News Archive for January 2025

Winter Sunlight

Published on 31st January 2025

Freightliner Class 66/5 No.66550 catches the low winter sunlight at Norton Fitzwarren on the 31st January 2025.

Having been unloaded overnight in Cornwall, No.66550 and No. 66957 'Stephenson Locomotive Society 1909-2009' were operating in 'top and tail' formation returning as 6Y60 05:30 Goonbarrow Junction - Westbury engineers.

Freightliner Class 66/5 No.66550 catches the low winter sunlight at Norton Fitzwarren on the 31st January 2025. Having been unloaded overnight in Cornwall, No.66550 and No. 66957 'Stephenson Locomotive Society 1909-2009' were operating in 'top and tail' formation returning as 6Y60 05:30 Goonbarrow Junction - Westbury engineers.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

DB Cargo - Trial Flow

(Photo: Russell Ayre)

Published on 30th January 2025

A rare formation on Whiteball Bank occurred on the 30th January 2024, with DB Cargo operating a trial flow of aggregate from Exeter Riverside Yard.

Using the normal aggregate flow paths operated by Freightliner but instead running loaded from Westbury and empty from Exeter Riverside No.66224 and No.66131 double head the 6C28 16:29 Exeter Riverside -Westbury loaded aggregate, a train which would have previously commanded the use of the British built Class 60. The trial flow saw aggregate tripped to Exeter Riverside by road from a quarry in Devon (possibly owned by Tarmac) for loading and onward transit to Cricklewood. Hauling the loaded train up the bank No.66224 was also making its first appearance in the southwest since 2006 an absence of 19 years.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Mirrlees Pioneer Returns

Published on 28th January 2025

Rail Operations Group (ROG) moved the third Altstom Class 175 two-car unit (No.175009) from storage to the GWR Laria Depot during the early hours of Tuesday 28th January 2025.

Europhoenix liveried Class 37 No. 37510 'Orion' lead the formation south with No.37901 at the rear passing Taunton at 03:30 in the morning. Having delivered the latest Class 175 to GWR, the locomotives returned north sandwiching the delivery barrier vehicles. No.37901 lead the formation as 5W97 09:54 Laira – Landore passing Taunton at 11:37.

The use of the unique Class 37/9 fitted with a Mirrlees MB275T engine was certainly a rare and notable working to pass Taunton making more history for the sub class. The loco was converted in 1987 as part of a batch of six Class 37 locomotives, three fitted with Mirrlees engines and Brush alternators and two with Ruston RK270T engines with GEC alternators. All six had new bogies fitted and ballast bringing them up to 120 tons. The locos at the time served as test beds for the for the Class 38 and later the Class 60. They were principally used in Wales (based at Cardiff Canton) for use on the heavy steel and coal traffic flows and proved very capable. Occasionally they would venture further afield, particularly in the 90s there were visits to Taunton, Exeter further into Devon for most members of the subclass. The arrival of the Class 66 locomotives from 1999 saw a quick demise for the non-standard fleet, but several examples stood the test of time being saved for preservation and in the case of No.37901 a completed overhaul to mainline standards and a repaint back into its original Railfreight Metals livery. Although now used on lighter and less intensive work, a home with Rail Operations Group is an ideal life for the locomotive to per long it’s operational mainline career with a power unit 20 years younger than its body.

From todays appearance of No.37901 at Taunton we think its approximately 27 years since the loco last passed through Taunton.

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: Taunton Trains Collection)

Review of 2024 - 'The Stats'

Published on 25th January 2025

In addition to our review of 2024, we have also collated data into our ongoing ten years of information which we have collected.

We have been able to update previous graphical information and produce new graphs to show trends, locomotive class visits, and the comparison between locomotive operators. It should be noted that information included between 2004 and 2012 is correct for previous records however records from this period do still need to be added to our newer database.

We hope you enjoy looking at the presentation slides and noting the gradual decline in locomotive visits to Taunton in the past 20 years. We would like to thank all those who contribute information, photos and time to the Taunton Trains project.

