A PHP Error was encountered

Severity: Notice

Message: Trying to get property 'galleryurl' of non-object

Filename: models/Tauntondb_model.php

Line Number: 1048

Backtrace:

File: /home/sites/29b/0/09d38a7340/public_html/dev/CI3/application/models/Tauntondb_model.php
Line: 1048
Function: _error_handler

File: /home/sites/29b/0/09d38a7340/public_html/dev/CI3/application/controllers/News.php
Line: 298
Function: getGalleryURL

File: /home/sites/29b/0/09d38a7340/public_html/dev/CI3/index.php
Line: 315
Function: require_once

TauntonTrains.co.uk

News Archive for August 2019

 Short formed sets cost Taunton 13,000 seats in one month

Published on 31st August 2019

Regular readers of Taunton Trains will know our workings database has been growing over the past two years, and currently holds over 60,000 entries of workings that have passed through Taunton. If you have not yet delved into our database we recommend you take a look. Querying our collected data gives the ability to pick-up trends that are not normally obvious. One of these, is a somewhat concerning trend with GWR/ Hitachi providing short-formed IET sets.

The data for GWR Intercity services that have passed through Taunton between 1st and 31st August 2019, shows a total of 42 separate services where GWR has supplied a single five-car IET Class 800/802 instead of the booked ten-car sets. That is 5% of all logged services for London to Devon and Cornwall services, and represents the real loss of more than 13,600 seats, based on 326 seats per five-car GWR IET. It is worth noting that our data only records a broad sample of the daily GWR services passing Taunton, so this figure could be much higher if all daily workings to Devon and Cornwall, and those on other routes across the GWR network were included.

At introduction GWR was quoted as saying "The new trains have up to 24% more seating capacity than the High-Speed Train they replace". This statement is only true of a full ten-car set is provided, if GWR/ Hitachi provide a single five-car IET when it is actually diagrammed for a pair, the train provides less seats than the standard HST set, which is why it is crucial that full ten-car sets are operated in the South West.

GWR does not provide information to customers when a set is short formed from the Depot however, we do know that there have been problems with coupling the Class 802s together at Plymouth as this has been reported by operational delays, and often leads to one set running full and standing to London while the other set returns empty to Laira Depot, or even worse follows behind, running completely empty to Bristol! With the December timetable change only fast approaching, Hitachi and GWR will be called upon to provide a much-increased timetable, but given their performance in August working to the current timetable, passengers are bound to be querying if GWR are able to supply a full quota of trains at the correct length for the new timetable.

It is worth noting that it was the Department for Transport which specified some of the GWR trains to be five-cars long, while it could be argued that this allows for greater flexibility should a fault occur on one set, a service can still be operated without the train being canceled (therefore assisting the punctuality figures), little consideration is given to the travelling public who are then presented with a short formed train which is overcrowded. It also provides confusion to the travelling public with different First Class sections, especially so when the service is one of those offering Pullman Dining only in one half of a train. The five-car IETs have no inter-set gangways, meaning that passengers have to board the right portion at the start, or potentially change to the ‘other half’ at an intermediate station.

Taunton Trains will monitor the data during September and will report back to readers to see if this next month shows any improvement in service.

(Photo: 50009 Neptune)



