News Archive for June 2025

Teesside Steelmaster Returns

Published on 28th June 2025

Having completed its standby duties on Laira Depot the previous week in conjunction with GWR Class 175 driver training, Europhoenix Class 37/5 No. 37501 'Teeside Steelmaster' returned north light engine on Saturday 28th June 2025.

The locomotive which carries its original British Rail/ British Steel livery operated as 0M57 09:58 Laira - Derby RTC and took a brief pause in Platform 4 at Taunton for pathing purposes prior to continuing back to Derby.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Adam Snow)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Saturday Clay Empties

Published on 28th June 2025

The sight of a revenue earning freight train in Taunton in daylight (other than engineers trains) is incredibly rare.

The DB Cargo China Clay flow to and from Cornwall has traditionally overnight in the dark. A recent adjustment to the return empties routes the empty JIA wagons via Westbury the night before. After an overnight stay the wagons continue south to Cornwall leaving Westbury at 07:30. DB Cherry Red Class 66 No.66019 operated 6V75 07:31 Westbury - St Blazey with 13 empty china clay wagons in tow on Saturday 29th June 2025, bringing the sight of a daylight DB Cargo freight train at Taunton.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Matt Powell)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Former Avanti Voyagers

Published on 28th June 2025

With twelve of the former Virgin West Coast/ Avanti West Coast voyagers having now joined the Cross Country fleet (operating over their former stamping ground before Virgin took them to the West Coast Mainline in 2006).

They are becoming a more common daily sight at Taunton. Their slightly revised front end colours make them stand out from their Cross Country classmates. We have included several images of the recently transferred units in passenger operation with Cross Country in the Taunton area.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Midland Pullman - Cornish Mazey Day

Published on 28th June 2025

The Midland Pullman HST was back passing through the Taunton area on Saturday 28th June 2025.

No.43055 lead No. 43049 'Neville Hill' south operating the 'Cornish Mazey Day' Pullman dining service as 1Z43 05:53 Shrewsbury - Penzance. The beautifully turned-out Midland Pullman HST is always well presented and turns heads wherever it operates, even under cloudy skies.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

The Mazey Day Special

Published on 28th June 2025

Pathfinder Railtours 'The Mazey Day Special' was hauled by the popular Western Class locomotive No. D1015 'Western Champion' on Saturday 28th June 2025.

The locomotive operated the 1Z52 05:03 Dorridge - Penzance charter throughout complete with a Cornish gnome in the front window of the locomotive. On the rear of the train was West Coast Railways Class 47 No. 47815 'Great Western' to assist with stock movements at Penzance. No. 47815 'Great Western' is also a former south west resident once operated by British Rail and First Great Western and spent the majority of its operational life on the western region.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Britannic Explorer - Without The Britannic Explorer

Published on 27th June 2025

The week of the 23rd June 2025 proved to be an interesting week with regards to the Britannic Explorer charters.

During the week several paths were added showing arrivals of the luxury train into the West Somerset Railway on Wednesday and Friday, none of which materialised with the coaching stock remaining at Eastleigh for work. GBRf converted one of the paths to use as a light engine crew training run, which operated the full diagram. GBRf Class 66/7 No. 66768 'Ynonne Bradley' made its debut appearance onto West Somerset Railway metals late on Friday 27th June operating as 0Z10 15:48 London Victoria - Bishops Lydeard (later working through to Minehead and back), before stabling for the night and leaving Bishops Lydeard the next morning to head to Penzance.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

Network Rail New Measurement Train

Published on 27th June 2025

The Network Rail 'New Measurement Train' made its monthly visit to the south west Friday 27th June 2024.

Making an early morning appearance at Taunton passing Silk Mills No. 43013 'Mark Carne CBE' is pictured with No. 43062 'John Armitt' passing the two Network Rail snow ploughs while operating 1Q18 05:43 Reading Triangle Sidings - Paignton via Penzance. The set later returned through Taunton heading to Bristol East Depot as 1Z18 15:39 Paignton - Taunton passing at 16:44. Because of late running the set was terminated at Bristol Temple Meads to regain time before heading back to Taunton arriving at 18:33. The inspection HST then operated the final leg of the say departing with 1Q19 18:38 Taunton - London Paddington.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Tamper Tastic!

Published on 27th June 2025

It is very rare to be able to capture two trains on the upper and lower levels of Cogload Junction in the right place at the right time.