For those who would like to see the complete list of locomotives which passed through Taunton in 2023 please visit our Workings Database

(Photo: Taunton Trains)

2024 Review

(Photo: Taunton Trains)

Published on 25th January 2025

Welcome to our review of 2024

Over the past few weeks we have been compiling the 2024 railway statistics to bring you some interesting facts and figures in relation to the railway workings which have passed through Taunton over the past year.

Our particular thanks go to Adam Hiscock who has been working hard behind the scenes to collate and excellent set of facts and figures.

The 2024 season has seen a decline in locomotive visits to the lowest number recorded since our records began, the 2024 season saw 191 locomotive visits, a decrease of 12 from the previous year. The total number of locomotive classes recorded was up by one to 14, boosted by the visit of a Class 46 (dead in train). Although not a working example on the mainline it was the first time at Class 46 had passed through Taunton since May 2003 when 46023 stared in the West Somerset Railway Cross Country gala. Class 37 and Class 59 locomotives also bolstered their appearances with 18 and 13 appearances respectively.

On the freight operations side GBRf had the biggest increase of locomotive visits with 31 Class 66 locomotives, nine more than 2023. Freightliner had a drastic drop owing to the non-operation of Network Rail HOBC and TRT from Fairwater Yard although it should be noted that Freightliner also now operate the Class 59 locomotives on the Mendip aggregate flow. Freightliner Class 66 locos dropped from 73 in 2023 to just 58 in 2024 a drop of 15 locomotives. On the Fairwater Yard front, with regular operations having ceased at the yard the number of locomotives frequenting Fairwater Yard for any period of time has also dropped. There were just 11 different locomotives ‘out-based’ for short periods at Fairwater Yard in 2024, No.66562, No. 66601 'The Hope Valley', No.66413, No.66419 and No.66541 managed three days each, with No.66588 staying for two days. This is stark contrast to 2024 when No.66510 spent 83 days of the year at Fairwater Yard!

The GWR ‘Night Riviera’ locomotive hauled sleeper service has provided some good reliable running through 2024, although affected by strike action, engineering and extreme weather at times. With No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' out of traffic having a G Exam at Laira all year, this has put more pressure on other members of the Class and increased their shared use on the service. No. 57602 'Restormel Castle' operated the service 180 times (up 51 appearances on 2023), No. 57603 'Tintagel Castle' operated 155 services (up 55 appearances on 2023), No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' also made 155 appearances (up 50 appearances on 2023). Hire in locomotives from Direct Rail Services only occurred nine times with No.57312 being used. The recent failure of No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' at Taunton appears to be a major engine issue which could put more pressure on the fleet during 2025 until No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' can be returned to traffic.

Some interesting notes from 2024 include

Colas:

No.66846 was the most common Colas locomotive appearing five times on five consecutive months. Colas Class 70 locomotives appearing in 7 out of the 12 months.

No.70009 (on hire to Colas from Freightliner) was on the fourth Class 70/0 to ever visit Taunton.

DB Cargo:

27 DB Cargo Class 66 locomotives visited Taunton in 2024 which is 10 less than 2023 and the lowest number since they arrived 25 years ago. There were only 9 different locomotives which operated the Cornish China Clay services (6V73 or 6M53) all year. No.66244 operated 12 up services and 12 down services.

Direct Rail Services:

In a marked reduction in south west operations there were no DRS locomotives other than No.57312 (which was on hire to GWR).

Heritage Locomotives:

18 Class 37 locomotives passed Taunton which was the highest number since 2018. No.37518 made its first visit to Taunton in over 25 years. No. 37611 'Denise' and No.37668 made their first appearances in seven years, and No.37057 , No.37218 and No.37408 made their first visits in six years. Class 50 locomotives were bolstered by No. 50008 'Thunderer' to four locomotives passing Taunton in 2024.

Freightliner:

There were 19 different locomotives on the Exeter Riverside aggregate flow throughout the year, including 12 Class 59s, 1 Class 66/5, and 6 Class 66/6. No. 59103 'Village of Mells' was the only Class 59 not to put in an appearance in 2024 and has been absent since 2021. In total the 6C27/6C28 ran 96 times with No. 59102 'Village of Chantry' claiming the top spot with 11 appearances.

