TAUNTON STAFF

The above photo was sent in by Steve Awford but taken by Steve Briers in 1986 when the Train crew Depot in Taunton was closed. The newspaper clipping taken from the Somerset County Gazette was also supplied by Steve Awford.

It's amazing to think that Taunton used to have this amount of staff and even more in steam days operating the station and locomotives on a daily basis. It would be great to hear from anyone who may know if any of the above are still around today!

Back Row left to right: Lional Cox, Fred Mace,Mac Troup, Bob Thomas, Roy Cross, Steve Awford, Fred Blew, Ern Dingle ,Rat Hawkins.
Front Row Seated: Ted Cook, Fred Pavitt, Bert Dodd, Den Hubbard, Des Alderton, Les Jones.

Choppers at Taunton

Class 20's were always rare machines at Taunton. It's often been said in conversation that the locomotives never worked to Taunton unless it they were on a railtour. Here is the evidence which proves the myth wrong. 20210+20003 are seen exiting Taunton East Yard with a mixed goods train. This photo was taken by Steve Awford on the 12th August 1977, with 46022 also sighted in the background. Taunton Trains would be interested in hearing from other readers if they can recall any such appearances of the Type 2 Class at Taunton and/or any information as to the working this pair above appeared on. (Photos: Steve Awford)

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Info from Don Bishop posted 18-01-06:

I well remember the somewhat unusual site of the two 20's appearing under the Bristol Road over bridge at Highbridge on their way south Light engines. The first time any of the class had been seen here. The locos entered Highbridge loop to allow an express (1V94 Leeds - Plymouth I think!) pass and then continued on their way south. A couple of hours later they returned north heading a special train which I recall was from Taunton concrete works. They went down in "railway folklore" for their rarity on that day. You may also be interested to know that around that time class 40's also appeared on odd occasions - I remember the first one well having seen it from a distance heading south and later enquiries leading to its identity - which escapes me just now! I think it was also heading a special goods working to Taunton. On odd occasions after that (still quite rare though!) 40's appeared on trains to Bridgwater Cellophane works among others and I remember one heading North through Highbridge on 16 ton coal hoppers which had apparently come from Exeter Riverside one lunchtime. Further details escape me - anyone out there know anymore details or got pictures?

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Info from Alan Randle posted 20-03-08:

You may be interested to know that I recall seeing a pair of 20s in East Yard whilst passing the station on my way to work. On hearing the familar whistling noise, I diverted onto the platforms an discovered 20 101 & 20 177 (I think) shunting their train of coal hoppers into the sidings. They left immediately for Bristol light engines. Unfortunately, I did not record the date, except that it must have been between 1983 and 1986 while I was living at Bindon Road.  

Email: Taunton Trains

Images of the past

Many thanks must go to Alex Loveday for providing the following links, further archival images of Taunton Station and Taunton in general can be found at the following links on the Somerset County Council Website:

Images of Taunton

Taunton Railway History

Photos above by Steve Awford

Sand Hoppers!

Way back in the seventies, I was a minor cog in the Chief Civil Engineer (Western Region)'s organisation, and designed a sunken unloading hopper for rail-borne sand and aggregates at the old Concrete Works (then Bill Copley's domain). I believe that this - unlike numerous other designs produced by the likes of myself - actually got built! Unfortunately I departed the Civ Eng business for other duties at "222" before the project was far advanced, and never got to see the finished product.

If you happen to know of any photographs of the end results, I would be very interested to hear of their whereabouts. I believe the site has since been redeveloped.

Regards, Andy McDougall

Can anyone help out Andy, if so contact Taunton Trains at the top of the page!

A Dented Earl!

On the 17th March 1945, 5050 'Earl of St Germans' is seen parked outside Taunton MPD running workshops after an accident. The locomotive collided with the rear of a coal train at Creech Jn. Note the front end damage, with a twisted buffer beam and damaged smoke box.

The locomotive was subsequently taken back to Swindon where she underwent a complete overhaul and front end rebuild. She emerged as a brand new locomotive and her first outing in the Taunton area was in the capable hands of driver Horris Mervyn Jones.

5050 was originally built in May 1936, she was finally scrapped in August 1963 by Coopers Metals Ltd (Sharpness). Her total mileage at the point of scrapping was recorded as: 1,135,797 Miles!

Photo: Supplied by D Jones, Taken by R Venning (Uncontactable at time of upload)

Further details to be added, there was no official accident report as it happened during the war. However some written notes do exist which we hope to upload soon.

A Magical Story!

This photo was passed onto Taunton Trains by David Jones. It was taken of his Dad, Mervyn Jones when he was a driver based at Taunton in the 1960's. It would be great to hear from anyone else who has photos of other Taunton based drivers. In the future it's planned to start a new page dedicated to past photos such as this and as a tribute to those who used to work at the depot.

