Taunton has a history of constant change in the railway scene, which moves so fast it's often forgotten by many, including TauntonTrains. This new feature has been provided by us to allow people to look back at some of the wide and varied operations which have passed through Taunton's platforms over the years. We hope to bring you some of the more interesting elements of the railway scene, aiming to provide a look back a specific locomotives, operating periods, or workings. If you have any ideas then we would like to hear from you. If you have any images which you feel may be of use then please also contact us: Email Taunton Trains |
THE PEAKS |
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| The Class 45 Peaks were a regular sight at Taunton, they were built at Crewe in 1961 - 1962 and had an up rated Sulzer engine compared with their earlier class members, the Class 44's. They were out shopped with Steam Heat boilers, but were later converted to have electric train supply. Originally they were assigned to work services on the Midland Mainline from London St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. Later they found work on the Cross Country Network bringing them to Taunton. Many of the Class members were found frequenting Taunton's Platforms. All were withdrawn from service by 1989. | |
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45053 was withdrawn from service in November 1983, but survived until 1988 before being cut up at Crewe Works. In happier times 45053 (still complete with it's Steam Heat boiler) prepares to depart from Taunton on the 3rd February 1979 working one of the many Taunton - Bristol stopping services. (Photo: Colin J Marsden) |
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Platform 1 at Taunton often saw a varied amount of Class 45's stabled between duties or failed awaiting a tow! On the 19th July 1983 45022 ' Lytham St Annes ' is seen stabled between duties at the South end of Taunton Station. (Photo: Andy Hunt) |
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45021 departs Taunton passing under 40 Steps with a Southbound Cross Country service during the track rationalization. Delivered as D23, 45021 lasted until November 1980 when she was removed from mainline action, it was later cut up at Swindon works in 1983. (Photo: Dave Jones) |
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45128 (D113) stands at Taunton with a Southbound passenger service in 1986. Note that during this time the down Platform was numbered '1'. Where as today Platform 1 denotes the Bay Platform at the South end of Taunton Station. 45128 was withdrawn from service in April 1989, but wasn't cut up until 1992 at MC Metals in Glasgow. (Photo: Nigel Curtis) |
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On an unspecified date, 45144 (D55) 'Royal Signals' stands at Taunton having arrived with one of the many evening Bristol - Taunton stopping services. (Note the length of the train!) 45144 lasted in frontline service until December 1987 when it was withdrawn, it was later cut up at Vic Berry in 1988. (Photo: Jeff Treece) |
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The Class 46 was another variation on a theme. Structurally they were the same as a Class 44 & 45, but they were fitted with different alternators and traction motors which resulted in a change of Class. 46045 is pictured on Taunton Shed on the 24th November 1984. A rare photo indeed, as it's reported by the end of 1984 all of the class had been withdrawn from frontline service! (Photo: Gary Parsons) |
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Taken in 1972, D90 (Which later became 45008) works North through Charlton with the 1E21 heading North. This loco was withdrawn from service 8 years later in 1980, and finally scrapped in 1983 at Swindon Works. (Photo: Norman Hawkes) |
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There is just currently one Class 45 with a mainline operational ticket to operate on Network Rail. Sadly the loco is rarely used and often fails when it is used, due to excessive time sat outside in the UK weather. During it's last mainline outing on the 28th May 2007, 45112 'Royal Army Ordnance Corps' is seen at Minehead ready to work a tour back to Derby. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
THE WESTERNS |
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| The Westerns were a very popular locomotive with many of the early enthusiasts. Their twin Maybach MD655 engines giving them a top speed of 90mph the Class ideal for their varied passenger work on the Great Western Region. They were a regular sight at Taunton working between Paddington and Penzance on passenger and freight diagrams. The locomotives were short lived and were scrapped before their time, mainly due to BR deciding to standardize it's fleets of locomotives. | |
