News Archive for August 2012

Published on 29th August 2012

Work has begun in the Taunton Station area to dismantle part of the former Taunton Goods Shed which has been a long term former railway landmark in the Taunton area since the days of steam.

Contractors are currently in the process of removing panels before stripping the shell and removing the various materials from site. The former brick build coaling stage (situation just behind the goods shed) is also in the process of being demolished. The works coincide with the eventual building of the Taunton NIDR road between Station Road and Staplegrove Road. The scene on the 29th August 2012 is pictured.

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(Photo: Jeff Treece)

(Photo: Bob Tucker)

Published on 28th August 2012

EWS Class 66 No.66103 passes Banklands on the 28th August 2012 operating the weekly 6C62 15:31 St Philips Marsh - Tavistock Junction.

The train was conveting loaded TTA fuel tanks for unloading in Plymouth.

Published on 27th August 2012

The Exeter Alphington Road - Cardiff Tidal scrap train runs intermittently as and when bulk loads scrap can be operated by rail.

On the 27th August 2012 DB Schenker Class 66 No.66070 powers through Norton Fitzwarren running nearly four hours early with the loaded 6B59 17:18 Exeter Alphington Road - Cardiff Tidal. This is thought to be the first time since 31st May this flow has operated in the South West, because of insufficient loadings and the temporary closure of Cardiff Celsea, which was the destination of this train

(Photo: Quentin Hawkes)

(Photo: Bob Tucker)

Published on 23rd August 2012

British American Railways delivering another converted Mk3 coach No.45213 to Laira Depot from Kilmarnock late on the 22nd August.

The Southbound train was hauled by HNRC Class 20's as far as Washwood Heath before being switched for a pair of Class 31s, passing Taunton at 22:45 heading south. On the 23rd August 2012 veteran Class 31s No.31601 and No.31602 make a rare numerical and colourful combination at Banklands (near Cogload Junction) returning north with the 5Z56 12:09 Laira - Washwood Heath with FGW barrier vehicles in tow.

Published on 22nd August 2012

One of only two 'celebrity' Class 66's operated by Freightliner Heavy Haul is currently back operating from Fairwater Yard.

Freightliner Class 66/6 No.66623 waits on the Taunton relief line on the 22nd August 2012 to depart with 6C72 09:30 Fairwater Yard - Westbury with empty HOBC wagons for loading at the virtual quarry in Westbury Yard.

(Photo: Wayne Potter)

Published on 19th August 2012

LNER A4 Pacific No. 4464 'Bittern' was provided as traction for the Torbay Express on Sunday 19th August 2012.

The popular steam locomotive did however run into problems on the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway when it slipped to a stand near Churston. The PDSR Class 25 No.D7535 was sent to assist the final distance and remained attached to the train for the rest of the day. No. 4464 'Bittern' is seen passing Linden Bridge in Wellington operating the 1Z28 09:15 Bristol Temple Meads - Kingswear charter.

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(Photo: John White)

(Photo: Peter Darke)

Published on 19th August 2012

LNER A4 No.60019 (4464) is pictured at Taunton on the 19th August 2012 adjacent to a Cross Country Voyager with around 80 years of technology separating the pair.

LNER A4 Pacific No.60019 was taking its booked servicing and pathing stop on the 'Torbay Express' charter 1Z27 09:15 Bristol Temple Meads - Kingswear before continuing south.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 18th August 2012

Freightliner Class 66/6 No.66610 is seen preparing for the evening departure of 6Y11 20:06 Fairwater Yard - Eckington HOBC set with No.66623.

The pair operated the Network Rail HOBC on the 18th August 2012 to carry out overnight ballast cleaning.

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Published on 18th August 2012

First Great Western HST set formed of No.43093 leading, departs from Taunton on the 18th August 2012.

The powercar was leading 1C76 09:06 London Paddington - Plymouth service for First Great Western.

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(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 18th August 2012

Nenta Tours operated their 'Western Adventurer' charter from Norwich to Plymouth calling at Taunton, Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth for various 'organised activities' on the 18th August 2012.

West Coast Railways provided No.47854 'Diamond Jubilee' in both directions with No.57601 providing ETS at the rear of the train. The return tour 1Z38 17:05 Plymouth - Norwich is pictured passing 40 Steps making its last booked stop at Taunton before returning non stop to East Anglia.

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Published on 7th August 2012

The overnight First Great Western 'Night Riviera' sleeper ran into trouble on the 6th/7th August when the Penzance - London Paddington service failed near St Erth.

The train was assisted back to Penzance and replaced with a HST to Paddington. No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' (from the down 1C99 Paddington - Penzance sleeper) was used on the 7th August 2012 to return failed No. 57603 'Tintagel Castle' to London for attention, and to position the sleeper stock for the next nights service. The rare Class 57/6 daylight pairing are seen passing Wellington with the 5C99 10:20 Long Rock to Old Oak Common.

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(Photo: John White)