(Left) D825 'Intrepid' Class 42. Built August 1960 Swindon (Photo: David Jones)

(Right) D1647 Class 47. Built June 1965 delivered new to Crewe. (Photo: David Jones)

However there is an added significance with one of these above photos. D1647 has had a life slightly longer than most Class 47's. She was delivered new to Crewe Depot on the 5th June 1965 in BR Two Tone Green livery. In February 1974 the locomotive was then renumber to 47197.

47197 is still operational today, although now in store at Crewe (where she started her life) 47197 has been in operation with Freightliner Heavy Haul for most of 2005.

Since 1974 the locomotive has enjoyed spells allocated to depots all over the UK. Crewe, Eastfield, Stoke, Bescot, Immingham, Cardiff, Tinsley, and Doncaster are just a few. Most of it's life has been spent hauling general freight, however with sectorisation in the 1990's the loco did enjoy a spell on Petroleum Traffic in the North East. In recent years the locomotive has been used by Freightliner to haul containers, and more recently the loco was transferred to Freightliner Heavy Haul and has proved it's worth once again working more generalised operations around the UK.

47197 is seen above passing Cogload Jn on the 11th June 2004 heading Light Engine to Totnes, where the locomotive took part in the South Devon Diesel Gala. (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

Further photos of 47197 can be found via the following link: 47197

The County of Somerset

On the 10th August 1985, 47603 was turned out in resplendent condition at Taunton Station to be named 'County of Somerset'. The event took place in Platform 6, and the locomotive was named by Bill Drowner, then Chairman of the Somerset County Council. The main name was also accompanied by a small commemorative plate for the Great Western 150 celebrations. The locomotive carried the plates until 1992 when they were removed. (Photo: David Jones)

47603 was delivered to Cardiff Canton as D1967 in October 1965. It's carried several numbers throughout it's life on the rails. In March 1974 it became 47297 and was re-allocated to Cardiff Canton, then later Bristol Bath Road.

In December 1983 she became 47603 and became a dedicated parcels locomotive. The loco was also fitted with twin fuel tanks, to help increase her mileage between refuels which made her ideal for long range parcels traffic. In 1991 47603 was allocated to Crewe Diesel Depot.

In June 1994 the locomotive then became 47745 and was subsequently re liveried into the ubiquitous 'Rail Express Systems' (RES) livery. This new livery and refurbishment saw the locomotive locked into Express Parcels traffic working all over the UK. On 24th September 1994 the locomotive was again named. This time her new name was 'Royal London Society for the Blind'. The naming took place at London Victoria Station and the ceremony was carried out by actor Brian Blessed.

The locomotive continued to work mail traffic until 2000 when the locomotive put into storage after a fire. It spent 4 years in open store, then in April 2004 the locomotive was finally assigned for disposal. By August 2004 the locomotive had been fully cut up and no longer exists!

Further images of 47603 (including it's fire damage) can be found on the Class 47 website via the following link: 47603

Cogload Junction Signal Box

(Photo: Derek Garrett)

Cogload Jn Signal Box officially closed it's door for the last time on Friday 4th April 1986. The track layout have already been reduced to two lines by the previous weekend.

The box remained in position although slowly being stripped of it's workings until September 1987. It had been purchases for the princely sum of £5.75 by a man named Mike Rees. It was planned to move the box to Coleford GWR museum to be transported in two sections by road.

An original lift was planned for 3AM on the 6th September 1987. However the lift didn't happen until 6am.

Photo: Andy Hunt

The plan was to lift the box clear from it's foundation next to the mainline at Cogload Jn, and then pass it over an adjacent fence into a field behind. The operation went without a hitch, and was completed in a matter of minutes. Once in the field the box was then left until November 1987 while preparations were made in order to split the box into two pieces, ready for transporting by road.

Photo: Andy Hunt

From the 8th of November 1987 the Signal Box was split into two sections and lifted away from one another on site. The first section departed Cogload Jn on the back of a lorry bound for Coleford GWR Museum near Lydney in Gloucestershire on the 8th November 1987.

Photo: Andy Hunt

The top section of the signal box can be seen being separated from it's bottom section, an operation it's design was never intended to cope with, there was great fear the framework would simply collapse, remarkably the whole structure remained intact!

Photo: Andy Hunt

47606 'Odin' passes the Signal Box for the last time with the 10:50 Exeter - London Paddington service. Not the almost ex works appearance of the Class 47 with it's yellow cabs still very clean!

Photo: Andy Hunt

The lorry owned by Chris Salter of Greenham is seen traversing the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal Towpath passing the Cogload Jn flyover heading North to the canal road exit at Durston. A few weeks later on the 29th of November the top section of the Signal Box was noted parked in a lay by near Durston ready for dispatch to Coleford to meet up with it's other half.