List of short-formed IET sets during August 2019

Actual UnitDate & Time at TauntonWorking
8020087th August 2019 at 11:421A81 07:41 Penzance - London Paddington
8020117th August 2019 at 18:311A96 15:07 Newquay - London Paddington
8020117th August 2019 at 23:071C98 21:03 London Paddington - Plymouth
8000298th August 2019 at 18:511C89 16:33 London Paddington - Exeter St Davids
8000298th August 2019 at 20:311A98 19:56 Exeter St Davids - London Paddington
8000359th August 2019 at 20:311C24 17:30 London Paddington - Taunton
8000359th August 2019 at 21:271A37 21:28 Taunton - London Paddington
80200612th August 2019 at 19:281C22 16:30 London Paddington - Taunton
80201713th August 2019 at 15:571C84 14:06 London Paddington - Penzance
80200715th August 2019 at 19:431C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
80200716th August 2019 at 09:061A12 07:48 Paignton - London Paddington
80000716th August 2019 at 18:501C89 16:33 London Paddington - Exeter St Davids
80000716th August 2019 at 20:311A98 19:56 Exeter St Davids - London Paddington
80202017th August 2019 at 07:291C72 06:41 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance
80201417th August 2019 at 10:261A78 06:48 Penzance - London Paddington
80200717th August 2019 at 13:161A82 09:30 Penzance - London Paddington
80201417th August 2019 at 15:011C84 13:03 London Paddington - Penzance
80202017th August 2019 at 15:341A87 12:00 Penzance - London Paddington
80200717th August 2019 at 19:201C22 16:30 London Paddington - Paignton
80202017th August 2019 at 19:541C92 18:03 London Paddington - Penzance
80202020th August 2019 at 09:061A12 07:48 Paignton - London Paddington
80202020th August 2019 at 14:371C81 12:33 London Paddington - Taunton
80202020th August 2019 at 15:321A89 15:33 Taunton - London Paddington
80001920th August 2019 at 18:481C89 16:33 London Paddington - Exeter St Davids
80001920th August 2019 at 20:251A98 19:56 Exeter St Davids - London Paddington
80200529th August 2019 at 09:201A77 05:41 Penzance - London Paddington
80201929th August 2019 at 12:071A81 07:41 Penzance - London Paddington
80200629th August 2019 at 14:451A87 10:49 Penzance - London Paddington
80200629th August 2019 at 19:421C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
80000429th August 2019 at 20:321C24 17:30 London Paddington - Taunton
80000429th August 2019 at 21:291A37 21:28 Taunton - London Paddington
80201730th August 2019 at 13:361A85 10:00 Penzance - London Paddington
80201730th August 2019 at 17:531C88 16:03 London Paddington - Penzance

Total number of short-formed workings: 33.


Taunton Station - Car Park Closure

Taunton Station Car Park on the 'down' side of Taunton Station remains closed on thee 31st August 2019 having been shut for over a month with no work having been started by rail contractors John Sisk. Passengers are facing daily problems with a total lack of parking capactiy at Taunton while they see an empty car park with no work being carried out on providing future additional parking capacity.

(Photo: Taunton Trains / GWR)


The down side of Taunton Station has now been closed and the former Victorian entrance at the top of the subway stairs has been reopened as a temporary measure while a new entrance is constructed on the corner north east corner of the station.

(Photo: Taunton Trains/ GWR)



Published on 31st August 2019

The closure of the main station car park at Taunton Station is causing GWR customers and local residents in surrounding streets further inconvenience.

Despite the car park having been closed for over two months, no construction work has been started by the appointed contractor John Sisk & Son. The 'downside' car park remains closed off to the public while the main station passenger entrance has been relocated to the former Victorian archway at the top of the subway stairs. This in order to make way for a new entrance to be built on the southern elevation. While the main car park remains closed, a temporary replacement car park is being provided on the opposite side of the station, as part of the phased construction process. It can be found beyond the Kilkenny Car Park at TA1 1QP. GWR is advising customers to allow extra time for their journeys during the works.

Taunton Trains has been made aware however that due to the reduced capacity there is simply not enough spaces at Taunton Station so customers and commuters are also parking cars in surrounding Taunton streets, and some have now decided to use alternative stations by driving to Tiverton Parkway and Weston-super-Mare stations to catch services from there to London in an effort to find somewhere to park.

With the car park due to open in the Spring of 2020, it seems commuters may be waiting even longer to find somewhere to park if some sizable construction work does not start in the coming weeks.


 Great Western Hotel

Published on 31st August 2019

The southern elevation and gardens of The Great Western Hotel adjacent to Taunton Station is now complete and looks just as stunning at the north elevation which was revealed earlier in the year.

