, 91120 156430/449/495/504, 158717/26, 170405/10/12 170429/30/50/-52/57/60/73/75/76, 390037 Glasgow Underground: 104/107-09/15/17-22/27-30/33, 203/07/08
Rail-Blue Charters (advert)
Rail Blue Charters is the charter arm of Cargo-D who operates a mixture of Mk2/3 rail blue/grey liveried air-conditioned carriages. If any member wishes to book for the following charters on 19th or 30th December you will get a 10% discount if you state they are an ICRS member and give your membership number.
Saturday, December 19th 'The Carlisle Executive Circular'
From Barrow Hill to Carlisle over S&C and the Tyne Valley Pick ups at Derby, Long Eaton, Langley Mill, Alfreton, Chesterfield, Dronfield, Sheffield, Meadowhall and Barnsley. The train will hauled by 2 x Cl.47 locomotives supplied by Direct Rail Services.
Wednesday, December 30th 'The 20's Southern Circular'
From Barrow Hill with Cl.20's to Greater London, Kent and Sussex to Hastings. Pick ups at Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, Derby, Loughborough, Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, St. Albans and Clapham Junction
Standard class fares £54 (juniors £39), first class £79 (juniors £59) and Premier Dining £135. Tables for 2 are available at £10 per person. Family bookings for 2 adults and up to 3 children or a group booking of 4 adults can take advantage of a 10% discount. Please note that Premier Dining is not available on the 30th December charter.
For more details visit: www.rail-bluecharters.co.uk/tour_list
or to book please call 0161850 0559.
15 Open Day Report
Upminster LU Depot 29-30th August: by Mark Richards On the weekend of 29th/30th August, Upminster Depot on the London Underground's District Line opened its doors to the public to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the depot in 1959.
Upminster was the first LU depot to open after the Second World War and was part of a £2.5 million modernisation of the eastern end of the District Line. When built the depot had four miles of track, which could accommodate 34 eight car trains. Nine covered tracks over inspection pits were provided in the examination shed along with two additional tracks in the lifting shed adjacent. On opening in 1959, Upminster handled Q and CO/CP stock and R Stock. D stock was introduced from the 1980s and this remains in service, although these trains were completely refurbished between 2005 and 2008. A selection of these underground types and other traction was on display at the depot.
A shuttle bus service was provided on both days from Upminster station to the depot. A rare bonus at Upminster was the presence of Underground battery locomotives, which were being used in connection with engineering works taking place on the District Line.
LU battery locos 47 & 28 LU battery locos 29 Upminster Station, 30 August 2009 Upminster LU Depot, 30 August 2009 Mark Richards Mark Richards
At the depot a number of demonstrations/talks were held at regular intervals during the day and large parts of the site were accessible to visitors. The weather could have been kinder, with dull overcast skies for most of the day but this did not dampen the enthusiasm or number of visitors on the Sunday. On display in the main inspection shed were C and D stock, the 1938 stock (which has been beautifully restored), battery locomotive L29 and a rack displaying the various mechanical components of the underground stock. The stock on display was open to the public to wander through including the cabs, which was a rare treat and probably the only occasion I will ever have to sit at the controls of a D stock train! A taste of the future was provided in the form of a mock-up of the new S Stock train, whose interior seems very similar to that of the Cl.378s with through carriage connections and a bright, airy interior. The seats are decidedly uncomfortable though and I wouldn't wish to make a long journey on this stock!
Further D stock trains and the heritage units were also on display in the wheel lathe shop including ‘Sarah Siddons’.
