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EWS & DBS (After 01 August 2014)
The Original 66 type to enter the Country in 1998. Of the original 250 in the UK 64 now in France,15 are in Poland and just one has been withdrawn due to crash damage leaving just 170 in use in the UK
EWS-GM 66051 powers '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking to Merehead Quarry empties through Berkley Marsh.
..27 july 2016..
Due to 46100 'The Royal Scot'' failing its 'Fitness to Run' Examination and no other steam traction being available todays 'Torbay Express' was in the hands of an EWS-GM 66093.No doubt the steam fans that paid a minimun of £120 were not very impressed compounded by the insult of a token £15:00 refund per ticket.The current FGW fare for a trip from Bristol-TM to Paignton is just £31 so there is no doubt that these poor passengers were being ripped off! Anyway here is the mediocre '1Z27 08:00 from Bristol-TM via Westbury to Paignton & Kingswear passing Master's Farm Crossing shortly after it departed Westbury on the morning 'down' run.
..24 july 2016..
This is the ECS bringing the stock for tomorrows 'Torbay Express' up from Eastleigh T&RSMD (13:41 away) to Bristol-Temple Meads.I think the report code for this working is '5Z12'.It is seen here at Arn Hill north of Warminster in a spot of weak sunlight.EWS GM 66093 is pictured with the Choc/Cream Mk-1 stock of eleven coaches in total.
..23 july 2016...
One of the advantages of living less than 300yds from Clink Road Junction is I can sit in home and simply watch the 'RealTime -Train Maps' on my PC and when something interesting leaves Westbury coming my way I have plenty of time to intercept it here at Clink.All very pleasant when the sun is shining and very convenient! So here is '6C50' the local Westbury 16:30 off to Whatley Quarry 'tripper' with a 1/2 cleaned 66184 leading a set of empty boxes.Interestingly it just shows how much more bright these locomotives can be if they were given a decent overall clean occasionally!
..22 july 2016..
The 10:37 from Whatley Quarry to Churchyard Sdgs-Tarmac '6M20' was delayed today by nearly 3 hours due to a problem on the branch leading to the Quarry.When it did eventually get away it was of course somewhat backlit by the time it got here at Masters Crossing on the approach to Fairwood Junction nr Westbury.66087 was leading the usual motley collection of ex-Peak Forest bogie hoppers.
..22 july 2016..
With a brief puff of exhaust fumes as the driver notches up a level 66140 lifts a fairly substantial '6O41' up through Dilton Marsh going to Eastleigh East Yard from Westbury (10:14 away).
..19 july 2016..
The palindromic Shed 66066 was todays weapon of choice on '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury Engineers.Here passing Norton Bavant against a backdrop of a 'simpson' sky.Something I havn't seen much of lately!
..18 july 2016..
The late running '6W01' from Maindee East Junction to Westbury Up-TC approaches journey's end with 66095 leading.An unseen 66035 being on the rear.This long 'tele' shot was dictated by the fast moving shadows that were only just out of shot when the shutter was pressed!
..17 july 2016..
Masters Farm Crossing just west of Fairwood Junction nr Westbury see's the passing of DB-66098 with its set of empty boxes going to Whatley Quarry from Westbury Down-TC.This short distance local 'tripper' runs as the 15:03 off with a '7F16' report code.
..14 july 2016..
Using the regular scratch rake of DBC owned aggregate hoppers EWS liveried 66151 rattles the pointwork at Fairwood Junction working '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley Quarry bound for Churchyard Sdg's (Tarmac) in London.A pretty good mix of various types of bogie hoppers on this train but nowhere near as appealing as the older ex-RMC orange rust-buckets that were used on this duty for many years but sadly not anymore.
..14 july 2016..
Final shot of the evening in the still stunning light here at Berkley Marsh even though it was now nearly 20:00 was this odd-ball working.Running as an STP it was '6Z42' a working off of Acton-TC at 16:55 going to Merehead.Loco was a DB branded 66098 looking particularly red in the bright sunlight! Note the long long shadows cast by the railheads,this giving an indication of just how low in the sky the sun was when this appeared..Nice timing though as seconds later it was masked by cloud for the rest of the evening.
..13 july 2016..
This is the STP working bringing the empty stock up from Eastleigh-Trsmd to Bristol-TM in readiness for tomorrows booked 'steam' from there down to Kingswear being hauled by 46100.This working being '5Z12' with EWS-66067 doing the work.So finally after 90 minutes of waiting around and a 1.5 mile + walk to this location the shot was in the bag!
..02 july 2016..
'4E66' the 10:22 from Margam-TC to Tee's-NY provided the now quite rare sight of a long rake of EWS coal-hoppers on the move on a mainline.This set of empties were being returned to the North-East after bringing down a load of coke for Port-Talbot I believe. EWS-66016 was doing to job and it is viewed passing Badgeworth between Gloucester and Cheltenham in a patch of all too brief weak sunlight.
..02 july 2016..
DB's GM-66197 did '6V18' today the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry.Only one portion of just 18 bogies so just within the capabilities of even one of these! Viewed at Clink Road Junction in Frome------Well it is just 150 yards from my front door!
..27 june 2016..
After quite a long time as resident 'super-shunter' at Westbury 60007 finally departed for the north via Eastleigh today on '0O41' being dragged away by 66137.Later on it was noted going north via Oxford-Hinksey Yard so it's bye-bye from him! Here the mini-convoy with 66137 and 60007 is passing Norton-Bavant in the Wylye Valley passing by in the seemingly perpetual dullness that is currently the english summer!
..23 june 2016..
GM-66169 creeps away from Clink Road-Junction wqith '6A26' the 10:37 away from Whatley Quarry today going to Hayes & Harlington with yet more aggregates.Seen passing a section of line where some lineside tree cutting appears to be well overdue!
..22 june 2016..
'6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh-East Yd to Westbury passes Norton Bavant in the Wylye Valley.EWS-GM 66137 leads a small cluster of vintage 'Seacows' still happily earning their keep along with a couple of sets on NR-Side Tippers.
..21 june 2016..
I had held out a vague hope that this might have been Tug-60100 that was noted at Whatley-Quarry this morning but no! a good old Schenker-GM as usual turned up.At least the sun was out! So here is 66207 lumbering up through Berkley-Marsh with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry heading for Churchyard Sidings-Tarmac.The usual mix of DB owned hoppers of various types.
..06 june 2016..
66003 c/w just one 'HTA' coal hopper and then a full set of boxes passes Berkley Marsh with '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking heading for Merehead. Lovely light this evening so these regular stone empties going 'Home' were just to good to miss!
..03 june 2016..
The first Production GM-66 66003 (66001/2 were actually pre-production prototype's) still in its launch livery powers past Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '7C76' the 17:50 from Royal Wootton Bassett to Merehead.
..02 june 2016..
Still wearing its EWS-colours GM dogsbody 66075 runs towards Clink nr Frome past the still quite flowery hawthorn bushes at this location.The train of empty boxes being '7V07' the M/ThO 12:41 Chichester to Merehead.
..02 june 2016..
66130 lifts '6O41' the 10:14 from Westbury to Eastleigh East Yard past Arn Hill .Load being eight of the newly rebuilt and renamed 'MXA-s' or Lobsters as they are known. Being repainted in Schenker-Red these rebuilds from 'BDA-s' are hard to miss.Apparantly they still carry their 1980 original wagon works plates from when they were built in Shildon!
..31 may 2016..
This is an 'STP' working from Hoo-Junction (Departed at 03:04) to Whatley Quarry running as '6Z19' bringing a nice surprise along with it in the shape of 29 'PGA-s'.Seen at Clink nr Frome.This type of 4-wheeler aggregate wagon was so common around here over 30 years ago in the 1980's.Surely this must be the only rake still in regular service ? The Loco that brought this vintage trainset in was 66003 which was ironically the first production GM-66 to reach these shores many years ago.The expected 'STP' return duty for this set to Hothfield was cancelled so as of this evening these wagons were still at Whatley.
..31 may 2016..
66162 brings the local trip working '6C50' from Westbury Down-TC to Whatley Quarry through the section on the approach to Clink Road Junction.The hawthorn/mayflower bushes are now in full bloom giving the scene an almost christmas/frosty look to the photograph.
..24 may 2016..
EWS-66207 is seen approaching Clink Road-Junction in Frome with '6C48' the 13:30 away from Appleford heading for Whatley Quarry.
..24 may 2016..