GBRF:

As mentioned GBRF managed 31 different Class 66 locomotives in 2024, Class 73 No. 73136 'Mhairi' also made its first appearance since 2019.

Charters:

There were 48 different charter services in 2024 which in itself is an increase of 15 from 2023. There were 7 different steam locomotives used in the 2024 season the rest being diesel hauled.

Former Jeff Tracy Returns

Published on 21st January 2025

Taunton witnessed a rare visit from a former Virgin Trains 'Thunderbird' Class 57/3 on the 21st January 2025.

The start of 2025 has been incredibly busy with notable workings this year, and a GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 'Branchline Society' has added to the colourful tally of visitors passing through Taunton. The locomotive operated 0Z07 06:31 Gloucester New Year - Exeter St Davids light engine movement before later continuing through to Plymouth. The loco is planned to visit the GWR Depot at Long Rock for contract wheelset repairs.

The locomotive is no stranger to Taunton having operated on a regular basis in 2010 operating First Great Western locomotive hauled passenger services in Virgin Trains colours for GBRf, and has also made periodic visits with former operated Direct Rail Services.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: Brunel Heritage)

Weekend Engineering

Published on 19th January 2025

In a rare GBRf/ DB Cargo combination, GBRf Class 66 No. 66711 'Sence' leads DB Cargo No. 66090 'Maritime Intermodal Six' south at Creech St Michael on the 19th January 2025 in top and tail formation.

The pair were returning from weekend engineering work operating 6F67 08:36 Fairwood Junction - Hinksey Yard via Taunton and were captured in passing through the Taunton area.

(Photo: Tony Christie)

(Photo: Russell Ayre)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

37423 Leaves For Yarmouth

Published on 19th January 2025

Having completed its filming duties on the West Somerset Railway, Europhoenix Class 37/4 No.37423 departed the Taunton area on Sunday 19th January 2025.

The loco was returning East Rail Services coaching stock operating as 5Z03 10:02 Bishops Lydeard - Yarmouth conveying Mk2 and Mk3 stock back to their base following completion of the Apple TV filming contract.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Tony Christie)

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

37423 Completes Filming

Published on 18th January 2025

Having completed a filming contact on the West Somerset Railway, the visiting locomotive and stock needed to be turned on the Norton Fitzwarren triangle before return to the Eastern Railway Services base in Yarmouth.

The stock had been used by 60forty films for filming a new series for Apple TV. Reported by the BBC, 'Down Cemetery Road' will star Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson. Other local filming locations used were believed to be Street and Bristol. With the filming village deconstructed it was also time for the visiting locomotive and stock to depart as well. Saturday the 18th January saw No.37423 head from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Triangle where both the locomotive and stock set were turned individually. The locomotive and stock then returned to Bishops Lydeard station where the loco once again ran around the stock and was stabled in preparation to depart the line the next day back to Yarmouth.

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Glory to Ukraine

Published on 17th January 2025

Weekend engineering work in the Westbury area brought engineering trains to the Taunton area on Friday 17th January 2025.

Two celebrity liveried GBRf Class 66/7 locomotives operated 6F64 09:38 Hinksey Yard - Fairwood Junction conveying fresh ballast for unloading in the Westbury area. Aggregate Industries liveried Class 66 No. 66711 'Sence' lead the train south to Taunton where it terminated in Platform 3. Ukraine liveried Class 66 No. 66708 'Glory to Ukraine' then returned the engineers train east to Fairwood Junction.

(Photo: Nathan Williamson)

(Photo: Rob Sherwood)

West Coast Railways Rescue Night Riviera

Published on 16th January 2025

Once in a while at Taunton a series of events occur at Taunton which are worthy of purchasing of a lottery ticket due to the chances of witnessing such an interesting turn of events.

The early hours on the 16th January 2025 was one such occasion where stars aligned in favour of such a unique set of circumstances that it will be unlikely to ever be repeated.