A further selection of photos by Mark Richards from the Open Day can be seen on our Fotopic site
Open Day News by Trevor Roots
It is hoped that as details become known of forthcoming Open Days around the country then info concerning them will be notified to you. If anyone hears of any such events, please let me know so details can be passed on. No new events to report. 16 Gloucestershire Sightings by Nigel Hoskins
21st October 26th October 2nd November (cont) 00.53 66083 6E80 CT-RM 04.03 60073 6M11 MG-RO 14.09 66046 6A36 AH-DT 00.57 66173 6V29 AE-CT 11.21 60054 6B13 RN-WH 15.04 66152 6V92 CY-MG 01.18 66150 6V02 TY-MG 11.26 60073 6V05 RO-MG 23.03 66427 6Z68 CT-SY 03.12 60063 6M94 MG-CY 11.54 66125 6B36 DT-AH 3rd November 06.52 66176 6M57 RN-KY 12.02 66137 6V40 LK-LL 05.55 66232 6M57 RN-KY 07.07 66034 6M81 MG-RO 12.17 60084 6E41 WH-LY 14.26 60085 6V92 CY-MG 07.22 66172 6M98 CT-HD 16.08 60004 6V07 RO-MG 14.46 60011 6B13 RN-WH 11.25 66083 6E41 WH-KY 16.10 66125 6A36 AH-DT 15.58 66164 6V07 RO-MG 11.29 66131 6V05 RO-MG 16.50 66083 6M41 MG-RO 16.07 60063 6M41 MG-RO 12.01 66124 6V46 LK-LL 18.20 66137 6E37 LL-LK 19.07 66232 6Z59 KY-RN 14.11 60073 6B13 RN-WH 20.49 66248 6E30 MG-HL 21.10 66186 6E30 MG-HL 15.45 66510 4V47 RG-SG 27th October 22.04 60063 6V61 RO-LL 16.00 66147 6M41 MG-RO 11.03 60004 6V05 RO-MG 22.09 60011 6B47 WH-MG 16.26 66034 6V07 RO-LL 11.07 60054 6B13 RN-WH 22.29 66159 6E20 MG-IM 19.12 66176 6Z59 KY-RN 11.52 60084 6E41 WH-LY 5th November 20.29 60073 6B47 WH-MG 18.49 60056 6B47 WH-MG 05.01 60040 6V98 LY-WH 21.27 66172 6V06 HD-CT 28th October 11.17 60040 6E41 LY-WH 22.16 66128 6E20 MG-DR 06.06 66180 6M81 MG-RO 13.47 37509/608 6Z05 22.47 66017 6E47 AD-TY 06.16 60073 6M57 RN-BD BR-CE 23.34 66147 6V61 RO-MG 08.18 66248 6V49 TY-AD 16.59 66184 6E37 LL-LK 22nd October 10.59 60054 6b13 RN-WH 18.59 66153 6X52 PY-MN 09.28 66135 6X36 DT-AH 11.56 60084 6E41 WH-LY 20.26 66077 6V06 KY-MG 11.10 60073 6B13 RN-WH 12.26 66059 6v40 LK-LL 20.45 66152 6E30 MG-HL 11.45 60035 6V40 LK-LL 66303 4V09 CH-PY 22.01 66084 6E09 SS-IM 11.49 60040 6E41 WH-LY 66411/424 6M67 BR-CE 22.22 60063 6E20 MG-IM 12.50 66135 6A36 AH-DT 29th October 6th November 14.01 66726 4V09 CH-PY 10.54 66135 6B36 AH-DT 03.35 60085 6M11 MG-RO 14.55 66510 4V47 RG-SG 11.05 60054 6B13 RN-WH 05.46 66149 6M81 MG-RO 16.01 66186 6V07 RO-LL 11.12 66008 6V09 RO-MG 05.59 60040 6V98 LY-WH 16.14 66187 6M41 MG-RO 12.06 66059 6V40 LK-LL 11.06 60011 6B13 RN-WH 19.54 66152 6X52 PY-MN 14.48 66726 4V09 CH-PY 13.00 66427 6Z67 SY-CT 20.24 66176 6E30 MG-HL 16.15 66158 6M41 LL-RO 15.12 66093 6V92 CY-MG 20.28 66083 6V06 SA-CT 30th October 17.29 60040 6E41 WH-LY 21.30 66230 6E09 SS-IM 11.53 67005 6B36 DT-AH 18.27 60011 6B47 WH-MG 23.00 66099 6E47 AD-TY 12.26 60084 6E41 WH-LY 20.44 66566 4V61 RG-SG 23.30 66187 6V61 RO-MG 14.47 66566 4V47 RG-SG 22.59 66248 6E47 AD-TY 23.52 60073 6B47 WH-MG 31st October 7th November 23rd October 03.36 66051 6V19 IM-MG 07.41 66188 6M60 EX-BS 10.29 66083 6M43 LL-RO 10.11 67022 1Z53 MV-BP 10.22 60040 6E41 WH-LY 11.13 60054 6B13 RN-WH 10.57 60084 6E41 WH-LY 14.58 