EWS-66051 grinds away from Clink-Junction in Frome at Berkley-Marsh with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry heading for St-Pancras,Churchyard Sdgs.Quite a mixture of non Mendip-Rail bogie hoppers on this duty as usual,today even a couple of ex-RMC orange rust-buckets as well although due to the bush/shrub growth here now are well obscured towards the rear of the load.
..19 may 2016..
'6Z47' the 08:49 from Wembley Euro Frgt Ops to Cardiff Docks (Ryans-FW) passes through Sonning Cutting.GM-66024 being in charge of its set of ex-NP bogie hoppers most of which are now sporting a coat of Schenker-red livery.There are a few in the middle of the set still in the old NP-blue colours.
..05 may 2016..
EWS-66131 powers through Twyford with '6L35' the empty car-carriers from Didcot (08:08 off) to Dagenham Dock.
..05 may 2016..
GM-66172 today handled '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington to Whatley-Quarry.Here it is approaching Clink Road-Junction past the flowering Blackthorn (Prunus-spinosa) bushes that grow so prolifically along this stretch of line.
..04 may 2016..
Todays '6O41' from Westbury (10:14 off) going to Eastleigh-East Yard was the domain of 66075.Its mixed load this morning comprised of a quite large Crane-Unit plus a mixed bags of loaded spoil boxes and a Salmon bogie-flat.Seen passing under the A303 trunk road at Wylye in the Valley named after this village.
..21 april 2016..
This is a local trip working '6C50' that doesn't even show in the Freightmaster Timetables! Nominally the 17:22 off Westbury to either Whatley or Merehead (Today it was Whatley). It actually ran over an hour early but that is nothing unusual. 66037 is seen at Clink with its set of empty-boxes about to take the branch down to Whatley.
..20 april 2016..
The 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley-Quarry appeared pretty much bang on time at Clink nr Frome with 66177 at the helm.This particular GM enjoys the nickname of 'Snowy' due to the white cab roofs at each end.Apparantly this was a trial applied several years ago to try to reduce cab temperatures during hot times of the year.No idea if it was deemed a success but no other EWS-66 was ever treated the same way!
..20 april 2016..
DB-Cargo owned but EWS liveried 66061 cruises past the long closed Cement-Works between Westbury and Bratton.The working today being '6A26' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry going to Hayes & Harlington Tarmac Sidings.The usual mish-mash of wagon styles and liveries as always on this working.
..20 april 2016..
This working only operates on a Wednesday and is the only time these old 'rust-bucket' ex-RMC bogie-hoppers now make an appearance through Frome going to the local Whatley-Quarry.It is '6V33' the 07:15 from Wembley Euro Freight Operations Centre going to Whatley.A very red looking EWS 66200 being in charge here as it passes Clink on the approach to the Junction there. This engine used to be named 'Railway Heritage Committee' but lost its name at the end of August 2015 for some reason ?????
..20 april 2016..
'6V41' in the later 15:54 from Eastleigh-East Yard to Westbury slot runs down the Upton-Scudamore Incline at Old-Dilton with 66106 being in charge.Load consisting of a small crane and a long string on 4-wheelers.The brakes were hard on as it passed and the air was full of a light burning smell.
..14 april 2016..
EWS-66005 rolls slowly past Fairwood Foot-Crossing with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings (Tarmac) at St Pancras in London.Worthy of note is the fact that this loco 66005 was one of the first 'trio' of production GM's to enter the country after prototype 66001 way back in August-1998 nearly 18 years ago.Today it still has the same paint style but various minor modifications and about a million miles(estimated) later it is still going strong !
..14 april 2014..
EWS-66059 is working '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh-East Yard to Westbury Down-TC.Its load comprised of a loaded Continuous Welded Rail Train.Apparantly 'Skip' 67028 was supposed to be tucked 'inside' as well which was the attraction but obviously it had been left behind! Viewed passing Arn-Hill nr Warminster at the northern end of the Wylye-Valley.
..12 april 2016..
66150 still in its EWS style livery drags the empty boxes of '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley-Quarry out through Fairwood on the approach to the junction there.
..06 april 2016..
66055 drags its set of IIA's/HOA's in various liveries through Westbury working '6A26' the 10:37 from Whatley to Hayes & Harlington. Note the loco is adorned with a 'Margam Sheep' Decal.Also that it is one of the small batch of EWS-66's fitted with an auxiliary spot/headlight for use in the dark whilst coupling up to Trains that need banking up the Lickey Incline nr Bromsgrove in the Midlands.Not that that happen too often these days with railfreight traffic in all sectors except possibly Aggregates in rather steep decline!
..30 march 2016..
EWS-66012 cruises past Bratton just east of the now redundant Westbury Cement Works with '6M20' which today although it departed from Whatley-Quarry at 08:30 instead of the usual 09:37 still passed here in the later path time-slot on the B&H.Destination is of coarse Churchyard Sidings-Tarmac at St- Pancras in London.
..29 march 2016..
The 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley-Quarry trundles past Dunch Lane in Melksham just as the weak sun is breaking through in readiness the pair of Class-37's running about 15 minutes behind it (That had a happy ending anyway!).The loco carries a very small hand painted name/dedication to Robert K Romack the Class-66 Project Engineer who passed away during the final assembly of this loco '66250' which was of coarse the last member of the class purchased by EWS.
..23 march 2016..
66107 heads '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford past Berkley Marsh slowing for Clink Road Junction prior to going down thee branch to Whatley Quarry.This working was barely 5 minutes behind '6C28' also heading for Whatley.Amazingly another 2 freights followed it within 20 minutes.It certainly was 'Rush Hour' on that short single line branch from Frome!
..17 march 2016..
This working earlier came up from Exeter to Westbury as '6C28'.After reversing the loco 60039 was supposed to carry on down to Whatley Quarry with it.However as can be seen 66167 replaced it.This is so typical,yesterday in full dull 60039 operated this leg as well.Oh-Well! So here is 66167 slowing for Clink-Junction at Berkley Marsh on the empties from Exeter-Riverside -'6C28' heading down the single line from Frome to Whatley-Q.
..17 march 2016..
Having pictured this freight already at Berkley Marsh about 60 minutes earlier and knowing it always follows the 11:05 HST departure from Westbury it was quite an easy drive to here at Great Cheverell for a 2nd shot of this working.The added incentive of coarse being the completely cloudless skies today guaranteeing a sunny picture.So here again is 66079 with '6M20' to St Pancras from Whatley Quarry leaning through the curve at Great Cheverell.
..17 march 2016..
EWS-66079 whines up through Berkley-Marsh nr Frome with the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry going to Churchyard-Sidings/St Pancras '6M20'.This working now uses mainly 'HOA' type wagons these days having replaced the older 'rust-bucket' RMC's that were once regular on this working.Schenker have actually managed to repaint the lead wagon in this set with the latest (Now 6 years old) livery.
..17 march 2016..
Now this is my first opportunity to picture this seemingly new working '6V33' from Wembley Euro Freight Ops Centre (07:15 off) to Whatley Quarry.EWS branded 66024 was hauling a couple of Schenker-Red HOA's and a nice string of ex-RMC hoppers that used to be a regular out of Whatley on '6M20' to St-Pancras a year or so ago-Welcome back! I managed this picture by the skin of my teeth as I was on my way to Bristol but spotted this here at Clink running over 35 minutes earlier than booked so managed an quick emergency stop on the bridge leaving the door open and the motor running having about 2 seconds to compose the shot!
..16 march 2016..
Although 'DB-Schenker' or as they wish to be known now 'DB-Cargo' havn't found time to de-decal 66046 of its EWS markings it has managed to fit it with new style light clusters utilizing LED's.These are quite large units compared with what went before and I presume the 'taillight' aspect is incorporated into the single units.As it approached all three headlights were illuminated and to say they were quite dazzling would be an understatement! Oh-well that is progress I suppose? Anyway the train was '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh-East Yard to Westbury conveying scrap track panels.The working is seen passing under the A350 nr Upton-Scudamore.
..14 march 2016..
This is now an occasional working that departs Whatley-Quarry at 09:22. EWS GM-66047 rumbles into Westbury at Fairwood with its train of loaded Hanson-Hoppers working as '6A74'..It destination being Theale.
..11 march 2016..
This is an unusual sight! For some reason this rake of 29 fully loaded PGA's ended up at Westbury overnight after coming down the B&H apparantly from Brentford ?.They are being worked to Eastleigh Aggregate Sidings from Westbury as the 15:19 off of there as '6O40'. RTT being the give-away with a top speed for this working of just 45mph! Just like the old days. Loco is DB stickered 66134 and it went to Eastleigh via Chandlers Ford.Location here is Sherrington on the reverse curves in the Wylye-Valley.Regretfully no sunlight Grrrrrrrrr.
