Tracks the monthly magazine of the Inter City Railway Society
Volume 40 No.12 December 2012 Inter City Railway Society founded 1973 www.icrs.org.uk
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] (07403 040533) 14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG Treasurer: Peter Britcliffe - [email protected] (01429 234180) 9 Voltigeur Drive, Hart, Hartlepool TS27 3BS Membership Secretary: Trevor Roots - [email protected] (01466 760724) (07765 337700) Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD Secretary: Stuart Moore - [email protected] (01603 714735) 64 Blofield Corner Rd, Blofield, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4SA
Magazine: Editorial Manager: Trevor Roots - [email protected] details as above Editorial Team: Sightings: James Holloway - [email protected] (0121 744 2351) 246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3ES Traffic News: John Barton - [email protected] (0121 770 2205) 46, Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham B37 7LD
Website: Website Manager: Mark Richards - [email protected] (01908 520028) 7 Parkside, Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1BX Yahoo Administrator: Steve Revill
Books: Publications Manager: Carl Watson - [email protected] details as above Publications Team: Combine & Individual / Irish: Carl Watson - [email protected] Pocket Book: Carl Watson / Trevor Roots - [email protected] Wagons: Trevor Roots - [email protected] Name Directory: Eddie Rathmill / Trevor Roots - [email protected] USF: Carl Watson / Trevor Roots - [email protected]
Contents: Officials Contact List ...... 2 Stock Changes / Transfers ...... 37-38 Society Notice Board ...... 3-5 Traffic and Traction News...... 15-16 Publications ...... 40 Freight Corner ...... 23 GBBG Advert ...... 37 Feature Articles: Current News / Sightings: Cl.87s in Bulgaria ...... 21-23 Gloucester / Stirling Sightings ...... 24-27 Eastleigh Works Report ...... 6-10 Infrastructure News ...... 5 Preservation Photo Spot ...... 27 Light Rail & Metro News ...... 37 Railtour News ...... 28 Liveries ...... 39 Railway Globetrotters ...... 29-36 Open Day News ...... 20 Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast ...... 11-14 Out and About Sightings ...... 17-20
Front Cover Photo: Glinting in the low late afternoon sun, the two ‘vertically challenged’ ex-Par Docks guest Bagnall 0-4-0 locos from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, [2572] ‘Judy’ and [3058] ‘Alfred’ partner resident Peckett 0- 4-0 [1163] ‘Whitehead’ eastwards between Hammersmith and Butterley over the embankment spanning Butterley Reservoir, 14th October 2012
£1.50 where sold separately (post free)
Printed & distributed in the UK by Henry Ling Limited, at the Dorset Press, Dorchester DT1 1HD 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 to you and your family for the coming Festive Season
Editor’s Comments: In another twist to the franchise debacle we could yet see Virgin liveried trains on the East Coast as Richard Branson has indicated his interest in bidding in due course.
Unfortunately my move north on 1st November with Chris started badly, as whilst taking a much needed short stop around 20.00 for food at the Doncaster Little Chef (A1 near A638) we had our new 8ft high box trailer stolen, complete with Chris’s possessions, including most of her clothes. It was locked to the 4x4, under lights, on CCTV and was witnessed by some numbskulls who saw it being ‘transferred’ to the back of a white transit but did not raise the alarm. As the van numberplate was not visible on CCTV, police were not much help, suggesting it was travellers and even with some unique and very valuable items to track, haven’t bothered. At least all the main papers, jewellery etc were in the car, which we then had to drive the remaining 370 miles overnight, through snow to boot, arriving at 08.00 thoroughly knackered and p****d off. Annoyingly we then found out that normal contents insurance doesn’t cover in transit, only if professional movers are used, something I bet most people don’t realise. Thankfully the trailer, at nearly £4000 was covered and the full value has already been paid out. Mind you, it is exasperating that the police can’t find the less common biggest box trailer on the market, as we rarely see another one in all our travels. So Doncaster is not our favourite place right now, but at least Chris has a very good excuse for some clothes shopping...already started !!
Some good news amongst all the weather chaos is that the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway has re-opened completely with the repair of Chicken Curve.
40th Anniversary, 2013 – Chairman’s Comments: It's that time of year again where we reflect on the good and not so good times of the past 12 months. With all the bad weather and bad politics that seem to always be in the news these days it's easy to forget some of the better aspects as they don't always take up so much of our thoughts. Whatever your achievements or challenges in 2012 I hope you can look back and say that it's been a good year all round as you prepare for the forthcoming festive season.
Looking forward to 2013, ICRS will celebrate its 40th Anniversary, having been founded in 1973. We have designed a special logo which will appear on the cover of Tracks and all of our publications during 2013. We are also planning to get a headboard made up so that it can be used on trains at the 40th anniversary events and give us lots of good publicity.
To celebrate this huge milestone we are planning a number of events in different parts of the country to allow you, our Members, to join in the celebrations and enjoy something that is exclusive to ICRS. The first event will be centred around our AGM which will be on Saturday 13th April 2013 at Wansford on the Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough. We are putting together a package for Members that will include discounted travel on the NVR all day, a ride on something a little different on the railway and, of course, the AGM itself. There will be a small charge for the day but you will not need to attend the AGM to be able to participate in the days’ events. A further two events are in the early stages of planning for June and September. More details and how to book will appear in Tracks.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to meeting many of you at our 40th Anniversary events.
Warmest Wishes, Carl
3 Obituary: Sadly we lost a member recently, John Palmer from Sheffield. Our sincere condolences go to his wife and family.
Membership Matters: Subscriptions: Annual - £16.00, Five year - £75.00 (saving £5.00 & hedging against proposed rise in 2013) ICRS Membership gives you: • a high quality full colour 40 page monthly magazine Tracks - covering all aspects of railways. • an informative website, with access to previous editions of the magazine. • up to 27% discount on all ICRS publications (8 published). • 10% discount on lan Allan books & first time mag subs (not additional to discount for IA Subs Club members).
New Members: (* re-joined) Harold Cooper (Loughborough), Malcolm Halford (Long Eaton), Andrew Harveyadams (Bishop’s Stortford), Mike Holland (York), Coiln Hothersall (Cottenham) - a warm welcome to you all.
Membership Renewal: When your membership is due for renewal this will be indicated on the Tracks address carrier sheet with your expiry date. The reverse of the carrier sheet will be printed with a Renewal / Reminder form, which can be returned or not depending on the method of payment (see below). If no renewal is forthcoming after a second Final Reminder, your membership will be deemed to have lapsed.
Methods of Payment: Internet Banking (BACS) / Standing Order: This is the preferred most cost effective, secure and quickest way of paying, for you and the Society and ensures we get the full amount. Please remit your sub to a/c: 22032668 sort code: 309947 (Lloyds TSB, 128-132 York Road, Hartlepool TS26 9DD). Please use your name and membership number as a reference. If you choose to set up a standing order for annual payments only, then please make the payment date the first of the month following your expiry date (see overleaf). By using a standing order your membership will automatically be paid each year until you stop it. Please confirm, by email or telephone which option you have used.
Cheque or Postal Order: Please make payable to ICRS and return your remittance with the form to: Trevor Roots (Membership Secretary) ICRS Membership Renewal, Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD
PayPal: Pay by credit card or debit card via PayPal on the website, however this incurs a cost to the Society (currently £0.74 for £16 & £2.75 for £75) Please note we cannot accept credit card payments over the telephone.
Please provide your first name and a landline telephone number, whether joining or renewing and your email. If you renew in the first week of the month, whilst Tracks is at the printers, you may receive a Renewal / Reminder form but do not worry as the admin process will naturally see things cross in the post. Please also note that cheques are not presented to the bank until usually the first week of the following month. All renewals whether by BACS, PayPal or by post will be acknowledged with a new membership card and where possible, by email.
NB. When using PayPal, please remember to provide your home address and email via the comments box, but ONLY if different from the one used ie you may use your partners account or do it from work. Also use the comments box if buying or renewing a subscription for someone else.
Membership Cards: Your membership is valid until the end of month as shown by the first two numbers. For those who joined from mid 2009, the second two numbers are the year. Cards will be sent as soon as practicable following your renewal, separate from Tracks distribution.
Website Matters: Members Area: Access requires a username and password. From the start of 2011 the username is now your 6 figure membership number and the password a random word provided by Trevor Roots. For new members this will be in the welcome email and following letter. For existing members, email a request to Mark Richards at [email protected] Please remember to include your ICRS membership number. NB. The username / password is personal to you and should not be given to a non-member.
4 Flickr Photo Gallery: As previously stated, Mark Richards has established our photo gallery on Flickr, so please have a look www.flickr.com/photos/intercity-railway-society. However the success of this site relies on your support, so please send Mark your photos.
ICRS Yahoo Group: 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. To join visit finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/intercityrailwaysociety/ or email [email protected]
Facebook: For those of you who've become part of the social networking revolution online, ICRS now has a Facebook page. Search for ICRS and request us to be your friend and you'll be connected to what we do. We acknowledge that not all of our members have computers but if you can and want to get in touch then please do so and we'll see where it takes us.
Magazine: Submissions: Any information / article on any railway related item will be most welcome for inclusion in the magazine. Your visits, travel stories or anecdotes about any part of the railway network, past or present, home or abroad 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 send an email. Good quality photographs are always welcome, either prints or preferably high res digital photographs via e-mail (not compressed please). Please include full contact details with any submissions, including your first name.
The latest date for articles / info for the next issue is Friday 28th Dec 2012 with delivery to members after Friday 11th Jan 2012
Magazine Distribution: Tracks is distributed direct from the printers to members in a clear plastic wrapping with an address carrier sheet (reverse printed with a Renewal / Reminder form if appropriate). If any member fails to receive their copy after one week from the above estimated delivery date then please contact the editor.
Magazine Contributors: Thanks to Dave Whitfield, Andrew Woodcock, Dennis Dey, Paul Tarrant, Brian Derricote, Steve Fryer, Michael Hayman, Geoff Hope, Ian McAlpine, Mike Rumens, David Elliott, Roger Thomas, Dave Spencer, Mark Richards, Ray Smith, Derek Sneddon, Nigel Hoskins, John Barton, James Holloway, Carl Watson & Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has been missed. All photos by Trevor Roots unless shown otherwise.
Infrastructure News Anything to do with structures on the railway or track maintenance will be covered in this section.
The Borders Railway over the northern half of the Waverley Route, from Tweedbank to Edinburgh, has finally been given the green light with an important tweak which will see the Tweedbank terminus extended to accommodate 12 car trains so allowing charters to make use of what will be a sort after new route. Construction starts in earnest in early 2013. The first of two 550 tonne TBMs ‘Elizabeth’ has been lowered into place near Canning Town to begin tunnelling towards the new Crossrail station At Canary Wharf. The second TBM to be used on the eastern section will be ‘Victoria’. The new station facilities including ticket barriers at Peterborough station were officially opened on the 14th November. Work has restarted on removing the ugly 1970s ‘temporary’ canopy from the front of King’s Cross station after work was suspended during the Olympics. Lifting of the Leamside line has commenced. The DfT has granted permission for a new chord between Bicester Town and south of Bicester North, the latest phase of Evergreen 3 project allowing two trains per hour to operate between Marylebone and Oxford from 2015. In conjunction the Bicester Town branch will be doubled.
5 Eastleigh Works Report by Carl Watson
General: With the weather being as bad as it has been the amount of info and quality of photos taken over the last month has been reduced. This is nothing in comparison to the damage done by the weather in some parts of the country so I’m thankful that all we suffered was some flooding in the car park and a couple of inspection pits and a few leaks in the roof.