66555 4V46 RG-SG 14.05 66726 4V09 CH-PY 11.00 60054 6B13 RN-WH 15.46 66524 4V22 FF-SG 14.27 60073 6V05 RO-MG 11.10 31105 0Z31 DY-BL 20.20 66066 6V68 BN-AD 14.48 66520 4V47 RG-SG 14.49 66565 4V46 RG-SG 22.31 66068 6Z42 LC-AD 18.02 60073 6B47 WH-MG 18.20 60054 6B47 WH-MG 67006 1Z29 VA-GL 19.44 66563 4V57 RG-SG 18.52 67022 1Z54 BP-MV 9th November 20.40 66083 6V63 RO-LL 19.04 66585 4V56 RG-SG 09.15 66132 6B36 DT-AH 22.28 66187 6E47 AD-TY 21.00 66158 6V68 BN-CT 11.02 60085 6B13 RN-WH 24th October 21.41 66184 6V29 AE-CT 11.11 66104 6V05 RO-MG 06.05 31106 4Z08 KS-DY 2nd November 11.34 66153 6E09 MG-LK 08.11 66105 6M60 TK-BS 06.06 66164 6M81 MG-RO 11.52 60041 6E41 WH-LY 15.08 66510 4V22 FF-SG 08.04 60054 6V54 RO-LL 12.29 66162 6V40 LK-LL 17.55 60021 6Z44 AW-LY 09.47 66186 6M96 MG-CY 13.21 66132 6A36 AH-DT 19.27 66083 6V35 RM-CT 11.32 60004 6V05 RO-MG 14.10 66302 4V17 CH-PY 20.29 66058/163 6V29 12.04 60054 6B13 RN-WH 15.08 66060 6V92 CY-MG AE-CT 12.13 66158 6E09 LL-LK 16.05 60011 6M41 MG-RO 22.32 66121 6Z42 LC-CT 12.22 60084 6E41 WH-LY 17.00 66162 6E37 LL-LK 17 9th November (cont) 12th November (cont) 17th November (cont) 19.17 66137 6Z59 KY-MG 19.08 66120 6X52 13.09 66168 6V40 21.28 66060 6E30 MG-LK 20.59 66122 6E30 15.09 66056 6V92 23.11 66427 6Z68 CT-SY 23.10 66618 6M37 16.28 66165 6M41 10th November 23.49 66039 6V93 16.30 66232 6V07 06.22 66137 6M81 MG-RO 13th November 18.47 37602 6Z37 BZ-YK 11.21 66186 6B36 DT-AH 02.24 66093 6E80 18th November 11.25 66168 6V05 RO-MG 04.50 66170 6X51 08.09 66183 6M57 11.56 60041 6E41 WH-LY 07.03 66176 6M81 10.30 66009 6M96 12.27 66171 6V40 LK-LL 09.07 66186 6X36 10.55 66079 6E77 14.15 66303 4V13 CH-PY 09.50 66039 6M96 11.08 66151 6V05 16.08 66061 6M41 MG-RO 11.14 60054 6V05 11.20 60085 6B13 16.55 66171 6E37 LL-LK 11.57 60041 6E41 12.03 66183 6V40 17.00 66122 6V92 CY-MG 12.06 60085 6B13 12.08 31465 1Z12 DY-BL 18.05 31233 4Z07 DY-SW 12.16 66183 6M43 14.51 37194/510 6M67 19.03 66117 6V69 BS-AD 12.16 66079 6V40 15.25 66178 6V07 19.59 66188 6X52 PY-MN 12.21 66186 6A36 15.55 66056 6V92 20.20 66183 6E30 MG-HL 14.00 66427 6Z67 SY-CT 17.37 60085 6B47 23.23 66037 6E47 AD-TY 16.25 66176 6V07 19th November 23.55 60011 6V93 CY-MG 22.15 66152 6E20 09.13 66009 6M96 11th November 66079 6E37 11.09 66115 6V05 09.15 66112 6B36 14th November 11.11 60085 6B13 11.25 66168 6V05 01.00 66076 6Z52 RD-HV 14.10 66430 0Z40 GL-LM 11.59 60085 6B13 04.58 60041 6V98 15.04 66056 6V92 12.52 66112 6A36 11.50 60041 6E41 18.02 60085 6B47 15.53 37194/510 6M67 16.09 66206 6W31 CS-WY 21st November 15.57 66054 6V07 18.15 66147 6W32 CS-WY 00.49 66013 6E26 CT-AE 17.14 66061 6M41 19.33 66227 CS-WY 03.28 70002 7Z70 PG-SG 17.28 66091 6E37 60074 6B47 03.47 60084 6A11 RN-TH 18.29 60085 6B47 16th November 04.30 66060 6M60 EX-BS 20.25 66151 6V06 11.01 60085 6B13 05.58 66125 6B66 AV-AW 20.16 66168 6E30 12.57 60091 6E41 06.17 79251-7 8Z03 12th November 12.59 66238 6A36 MG-SW 03.00 66192 6V19 14.23 66303 4V13 06.37 66154/237 3S59 09.22 66021 6B36 19.10 37602 6Z37 YK-BZ BT-BT 09.25 66151 6M43 17th November 09.07 66173 4F83 AW-AV 11.41 60085 6B13 11.01 66009 6M96 09.42 66009 6V78 WB-MG 12.28 66091 6V40 11.27 66039 6V05 11.10 60063 6E41 WH-LY 12.34 60041 6E41 11.52 60041 6E41 12.04 66186 6Z35 MO-WY