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On the 27th July 1974, D1021 'Western Cavalier' has a change of crew at Taunton while working a Southbound express from London Paddington. D1021 was released from Swindon on in June 1963. the loco lasted until August 1976 (just two years after this image was taken). On the date of scrapping she had clocked up over a million miles on the Great Western Network! (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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17th July 1974 D1030 'Western Musketeer' is seen fresh from a Laira repaint and is paused at Taunton for a crew change with 1V34 the Kensington - St Austell motorail the heaviest booked passenger working of the day and invariably a hydraulic (by then a Western as the Warships were gone). This was because it regularly exceeded the loading over the South Devon banks for all diesel electrics of the day. (For your info the KO - Newton Abbot motorail was usually a Thousand but could be a Duff as no serious banks and a lighter train and the Sterling - Newton Abbot was always a Class 47 (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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On the 10th May 1975, D1034 'Western Dragoon' storms through Silk Mills crossing with the Northbound Penzance - Cardiff service. (Note the length of the train, the equivalent service from Taunton would now be just two coaches!) D1034 was built in April 1964, and lasted in front line service until October 1975. A total of 11 years service saw the locomotive clocking up 1,144,000 miles before she met with the cutters blow torch. (Photo: Chris Perkins) |
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D1047 'Western Lord' pauses at Taunton on 27th July 1974 working the Southbound 1V46. Released from Crewe in February 1963. Western Lord spent it's time on the rails clocking up 1,256,000 miles before it was withdrawn from service in February 1976 (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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D1059 'Western Empire' is seen at Taunton shunting mail vans onto a train on the 30th August 1975. At this time, mail was not only conveyed on standard passenger services but also in dedicated services to and from London with intermediate pickup points in between. D1059 was built in April 1963, lasting until October 1975 (Just two months after this image was recorded at Taunton) (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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On the 20th April 1974, D1061 'Western Envoy' can be seen stabled in Taunton Shed between duties with an unidentified peak. Large amounts of locomotives could often gather at Taunton for servicing and out of course repairs. Western Envoy was released into traffic in April 1963, but was withdrawn in October 1974, just 6 months after this image was recorded. (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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3rd August 1974, D1063 'Western Monitor' stands on Taunton Shed between duties with a pair of Class 08's for company. Western Monitor came into building using May 1963 and operated until April 1976 (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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3rd August 1974 saw D1064 'Western Regent' at Taunton using the centre road on a Southbound passenger service from London Paddington. Western Regent clocked up a respectable 1,216,000 miles in traffic for British Rail before she was withdrawn. (Photo: Paul Clarke) |
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D1067 'Western Druid' is seen stabled in Taunton Shed with two Class 08 shunter's and a Class 25. Note also the Class 47 in the Southbound Platform waiting to depart. Scenes like these will never be repeated but thankfully some Westerns did make it into preservation as detailed below: D1010 Western Campaigner
D1013 Western Ranger |
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D1015 'Western Champion' still runs the rails. After years of restoration D1015 now has a mainline operating ticket and still visits Taunton (as well as the rest of the UK!) from time to time. D1015 currently carries BR Maroon livery with small yellow warning panels. For a locomotive built in 1963 Western Champion proves that good maintenance and some caring owners can provide a reliable locomotive. On a wet 23rd June 2007, D1015 passes Creech St Michael working a Birmingham - Penzance charter. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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Taunton also has another Western close by. D1010 'Western Campaigner' is preserved on the West Somerset Railway and operates on Diesel Running Weekends and Galas. Sadly she has no mainline ticket. On the 16th June 2007, the opportunity was taken to double head D1010 and D1015 'Western Champion' (Having arrived with a charter from London) between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. The pair are seen passing Bicknoller heading for Bishops Lydeard. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
THE HOOVERS |
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The Class 50 was probably one of the best liked locomotives for Enthusiasts in the South West during their mainline operation, they had a large following of people willing to ride them and photograph them. The class were built at the Vulcan Foundry at Newton le Willows between January 1967 and December 1968 and were out shopped with the numbers D400-D449, during the introduction of the TOPS system in the 1970's they of course became 50001 - 50050. They were originally built to haul trains on the non electrified sections of the West Coast Mainline to the North of Crewe. Once electrification was complete the class were transferred onto the Western Region and slowly took over diagrams previously covered by the Class 52 'Westerns' (See Above). The Western Region had a tradition of naming it's locomotives, so with the Class 50's took the names of naval warships. During the late 1970's the Class 50's were given a full overhaul / refurbishment program which was carried out at Doncaster Works, many years of being thrashed up and down the West Coast Mainline had taken it's toll and the Class reliability was suffering as a result. While in works they class were modernized and completely repainted into BR Large Logo livery. After refurbishment the locos returned to the Western Region where their efforts were concentrated on the Exeter - Waterloo route, but many others still worked on varied diagrams, including a dedicated pool of locomotives for infrastructure work. The Class lasted until 1994, when 50007 'Sir Edward Elgar' and 50050 'Fearless' worked the final farewell railtour from London Waterloo - Exeter - London Paddington. |