Bruce Knights’ latest acquisition arrived on 15th in the form of a 16” gauge steam loco from America. The loco needs a lot of work done to it to return it to use and will be a long term project for our staff during the quieter months.
Locos: 37682 and 37409 stabled with a Test Train on the 5th. 37423 and 37259 arrived on the 6th to take over from 37682 and 37409 (see photo below from my office...not a bad view !!).
66743 has arrived for fuel tank repairs and painting of the cab interior. 57010 has been repainted in DRS Compass livery and has had new wheelsets (see photo opposite top left up on jacks). 6 Kof 323 539-7 is no longer white, having been painted in green primer (see photo below right).
57306 and 57310 arrived back from RHTT duties on 26th looking suitably grubby!
grubby 57306
Track Machines: The four MPVs based at the Works have been busy day and night on RHTT trains in the area, two of which, DR98974 + 98924 & DR98972 + 98922 can be seen in the photo below left.
7 Coaching Stock: 47501 arrived with Mk2 BSO 9525 and TSOs 6117, 6008, 6122, 6001, 5810, 5971 for overhaul for DRS and their ‘Glowex’ Sellafield workers train (see photo opposite bottom right).
the sad sight of TSO 6016
Mk2 TSO 6016 was scrapped on the 29th October (see photo above). Component recovery is still underway on Mk2 TSOs 5908 and 6136. Virgin DVTs 82101 and 82126 arrived on the 30th October behind 47501 and 47802. They had their wheelsets swapped and departed behind 66423 on the 1st. DVT 82126 returned behind 47841 on the 7th for further work and departed behind the same loco the following day (see photo below).
DVT 82126
8 Units: Siemens have carried out maintenance on 450560, 450546, 450101, 450559 and 444027 (see photo below)
455816 has been completed by Wabtec and was replaced by 455830. This too was completed but failed when it was due to leave. 455813 arrived as the next unit for overhaul and towed 455830 back to Selhurst on the 22nd. 455813 returned to Eastleigh later that day and is now being overhauled. Ex GLVs 68501 and 68504 are being tested prior to entering service on winter duties. 68505 is still receiving repairs.
9 London Underground: The Niteq Mini Mover 1500E (B168) that arrived from Neasden a few months ago was moved into the scrap line on the 30th October. It’s not quite the end as it may yet be modified to undertake a new role....watch this space (see photo below of B168 being moved by 07007).
1962 NDM 9533 was scrapped on the 30th October with DM 1532 following on the 5th. The last ‘A’ Stock vehicle on site, 5119, was scrapped on the 6th. The first ‘C’ Stock vehicle to be processed, 6532, was scrapped on the 16th. Work is continuing on conversion of the two ex-Victoria Line 1967 stock vehicles for the AIT. Two more ex-Victoria Line 1967 vehicles arrived on the 10th, 3061 and 3161. These two are for the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and are training vehicles based at Acton. They have arrived for Asbestos removal and component swapping with the AIT vehicles and should both have returned to Acton by the time you read this. Interestingly, these will be the first LU vehicles to leave the Works by road as all others have either been scrapped or are still in storage. Two of the 1972 vehicles stored in the car park some months ago due to lack of space in the yard have been moved into the main yard. 3319 and 4319 were moved on the 10th. By the time you read this, the other two, 3219 and 4219 should also have been moved, all being well.
Wagons: Various KFA, KTA and FLA wagons continue to arrive for repairs. The inclement weather has made it difficult to record the numbers of those coming and going Still in full DRS livery, 66420 was used on the Freightliner trip on the 29th October, bringing in KTA 97726 and departing with KTAs 97747, 97743, 97737 and KFAs 92562, 93314. 66588 collected FSAs 608353, 608349, FTAs 607037, 607032 and KFAs 93367, 93364 on the th 19 (see photo right). photos by Carl Watson 10 Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast by David Spencer – 1965 Part 1
I try to provide extra detail on the items of traction shown in photos, other than number, date and location as provided by Dave…so it’s my fault if errors creep in, ed.
January: No New Years Day bank holiday in those days, so Friday 1st was my last day working for the railways, but I cheated and didn't hand in my privileged ticket card as it was another two weeks before I joined up in the Royal Air Force. To celebrate I had a day on the Somerset and Dorset, another haven of steam and off to Bristol I went behind D36 and standard 82037 onto Bath Spa. On the S&D I had 76025 to Evercreech Junction then 41243 on the branch to Highbridge, and there I was able to photograph the level crossing before it was removed.
Ivatt 2-6-2T 41243 (w/d 07/65) on the 09.45 to Templecombe, Highbridge, 2nd January 1965
Std 4-6-0 73092 (w/d 07/67) on 09.03 to Bournemouth West, Templecombe, 2nd January 1965
11 Collett 0-6-0 3217 (w/d 11/64) Templecombe, 2nd January 1965
I returned behind the same engine to Wincanton. 73092 then took me on to Templecombe where I spent some time visiting the shed and watching the trains climb up to the station and reverse out again, a fairly uncommon if not completely unique situation then time to move on with 76014 doing the honours as far as Midsomer Norton. 80146 took me onto Cole and I returned to Bath Green Park behind 76025 again. 82037 was again on hand to return me to Bristol and the same Peak D36 home to Birmingham.
On the 4th it was RAF careers office and Bescot shed where if memory serves me correctly the last surviving LNWR duck eight were and I duly took photos of four of them. Returning home there was an NCB D7085 (w/d 10/72) on the 08.53 to Weston tank shunting at Hamstead Colliery only just nd outside Birmingham's boundary. super Mare, Highbridge, 2 January 1965
On the 5th, although I don't know why, I went to Wellingborough with DMUs to and from Leicester, D43 to and D5391 from Wellingborough. The following day D1700 took me to Wolverhampton and then travelled on the Burton on Trent via Brownhills, a line that I think closed that weekend. Mid-west Wales called the following day and off to Shrewsbury behind D1706, 75026 to Welshpool and 7822 onto Dovey Junction. My trip up the coast was behind 80098 to Morfa Mawddach, which I think I mentioned previously was in those days a 'proper' station with refreshment rooms and I had a drink there whilst waiting for a Bala train. Imposter 46520 was the haulage and there being no eastbound trains for a while I got a bus to Llangollen from where I caught 75023 to Ruabon and 45040 into Shrewsbury and finally D1715 home. 12 Std 4-6-0 75026 (w/d 12/67) on the 10.30 to Aberystwyth, Welshpool, 7th January 1965
On the 7th I went into Paddington behind D1732 and had much of the day photographing the Southern main line. Changing locations I had the following haulage, 34002 to Woking, EMU to Brookwood, 34087 to Fleet, 73110 to Hook and 34007 to Basingstoke and finally a DEMU to Eastleigh where my brother picked me up.
Bulleid BoB 4-6-2 34087 ‘145 Squadron’ (w/d 07/67) on 12.54 to Basingstoke, Fleet, 8th January 1965
13 In his car the following day, the 9th we took photos of Bishops Waltham station (see right). As an aside I was there in May 2009 and came across Railway Station Island and that was the only clue of a railway in the town.
There was a collection of stock including 32646 in Droxford station on the Meon Valley line which I think was a store rather an embryo preservation scheme and this was our next call. After that we followed the track bed up the Meon Valley and walked through West Meon and Privett Tunnels.
On Sunday the 10th we had another railway day as we followed the recently closed Andover to Romsey line, the magic of Fullerton Junction has stayed with us ever since. They are not railway folk but on a visit again in May 2009 we were reminiscing on the tunnel walks and although there was very little there, Fullerton Junction has always stayed in the memory and also came up in conversation. I returned home on the 11th climbing the 'Alps' in a DEMU to Alton and an EMU to Waterloo and finally D1730 to Birmingham where I handed in my privilege ticket and sorted out my pay.
Std 2-6-0 76006 (w/d 07/67) Eastleigh, 11th January 1965
My final trip was to York on the 14th with D68 up and D43 back home, looking at the photos it was a ride and not for any purpose but it was my last day of Freedom. On the 15th I officially joined the Royal Air Force and accepted the Queens shilling and went out for my first real date with the lady who was to become my wife. This therefore was a defining day and brought an end to frequent railway trips and a new part in my life. On the 30th my youth club football team scored their second goal and their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw. photos by David Spencer (to be cont) 14 Traffic & Traction News by John Barton
November 1 November 12 (cont) 56087 working 0Z52 Rugby - Chirk passed 90026 + 92031 on Garston - Dagenham empty Cosford at 15.22. cartics passed south through Tring at 21.18. November 3 November 13 66197 t&t 66130 with a rake of NLU's through 98901+98951 left Ormskirk at 18.14 with jets Long Eaton High Level Goods at 21.22 with blowing on the Mersey rail side. 6G08 Toton - Allington Junction. 43014 + 43062 passed Coppull near Wigan at November 5 08.16 working Derby RTC - Falkirk yard NMT. 66096 working 4C96 Aberthaw - Cwmbargoed 20312 t&t 20303 on 3S12 Sheffield - Sheffield DP with 21 empty HTA's headed northbound RHTT departed Sheffield at 06.45. through Llanbradach near Caerphilly 21.36. 86622 passed through Stafford at 13.57 (photo November 6 below by Roger Thomas). 66192 t&t 66039 on 3S61 Margam - Margam RHTT passed northbound through Llanbradach near Caerphilly at 21.12. November 7 20107 + 20096 t&t 20314 and 20311 and ‘S’ stock on 7X09 Old Dalby - Neasden through Haddenham & Thame Parkway at 23.18. 66522 passed Casey Lane, Crewe at 12.27 with loaded coal hoppers (photo below by Roger Thomas).
70011 passed through Stafford with loaded ballast at 14.03 (photo below by Roger Thomas).
. November 8 66549 + 66595 passed through Long Eaton Town Level Crossing at 22.30 with 6Y33 Sandiacre-Broadholme Jnct. November 9 90028 passed Stafford at 23.18 on the London Euston – Aberdeen / Fort William / Inverness sleeper working. 66743 passed through Stafford at 14.52 with November 10 the Barton dock - Felixstowe intermodal (photo 47828 + 47832 passed Didcot heading south at below by Roger Thomas). 19.46 2L on 1Z67 Kensington Olympia - Bristol Temple Meads. November 11 MPV DR98921 + DR98971 was been left in sidings at Gatwick, due to bad wheel flats. 47501 t&t 47802 on 1Z88 Eastleigh - Edinburgh passed Loughborough at 14.08. November 12 66192 t&t 66012 on 3S61 Margam - Margam RHTT passed northbound through Llanbradach near Caerphilly at 21.11. 15 November 13 (cont) November 20 97302 was seen at Crewe awaiting its RHTT 66192 t&t 66034 on 3S61 Margam - Margam duty on the Chester line 15.41 (see photo at RHTT passed southbound through Llanbradach bottom of page by Roger Thomas). near Caerphilly at 22.19. November 14 66713 passed Halifax Junction at 16.41 with 66076 headed south through Widney Manor on 6A33 North Walsham - Harwich Carless Tanks. 4O53 Wakefield - Southampton at 07.55. November 21 59205 arrived at Exeter Riverside Yard at 07.49 66512 passed Long Eaton High Level Goods at on 7C27 Westbury - Exeter Riverside stone. 01.11 with 6M65 Ravenstruther - Ratcliffe November 15 working. 60091 hauling 6E38 Colnbrook - Lindsey November 22 departed Nottingham at 18.59. 66136 working the 6C94 Cwmbargoed DP - 37218 with dead in tow 37194 hauled FNA Aberthaw with 21 loaded HTA's headed flasks550028 & 550059 through Yate at 16.57 southbound through Llanbradach near with 6M67 Bridgwater - Crewe flask working. Caerphilly at 19.13. November 16 37612 t&t 37610 on 2Q88 Derby - Didcot 66139 passed Long Eaton High Level Goods at departed Leamington at 21.37. 23.58 with 6Z75 Scunthorpe - Brentford Town. November 24 November 17 The fourth and latest Cl.66 to be repainted into 66080 + 66198 passed Allington Junction DBS red, 66118 was seen at 11.25 at Eastleigh heading towards Sleaford with 6G08 from on 6M48 Southampton – Halewood empty cars Bescot at 22.22. (photo below by David Elliott). November 18 47828 + 47853 passed Basingstoke at 20.37.on 1Z89 Glasgow Central - Southampton Central. November 19 33207 working 0Z38 11.46 Bodmin Parkway - Southall headed through Slough at 17.13. 47853 + 47828 passed Coventry at 15.47 working from Eastleigh - Crewe.