Stirlingshire Sightings by Derek Sneddon
16th October 20th October 23rd October 07.00 66429 4Z77 GM-EE 02.30 66428 4Z48 CB-IS 05.00 66413 4H47 GM-IS 10.30 66551 6G05 CM-LT 05.00 66419 4H47 GM-IS 10.30 66522 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66416 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66414 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66039 6S36 DS-MG 13.30 60022 6S36 DS-GM 24th October 15.30 66415 4S43 DV-GM 14.20 66522 4C07 LT-RV 10.30 66522 6G05 MN-LT 15.45 66016 6N35 MN-GM 21st October 13.00 66415 4A13 GM-AB 17th October 02.30 66428 4Z48 CB-IS 16.30 66553 6G08 MN-LT 05.00 66416 4H47 GM-IS 06.00 66016 6L49 MN-LW 25th October 10.30 66551 6G05 MN-LT 13.00 66418 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66422 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 60022 6S36 DS-GM 26th October 13.30 60022 6S36 DS-GM 14.20 66522 4C07 LT-RV 02.30 66434 4Z48 CB-IS 16.30 66522 6G08 MN-LT 22nd October 05.00 66424 4H47 GM-IS 19th October 02.30 66428 4Z48 CB-IS 22.00 60022 6M34 GM-DS 02.30 66428 4Z48 CB-IS 05.00 66418 4H47 GM-IS 27th October 10.30 66522 6G05 MN-LT 10.30 66522 6G05 CM-LT 02.30 66434 4Z48 CB-IS 18.15 60022 6N44 PW-GM 13.00 66413 4A13 GM-AB 05.00 66414 4H47 GM-IS 18 27th October (cont) 29th October (cont) 30th October (cont) 10.30 66522 6G05 CM-LT 07.00 66414 4Z77 GM-EE 21.30 66522 6G10 RV-LT 13.00 66414 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66433 4A13 GM-AB 22.00 66103 6D66 LG-MN 13.30 66221 6S36 DS-GM 18.20 66070 6D68 GM-MN 31st October 28th October 18.20 66431 4M48 GM-DV 10.30 66522 6G05 CM-LT 13.00 66416 4A13 GM-AB 21.30 66522 6G10 RV-LT 13.30 66082 6S36 DS-GM 29th October 30th October 16.30 66619 6G08 MN-LT 02.30 66434 4Z48 CB-IS 13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 05.00 66430 4H47 GM-IS 18.15 66082 6N44 PW-GM 06.25 66104/113 6A31 18.20 66174 6D68 GM-MN MN-AB 18.20 66413 4M48 GM-DV
Sightings Location Codes: AB Aberdeen CV Cliff Vale LG Lairg PZ Penzance AC Achnasheen CY Corby LI Linlithgow RD Reading AD Alexander Dock DC Dyce LK Lackenby RG Rugeley Jnct DR Doncaster LL Llanwern RM Rotherham AE Attercliffe DS Dalston LM Long Marston RN Robeston AH Ashchurch DT Didcot LN Laurencekirk RO Round Oak AV Avonmouth DV Daventry LT Longannet RV Ravenstruther AY Ayr DY Derby LW Linkswood RY Rugby AW Aberthaw EA Earles Sdgs LY Lindsey SA Saltley BA Blair Atholl ED Edinburgh MC Machen SC Scunthorpe BD Bedworth EE Elderslie ME Montrose SG Stoke Gifford BE Berkeley EL Elgin MG Margam SH Slough BH Brierley Hill FR Fairwater MH Millerhill SN Stockton BL Bristol GL Gloucester MN Mossend SS Swansea BN Beeston GM Grangemouth MO Moreton ST Severn Tunnel Jnct BR Bridgwater GS Gleneagles MW Moorswater SV Stevenage BS Bescot HA Hayes NJ Norton Jnct SW Swindon BT Barton Hill HL Hartlepool NL Newtonhill SY Shipley BZ St Blazey HS Hunslet NT Newport TE Trostre BY Barry HT Hastings NW