..10 march 2016..
EWS-GM 66087 emits a fairly dark cough of clag as it powers up to cross over at Clink Road-Junction going to Whatley-Quarry with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC. Interestingly from the beginning of this month D B Schenker Rail announced that their Freight business in the UK will be known from now on as DB-Cargo. It looks like another rash of hurriedly applied Decals is in the offing.This loco never even made it to Schenker 'DB' branding!
..07 march 2016..
EWS-66169 drops down the gradient on the approach to the now long removed Wye Valley-Junction north of Chepstow.It is hauling '6V05' the 10:16 from Round-Oak going to Margam.
..29 february 2016..
'6V05' the 09:16 from Round Oak going to Margam with its train of empty Steel Hood Carriers runs down the slow-line at Magor.No reason to hurry as it was already 45 minutes ahead of booked time. EWS-66204 was doing the duty today.
..23 february 2016..
'6V47' (Thurs-O) the 10:26 from Tilbury I.R.F.T to Trostre-Works passes Wapley with its load of empty ferry-vans as used on this duty for carrying steel products.GM-66161 was doing the duty today.
..18 february 2016..
The 11:41 from Acton to Moreton-on-Lugg (Tarmac) '6Z36' empties powers through Wapley is rising sunlight after a fairly long spell of cloudiness.The locomotive,a DB stickered example 66017 was pretty grubby with plenty of splatter around its leading cab-end.
18 february 2016..
EWS-66047 heads '6Z47' the 08:49 from Wembley Euro Freight Ops Centre to Cardiff Docks (Ryans-FW) over the bridge that spans the remains of the old Midland route to Bristol from the north,now used solely as a short branch to Westerleigh Oil Terminal.Wagons on this duty are Schenker-Red repaints of National-Power coal hoppers,indeed the fourth wagon still wears that nice blue/grey livery.Its a pity that the Class 59/2's that used to haul these wagons all those years ago are not still in that colour scheme!
..18 february 2016..
The 10:10 from Acton to Moreton-on-Lugg (Tarmac)'6B35' (MO) climbs up through Ponthir with its set of stone empties as the shadows lengthen and the light starts to turn more golden.DB decaled 66023 being todays allocated motive power.
..15 february 2016..
Todays '6V75' the 09:30 from Dee-Marsh to Margam empty-steel comprising mainly of SNCF-type SWB Canvas Hoods drops down through Ponthir with 66004 still in original EWS-colours in charge.Can it really be nearly 18 years since this loco along with 66003 and 66005 were the first batch of production GM-66's to land in this country and appear at the Toton Open Day on 30 August 1998! The short answer is Yes!
..15 february 2016..
Final shot of the day after a surprisingly pleasant,mild and sunny day here at and around Pilning was '6V47' the 10:26 from Tilbury going all the way to Trostre over in West-Wales.The load being empty Ferryvans and several versions of Steel Hoods.Traction today was 66031 which is now devoid of any EWS markings,simply now wearing DB stickers.
..11 february 2016..
66154 rolls slowly up the loop at Pilning with '6B35' for a short recess with the 11:41 from Acton going to Moreton on Lugg-Tarmac depot.A fairly acceptable picture albeit not on the sunside! It does however show just how long the shadows are here even at 15:00 in the afternoon! The bogie-hoppers on this working are some of the ex-National Power versions that are still in the blue/cream livery that they and the Class 59/2's were delivered in quite a few years ago.Picture taken off the footbridge here at Pilning which has probably got just a few months to go before it is demolished along with the entire station here.
..11 february 2016..
An incredibly shabby EWS 66035 powers through Acton Turville in thin sunshine with '6V47' the 09:30 from Tilbury going to Trostre in West-Wales.A fairly short train but a nice mix of swb-SNCF canvas-tops and ferryvans.
..28 january 2016..
No Class-60 today! Here is GM 66110 with '6V75' the 09:30 from Dee-Marsh going to Margam empty steel train.Viewed passing down through Ponthir north of Newport. Earlier this week Tata-Steel announced 750 redundancies at the Port-Talbot Steelworks.Things do not look very promising for steel production in Wales or indeed the whole of the UK.It seems like the Steel Industry is set to go the same way as Coal did unless trade picks up dramatically.A worrying time ahead?
..19 january 2016..
Here is the fairly smart looking EWS-66061 with a nominally matching set of 'HTA' coal hoppers passing through Undy with '4O11' the 12:30 from Avonmouth going to Onllwyn Washery which is west of Swansea in S-Wales.Like the Freightliner service viewed an hour or so earlier these 'coal' workings are becoming increasingly rare now on UK's railways.Pictured rather luckily running down the 'main' here.As can be seen, the usual track for this type of working is the 'slow' and that was still in heavy shadow and would have been a much poorer shot/composition!
..19 january 2016..
Whoever cleaned this loco 66174 last literally only did 1/2 a job! Here it is departing Swindon-East Loop with the regular Hayes and Harlington (10:46 off) to Moreton-on-Lugg (Tarmac) aggregate working '6B35'.
..15 january 2016..
66174 with '6B35' the 10:46 from Hayes and Harlington to Moreton-on-Lugg waits 'time' in Swindon East Loop (note the driver happily reading his paper with his feet on the console!). Over in the 'Up' siding stands 66040 which brought in the regular Llanwern to Swindon steel train earlier and is also waiting 'time' until its booked return departure.
..15 january 2016..
Over this weekend the line east of Westbury was closed for engineering works in the Berkley Marsh area.The 'Up' line c/w all the ballast was being replaced after all the ditches along here had been cleaned out and new drains laid to try and combat water-logged track.Here is a 'Schenker' operated train loaded with fresh ballast and sleepers in the section nr Clink.From about where the digger is and for a further 400yds all the track was being replaced. In the section is 66127 waiting time until it needs to move a bit further east.It originally arrived on site as '6W27' from Westbury via Taunton and C-Cary.
..10 january 2016.
EWS pair of GM's 66129 and 66004 glide through Norton Bavant with an unfortunate '0O41' the 10:14 from Westbury to Eastleigh.Typically on the first day without any cloud cover whatsoever for weeks and weeks this working failed to produce any load.Sod's Law due I suppose to the closeness to the Xmas break!
..23 december 2015..
Incredibly grubby 66067 which until this weekend was employed solidly on the St Blazey based RHTT duty passes Wylye with '6O41' the 10:14 engineers from Westbury going to Eastleigh.Todays load being spent ballast in various liveried JNA's.The cab-end leading here was obviously the inner one whilst on that 2-month long RHTT duty and a quick couple of sweeps of the windscreen wipers was deemed sufficient to allow it to run grubby-end first.No doubt whilst at Eastleigh somebody will give it at least a clean pair of screens!
..09 december 2015..
EWS-66107 is still looking a trifle grubby after a short period on RHTT duties which now seem to have finished for 2015.Anyway here it is with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry going up to Churchyard Sidings (Tarmac) at St Pancras. No old orange RMC's now on this duty,just a regular rake of EWS-HOA's.Working seen dodging the winter shadows at Great Cheverell on the B&H.
..04 december 2015..
Schenker-Red GM-66101 passes the cleared tracksides here due to the recently removed hedgerows in an attempt to clean out the drainage gulleys at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.Todays 10:37 away from Whatley-Quarry was going to Hayes-Tarmac and so was reporting as '6A26'.
..02 december 2015..
The view looking towards Westbury from Berkley Marsh has been changed considerably due to some pretty serious drainage work aimed at reducing problems with waterlogged track in this location.The local RHTT 'Water-Cannon' is seen passing on the Westbury to St-Blazey final-leg of todays duty '3J13'.A pretty fitlhy pairing of 66061 and 66067 sandwich an equally grubby set of nominally Blue RHTT-kit.Roll on next spring when lighter evenings will open up several new interesting camera angles that havn't been available for decades!
..25 november 2015..
DB-stickered 66117 moves through Berkley Marsh with '6A26' the 10:37 from Whatley going to Hayes & Harlington.Note the extensive remedial work going on here to improve the drainage thus preventing the 'pumps' that cause no end of problems with the permanant-way at this location.In the field adjacent to the ongoing works are a Dumper and a 'long-reach' Bucket Machine to aid drainage clearance. Regretfuly both were damaged overnight by some local 'Single-Helix Nothings' that infest these lanes perpertually.If they are not trying to steal things they are usually dumping waste.
..25 november 2015..
