News Archive for July 1985

Published on 16th July 1985

The GWS Taunton working group had siding space alongside the former Taunton depot and stabling sidings from around the turn of the 1970s.

However on 16th July 1985, with space needed for forthcoming re-signalling work the last items of stock - GW ‘toad guards van’ 950592 (built 1949), Tool Van 1 (built 1908), Riding Van 56 (built 1908) and ‘Iron Mink’ 10-ton van 11152 - was moved from Taunton East yard as part of the 8B19 1955 (Mon) Plymouth Tavistock Yard – Gloucester New Yard departmental service (TThO) which actually started at Truro at 0700 on this date and also called at Bristol East Depot (as booked) behind ‘Peak’ 45044 throughout. With the booked Taunton departure being just before 12.00 as 9B19 (a head code change having taken place due to ‘additional’ loaded wagons also being conveyed from the concrete works) the four preserved wagons reached their new Didcot home during the following morning having arrived from Gloucester via another move to and back from Reading. This image shows the stock at Taunton on the 12th of May 1984.

(Photo: Richard Giles)

Published on 14th July 1985

Brunswick Green Class 47/4 No.47628 passes 40 Steps, Taunton on the 14th July 1985 hauling 'The Great Western Limited' charter.

The Class 47 hauled the diesel leg of the charter as 1Z47 London Paddington - Plymouth and later returned light engine to Bristol. The charter returned later in the day with steam locomotives Drysllwyn Castle and Hagley Hall leading the train back to London Paddington.

(Photo: Jeff Treece)