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In 1990 50001 'Dreadnought' catches the last rays of sun as it arrives into Taunton with a northbound passenger service from the South, seen passing under Staplegrove Road taken from the adjacent local allotments. (Photo: Dave Jones) |
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50006 'Neptune' was an early casualty, many of it's working parts were used to keep other locomotives running when it was finally switched off at Laira. it's seen here in 'Ex Works' condition at Cogload Jn on the 30th March 1986 working a rake of ballast wagons helping to repair the track caused by the recent cement derailment. (Photo: Andy Hunt) |
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50008 'Thunderer' and 50015 'Valiant' approach Taunton with a Northbound railtour in 1990. Many farewell railtours operated around this time for various class members, most of them being painted in celebrity paint schemes. (Photo: Dave Jones) |
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On the 25th February 1979, 50010 'Monarch' approaches Taunton with 08:30 Paddington - Plymouth passenger service. (Photo: Steve Awford) |
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50015 'Valiant' departs from Taunton on the 21st December 1978 with the 1M22. The view shows 50015 in it's un refurbished state prior to the modernization program which the Class were given in the 1980's. (Photo: Steve Awford) |
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Class 50's on engineers trains were quite common during the latter years of their work in the South West. 50020 'Revenge' is seen passing Cogload Jn heading back to Westbury from a trip to Meldon on the 31st March 1989. Not the open shot with no trees, and the stripes in the field behind! (Photo: Jeff Treece) |
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On the 2nd June 1990 50024 'Vanguard' storms South through Cogload Jn with a passenger service from London Paddington. It was quite common to find Network Southeast locomotives working rakes of Intercity stock at this time. This service probably originating from London Paddington. (Photo: Jeff Treece) |
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No topic on the Class 50's would be complete without the classic view departing from Taunton under the famous signal gantry. 50025 'Invincible' in Large Logo departs with a rake of ten blue & grey Mk1 coaches on the 7th September 1985, seen passing 40 Steps. (Photo: Dave Jones) |
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On the 16th February 1985 50027 'Lion' arrives into Taunton captured in another classic Taunton scene. The loco was working a Liverpool - Penzance service. The Class 50 will more than likely have joined the train at Birmingham New Street, having taken over from an electric locomotive. (Photo: Andy Hunt) |
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On Christmas Eve 1978, 50029 'Renown' stands in Platform 3 at Taunton working 13:35 Penzance - Paddington service. Again Renown is seen in it's un refurbished state but with BR Numbers and nameplate. (Photo: Steve Awford) |
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50030 'Repulse' passes under Obridge viaduct past the semaphores located at the entrance to Taunton East on the 1st July 1985. The 07:30 from Penzance was loaded with 13 coaches and is seen heading East from Taunton. It's a far cry from the modern scene where today's trains barley reach 8 coaches on a normal service train! (Photo: Dave Jones) |
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50032 'Courageous' and 50042 'Triumph' pass Norton Fitzwarren (and Taunton Cider) with a mixed engineers train on the 9th August 1990. The train was heading for Exeter Riverside and probably originated from Fairwater Yard or Westbury. (Photo: Dave Jones)
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50035 'Ark Royal' was the first Class 50 to be preserved, and the first Class 50 to go through the refurbishment program at Doncaster. The loco famously returned to Laira in undercoat because Doncaster didn't have the paint or the drawings to give her Network Southeast colors. 50035 is seen here at Obridge running round one of the many Bristol - Taunton - Bristol stopping services. (Photo: Andrew Rowland) |
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The classic view from Obridge is no longer possible due to rampant tree growth. 50043 'Eagle' departs Taunton with heading East with another excessively long passenger train. Photo: Colin J Marsden |
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50045 'Achilles' is pictured at Taunton on the 22nd June 1979 waiting for the road South working light engine. Achilles in shown in it's un refurbished state, carrying it's original BR Blue livery. (Photo: Steve Awford) |