GWR Hitachi IET No.802105 rounds the curve at Cogload Junction on Friday 27th June 2025, the nine-car IET was operating 1C88 16:03 London Paddington - Penzance. Waiting on the Bristol flyover was Colas Tamper DR73924, which had slowed to a stop to be held for the passing GWR service. The Tamper operating 6J39 11:54 Rugby Depot - Crediton Sidings in preparation for overnight /weekend tamping work.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Network Rail Track Inspection

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

Published on 27th June 2025

Contrary to initial rumours that the two-car Network Rail track inspection unit was to be taken out of service, other information now suggests it could be operational for another two years.

The Network Rail Class 150/950 is continuing to operate various track and infrastructure testing diagrams around the country. No.950001 is pictured passing Norton Fitzwarren on the 27th June 2025 operating 2Q08 05:19 Par - Derby RTC. The unit also carried a battery operated lamp on the front owing to the failure of the headlight.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Class 158 Stables Overnight

Published on 25th June 2025

Due to overnight engineering work taking place on the 25th June 2025, the late night service which normally operates between Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter was terminated short at Taunton.

No.158749 is pictured stabled in Platform 6 at Taunton on the 25th June 2025 having arrived operating 2C97 23:05 Bristol Temple Meads - Taunton service. The unit then stabled at Taunton until 05:10 the next morning departing with the first stopping train back to Bristol.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: James Berry)

Weekend Class 37/5 Action

Published on 22nd June 2025

Having delivered steam locomotive Nunney Castle to the Bishops Lydeard on the Friday evening in preparation for a Steam Dreams charter on Saturday, LSL Class 37 No.37521 departed back to Crewe complete with support coach 35461 on Saturday 21st June 2025.

The train operating as 5Z22 12:40 Bishops Lydeard - Crewe.

Making its first appearance at Taunton on the 22nd June 2025 since being repainted into the 'classic' British Rail/ British Steel livery from the 1980s. No. 37501 'Teeside Steelmaster' passes Taunton light engine with a thumbs up to from the driver passing the group of people at Creech St Michael. No. 37501 'Teeside Steelmaster' was operating 0V84 09:41 Derby RTC - Laira. The loco was being moved ahead of Class 175 testing over the Devon Banks the following week and will be placed on standby in case of failure.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Timbadgertrains)

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

Class 153 - Platform 1

Published on 21st June 2025

The new Network Rail track inspection unit was featured on Taunton Trains earlier in the month.

No.153311 visited Taunton again on the 21st June 2025. The unit operated 2Q70 14:54 Exeter Riverside - Westbury passing Taunton at 15:33 heading to Bristol Temple Meads where the train changed direction and returned to Taunton where it arrived at 19:54 where it then stabled in Platform 1 for a short period before heading to Westbury. The unit is seen in the evening sunlight at Taunton passing the temporary scaffolding for canopy works, and stabled for a short period in Platform 1 before heading to Westbury.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Tony Christie)

Nunney Castle - Steam Dreams

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Published on 21st June 2025

Nunney Castle descends from Whiteball on Saturday 21st June 2025 hauling a Steam Dreams charter operating as 1Z31 06:49 London Victoria – Kingswear.

The tour was hauled to Taunton by LSL locomotive No. 57311 'The Institution of Mechanical Engineers' with No. 57002 'Winston Churchill' at the rear of the train. At Taunton No. 5029 'Nunney Castle' was added for the run to Kingswear. Unfortunately, later in the trip a lineside fire was set off between Newton Abbot and Torre which resulted in the Paignton branch being closed for a period after the steam charter had passed while the fire was extinguished.

Nunney Castle Arrives

Published on 20th June 2025

Locomotive Services Ltd moved their GWR 4-6-0 Castle No. 5029 'Nunney Castle' to the West Somerset Railway on Friday 20th June 2025.

No.37521 hauled No. 5029 'Nunney Castle' south as 5Z21 10:17 Crewe - Bishops Lydeard with Mk1 coach 35461 in tow. Upon arrival at the Norton Fitzwarren the train went straight onto the Norton Fitzwarren Triangle where the Class 37 was moved to the back of the train and the Castle then lead the convoy through to Bishops Lydeard.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

GWR 'Night Riviera' Failure

(Photo: Adam Snow)

Published on 20th June 2025

A very rare early morning treat for those who were struggling to sleep with the hot weather was a rare daylight appearance of the GWR 'Night Riviera' service.