'Heritage-EWS' liveried GM-66129 swings through the reverse curves at Sherrington in the Wylye-Valley with '6O41' the 10:14 engineers working from Westbury -Down Yard going to Eastleigh-East Yard.Unforecast sunny conditions forced me out down the Wylye-Valley for a spot of traction-action and this was it!
..23 november 2015..
I do not quite know how I managed it but this is a fairly satisfactory shot of a moving train (Albeit at less that 10mph) in total darkness using a handheld camera! Exposure was 20th/sec at F5 using 3200asa utilizing 'Neat Image' as well to reduce the grain.Its just a pity I havn't a clue what the working was.Nothing on RTT or even a hint in Freighmaster.The old rust-bucket RMC's are a bit of a clue however I understand it is possibly heading for Hither-Green.The loco is 66070 and the working is seen rolling through platform-2 at Westbury at 19:35 in the evening.
..13 november 2015..
Here is one that dragged me out despite the dire lighting again today.It is an 'STP' working from Westbury-Down Yard going to Margam Knuckle Yard in S-Wales.The fact that a L/E ran earlier from Margam to Westbury as '0W05' was a bit of a givaway that it was actually going to operate.So here is DB-66039 with a solitary MHA and a long set of 'side-tippers' rounding the curve on the approach to the soon to be closed Glasses-Crossing at Bathampton with '6W05' the 13:50 from Westbury to Margam.In the background can be glimpsed 'Brown's Folly' overlooking the Limpley Stoke Valley.Years ago it was very prominant but these days tree growth has all but obscured it,particularly in the summer months.
..12 november 2015..
Todays convoy from Margam (11:06 off) to Westbury/Eastleigh had to take a bit of a detour via Gloucester due I presume to the Severn-Tunnel being closed for engineering work.Here is '0O12' arriving at Westbury,today consisting of just 5 loco's. Schenker-Red 66185 with 66132/66114/66039 and 66154 in tow.The rear pair continued on to Eastleigh after a short halt here to remove the first three.
..31 october 2015..
About 45 minutes after it had passed going towards Portbury '3S69' made another appearance heading back towards Barton Hill and duties end for the day just 10 minutes away.Now 66170 was leading with 66119 on the back,although you wouldn't know it because of the filthyness of the entire train.Note that it is actually 'jetting' this section due to the incline here towards Bedminster.
..28 october 2015..
The 21:17 from the previous evening RHTT departure from Bristol-Barton Hill '3S69' eventually reaches this location on its long long duty which includes virtually all of S-Wales and most of the local lines radiating from Bristol.Here seen at Malago-Vale it is about to turn off at Parson Street and 'jet' the Portbury Line. The filthy pair are 66119 leading with 66170 on the back.
..28 october 2015..
This is one final shot recorded at Pilning on the English side of the Severn-Tunnel.Apparantly it is to be closed as from tomorrow (24 october 2015) and the remaining Parliamentary Train service of just one each way on a saturday is to be withdrawn although there are no formal notices posted anywhere in the station area.The footbridge is obviously going to be removed very quickly to allow the bungled electrification to pass through here and on into Cardiff.Lets say 2020 given the current state of snail like progress elsewhere! So there goes yet another landmark location photographically in the name of preceived progress.The working '3S69' seen is the overnight RHTT service that departs Bristol-Barton Hill at 21:07 the previous evening and finishes its duty there at 13:19 the next day.Its route comprises virtually all of S-Wales and quite a few of the lines radiating from Bristol as well.Locomotives in use on this T-n-T lash-up were 66119 and 66170.
..23 october 2015..
The local RHTT working '3J13' passes Strap Lane nr Upton-Noble on the homeward leg from Westbury (08:45 off) to St-Blazey via Salisbury.The booked pairing 66138 with 66061 are already throughly plastered in grime from just a couple weeks of railhead jetting.
..22 october 2015..
Still wearing full EWS colours 66027 runs up past an autumnal Dilton Marsh with the 10:14 off Westbury Yard heading for Eastleigh with the morning Engineers '6O41'.Railtrack side-tippers being todays loading.
..20 october 2015..
Shed-Power today on '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC heading for Whatley Quarry.EWS-66194 on its first day back from storage out of the WQAA-pool at Toton to the WBAT-pool is seen approaching Woodborough.This was another west-bound empty stone train that did not need to pull over into the loops situated there.
..28 september 2015..
66021 was looking very EWS-Red as it passes Osney Lane footbridge south of Oxford station working ''4O52' the 09:31 from Wakefield-Europort going to Southampton Western Docks Berth-109.
..26 september 2015..
Here is the long-long 'Blue Sausage' carrying brand new BMW-Mini's from Oxford-Cowley down to Southampton-East Docks for export.This regular working '4O40' departs Cowley at 10:11.Old-school EWS loco 66160 doing the business as it creeps past the vastly over-engineered supports in South Moreton Cutting east of Didcot for the upcoming 'waste of time' Errrrrrrrrr I mean electrification!
..26 september 2015..
One of Schenker's more recent repaints 66114 passes through Oxford as seen from the Osney Lane footbridge.The train is '4O43' the 06:31' from Birch Coppice-Exch Sidings going to Eastleigh East Yard.The once extensive railway land on the right now given over to the large park-n-ride car park.
..26 september 2015..
EWS branded 66136 takes a set of Hanson-Hoppers down to Whatley Quarry from Royal Wootton Bassett (11:10 off).Apparantly this is listed as '7C67' so is a new working on me! Seen coming away from Westbury at Fairwood Junction.
..25 september 2015..
Regretfully 'Colas' seemed to have baled out of their Tilbury-Riverside to Llanwern steel contract and traction appears to have reverted back to D B-Schenker GM-66's.Here is the now mundane '6V62' approaching Pilning heading into the Severn Tunnel non-stop for a change with 66089 up front.Strangely this working changed identities several times on RTT until it eventually settled on a destination of Margam instead of Llanwern.The actual Tilbury train was nominally cancelled 'throughout' at Swindon and it became a working that originated from Dollands-Moor..Weird???????
..19 september 2015..
DB stickered 66002 powers past Newport-ADJ with '6V75' the 09:30 from Dee-Marsh going to Margam-TC.It has to be said that the amount of freight about in S-Wales now on a saturday is almost negligible.In the 7 hours we spent here today we saw just 4 freight movements.A pretty sad state of affairs!
..19 september 2015..
66147 crosses over from the 'slow' to the 'fast' at Long Dyke Junction on the approach to Cardiff Central.to gain a path through the currently heavily congested Central Station.This train '6H26' the 13:30 from Llanwern returning to Margam looks surprisingly large considering Llanwern was largely put into mothballs due to a severe downturn in business in the UK steel industry owned by TA-TA very recently.
..19 september 2015..
This is the regular saturday '0Z12' working from Margam going (today) to Westbury to supply the power for weekend engineering trains that start from there. Just five loco's today,all EWS branded GM-66's,66140 was leading dragging 66125/66077/66023 and lastly 66142.This lash-up is seem passing the yards at Pengham just a couple of miles east of Cardiff-Central.
..19 september 2015..
The Margam to Llanwern 'tripper' reporting as '6H25' passes Pengham in the eastern outskirts of Cardiff with 66147 in charge.The load today being just steel coils.Note the lines going off to the left here that go to Tidal Sidings and the Docks.It appears that just one track is now in use probably due to the severely reduced number of workings that now use this branch.
..19 september 2015..
Now that this summers (What summer?) weekend steam excursions out of Bristol-TM down to the west are over for another year the coaching stock today was returned from Bristol-Barton Hill to Eastleigh T.R.S.M.D as '5Z66'.This left Bristol at 11:18 with 66050 'EWS Energy' hauling a total of 14 Mk-1 coaches all in WR Chocolate-n-Cream colours.It is seen in rather dull conditions climbing Upton-Scudamore Incline shortly after it had passed through Westbury non-stop.
..14 september 2015..
With HST-service '1A78' now well on its way towards London '6M20' with 66172 in charge can now proceed on up the B&H towards London itself.Here the train passes Bratton old station yard now firmly in industrial use with the line still shielded rather pleasingly from tresspass by a simple but effective post-n-wire fence erected in the previous century.
..10 september 2015..
'Paul Mellaney' 66172 eases '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings-St Pancras through Fairwood on the approach to Westbury.
..10 september 2015..
If all else fails the old standby of Clink Road Junction (About 200 yds from my front door) make a useful final shot to a days activity.So here is GM-66142 working a lightly loaded '6V18'.
..07 september 2015..
DB-Stickered 66172 brings '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry through Berkley Marsh nr Frome bound for Churchyard Sidings at St-Pancras-London. The usual mix of DB owned hoppers from various sources in various liveries.