50's IN PRESERVATION |
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Due to their popularity many Class 50's made it into preservation, 19 out of a 50 strong Class still exist, although only two have a current mainline operational ticket. The rest exist on preserved railways around the UK. 50002 ‘Superb' – South Devon Railway – Under Restoration 50007 ‘Sir Edward Elgar' – Midland Railway Centre – Operational 50008 ‘Thunderer' – LSWR Crewe – Stored 50015 ‘Valiant' – East Lancs Railway – Operational 50017 ‘ Royal Oak ' – Tyseley – Stored 50019 ‘Ramillies' – Mid Norfolk Railway – Operational 50021 ‘Rodney' – Tyseley – Stored 50026 ‘Indomitable' – Derby Works – Under Restoration for Mainline Running 50027 ‘Lion' – North York Moors Railway – Operational 50029 ‘Renown' – Peak Rail – Under Restoration 50030 ‘Repulse' – Peak Rail – Under Restoration 50031 ‘Hood' – Severn Valley Railway – Under Repair for Mainline Running 50033 ‘Glorious' – Tyseley – Stored 50035 ‘ Ark Royal – Severn Valley Railway – Under Repair 50040 ‘Leviathan' – Coventry Railway Centre – Awaiting Scrapping 50042 ‘Triumph' – Bodmin & Wenford Railway – Operational 50044 ‘ Exeter ' – Severn Valley Railway – Operational 50049 ‘ Defiance ' – Severn Valley Railway – Mainline Operational 50050 ‘Fearless' – Yeovil Railway Centre – Under Restoration
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50049 (50149) entered preservation on the West Somerset Railway sporting it's Railfreight General colours from it's BR trials as a freight pool locomotive. On the 22nd March 1997 the loco is seen stabled at Williton with Class 25 D5222. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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Following a successful restoration 50049 (Project Defiance) and 50031 (The Fifty Fund) teamed up to provide double headed Class 50s back on the mainline around the year 2000. On the 30th June 2001, 50031 'Hood' leads 50049 'Defiance' into Taunton with a return charter. Both locomotives were painted in matching BR Blue. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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With nearly 5 years of preserved mainline activity under their belt, 50031 and 50049 were repainted into BR Large Logo. In this image 50031 still has the addition of a 'scottie dog' following their recent trip to Scotland. (Class 50's never carried the 'scottie' during their life working for BR) 50031 and 50049 are seen passing Creech St Michael on the 24th September 2005 working the 1Z52 Banbury - Penzance charter. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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50049 'Defiance' has visited it's original preservation home on quite a few occasions, working in conjunction with with Steam and Diesel Charters. On the 12th March 2005, 50049 is seen shunting a steam support coach at Bishops Lydeard, prior to returning a charter back onto the mainline. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
THE WSR DIESELS |
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| The Diesels based on the West Somerset Railway have been an attraction for many in the South West. Over the years many locomotives have been based on the line, but a core fleet has pretty much remained intact throughout the life of the line. The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) based at Williton put in some sterling work to keep these machine running for the public to enjoy. Not all the locomotives have arrived onto the line in working order, many man hours have been spent repairing and refurbishing these locomotives to return them to a serviceable and operational condition! | |
Class 52: D1010 'Western Campaigner' |
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D1010 'Western Campaigner' was one of the few locomotives to arrive by Rail to the WSR. It was acquired from Foster Yeoman in 1985, and moved to Didcot for restoration. On the 11th January 1991, D1010 was delivered to Taunton by Foster Yeoman's own locomotive 59001 'Yeoman Endeavor'. The convoy is seen here at Cogload Jn on the approach to Taunton (Photo: Colin J Marsden)
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D1010 spent some time masquerading as D1035 'Western Yeoman' and was painted in all over desert sand livery. She was always popular with the enthusiasts and proved a big hit on the line. on the 17th March 1991 D1010 is seen departing from Crowcombe Heathfield with a service train heading for Minehead (Photo: Jeff Treece)
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D1010 has carried many liveries during it's time on the WSR. Perhaps one of the best was 'Weathered BR Blue' the team did a great job in spraying the locomotive to look used and unwashed (as they would have been on the BR Network). The locomotive looked the part, proving that the unique experiment worked! D1010 is seen at Bishops Lydeard in 1997. (Photo: Cameron Walker) |
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After spending many years out of service under repair and restoration D1010 finally saw active service during the 2007 Mixed Traffic Weekend. On the 17th June 2007 D1010 ca be seen climbing through Leigh Woods on route to Crowcombe Heathfield. Sadly the locomotive developed more faults during the weekend which has seen another period of extensive maintenance. It's hoped to see her back during late 2008 early 2009. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
Class 14's D9526 & D9551 |