97302 on RHTT duties, Crewe, 13th November
16 Out & About by James Holloway
To be more helpful for those interested in where stock was exactly, can I ask all contributors who list trip sightings en masse, particularly over long distances, to please add more detail when submitting to James…ed
Dennis Dey: Birmingham New Street: 24th October: 158822/32/39, 170104/512/630, 220026, 221123 Colchester: 47810 221130, 323203/41, 390118/125 Ipswich: 18th October: 66160/418/541/562/570/589/590/593, 70017, 86501 Oxenholme: 185143, 390119 Stowmarket: 57002/008/009 Warrington: North Walsham: 156416,170201 37038/606, 60015, 66087, DR73108 Cromer: 57007/010 Crewe: Norwich: 47847, 86614/21, 150237, 153308/12, 350102 153306/14/35, 156407/19/22, 158773/854 350110/119 Marks Tey: 156417 Birmingham New Street: 43303, 153375, 170501/523/635, 220024, 323243 Paul Tarrant: 350115/125/243, 390046/052/125/126 31st October: 24th October: Wandsworth Road: Wolverhampton: 153354, 170504, 221107, 390151 10.49 66414 4O88 eastbound F/L Crewe: 11.15 66535 westbound L/E 70004, 86627, 90016, 153308, 175005, 323230 11.25 66719 0E40 westbound L/E 350122, 950001 11.39 66564 6Y41 eastbound engineers Warrington: 60015, 67016, DR73922 11.48 73208+73213 eastbound L/E 23rd October: 12.02 66568 4O86 eastbound F/L Warrington: 67006/16 12.26 66955 4E24 westbound F/L Crewe: 47769, 350260 12.38 66602 6M79 westbound Bardons 7th November: 12.46 59101 6Z98 westbound Hansons Warrington: 60040, 67021, 90020, 158838 13.01 92042 4O68 eastbound intermodal Crewe: 13.07 66058 7O98 eastbound hoppers 37610, 47712, 86247/614/621, 153374, 323234 15.02 66100 7U71 westbound sand 350101/117 15.05 67022+67027 westbound L/E Wolverhampton: 66088, 390015 15.11 37611 T/T 37501 1Q28 westbound 9th November: 15.13 66564 westbound L/E Soho: 08805, 350259 Crewe: 37610, 66585/592, 86638, 221103/17 Michael Hayman: 24th October: Brian Derricote: Old Oak Common: 57602 Crewe: Acton: 59204, 66588/613/721 57311, 66599, 86247/614/621, 90046/8/9, 97304 Didcot: 47843 150227, 153327, 175103, 221105/42, 390011/043 Oxford: 59205, 60011 390103/118/121/125/127/129/132/137/141/148 Southall: 390156/157, DR73110 4464, 33207, 66001/011/046/051/054088/141/149 66168/192 Ian McAlpine: 26th October: Steve Fryer: Peterborough: 66010 11th October: King’s Cross: Lancaster: 66304/555, 156490 67028, 91101/28, DVT’s 82201/03 Preston: Euston: 66714, 150134/37/38, 158757, 185120, DR73909 350102/254/260, 378223, 390107/131 Wigan: 150118, 156466 Camden Sidings: 321417, 350109/125/242 Warrington: 60065, 66151, 67021 Willesden: 66956, 378206 Crewe: Watford Junction: 47790/802/843/847, 86604/10/12/14/21 350108/234, 378216, 390123/155 323232, 350107/123 2nd November: Wolverhampton: Peterborough: 66054, 350118, 390013 66249, 91126, DBSO 9703, DVT 82226
17 King’s Cross: Halewood: 66161, 90021 67008, 91101, DVT 82203 Edge Hill: 08721, DR73922, 98215/216 London Bridge-Merstham: Liverpool Lime Street: 319431/441, 377135/145/302/313/410/418/436 150115/224, 156487/489, 185105/109/112 377460/475, 378138/153/152, 455837, 456022 350120/124, 390052 3rd November: 24th October: Ely: Nuneaton 14.15-14.55: 66057, 170112/201/207/208/273, 365537 66024, 90043/47, 153364, 170104/116, 221106 Cambridge: 350122, 390008/042/048/103/126 170202, 317501/506/651/653/671, 365520 25th October: 379016/17/26/28/30 Nuneaton: 10th November: 70002, 170110, 350115/120, 390002/132/155 Peterborough: 66148, 365508/528 Lichfield: 66537 Biggleswade: 66046 Stafford: King’s Cross: 67008, 365507/525/530 66106, 86604/10, 70002, 92003, 220001/05 16th November: 221104/15/22, 350104/114/120/121/130, 390001 Peterborough-Alexandra Palace: 390009/119 313044, 317340/342, 321410/419/420 Crewe: King’s Cross: 67024 47712, 66197/428, 86614/21, 153367, 175003/101 Waterloo-Egham: 221102/06/10/13/18, 323224, 350101/119/124 159106, 378143/201/213, 444015/18/35, 450032 390010/114/117/118/124/125 450075/082/125/544/547/549/557/561, 455915 Warrington 11.30-14.39: 455919, 458003/04/05/09-11/17/18/23/25 08879, 09106, 60015/65/99, 66434/523, 70015 142039, 150144, 156491, 175008/102/112/113 Mike Rumens: 221104/09/12/13/15, 390042/047/052/107/114 19th October: 390124/126/141 Nuneaton 08.35-09.25 & 13.50-14.15: 27th October: 66594, 90043, 153356, 170113/398/637, 221105 Nuneaton: 66729, 67025, 153365 221107, 350119/261, 390002/004/016/124/131 Kidsgrove: 153319 390132/148, DR77001/79241-47 Stoke on Trent: 323230, DR73947/8 Lichfield: 66736, 350246 Stafford: Stafford 14.55-17.28: 66427/537, 92019, 220017, 221106/09/32 47802/818, 66107/113/138/232/428/524/537/563 350245/248/259/261, 390010/118, DR73110 70002/06/20, 86605/32, 90021/41/48, 220007/26 Crewe: 221102/06/10/12/14/15/18/19/26/33/42, 350102 153327/84, 175011/103/111, 221102/08, 350110 350105/106/111/115/119/122/128/249/250/261 350116/125/240/241/259, 390011/103/107/132 390001/002/006/011/043/045-047/052/119/125 390137/141 390126/130/132/134/148/155/157 29th October: Nuneaton 13.50-14.45: 56087, 66103/150/426/736, 86632/38, 90041 153367/75, 170109/112/115, 221104, 350237/248 390004/010/039/103/114/117/126/127/155
47802 ‘Pride of Cumbria’ + 47818 with Scotland – Southampton cruise train (Mike Rumens) 23rd October: Nuneaton: 66729, 86701, 90043, 170106, 350107
Stafford: 47786, 70016, 221118, 350115/248/257 56087 Nuneaton (Mike Rumens) Crewe: 37667, D1842/47769, 86247/614/621, 175113 30th October: 350116/117 Birmingham International: 158813/39 Runcorn: 67025, 158858 Birmingham New Street: Garston: 66069/181 170631, 323211, 350239/42/53, 390050/103/122
18 Oxley: 390020 14th November: Shrewsbury: Nuneaton 13.38-14.45: 153327, 158829/37, 170503/513/635, 175007 66092/149/177/513/543/721, 86613/39, 90049 31st October: 153371, 170104/105/111/522, 221106, 350113 Nuneaton 13.27-14.40: 350259, 390005/039/044/148/154/155/157 66002/123/150/188/505/524/540, 67025, 70019 DR73930 86628/39, 153375, 170102/110/111/523, 221107 15th November: 221113, 350116/251, 390011/016/045/103/107 Nuneaton 13.32-14.50: 390124/125/132/134, DR77901, 999800 66169/416/743, 86605/07/12/37, 90044, 153354 1st November: 170113/397/523/638, 221110, 350231/262 Nuneaton: 390002/008/009/117-119/131/153 66620, 67025, 153365, 170398, 350113/266 16th November: 390013/044/049, DR999800 Nuneaton 08.35-09.10: Stafford 10.00-10.40: 66072/245, 90043, 170104/518, 221117/20 37194/516/604/606, 66426/433/512, 70007 390002/118/154 150258, 220015/25/33, 221113/35, 350112/113 19th November: 350242, 390006/046/136 Nuneaton 13.30-14.40: Crewe: 66018/538, 70009, 90041/47, 153354, 170103/106 66548, 86247/612/614/621/701, 90044 170113/518, 221102/04, 350109/257, 390010/016 150245, 175009, 221118, 323228, 350114/125 390112/114/119/121/123/156 390043/132/136/137 Manchester Piccadilly 1150-14.50: Geoff Hope: 142007/28/31/38-40/46/47/49/52/55/57/62/63 9th October: 150103/117/134/136/141/147/204/225/226/269 Clapham Junction 08.55-11.30: 150272/276/277, 156440/61/64/68/87/89, 158783 73107/138, 158885, 159001/004/007/010/013/015 158799/810/822/854/863, 170303/7, 175001/102 159017-019/102/105, 377102/104-109/111/114 175104/105/107/110/112/115, 185102/08/16/17/26 377115/120/121/124/125/127/130/133/135/137 185130/31/35/36/40/44/46, 220008/13/15/18/29/32 377141/145/148/151/153-157/161-164/201-203 323224/25/29-36/38/39, 390001/004/020/043/047 377208-210/324/403-405/407/408/412/413 390052/126/128/141 377418-422/425/426/430/431/433/435/436/440 5th November: 377442-444/448/453/454/456/465/468/469/472 Nuneaton 13.40-14.35: 377474, 378202/205/227, 442403/05/08/10/11/16 59002, 66005/069, 67025, 153334, 170109/112 442417/20-22/24, 444001-03/06/07/10/11/13-15 170637, 221113, 350125/237, 390002/009/011 444018/19/24/27/29-33/37/40/43-45, 450002/005 390015/040/112/118/132/151 450006/008/010/012-014/016/017/019/021/025 6th November: 450026/029-032/034/036-039/071-074/078-088 Nuneaton 13.25-14.50: 450092/093/095-098/101/103/104/106-108/111 66024/083/177/501/705, 67025, 86609/10, 90016 450112/114/117/118/120/122/123/125/543-549 90049, 153354, 170114/397/520, 221111/13/17 450553/555-561/564-569, 455702-710/712-715 350126/265, 390009/011/016/045/052/103/112 455717-720/722/724/726-728/730-734/736-742 390126/136 455750/801/802/805/808/810/812-814/816/818 7th November: 455826/830-832/834/835/837-839/842-844 Nuneaton 13.25-14.50: 455846-848/851-854/857-859/861-874/901-908 57308, 66005/082/083/565/602, 153354, 170105 