Sadly the Night Riviera service between Penzance and London Paddington failed between St Austell and Par, finally managing to limp into Plymouth at 03:53 running 242 minutes late before the overnight sleeper train was cancelled. The set then required a tow back to Reading in order to position the coaching stock for the next nights southbound service. Recently returned to traffic after a major overhaul No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' provides a tow for failed No. 57602 'Restormel Castle' passing Oath Farm operating as 5Z50 05:00 Plymouth - Reading Traincare Depot. This image taken from the superb vantage point of a camera pole.

To view the gallery, please click here.

GBRf Class 57 Collected From Cornwall

Published on 20th June 2025

An exceptionally clean GBRf (Minus the seagull defecation), Class 66/7 No.66744 passed light engine through Taunton Station on the 19th June 2025 in the increasing 25 degree heat.

No.66744 was operating 0Z66 11:30 Eastleigh Yard - Plymouth Park Sidings light engine where it would stable for the night and continue to Penzance Long Rock depot the next day to collect GBRf Class 57 No. 57306 'Branchline Society' from maintenance at the GWR depot. The next day the loco returned north with classmate No. 57306 'Branchline Society' in tow returning to Bristol East Depot.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Matt Powell)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

Cross Country Named Worst Operator

The latest ex-Avanti Class 221 to join the Cross Country fleet, DMU set No.221109 is now working services through the Taunton area and is captured here heading westbound at Victory Crossing on 7th April 2025. Early evening shadows begin to engulf the scene as 221109 working the 1V60 08:20 Aberdeen to Penzance gets up to speed for the run down to Exeter.

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Published on 18th June 2025

Cross Country and been named the worst train operator in Britain by Transport Focus with GWR only raking five places above out of 22 rail companies operating in the UK.

Cross Country received a score of 77/100 with punctuality scoring 65/100, with a cancellation rate of 7.36%. Cross Country serve stations throughout the southwest including Taunton. With Cross Country drivers now back on rest day working and overtime union strikes on weekends, last Sunday saw 10 cancelled train services through Taunton with several others stopping short of their destination causing more travel misery for passengers. Although Cross County have added 12 extra Voyagers to their fleet (approx. 60 extra coaches) earlier this year after approval from the DFT, many services in the south west still operate with single sets throughout the entire length of their journey or split to single sets south of Bristol. Paignton has also received a terrible service in recent years as these are favourite services for Cross Country to cut short diagrams owing to operating issues and staff shortages.

Crompton on Holiday

Making a very rare appearance at the GWR St Philips Marsh Depot on the 17th June 2025, WSR long-term resident Class 33 No.33048 (D6566) is pictured on the St Philips Marsh wheel lathe having its tyres turned and profiled before returning to the West Somerset Railway the next day.

(Photo: Thomas Courtney)

Published on 17th June 2025

Long term DEPG/ Williton resident Class 33 No.33048 (D6566) has had a rare and busy week away from the West Somerset Railway, it is believed to be its first Gala visit to another railway since it arrived on the WSR in 1997.

After staring in the West Somerset Railway Summer Diesel Festival Gala the loco left the line via low loaded road transport to visit the Spa Valley Railway and take part in their diesel gala weekend on the 14th / 15th June, making for some very rare haulage and images away from its Somerset base. Upon returning to the West Somerset Railway the opportunity was taken to book the locomotive into the St Philips Marsh Wheel Lathe to have its wheels turned and profiled. The loco is pictured inside St Philips Marsh depot on the 17th June before being returned to Bishops Lydeard by road.

Flying Scotsman Arrives

(Photo: James Berry)

Published on 17th June 2025

As part of the Railway 200 celebrations the world famous 'Flying Scotsman' arrived into Taunton heading to the West Somerset Railway on the 17th June 2025.

No. 60103 'Flying Scotsman' operated 5Z81 11:46 Didcot Great Western Soc - Bishops Lydeard with its support coach arriving into Taunton on time at 14:49. The world famous locomotive will be operating many services (by pre booking only through the West Somerset Railway website) on the West Somerset Railway during its visit to the line during June and July. A range of special services are planned to be operated over length of the line.

To view the gallery, please click here.

WSR Diesel Gala Locos Leave

Published on 9th June 2025

Having successfully participated in the 2025 West Somerset Railway Diesel Festival three of four guest locos to the event, No. 50015 'Valiant', No.45108 and No. D1015 'Western Champion' return north on Monday 9th June 2025 by means of a tow from Rail Adventure powercars No.43465 and No.43484.

The convoy heads north as 0Q84 12:42 Bishops Lydeard to Kidderminster captured here passing through Banklands. The Class 43 power cars had remained static throughout the four day gala, on public display in Williton yard.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Reflecting On The WSR Summer Diesel Festival

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 8th June 2025

What an incredible four days it's been for the Summer Diesel Festival.