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D9526 arrived onto the West Somerset Railway on the 2nd April 1980. With a Rover 3000 Police Car for an escort, and a Wynns Scammell Crusader for haulage. D9526 is seen near Bishops Lydeard. The loco was acquired from Westbury Cement Works, and needed extensive restoration. She entered service on the line in 1984. For the record, the Scammell is also preserved. (Photo: Chris Perkins) |
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D9526 was joined by D9551 in 1981. The latter locomotive being purchased by a consortium of DEPG and WSR members who formed 'Rail Power Services' The pair of Class 14's were used on The Quantock Belle during the early years of the line, and both put in sterling work for the line. D9551 departed the WSR some time after 1997 and now resides on the Royal Deeside Railway. (Photo: Unknown, collection found on sale at South Devon Railway) |
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After an extensive eight year overhaul, D9526 made it's passenger debut on the 12th April 2003. The locomotive looked and operated like new, and was an instant success on the line. Now operating without it's classmate D9551, it's operations would be limited. But it's proved very useful to the group over the years! On the 8th May 2004, D9526 leads D7017 through Bicknoller heading for Williton. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
Class 35's D7017& D7018 |
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D7017 was the first DEG (then Diesel Electric Group) locomotive to be purchased. In July 1975 the loco was secured, it was then transferred to Taunton by rail and stored adjacent to the loco shed. It was moved to the WSR on the 25th March 1976. It worked it' first train on WSR metals just one year later hauling the Quantock Belle! (Photo: Chris Perkins) |
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This rare and ironic and undated shot shows D1023 'Western Fusilier' passing Norton Fitzwarren while D7017 (now preserved) is located on the Norton spur leading to Bishops Lydeard. It's not known why D7017 was located at Norton at this time. (Photo: Unknown, collection found on sale at South Devon Railway) |
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D7017 has carried many liveries since it's arrival on the line, and has put in some sterling service during it's 30 years in preservation! During 2006 - 2008 the locomotive has been out of traffic undergoing an unexpected overhaul, this has ended up being carried out alongside that of sister locomotive D7018 & Western D1010. Hence progress hasn't been that quick! It's hope to see the loco back running again for the 2008 Mixed Traffic weekend (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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D7018 was offered to the DEPG in 1977 but spent it's early years being worked on a Didcot. It didn't arrive onto the WSR until June 1991. It lasted four years being failing with a catastrophic failure, which has resulted in a 13 year overhaul which is now nearing it's end! D7018 is seen at Minehead on 'The Quantock Belle' in happier times. (Photo: Darren Harris) |
Class 33, 33048 |
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A sterling machine in the shape of 33048 has provided the WSR with a regular use, instant start locomotive for general freight and passenger duties on the line. The locomotive was purchased by DEPG founder member Clive Burrows in 1997. It's used by the WSR on many non scheduled operations and has proved exceptionally reliable, economic and popular with staff on the railway. 33048 is pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on one of the many Summer Diesel Diagrams. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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33048 has had very little cosmetic enhancements during it's life in Preservation. It's only carried two versions of BR Blue (Blue Roof and White Roof). Small amounts of work to keep the locomotive looking presentable are carried out on a regular basis. 33048 is seen passing Yarde Farm with a freight train heading for Minehead on the 16th Jun 2007. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
Class 33, 33057 'Seagull' |
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33057 was originally purchased as a source of spares to keep 33048 operational. The locomotive was delivered to Bishops Lydeard on the 17th September 2005 by road. Having originally been withdrawn because of a traction motor fire 33057 spent years stored at Crewe, Barrow Hill & MOD Smalmstown before arriving at the WSR. The 33 is seen at Bishops Lydeard on a Henor low loader having arrived by road. (Photo : Jeff Treece) |
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After an initial inspection it soon became apparent there was very little wrong with 33057. A small team of DEPG members began to spend Sundays working on the locomotive, cosmetically enhancing it's appearance, and making a list of items required to repair her. The former named 'Seagull' is now at Williton works and was successfully started in the early part of 2008. Work continues to return the locomotive to operational condition. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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On the 16th February 2008, 33057 burst back into life at Williton once more, after some extensive works to get the locomotive operational again. Complete with a dead blackbird the locomotive can be seen erupting into life again at Williton after many years out of service. The locomotive has a long way to go until it's back in fully working order but some hard work by DEPG volunteers produces some good rewards (Photo: Steve Hodgsdon) |
