News Archive for April 2012

Published on 28th April 2012

DB Schenker Management should be hanging their heads in shame today, after providing one of their worst cared-for Class 67 locomotives for one of the country's most prestigious company contracts.

No. 67027 'Charlotte' (which was one of the 2011 Didcot RHTT locos) has not been washed since working this filthy Winter duty. The locomotive was turned out in appalling condition, coupled with Royal (and also unwashed) No.67005 for the annual South West visit of the Belmond Pullman. The Pullman dining service headed south from London Victoria to Truro on Friday, 27th April 2012 before returning to Taunton with a Luncheon Special from Plymouth on Saturday, 28th April. The loco did at least receive some attention overnight at St Blazey, where its yellow warning panel was cleaned, and its broken driver's windscreen wiper was put back into the upright position. In previous years quality of the Class 67s supplied for the annual VSOE South West visit been of a high standard (as one would expect for such a high profile contract), this year No. 67027 'Charlotte' has failed to provide a good impression. This close-up view shows the overnight repair carried out on the driver's windscreen wiper, the accumulated grime from the locos' 2011 RHTT season, and glue residue from a removed name plate.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 28th April 2012

With two steam charters booked to pass Taunton on the 28th April 2012, there was all the makings of a good day.

However the British weather put pay to any reasonable conditions to capture the steam locomotives as they passed through the area.

Engulfed in its own exhaust with an impressive departure from Taunton, 'The Great Britain V' charter storms through Silk Mills. No. 34067 'Tangmere' leads No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' hauling 1Z27 08:15 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance.

Tyseley-based GWR 4-6-0 No. 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' passes through Creech St Michael. The GWR 'Castle' was operating 'The Devonian' charter as 1Z71 06:50 Tyseley - Plymouth, with swirling gusts of wind causing havoc with the exhaust direction from the locomotive chimney.

Published on 15th April 2012

Cross Country added a little splash of colour to their 1V50 09:00 Leeds - Plymouth service on the 15th April 2012 by hiring in another powercar from East Midlands Trains.

No.43076 was paired up with No.43303 to work through to Plymouth and back on the 15th April. The colourful combination passes the heavily overgrown location of Creech St Michael before its booked stop at Taunton.

Later East Midlands Trains powercar No.43076 'Help for Heroes' is pictured at Taunton returning north as 1E63 Plymouth - York.