News Archive for December 2025

XC Driver - Chris Hopkins

Published on 30th December 2025

Cross Country Driver Chris Hopkins has covered thousands of miles in his career on the railway, but the 30th December 2025 saw his last driving turn before taking early retirement.

His last turn was captured at Taunton Station on board No.221119 operating the 1M41 10:14 Paignton - Manchester Piccadilly Cross Country service.

Chris started his career at Bristol in 1985 on the Youth Training Scheme (YTS), which was a fantastic introduction to the workings of the railways, allowing me to gain a wealth of broad knowledge over the year-long course. I became a messenger at B&E House at Bristol Temple Meads in 1987, then six months later moved to Bath Road as an Assistant Ticket Examiner (ATE). In 1989, I became a Trainman 'G', which involved working mostly on freight trains as a guard, with the odd turn as second man. Then in 1991, he became a full-time second man before moving to Swindon. By 1992, Chris became a Driver, where he signed plenty of classes of traction, including Class 08, 09, 37, 47, 56, 58, 60, and latterly the Class 66. When Swindon depot closed in 1999, he was offered the chance to move to the new EWS depot at Plymouth, primarily to drive mail trains, but also some freight and engineering trains, as well as local shunting turns. Then in 2004, Chris made his final transfer to Virgin Trains (latterly becoming Cross Country), primarily driving HSTs and Voyagers between Penzance and Birmingham.

Cross Country Driver Chris Hopkins has covered thousands of miles in his career on the railway, but the 30th December 2025 saw his last driving turn before taking early retirement. His last turn was captured at Taunton Station on board No.221119 operating 1M41 10:14 Paignton - Manchester Piccadilly.

(Photo: James Berry)

Class 14 - DMU Movement

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

Published on 28th December 2025

DEPG Class 14 No.D9526 passes Whiskey Trail Crossing departing from Bishops Lydeard on the 29th December 2025 as the 10:45 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead.

The loco conveyed a newly arrived Class 108 DTLC 54270, which has been stored on the Mid Norfolk Railway for some years. Despite appearances, the vandalism, the overall bodywork is good. Upon arrival at Williton the Class 14 collected the second Class 108 trailer (56496), which had been at Williton for some time, before moving the pair through to Minehead.

Merry Christmas 2025

(Photo: Taunton Trains)

Published on 24th December 2025

We would like to wish everyone a very happy and festive Christmas for 2025.

It's been another busy year on the railways with lots of colourful and interesting workings passing through Taunton. We would like to thank everyone who submits images to the website and everyone who helps in the background; without everyone working together, the site would not have become as large as it is today. Our thanks go out to you all. We also continue to work on multiple photographic and information-based projects in relation to Taunton. Many people don't realise the work that goes on behind the scenes daily. Taunton Trains is updated one year in advance, with plenty of interesting content set to go live over the course of next year. Our railway database continues to expand with over 370,000 entries now added, continuing to grow year on year. Our particular thanks to all those who submit historical information for the database.

The 2025 statistics will be published in the new year, along with updates on all the current projects being progressed for your enjoyment and viewing.

Fairwater Yard Testing

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Published on 21st December 2025

In connection with upcoming engineering works near Tavistock Junction/ Laira to replace a rail bridge over the River Plym between Saturday 21st February 2026 and Sunday 8th March 2026, GWR operated a series of proving runs for locomotive-hauled sets and Intercity Express Trains, which will be stabled at Fairwater Yard and Hackney Yard during this period.

On 20th December 2025, No.57312 and No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' operated 5Z45 14:19 Reading Traincare Depot - Fairwater Yard, arriving under the cover of darkness at 17:21 with a GWR Night Riviera coaching stock set. After stabling in Faiwater Yard overnight No.57312 and No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' operated as 5Z46 07:43 Fairwater Yard - Reading Traincare Depot, but via the West Somerset Railway triangle at Norton Fitzwarren and was originally booked to head to Newton Abbove via Hackney Yard. However, the leading loco ran into issues at Exeter St Thomas, and the onward movement was abandoned with No. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' later returning the sleeper set to Reading.