455910-912/914-917/919/920, 456004/11/15/17 170115/116/638, 221142, 350101/239, 390013 456018/22, 458004/05/07/09-12/14/16-19/21/23 390023/052/117/124-126/131/136, DR73804 458025/26/28/30 8th November: Paddington 12.00-12.50: Nuneaton 14.05-14.45: 165112/122/125, 166209/10/12/20, 332001/02 66005/021/043/705, 67025, 90044, 153354 332004-08/11/12/14, 360203/4 170106/639, 221102, 350249, 390008/039/124/125 Westferry-Poplar-Canning Town 13.50-16.20: 12th November: D.L.R. 01-05/07/08/10-15/22/24-26/28-33/35-38 Nuneaton 13.52-14.42: 40/42-45/47-56/58-60/62-64/66-73/76-91/94-97/99 60019, 66089/721/743, 90044/47, 153356, 170106 101-111/113-138/140-153/155 170638, 221119/44, 350119/125, 390016/043/118 London Bridge 16.45-18.45: 390123/155/157, DR77904 171728/801/803/804, 319215/456, 375605/613 13th November: 375615/618/621/624/625/629/702/708/709/712 Nuneaton 13.25-14.45: 375803/805/811-813/816/818-820/822/826/827 66037/092/149/513/537/591/743, 86607/38, 90048 375829/901/904/905/908-910/912/913/916-926 90049, 153371, 170102/104/109/111/521, 350117 376001/02/04-11/13-22/24-34/36, 377105/106/118 350259, 390005/112/122/126/128/155 377128/131/133/134/137/140/142/148/160/301 377303-306/308-311/315/317/319-322/327/402 377404/409/415/416/427/434/437/438/447/449 19 377451/452/461/471/502/506/508/518/521/522 Paddington: 442402/06/13/23, 455802/806/811/815/816/818 165105/128/132/137, 166202/05/11/13/15 455820-822/827-829/833-837/839/841/844 332002/04-09/11/12/14, 360201/4 456001/04/05/10/11/13/14/16/17/22, 465001-006 Westferry-Poplar-Canning Town 13.20-15.45: 465008-013/015-018/020-023/025/026/028/030-032 D.L.R. 02-05/07-09/11/14/22-25/27-30/32/35-40 465034-036/038/040/043/044/046-049/151/153 42-46/48-54/57/58/62-65/67-71/73-77/79/81-84/87 465159-162/164/165/167/169/171/176-178/182/184 88/91/93-96/98/99/101-111/113-131/133-151 465186/188/189/191-196/235-238/240-243/245/247 153-155 465250/902-905/911-913/915/916/918-921/923/924 London Bridge 16.05-18.00: 466003-05/13/16/17/20/21/26/29/31/35/37/39/40-42 171722/730/801-803/805/806, 319372/428/430 12th October: 319434/436/440/449, 375601/602/605/606 Manchester Piccadilly 13.50-16.45: 375608-610/613/619/621/622/624/627/701/703 57314/15, 66536/558/710, 142005/09/12-14/29/33 375707/708/712/806/810/820/903/906/908-912 142034/36/38/40/42/47/49/53/54/60/61, 150110 375914/915/918-921/923/926/927, 376001/02 150113/133/138/143/144/148/201/207/210/211 376004-07/09-14/16-20/22-31/32/34/36, 377102 150220/236/270/273/275, 156420/27/28/41/79/86 377106108/115/118/130/142/152-154/208/210 156488/91, 158774/785/808/812/820/847/854/857 377214-216/310/324/416/419/421/435/440/460 158863/864, 170302/3/5/6/9, 175011/107/110/112 377472/475/503/512, 442408/10, 455810/822/826 185103/07/08/10/13/16-18/20/23/24/27-31/36/38 455833/837/838/845/846, 456001/08, 465001/010 185142-44/46/49, 220013/21/26, 221122/27/28/30 465013-016/018-021/024/025/027-030/032/033 323223-26/28-31/33-38, 390002/004/043/114 465035-040/043-045/047/049/050/151/154 390117-119/122/134/154 465157-159/161/164/165/171-173/175/179/181 17th October: 465182/184/186/187/190-193/235/236/238 Manchester Piccadilly 15.10-16.45: 465240-242/246/248/250/901/903/906-908/910 66502/705/955, 142001/05/12/14/29/39-41/44/48 465912/913/915/916/920/925-928/933, 466001 142052/53/56/63/70, 150114/119/132/136/142/148 466002/04-07/10/11/16/18/21/23/26/30/32/33 150149/203/204/210/214/218, 156420/28/60/66/71 466036/38/41/43 158773/780/783/812/847/852/864, 170303/5/7 24th October: 175006/011/101/104, 185102/05/08/10/13/15/17 Edinburgh 13.15-16.00: 185118/20/26/27/35/38/41/42/47/49, 220019 67024, 90019, 156477/496/500/507/511, 158703 221126/28/41, 323225/26/28-33/35/38, 390040 158710/714/716/722/724/726/730/733/736/740 390043/131/132/137/141/157 158741/868-870, 170394/403/408-411/414 19th October: 170416-/418/422-424/426/428/450/452/458-460 Clapham Junction 08.55-11.15: 170472/478, 185112/16/25, 221112/27/36 66108, 158880/83/86, 159002/004/010/012/016 334002/06/07/10/15/17/19/21/27/28/30/32/35/40 159020/021/102-105/108, 377101/103/107 380102/103/106 377111-115/117/120/124/126/128/129/132-134 31st October: 377136/137/139/140/147/148/161-163/201/204 Glasgow Central 09.45-10.15/14.20-17.05: 377206/208/214/309/401/402/404-406/409-415 156430/433-435/437/439/442/445/449/456/477 377418/421/422/425/427/429/434/440-443/445 156478/485/493/494/496/500-504/506-509/512 377450/451/453/454/457-459/463/467-471/475 158730/734/871, 185125/30, 221137/40, 314201 442403/05-07/12/13/16-18/21/24, 444002/04-08 314202/05/07/09-12/14/16, 380002-006/008-011 444010-12/16-18/21/23/26/28/31/33-36/39/43/44 380013/015-020/022/101/107-110/112-116 450001/002/004/006-008/010-012/014/016-018 390008/114/131 450021/023/026/028/031/032/040/041/074-076 Partick 10.30-12.55: 450079/081-083/085/090-094/096-099/101-105 318250-54/56-59/61-63/66-68/70, 320304/05 450107/109/110/112/115/118-123/543-549 320308-10/12/14/15/17-19/21/22, 334002/04 450552-558/561-563/565/566/568-570, 455701 334006-12/14-18/20-23/25-30/32/33/35/37/38 455702-704/706/708/709/712-718/720/723-737 334040 455739-742/750/801-803/805/809/814/815/818 Glasgow Queen Street: 455819/826/827/832/835/836/838-840/842/844 156510, 158704/716/723/731/741/867, 170420 455849-858/860-862/864-871/873/874/901/902 170430/434/450/452/456/461/474/476 455904-912/914-918/920, 456001/04/06/09/10/19 456021/23/25-27/29/30
Open Day News
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 the editor know.
Nothing to report. 20 Class 87s in Bulgaria by Dave Whitfield
On the 21st September 2012 during a railway trip to Bulgaria, Dave Whitfield took the following photos of exported ex-BR class 87s in their new home and showing four different liveries.
He comments, the only line on which the 87s were seen was that from Pirdop to Burgas. There is a big smelter in Pirdop and it seems to generate a fair bit of traffic east / west some of which is obviously in the hands of the 87s.
If anybody is thinking of wandering out there to photograph the 87s there is a very good scenic section about 30km east of Pirdop around Klisura and Koprivstica (tunnels).
87004 stored at Pirdop, in BR blue with ‘Britannia’ nameplates
87007 + 87020 on a freight at Tarnobat
21 87020 + 87007 on a freight at Tarnobat
87019 + 87026 stabled at Burgas station
87026 + 87019 stabled at Burgas station
22 87010 on an oil train at Pirdop
Freight Corner
WAGON UPDATES (to UKRS No.3 UK Wagons 2012) by Trevor Roots: To allow members to keep their copy as up to date as possible, it is intended to provide changes via this spot every month. It is known that various wagons reportedly withdrawn or missing from previous editions are still in service so if any member can provide information please let Trevor know, contact details on page 2. With preparation of the 2013 book underway please forward any amendments / improvements via the editor email asap. I have the missing wagons previously reported over the year but I would appreciate as much info as possible from the active members amongst you.
New: Ecofret prototype triple 83.70.4520.000-1 (outer) + 83.70.4521.000 (inner) (stored at Lawley St.) FLs VTG leased FWA-A twins 83.70.4520.012-015/020/021/026-033/040/041 (check numbers omitted) IIA 34.70.6955.305-327 (check numbers omitted) Conversions: Snow Train: SPA 460059 to snowplough ZZA 99.70.9592.003-6 YEA 979013/15/53/60/93 to modules YXA 99.70.9594.003/05/07/09/11 respectively IWA-B 83.80.4741.xxx to83.84.3523.011/017/019/022/023/025-049 (check numbers omitted) KFA 93264 converted to carry two Nurock NUVM7 concrete mixers HTA to Biomass wagon CGA 310318/552 JRA 33.70.6790.000/006/010/017-019/020/027/035/040/045/091 sides extended for scrap metal. Re-numbered: JHA 19400/02/14 to 300400/02/14 respectively IRB 33.87.0699.004-5/016-9 to 37.80.0699.002-2/012-1 respectively
FREIGHT NEWS A three day trial between 20th - 22nd November ran with DRS and Highland Spring bottled water using Blackford sidings adjacent the plant. Three KIA intermodal twins were used which entailed running north to Perth before heading back south to Coatbridge. If successful then this will take lorries from the village centre. A fourth daily service has been introduced by DBS between Hams Hall and Domodossola in Italy providing services on Mon, Wed-Fri. DBS is to lose the remaining southern Daventry – Mossend leg of its Tesco service to DRS.
