Norton Fitzwarren
Now and Then images from Norton Fitzwarren
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1984: Monday 28th May 1984 saw another rare Class 40 foray into the South West, L.L.S./ T & N Railtours operated 'The Devonian'. The tour used BR Blue Class 40s No.40057 and No.40135 to haul the 1Z26 06:30 Preston - Paignton. At Exeter the train was split, The Class 40s took fours coaches on to Paignton. The remainder of the train then took in the delights of Meldon Quarry and the Heathfield Branch before ending up back in Paignton. Class 31s No.31259 & No.31180 were used for this leg. Once back in Paignton the train was reformed and the two Class 40s worked the train back to Bristol Temple Meads. At Bristol the Class 40s were removed (as 057 had failed) and No.47199 was utilized for the trip to Crewe, before No.40177 was added for the remaining distance back to Preston. The charter is pictured here passing Taunton Cider at Norton Fitzwarren on the southbound run to Exeter. |
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2021: The first pair of double-headed Class 40s in 37 years to pass Taunton operated on Saturday 30th October 2021. Intercity Excursions operated 'The Devonian Double' using Class 40 locomotives No. 40013 'Andania' (D213) and No.40145 (D345) to haul 1Z40 06:25 Preston - Plymouth. After heavy over night rain, the charter reaching its destination was in doubt for a period after it was halted at Bristol Temple Meads owing to the mainline south having been closed due to flooding at Flax Bourton. The Type 4 locomotives are pictured at passing Norton Fitzwarren with their immaculate rake of Mk3 Intercity stock making history. |