News Archive for April 1986

The Big Change


Published on 26th April 1986

The transfer from Semaphore Signals to colour lights took place during April 1986.

At the same time signal boxes were gradually decommissioned ready for the switch over to Exeter power box. The change would see Taunton loose multiple signal boxes. If you go back to 1960 the signal boxes on the mainline between Cogload and Silk Mills were as follows;- Cogload Junction, Creech Junction, Taunton East Junction, Taunton West Station, Taunton West Junction and Silk Mills Crossing. While on the goods lines at Taunton station between Taunton East Junction and Taunton West Junction additional boxes were located at Taunton East Loop and Taunton West Loop.

We have featured some of the images of the works taking place at Taunton on the 26th and 27th April 1986, with more images available on our Memories page on the old Taunton Trains website.

(Photo: Garry Stone)

(Photo: Garry Stone)

(Photo: Russell Elliot)


(Photo: Russell Elliott)

(Photo: Russell Elliot)



Morning Glint

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Published on 18th April 1986

Catching the low morning sun at 40 Steps, Taunton on the 18th April 1986.

No.37208 leads No. 50049 'Defiance' south while operating the 1B18 06:35 Bristol Temple Meads - Plymouth.


Indomitable at 40 Steps

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Published on 12th April 1986

BR Large Logo Class 50 No. 50026 'Indomitable' powers through 40 Steps between the two semaphore signals on the 12th April 1986.

The loco was hauling a mixed rake of stock operating as 1A45 11:05 Paignton - London Paddington.

To view the gallery, please click here.


 12th April 1986

Published on 12th April 1986

BR Blue Class 47 No.47539 passes a looped ballast train at 40 Steps, Taunton on the 12th April 1986.

The loco was operating 1E91 08:53 Penzance - Newcastle which the loco operated from Plymouth having taken over from another loco which had hauled the train through Cornwall.

(Photo: Jeff Treece)


Early Morning Glint

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Published on 11th April 1986

BR Blue Class 47 No.47616 departs from Taunton under the famous 40 Steps signal gantry on the 11th April 1986.

The loco was operating the 1B18 06:35 Bristol Temple Meads - Plymouth service. Not the severed up loop as BR track rationalisation had started.


 5th April 1986

Published on 5th April 1986

Large logo Class 47 No.47633 departs from Taunton on the 5th April 1986 operating the 16:20 Taunton - Exeter St Davids service.

Services were starting and stopping at Taunton due to the cement derailment at Cogload Junction.

(Photo: Jeff Treece)


 IKB Helps Out

Published on 5th April 1986

Class 47 47/4 No.47484 is pictured shunting stock at Taunton from 40 Steps on the 5th April 1986.

The loco was preparing to form the 17:00 Taunton - Paignton service. The line to the north of Taunton being closed due to the Cogload Junction derailment.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Jeff Treece)


To view news stories from March 1986 click here, or for news from May 1986, click here.