23 Stirlingshire Sightings by Derek Sneddon
The following sightings are from Camelon Station & nearby Carmuirs Junction with an occasional sighting from Falkirk. Only freight and notable loco hauled workings are shown together with the diagram code, time, origin and destination (see location codes)
16th October 23rd October (cont) 31st October (cont) 05.10 66514 6H51 OX-IS 07.40 66213 6G25 08.30 66606 6A65 OX-AB 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS Falkland Yard-ES 13.00 66434 4A13 GM-AB 07.00 66305 4R75 GM-EE 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 13.30 66074 6S36 DS-GM 07.40 66847 6R46 GM-PW 13.00 66303 4A13 GM-AB 1st November 10.35 66598 6G05 RV-LT 13.30 66110 6S36 DS-GM 05.10 66606 6H51 OX-IS 13.00 66433 4A13 GM-AB 24th October 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 13.30 66063 6S36 DS-GM 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 06.40 66101 6A32 MN-AB 17th October 07.00 66303 4R75 GM-EE 07.00 66434 4R75 GM-EE 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 07.40 66847 6L82 GM-LW 07.40 66006 6G25 HU-ES 07.00 66433 4R75 GM-EE 08.30 66619 6A65 OX-AB 09.40 66102 6E69 GE-HL 07.40 66847 6L82 GM-LW 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 08.30 66514 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66304 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66429 4A13 GM-AB 10.35 66598 6G05 RV-LT 13.30 66110 6S36 DS-GM 13.30 66074 6S36 DS-GM 13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 21.30 66847 6M65 GM-Sinfin 23.07 66415 6Y85 MN-Kinghorn 13.30 66063 6S36 DS-GM 25th October 2nd November 18th October 05.40 66619 6H51 OX-IS 00.30 66101 6H44 MN-IS 05.10 66620 6H51 OX-IS 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 06.40 66107 6A32 MN-AB 07.00 66434 4R75 GM-EE 06.05 66107 6A32 MN-AB 07.00 66303 4R75 GM-EE 07.40 66847 6R46 GM-PW 07.00 66301 4R75 GM-EE 07.40 66213 6G23 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 09.40 66105 6E69 GE-HL Falkland Yard- ES 13.00 66429 4A13 GM-AB 10.35 66598 6G05 RV-LT 09.40 66102 6E69 GE-HL 13.30 66074 6S36 DS-GM 13.00 66432 4A13 GM-AB 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 3rd November 19th October 13.30 66110 6S36 DS-GM 10.05 66107 6A32 MN-AB 00.30 66110 6H44 MN-IS 26th October 10.35 66597 6G05 RV-LT 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 11.20 66434 4M16 GM-DV 07.00 66432 4R75 GM-EE 07.40 66847 6R46 GM-PW 13.00 66429 4A13 GM-AB 09.30 47804/786 1Z50 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 13.30 66074 6S36 DS-GM Barrow-Aviemore 13.00 66303 4A13 GM-AB 5th November 10.35 66598 6G05 RV-LT 13.30 66119 6S36 DS-GM 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 15.25 47804 0Z44 CN-BO 07.00 66304 4R75 GM-EE 13.30 66003 6S36 DS-GM 27th October 10.35 66555 6G05 RV-LT 20th October 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 6th November 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66198 6A32 MN-AB 05.10 66606 6H51 OX-IS 10.05 66174 6A32 MN-AB 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 10.35 66598 6G05 RV-LT 11.20 66426 4M16 GM-DV 07.00 66434 4R75 GM-EE 11.20 66429/34 4M16 GM-DV 13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 07.40 66006 6G25 HU-ES 13.00 66428 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66114 6S36 DS-GM 07.40 66847 6R46 GM-PW 14.30 47826/57601 1Z31 28th October 10.35 66555 6G05 RV-LT RY-Pitlochry 13.00 66304 4A13 GM-AB 11.20 66426 4N66 GM-ML 21.43 66107 6K05 MN-SI 29th October 13.00 66303 4A13 GM-AB 23.20 66201 6K07 MN-PH 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 21st October 07.00 66304 4R75 GM-EE 7th November 00.22 66526 6Y80 MN-SI 08.30 66514 6A65 OX-AB 05.45 66305 4H47 MN-IS 00.32 66198 6K04 MN-Larbert 10.35 66597 6G05 RV-LT 07.00 66303 4R75 GM-EE 13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 30th October 07.40 66847 6L82 GM-LW 22nd October 05.40 66606 6H51 OX-IS 08.30 66514 6A65 OX-AB 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 10.35 66555 6G05 RV-LT 07.00 66304 4R75 GM-EE 07.00 66301 4R75 GM-EE 13.00 66304 4A13 GM-AB 08.30 66619 6A65 OX-AB 07.40 66847 6R46 GM-PW 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 10.35 66526 6G05 RV-LT 8th November 13.00 66432 4A13 GM-AB 11.20 66421 4N66 GM-ML 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 23rd October 13.30 66074 6S36 DS-GM 06.05 66110 6A32 MN-AB 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 31st October 07.00 66113 6S36 DS-GM 07.40 66847 6R46 GM-PW 05.45 66424 4H47 MN-IS 07.00 66305 4R75 GM-EE 07.40 66847 6L82 GM-LW 07.40 66006 6G25 HU-ES
24 8th November (cont) 11th November 14th November 09.40 66101 6E69 GE-HL 1300 66430 4A13 GM-AB 05.45 66428 4H47 MN-IS 10.35 66555 6G05 RV-LT 12th November 07.00 66426 4R75 GM-EE 13.00 66430 4A13 GM-AB 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 07.40 66850 6L82 GM-LW 21.05 37229 3Q16 MN-IS 07.00 66301 4R75 GM-EE 10.35 66512 6G05 RV-LT 9th November 08.30 66606 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66304 4A13 GM-AB 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 10.35 66512 6G05 RV-LT 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 07.00 66430 4R75 GM-EE 13.00 66430 4A13 GM-AB 15th November 10.35 66555 6G05 RV-LT 13th November 05.10 66606 6H51 OX-IS 13.00 66434 4A13 GM-AB 05.10 66606 6H51 OX-IS 05.45 66425 4H47 MN-IS 10th November 05.45 66425 4H47 MN-IS 06.05 66114 6A32 MN-AB 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 07.40 66206 6G25 HU-ES 07.00 66304 4R75 GM-EE 10.05 66100 6A32 MN-AB 07.40 66850 6R46 GM-PW 07.40 66206 6G02 HU-ES 10.35 66555 6G05 RV-LT 10.35 66512 6G05 RV-LT 09.40 66101 6E69 GE-HL 11.20 66302 4M16 GM-DV 11.20 66430 4N66 GM-ML 10.35 66512 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66430 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66426 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66430 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM
Gloucestershire Sightings by Nigel Hoskins
The following sightings are mostly from Gloucester Station, but also include workings on the avoiding line southeast of the station between Barnwood and Gloucester Yard Junctions. Only freight and notable loco hauled workings are shown with the diagram code, time (if known) plus origin and destination (see location codes).
21st October 25th October 29th October 11.46 66426 4V38 DV-WG 12.58 66005 6A36 AH-DT 10.54 66432 4V38 DV-WG 15.24 66018 6E68 MG-SC 14.34 47739 0Z47 CF-RY 13.42 66006 6E66 MG-SC 17.09 66142 6E47 MG-TS 15.11 66054 6V92 CY-MG 153367 5Z53 CF-DR 18.12 66426 4M36 WG-DV 15.14 66060 6E86 PY-FB 66047 6V92 CY-MG 21.40 66148 6V66 SC-MG 20.30 66076 6E30 MG-HL 66531 4Z84 TO-SG 22.17 66085 6E09 East Usk-SC 66194 6E09 ON-IM 30th October 22nd October 66115 6V66 SC-MG 08.24 66067 6M81 MG-RO 17.00 66076 6V07 RO-MG 66546 4V61 RG-SG 08.54 66050 4V83 TO-PY 19.00 60079 6B47 WH-RN 60079 6B47 WH-RN 10.50 66304 4V38 DV-WG 20.15 66021 6E30 MG-HL 26th October 11.12 60059 6B13 RN-WH 20.25 60049 6V55 BD-RN 12.00 66304 4V38 DV-WG 12.25 60007 6E41 WH-LY 23.28 47802/504 1Z54 HH-SW 12.26 66097 6V05 RO-MG 12.53 70011 4V06 RG-SG 66519/510 4Z13 12.58 70002 4V06 RC-SG 13.40 66099 6V05 RO-MG Sudforth Lane-SG 15.16 66150 6V92 CY-MG 16.30 66047 6V92 CY-MG 60071 6E41 WH-LY 15.22 66081 6E86 PY-FB 19.56 60059 6B47 WH-RN 150109 5Z51 BT-TY 17.12 66068 6O42 HO-SO 31st October 23rd October 17.33 66115 6V07 RO-MG 09.36 66047 6M81 MG-RO 09.17 66068 6B36 DT-AH 18.18 56311 6Z16 Norwich-CT 10.19 66421 4V38 DV-WG 11.50 66434 4V38 DV-WG 18.59 60079 6B47 WH-RN 11.05 60059 6B13 RN-WH 16.32 66076 6V07 RO-MG 22.20 66739 6V88 BN-CT 12.57 66008 6V05 RO-MG 18.18 66065 6V06 HD-CT 22.35 66127 6V81 RM-CT 70011 4V06 RG-SG 19.08 66023 6V69 BS-AD 66200 6V55 BD-RN 60007 6E41 WH-LY 21.15 66137 6E09 ON-IM 27th October 66007 6E66 MG-SC 21.44 66739 6Z31 Tremorfa-HD 11.50 66030 6E66 MG-SC 66132 4V83 TO-PY 158958 5Z58 TY-BL 12.17 60091 6E41 WH-LY 1st November 24th October 12.23 70016 4V06 RG-SG 05.52 66047 6M11 MG-RO 60045 6M41 MG-RO 14.23 66546 4V46 RG-SG 09.12 66165 6B36 DT-AH 66108 6E66 MG-SC 17.58 60059 6V66 SC-MG 12.12 66301 4V38 DV-WG 66192 6V92 CY-MG 28th October 12.23 70011 4V06 RG-SG 66087 6V05 RO-MG 09.32 66135 6W05 East Usk- 14.23 66433 6V74 Stafford-BR 60079 6B13 RN-WH GL 19.50 66433 6Z67 BR-CR 60071 6E41 WH-LY 11.14 66428 4V38 DV-WG 66035 6M81 MG-RO 66081 6E86 PY-FB 14.35 66135 6W04 AJ-WY 66061 6E66 MG-SC 66081 4V83 TO-PY 16.53 66142 6E47 MG-TS 60017 6E41 WH-LY 66087 6V05 RO-MG 18.35 66131 6E30 MG-HL 2nd November 66150 6M81 MG-RO 09.14 66014 6M81 MG-RO
