News Archive for October 2012

 Class 31 Visits Platform 1

Published on 31st October 2012

A Network Rail test train spent some time stabled in Platform 1 at Taunton on the 31st October 2012.

Network Rail liveried Class 31 No.31465 arrived in the early hours of the 31st from Didcot before working the 3Q63 11:21 Taunton to Exeter DMU Depot to refuel the locomotive. Later in the evening it then worked the 3Q63 19:32 Taunton back to Didcot Yard. The Class 31 is pictured in Platform 1.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Wayne Potter)


 Autumn RHTT Season 2012

(Photo: Brian Garrett)


Published on 27th October 2012

As Autumn marches on through October, Network Rail continues their annual battle with leaf mulch on rail heads around the UK.

This year DB Schenker have provided Class 66 locomotives No.66011 and No.66094 for the current South West Rail Heat Treatment Train (RHTT). Both are already looking filthy from their daily spraying diagrams in the South West. The pair are seen passing Taunton on the 27th October 2012 operating 3S13 11:23 Westbury to St Blazey passing 40 Steps on the relief line.

To view the gallery, please click here.


Colas Class 56 Hauls Timber


Published on 17th October 2012

Colas Rail Freight continue to provide Type 5 traction for their timber service between Teigngrace and Chirk.

Class 56 No.56094 has has a few teething problems during its latest reincarnation, however the loco seems to be settling down to its new diagrams rather well. With a shortage of UK Class 66 locomtovies, the heavy haul Type 5 is a worthy and welcome replacement. No.56094 is seen departing Taunton on the 17th October 2012 with the 6Z52 08:13 Chirk to Teigngrace timber empties, having been held at Taunton for a short period.

Having loaded timber in Devon from the Teigngrace loading site, Colas Class 56 No.56094 returned north through Taunton on the 18th October 2012 operating 6Z53 14:41 Teigngrace - Chirk loaded logs.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Adam Snow)

(Photo: Steve Yarde)



Western Campaigner - 50th Birthday


Published on 16th October 2012

We would like to wish No. D1010 'Western Campaigner' a very happy 50th Birthday from Taunton Trains.

This week the Class 52 Western based at Williton on the West Somerset Railway is officially 50 years old. The loco has enjoyed a long retirement on the West Somerset Railway under the care of the DEPG. D1010 'Western Campaigner' has spent 22 years operating on the WSR having arrived on the line in 1991. Although recently the loco has been blighted with transmission problems it's hoped more work on the loco over the Winter will cure the operational issues with the loco in time for the 2013 season.

(Photo: Don Bishop)

(Photo: Jeff Treece)


(Photo: Taunton Trains Collection)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)



Ex-Works Frist Great Western - Class 150/2

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Published on 7th October 2012

In Ex-works condition, First Great Western Class 150/2 No.150202 passes Broomhay Crossing on the 6th October 2012.

The freshly painted unit into the new Firstgroup colours, was operating a stopping service to Bristol Parkway.

To view the gallery, please click here.


 Long Welded Rail

Published on 7th October 2012

EWS liveried Class 66/0 No.66087 passes Broomhay Crossing on the 7th October 2012.

The loco was returning after an overnight long welded rail train operating as 6W41 07:50 Penwithers Junction - Westbury.

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)


WSR - Autumn Steam Gala 2012


Published on 6th October 2012

Thursday 4th October to Sunday 7th October 2012 saw the West Somerset Railway hold their annual Autumn Steam Gala weekend, the 2012 event featured locomotives from the Somerset and Dorset mating the 50th Anniversary of the end of through passenger services over the former route.

The four day event was blessed with good weather and provided the chance to sample steam from many different regions. For the first time in history the gala also featured every steam locomotive running boiler first, with the WSR making use of the Minehead Turntable and the completed Norton Fitzwarren Triangle to allow locomotives to turn, the move was very much welcomed by photographers and visitors to the line. Home fleet locomotives: No. 6960 'Raveningham Hall', No. 4936 'Kinlet Hall', No. 7828 'Odney Manor', 2-6-2T No.4160, WSR 2-6-0 No.9351, and SDJR 88 (No.53808) joined visiting locomotives 9F No. 92203 'Black Prince', Black 5 No.45379, Ivatt 4MT No.43106, and SR 4-6-2 No. 34067 'Tangmere'.

Further images from the event can be viewed in our gallery link blow.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Mike Pollard)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)


(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Alex Martin-Brown)



Night Riviera

(Photo: Alexander Martin-Brown)

Published on 4th October 2012

While most people are fast asleep in their beds, some are wide awake providing transport for those who wish to sleep on the move.

First Great Western's overnight 'Night Rivera' services operates each weeknight through Taunton. Class 57/6 No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' is pictured in Platform 2 at Taunton on the 4th October 2012, while operating the Great Western 'Night Riviera' 1C99 23:45 London Paddington - Penzance service.

To view the gallery, please click here.


 WSR Christmas Shopping

Published on 2nd October 2012

After the success of previous organised trips, the West Somerset Railway will be running a 'Christmas Shopping Special' from Minehead to Bristol and Bath on the 2nd December 2012.

Traction is expected to be another of First Great Westerns Class 150 or 158 Units. The charter is expected to leave Minehead at 10:02, calling at intermediate stations on the WSR, arriving into Bristol at 12:19 and Bath at 12:32. The unit will then return from Bath at 15:56, Bristol at 16:17 and arrive back into Minehead at 18:31. Tickets cost £35 and £25 for children.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)


To view news stories from September 2012 click here, or for news from November 2012, click here.