Photo: Andy Hunt

Sadly although the box has been preserved and still stands today in a small museum in the centre of Coleford (nr Lydney) the box has been modified and now has several 'new 'features including a new name. 'Coleford Jn Signal Box', additional steps, doors and a lever frame from Hereford fitted inside.

Taunton Trains would like to thank Andy for taking the time to delve into his archive of photos to provide a fascinating insight into an operation which almost went unnoticed!

Crowds for the GWR 150!

I'm sure many people remember this event. The GWR150 was one of the biggest celebration events held in the South West for many years. The return of Steam on the mainline saw people flocking to the line side to see and hear steam locomotives. It's hard to think of a time when Charlton has been this busy!!

Does anyone have any overriding memories of the event? King George V failing, Locomotives Used, Photos?

If so Taunton Trains would like to hear from you in order to add to the memories page and to preserve the event for future generations.

Photos: Derek Garrett (TOP), Dave Jones (MIDDLE), Gary Stone (BOTTOM)

As part of the Great Western 150, a rake of coaches was specially converted and painted as a travelling museum charting the progress which had been made on the GWR between 1935 and 1985. The were stabled in the old Minehead Bay Platform adjacent to Railway Street. Gary Stone has provided two images which shows the detail of the coaching stock. Does anyone else have any more?

Cogload Cement Chaos!

(Photo: Andy Hunt)

Taunton Trains is currently researching an event which happened at Cogload Jn on either 17th/18th August 1986. A South bound overnight Cement service left the rails just South of Cogload Jn causing a major derailment. The four track mainline was closed while the clear up operation took place, with single lines later reopened to traffic once wagons had been cleared from the running lines and track had been repaired. Loco's reported in the clean up operations are as follows: 47144 37304 33004 and 47015.

37203 is seen at the head of the Exeter Re railing Train parked at Cogload Jn. 33004 can also be sighted just behind the crane. (Photo: Paul Clarke)

37304 is seen at the head of the Exeter breakdown train, while 47144 stands just to the South of the incident sight. Could this possibly be the loco which was hauling the cement at the time it de-railed? (Photo: Andy Hunt)

The clear up operation was swift, once cranes has removed the damaged PCA Cement Tanks, ballast and engineering trains attended the scene to repair damage to the track. (Above Left) A BR Blue Class 47 is seen at the head of an engineering train preparing to replace damaged track. (Above Right) A Large logo Class 50 is seen at the head of the Exeter crane after re railing a damaged cement PCA. (Photos: Derek Garrett)

50004 passes the scene of the accident on a South bound passenger service from London Paddington. Note the lack of 'Health and Safety' it's certainly a scene we wouldn't be able to photograph happening these days! (Photo: Derek Garrett)

A view taken from adjacent fields of the crash site, another photo that in the modern age of 'health and safety' would not be possible unless the photographer beats the authoritarians to the scene! (Photo: Andy Hunt)

Do you remember any details of this accident? Do you have photos? Can you remember what happened? Why not Email Taunton Trains and let us know!

Anne goes off the rails!

These two images were taken on the 27th May 1986 at Obridge, just to the East of Taunton Station. 08576 complete with the name 'ANNE' written in foot high chalk lettering, dropped off the rails while shunting two mail vans destined for Taunton.

08576 can been seen with a gaggle of orange jackets around her awaiting the arrival of the Plymouth breakdown train. Note the bent side rods where the locomotive is now unevenly propped! (Photo: Jeff Treece)

Prior to the arrival of the Plymouth breakdown train, 08576 is seen marooned at Obridge with it's two BR Blue parcels vans which were being shunted into a bay platform at Taunton. (Photo: Jeff Treece)

Although not directly related to Taunton as a photo, there is a link to the above story. This shot of 50010 passing Teignmouth Station on the 27th May 1986 is actaully towing the breakdown train from Laira to Taunton in order to got and sort out 'Anne' which had managed to come off the track at Obridge, Taunton. (Photo: John Mills)

Can anyone recall the significance of the name 'ANNE' chalked onto the side of the Class 08? Or can you remember anything else of how this little mister miner occurred? Why not Email Taunton Trains and let us know!

RARE TRACTION

Railtours in the 1970's and 1980's often gave the opportunity to take locomotives into un chartered territory. This section looks at a few of the more odd ball locomotives which have visited Taunton in the past!

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THE DELTIC RANGER RAILTOUR (RE-RUN)

This tour featured a Class 55 Deltic. This Class of locomotive would have normally only been seen on the East Coast Mainline running between London Kings Cross and Scotland. The original 'Deltic Ranger' was run on the 19th February 1978. It featured 55018 running between London Paddington and Paignton. However due to severe blizzards in the South West at the time, the tour was cut short at Bristol and sent back to London.