25 2nd November (cont) 7th November (cont) 12th November (cont) 09.14 66132 4V83 TO-PY 66720 6V88 BN-CT 66213 6M81 LL-RO 11.38 60059 6B13 RN-WH 66124 6V92 CY-MG 13th November 12.01 66303 4V38 DV-WG 8th November 14.59 66160 6V92 CY-MG 12.26 60079 6V05 RO-MG 09.05 66230 6M81 MG-RO 15.16 56311 6Z54 CT-RM 13.06 66120 6E66 MG-SC 11.16 60019 6B13 RN-WH 15.57 66030 6E86 PY-FB 14.32 70002 4V13 RC-SG 12.03 66096 6V05 RO-MG 17.00 66002 6V07 RO-MG 14.51 56087/094 0Z56 CF-WW 13.05 66132/60059 6E66 MG-SC 19.37 66005 6V69 BS-AD 15.11 66067 6V92 CY-MG 13.49 37218/194 6M67 BR-CE 20.18 60079 6B47 WH-RN 17.06 66158 6O42 HO-SO 15.08 66053 6V92 CY-MG 20.18 66213 6E30 MG-HL 3rd November 15.31 66081 6E86 PY-FB 20.54 66508 4V61 RG-SG 11.17 60063 6E41 WH-LY 15.58 66187 6M41 MG-RO 21.27 66131 4Z32 TO-MG 66090 4Z62 TO-AV 16.59 66230 6V07 RO-MG 21.41 66096 6E09 ON-IM 66105 6E66 MG-SC 19.02 60019 6B47 WH-RN 14th November 66548 4V06 RG-SG 19.10 66432 4Z38 DV-WG 11.10 60079 6B13 RN-WH 66120 6V66 SC-MG 20.22 66096 6E30 MG-HL 12.27 66042 6V05 RO-MG 66528 4V46 RG-SG 21.56 66097 6E09 ON-IM 15.14 66050 6E86 PY-FB 4th November 21.57 66013 6V66 SC-MG 17.09 66124 6V07 RO-MG 09.18 70016 6Y12 CS-WY 66187 6V61 RO-MG 19.58 66120 6E11 CF-IM 09.55 66150 6W03 GL-WY 9th November 20.40 66559 4V61 RG-SG 11.22 66603/621 6Y11 CS-FR 66118 6E86 PY-FB 20.47 66720 6Z30 HD-NT 14.57 66120 6E68 MG-SC 60079 6V55 BD-RN 21.04 66002 6E30 MG-HL 15.07 66154 6W04 GL-BS 66070 6V92 CY-MG 22.11 66081 6E93 MG-MF 17.23 66176 6E47 MG-TS 56303 6Z56 CH-CT 23.37 66024 6V81 RM-CT 5th November 60019 6B13 RN-WH 15th November 08.12 66035 6M81 MG-RO 66617 6M36 WY-EA 16.30 66160 6V07 RO-MG 09.17 60019 6M96 MG-CY 66177 6O42 HO-SO 21.04 66744 6E01 CF-LY 11.13 60059 6B13 RN-WH 66204 6E66 MG-SC 37194/218 6M67 BR-CE 10.52 66305 4V38 DV-WG 66515 4V47 RG-SG 66030 6E86 PY-FB 12.26 66014 6V05 RO-MG 66431 4Z38 DV-WG 66603 4V61 RG-SG 12.57 60063 6E41 WH-LY 66720 6V88 BN-NT 16th November 12.57 56087 0Z87 CF-WW 10th November 31601/31452/47375 0Z34 15.11 66553 4V47 RG-SG 06.20 66027/168 3S59 MO-BT BU-Meldon 15.33 66124 6V92 CY-MG 12.34 60071 6E41 WH-LY 60079 6B13 RN-WH 16.01 66170 6M41 MG-RO 15.13 1589543 5Z58 BL-TY 66304 4V38 DV-WG 150105 5Z50 TY-BT 15.47 47739 6Z47 KS-RY 17th November 6th November 17.28 56311 6Z55 DY-CT 11.04 60079 6B13 RN-WH 08.3266186 6M81 MG-RO 11th November 11.14 66156 6M60 AD-BS 10.58 60059 6B13 RN-WH 11.40 66303 4V38 DV-WG 60092 6E41 WH-LY 12.27 60054 6E41 WH-LY 17.57 66303 4M36 WG-DV 66547 4V46 RG-SG 12.56 66038 6V05 RO-MG 19.57 66034 6E30 MG-HL 66621 6Y12 WY-AH 15.15 66124 6V92 CY-MG 20.09 66124 6M75 MG-CL 47739/DR77901 6J88 15.55 56311 6Z54 CT-SN 22.54 66016 SC-MG WH-RY 7th November 12th November 31601 0Z31 BT-DY 13.57 66605 6M36 WY-EA 10.52 66302 4V38 DV-WG 66526 4V06 RG-SG 13.57 DR80211 6U31 CF-GL 11.13 60079 6B13 RN-WH 66030 4V83 TO-AV 15.31 66125 6E86 PY-FB 66148 6V05 RO-MG 66618/620 6Y11 FR-AH 19.02 66432 4Z38 DV-WG 66192 6V92 CY-MG 18th November 19.03 60059 6B47 WH-RN 66016 6E66 MG-SC 11.58 66433 4V38 DV-WG 20.22 60019 6V55 BD-RN 60017 6E41 WH-LY 66620/618 6Y12 CS-WY 66530 4V61 RG-SG 66088 6Z44 AW-LY 66621 6Y12 CS-WY 66012 6V66 SC-MG 66720 6V88 BN-NT
Stirlingshire & Gloucestershire Sightings Location Codes: AB Aberdeen AR Abercynon BN Beeston CB Coatbridge CR Cadder AC Achnasheen AT Abbotswood Jnct BO Bo’ness CE Crewe CS Cheltenham AD Alexander Dock AV Avonmouth BP Bath CD Charfield CT Cardiff Tidal Jnct AW Aberthaw BR Bridgwater CF Cardiff CU Cumbernauld AE Attercliffe AY Ayr BS Bescot CH Chaddesden CV Cliff Vale AF Ashford BA Blair Atholl BT Barton Hill CK Chirk CY Corby AH Ashchurch BD Bedworth BU Burton CL Carlisle DC Dyce AJ Awre Junction BE Berkeley BW Barrow Hill CM Chalmerston DL Dalmeny AL Alston BH Brierley Hill BZ St Blazey CN Carnforth DM Dollands Moor AN Acton BI Burntisland BY Barry CP Chepstow DR Doncaster AP Appleford BL Bristol CA Calvert CQ Croft Quarry DS Dalston
26 DT Didcot HR Harwich LT Longannet PF Peak Forest SO Southampton DV Daventry HS Hunslet LW Linkswood PG Pengham SP Spetchley DY Derby HT Hastings LY Lindsey PH Perth SR Stourton DU Dundee HU Hunterston MC Machen PM St Philips Marsh SS Swansea EA Earles Sidings HV Haverfordwest ME Montrose PN Paddington ST Severn Tunnel Jnct ED Edinburgh HW Heywood Jnct MF Milford PO Polmadie SV Stevenage EE Elderslie HY Hinksey MG Margam PR Preston SW Swindon EH Eastleigh IM Immingham MH Millerhill PT Paignton SY Shipley EL Elgin IB Ironbridge MN Mossend PW Prestwick TD Tyne Dock EU Euston IS Inverness ML Motherwell PY Portbury TE Trostre ES Earlseat JM Jersey Marine MO Moreton PZ Penzance TG Teigngrace EV Evesham KB Kittybrewster MS Maesteg RA Redcar TH Theale EX Exeter KC Kirkcaldy MT Mountsorrel RC Ratcliffe TK Tavistock Jnct FB Ferrybridge KK Kilmarnock MV Manchester Vic RD Reading TL Tilbury FF Fiddlers Ferry KL Kyle of Lochalsh MW Moorswater RE Redmire TN Taunton FG Fishguard KN Kennethmont NA Nairn RG Rugeley TO Toton FO Forres KS Kingsland Road NE Neath RM Rotherham TR Trishington FR Fairwater KY Kingsbury NG Nottingham RN Robeston TS Tees Yard GC Glasgow Central LA Laira NH Newton Heath RO Round Oak TY Tyseley GE Georgemas Jnct LB Ladybank NJ Norton Jnct RR Rowley Regis VA Victoria GL Gloucester LC Lincoln NL Newtonhill RV Ravenstruther WB Wembley GM Grangemouth LD Lydney NT Newport RY Rugby WG Wentloog GR Grange Sidings LG Lairg NV Neville Hill SA Saltley WH Westerleigh GS Gleneagles LH Leith NW Nantwich SB Stourbridge WP Worksop GY Grimsby LI Linlithgow OB Oban SC Scunthorpe WR Warrington HA Hayes LK Lackenby ON Onllwyn SD Standish Jnct WS Worcester HD Handsworth LL Llanwern OO Old Oak Common SG Stoke Gifford WV Wolverhampton HF Hereford LM Long Marston OX Oxwellmains SH Slough WW Washwood Heath HH Holyhead LN Laurencekirk OY Oxley SI Stirling WY Westbury HL Hartlepool LO Longsight PA Paisley SK Shirebrook YT Yate HO Halewood LS Leeds PC Port Clarence SN Stockton YK York
Preservation Photo Spot....Forgotten Units
Cl.108 51947 Bodmin stock siding Bodmin & Wenford Railway, 26th September 2012 (photo by David Elliott)
27 Railtour News
The Forth and Tay Bridges Explorer by Andrew Woodcock: A small group of us booked to travel from Huddersfield on this Compass tour on the 26th September. which started from Hooton. The day of the tour was approached with some trepidation due to inclement weather prevailing, or is this normal now! It had badly affected the North East with the A1 road closed and part of the ECML closed....tell me about it, ed !! Checking both the National Rail and Compass websites to keep abreast of developments we found the Compass site was regularly updated up to 04.40 on the day of the tour and it was all systems GO.
On the day the train arrived in Huddersfield on time with 47760 and 47786. We proceeded normally via Wakefield Kirkgate to York where 20301 + 20305, 66077 were seen with Deltic and Black 5 4-6-0 45305 in the NRM yard.
At Northallerton we diverted to Eaglescliffe where we reversed and rejoined the ECML at Darlington. This was due to flooding near Croft I was told which left us running quite late. Nearing Edinburgh we branched off to the left passing Millerhill regaining the mainline west of Haymarket Depot. Seen on Millerhill were 90018, 90024, 90036, lots of RES Vans and EWS coaching stock. Also present was test train 31285 + 99666 + 975081+ 97528 + 9708.
Good running gained much of the time we had lost resulting in a 30 mins late arrival at Dundee. This just left a 60 min break which most people used for refreshment purposes.
The return run was spirited all the way to York with approx time 30 mins early, I am rather puzzled why at evening peak we were routed via Waverley station but at dinner time via the Edinburgh suburbs. There must be a logical answer.... I believe that is because pathing is easier that way without having to cross the mainline at both junctions, ed.
At York were 20301 + 20302, 37425 plus one other DRS loco. We lost much of the gained time in the Church Fenton area arriving back in Huddersfield 10 mins early. Due to engineering work the train was to terminate in Chester with alternative transport to Hooton.
Considering the appalling weather around the date, it was not too bad on the day and the train was well patronised.
The Pannier Rambler, 3rd Nov 2012: A Vintage Trains charter from Tyseley, ran via Stratford upon Avon, Lickey Bank, Birmingham Snow Hill, Worcester and back to Tyseley with 0-6-0 panniers 9600 and L94 (7752). The following photos were taken by James Holloway at Birmingham Moor Street at 12.45.
BR black liveried 9600 leads maroon LT L94 (7752) (photos by James Holloway) 28 Railway Globetrotters
Giving Ray a rest, here are a couple of articles from other members. Ray will return in the new year with a trip to India...ed.
Santa Fe Junction, Kansas City, USA by David Spencer: The above location is one of the better 'hot spots' in the city and amazing place with tracks on three levels and freights every few minutes. The high level is east to south, the middle level is east to west and ground level is a maze of junctions and spurs with a flat junction in the middle so trains can go north south or east west or any combination. The tower (signal box) is owned by BNSF and possibly the track as well although that may be Kansas City Transit as much of the city network is owned by them. The trains are:
60%+ Burlington Northern Santa Fe 25%+ Union Pacific
The balance is mainly Norfolk and Southern and CSX Transportation although there is one pair of transfer freights with Kansas City Transit locos and twice a day the St Louis Amtrak train turns the empty stock on the triangle. It is also possible to see the odd Kansas City Southern train as well although they share a yard in a different part of town with the Canadian Pacific and two short lines. For spotters it is a wonderful location but less so for photographers as the most prolific route is south to east and the pillars of the middle level bridge block any approach shots although individual loco shots are possible. As with all American freights there is a minimum two locos per train with three or four being more usual it can be anything from 1 to 4 at the head and or 1 to 3 helpers on the rear virtually all the coal trains are 2 + 1 but anything goes on the stacker trains and manifests.
Until this visit the most I had ever seen was ten locos all at the front of a stacker train crossing the Mojave Desert in California but that record was smashed on 19th September when, as you can see from the photo below, no less than twelve locos headed a stacker. I was able to get good pictures of all twelve locos but this was the best I could get off the train.
