News Archive for May 2012

Prototype HST Coach

Published on 27th May 2012

As part of the 2012 York Railfest, First Great Western has repainted one of their Mk3 coaches 42353, into its original HST prototype livery and renumbered it E12002.

The coach was part of the original prototype HST and will soon make its way to York and be reunited with one of the original prototype powercars, 41001. The re-livered coach made its first passenger run on 27th May 2012 as part of the 1A18 10:13 Plymouth - Paddington and is seen here behind No.43142 at Taunton. The original prototype livery consisted of a mainly grey body side with a mid-blue band (this, of course, was reversed on the British Rail production models). The throwback to the original paint scheme also highlights how uniform an Mk3 coach once looked without brightly coloured doors to aid the visually impaired. Despite being one of the original prototype coaches, 42353 has undergone many modifications in its lifetime. The interior today with FGW is very different from how the coach would have looked when it was originally built. Modern 'progress' means that only the colour scheme will remind those of the coaches' former significance.

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

Cornish Shunter Swap

(Photo: Runtheredline)

Published on 27th May 2012

EWS Class 08 No.08782 'Castleton Works' is pictured on the 27th May 2012 at Taunton Deane (Northbound) services.

The loco was being moved from Fowey Docks, it had been switched with a refurbished example No.08907.

To view the gallery, please click here.

DRS Test Train

Published on 26th May 2012

Saturday, 26th May 2012 saw a rare weekend outing for DRS Class 37/6 locomotives and a Network Rail Test Train.

Having spent most of the week traversing the branches of Devon and Cornwall during the hours of darkness, the Direct Rail Services locomotives No. 37611 'Denise' and No. 37601 'Perseus' returned north to Didcot from Exeter Riverside on the morning of the 26th May. The 'top and tailed' pair are seen passing 40 Steps Taunton operating as 1Q13 09:30 Exeter Riverside – Didcot Yard.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Darren Jones)

Freightliner Trio

(Photo: Kevin Wills)

Published on 23rd May 2012

We often forget about Freightliner Heavy Haul and the Network Rail HOBC operation from Fairwater Yard.

Taunton Fairwater Yard still commands the use of several Class 66 locomotives for use on the Network Rail High Output Ballast operation. On the 23rd May 2012, this image records Taunton's current yard residents. No.66595 is the most recent arrival and is seen sat alongside No.66605 and No.66615. We are grateful to be able to share this rare view inside Fairwater Yard. The image was taken by authorised personnel; the yard is off limits to the general public.

To view the gallery, please click here.

DRS Flask Movement

(Photo: Kevin Wills)

Published on 23rd May 2012

Also operating on the 23rd May 2012 was the 6Z40 10:10 Keyham to Crewe flask movement from Devonport.

Readers of Taunton Trains will recall that the flask was taken down to Keyham two DRS Class 20s at the beginning of May for loading. The train returned North on the 23rd, hauled by DRS Class 37 No. 37608 'Andromeda', and is seen passing 40 Steps. Please note the image was taken from an authorised walking route to Fairwater Yard and is off limits to the general public.()

To view the gallery, please click here.

Great British Railway Journeys

(Photo: Tristan Trevelyan)

Published on 22nd May 2012

Just one day after International pop star Will.I.am carried the Olympic torch through Taunton town centre, Taunton Station played host to another well-known former politician, Mr Michael Portillo.

Wearing his brightly coloured green blaze,r Mr Portillo and his trusty Bradshaw's Guide arrived in Taunton on a Great Western stopping service from Bristol around 08:10 on Tuesday, 22nd May 2012. The fourth series of Great British Railway Journeys is currently being filmed around various locations in the UK, and it would appear that Taunton and the surrounding area are likely to appear in the next series. We look forward to seeing the finished product in early 2013.

The Cornishman

(Photo: John White)

Published on 19th May 2012

Steam returned to Taunton on 19th May 2012, ‘The Cornishman’ was operated by The Railway Touring Company, heading for Cornwall.