Ears are still buzzing from the sight and sound of heritage diesels powering through the picturesque Somerset countryside. Over the coming week, we'll be sharing a collection of images captured throughout the event, showcasing the stunning former British Rail traction operating along the entire 20-mile route.

Even with the unpredictable weather on Saturday, the trains were packed, and passengers absolutely loved reliving the sights and sounds of these iconic locomotives, many of which they fondly remember from their mainline days. It was truly a treat for enthusiasts and the general public alike, with something for everyone to enjoy.

The festival was a fantastic success, passing with only one minor breakdown on Saturday evening, a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We'll be adding more images over the coming week, including lineside shots and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the Williton depot.

To view images from the gala event see the link below.

To view the gallery, please click here.

'Vibrant' Class 153 Visit

Published on 8th June 2025

'Vibrant' is one word to describe the new Network Rail livery for its Class 153 track inspection units.

No.153311 makes its first visit to Taunton since being built. No.153311 was operating 2Q10 10:00 Derby RTC - Yeovil Junction via Exeter St Davids on Sunday 8th June 2025. The unit will become a more common sight at Taunton as a fleet of four Class 153s will cover track inspection duties previously covered by the recently retired two-car Class 150/950 unit. The Class 153 units have not currently been given a Class 9XX number to differentiate their usage from the standard passenger versions.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Matt Powell)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Daylight Turbo Stock Move

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Published on 7th June 2025

Passing the GBRF Empty Stock Movement for the mock Britannic Explorer test run on the 7th June 2025.

GWR Class 166 No.166211 makes a rare appearance in daylight while operating a stock transfer move. No.166211 operated 5Z74 Exeter TMD - Bristol Temple Meads for tyre turning at the GWR Bristol Depot.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Diesel Hauled - English Riviera Express

Published on 7th June 2025

Saphos Trains/ LSL were unable to provide the steam leg for their 'English Rivera Express' charter on Saturday 7th June 2025 after No. 34046 'Braunton' failed its fitness to run exam at Bishops Lydeard the previous day.

However a suitable replacement for the full journey was provided in the shape of No. 40013 'Andania' (D413). The Class 40 hauled 1Z60 05:21 Northampton - Kingswear throughout in 'top and tail' formation with No. 57311 'The Institution of Mechanical Engineers'. This is thought to be the first visit of a Class 40 to Kingswear since 2008 when No.40145 hauled a Pathfinder charter to the destination.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: Russell Ayre)

Head Shunt Stable

Published on 7th June 2025

Having arrived the previous night from London Victoria hauling a mock test run for the forthcoming Britannic Explorer charters.

No. 57310 'UK Railtours' and No. 66751 'Inspiration Delivered Hitachi Rail Europe' provided an incredibly rare sight of locomotives and coaching stock stabled on the Fairwater Yard northern head shunt. This line is normally used by Freightliner to shunt wagons within Fairwater Yard and is a storage location for one of the four snow ploughs which reside at Fairwater Yard. The sight of a full train stabled next to the main NIDR link road was incredibly rare and evoked memories of trains which once traversed the route using the Taunton 'avoider' between Taunton East Yard and Fairwater Yard. No. 57310 'UK Railtours' and No. 66751 'Inspiration Delivered Hitachi Rail Europe' are pictured on Saturday 7th June 2025 before departing as 5Z21 09:17 Fairwater Yard - Penzance.

by comparison from the 1980s, BR Blue Class 45 No. 45044 'Royal Inniskilling Fusilier' and No. 50020 'Revenge' pass through 40 Steps on the 4th May 1985 taking the Taunton avoiding line between Taunton East Yard and Fairwater Yard. The pair are thought to be hauling the 05:50 Severn Tunnel Junction - St Blazey Speedlink service.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Britannic Explorer 'Mock Test Run'

Published on 6th June 2025

GB Railfreight operated a 'mock' Britannic Explorer charter test run on the 6th June 2025 in preparation for the real Pullman service to start operating at the end of June.

No. 57310 'UK Railtours' and No. 66751 'Inspiration Delivered Hitachi Rail Europe' top and tailed a mixed rake of coaches from Eastern Rail Services to replicate timings for The Britannic Explorer pullman services. The Class 57 is are pictured passing Colgoad Junction operating 5Z20 15:48 London Victoria - Fairwater Yard running 22 minutes late. At Fairwater the train stabled for the night before continuing to Cornwall the next day.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Loaded Aggregate From Exeter Riverside Yard

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

Published on 5th June 2025

DB Cargo operated a rare loaded aggregate train from Exeter Riverside Yard on the 5th June 2025 using aggregate from the stockpile remains at the Yard.