A second working also occurred on the same day with No.800304 operating 5Q30 08:05 Stoke Gifford - Fairwater Yard via Norton Fitzwarren, this unit only ventured as far as the Norton Fitzwarren footbridge on the WSR spur before returning to Fairwater Yard. The triangle will be used should any train sets need to be turned.

To view the gallery, please click here.

A Royal Sunset

Published on 19th December 2025

The Royal Train visited Devon overnight on 19th December 2025.

With King Charles III having boarded the train at Windsor, the Royal Train travelled through the night to pass Taunton at 03:54 in the morning as 1Z49 23:58 Windsor & Eton Riverside. It later stabled on the South Devon Railway spur at Totnes Riverside, ready for the morning engagement at the Britannia Naval College in Dartmouth. After the King had taken breakfast on board the train, it pulled into Totnes mainline station at 10:15 to allow King Charles to alight before being whisked to the Naval College. The Royal Train then moved back to stable on the South Devon Railway before later returning to Totnes mainline station to collect King Charles at 14:13. The two Royal locomotives were turned out in immaculate condition with No.67006 'Royal Soveriegn' leading No.67005 'Kings Messenger' in standard 'top and tail' formation as 1Z53 14:15 Totnes - Kemble, where the King alighted to stay the night at Highgrove.

Highgrove House is the private country retreat of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The King rents Highgrove from the Duchy of Cornwall estate, which is now owned by Prince William.

This could be the last time the Royal Train will be witnessed passing Taunton after it was announced earlier this year that the Royal Train is to be decommissioned in early 2027, a decision made by King Charles III as part of modernizing the monarchy and demonstrating fiscal responsibility, given its high maintenance costs and limited usage, with the Royal Household.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: TimBadgerTrains)

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Rail Head Treatment Class 153

Published on 17th December 2025

RHTT Class 153 No.153317 is a former British Rail Class 153 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), which has been converted by Network Rail for testing as a Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT).

It has been used during the 2025 leaf fall season to assess track adhesion and railhead cleaning equipment. It is often seen undertaking trials on heritage lines, such as the West Somerset Railway and around Exeter. It's a specialized, single-car unit used to find slippy track, helping improve rail adhesion during autumn leaf fall. No.153317 returned from Devon on 17th December 2025, operating as 3Q81 12:00 Exeter St Davids - St Philips Marsh.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Matt Powell)

Stored Wagons Leave Fairwater Yard

Published on 15th December 2025

On another grotty winter's day, Freightliner Class 66/9 No.66953 arrived at Taunton to collect a take of stored concrete sleeper wagons from Fairwater Yard on the 15th December 2025.

No.66953 shunted wagons out of Fairwater Yard using he north end head shunt before forming 4Y90 09:54 Fairwater Yard - Kinksley Sidings. The wagons were being moved in preparation to make space to stable and service GWR Intercity Express Train (IET) sets in Fairwater Yard in early 2026. Planned engineering work for the replacement of a rail bridge at Marsh Mills in Devon will see access to Laira Depot restricted. GWR trains will be stabled in alternative locations over this period to allow overnight stabling to allow trains to continue to operate passenger services during the day.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

43186 'Taunton Castle' - The End

Published on 13th December 2025

The use of GWR ‘Castle’ HST sets finally came to an end in Devon and Cornwall on the 13th December 2025 with the final sets being retired from service.

The use of HST sets ended in Taunton in December 2023, with all sets then transferred for use in Devon and Cornwall only. Two years later, the final four sets have been retired from service after 49 years of service. Only those in Scotland remain to see out the 50th year of passenger service. No.43186 named ‘Taunton Castle’ made it to the end of service with GWR thanks to an overhaul in 2023. The powercar became the last HST powercar to leave Exeter St Davids and the second last to leave Penzance, its final diagram being 2P30 17:15 Penzance to Plymouth, joining a lineup to form three GWR HST sets all having completed their final journeys. Various sets will now be de-branded, moved, and dispersed by GWR/ Romic, leaving their home at Laira Depot.

