News Archive for August 2013

Published on 28th August 2013

The 28th August 2013 saw Colas Rail Freight move two refurbished HOBC wagons back from West Ealing Plasser works to Fairwater Yard.

The working should of originally arrived around 14:15 however problems with shunting in the London area meant the train was re-timed to arrive at 17:35. Running slightly ahead of schedule Colas Class 47/7 No.47749 'Damelza' makes a rare appearance 'under' the Cogload Junction flyover heading for Fairwater Yard operating as 6Z48 14:15 West Ealing - Fairwater Yard. The loco later returned light engine to Westbury.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 18th August 2013

Freightliner Heavy Haul continue their good work for Network Rail hauling the High Output Ballast Cleaner to various sights in the South West.

On the 18th August 2013 Freightliner Class 66/6 No.66614 leads the 6Y11 10:00 Standish Junction - Fairwater Yard away from Taunton Station, No.66621 was located on the rear of the lengthy train returning to base at Fairwater Yard.

DB Schenker operated a long welded rail train into Cornwall on the evening of Saturday 17th August , the loco returned on Sunday 18th 2013 operating as 6W98 09:05 Plymouth - Westbury. EWS liveried Class 66/0 No.66232 is seen passing 40 Steps, Taunton with the lengthy welded rail train.

Published on 18th August 2013

The 18th August 2013 was another landmark date for the restoration of SR Bullied Steam Locomotive No. 34046 'Braunton'.

The loco was originally built in 1946 at Brighton Works with smooth bodysides, and later redesigned at Eastleigh in 1959 and surviving until 1965 before being sent to the scrap yard. The rusting loco was rescued in 1996 by the West Somerset Railway Association and bought to Williton works where is was later sold to a private individual. Since 1996 the 17 years since have been spent with the single aim of returning the loco to the mainline. On only her second revenue earning mainline trip, No. 34046 'Braunton' is pictured departing from Taunton on 1Z27 09:15 Bristol Temple Meads - Kingswear 'The Torbay Express'.

After a successful first run into Devon on the 18th August 2013, No. 34046 'Braunton' passes 40 Steps, Taunton with the return 1Z28 16:50 Kingswear to Bristol Temple Meads hauling 'The Torbay Express' charter.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 17th August 2013

The 17th August 2013 provided two chances to ride behind Heritage Diesels on the West Somerset Railway, the first was behind Class 33 D6575 (No.33057) which was working the booked diesel passenger diagram.

The loco is pictured on the afternoon 15:10 departure from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead at Crowcombe Heathfield The initial 11:40 train from Bishops Lydeard was delayed by 20 minutes after a member of staff was taken ill on the train.

The second DEPG locomotive in action on the West Somerset Railway on 17th August 2013 was Class 42 'Warship' No.D832. The loco had been rostered to haul the evening 'Quantock Belle' dining train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return. This was a very rare movement as the Saturday evening dining trains are normally steam hauled. Members of the DEPG from Williton enjoyed diesel traction in the form of D6575 from Williton to Bishops Lydeard before switching to more upmarket accommodation for an evening of fine dining mixed with hydraulic diesel fumes. D832 is seen departing Bishops Lydeard.

The 17th August 2013, also marked 156 years since West Somerset Railway Company was incorporated by Act of Parliament.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 15th August 2013

Colas Rail Freight have been busy moving various HOBC wagons to and from Fairwater Yard during this week.

Class 66/8 No.66847 exits from Fairwater Yard on the 15th August 2013 operating 6Z47 17:31 Fairwater Yard - Cardiff Canton. The locomotive was moving a rake of Network Rail HOBC wagons for maintenance in Cardiff.

Published on 4th August 2013

For the majority of the year the West Somerset Railway's 'Triangle Complex' is out of bounds to the general public, even during gala weekends its use is somewhat limited.

During most weekdays Freightliner Heavy Haul/ Network Rail still deliver regular trains of used ballast from the mainline network for processing at the site. The triangle is also now used to turn the Network Rail HOBC instead of the previous 100 mile round trip via Westbury and Bristol. However once a year for one weekend the entire area is filled with heritage traction engines, cars, lorry's, military vehicles, and trade stands as part of the annual WSRA Steam Fayre. The triangle complex also provides a unique opportunity to feature some of the WSR rolling stock in a different setting adding to the unique event. We have featured some images from the 2013 event at Norton Fitzwarren.

Published on 3rd August 2013

First Great Western have two HST powercars wrapped in Hewlett Packard advertising branding.

The striking while livery has been applied to No.43148 and No.43186, the advert promotes the HP Elite Pad/ Tablet.

With localised heavy downpours circulating throughout the South West on the 3rd August 2013. Taunton and Bridgwater took a dousing while HP branded No.43148 passes Cogload Junction with partner No.43124 in the dry while operating 1C79 11:06 Paddington - Penzance service. No.43148 currently carries Hewlett Packard branding.

Hewlett Packard branded HST powercar No.43186 passes Norton Fitzwarren partnered by No. 43170 'Chepstow Castle' on the 2nd August 2013 operating the 1C92 18:03 London Paddington - Penzance service.