Nantwich TH Theale CA Calvert HY Hinksey OB Oban TK Tavistock Jnct CB Coatbridge IM Immingham ON Onllwyn TL Tilbury CE Crewe IS Inverness OO Old Oak Common TN Taunton CD Charfield KK Kilmarnock OX Oxwellmains TO Toton CF Cardiff KL Kyle of Lochalsh PA Paisley TY Tees Yard CH Chaddesden KN Kennethmont PC Port Clarence VA Victoria CL Carlisle KS Kingsland Road PF Peak Forest WB Wembley CM Chalmerston KY Kingsbury PH Perth WH Westerleigh CN Carnforth LA Laira PN Paddington WP Worksop CS Cheltenham LC Lincoln PW Prestwick WS Worcester CT Cardiff Tidal LD Lydney PY Portbury WY Westbury
Days Out
Doncaster by Alan Gilmour: The following is a report of sightings on a trip from Norwich to Doncaster on 2nd November.
Norwich Station (08.30): 90011/026; 158785 08.57 to Liverpool Ely Papworth: (09.50) 60051 4M84 Ely to Peak Forest (10.07) 66207 6E84 Middleton Towers to Monk Bretton sand, coming off Kings Lynn line Peterborough: (10.48) 66193 6E52 Sheerness to Hitchin empty box wagons (10.55) 66207 6E84 EWS SP (10.57): 66183; DR98308 (opposite side of line) GBRf Depot (10.59): 66712 ‘Peterborough Power Signalbox’, 66715 ‘VALOUR’ 19 Doncaster Decoy Yards (12.00): Doncaster Wabtec Works (12.15): 66710 4D55 Drax to Decoy Yard gypsum 08648 ‘Old Geoff’, 08669 ‘Bob Machin’ 66086 + 66007 RHTT 08754/762/853/871
08754, 08871 & 08648 ‘Old Geoff’ (08762 was hidden behind) Wabtec Works, Doncaster 11 October 2009
47813 & 47828 Joe Strummer’ alongside Wabtec Works, Doncaster, 15 October 2009
Lines adjacent to works: DR73108; 47813 nameplates removed, 47828 ‘Joe Strummer’; 91108 Doncaster Station: (12.20) 66721 ‘Harry Beck’ (14.23) 66546 Hoppers north 4L78 Selby to Felixstowe Intermodal 91108 dragged into Wabtec by 08669 (12.32) 67019 light south to works yards and returned at 15.35 with new (12.33) 66059 pantograph fitted 6D16 Cottam to Ferrybridge gypsum (16.05) 66034 light north (13.25) 66547 (16.25) 66227 NR departmental north 6B53 Redcar to Cottam coal hoppers (16.58) 66577 4E24 Thamesport to Leeds F/L (13.35) 66550 (17.15) 66041 NR departmental north 6M96 Drax to Tunstead empty hoppers (17.55) 66043 EWS MGR north (14.00) 66207 6E84 (17.57) 66551 FHH MGR north (14.04) 66551 6J43 Kirk Sandall to Doncaster (18.21) 66505 4l79 Wilton to Felixstowe F/L (14.13) 66547 Doncaster to Hull hoppers other stock seen was: Cl.91s: 91101/02/03/06/07/11/12/17/18/19/20/22/26/27/28/29/31/43 HSTs: 43208/239/257/277/307/314/319/320, Multiple Units: 142012/19/27, 144001/08/12, 153315, 158787/790/794/816/848/904/908, 180113, 185103/16/23/32/48/49, 321901/03/03
Peterborough: (19.30) 66070 light south on main line (19.35) 66089 6L32 Burton-on-Trent to Ipswich Intermodal 20 Location ‘Spot’light by Trevor Roots
New locations to be featured in coming months include Cardiff, Crewe, Doncaster, Edinburgh Waverley, Manchester Victoria, Warrington & York (not in that order)
Location ‘Spot’light Update by Trevor Roots
DIDCOT PARKWAY STATION & YARD
Further to the feature published in the August issue, the following helpful update is from member Tony Flatt (Cheltenham).