(Photo: Jeff Treece)

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Saturday Clay Diverson

Published on 13th December 2025

The only booked loco-hauled freight train of the week operating on Saturdays was diverted via Bristol Temple Meads on 13th December 2025 due to engineering work having closed the line between Taunton and Castle Cary.

The diversionary route saw the empty china clay service pass Taunton an hour later than normal. DB cargo Class 66 No. 66051 'Maritime Intermodal Four' (in the brightly coloured Maritime livery), operated 6V76 10:35 Westbury - Goonbarrow Junction with empty JIA wagon in tow, for loading in Cornwall.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Coradias Head West

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

Published on 10th December 2025

Two former Transport for Wales Class 175 units headed west on the 10th December 2025 to become part of the GWR fleet based at Laira Depot for use in Devon and Cornwall.

From the timetable change on the 13th December, the Coradia fleet will slowly begin to enter service, replacing the remaining HST 'Castle' sets. No.175006 and No.175011 were captured passing Taunton in daylight operating as 5V84 10:23 Wolverton - Laira passing the west end of Fairwater Yard.

Colas Rail Freight Return Snow Ploughs

Published on 10th December 2025

Having completed their overhaul at Wolverton Works, two Network Rail drift ploughs were returned to Taunton by rail on the 9th December 2012.

Colas Rail Freight provided two Type 5 Class 56 locomotives for the movement. No. 56302 'PECO The Railway Modeller 2016 40 Years' and No.56113 operating 7Z59 15:11 Wolverton Centre Sidings - Fairwater Yard with snow ploughs ADB965208 and ABD965209 either end. The locomotives arrived late at 11:26, then stabled on the east head shunt for the night. The next morning, the pair of locomotives moved one plough to the east end buffer stop before moving into Fairwater Yard where the locomotives were split, and No.56113 continued to move the second plough to the west end head shunt buffer stop. Later No.56113 then reformed with No. 56302 'PECO The Railway Modeller 2016 40 Years' to depart Taunton as 0Z58 10:04 Taunton - Coleham LMD.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

(Photo: Shaun Mockridge)

(Photo: Paul Wilkins)

Great British Railways

Published on 9th December 2025

In a significant moment for the UK's rail network, the Great British Railways (GBR) branding and livery were officially unveiled on December 9, 2025, coinciding with the debate of the landmark Railways Bill in the House of Commons.

The new look is designed to signal the start of a unified, publicly owned railway, replacing the fragmentation of the past. Included in the branding launch was a look at the new GBR App, which will eventually become a one-stop shop to check train times, request support, and book tickets. Making sure each interaction along the passenger journey is consistent. The GBR logo incorporates the iconic double arrow symbol, originally designed by Gerry Barney for British Rail in 1965. The new branding, designed in-house to maximise value, is expected to start appearing on trains, websites, and stations from Spring 2026.

At the same time as the branding rollout out Hornby Model Railways showcases their official unveiling of a Hornby OO Gauge Class 800 model featuring the bright red, white, and blue design inspired by the Union Flag. The Hornby GBR Class 800 model will be available next year—launching alongside the real trains as they enter service.

(Photo: GBR)

(Photo: Hornby)

57310 Stays For Route Learning

Published on 8th December 2025

The fourth Class 57/3 locomotive from the 2025 RHTT season stayed behind at Faiwater Yard, not returning to Tonbridge with fellow classmates.

No. 57310 'UK Railtours' was used on the 8th December 2025 to operate two return route learning trips from Fairwater Yard to Exeter Riverside Yard (The third run being cancelled). No. 57310 'UK Railtours' is pictured passing Norton Fitzwarren operating 0Z72 13:26 Fairwater Yard - Fairwater Yard via Exeter Riverside.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

GBRf - 2025 RHTT - The End

Published on 8th December 2025

The first season of GBRf operating the Network Rail - Rail Head Treatment Train ended on the 6th December 2025.