..07 september 2015..
This is 66152 'Derek Holmes Railway Operator' which was in fact the first Ex-EWS GM to get a Schenker-Red make-over (Amazingly over 5-years ago) Here it is still looking quite smart working '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh East Yard heading for Westbury.The load being eleven 'MFA' type 4-wheelers full of scrap concrete sleepers bound for the Westbury Track Recycling Depot.Location is Arn-Hill nr Warminster.
..01 september 2015..
EWS-66050 which carries the nameplate-'EWS Energy' runs round the bend on the approach to Eastleigh Station at Campbell Road with '6M48' the slightly late running 09:26 off Southampton-Eastern Docks going to Halewood-Jaguar with its rake of empty car-carriers.
..22 august 2015..
66200 c/w faded EWS decals and numbers passes Fairwood nr Westbury with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry going to St-Pancras Churchyard Sidings..The usual mix of various bogie-hoppers including a couple now in Schenker-Red livery.As this loco passed I noticed that its small but distinctive nameplate 'Railway Heritage Committee' has been removed and the scag roughly painted over.To see this nameplate still in position click HERE
..17 august 2015..
DB-Stickered 66124 slowly climbs the Upton-Scudamore Incline on the approach to Dilton-Marsh Halt on '6O41' the 10:14 from Westbury heading for Eastleigh-East Yard.Interestingly according to RTT as it passed this spot it was listed as not even Activated or Running.Although 10 minutes later it had been updated.It just goes to show sometimes you can never be sure of that system's accuracy ??????
..17 august 2015..
Former EWS GM 66/0 (type-A) 66002 which is one of the only pair of 66'0's not fitted with buckeye couplings,the other one being 66001 hauls '6B33' the 11:25 from Theale to Margam which is usually a solid-60 duty through Hullavington.This always runs rather early on Saturdays,today was no exception passing this location fully an hour before its booked slot.
..15 august 2015..
DB's 66109 is seen returning to Westbury from Eastleigh East Yard as '6V41' the 14:47 off.The load being sand/ballast in side-tippers and a few track panels on bogie-bolsters.Location is Mount Pleasant in Southampon.
..07 august 2015..
EWS-66113 with '4O43' its well loaded Inter-Model from Birch-Coppice (06:43 off) to Southampton Western Docks-Berth-109 passes Southampton Central Station.
..07 august 2015..
Still decaled as EWS,66012 brings '6B44' the 12:07 from Southampton Western Docks-Berth-109 to Eastleigh East Yard through the Central Station area in Southampton.No traffic today just a long rake of empty container-flats.
..07 august 2015..
66109 swings through Wylye with the 10:14 Engineers from Westbury going to Eastleigh East Yard.Note the discarded track panel just dumped and forgotten about in the background.
..07 august 2015..
The 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry '6V18' passes Great Cheverell on the B&H just catching the fleeting sunshine.No Class-59 today just a lowly GM-66107 with a short set of Hanson-Hoppers.
..03 august 2015..
'4O76' the 16:36 from Burton-on-Trant West yard (Maurice H) to Southampton Western Docks look very well loaded as it passes Catholme with 66130 in charge.
..31 july 2015..
Todays '6X01' ran from Doncaster-Up Decoy Yard (10:07 off) instead of from Scunthorpe. Destination was still Eastleigh of coarse.Here it is seen restarting after a brief halt in Elford Loop with it load of new Continuous Rails worming their way out behind 66197 back onto the mainline.
..31 july 2015..
Typically this is the first time for weeks that this working has failed to produce a Class-60! Anyway it is what it is.66099 gets away from Elford Loop after a prolonged booked stop there of about 40 minutes.This Tank-Train is '6M57' the 07:15 away from Lindsay-ORF going to Kingsbury.
..31 july 2015..
This Inter-Model starts from Felixstowe-South EWS and goes only as far a Burton-on-Trent.Its destination is known as Burton-on-Trent West Yard Maurice H.Report code is 4M07'.Pictured at a very sunny Old Linslade at 08:30 in the morning.
..31 july 2015..
Looking very Red EWS-66200 hauls its CWR-train past Upton-Scudamore on '6V41'.Unusually it was booked to depart Eastleigh at 14:07 instead of it normal time about an hour later.However it left nearly 55minutes late so past this position as usual at around 16:25.
..22 july 2015..
DB-Stickered 66043 drags its load of mainly SWB-SNCF-type steel hoods through Duffryn working as '6V05' the 10:16 from Round-Oak heading for Margam.
..17 july 2017..
EWS 66074 with its DB-stickered buddy 66182 round the curve at Mount Pleasant in Southampton with '6V41' the 14:47 Engineers from Eastleigh East Yard to Westbury.Nothing too dramatic about the consist,it was mainly empty 'JNA-s'.
..30 june 2015..
Midday in June is not really the best time for photography but the sight of a totally clear blue sky makes a pleasant change from the usual clouds and shadows! This is 66074 dragging it's misc rake of odds-n-sods through Millbrook on '6O41' the 10:14 from Westbury to Eastleigh East Yard.Regretfully the prime spot for this working,an old footbridge at the other end of Millbrook Freightliner Yard has now been closed due to (It is being claimed) as now unsafe....More like a a weak excuse to have it demolished since it is now a bridge to nowhere due to security fencing closing off the exit into the docks the other side of the line.
..30 june 2015..
DB Stickered 66090 was in charge of todays '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh East yard to Westbury Engineers working.It is viewed passing under the A350 main road at Arn Hill nr Warminster.The use of a 9ft extending ladder and a handy electricity pole enabled me to get this shot from a vantage point for the camera lens of about 12 ft from the ground.Note no faddy gimmicky 'pole' were used (or needed) during the making of this picture!
..29 june 2015..
DB Stickered 66088 heads for Merehead with the empties from todays delivery to Royal Wootton Basset.This return working departed at 17:47 and is '7C66'.Seen at Blatchbridge-Junction in Frome running just 5 minutes behind '7C64' which was also heading for the Mendip Quarry at Merehead. So quite a busy period for that branch line.
..25 june 2015..
'6M20' from Whatley Quarry (10:37 off) going to Churchyard Sidings/St Pancras passes a bunch of NR workmen busily doing 'Not a lot' here at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.. EWS's 66007 was todays choice of traction.
..25 june 2015..
GM-66088 brings its train of 'JXA's slowly round the curve on the approach to Hawkeridge Foot-Xing.It is operating '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford going eventually to Whatley Quarry.
..24 june 2015..
66-007 still in EWS colours powers away from Frome-North with '6A26' the 10:37 from Whatley heading for Hayes & Harlingon.This shot is an almost exact copy of the one I did here on the 19th,just 5 day ago except for the different livery style of the GM.I was hoping for a Class-59 but this duty seems to be 100% Class-66 at the moment!
..24 june 2015..
Schenker-Red 66152 (The first 'Shed' to get the new livery) runs past Hullavington working '6B50' the 13:25 from Swindon-Stores empty steel carriers back to Llanwern exchange sidings. This engine is named 'Derek Holmes-Railway Operator' in honour of a dedicated railwayman who passed away at the early age of just 50. Click HEREto find more information.
..23 june 2015..
'6M20' the 10:37 off of Whatley-Quarry heading for Churchyard Sdgs-Tarmac in London gets away from Frome-North shortly after coming off the Whatley Branch. DB stickered 66096 leads its train of mixed hoppers along the line approaching Clink-Juncton.
..19 june 2015..
'6O42' the 11:31 from Halewood (Liverpool) to Southampton Eastern Docks loaded with Jaguar Cars for export passes Culham north of Didcot. Interestingly this loco 66250 is officially named 'In Memory of Robert K Romak' and has been since its introduction into service way back on 31 May 2000.Coincidentally it was the final EWS GM import as well.The name is not very obvious but can be seen below the gold coachline and the 3 heads logo.It is just painted on and quite small!
..18 june 2015..
66199 with the 10:53 from Tilbury-IRFT to Trostre was pictured again at Baulking a few mile furher west of Challow loops.Whilst it was waiting in the loop I was able to beat it to here through the very windy lanes with a few minutes to spare.Always worth a go,particularly if there is nothing else worth doing!
..18 june 2015..
A nicely scabby EWS liveried 66199 draws '6V47' the 10:53 from Tilbury-IRFT to Trostre made up of empty steel carrying Ferryvans slowly along to loop here at Denchworth.It is booked to stop at Challow for a while to allow a couple of passenger trains to pass.
..18 june 2015..