As an avid reader articles in ‘Tracks’ I was particularly pleased to see a review of Didcot in the August issue. I visit Didcot fairly frequently and am able to provide a little more information.
The footbridge adjacent to Foxhall Road car park does indeed give a good overview of the yard, however a fairly magnificent tree can hamper the view to the north when in full leaf. Power station coal trains can be photographed here when they stop to enable the loco to run round.
the offending tree, without leaves from northern side of footbridge showing car park and yard with DBS 66101 on right 10 January 2007
Through freights on the main line, usually on the slow line, can also be viewed easily from the footbridge. During daylight hours these include Cardiff – Southampton containers, westbound fuel tanks and occasional stone hoppers to Westbury. Freightliner Heavy Haul hoppers have also worked through westbound during the year on the fast line.
Due to the orientation of the platforms, photography of HSTs is best undertaken from platform 1, the exception being early morning in high summer. If standing at the east end, then westbound HSTs are almost unsighted until almost too late and there is a distinct lack of seating here. Keep well back on the narrow platform, as the through HSTs are quite fast. The west end of platform 1 has more in the way of seating and a good view of traffic approaching from under the footbridge. However later in the year with low sun, shadows mar photography from mid afternoon. The eastern ends of platform 2/3 and 4/5 give excellent views of all traffic except anything taking the west curve beyond the car park.
The west end of platform 4/5 gives a good view of yard and movements in and out. The stabling point adjacent platform 5 can often bring surprises and recently has been home to NR trains powered by Cl.31s. Again this year has seen frequent MOD trains in and out of the yard with interesting loads of army vehicles.
The avoiding line, as part of route to Southampton / Eastleigh can bring surprises in workings to and from Knights Rail at Eastleigh Works and adds variety to what I find to be an interesting venue and to date enthusiast friendly.
Thanks Tony. If any other members have updates to previous features please let me know…ed
21 Railway Globetrotters by Ray Smith
Naples, Italy:
Naples (Napoli) on the bay of Naples, is Italy’s third largest city behind Rome and Milan with a city population of 963,500 and an urban population of over two and a half million. The city is under the threat of Vesuvius. This is the only active volcano on the European mainland and its last minor eruption was in 1944. It is well known for the eruption in 79AD that destroyed Pompei and Herculaneum. Volcanologists all agree it is overdue to erupt again. However, they now hope to give 10 days prior warning but if the wind and other weather features are against them, then Naples could well be at risk.
Naples is well served by rail transport. Trenitalia, the national system connects the city to the rest of Italy and Rome can be reached in less than one hour on the new high-speed line. The main station is a terminus with two more underground stations just a short walk away. Both stations are named Garibaldi. One handles the local services and the other has the Circumvesuviana Railway. This is one of the two busy narrow gauge systems that serve the city, the other being the Cumana line that serves the area west of the city towards Cuma.
In June 2009 I had a week’s holiday in Sorrento and I used the Circumvesuviana a lot. I also visited the Italian National Railway Museum at Pietrarsa south of Naples. This article features the former and Part 2 will feature the latter.
Part 1 - The Circumvesuesuviana Railway:
Before the railways the journey to Sorrento was hazardous, even on horseback, especially along the cliffs approaching Sorrento. The most practical way was by boat
Today this narrow gauge railway is divided into 6 lines. All start from Napoli Porta Nolana (the next station along is Garibaldi) and go to:- Line 1, Sorrento, Line 2, Sarno and Line 3, Baiano. These three destinations are the extremities of the system. The other lines do shorter routes within the main system. Line 4, Acerra, Line 5, Poggiomarino and line 6, San Georgio a Cremano.
The original company was called Societa Anonima Ferrovia Nola Ottaviano. It opened on February 9th 1891 and the first section was a single line, 23km long from Naples to Ottaviano, using steam locomotives. In the early 1900s the line was extended towards Sarno as well as a new stretch down the coast towards Pompei with a branch from Torre Annunziata towards Poggiomarino. The line now encircled Vesuvius, hence “Circum” vesuviana.
