News Archive for September 2013

Published on 22nd September 2013

Sunday 22nd September 2013 saw the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group celebrate their 40th Anniversary.

The group organised a special charter service from Bishops Lydeard to Williton (for a meal and presentation) before the train continued to Minehead. Many original founders, members, and those who have been involved with diesel locomotive preservation over the years joined the special train. A group shot was held at Crowcombe Heathfield station to mark the event. We would like to thank Cameron Walker and Steve Lewis for the photos, video and information from the day. A comparison image from Chris Perkins showing D7017 at Taunton in 1975 is included to show the superb work which has been carried out since the DEPG was formed.

Published on 20th September 2013

Jeremiah Dixon was an English surveyor and astronomer from the 1700’s who is best known for his work with Charles Mason, from 1763 to 1767 in determining what was later called the Mason-Dixon line in the USA.

Locomotive No. 56312 'Jeremiah Dixon' has been named after Dixon as part of the partnership of British American Railways (branded as DC Rail) in the UK.

The former BR Type 5 No. 56312 'Jeremiah Dixon' has recently been repainted into the new DC Rail livery of all over grey, and named by British American Railways (BARS) with the name 'Jeremiah Dixon, Son of County Durham, Surveyor of the Mason - Dixon Line USA' . The Class 56 arrived to stabled in Platform 1 at Taunton for the weekend late on the 21st September 2013 having hauled several wagons from Long Marston to Totton (Southampton) before operating light engine to stable at Taunton. It is thought this is the first Class 56 to have ever stabled in Platform 1 and is pictured having arrived to stable in Platform 1 on the 20th September 2013.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 20th September 2013

Friday 20th September 2013 saw a rare incident at occur at Taunton, Cross Country Class 220 No.220016 was working the 1M49 09:40 Penzance to Manchester Piccadilly when between Tiverton Parkway and Taunton the service ran into a tree near Wellington.

The impact with the tree cracked the windscreen of the driving car. Luckily no one was injured by the impact. After ensuring the train was safe the train was given permission to proceeded to Taunton at reduced speed where the service was cancelled. All passengers on board were transferred to the following Cross Country HST service. Platform 5 was rather crowded with passengers whilst parts of the the tree were removed from the line at Wellington to enable following services to pass without incident. The Class 220 Voyager later returned to Exeter empty using its undamaged cab end to drive from.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 14th September 2013

The regular Taunton - Bristol - Cardiff corridor featuring local stopping services formed mainly of Class 150 units is now seeing refurbished Class 150/1 units operating alongside the original Class 150/2 units.

Having arrived from Central Trains the flat front Class 150/1 two-car units have been going through a refurbishment program to bring them in line with First Great Western specifications. We have provided some images taken during September featuring local stopping services in the Taunton area.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 8th September 2013

Taunton was visited by two steam charter services on Sunday 8th September 2013, first charter to pass through the area was The Railway Touring Companies' 'The Royal Duchy' headed by BR Standard 7P No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell'.

The charter operated from Bristol Temple Meads (departing at 08:38) calling at Yatton and Taunton on route to Par in Cornwall.

The second charter of the morning was 'The Torbay Express' hauled by Southern Region West Country No. 34046 'Braunton'. The Torbay Express operated from Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear in Devon.