News Archive for August 2017

West Coast Railways Class 33 returns West

Published on 6th August 2017

West Coast Railways Class 33 No. 33207 'Jim Martin' made a second appearance at Taunton in a week, by operating the same charter diagram it performed during the last week of July.

On the 6th August 2017 the locomotive hauled the 1Z37 08:52 Bristol Temple Meads - Taunton leg of the 'Royal Duchy' charter. At Taunton the Class 33 was removed from the train and replaced by LMS Steam Locomotive No. 46100 'Royal Scot' for the run to Par. Later the Class 33 was called upon to work down to Exeter St Davids as Royal Scot was running low on coal for the return trip. So passengers treated to a mainline run from Exeter with the veteran locomotive.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Isle of Mull visits Somerset and Devon

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

Published on 3rd August 2017

Thursday 3rd August 2017 provided the second heritage Class 37 of the week, passing through the Taunton area.

Direct Rail Services Class 37/4 No. 37403 'Isle of Mull' made a very rare appearance hauling inspection saloon ‘Caroline' working as the 2Z02 06:45 Willesden Brent to Willesden Brent via Newton Abbot. The locomotive currently carries full BR Large Logo livery and is named 'Isle of Mull' along with the famous 'Highland Terrier' embellishment to the loco side. Many of the Class 37/4 operated by DRS now carry the same former British Rail livery. The locomotive is pictured entering Devon having just exited from Whiteball Tunnel.

Published on 2nd August 2017

Europhoenix Class 37/8 No. 37800 'Cassiopia' made a very rare appearance in Taunton on the 2nd August 2017.

The locomotive was used by Rail Operations Group (ROG) for Lorum Route Learning to Plymouth. The locomotive worked from Derby to Taunton (but continued to Plymouth without taking recess at Taunton as timings suggested). Having visited Plymouth the locomotive returned light engine to stable at Taunton overnight before returning to Derby on the 3rd August. 37800 'Cassiopia' is probably one of the most well traveled Class 37's currently operating on the UK rail network, it has spent time both in France and Spain on contract hire helping to construct various TGV routes in either country. The locomotive was repatriated in 2015 where it was restored and return to traffic for Europhoenix. 37800 'Cassiopia' is pictured here passing 40 Steps, Taunton.

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

To view news stories from July 2017 click here, or for news from September 2017, click here.