In general the locals are very friendly and tolerant of rail fans as long as you make yourself known and do not trespass and whilst it is tempting with no fences if you get too close a telephone call from the driver will soon get the railway police and even they usually just explain where you can and cannot go and leave you alone. Do go if you get the chance it's an experience every rail fan should try at least once in their lifetime and so different from anything to be seen in UK or Europe.
29 I’ve had the following series of articles in the pipeline for a while so apologies to Mike, but with my hectic travelling, limiting time to edit them and Ray’s prolific trips taking several issues to complete, here they are at last, all printed together...ed.
New Zealand by Mike Rumens: Our son and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2008 and are living in Whangarei in North Island. In March / April 2011 we were able to spend 30 days with them and for 1 day I managed to see some of the North Island (NI) system. I have concentrated on parts of the network that I visited or travelled on.
30 The railways on NI are, in comparison to the UK, sparse with the central area not easily accessible by rail and coastal areas and the regions north of Auckland limited to freight traffic only. The principal line is the North Island Main Trunk (NIMT) linking Auckland with the capital Wellington, lines branching off to other NZ towns. NIMT is built to the Cape Gauge (3'6") and is 681km in length with 180km of double track, the remainder single with passing loops. Built in stages from 1873 the line was completed in 1908.The line was very difficult to construct, engineering feats included the Raurimi Spiral, 9 major viaducts (5 over 70 metres high) and reached an altitude of 823 metres (2,730 feet) It became operational in 1909 when the first express left Auckland for Wellington, journey time scheduled as 19 hrs 15 mins. Today this trip takes 12 hours.
Sections of the NIMT have since been upgraded and deviated and approximately 460 km of the line electrified - 55km at 1500Vdc in the Wellington area and 412 km at 25kVac between Palmerston and Hamilton. The Auckland suburban network is currently being electrified with completion due in 2013. Other notable lines are the East Coast Main trunk - Hamilton – Tauranga - Kawerau (Freight only) and main secondary lines; Marton - New Plymouth, North Auckland line through Helensville / Wellsford / Whangarei, Palmerston North - Gisborne and Wellington - Woodville. Some of these secondary lines do carry suburban services into Auckland or Wellington.
The New Zealand railway network is owned and managed by the New Zealand Railways Corporation trading as KiwiRail. In 1993 NZ Rail Limited was privatised with the NZ Rail Corporation retaining the land. 2003 saw the government renationalising the network - KiwiRail operates all freight and most passenger services including Tranz Metro in Wellington, Veolia operates MAXX suburban services in Auckland and Tranz Scenic operates the weekday once daily return train between Palmerston and Wellington and the daily(summer) / thrice weekly(other periods) return train from Auckland to Wellington.
Locos are diesel and electric powered, suburban trains are DMUs. and EMUs. Carriages are a few NZ 56 ft stock or reconditioned ex-BR Mk2 stock. New stock being delivered and commissioned are DL class diesel locos built in China and FP class EMUs built in North Korea. Freight traffic consists mainly of containers from the ports of Auckland and Wellington, logs, pulp, milk aggregates and coal. Trains often double / triple headed over severe gradients.
North Island Suburban Services: Suburban train services in North Island are in the major cities of Auckland and Wellington and I was able to spend a short while at each.
Auckland Suburban Network: Auckland station, the largest underground diesel train station in the world is in the Britomart Centre, a purpose built transport centre (opened in 2003) in what was once the old post office building. The five platforms are used for the following services:
(a) Auckland to Waitakere, (b) Auckland to Papakura via Sylvia Park, (c) Auckland to Papakura via Neamarket, (d) Auckland to Penrose and Onehunga branch, (e) Auckland to Wellington - a long distance train named "The Overlander"
Local services are in MAXX livery and operated by Veolia.
Ten sets of 2 car DMUs (Class ADC/ADL) are in use together with loco hauled sets of refurbished ex- BR Mk2 carriages imported to NZ. These sets are made up of 3 or 5 SA (Suburban Auckland) class carriages and an SD (Suburban Driving) class carriage - the train being hauled by DC class D/e loco (4 car) or DFT/DFB class D/e loco(6 car) in push - pull configuration. On refurbishment all stock was fitted with electronic doors, in addition SD class were fitted with a diesel generator for train power and a driving cab similar to BR DBSOs.
Wellington Suburban Network: Wellington station with its 9 platforms was built on reclaimed land in 1938 and included offices for the New Zealand Railway Co. Today the East wing of the building is Headquarters of KiwiRail and the West wing is used by the University of Wellington. Lines were electrified in 1938 (1500Vdc)
31 Suburban services from Wellington are:
(a) to Johnsonville taking 21 mins, (b) to Paparaumu taking 60 mins, (c) to Upper Hutt taking 45 mins (d) to Melling taking 18 mins, (e) The Wairapa connection to Masterton - 6 trains per day taking 1hr 45mins.
These services are operated by Tranz Metro and except during peak periods operate to clock face times.
Daily long distance trains that run from Wellington:
(a) To Auckland - "The Overlander", (b) to Palmerston North - "The Capital Connection" These trains are operated by Tranz Scenic.
Services on the Paraparumu / Hutt Valley / Melling and Johnsonville lines use 2car EMUs of class EM/ET built by Ganz Maveg in Hungary. DM/D class EMUs are also in use on some lines. DMU class ADK (ex Western Australia) may also be used. FP/FT class 2 car EMUs are being introduced - these are built in North Korea.
The Capital Connection train is made up of 8 refurbished ex-BR Mk2 carriages, classified as S (Scenic). They have new plug doors and interiors and are hauled by a D/e loco. Carriage livery is light/dark blue.
The service between Wellington and Masterton (Wairapa connection) is made up of 18 SW (Suburban Wairapa) class ex-BR carriages which were rebuilt or refurbished at Dunedin. This stock is in three sets with 3 to 7 carriages depending on the service – peak / off-peak / weekend and all contain classes SWG (1) ,SW (1) SWS(1) and then the remaining SW carriages. SW carriages have 64 seats, toilets at each end, electronic doors and a PI system. SWS class have 37 seats with a servery, a wheelchair hoist and a disabled toilet. SWG class have 37 seats, a luggage compartment and a diesel generator to provide carriage power.
Stock is painted in Metlink livery - dark blue and grey with lime green highlights, hauled by D/e locos. The SE (Suburban Express) carriages are similar to SW class and are used on peak express services top and tailed by EO class electric locos. There are 4 SE class cars, 1 SES and 1 SEG class. SE cars were rebuilt to a lesser standard than SWs and retain original style seating. SWG and SEG are similar but SES lack the servery contained in class SWS. This set is in Met link livery.
All rebuilt / refurbished ex-BR Mk2 carriages have retained their old numbers but are prefixed with a class definition.
Auckland to Wellington by Rail: In between sampling the two suburban networks, a highlight of our New Zealand holiday was a train journey on the North Island Main Trunk Line from Auckland to Wellington on a dedicated train "The Overlander". This return service runs daily in the summer period and thrice weekly at other times.
The Train Consist: The train is formed of coaches rebuilt from traditional New Zealand stock, to a design which first appeared in 1938. The coaches appear to be antiquated, but have panoramic windows and refurbished to a high standard. The usual formation is loco DC class d/e, Baggage car, Cafe / Bar saloon, two saloons and an observation car. Passenger vehicles have reclining seats that line up with windows - leg room is very good.
The cafe / bar saloon provides snacks and refreshments at reasonable prices. The observation car has a small lounge at the rear with a large window at the back. The baggage car at the front of the train has an open viewing platform (space for 6 - 8) people accessible from the cafe / bar car. An excellent place to take pictures to the side of the train .Over the PA system the train crew provided a commentary on points of interest and also gave warnings about using the viewing platform - in no circumstances would the train stop to retrieve camera equipment dropped ‘overboard’ !!!
32 The Trip: (unless stated distances quoted are from Auckland) The train seemed to be well patronised and after checking in we settled down for our 12 hour journey. Our schedule 07.25 departure was delayed due to a track fault and we eventually left 15 minutes late, having then to follow a stopping service for the first 30km. About 15 km from Auckland we passed the very large freight yard and loco depot at Westfield. The yard contained a large number of loaded and empty container flats in rakes plus other rakes of wagons. DMUs and train sets plus varied classes of locos were present in the yard and on the depot. The local trains do call at Westfield and parts of the depot / yard area should be visible from the platform area. From the train I unfortunately was not ready with camera etc to record / photograph the yard.
After making several minor stops we passed Te Rapa another freight yard, engineering and loco depot (New class DL locos noted) and eventually reached the first major stop at Hamilton (140km) - a 15 minute break for a loco change and allow passengers a chance to stretch their legs. From Hamilton the line is electrified to Palmerston at 25Vkva (a distance of 412 kms), electrification allowing heavier loads to be hauled over steep gradients and difficult terrain. 17 EF class locos are still in service for this route - but as this class of loco is undergoing maintenance on Mondays (KiwiRail policy I was told) our Dc class loco was rostered for the whole trip.
Continuing South, the next point of interest for the enthusiast is about 30 mins after departing the minor stop at Taumarunui (285km) where an announcement was made that the train was entering the world famous Raurimu Spiral.
The Raurimu Spiral: When the area was surveyed it was realised that to reach the NI volcanic plateau from Raurimu, a direct line would have to rise 200 metres in a distance of 5km, requiring a gradient of over 1 in 24. An alternative route required a 20km detour with 9 large viaducts and a gradient of over 1 in 50. In 1898 a public works engineer proposed a solution that is now the layout known as the Raurimu Spiral. From the North trains pass Rauimu and then go round a 180 degree bend to the left in a horseshoe curve, climbing above the track previously travelled on. Two sharp right hand bends follow and then two short tunnels. A full circle is then completed, trains crossing over the longer of the two tunnels through which they have just passed - then continuing towards Wellington. The line has a sharp .left and right hand bend 2kms further on. At this second bend the train has risen 132 metres, travelled 6.8 km from Raurimu in a straight line distance of 2km.
The Trip (cont): After the spiral the train reached the National Park station (347km). This was our 30 minute lunch stop and in that time we were fortunate to be able to use the great buffet facility on the station. The northbound train only stops for 5 minutes - its lunch stop being taken further down the line at Ohakune. Shortly after leaving the National Park station our train halted alongside the northbound “Overlander” and crews changed over between trains. At Ohakune the original signal box is preserved close to the station. Between the National Park and Marton the line crosses many rivers and gorges on huge viaducts some over 230 ft high. Waiouru is the location of an army camp located in barren country some 800 metres above sea level - the highest point on the trip. At Marton (500km) the train descends off the volcanic plateau and continues to Palmerston North (541km) where if necessary the electric loco would be replaced. At Waikanae (630km) we reached the northern limit of the Wellington suburban service and were subject to slight delays following a service into the Capital city.
Summary: For the enthusiast this is probably a once in a life time trip. Having seen excellent lineside pictures taken in stunning locations and printed in NZ rail magazines - lineside is the place to be. New Zealand is not home to the vast number of spotters that we are used to in the UK but quality photographers abound. Many parts of the North Island Main Trunk line are accessible by road including the area of the volcanic plateau. Photography on the train is difficult - many of my pictures were spoilt by light and glass reflections from the train windows.