DB monogramed 66043 slowly gathers speed as it departs the Didcot area with '4O39' the 09:43 from Morris Cowley-M.A.T heading for Southampton East Docks with a load of BMW-Mini's for export.No Cooling Towers in the background that once typified this shot now.Soon even this rather mundane view will be lost when the ugly catenery posts/crossbraces and wires overwhelm the view!
..18 june 2015..
'6V41' the 15:54 from Eastleigh-East Yard to Westbury approaches Upton-Scudamore with Arn-Hill as the backdrop. 66039 was leading with 'Snowy' 66177-DIT.Note the experimental white cab roofs on the DIT-GM.An attempt to reduce cabin temperatures in high summer!.Also of interest is the two completely different shades of EWS-Red on the pair of loco's although they are supposed to be identical!
..15 june 2015..
The 11:20 from Allington '6V18' (Via Hither-Green) motors through Great Cheverell on the B&H.Shed-Power today in the form of 66204 instead of the usual Class-59.
..15 june 2015..
The early evening Westbury to Whatley Quarry working '6Z50' creeps up to Clink-Junction with a couple of sets of empties that had arrived into Westbury earlier where they are combined for this trip.DB stickered 66031 was doing the duty .
..03 june 2015..
Although it has lost its EWS identity 66014 carries no DB-Schenker stickers! 66156 which is unseen was on the rear.Here it is running past a now seriously overgrown Styles Hill on the Frome Avoider with '1C52' a UK-Rail operated excursion from Paddington (07:09 off) heading down to Par in Cornwall.The ultimate destination for the passengers being the 'Eden Project' located near there. To see how completely overwhelmed this spot has now become with rampant tree growth since 2008 click HERE. Prepare yourself for a Shock!!!!!!!
..30 may 2015..
EWS 66171 with its rather scabby roof panels eases up through Berkley-Marsh with a 30 minute early running '6M20' 10:37 from Whatley to Churchyard Sidings/St Pancras.Note the solitary Schenker-Red 'HOA' in the middle of the consist.Regretfully there was no 'PGA' 4-wheeler set on this duty unlike yesterday which was a pity!
..28 may 2015..
A still EWS badged 66199 with the M-THO '6V47' from Tilbury I.R.F.T to Trostre conveying empty Cargowagons used to carry steel products passes Bourton whilst the local domestic wildlife simply carrys on eating grass and buttercups!
..21 may 2015..
The 08:12 from Dollands Moor to Margam empty steel-hoods '6V13' powers through Oldfield Park in Bath.This was quite a long train.albeit made up of the SNCF-type SWB-Bogies.It had 39 wagons in total with 66206 doing the work up front and was running just 15 minutes behind the late running '6B33'.
..16 may 2015..
With this years Mayflower only just beginning to bloom (This location is usually a sea of white flowers) GM-66151 slows for Clink Road-Junction with '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford.MRL-Boxes today.This regular working must be due to finish soon or at least be severely curtailed as work on the line from Oxford across to Bicester is now coming to the end of its major rebuild.The materials that this working has been carrying was largely for that project.
..15 may 2015..
The 13:30 from Appleford going to Whatley '6C48' runs through Baulking west of Didcot.66158 being in charge of its set of empty boxes.
..13 may 2015..
This is '6C48' again.After a brief stop of about 25 minutes in Westbury this train from Appleford (13:30 off) has continued on down to Whatley Quarry.Here seen approaching Clink Junction is 66075 with its set of MRL-Boxes.
..12 may 2015..
'7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester runs down through Clink with GM-66150 in charge heading for Merehead. Note the small bijou detached 'Des-Res' situated right next to the line.I understand a Mr M Few has signed all the paperwork and is due to move in over the next weekend!
..12 may 2015..
'6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford going to Whatley passes Trowbridge's White Horse Business Park about 10 minutes early,which was handy as it meant there was just time to scoot over to Frome for '6V18',a working this usually clashes with.Shed-66075 still wearing un-molested EWS colours was todays assigned traction.
..12 may 2015..
Unusually '6V18' the 11:16 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry was in the hands of a Shed today.Here is EWS-66075 is approaching Clink Junction preparing to take the route leading down to the Quarry.
..11 may 2015..
With the small blue patch in a largely cloudy sky slowly getting smaller,'6M20' was worryingly a few minutes behind its booked time.Thankfully as can be seen it just managed to put in its appearance about 20 seconds before the sun was blotted out! So here is 66119 going to Churchyard Sidings -St Pancras from Whatley (10:37 depart) passing a very yellow Berkley Marsh.Note the single Schenker-Red hopper towards the rear of the set.
..07 may 2015..
Arn Hill today is the scene of a serious case of Rape!..It is being witnessed by 66115 as it passes on '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh-East Yard going to Westbury with a mixed load of various engineering wagons.
..29 april 2015..
Dodging the shadows and the bushes 66034 powers '6V41' that was running in its later path of a 15:54 departure from Eastleigh East Yard going to Westbury.Here it is about to drop down the Upton-Scudamore Incline on the approach to Westbury.
..28 april 2015..
This appears to have been a extra! It is identified as '6W15' and originated at Newport-ADJ (10:25 departure) with its destination being Westbury.I suppose it is a left-over from the weekends engineering activities as its load was spent ballast in JNA's which will almost certainly be forwarded on the Eastleigh in the next day or so.The loco is an unsullied EWS 66115 and is seen at Ladydown nr Trowbridge.In the background can be seen a couple of Canal Boats on the K&A Canal passing over the railway on an aquaduct down nr Bradford-Junction.
..27 april 2015..
Trying to do an impression of a 59/2 but failing miserably Schenker-Red 66101 rolls slowly past Fairwood nr Westbury with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley Quarry to Churchyard Sidings/St Pancras. To see this loco back in the days when it was just another EWS-Shed clickHERE
..27 april 2015..
Todays '6V41' ran in the later 15:54 slot departure from Eastleigh going to Westbury.A GM-pair was employed today,66047 leading with 66150 inside drawing a short selection of mainly bogie flats,the lead one having a couple of scrap track-panels on board.Location is of coarse Arn Hill a mile or so north of Warminster.
..23 april 2015..
66003 gets away from Fairwood-Junction with '7V07' the 11:41 from Chichester heading for Merehead Quarry.This loco was along with 66004/5 the first batch of production GM-66's to arrive on UK soil way back in August 1998.All three were on show at the 30 august 1998 Toton-TMD Open-Day.(66001/002 can be considered pre-production prototypes).Apart from a modified horn-grill assemby and buckeye couplings is still in pretty much original condition,paint included!
..23 april 2015..
Duel Identity EWS/DB 66143 rumbles down the loop at Denchworth past a monument to progess? with '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford going to Whatley Quarry on empty stone boxes.Thinking it was going to stop for a few minutes down at Challow to allow a couple of HST's to pass I nipped down there for a possible 2nd shot.However it just kept rolling and failed to stop so that little trip round the lanes was a waste of time!
..22 april 2015..
66147 powers '6B35' the 10:47 from Hayes&Harlington heading for Moreton-on-Lugg past Denchworth.Note the semi installed Pile in the background.Another example that failed to be fully driven home by the so-called Wonder-Machine the Windhoff! Is it due to unforeseen rock formations or as somebody else has said that the Pile has encountered underground cabling? Which ever excuse is used this one ain't going in any further anytime soon!
..22 april 2015..
'6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley-Quarry was today 'Shedded'.Here is 66107 still in full EWS mode passing Baulking with its set of empty MRL-Boxes.
..21 april 2015..
Unusually today both this working '6V18' and the previous one '6C77' have been worked by GM-66's instead of the more regular 59's. So here is '6V18' today from Allington-ARC (10:53 off) going to Whatley-Quarry.Power being provided by 66143 wearing both DB and EWS identification just to confuse a few people here and there! It is seen at Fairwood coming away from Westbury on the final leg down to the Mendip-Quarries.
..20 april 2015..
Amazingly it is now over 5 years since this Schenker-Red livery style was first introduced.In the intervening years only a handful of GM-66's owned by that Company have been treated to a repaint.So when this loco poked its nose out from under the bridge in the distance with this working '6C77' from Acton to Merehead (12:40 off) I kinda assumed it was just another 59/2 on its usual duty.However as can be seen it turned out to be 66101 which all things considered is something of a rare bird,particularly around the Mendip-Quarries.Here it is seen approaching Clink Road-Junction in Frome.
..20 april 2015..
DB logo'ed 66238 heads an empty steel carrier working through Church-Fenton going to Scunthorpe from Lacenby-BSC (12:42 off) as '6D05'.