The Railway Hotel continues to evolve and grow after years out of use, its close proximity to the new station entrance will no doubt emphasize its location and increase its usage. We captured the stunning looking restoration on the 31st August 2019 complete with one of the 'Taunton Toads' from the 2019 Taunton Toad Trail.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)


WSR Exmoor Gateway Shuttles

GWR Class 150/2 No.150266 exits from the West Somerset Railway on Saturday 21st August 2019 operating the Bishops Lydeard - Taunton shuttle service operating the 2L02 10:03 Bishops Lydeard - Taunton service.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 31st August 2019

The WSR / GWR Exmoor Gateway shuttles were operating again on the last day of Summer the 31st August 2019 transporting passengers to and from the West Somerset Railway.

Class 150/2 No.150266 from GWR was busy throughout the day pottering between the two locations with most trains busy with passengers.

Remaining dates for the train linking Taunton with the West Somerset Railways are as follows: September 7th, 21st and the final day of operation will be 5th October 2019.


 The Statesman

(Photo: Brian Garrett)


Published on 31st August 2019

Locomotive Services Ltd superbly-restored locomotives re-visited Taunton on Saturday 21st August.

Class 47 locomotives No. 47593 'Galloway Princess' and No. 47501 'Craftsman' top and tail on the high-class dining charter 'The Statesman'. Having already made up an hour deficit on route after departing late from Nottingham the 1Z86 05:12 Nottingham - Kingswear passes Norton Fitzwarren at full power heading to the Devon Riviera.

To view the gallery, please click here.


 Colas head to Cornwall

Published on 27th August 2019

Colas Railfreight Class 66 No.66847 passes Eastbrook Bridge at Whiteball on the 27th August 2019 hauling a rake of five loaded autoballasters.

The 6C41 18:31 Westbury - Westbury via Par headed south early through Taunton to carry out various ballast drops overnight in Cornwall. The train returned to Westbury at passing Taunton at 07:13 on the 28th.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Ben Beaver)


 60039 Returns West

Published on 27th August 2019

DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60039 'Dove Holes' ventured back to Devon on Tuesday 27th August 2019 hauling the 7C27 06:14 Westbury - Exeter Riverside loaded Mendip Aggregate.

The loco is pictured here exiting from Whiteball Tunnel heading for Exeter Riverside where the train was unloaded at the Aggregates Industries terminal.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Simon Harling)


Freightliner Movements


Published on 26th August 2019

Looking very much like a short booked freight service on Saturday 24th August 2019, this was in fact a short set of wagons returning tyre turning at St Philips Marsh GWR depot.

Freightliner Class 66/5 NO. 66533 'Hanjin Express/ Senator Express' makes its way through the buddleia bushes into Fairwater Yard operating the 16:10 St Philips Marsh - Fairwater Yard stock move.

Freightliner Class 66 No. 66533 'Hanjin Express/ Senator Express' leads No.66522 into Fairwater Yard at 40 Steps, on Sunday 25th August 2019 hauling the 6X04 09:43 Foxhall Junction - Fairwater Yard with the Network Rail Track Renewal Train.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Simon Harling)

(Photo: Simon Harling)



Memories of Summer Saturday HSTs as Cross Country 'hire in' from LNER


Published on 25th August 2019

Cross Country evoked memories of Summer Saturdays past when they hired in two East Coast Mainline LNER branded HST sets on Saturday 24th August 2019 to help cope with additional loadings over the Bank Holiday period.

HSTs from the Midland Mainline and East Coast were regularly hired in during the summer weekend periods by British Rail and later Virgin Trains to help cope with the additional holidaymakers heading to the South West on holiday. The practice was stopped by Cross Country. However it was realized that due to the Kings Cross closure for three days of engineering works on the tunnel approaches to the station, two HST sets would become spare from LNER. These two sets were hired to Cross Country to operate two out and back diagrams to Plymouth, the hire in HST sets allowed Cross Country to release two voyager sets to strengthen other services.