Class 25, D7623 'John F Kennedy' |
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D7523 is owned by Dr John F Kennedy and as such is named after himself. The locomotive is cared for by the DEPG and is used in the same way as 33048 working general purpose duties on the railway. The loco arrived onto the WSR in 1996 in non operational condition. Little is known about it's life before it arrived on the WSR. On the 24th August 1996, D7523 is seen piloting 33202 & 33208 on Hertfordshire Railtours ' The Quantock Crompton' into Crowcombe. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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D7523 finally got some much needed attention over the winter of 2005/ 2006. Receiving bodywork attention and fresh coat of paint. The locomotive is seen on one of the many out of course operations on the WSR, returning a rake of Virgin Mk2 HST trailers from store at Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on 12th February 2006. The loco has again proved reliable and popular with enthusiasts / crews. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
Class 47, 47840/D1661 'NORTH STAR' |
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47840 'North Star' is an ex mainline operational celebrity and genuine Western Region locomotive. The final years of the her mainline top link operational career were spent hauling Virgin Trains passenger services. The locomotive took part in the Cross Country Locomotive Farewell tour which operated between Penzance and Birmingham, before a ceremony at Toton TMD to mark the end of locomotive haulage on the Cross Country network. On the 19th August 2002, 47840 and 47847 depart Taunton for the last time on a top link passenger diagram. (Photo: Chris Perkins) |
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After such a prominent front line role 47840 transferred to Cotswold Rail where it spent some considerable time out of service. However after some work a Loughborough the locomotive made a come back to haul many of the FGW stock moves between Laira, Derby and Ilford. On the 26th March 2007, 47840 passes through Taunton with the 5Z71 Laira - Illford stock move for FGW. (Photo: Paul Barrance) |
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On the 28th May 2007 47840 was officially handed over to the care of the DEPG at Williton by Poterbrook Leasing. The locomotive worked a mainline railtour from Derby to Minehead where a short handover ceremony took place. The tour was returned to Derby by Peak 45112 (which was attached to the rear of the train in this image). 47840 and 47828 are seen descending Washford Bank on route to Minehead (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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47840 now resides on the West Somerset Railway under the care of the DEPG. The change of livery and refurbishment was not popular with enthusiasts. As 47840's previous BR Blue livery had become it's trademark identification on the mainline network. Needless to say though that Brush Traction produced a superb reproduction of it's original 1960's BR Two Tone Green livery complete with working headcode box. On the 21st July 2007 47840 arrives into Blue Anchor with a service train to Minehead. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
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47840 has put in some good work and miles on the WSR since it's arrival. The loco has been used alongside 33048 & D7523 as a general purpose locomotive. However it's intermittent use has thrown up a few problems and has caused a couple of failures in traffic. 47840 is pictured in a classic scene at Crowcombe on the 21st July 2007 waiting to pass a Minehead bound service. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
THE SHUNTERS! |
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D3462 (08377) is owned by Dr John Kennedy and operated under the care of the DEPG. The 08 acts at Bishops Lydeard station pilot and is often kept busy shunting stock within the station confines. It does venture to Williton for maintenance, and often works top and tailed specials on gala weekends to Norton Fitzwarren. On the 10th March 2007, the 08 is seen at Bishops Lydeard after a recent visit to Williton where it had received a fresh coat of paint. (Photo: Brian Garrett)
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D2133 is a Class 03 and is generally based at Minehead assisting Class 04 D2271 with station shunting. They see little use on normal passenger work, although Gala weekends often see D2133 teamed up with 03119 (Owned by Dr John Kennedy) for top and tail specials to Blue Anchor. These shunters see little of the limelight, but provide the railway with a quick and easy method for shunting stock and locomotives at various depots. (Photo: Bran Garrett) |
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DH16 is a chain driven sentinel shunter, which is owned by DEPG member Colin Girlie. The shunter is cared for by the DEPG and has been restored from a wreck into a fully operational shunting locomotive. It's gainfully employed at Williton as the yard shunter. It's never worked service trains on the WSR. The shunter is seen at Williton on the 30th March 2003. (Photo: Brian Garrett) |