At this stage the line was 64km long serving 23 towns, with a population (excluding Naples) of 300,000. The line carried 3 million passengers a year. The first section to be electrified was from Naples to Pompei and Poggiomarino in 1905. The First World War put a stop to modernisation, but by 1926 the entire system was electrified and carrying 6 million passengers a year. However, Sorrento was still not reached. In the 1930s work continued and in 1934 it had reached Castellammare di Stabia. In 1936 the company acquired another local company that ran from Naples to Baiano. Work was halted again, this time World War Two and an eruption of Vesuvius in 1944. After the war the 10km tunnel from Castellammare to Vico Equense was completed and finally in 1948 Sorrento became part of the system. Since then some lines have been doubled and stock upgraded or replaced.
22 As a point of interest, a portion of the Circumvesuviana railway runs along the same stretch as did the first railway in Italy. That line was opened in October 1839 (For this article I researched three sites and they give the 2nd, 3rd and 4th!). It proved to be a popular novelty and also a good way for King Ferdinand 2nd to get out of Naples to his other palace in Portici.
Metrostar 204, no graffiti yet !! graffiti liveried T21 unit 118 Naples Porto Nolana, 11 June 2009 normally sandwiched between Fe220 units Sorrento, 12 June 2009
The stock today consists of the following: Metrostar, a new more powerful 3 car articulated unit delivered from November 2008. Numbered 201 to 226, 26 are to be built. These sets have computer driving aids, self-levelling suspension and onboard toilets. Sadly, some already have graffiti livery.
Type T21, also 3 sectioned articulated units of which 33 sets were built between 1989 and 1991. Similar to Fe220, but with a flatter end and better acceleration. Despite these features these units are normally found in the centre of a 3 set formation. Numbered 086 to 118. Livery for both sets is officially white with red doors and ends but in reality it is mainly multi coloured graffiti !
Type Fe220, 3 sectioned articulated units. 85 of these units were built between 1971 and 1978 and have a top speed of 90km/h. three sets can run together. Numbered 001 to 085.
D500, 0-4-0 shunter built in 1967 and D501 / D502, 0-6-0 shunters built in 1966.
D500 at end of same platform as seen in 1994 station pilot 245 194 Naples Porto Nolano, 14 June 2009 Naples, 16 June 2009
Some Italian classes were built as Bo-Bo-Bo with hinged bodies for working tight curves. The Cl.656, nicknamed alligators, were built in batches between 1975 and 1989. They were built for long distance passenger service but many are being downgraded for fast freight services being re-geared and re- numbered as Cl.655.
23
ETR500 are the 300km/h non-tilting sets. The
12 coaches tend to remain in formation. However the power cars that carry the set 656 058 number tend to change, here 404520 is at the Naples, 15 June 2009 rear of the train as it departs from Naples 16 June 2009
three single units Ale 125502/6513/6514 operated by FBN (Ferrovie Benevento-Napoli) one of the private companies Naples, 15 June 2009
0222 + coach B448 + 0221 on a special working, Sorrento, 16 June 2009 (this train was seen later in the day at Ercolano (Herculaneum)
24 Vintage stock BD 0221/22/23 and 25 are Bo-Bo single units, date built not known. 0221 and 0222 are used on tourist services with a coach sandwiched between as seen in previous photo. 0223 and 0225 are dumped with other Fe220 units outside Naples.
Pompeii had to be included with unit 057 Cl.E464, 464 233 Pompeii Scavi (excavations), 14 June 2009 Trenitalia has invested in 538 locos for regional push pull services, which are single ended with a baggage compartment Naples, 16 June 2009
Cl.402B, 402 140 Treno set 68, one of the 4 car double deck sets built between 1997 and 2000 and developed Naples, 13 June 2009 from Cl.402A but with a completely different exterior and design features Naples, 16 June 2009
Confuse the spotter! Trenitalia have introduced two classes of Minuetto three section units. One is diesel and the other electric. Apart from the obvious pantograph, both types look the same. They even have the same numbers. The set numbers are MD for diesel and ME for electric. The coach numbers are also the same except the diesel are preceded by ALn and the electric are Ale.