Another 'Deltic Ranger' was quickly organized this time using 55003. It ran on the 5th March 1978 using a slightly revised itinery, the tour operated as follows:

55003 London Paddington - Paignton - Newton Abbot

46003 Newton Abbot - Par - Newton Abbot

55003 Newton Abbot - London Paddington

55003 is seen passing 40 Steps, Taunton on the 5th March 1978 working the 1Z15 08:15 London Paddington - Paignton railtour. (Photo: Les Awford)

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DELTIC TO DEVON - CROMPTONS TO CORNWALL

The Deltic to Devon - Cromptons to Cornwall tour was operated on the 16th October 1977. As the name suggests the tour was originally booked for a Class 55 Deltic from London Paddington to Newton Abbot via Yeovil and Honiton. However the Deltic's were Blacklisted by the Southern and instead two Class 40's were provided for the run to Newton Abbot.

The tour only passed through Taunton in one direction on the return leg, taking the more direct route back to London Paddington .

Details of the Railtour are as follows:

40081+40083 London Paddington - Reading - Westbury - Yeovil Pen Mill -Honiton - Exeter (Run Round) - Newton Abbot

33017+33022 Newton Abbot - Plymouth - Bodmin Road - Par

33017+33022 Par - Bodmin Road - Plymouth - Newton Abbot

40081+40083 Newton Abbot - Exeter - Taunton (17:23) - Westbury - Reading - London Paddington

40081+40083 are seen at Taunton on the return leg of the tour heading for London Paddington (Photo: Steve Awford)

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SEA SIDE SPECIAL?

There is not a lot of information available about this Railtour, other than it was operated by a Class 40, a class of loco which never normally operated in the South West. 40079 was used to operate a Sea Side Special on the 16th September 1979. The tour started in Swansea and worked through to Paignton.

40079 is seen passing 40 Steps, Taunton with a Swansea - Paignton charter (Photo: Dave Jones)

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THE DEVONIAN WITH CLASS 40's!

The 28th May 1984 saw another rare Class 40 foray into the South West, L.L.S./ T & N Railtours operated 'The Devonian' utilizing a pair of Class 40's to head South. Running as the 1Z26 throughout, the tour operated as follows:

40057+40135 operated the tour from Preston - Exeter St Davids. At Exeter the train was split, The Class 40's took 4 coaches on to Paignton. The remainder of the train then took in the delights of Meldon Quarry and the Heathfield Branch before ending up back in Paignton. 31259 & 31180 were used for this leg.

Once back in Paignton the train was reformed and the two Class 40's worked the train back to Bristol Temple Meads. At Bristol the Class 40's were removed (as 057 had failed) and 47199 was utilized for the trip to Crewe, before 40177 was added for the remaining distance to Preston.

40057 and 40135 make a rare appearance heading South at Taunton storming past Norton Fitzwarren complete with 'The Devonian' headboard (Photo: Paul Clarke)

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CHOP'S AWAY!

The 8th July 1984 saw perhaps the first visit of Class 20's to the South West. Run by F&W railtours 'The Devonshire Dart' used a total of 6 locomotives throughout the day and operated as 1Z38 throughout. Details of the traction and route are listed below:

37176+37206 Bristol TM - Birmingham New Street

20169+20184 Birmingham New Street - Gloucester

20184+20169 Gloucester - Plymouth North Road

37185+37207 (T&T) Plymouth North Road - Bere Alston

37185+37207 (T&T) Bere Alston - Plymouth Friary

20169+20184 Plymouth Friary - Meldon Quarry

20169+20184 Meldon Quarry - Exeter St Davids

20169+20184 Exeter St Davids - Birmingham New Street

37176+37206 Birmingham New Street - Bristol Temple Meads

20169+20184 pass through the centre road at Taunton under the famous gantry, Class 20's heading to the South West as a rare event hence the large amount of bodies hanging from the windows behind as they chopped their way South (Photo: Paul Clarke)

The return trip North took in some very rare track indeed, using the Taunton Station avoider, 20169+20184 exit from the relief onto the station avoider at 40 Steps having just crossed over from the up main at Norton Fitzwarren. (Photo: Paul Clarke)

It's worth noting that 20169 still exists having escaped the cutters torch, and is currently under restoration at the unlikely location of Kirkby Stephen. 20184 sadly didn't make preservation and was cut up in October 1986 was Vic Berry's in Leicestershire.

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THE CHOPPER TOPPER

The 8th June 1986 saw F&W Railtours/ Pathfinder Railtours operate more Class 20 hauled madness into the South West. 'The Chopper Topper' was due to visit Penzance, but due to the derailment of 37196 the tour schedule was thrown into complete chaos.

The tour operated as 1Z36 throughout and was as follows:

20011+20054 Wolverhampton - Truro via Glocuester & Weston Super Mare

37207 Truro - Falmouth Loop

37207 Falmouth Loop - Plymouth

20011+20054 Plymouth - Wolverhampton via Gloucester only.