No. 43257 'Bounds Green' & No.43251 operated 1V46 06:45 York - Plymouth and 1S53 13:26 Plymouth - Edinburgh, while No.43290 and No. 43367 'DELTIC 50 1955-2005' operated 1V50 06:06 Edinburgh - Plymouth and 1E63 15:25 Plymouth - York.

We have included images of the colourful LNER HSTs passing through the Taunton area. Both sets carry former Virgin Trains livery but with LNER branding, which has been applied since Virgin handed the franchise back to Government operation.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: Simon Harling)


(Photo: S G Ginn)

(Photo: Simon Harling)



Mendip Stone brings colourful Locomotives


Published on 23rd August 2019

The Mendip Rail aggregate contract to supply Exeter Riverside Yard virtual quarry with a plentiful supply of Mendip stone continues to bring colourful and interesting locomotives to the Taunton area.

The contract which is operated by DB Cargo will soon switch to Freightliner later in 2019 bringing an end the reign of EWS/ DB Shenker/ DB Cargo operation.

Wednesday 21st August 2019 saw a very rare delay with the southbound loaded train which passed Taunton around 160 minutes late with No. 59005 'Kenneth J Painter' hauling the heavily loaded aggregate into Devon, this was captured passing Victory Crossing shortly after 09:00.

Friday 23rd provided an even rarer appearance of the DB Cargo Class 60. No. 60039 'Dove Holes' (formerly named Glastonbury Tor when originally built) hauled the service to Exeter and back passing Taunton during the mid-afternoon returning to Westbury.

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

(Photo: S A Ginn)



Double Trouble


Published on 20th August 2019

Sometimes in Taunton, it can be possible to chase trains through the area, Tuesday 19th June 2019 was one of those days where it was possible to obtain two images of the same train.

Having not taken its booked stop in Tiverton Loop, DB Cargo Class 59/2 No.59204 proceeded to Taunton hauling the 6C28 13:44 Exeter Riverside - Whatley Quarry aggregate empties. Simon Harling was located at Norton Fitzwarren and captured the train passing the former home of Taunton Cider.

Having arrived into Taunton the empty freight was held for a couple of passenger trains to pass by before 6C28 was allowed to proceed. This allowed the photographer to cross Taunton by car and head to West Lyng in front of the freight to take a second image of the same train, proving that under the right circumstances and with little traffic it can be possible to get more than one shot of the same train in the Taunton area!

(Photo: Simon Harling)

(Photo: Simon Harling)



 LNER on The Torbay Express

Published on 18th August 2019

LNER A4 Pacific No.60009 was back in action on the mainline on Sunday 18th August 2019 hauling 'The Torbay Express' charter.

After a short stop at Taunton, the 1Z27 09:10 Bristol Temple Meads - Kingswear is pictured descending Whiteball into Devon.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Ben Beaver)


GWR - The Timetable is Changing - 15th December

(Photo: GWR)

Published on 18th August 2019

Following the recent introduction of new Hitachi Class 800 and 802 Bi-mode units, GWR will be introducing the biggest ever timetable change on the Great Western Railway network since 1976.

On 15th December 2019, the large timetable change will bring faster, more frequent services with thousands of more seats across the region. Around three-quarters of journey times will be different from how they are today as new services replace current train diagrams, passengers regular trains will arrive and depart at different times. GWR are asking customers to check their website for further updates and information, to prepare for the changes ahead.


ALL The Stations



Published on 17th August 2019

For seven Saturdays this summer of 2019, GWR is running a shuttle service between Taunton to Bishops Lydeard - meaning station number 2,567 is now live on the UK Network.

The 'All the Stations' Team: Geoff Marshall and Vicky Pipe visited Taunton on 3rd August 2019 to ride the shuttle & The West Somerset Railway all the way to Minehead. Their video of the day has now been released on Youtube, and even stars regular Taunton Trains contributor Lee Robbins!. We have provided a link to the superb video of the day GWR shuttle in service and visit to the West Somerset Railway.