MD100 ALn 501100 + Ln 220100 + ALn 502100 Naples, 16 June 2009 (all photos by Ray Smith, to be cont)
25 Wagon Corner by Martin Hall
WAGON NEWS: A new American operator is expanding into the freight sector. British American Services (BARS) now owns a number of locomotives: 31422,31452,31454,31468 & 31601, 56022, 73104 & 73139 but it hoping to buy many more redundant locos like Cl.56s, 60s & 08s and re-engine them with environmental ‘gen-set’ power units. Freightliner Heavy Haul has now reached a decade of service and owns 78 Cl.66 locomotives and 1253 wagons. The Internationally registered ‘Falcon’ low-sided open wagons have been re-coded from IOA to IEA. Washwood Heath, the former Railfreight distribution yard is now becoming a storage site for redundant wagons like KSA cube pallet vans and intermodal flats
Disposals: (Sep 2009) Air-Braked Stock: 350004/0032/0175/0247/0253/0438/0458//0472/0483/0488/0541/0572/0592/0617/0619/0621/0756/0782 0791/0821/0849/0871/0890/0905/0923/1014/1023/1046/1052/1073/1161/1343/1426/1527/1645/1657 1662/1727/1764/1814/1853/1984/2182/2345/2347/2394/2472/2476/2498/2504/2541/2545/2573/2637 2775/2799/2826/2863/2867/2876/2915/2964/3047/3058/3084/3252/3272/3277/3298/3346/3364/3370 3373/3400/3437/3495/3510/3513/3631/3650/3677/3701/3782/3880/3929/3979/4032/4053/4097/4234 4261/4305/4316/4376/4403/4434/4464/4603/4655/4714/4785/4806/4828/4835/4898/4932/4979/5009 5032/5039/5129/5148/5190/5206/5228/5313/5448/5553/5620/5624/5644/5648/5665/5668/5672/5776 5814/5851/5894/5929/5947/5965/6039/6076/6122/6126/6187/6198/6224/6234/6312/6318/6332/6337 6348/6354/6363/6388/6395/6396/6481/6601/6619/6699/6806/6873/6958/7270/7372/7570/7796/7867, 368458 Departmental Stock: ADB977390/ADB977595/DB985056/DB986913/DB991768 Pre-Nationalised Stock: DE278497 ‘B’ Prefix Stock: B741553
WAGON REVIEW:
13T Non-Fitted LMS Open Wagon (High-Sided 5 plank)
All the railway companies had their own versions of the non-fitted general-merchandise wagons and the LMS was no different. Although vacuum stock was available they were in short supply and the photograph below of 120655 (at Peak Rail) was typical of the large fleet of LMS wagons that came to British Railways. They were right up until modern vacuum-fitted came on line in the early 60’s, when most were then phased out. Most were scrapped but others were used briefly to carry loco coal in depots while some were even used by the engineers departments. When you visit any preservation site you will always find some of these types of wagons from the four railway companies in various stages of renovation and the one I photographed at Peak Rail (120655) was in particularly good condition.
LMS 12T 5pl open 120655 Peak Rail
Martin Hall
26 Light Rail and Metro News by Martin Hall
Edinburgh: The first fully fitted out tram is now ready to be shipped out from CAF’s factory and will run on the Croydon London Tramlink. Liverpool: The scheme to get trams back in Liverpool is again moving forward but I personally think if they spent the money on planning the project rather than on reports we could get on quicker. General: A new committee is to be set up to hopefully speed up tram schemes put forward. The ‘Light Rail and City Regions: a 21st Century Mode of Transport’ will produce a report in early 2010. There seems to be more interest in LRT schemes like Rotherham, East Kent and the Isle of Thanet which could all help with public transport, business needs, local leisure and tourism.
Stock Changes by Trevor Roots (observations)
In order to compile as accurate and up to date list as possible, can members please pass on their observations, particularly name changes and multiple unit reformations to the editor, Trevor Roots.
New Stock: EMUs: ( * on test) 377515* 377522* 378011* 378140* Namings: (# rededication) 47703 Saint Mungo # 70001 Powerhaul 319374 Bedford Cauldwell TMD 321403 Stewart Fleming Signalman King’s Cross 365513 Hornsey Depot having only recently been applied to 365530 The Intalink Partnership promoting 319374, ‘Bedford Cauldwell TMD’ is seen at integrated transport in Hertfordshire West Hampstead TL, 13 October 2009 since 1999
Revised Liveries
Colas 66841 now on it’s 3rd livery incarnation in 6 months (DRS as 66407 then, Advenza as 66841 Eastleigh Works 3 November 2009
Carl Watson
27 PUBLICATIONS
All books (except A6 Pocket Datafiles) are A5 spiral bound printed on 90gm paper with laminated covers
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NB. This HBP discount on titles from HB Publications/PTI will end on 31st December 2009 for ICRS Members (excludes Joint ICRS / GBBG Members).
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