Although the derailment of 37196 (which should have worked in T&T formation with 37207 on the falmouth section) caused single line working South of Truro. The Class 20's made it through (but without their train) to go and get fuel at Penzance!. Meanwhile enthusiasts were treated to a 2.5hr extended break at Plymouth to wait for them to return. By means of an apology a second tour was hastily arranged which would make Penzance. It just goes to show what could be done when paper work, EWS and Network Rail were not involved!

Still complete with it's indicator disks, 20011 and 20054 pause at Taunton on the 8th June 1986 before heading South with 'The Chopper Topper' railtour. It's worth noting that just 7 months after this image was taken 20011 was cut up at MC Metals in Glasgow during Feb 1987, 20054 followed in September 1989. (Photo: Pete Rowland)

THE CHOPPER TOPPER (RE-RUN)

After the trials of the previous 'Chopper Topper' in June 1986, August 31st saw a second attempt to make Penzance. Operated by F&W and Pathfinder Railtours the 'Chopper Topper Re-run' was operated on the 31st August 1986. This time the tour also took in the rare Parkandillack Freight only branch on route to Penzance. It operated as follows:

20124+20094 Wolverhampton - Par

37235 & 37251 (T&T) Par - Parkandillack

37251 & 37235 (T&T) Parkandillack - Par

37235 Par - Penzance

20124+20094 Penzance - Wolverhampton

20124 leads 20094 South through Creech St Michael on the approach to Taunton working 'The Chopper Topper Re-run'. Note the wrong line working, as two weeks previously the Cement derailment had happened at Cogload Jn, some tracks were out of use because of the recovery operation. (Photo: Paul Clarke)

A chance to view 20124 & 20094 as they approach Taunton station having just passed under Obridge, an effective photograph, taken when walking the the end of the platform wasn't considered a Health and Safety issue! (Photo: John Mills)

Just to prove they made it all the way to the end of the line at Penzance we have located this image of the pair waiting to depart from the Cornish Termini, Penzance.

20124 never made preservation, 20094 had spells at Ruddington and Barrow Hill (but mainly as a source of spares ) until 2001 when it was recycled, 20124 went for scrap in 1991.

TAUNTON CONCRETE WORKS

The Taunton Concrete Works was a large user of rail in the 1970's/ 80's. There are few photos on Taunton Trains covering the operations of the plant, however the below image captured at the Dean Forest Railway at Lydney shows a wagon which previously worked at the plant. Note the plate which is still attached to the bodywork of the wagon!

Can anyone supply any further information on the operations of the plant and or the wagon load traffic it produces?

An Ex Taunton Concrete Works Wagon is seen at the Dean Forest Railway in store. (Photo: Nathan Willimanson)

Following on from the above image and memories of the Taunton Concrete Works, several people have raised questions regarding operations in and out of the works. Paul Smith and his wife are currently compiling a book on BR Departmental Depots/ Stabling points around the UK. They are trying to seek some info on Taunton Concrete Works. It was originally opened by the GWR there is no recorded date of it's closure. They are also seeking photos of the departmental engine shed and entrance to the engineers works.

One of the many products from the concrete works can be seen above. 50008 'Thunderer' is seen at 40 Steps with a reinforced concrete plank stood on end. This image was taken during April 1989 when production was still ongoing (Photo: Jeff Treece)

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Is there anyone who has information which may be of use to Paul and his wife, and the Taunton Trains website.

Why not Email Taunton Trains and let us know!

TAUNTON CIDER

Does anyone remember the full colour scheme of the Taunton Cider wagons which were used in the plant at Norton Fitzwarren. Ben Ando is trying to trace a colour image which details the livery applied to the side of the wagons used in the rail operation.

Garry Stone has been able to provide this image of a Taunton Cider 'Cargowagon' stabled in Fairwater Yard taken on 15th March 1987. (Photo: Gary Stone)

Fotopic does offer some additional images which have been traced by Ben, but can anyone detail any images in the Taunton Area?

http://gallery6801.fotopic.net/p31218538.html

http://gallery6801.fotopic.net/p31218542.html

Why not Email Taunton Trains and let us know!

TAUNTON TRACTORS

37308 and 37057 are seen at St Blazey during November 2002. The find out how they got here and their connection to Taunton, read the story below (Photo: Nathan Stockman)

The 25th November 2002 may not be a date which sticks in peoples minds as a significant railway event for Taunton. However this day sparked a sequence of movements in the Taunton area which will never be repeated again. A one off phenomenon which caused a tidal wave of excitement in the South West at the time.

In a climactic turn of events it was announced on South West Rail Gen that the region was about to be visited by one of the largest and heaviest trains on the UK Railway Network, the HOBC (High Output Ballast Train). The Huge Yellow monster was to be hauled by Class 37's. At the time the humble Class 37 was a dyeing breed, a Class of locomotive which had been earmarked by EWS for withdrawal and scrap.

