News Archive for August 2016

Published on 28th August 2016

More Class 47 Sulzer action was on offer in the Taunton area on Sunday 28th August 2016 when the DEPG Class 47 No.D1661 (47840) was used on the Yellow Timetable Diesel Diagram on the West Somerset Railway.

The two-tone green Class 47 is now showing more hints of its BR Blue past livery with its current paintwork beginning to degrade. It's now been 9 years since the locomotive arrived on the line and entered the care of the DEPG at Williton. No.D1661 'North Star' arrives into Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard ready to depart with the 11:45 to service to Minehead.

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Published on 28th August 2016

The Duchess of Sutherland was back in action on her South West holiday during Sunday 28th August 2016, the LMS Pacific worked 'The Royal Duchy' between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth.

Although the locomotive was turned on the St Blazey turntable during its last outing its tolerances for the turntable were a little on the snug side, so the supporting role went to No.47580 which was enlisted to work the Plymouth - Par - Plymouth leg of the trip.

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Published on 23rd August 2016

Tuesday 23rd August 2016 provided more LMS traction in the South West.

LMS Pacific 4-6-0 No. 6201 'Princess Elizabeth' 'Princess Elizabeth' powered the 1Z46 08:42 London Victoria to Minehead charter for Steam Dreams 'The Cathedrals Express'. The locomotive only operated the train to Norton Fitzwarren where it was removed for servicing. Riding on the rear of the train was popular Class 47 No.47580 which was then added to the front for the run to Minehead and back to Bishops Lydeard.

The return tour to London Victoria saw the LMS Steam Locomotive back in charge of the train, with Class 47 No.47580 riding on the back of the 1Z48 16:15 Minehead to Clapham Junction. The original destination was to be London Victoria but a fault with the train saw the tour terminated at Clapham Junction.

Published on 20th August 2016

The veteran Class 47s still do sterling work on the UK national network, and although most are not in frontline service, many are still used on stock moves, and day charters.

Saturday 20th August 2016 returned former Cross Country Class 47s back to their former South West stomping ground. Nenta Railtours operated 'The Plymouth Invader' charter from Norwich to Plymouth. Sadly Class 47 No.47851 failed shortly after leaving Norwich, so classmate No.47854 was sent to the front of the train. The pair pictured passing Creech St Michael hauling the 1Z68 04:50 Norwich to Plymouth. Having invaded Plymouth, West Coast Railways Class 47/8 No.47854 lead the train back to Norwich (with failed No.47851 remaining on the rear of the set) No.47854 is seen at Taunton arriving with the 1Z70 17:07 Plymouth to Norwich charter.

Published on 13th August 2016

Saturday 13th August 2016 provided the first-ever visit of LMS Jubilee No. 45699 'Galatea' to Taunton.

The locomotive was used by The Railway Touring Company on their 'West Somerset Express' charter to Minehead from London Paddington. The locomotive arrived onto the West Somerset Railway at Norton Fitzwarren at 12:40 with the 1Z46 08:08 from London Paddington. Once on the WSR she was removed for servicing (as it would later return to Southall under her own steam), and the train was taken forward to Minehead by BR 7F No.53808.

Later in the day the charter was returned to London by Union Jack liveried Class 47 No.47580 operating the 1Z48 17:15 from Minehead.

Published on 7th August 2016

The Royal Duchy charter provided a mixed of traction for enthusiasts on Sunday 7th August 2016.

The first leg between Bristol Temple Meads and Taunton was handled by West Coast Railways Class 57/3 No.57316.

Once the Royal Duchy arrived at Taunton the West Coast Railways Class 57/3 was removed and stabled in the sidings behind Taunton Station. The LMS Pacific No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' was then added to the front of the train. The locomotive having been serviced on the West Somerset Railway overnight. The rare visit of an LMS locomotive of this size and stature to the South West (combined with the use of 60163 'Tornado' on the Torbay Express) sent many enthusiasts to the line side to view both steam locomotives passing through the Taunton area.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 6th August 2016

Saturday 6th August 2016 provided a glorious weekend of colorful workings.

First to arrive in the Summer sunshine was GWR powercar No.43172 decorated in the stunning remembrance scheme. The powercar is pictured passing Creech St Michael leading the 1C80 11:35 London Paddington - Newquay service. Not far behind was LMS Pacific No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' the locomotive operated the 5Z46 09:23 Southall to Bishops Lydeard in preparation for The Royal Duchy charter on Sunday 7th. The loco also recessed in the sidings behind Taunton Station until the early evening when it was able to gain access to the West Somerset Railway. The loco is pictured passing Creech St Michael on route to Taunton.