The first rare working occurred in the early hours of the 16th January with two West Coast Railways locomotives (No. 57601 'Windsor Castle' and No.47832) delivering a pair of Network Rail drift ploughs to Fairwater Yard. ADB 965217 and ADB 965240 were previously stored at York but were moved to Taunton as 7Z47 13:47 (Wed) Eastriggs – Fairwater Yard. The snow plough movement arrived at 01:30 on the 16th January 2025. Having uncoupled and split the ploughs both locomotives then departed light engine as 0Z47 02:00 Fairwater Yard – Southall passing Taunton at 02:10. Its worth noting at this point that the West Coast Railways locomotives were once common place through Taunton when they were operated by First Great Western. (No. 57601 'Windsor Castle' famous for its striking purple and silver Porterbrook Leasing livery, and known more commonly as ‘Purple Ronnie’), the pair were regulars on south west passenger services including the overnight sleeper.

What happened next was a stroke of luck. By this time the down GWR ‘Night Riviera’ service was nearing Cogload Junction with No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' operating 1C50 23:45 (Wed) London Paddington – Penzance, where the loco developed a serious fault. The train limped to Taunton arriving with excessive engine noise and smoke emanating from the engine room. The train was declared a failure at Taunton in Platform 2. Ordinarily the nearest rescue engine would have been the GWR Depot at Reading some 120 miles away, but West Coast Railways were closer, their light engine move to Southall was stopped at East Somerset Junction and asked to return to Taunton to tow the stricken GWR service forward. It was a tad lucky that the ‘down’ Night Riviera is booked to stop at Taunton for just over an hour between 02:27 to 03:43 allowing the West Coast Railways locomotives to return west to Taunton. Once at Taunton No. 57601 'Windsor Castle' and No.47832 were split. The Class 47 was left at Taunton in Platform 4 and No. 57601 'Windsor Castle' joined the front of the Night Rivera service and its old operator. No. 57601 'Windsor Castle' departed with No. 57605 'Totnes Castle' (dead in train), at 04:26 just 42 minutes late. It towed the Night Riviera service to Exeter where the train was cancelled, passengers were asked to vacate their beds and exit onto a replacement train formed of a Class 158 (No.158760) and Class 150 (No.150263). Despite all that had gone on overnight with the train failures, loco swaps and cancellation of the Night Riviera, two replacement units arrived just 9 minutes late into Penzance.

Having uncoupled from the Night Riviera service at Exeter St Davids, No. 57601 'Windsor Castle' returned north to Taunton to collect partner loco No.47832 before heading back to Southall departing Taunton at 05:53 (229 minutes later than originally planned). GWR in the mean time arranged for one of their spare Class 57 locomotives No. 57603 'Tintagel Castle' to run light engine from Reading to Exeter St Davids to collect their stricken service and tow it through to Penzance. No. 57603 'Tintagel Castle' passed Taunton at 12:30 and arriving into Exeter at 13:04, after coupling the empty coaching stock from the cancelled Night Riviera service departed Exeter St Davids Penzance T&RSMD at 13:20, 8hrs 24 minutes after it first arrived into Exeter, and 10 hours 50 minutes after it failed at Taunton.

(Photo: James Smyth)

West Coast Railways Stock Move

(Photo: Adam Snow)

Published on 9th January 2025

West Coast Railways collected four Mk1 coaches from their use on the South Devon Railway over the Christmas period on the 9th January 2025.

No.47848 had operated light engine south during he day from the West Coast outpost at Southall. Having collected the coaching stock from the South Devon Railway No.47848 returned north as 5Z47 18:10 Totnes - Carnforth. The loco is pictured at Taunton paused for a pathing stop prior to continuing through the night back to Carnforth arriving at 01:45 the next day.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Yeoman Wagons For Scrap

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

Published on 9th January 2025

Having moved a lengthy rake of Yeoman JHA wagons for storage at Exeter Riverside before Christmas, Freightliner moved the rake back north on the 10th January 2025.