 The West Somerset Steam Express

(Photo: Brian Garrett)


Published on 17th August 2019

LMS traction steamed back into Taunton on Saturday 17th August 2019 at the head of The West Somerset Steam Express.

The Railway Touring Company Charter is pictured with No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' passing Norton Fitzwarren having crossed onto the West Somerset Railway working the 1Z29 08:00 London Paddington - Minehead. The locomotive was removed at Bishops Lydeard to allow a West Somerset Railway locomotive to take the charter forward, while The Duchess of Sutherland was serviced and turned at Norton Fitzwarren prior to its return trip to London Paddington.


37610 returns to Derby RTC



Published on 16th August 2019

Friday 16th August 2019 Colas Rail Freight operated the final leg of a week-long diagram of overnight track testing in the South West. The part British Rail Large Logo liveried Class 37 No.37610 passes through Platform 5 at Taunton operating the 3Q62 21:15 Exeter Riverside - Derby RTC test train for Network Rail. The train was booked to arrive at Derby 07:20 on Saturday morning.


 Class 37 on Test Train

(Photo: Adam Snow)


Published on 14th August 2019

Another unique visitor to Taunton on the 14th August 2019 was part Large Loco liveried Class 37/6 No.37610.

The locomotive arrived at Taunton just after 5am from an overnight track testing run originating from Tyseley. Having stabled at Taunton for the day on the 14th August, the unique locomotive and Network Rail test coaches are pictured passing through Platform 2 setting off with the 3Q53 17:09 Taunton to Exeter Riverside via Portbury.


 Colourful Freightliner

Published on 14th August 2019

Freightliners new colours are now spreading their wings around the UK operating network, on Wednesday 14th August 2019 former Direct Rail Services Class 66/4 No.66415 appeared at Taunton in the new Freightliner Orange and Black house colours.

Hauling the 4E18 09:56 Fairwater Yard - Doncaster Wood Yard the colouful locomotive brightens up the dull and overcast day, seen passing Bathpool on route north with a rake of used concrete sleepers going for recycling.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Ashley Harris)


GWR set GW06 heads South

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Published on 13th August 2019

GWR took delivery of their sixth converted HST 'Castle' set with sliding doors now fitted to the Mk3 trailers.

On Tuesday 13th August 2019 No. 43155 'Rougemont Castle' and No. 43192 'Trematon Castle' were outshopped from Doncaster works before operating the 5V84 08:56 Doncaster Works - Laira seen here passing 40 Steps, Taunton. Set GW06 is now formed of Mk3 coaches: 49106 48116 48117 and 48118.


Colas Cornish Ballast


Published on 12th August 2019

Colas Rail Freight has been operating a series of overnight ballast trains delivering fresh ballast to the rails of Cornwall using a rake of Network Rail MRA 'side tipper' wagons to assist with unloading.

We have featured several images o the recent trains in operation passing Taunton.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Simon Harling)

(Photo: Simon Harling)



New Steam Record


Published on 6th August 2019

The LMS set a new speed record on Sunday 4th August 2019 on Great Western territory in Devon.

The Railway Touring Company operated The Royal Duchy charter into Cornwall using LMS Princess Coronation Class 8P 4-6-2 No. 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' setting a new record for steam of 59 minutes 26 seconds between Exeter St Davids and Plymouth. Despite having been removed from its charter train the previous weekend due to lineside fires (reportedly started by the locomotive) the locomotive was back in frontline action at the head of The Royal Duchy this weekend and set the new speed record.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Jamie Waters)

(Photo: Ben Beaver)


(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)



WSR Shuttle


Published on 5th August 2019

The first two weekends of the new £160,000 Exmoor Gateway project (partly funded by £60,000 from GWR's Customer and Community Improvement Fund) has been deemed a success.