..18 april 2015..
Here is a Steel Train that has come all the way from Llanwern in South-Wales and is going to Immingham-Sort Sidings.It departed the welsh start-point at 23:08 last evening as '6E20'. Recorded passing along the short stretch of track between Barnetby and Melton Ross. A still decaled EWS-GM 66055 was in charge.
..18 april 2015..
66058 on the 10:03 from Scunthorpe to Immingham-HIT.Coal trains along this line are currently getting rather scarce and the imposition of a steeply increased 'Carbon Tax' by the government has certainly not helped the situation.Unlike a few years ago when the talk was all about the 'Dash for Gas' now it seems the buzz phrase is 'Dash for Biomass'!!!!!!
..18 april 2015..
66058 emerges from the bushes nr Barnetby passing a lone semaphore-signal with an empty HTA coal hopper working from Scunthorpe (10:03 off) going to Immingham-HIT.This is believed to be '4C80' that should have run the previous evening.
..18 april 2015..
The next working to pass this nice convenient field location just east of New Barnetby level crossing that the local dog-walking population seen to use as a public toilet was '6H06' an empty Biomass train from Drax returning to Immingham Biomass Terminal-DBS for a reload. EWS-GM 66149 being in charge of a seemingly almost brand new rake of 'Tafoos-Biomass' hoppers.
..18 april 2015..
66113 is hauling '6H77' the 16:30 from Immingham-Biomass going to Drax.Here passing through Barnetby with its long long train of new 'Tafoos-Biomass' hoppers.
..17 april 2015..
GM 66113 looks to have suffered minor graffiti damage as it passes Elsham with '4R52' the 12:40 from Milford-west Sidings heading for Immingham-Biomass-LP to collect a load of 'carbon neutral' wood pulp pellets eventually bound for Drax-PS.The wagons on this train are known as 'Tafoos-Biomass' and are the largest bogie hoppers wagons ever constructed in this country.With Biomass,capacity is the issue not weight hence the massive overhang between each wagon to obtain maximum capacity per unit.
..17 april 2015..
After about 15 minutes steadily hacking away at the rampant Brambles a slightly different angle was achieved here at this spot nr Elsham. Next up was 66070 with empty HTA's on '4C75' the 13:45 away from Scunthorpe-FD heading for Immingham-BHT.This GM is one of those that seems to have a slightly more colourful version of the usually mundane EWS-Red colour scheme.
..17 april 2015..
66058 passes Melton Ross with '4C72' the 09:42 empty coal from Scunthorpe heading for Immingham.A nice location this but when the morning sun is favourable most people seem to prefer the shots off Barnetby Station with its semaphore signalling.
..17 april 2015..
Unfortunately a patch of thin cloud rather took the edge off this shot of 66110 on '6M20' from Whatley going to Churchyard-Sidings.WEHat is of interest is the fact that amongst this rake of mainly ex-RMC hoppers is a couple of Schenker-red repaints.One being and ex-RMC,the other in think in a 'IIA'.DBS currently seem more interested in reliverying their wagon fleet than locomotives! Location is again Fairwood Woods Crossing on the approach to the junction of the same name.
..16 april 2015..
'6B35' the 10:33 from Acton-TC to Moreton-on-Lugg has just gone through the site of the old Shrivenham Station,long closed but amazingly still retaining its original platform faces.66193 is dragging a long set of Ex-NP hoppers,some still in the original style while most have now been repainted in the now current Schenker-Red.
..14 april 2015..
Final shot of a long long day in which we raced around like headless chickens eventually covering over 250 miles was this car-train at Compton Beauchamp in the last dregs of reasonable light at 19:00. Schenker's-66182 wheels '6O42' the 11:33 from Halewood (Jaguar Cars) to Southampton Eastern Docks.Another working currently diverted off its usual route.This one will actually use the Wylye-Valley as well to get to Southampton.
..11 april 2015..
Despite appearances this is not yet another Car-Train see here passing Norton-Bavant in the Wylye-Valley.It is in fact '6V38' the afternoon movement from Eastleigh East Yard heading up to Didcot.This working is an 'Enterprise'-type duty usually containing MOD wagons and pretty much anything else requiring transfer up to Didcot.From there wagons are often added to the Didcot to Mossend working.Todays duty hauled by 66007 consisted of a 5-wagon articulated 'WIA' car-set,a bogie tanker and misc flat bogie wagons as well.
..10 april 2015..
Apart from a couple of Liner-Trains that can only come this way because they are within this routes loading-gauge most of the other diverted freights through the Wylye-Valley are Car-Trains.These are currently big business and quite a few are passing this way during this diversion period. This is '4M52' the returning empty 12:59 from Southampton Eastern Docks going to Castle Bromwich-Jaguar.No prizes for guessing the type of cars being exported via Southampton!.66119 is seen with Scratchbury Hill as the backdrop at Norton-Bavant.The first couple of articulated 'WIA-s' having had the attention of a Wannabe Banksy!
..10 april 2015..
66007 runs '6V41' past Arn Hill going to Westbury from Eastleigh-East Yard.It was on the later 15:54 departure time presumably because the late running diverted '6V38' had grabbed the earlier running time slot.
..09 april 2015..
Todays diverted '6V38' Enterprise/MOD from Eastleigh going up to Didcot was nicely loaded with a good variety of wagons in tow.Unfortunately the crap bogie-flats were at the front somewhat spoiling the illusion! So here is 66155 easing through Bapton with its long train stretching right back to the A303 road bridge in the distance.This particular loco has had the EWS logo's removed and at least one DB sticker applied to it.I don't get a lot of luck at this place lately,either loss of sun or like this effort,a badly loaded train.
..09 april 2015..
With the route through Reading currently heavily restricted several interesting workings are temporarily being diverted along the Wylye-Valley.It seems a pity that more workings do not actually come this way on a permanant basis ???? Anyway here is '4O40' the 08:41 from Cowley-MAT going to Southampton Eastern Docks with a long blue-sausage loaded with brand new BMW-Mini's.The traction is 66140 still in full EWS livery with its long long train of 'WIA' articulated car-carriers.
..09 april 2015..
The morning engineers from Westbury (10:14 off) to Eastleigh '6O41' has just passed under the infamous A303 trunk road at Wylye.66007 has a long trainload of mainly 'JNA-s'.Note the loco is in disguise as it is wearing a moustache!
..09 april 2015..
'6M66' the diverted 09:01 Southampton-East Docks to Garston-Speke imported car-train passes a very pristine Hay Lane in West Swindon.DB stickered 66168 doing the working.This train has come this way to avoid Reading whilst the big resignalling-etc work there is going on.It came up from the South-Coast via the Wylye-Valley and the Melksham single-line.Note the huge amount of lineside work going on here to improve drainage,remove vegetation and also several failed attempts to install OHLE piling!
..08 april 2015..
Todays '6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh-East Yard to Westbury produced a pair of EWS-GM's.66136/66065 dragging a long set of Network-Rail yellow 'JNA-s'.The second one having had its EWS decals removed and replaced by large 'DB' ones.However judging by the amount of bare metal and peeled paint on the roof panels I would say it should be an early candidate for a full repaint into Schenker-Red!.This working is seen passing Bapton nr Wylye in the Wylye-Valley.
..07 april 2015..
'6Z47' the 08:45 from Wembley Euro Freight Operations Centre to Cardiff Docks-Ryans FW passes Duffryn shortly after restarting from Newport-ADJ after a short layover.The hoppers are ex-National Power,some of which have been refurbished and reliveried into Schenker-Red.The wagon right behind the train engine 66099 looks to have been overhauled barely a few week ago and already the graffitti-artists have tagged it!
..26 march 2015..
66055 drones along the slow-line here at Coedkernew with '6B09' the 09:27 from Newport Docks heading for Margam-TC.Presumably now empty after going to the docks with a load of steel for export.
..26 march 2015..
66019 with '4C55' from Aberthaw-PS heading for Portbury-DBS rumbles along the 'fast' at Coedkernew.The state of the skies appears to indicate a pretty cloudless day was developing but in fact because the winds were southerly a build up over the Bristol Channel prevented it from dissapating as expected leading to quite a few failed shots.Naturally the BBC lied, predicting a full full sun day!
..26 march 2015..
Back to Undy where todays photographic expedition began nearly 10 hours ago for this,'6F57' the 16:24 from Avonmouth going to Aberthaw-PS on loaded coal.66232 was doing the duty.
..21 march 2015..