Freightliner Class 66 No.66572 hauled the 7M36 11:01 Exeter Riverside - Gresty Green Through Siding conveying the rake of former aggregate wagons heading for scrap. The JHA Yeoman wagons have helped transport thousands of tonnes of Mendip aggregate all over the UK for countless building and construction projected since their introduction in 1988, having been ordered at a similar time to operate with the new Class 59/0 locomotives at the time.

Europhoenix Class 37

Published on 7th January 2025

A Europhoenix Class 37/4 hijacked the first spot for working of the year on the 6th January 2025 just six days into the 2025 season.

No.37423 made its first visit to Taunton on 11 years hauling a rake of Eastern Rail Services coaches for a filming contract on the West Somerset Railway. The locomotive operated 5Z02 11:35 Yarmouth – Bishops Lydeard conveying four coaches Mk2 Lounge Car 6703, First Class Buffet 1220, Seated Brake 9805 and ex Caledonian Mk3 sleeper car 10699. The loco arrived to be greeted by over 30 railway enthusiasts, at 19:19 for a brief stop to pick up WSR staff before departing Platform 2 via the relief line to Norton Fitzwarren and Bishops Lydeard. It was also the first time No.37423 had visited the West Somerset Railway in its 60-year career on the railways. The next day the set was turned on the Norton Fitzwarren triangle with the assistance of resident Class 33 No.33048 (D6566).

The filming contract by 60Forty Films (based in Portland Street, London) will take place on the 9th /10th January and 13th- 16th January 2025 with the station area out of bounds to the public during approximate filming hours between 13:00-23:00 each day. Access is also restricted on the Station Road overbridge with hired security to ensure no one can see what is being filmed.

(Photo: Ashley Harris)

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

Happy New Year - 2025

Published on 1st January 2025

We would like to wish all Taunton Trains viewers a very Happy New Year for 2025, and begin by thanking all those people who submit images, information, and help behind the scenes to keep Taunton Trains growing on a daily basis.

At times during 2024 it has seemed like the railway scene in Taunton has not stopped, for small county town the railway continues to throw up interesting workings, charters, passenger and freight operations of interest. Without the help of those who assist with the day to day running of the site would not be what it is today, so thanks to all.

It has been a busy year during 2024 and this is further confirmed with the following upload information. We have added 49,772 workings to the Taunton Trains Database bringing the total workings now stored in the database to 318,041. We have uploaded 780 images to our Photo Archive over the past year, with brings the image total on the website to 9311, meaning we should break the 10,000 barrier during 2025. We have also added 308 news stories bring the total amount of news stories now hosted on Taunton Trains to 2403.

We are currently compiling the statistics for locomotive appearances and workings during 2024 this will be uploaded to the news pages during January.

There is likely to be little change on the passenger network for Taunton during 2025, the GWR franchised end date is June 2028 when it will fall into Government operation, the Cross-Country franchise isn’t due to end until 2031. What we will see is the start of the long overdue Cross Country £60M fleet refurbishment (although not longer trains to provide more seating capacity), this will bring a refreshed and colourful new livery which Taunton Trains will cover when the first set is launched.

The 2025 Charter Season looks to be another busy one with the addition of the Belmond Britannic Explorer Luxury Train operating from July 2025, this will be a regular fixture to capture while visiting the area.

Railway 200 will be prevalent during 2025, and will be a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail. It invites community, rail and other groups to get involved. Rail 200 kicks off at 12pm January 1st 2025 with a ‘Whistle-Up’ involving over 50 heritage railways in the UK and aboard blowing the whistles of nearly 200 vintage steam and diesel locomotives to herald a year-long celebration. Railways in other countries will be taking part, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, USA, South Africa, Sierra Leone, France, Germany and the Netherlands, some with British-built locos. The HRA claims it will be the biggest railway heritage mass participation event ever. Train engine horns at mainline stations will also sound off at the appointed hour to welcome in the anniversary year. At the other end of the scale, train modellers Hornby will be getting a variety of model trains to toot and whistle on their track layouts. There will also be a special appearance on social media from everyone’s favourite blue engine, Thomas the Tank Engine.

To view news stories from December 2024 click here, or for news from February 2025, click here.