The 25th November saw two trains allocated to head South from Crewe Basford Hall in the midlands to Exeter in Devon, working via the Welsh Marches Route to Newport before continuing through the Severn Tunnel and South to Exeter.

37057 and 37308 were allox to work the 6Z50 16:15 Crewe Basford Hall - Exeter

37203 was allox to work the 6Z52 17:13 Crewe Basford Hall - Exeter

Both trains departed from Crewe exceptionally late. 37057 and 308 on 6Z50 finally left 168 minutes late at 19:03, while 37203 (Blue Mainline Livery) followed on 6Z52 at 16:55 140 minutes late. 37057 'Viking' (EW&S Livery) and 37308 (BR Blue) had the heavier train of 1260 tonnes, which provided plenty of wheel slip while working the grades over the Marches. They traveled overnight in terrible weather conditions, both trains where over 200 minutes late on reaching Dr Days Jn (Bristol). As a result of their late running both trains where routed via Westbury to Taunton/ Exeter. During this diversion it can only be assumed that 6Z50 was held at Westbury (Possibly for a change of crew) which allowed 37203 working the lighter loaded 6Z52 to pass by.

Confirmed timings on passing Taunton were as follows:

37203 6Z52 17:13 (25th) Crewe Basford Hall - Exeter. Taunton Pass 06:02 (390 Late, 26th)

37057+37308 6Z50 16:15 (25th) Crewe Basford Hall - Exeter. Taunton Pass 08:49 (599 Late, 26th)

The exact load hauled by 37203 has never been confirmed, but it's though that the loco may of hauled the outer control vehicles which propel the HOBC (High Output Ballast Cleaner) during ballast drops. The loco and it's consist managed to pass Taunton at 06:02 on the 26th and was a total of 390 minutes late, and 422 late upon arrival at Exeter Riverside. 37057+308 followed (slowly!) passing Taunton at 08:49 a total of 599 minutes late, arrival at Exeter Riverside was at 09:30, 592 minutes behind schedule.

On arrival at Exeter Riverside 37203 was immediately attached to an adjacent rake of Railtrack JJA Autoballaster Wagons before taking them to Westbury. This train was confirmed as passing Taunton at 10:43 heading North before taking the Berks and Hants route East.

The remaining Class 37's recessed in Exeter Riverside during the day. As the evening of the 26th approached 37057+37308 were both allocated to work the 6W15 Exeter Riverside - Bridgwater with the HOBC for a large ballast drop in the area. 66110 was sent up light engine from St Blazey to assist with the operation as the train would be operating in top and tail formation. The 6W15 departed Exeter Riverside some 60 minutes late, which was partly caused by the late arrival of 66110 from St Blazey, but also because the train was so heavy it took 3 attempts to get it moving. There were confirmed reports of sparks flying from the wheels of the locomotives as they tried to move their 2230 tonne payload. The tractive effort wasn't helped by 37057's history of wheel slip protection equipment not working! The huge train passed Taunton at 00:34 (27th) heading North with the Class 37's leading the train. After dropping ballast overnight the HOBC headed South again at 04:15 heading back to Exeter with 66110 then leading South.

Once again the train would recess in Exeter Riverside yard during the 27th November. There were some STP paths entered to facilitate a move to Meldon Quarry to replenish the train load of ballast. However these were not utilized, as the train was only reported a quarter empty after the first nights ballast drop.

The evening of Wednesday the 27th November saw a much better operation, the 6W15 22:30 Exeter Riverside - Bridgwater was much more of a success. The mild evening conditions and starlit sky saw the HOBC rocket through Taunton Station at 22:30. The formation remained the same as the previous nights with the Class 37's leading on the Northbound trips. After a successful ballast drop overnight the train was again confirmed as passing Taunton at 03:25 (28th) running 125minutes early as the 6W16 05:30 Cogload Jn - Exeter Riverside. As the previous day, the train recessed in Exeter Riverside, however at some point during the day the locomotives switched ends.

The evening of the 28th saw 66110 leading the HOBC train North with 37057 and 37308 providing power from the rear. The reason for this switch has never been confirmed. At 00:46 (29th) 66110 rolled into Taunton Station and stopped on the up main. The train was so long that the 37's were out of sight parked under 40 Steps bridge.

66110 is seen paused at Taunton. This is the only night time image obtained of this HOBC during it's visit to the South West. The huge train mainly operated under the cover of darkness. The early hours of Friday the 29th November was the only night the train stopped at Taunton. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

On departing from Taunton Station with 66110 leading the train it only reached Cogload Jn before it was sent back. The ballast drop had been cancelled. The train was piloted by 37308 and 37057 into Fairwater Yard
(located to the South of Taunton Station), and was confirmed as passing through the station at 01:35.