BR 7P No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' ran as 1Z27 08:48 Bristol Temple Meads – Par in dismal weather. No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' rounds the curve at Longforth Farm near Wellington with the charter heading south to Devon and Cornwall.

33057 Restoration Continues

Published on 12th May 2012

The restoration of Class 33 No.33057 (D6575) is progressing well at the DEPG Williton Depot on the West Somerset Railway; the locomotive is often seen out on test during the weekends rather than being worked upon in the shed.

On the 12th May 2012, No.33057 (D6575) exits Williton Yard with No. 47840 'North Star' (D1661) for a test run to Minehead and back. The loco is hoped to be in full working order for the 2012 Mixed Traffic Gala.

(Photo: Alexander Martin-Brown)

Taunton Time Warp

Published on 12th May 2012

We enter a Taunton Timewarp on the 12th May 2012 for today's photo.

As WSR Prairie Tank No.4160 steams through the Somerset countryside, hauling the 16:05 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. It could be the 1960s all over again, as a Dennis Lancet in Safeway Services (of South Petherton) colours arrives to pick up two young ladies on route to Taunton. This image was taken as part of an organised David Williams Heritage Bus Photographic charter. ASV900 is a genuine ex-Taunton Bus which was brought down from Coventry to star in this superb event.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Pendennis Castle - HOT Box

Published on 11th May 2012

First Great Western's 'Great Western' liveried Class 57 No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' ran into problems at Taunton with the Night Riviera service from London Paddington to Penzance on the morning of the 11th May 2012.

The loco suffered a 'hot box' and was removed from the train at Taunton, where the service was terminated. Passengers had the indignity of completing their journey to Penzance on a two-car Class 150/1 from Taunton, while No. 57602 'Restormel Castle' was summoned from London to take the empty stock through to Long Rock depot at Penzance. No. 57602 'Restormel Castle' is seen attaching to the stock at Taunton shortly after 07:00 with No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' sidelined to Platform 1 awaiting attention.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Paul Finnimore)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Ticket Barriers For Taunton

Published on 10th May 2012

For those people who visit Taunton Station regularly, who may not already be aware, First Great Western intends to install ticket barriers at all entrances to Taunton Station.

This plan has been in place for some time now. Therefore, in theory persons wishing to access the station will require a ticket to travel unless given permission to enter by gate staff. Currently, the barriers are due to be installed between June and December, although it's thought this may be delayed until the outcome of the upcoming franchise announcements. However, we are now aware that trained staff will be permanently manning all entrances and exits to the station, checking tickets. Today we were told that passengers were even being asked to produce tickets when changing platforms and when standing on the platforms waiting for their trains to arrive. Clearly visual impact is being made to ensure people are aware of the impending change to Taunton's previously relaxed and trustworthy 'open house' nature. Sadly, in this modern age a railway system operated on trust alone is no longer sufficient.

The barrier installation continues a nationwide clampdown on fare evasion, of which Taunton is not immune. The Taunton - Bristol corridor is one of the local hot spots for people not intending to pay for their travel.

We expect a sensible approach will be taken about those who use the station locally for Coffee, Papers, Photographs, meeting and greeting friends/ family and that system can be adopted to allow people onto the platforms who turn up to view Steam and Diesel excursions passing through the Station regularly.

The Royal Duchy

(Photo: Bob Tucker)

Published on 5th May 2012

More Southern Steam featured in the Taunton area on Saturday 5th May 2012 with 'The Royal Duchy' charter returning from Penzance to Paddington.

The Southbound leg of the tour from Paddington was worked by West Coast Railways Class 47 No.47500, passing Taunton at 08:13. No. 34067 'Tangmere' and No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' returned north through the Taunton area at 19:30 operating as 1Z28 13:45 Penzance - London Paddington. The pair are seen gathering speed at Cogload on route to Bristol, where the West Coast Railways Class 47 No.47500 would take over for the final run to Paddington.

