News Archive for October 2015

The Dartmouth Express

Published on 24th October 2015

With the new 'Forty Steps' bridge and the platforms of Taunton station beyond, No. 70000 'Britannia' departs Taunton in fine style for Kingswear on October 24th, 2015.

This was the 1Z19 06:59 Slough - Kingswear charter 'The Dartmouth Express' which was diesel hauled from Slough to Westbury before the popular steam locomotives took over for the trip into Devon.

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Colas 60 on the Logs

(Photo: Paul Wikins)

Published on 14th October 2015

Colas Rail Freight Class 60 No.60096 passes through Cogload Junction on the 14th of October 2015 with the empty 6V54 05:35 Chirk to Exeter Riverside.

Once arrived in Exeter the train spent a day loading with logs before returning to Chirk on the 15th of October with the loaded train.

D7018 Bursts back into Life!

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 9th October 2015

Who would have thought that when DEPG Hymek No.D7018 failed in 1995 while working the Quantock Belle, it would take some twenty years to get the locomotive operational again? After a lengthy engine rebuild spanning two decades the engine on D7018 finally burst back into life on Friday 9th October 2015.

There is still much work to do on the locomotive before it can be let loose on the WSR metals again but it's a huge step forward for the DEPG volunteers.

This image shows the loco in happier times on the 17th April 1993 at Bishops Lydeard giving brake van rides to Norton Fitzwarren and back.

West Somerset Railway - Autumn Steam Gala 2015

Published on 4th October 2015

The West Somerset Railway held its Autumn Steam Gala on the 3rd and 4th October 2015 celebrating 40 years of the West Somerset Railway The lineup saw most of the home fleet in action along with visiting locomotives No. 60163 'Tornado' , No. 4936 'Kinlet Hall', 2-8-0 No.2857, and GWR Manor No. 7812 'Erlestoke Manor'.

After years of painting all stock in chocolate and cream livery the decision to form a rake of Carmine & Cream Mk1 coaches is being celebrated as a huge step forward for the line, bringing much-needed colour and variety and operational interest. The first coach to the treated to the new colour scheme is 5030 and it looked resplendent throughout the weekend being hauled behind the various engines at the gala event.

(Photo: Lee Robbins)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

GWR Light Engine

Published on 2nd October 2015

On the 2nd October 2015 GWR sent Class 57/6 No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' from Old Oak Common to Penzance light engine.

The loco was sent to operate the overnight sleeper after problems had occurred with the previous night's locomotive. No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' is seen passing 40 Steps, Taunton operating the 0Z78 12:45 from Old Oak Common to Penzance.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Chay Farzenah)

To view news stories from September 2015 click here, or for news from November 2015, click here.