Spraying their way back into Taunton for the final time and appropriately adorned with 'THE END' on the leading cab end. No.57303 leads No.57305 operating 3S13 08:46 Westbury - Fairwater Yard via Salisbury.

The GBRf crews have kept the Class 57/3 fleet in remarkable external condition during their time on the 2025 RHTT circuit, with regular washing at Fairwater Yard. After a good wash and scrub, and formed up in number order, No.57303 leads classmates No.57305 and No. 57306 'Branchline Society' away from Fairwater Yard on Monday, 8th December 2025. The three locomotives operating as 3Z56 08:50 Fairwater Yard - Tonbridge West Yard with the filthy RHTT wagons in tow, bringing the 2025 RHTT season to an end.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Adam Hiscock)

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

Taunton - Westbury - Engineeering Work

Published on 8th December 2025

Network Rail will complete essential engineering work over the next seven days, affecting passengers travelling through the Castle Cary area.

Over the course of one week, between Monday 8 and Sunday 14 December, track drainage is being replaced next to Somerton Tunnel to help alleviate the risk of flooding on the line between Castle Cary and Taunton.

Up to 25 people will be working on the line at any one time, installing a new drainage run covering nearly 600 metres of the line. Two engineering trains will be delivering nearly 1,400 tonnes of fresh ballast (track stone) and 800 tonnes of shingle.

Alongside the work, other teams will also be taking advantage of the closure of the line to inspect and test vital signalling components along the track, fine-tuning points and clearing vegetation around junctions and track drainage system to support ongoing inspections and maintenance. Jason Pankhurst, Senior Programme Manager for Network Rail said: “The work we will be carrying out over the seven days involves the installation of a completely new drainage run that will take rain water away from the tracks. This is vital to improve the resilience of the railway in this area and to reduce the risk of flooding. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers during this time and appreciate their patience as we work to ensure a safe and reliable railway for years to come.”

Berrys Coaches Bus X262NNO (Ex Stagecoach East London 17262) is pictured picking up on bus replacement duties in Station Road, having arrived from Castle Cary on the 11th December 2025.

(Photo: Paul Finnimore)

Early Morning Rail Head Treatment Train

Published on 3rd December 2025

GBRf Class 57/3 No.57305 and No. 57310 'UK Railtours' are halted at Taunton in Platform 4 early on 3rd December 2025.

The pair were operating 3S12 23:59 Truro Yard - Westbury with the Network Rail RHTT set. The locos arrived at 05:55 running 46 minutes early, and they were held before shunting back into Fairwater Yard via Platform 2 due to a train fault. The pair later continued to Westbury, departing at 09:06 (144 minutes late). However, having cut out the normal spraying leg to Salisbury and back, they managed to return to Taunton running slightly ahead of schedule.

(Photo: James Berry)

Cornwall Engineering

Published on 3rd December 2025

With the mainline closed west of Truro for track renewals between Truro and Penzance and on the St Ives line, several engineering trains delivering materials to the worksite have passed Taunton during the course of the week.

With a heavy downpour heading eastwards in the background and a rainbow over Fairwater Yard, Freightliner Class 66 locomotives No.66569 and No.66509 head south through Norton Fitzwarren on the 2nd December 2025.

The pair were operating 6F05 14:11 Westbury - Penwithers Junction loaded with fresh ballast for unloading in Cornwall.

DB Cargo Class 66 locomotives No.66130 leads No.66192 in 'top and tail' formation on 3rd December 2025. The locos were operating 6F07 06:47 Truro - Westbury, conveying spent ballast from infrastructure renewals in Cornwall.

(Photo: Phil Izzard)

To view news stories from November 2025 click here, or for news from January 2026, click here.