The Class 150 unit supplied by GWR operated empty from Exeter St Davids before working its booked shuttle diagrams for the day and returns empty back to Exeter at the end of the day. The first service on the 27th July was operated by two car Class 150/2 No.150265 which carried 90 people, 70 of which went onto other WSR destinations. Taunton MP Rebecca Pow blew the whistle and flagged off the first train, and was joined by various civic and tourism guest. The Taunton Town Crier was also in attendance to announce the first mainline service to Bishops Lydeard since the 1960s. The second Saturday of operation was covered by GWR Class 150/2 No.150261 which carried more passengers in conjunction with Norton Fitzwarren Steam Rally, as the train called additionally at Norton Fitzwarren to allow passengers to visit the event. The WSR and GWR are working to further enhance publicity for the shuttle services and increase passenger numbers over the period. Who knows next year the service may be able offer the folk of Exeter and Tiverton the chance to visit the WSR direct by train.

(Photo: Ben Beaver)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Rob Sherwood)



 Short formed IET sets at Taunton - July

Published on 1st August 2019

Our IET recorded sightings have been listed for July 2019 below:



List of short-formed IET sets during July 2019

Actual UnitDate & Time at TauntonWorking
8020061st July 2019 at 11:331A81 07:41 Penzance - London Paddington
8020071st July 2019 at 12:251A82 09:00 Penzance - London Paddington
8020071st July 2019 at 17:121C86 15:03 London Paddington - Penzance
8020034th July 2019 at 15:231A88 12:04 Penzance - London Paddington
8000045th July 2019 at 00:331C32 21:45 London Paddington - Exeter St Davids
8000046th July 2019 at 07:591A10 07:29 Exeter St Davids - London Paddington
8020198th July 2019 at 09:201A77 05:41 Penzance - London Paddington
8020208th July 2019 at 13:311A85 10:00 Penzance - London Paddington
8020208th July 2019 at 19:521C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
8020109th July 2019 at 20:031C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
80201110th July 2019 at 19:431C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
80002610th July 2019 at 20:301C24 17:30 London Paddington - Taunton
80002610th July 2019 at 21:281A37 21:28 Taunton - London Paddington
80002111th July 2019 at 18:501C89 16:33 London Paddington - Exeter St Davids
80201811th July 2019 at 19:461C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
80002111th July 2019 at 20:261A98 19:56 Exeter St Davids - London Paddington
80201212th July 2019 at 09:071A12 07:48 Paignton - London Paddington
80201712th July 2019 at 13:341A85 10:00 Penzance - London Paddington
80201212th July 2019 at 14:411C81 12:33 London Paddington - Taunton
80201212th July 2019 at 15:361A89 15:33 Taunton - London Paddington
80200113th July 2019 at 13:321A83 10:00 Penzance - London Paddington
80201713th July 2019 at 17:021C86 15:03 London Paddington - Plymouth
80201715th July 2019 at 07:171A72 05:53 Plymouth - London Paddington
80200116th July 2019 at 19:431C91 17:33 London Paddington - Paignton
80200718th July 2019 at 07:111A09 07:12 Taunton - London Paddington
80200718th July 2019 at 07:171A72 05:53 Plymouth - London Paddington
80200524th July 2019 at 08:151A75 05:05 Penzance - London Paddington
80200324th July 2019 at 10:281A79 06:47 Penzance - London Paddington
80200724th July 2019 at 11:251A81 07:41 Penzance - London Paddington
80201624th July 2019 at 13:331A85 10:00 Penzance - London Paddington
80201024th July 2019 at 14:321A87 10:49 Penzance - London Paddington
80201624th July 2019 at 17:561C88 16:03 London Paddington - Penzance
80200125th July 2019 at 09:061A12 07:48 Paignton - London Paddington
80202225th July 2019 at 09:451C04 07:30 London Paddington - Penzance
80200125th July 2019 at 15:071C81 12:33 London Paddington - Taunton
80200125th July 2019 at 15:331A89 15:33 Taunton - London Paddington
80200725th July 2019 at 19:341A97 16:00 Penzance - London Paddington

Total number of short-formed workings: 37.


To view news stories from July 2019 click here, or for news from September 2019, click here.