During the night, and under complete cover of darkness further locomotive movements took place. 66024 which had earlier worked the 6B99 Tavistock Jn - Exeter Riverside was sent North to Fairwater Yard as the 0W17 02:10 Exeter Riverside - Fairwater Yard. The loco arrived at 02:40. 37057 and 37308 then made a made dash for freedom by way of the 0W17 Fairwater Yard - Exeter Riverside light engine move, leaving their heavy payload behind them. Once in Exeter the pair headed further South forming the 0C24 Exeter Riverside - Tavistock Jn light engine move, before then picking up a rake of CDA Clay wagons and working the 6C24 Tavistock Jn - Fowey. This amazing move saw the pair of Class 37's work into the heart of Cornwall, however they didn't quite make Fowey! On arrival at Lostwithiel it was found one of the locomotives had a coolant leak, the decision was taken to take the pair of veteran machines to St Blazey for a service, while 66117 took the CDA empties to Fowey from the Lostwithiel reception sidings.

Meanwhile back in Taunton, 66207 had joined the party in Fairwater Yard and had also arrived light engine as the 0G81 Westbury - Taunton. Both 66207 and 66110 were reported parked up next to one another at the North end of Fairwater Yard at 07:00. There were three booked diagrams for the HOBC to return North, with the train being split into manageable portions:

6G81 Fairwater Yard - Didcot Yard (via Westbury)

6Z40 07:10 Fairwater Yard - Crewe Basford Hall

6Z42 07:51 Fairwater Yard - Crewe Basford Hall

Confirmed workings for the splitting and sequence of these trains were as follows:

66110 departed first with the 6G81 at 09:55, this conveyed around half of the HOBC and was worked direct to Didcot. Once at Didcot 66110 returned to Westbury light engine.

66207 was next with 6Z42 passing Taunton Station at 10:10 with the outermost control units, the train was routed North towards Bristol but took a diversion via Weston Super Mare. At Weston the driver was asked to examine the train to ensure the vehicles were in full working order. The decision was taken to continue forward to Bristol East Depot where the 6Z42 would be cancelled, but would join with the following 6Z40 and work North to Crewe from there.

66024 was the third train of the day to exit Taunton with the 6Z40 this also took the route North to Bristol. Here it was routed to Bristol East Depot where it joined forces with 66207. The pair then worked the remaining parts of the HOBC North to Crewe.

Taunton was now empty, but there was just one final surprise in store. Having been serviced at St Blazey 37308 an 37057 were allocated to work the 6M72 16:55 St Blazey - Bescot DS with a dead EWS/Res Class 47 in tow. The train was considerably lighter than the pair had been hauling most of the week at just 793 tonnes. 47741 added to the weight, and gave a total train length of just 733ft. The train passed Taunton at 20:34 heading North running 69 minutes early. Although unconfirmed it's also thought the pair of English Electric beasts also helped bank a train up the lickey incline to the North of Cheltenham before returning to their own train and arriving into Bescot just 6 minutes late!

It's stories and events like these that people take for granted, just how much longer the EWS Class 37's will survive is anyone's guess. On the 17th August 2006, there are just 4 working examples left working for EWS!

Did you see any of the above, or do you have photos which could be of use? Why not Email Taunton Trains and let us know!

LAST DAYS OF THE CLASS 50's

The humble Class 50 was always a popular machine with railway enthusiast. The 50 strong fleet were built in the Vulcan Works at Newton le Willows between 1967 and 1968. They were originally built as a stop gap locomotive, to haul passenger trains on the non electrified sections of the West Coast Mainline to the north of Crewe. After the completion of the West Coast electrification program the class was slowly transferred down to the South West. The loco's were used on passenger (and later freight) diagrams all over the South West, working out of Bristol, London Paddington and London Waterloo. However locomotive reliability was appalling after their heavy use on the WCML. The Class were put through a full refurbishment program in the 1980's before being put back to work on the West of England routes. However in February 1987 the first axe fell, 50011 was withdrawn from service, little did enthusiasts know, that by March 1994 50007 and 50050 would be the only two class members left operational to work the last farewell tour.

Even before 1994, scrapping of some class members was already underway. Locomotives were collected in groups of 3 or 4 and were generally tripped to Vic Berry's Scrap yard in Leicester by rail. Laira Depot (Plymouth) had a famous line of scrap Class 50's, however these loco's didn't last long with many working their way gradually North to meet their fate with the cutters torch.

Taunton saw some of the Class 50's before they worked their way North. Some may recall that four such examples spent some time in Fairwater Yard, during the Easter period of 1989. Through some interesting research (With thanks to Jeff Treece and Dave Jones) we have managed to piece together the movements which saw four of the locomotives towed North for cutting.