For the sightseer / tourist this trip is outstanding. From Auckland you cross part of the harbour area with its views of hundreds of sailing craft (Auckland is known as’ the city of sails’) through the neat suburbs and light industrial areas and on through small towns, villages and farmland. After Hamilton the farmland is amongst the richest in the world with cattle sheep and deer. The country now becomes
33 hillier and the train winds its way through valleys, following and crossing many rivers. Near the Raurimu spiral we caught our first glimpse of the 3 mountains in the National Park - Mount Tongariro (6445ft) - Mount Ngauruhoe (7514 ft) and Mount Ruapehu - North Islands highest at 9154 ft. At the Park station the clouds had cleared from the summits of the mountains and they were bathed in sunshine and two were covered in the first snow of the season.
Crossing the plateau (180km) takes about 4 hours - this is due to the gradients, sharp curves and speed restrictions in place. The track runs through thick bush, scrub land and woodland areas, through deep cuttings in the mountainous areas and crossing wide gorges and rivers on many high viaducts. After Palmerston the train continues through farmland until the train reaches and then follows the coastline. The last 30 - 40km were completed in the dark.
The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway (BIVR): The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway (BIVR) is situated in Kawakawa - a small town near the Bay of Islands in New Zealand’s North Island.
History: After the discovery of coal in 1864 a wooden tramway was constructed to convey the coal to the nearby river - in 1877 this tramway was replaced by the existing line and was the first railway to open in North Island. Opua was reached in 1884 and developed into a deep sea port. In 1899 a serious fire necessitated the rebuilding of Kawakawa and the town was rebuilt either side of the railway, the reason why this town is one of the few in the world with a railway running down its main street. Connection to the Whangarie line in 1910 improved passenger and goods traffic and exports rose in the following years .Eventually shipping declined and gradually ceased so in 1985 New Zealand Railways withdrew services beyond Otiria and the branch closed.
The BIVR: A private company, The Bay of Islands Scenic Railway formed and for the next two years using a Peckett 4-4-0, ran three trains per day on the branch. In 1988 the company reformed as The Bay of Islands Vintage Railway (BIVR) and continued operations until its licence was withdrawn in 2000. The line deteriorated until a new trust was formed in 2006, then restored as far as Taumarere 4.5km. The BIVR intends to restore the branch to Opua, a distance of 14km.
0-4-0 Diesel No 184 hauling a train through the streets away from the platform near the shed (off picture to the right)
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the BIVR platform, shed & yard
Operations: BIVR runs throughout the year, every day in high season and school holidays, and Friday, Saturday and Sundays at other times. Times are 10.45, noon, 13.15 and 14.30 and the round trip takes about one hour. Locos used are Diesel No 184 built by A & C Price of Thames New Zealand in 1958 and steam loco 4-4-0 No 1730. This loco built by Peckett of Bristol in about 1915 was one of only five built, and the only one remaining. Ordered for a company in Sarawak it was never completed due to the decline in teak trade .In 1925 the Portland Cement Co bought the engine, re-gauged it to 3ft 6in and used it at Whangerei to move wagons in the cement works. The loco was loaned to the Scenic Railway in 1985 and later was purchased by BIVR and named ‘Gabriel’ and is now the icon of BIVR. Coaches are vintage NZ and well restored, freight vehicles are a low priority and not useable.
I have listed all locos etc seen during our holiday. Locations of sightings are Auckland, Westfield Yard, Hamilton yard and depot and Wellington - difficult to give location where everything was seen.
Locos, Units and coaching stock noted in North Island New Zealand:
Diesel locos: Class DC 4035 4093 4248 4254 4323 4375 4381 4444 4467 4524 4536 4663 4916 4939 5945, Class DFB 7010 7104 7160 7200, Class DH 2839, Class DBR 1213 1254 1295, Class DSC 2462 2665 2746, Class DL 9008 9020
Electric locos: Class EF 30007 30163 30192 30226
DMUs: Classes ADL/ADC 802/852 804/854 805/855 807/857 809/859
EMUs: Class EM/ET ET - 1056 1131 1183 1281 1321 1396 1407 1436 1442 Class EM - 3056 3131 3143 3148 3269 3281 3309 3436 3442 3511 Class FT/FP FT4132/FP4132 FT 4149/ FP4149
Coaches: Class SA 3216 3224 3263 3302 3439 5695 5730 5828 5859 5868 5887 5889 6011 6034 6123 6172 Class SD 3199 5626 5999, Class SW 3339, Class SWG 3422, Class SWS 5660
NB: All coaches with NZ class pre-fix and original BR number
A list of ex-BR Mk2 stock in New Zealand is as follows:
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Key TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO
to NZ Service / Area / Service NZ to : ex-BR Type
5658 5652 5638 5626 5705 5703 5695 5682 5675 5671 5660 5654 5653 5651 5646 5637 5633 5624 5617 3212 3211 3207 3206 3201 3200 3199 3197 3195 3190 3185 3177 3171 3216 3205 3193 3184 3170
Mk 2D Mk ex-BR No
WC AS SWG SWS
SW SW SD SD SD SD SD SD SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA
S S S S S S S
NZ Class
Wairarapa Connection Wairarapa Suburban Auckland WC WC WC WC CC CC CC CC CC CC CC AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS NZ Service / Area
TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO ex-BR Type
5829 5818 5796 5784 5794 5791 5776 5770 5761 5759 5752 5747 3266 3265 3263 3262 3245 3224 5730 5729 5719 5861 5860 5859 5847 5843 5837 5835 5828 5820 5811 5801 3233 5762 5746 5743 5723
Mk2E ex-BR No 36
SWS SW SW SD SD SD SD SD SD SD SD SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA S CC WS NZ Class
WC WC WC CC AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS Capital Connection Capital Suburban Wellington NZ Service / Area
TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO TSO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO ex-BR Type
3422 3380 5996 5935 5902 3355 3311 5887 5878 5868 6166 6159 6123 6061 6026 6015 6010 5994 5993 5926 3430 3404 3394 3376 3365 3349 3339 3327 3324 3298 3294 3288 3282 5893 5889 5883 5873
Mk2F ex-BR No
SWG SWG SWS SEG SES SW SW SW SW SW SW SW SW
SD SD SD SD SD SE SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SE SE SA SE SA SA SA NZ Class
WC WC WC WC WC WC WC WC WC WC WC WS WS WS WS WS WS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS NZ Service / Area
Advertisement – GB Bus Group (GBBG)
Belonging to ICRS tells us you have an interest in vehicles involved in travel, whether it is to do with their design or simply number-crunching. That being the case, have you also got an interest in buses in the UK ? GBBG may already be known to you from its link with ICRS in the past, but if you haven’t thought about joining us before, why not reconsider? Our annual membership subscription has now been reduced to a modest £13.60, so why not visit our website www.gb-bg.co.uk or write to our Secretary, Hazel Roberts, at 37 Abbey Place, Crewe CW1 4JR for further information? It could well be of benefit to you as a fellow transport enthusiast.
Light Rail, Metro & Tram News
Edinburgh: The first section of OHL was energised on the 26th November for testing between Gogar tram depot and Edinburgh Airport. Princes Street has also re-opened to normal traffic with the crumbling surfacing around the track repaired. Metrolink: Commissioning and testing of the Oldham route is now underway ahead of the introduction of public services in the New Year.
Stock Changes
It is hoped that all major changes recorded below will help you keep the Combine, Pocket Book and Name Directory up to date, (numerous pool code changes will not be recorded). 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
Locos Exported: (to Bulgaria) Locos Transferred: 86233 87009 87017 87023 87025 92025 12088 Widdrington to ALN 92027 92034 03037 Priv to RDR 45133 MRB to WEA Locos Sent Abroad: (to France) EMUs Transferred: 66029 66033 66211 4COR 11187 (3135) LTA to EKR Locos Repatriated: (from France) 5BEL 287 (3052) Car No.87 SO to BH 66028 66243 DMUs Transferred: Refurbished / Renumbered Stock: 51339 + 51382 PEA to ELR Pendolinos lengthened & re-numbered Namings: 390004 to 390104 with 68904 / 65304 08790 Steve Purser 390021 to 390121 with 68921 / 65321 08822 John 390023 to 390123 with 68923 / 65323 08947 Howie 390032 to 390132 with 68932 / 65332 33102 Sophie 390038 to 390138 with 68938 / 65338 DR75406 Eric Machell 390052 to 390152 with 68952 / 65352 Locos for Scrapping: Re-numbered Mk3 coaches: CF Booth, Rotherham 37416, 37417, 37427 10255 to 10274 11065 to 12177 37428, 47829 11071 to 12178 11084 to 12180 Locos Scrapped: 12127 to 12616 12169 to 12618 CF Booth, Rotherham 08745 12174 to 12617 12175 to 12619 EMUs Disposed: 365526 (Potters Bar crash) RAF Spadeadam (for training) 65960, 72290 FCC (for spares) 65919
37 Transferred Stock
transferred recently from the Wensleydale Railway (reported in Sep issue), Cl.419 MLV 9010 (68010) is seen at Warcop, EDV, 14th October 2012
5BEL EMU 279 (3051)’Hazel’, recently moved from the Black Bull Inn, Moulton to allow an authentic set to run once converted. The interior is in good condition, something I can vouch for as we actually ate in this car on the 21st October 2011 when it was used as a restaurant, attached by the far connecting door....very expensive !! Barrow Hill, 14th October 2012
38 New Liveries
ATW DVT 82308 + 67003 on driver training passing Casey Lane , Crewe southbound at 13.30, 7th November 2012 (Roger Thomas)
DBS 60099 in its TATA Steel silver livery not previously recorded, Warrington Bank Quay, 25th October 2012 (Mike Rumens) 39 ICRS Publications
With the end of 2012 approaching our attention is turning to new editions of our books for 2013. First off the press will be the Wagon Book in early January. We have delayed the release rather than risk the postal problems pre-Christmas as last year.
All 2012 editions are still available but will be updated throughout 2013 except the Name Directory which will not be updated until 2014. Due to poor sales (the reason no 2012 issues were released) none of the individual books will be produced in 2013.
As for future titles, an eagerly awaited updated Ultimate Sighting File is in preparation for release during 2013 to celebrate our 40 year anniversary and will combine all locos into one book rather than the 3 previously published.
Books can be ordered online via PayPal at www.icrs.org.uk or by post from Carl Watson, ICRS Publications, 14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG (please made cheque / PO payable to ICRS).
All books, except UKRS01 Pocket Book, are A5 wire bound printed on 90gm paper with laminated card covers allowing them to be laid flat.
Book Titles: (all Members receive up to 27% discount on 2012/13 ICRS books)
non-member member New: (2013 – green) Price UKRS03 UK Wagons 2013 (164 pages) (updated to 1st Dec12) £12.99 £9.50
Current: (2012 - red) UKRS01 Pocket Book 2012 (240 pages) (updated to 1st Jan12) £9.50 £7.00 UKRS02B UK Combine Summer Ed 2012 (274 pages) (updated to 1st Jul12) £15.99 £12.00 UKRS03 UK Wagons 2012 (164 pages) (updated to 1st Oct11) £12.99 £9.50 UKRS04 UK Name Directory 2012 (172 pages) (updated to 10th Nov11) £12.99 £9.50 UKRS19 Irish Railways 2012 (53 pages) (updated to 1st Jul12) £9.00 £6.50
In Preparation: (publication date to be confirmed) UKRS21 Ultimate Sighting Files - Locomotives TBC TBC
Proposed: UKRS22 Ultimate Sighting Files – Diesel Units TBC TBC UKRS23 Ultimate Sighting Files – Electric Units TBC TBC
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