DB Cargo Class 66 No.66207 operated 6C27 06:27 Westbury - Exeter Riverside with 22 empty box wagons passing Taunton at 07:43. Having loaded the train in Exeter via mechanical grab, No.66207 operated a revised schedule as 6C28 16:29 Exeter Riverside - Westbury. The flow departed Exeter 270 minutes early arriving into the Taunton area around 12:45. Rather than continue running early the train was then routed onto the relief line at Taunton and held for a right time departure at 17:19. The train is pictured at 40 Steps during its layover.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Loram Rail Visits With Caroline

Published on 4th June 2025

Inspection Saloon 975025 'Caroline' and Loram Rail Class 37 No. 37418 'An Comunn Gaidhealach' visited Taunton on Wednesday the 4th June 2025.

The track inspection working operated as 2Z26 08:10 Newport to London Paddington running via Bristol Temple Meads, Weston-Super-Mare, Taunton & Newbury. Upon arrival in Platform 2 at Taunton the train reversed to head east towards the Capital via the Berks and Hants route towards Westbury.

(Photo: S A Ginn)

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

WSR Gala Locos Arrive

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Published on 3rd June 2025

Rail Adventure Class 43 power cars No.43484 and No.43465 pass Creech St Michael on Tuesday 3rd June 2025.

Running through Cogload Junction 64 minutes ahead of schedule the WSR bound loco convoy ran as the 0Q83 10:08 Kidderminster SVR to Bishops Lydeard. The former British Rail locomotives tow were destined to appear in the forthcoming West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala over the following weekend. Gala attendees were Class 45 No.45108, Class 50 No. 50015 'Valiant' and Western No. D1015 'Western Champion'. Upon arrival at Bishops Lydeard the latter were detached and stabled, with the Rail Adventure power cars continuing on to Williton where they will be on display throughout the gala event.

Taunton Vintage Bus Day - 2025

Published on 1st June 2025

The Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust operated the Taunton Vintage Bus Day on Sunday 1st June 2025.

Vintage buses operated nine different routes from Taunton town centre to out-lying locations such as Wellington, Wiveliscombe, Cheddon Fitzpain, Monkton Heathfield, Stoke St Mary, Churchinford, Buckland St Mary as well as Taunton Town Circular trips. Taunton Station received a huge boost to its normal FirstGroup service with a regular 10 - 20 minute connection to the town throughout the day, and services connecting with trains at Taunton Station and Bishops Lydeard. All services were free to the general public and operated between 10:00 and 17:00.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

50 Years of Hymek Preservation

Published on 1st June 2025

DEPG Hymek No.D7018 operated two days of diesel diagrams on the West Somerset Railway on the 30th May and 1st June 2025 proudly displaying the remarkable milestone of '50 Years of Hymek Preservation' headboard.

No.D7018 ran an 80 mile diagram each day complete with a full take of British Railways maroon Mk1 stock. With DEPG driver Tom Courtney at the controls, former BR 'Hymek' No.D7018 arrives into Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 1st June 2025 hauling the 14:20 Minehead - Bishops Lydeard service, it later returned to Minehead with the last diagram of the day from Bishops Lydeard at 16:40.

The loco will be in action next weekend during the West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala Weekend alongside visiting locomotives.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Russell Ayre)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Remembering Athelney Station

Published on 1st June 2025

The Yeovil branch from Taunton opened in 1853.

Athelney was a small station on the edge of the Somerset Levels. The station handled local goods such as hay and willow and locally produced products going to market, these were fed into the larger railway goods network from Taunton. At the time it was an important link to Somerset Levels communities and local villages allowing them to reach Taunton and other local towns, it was often very busy on a Saturday with passengers visiting the local town for shopping. The Yeovil branch and Athelney fell victim to the Beaching Axe in June 1964 although the mainline from Penzance and London Paddington remained. After the closure of the station the waiting room lived on being dismantled and rebuilt on the Stoke St Gregory playing fields where it stood as a cricket pavilion. Remarkably it lasted 57 years away from the railway until 2021 when it was finally replaced with a new purpose-built building. The new building is now named Dennis Silk Pavilion after Somerset cricketer Dennis Silk a player for Somerset County Cricket Club for four seasons in the late 1950s.

(Photo: Taunton Trains Collection)

(Photo: Richard Giles)

To view news stories from May 2025 click here, or for news from July 2025, click here.