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50012 'Benbow' and 50014 'Warspite' were towed to Taunton on the 23rd March 1989, they were dumped in Fairwater Yard looking very forlorn, and unused. Their nameplates and any other valuable items had already been removed. Views can be see below of the two locomotives:

Below: 25th March 1989, 50012 and 50014 are seen from the 'Texas Car Park' (Now Chaplin's), note the removal of the front windows to allow air pipes to be trailed though both locomotives (Photo: Garry Stone)

Below: 50012 and 50014 are seen from the community orchards in Staplegrove, note 50014 only had it's number left on one side (Photo: Jeff Treece)

On the 30th March 1989, 50047 'Swiftsure' and 50022 'Anson' were bought up from Laira to join 50012 and 50014 in Fairwater Yard. Sleeping Coach (No 10603) was also used with this latest pair to provide braking. The 4 locomotives remained in the yard over the Easter Weekend, before departing Taunton on the 5th April. Ironically it was another classmate which towed them (at least partway) to their death. 50004 'St Vincent' was used for the move, and was seen departing the yard at 11:05am (Booked departure being 10:40).

Below: 50022 'Anson' and 50047 'Swiftsure' are seen in Fairwater Yard on the 30th March 1989 complete with sleeping coach 10603. (Photo: Jeff Treece)

Below: On the 2nd of April 1989 all four locomotives had been marshaled together and were ready for their final trip North. From left to right: 50014, 50012, 50047 & 50022 (Photo: Jeff Treece)

Below: The final piece of the story is completed with this final shot. 50004 leads 50022, 50047, 50012 and 50014 away from Taunton and onwards for scrapping. This unique photo was the only one taken from 40 Steps of the convoy leaving Fairwater Yard (Photo: Dave Jones)

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Many of the scrap Class 50's passed straight through Taunton heading North, towed by various traction of the time. Over the years many were caught on film, Taunton Trains would like to hear from you if you have any images which may be of use for this section of the memories page.

21st June 1992, 47581 hauls 50046 'Ajax', 50037 'Illustrious' & 50018 'Resolution' North through Taunton from Laira to Leicester. Three coaches were provided at the rear to provide braking (Photo: Darren Harris)

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For some interesting links to images relating to Vic Berry's Scrap Yard see below:

LINK 1

LINK 2

LINK 3

West Somerset PCV Testing

47733 and PCV 94315 are seen at Blue Anchor heading for Bishops Lydeard on the 15th August 1996 (Photo: Colin J Marsden)

During a four week period during August 1996 English Welsh and Scottish Railways carried out extensive testing on Southern Section of the West Somerset Railway using a Class 47 Diesel Locomotive and their recently converted 'Propelling Control Vehicles' (PCV's) for use with mail trains. EWS had recently bought Rail Express Systems bringing postal and charter trains under their operation. At the time EWS was also making further bids for the other three mainline freight companies operating in the UK.(Loadhaul, Transrail and Mainline Freight)

Wednesday 7th August 1996 saw 47733 ‘Eastern Star' arrive onto the West Somerset Railway to begin crew training using the newly converted PCV vehicles. The loco arrived with several other mail vans which would also be used as part of the trials. The consist was as follows: 47733 94193 94195 94218 and PCV 94315. The majority of the testing took place between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren however Saturday the 24th August posed a slight problem, due to the arrival of a visiting HST tour to Bishops Lydeard there would be a shortage of siding space. As a result 47733 worked through to Minehead to stable, thus becoming the first Class 47 to reach the seaside resort.

During periods when the Class 47 and postal trailers were not used, the locomotive was stabled on the Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren section. Here 47733 is pictured just South of Bishops Lydeard station (Photo: Jeff Treece)

The expanding mail by rail network and the increasing use of postal hubs bought a change in the way trains would deliver their post around the UK network.

PCV coaches are a British design and were converted at Hunslet Berkley in Kilmarnoch from Class 307 driving trailers. A total of 43 were converted numbered 94302-94345. 94300 & 301 were the prototype vehicles and were of a non standard design, they were only really used for testing before being used on high speed mail services from Walsall – Inverness having had their ‘push pull' equipment removed. The coaches were designed to work with the Res/EWS Push Pull Class 47/7's which had recently undergone an extensive refurbishment program for use on long distance mail services in the UK .

The PCV (Tops Code NAA) allowed mail trains to be reversed from the rear coach at slow speed at postal hubs and yards giving the driver a clear view, and making shunting of trains much easier. The trials on the West Somerset Railway and on the mainline network were successful and the coaches provided a further 8 years of front line service for EWS. In 2004 the company sensationally lost the entire mail by rail contract. In 2007 none of the coaches are now in service, seven have been scrapped and the rest remain in storage pending sending to the scrap yard.

PCV 94315 departs from Blue Anchor with 47733 pushing towards Minehead on the 15th August 1996 (Photo: Colin J Marsden)