Loaded Clay

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 3rd May 2012

EWS-liveried Class 66 No.66107 arrives at Taunton Station on the 3rd May 2012 while operating 6C39 16:13 St Blazey - Alexandra Dock Junction loaded china clay.

Waiting to head south in Platform 3 is No.66141 towing No.60044 and No.60100 for storage at St Blazey.

Clan Line - The Cathedrals Express

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 3rd May 2012

Thursday, the 3rd May 2012, provided another rare visitor to the Taunton area in the shape of Southern Region Merchant Navy No. 35028 'Clan Line'.

The locomotive is normally confined to VSOE charters out of London Victoria, so the chance to see her in the West Country was very rare indeed. Approaching Taunton on a yellow signal Clan Line slowly passes under 40 Steps with the 'Cathedrals Express' 1Z92 16:29 Exeter St Davids - London Victoria. The rare route back to the Capital saw a reversal at Castle Cary where No.66001 (on the rear of the train) provided the power through to Yeovil Junction, where the tour regained the Southern route to London.

Class 60 Locomotives Head For Storage

Published on 3rd May 2012

It has been known for some time that DB Schenker plans to put four Class 60 locomotives into secure storage at St Blazey.

On the 3rd May 2012, No.66141 conveyed the first two locomotives (No.60100 and No.60044) in the consist of the booked light engine move as 0C43 16:46 Newport Alexandra Dock Junction – St Blazey. The light engine move is booked to pause at Taunton to change crews with the loaded northbound clay (6C43) from Cornwall. No.60100, No.60044 and No.66141 drew a large crowd at Taunton to witness their move South.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

DRS Class 20 Locomotives Return

(Photo: Bernard Mills)

Published on 2nd May 2012

Having deposited two barrier coaches and a flask at Devonport for loading, DRS Class 20 locomotives No.20312 and No.20303 headed north on the 2nd May 2012.

The pair are pictured passing 40 Steps on the approach to Taunton while operating 0Z40 10:23 Keyham - Crewe Gresty Bridge light engine.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Late Running Fawleys

Published on 1st May 2012

The weekly fuel tanks from Fawley to Tavistock Junction via Bristol Temple Meads operate each Tuesday afternoon, passing Taunton around 16:30.

However, on 1st May 2012, the train was heavily delayed in the Dunball area of Bridgwater after a fault was reported with the train. As a result, the mainline between Bristol and Taunton was blocked for a couple of hours while the problem was rectified. Finally, on the move again at 19:25 DB Schenker Class 66 No.66101 exits Fairwater Yard with 6C62 15:31 St Philips Marsh – Tavistock Junction with 26 TTA fuel tanks in tow. The train has been held on the relief lines at Taunton to allow passenger services to pass and gain a suitable path to continue into Devon.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

Network Rail Test Train - DRS

Published on 1st May 2012

The 1st May 2012 also provided two other locomotives from Direct Rail Services in the Taunton area.

No.37259 and No.37604 teamed up for a weeklong jaunt around the South West, operating either end of the Network Rail test train. The 1Q13 06:01 Didcot to Exeter Riverside Yard is seen passing 40-Steps Taunton in a nice patch of afternoon light.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Steve Yarde)

Flask to Devonport

Published on 1st May 2012

Direct Rail services started May off with one of the rarest workings of the year so far in 2012.

The Crewe to Keyham Nuclear Flask is rare at the best of times, but to provide a pair of Class 20 locomotives to haul the train into Devon was one of the rarest movements we've seen through Taunton in many years. Veteran locomotives No.20303 and No.20312 whistled their way south while working the 6Z40 05:10 Crewe - Keyham (Plymouth) before returning north the next day, light engine.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Steve Yarde)

(Photo: Brian Pibworth)

(Photo: Dave Collett)

To view news stories from April 2012 click here, or for news from June 2012, click here.