Apparantly one of the older-school drivers based at Margam has a habit of displaying the reporting number of his workings for all to see in the cab window.This particular working '4O54' a number more assoc with a Freightliner type working is actually correct.66006 was coming from Aberthaw-PS (14:07 off) to Margam (SO) via Barry and Leckwirth-Jn's in Cardiff.Here passing a nicely clear St George's west of Cardiff.
..21 march 2015..
Schenker-GM 66176 heads '6B61' the 12:29 from Cardiff Docks-Ryans back to Margam after delivering a load of Steel,presumably for export.A bit of a rushed grab-shot this hence the rather irritating tall twig in the foreground which for some reason magically disappeared shortly afterwards! The location here is St George's west of Cardiff.
..21 march 2015..
66169 is hauling '6H27' a heavy 'tripper' between Margam-Yard (13:52 off) and Llanwern-Steelworks.Todays load being large steel billets for rolling into coil.It is seen passing Pontsarn west of Cardiff.
..21 march 2015..
The 10:47 from Hayes&Harlington to Moreton-on-Lugg '6B35' working rumbles through Somerton in Newport.It will turn north at Maindee East-Junction just over a mile away.66040 was hauling a set of EWS-Construction 'HOA-s' apart from one solitary reliveried ex-RMC hopper.Considering that it has only been in service since repainting for about a fortnight it is now in a bit of a state already!
..18 march 2015..
'6O32' accelerates away from a short pause in Chipping-Sodbury Loops with EWS's 66125 in charge.The working containing steel-coil in SNCF type SWB-bogie hoods had originated from Margam-Yard at 10:00 and is heading for Dollands-Moor.The train will of coarse continue over to the Continent via the Channel Tunnel.
..17 march 2015..
The 09:09 from Cowley going to Southampton Eastern Docks which is reporting as '4O40' runs down the Wylye Valley as a Saturday diversion from its normal route via Basingstoke.Schenker stickered 66017 being in charge.The cargo is almost certainly a whole load of new BMW/Mini's which are going for export.I hope they get further than the batch a couple of months ago which ended up virtually capsized in the Solent shortly after the Ship departed!The rather pleasant location at this time of day (Noon) is Sherrington Lane nr Codford.
..14 march 2015..
66116 with its light load of empty steel-carriers returns from Swindon-Stores to Llanwern Exchange Sidings.It is supposed to depart Swindon at 15:00 but today was running well over an hour early.Despite the superb lighting it would have been rather more head-on at the correct time of passing so the early path was well pleasing!
..10 march 2015..
Another set of Ex-NP 'HKA-s' put in an appearance today in North-Bristol.This set is mostly refurbished and painted in Schenker-Red apart from the first three wagons.These remain in as-built condition prompting memories of when the 59/2's sported that livery as well! This train is the 10:47 from Hayes heading for Moreton-on-Lugg running as '4B35. DB-Stickered 66174 being the traction.Another shot off the soon to be dismantled temporary footbridge at Wapley Hill.I am just making the most of it I suppose!
..10 march 2015..
'6O32' the 10:00 from Margam (Port Talbot) is seen going to Dollands Moor Sidings with a consignment of steel for export via the Channel-Tunnel. EWS 66034 was doing the duty as it passes Wapley just east of Westerleigh-Junction.
..10 march 2015..
This is a location (A temporary scaffold footbridge) that is set to disappear in the next few weeks when the original bridge nearby is finally reopened after being raised/rebuilt for the forthcoming electrification of this route.DB decaled 66182 is hauling a set of mixed 'HKA' bogie ex-NP hoppers.Some in original colours whilst others now overhauled are in a fresh coat of Schenker-Red.The train '6Z47' is from Wembley-Euro Freight Operations Centre (08:49 off) going to Ryans Wharf in Cardiff Docks. The location is Wapley Hill nr Westerleigh Junction.
..10 march 2015..
EWS-66095 drops down towards the Portbury branch line junction at Parson Street with '6V51' from Warrington-Arpley heading for the Portbury Auto Terminal.This empty set of various different types of car-carriers will be fully loaded with imported vehicles when it departs north later this evening.
..10 march 2015..
Barely 2 minutes after the Grids had growled by going to Teigngrace this working appeared proving how slick the signallers can be if the need arises.66154 with it rake of empty EWS-coal hoppers are doing a transfer move '4F23' from Avonmouth NP-Silo No-1(09:33 off) round to Portbury-DBS.Here approaching Parson Street Station where the Portbury line branches off.
..10 march 2015..
A pair of Light-Engines coming from Acton-Yard heading for Didcot passes White-Waltham west of Maidenhead.The working '0A01' consisted of Schenker-Red 66101 with its more dull looking brother 66126 in behind.
..07 march 2015..
The 11:11 from Didcot to Dagenham '6L35' passes Ruscombe with the same rake of empty car-carriers that passes about 2 hours earlier going the other way! 66021 still wearing its original EWS colours being in charge.
..07 march 2015..
Pioneer 'Shed' 66001 now adorned with Schenker-Red colours heads west through Ruscombe nr Twyford with '6V15' the 17:27 (The day before) from Mossend to Didcot-Yard.Not a lot going on with this train which is basically a rake of empty car-carriers of various types.As it was still only 09:35 in the morning the shadows here remained quite long with just enough gaps to make the shot worthwhile.
..07 march 2015..
'Heritage' EWS 66044 runs under the temporary footbridge installed at Wapley Hill nr Westerleigh-Jn.This is here whilst the original is altered to accommodate the forthcoming electrification equipment.The train is '6B35' the 10:47 from Hayes going to Moreton-on-Lugg. Of interest is the freshly repainted ex-RMC bogie hopper -13704- tucked in behind the loco.It is now sporting full Schenker-Red.This scheme has been applied to several odd wagons lately so this look set to become the trend in 2015.
..06 march 2015..
'4B35' the 10:47 from Hayes&Harlington approaches Westerleigh Junction going to Moreton-on-Lugg. A rather smart looking,one could almost say shiny 66129 being in charge.Note the considerable vegetation clearance along this stretch in readiness for the dreaded masts&knitting!
..04 march 2015..
EWS 66150 passes Wickwar to the north of Bristol with an empty set a well matched HTA Coal-Hoppers.The working is '4V83' the 05:17 from Toton-North Yard heading for Portbury Coal Terminal-Dbs.
..04 march 2015..
Todays '6V41' with Driver Higson on the power-handle passes Arn-Hill nr Warminster heading for Westbury from Eastleigh-Yard.'Heritage' EWS-66199 was leading with Schenker-Red namer 66185 'DP WORLD-London Gateway' tucked inside.The wagons behind consisted mainly of Network-Rail yellow JNA's.
..03 march 2015..
Todays '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh was running about 2 hours later than the schedule.This is actually a grab-shot as I was waiting for a GBRf working coming the other way---In fact I actually missed that having arrived minutes after it had passed (So I found out later).So this is 66012 dragging a rather substantial looking Crane Unit--DRK81611 carrying the name 'Malcolm L Pearce'. It turned out to be a welcome substitute/bonus.Location in Norton Bavant nr Warminster with Scratchberry Hill forming the backdrop.
..02 march 2015..
Normally a working from S-Wales down to Westbury on a saturday runs as '0Z12' with up to 12 locomotives in convoy.Today however was a little bit different.Firstly it ran from Newport-ADJ only with the added twist of three 'MBA-s' in tow as well,hence the report-code being '6Z21'. The locomotives were as follows.66025-powering with 66206/66137/66135 and 66076 plus the three bogie-boxes.This interesting combination is viewed arriving at Westbury passing the Power-Box there going into the Up-Yard.
..21 february 2015..
Schenker's 66144 was looking remarkable shiny,even the bogies were semi-clean in full EWS style as it negotiates Fairwood-Junction with '6M20' the 10:37 off of Whatley-Quarry heading for Churchyard Sidings at St-Pancras in London. The older orange RMC wagons that used to be a regular on this duty now seem to have moved on. EWS/Schenker-HOA's are now the new mainstay.Indeed tagged on the rear was a single example fully repainted as a Schenker-Red version!
..06 february 2015..
Todays '6O41' the 10:14 from Westbury to Eastleigh-East Yard was a 'JNA' sandwich with a large Volker Rail-Crane as the filling.EWS-66171 was providing the power today as it is seen a Norton-Bavant with Battlesbury Hill providing the backdrop.
..19 january 2015..
After Avonmouth '1Z71' went to Severn Beach where a break of about 50 minutes was taken.Most passengers walked off down the Town to have a look round and hopefully get a bite to eat.Normally with just 2-car DMU's being the largest train using this station most of the long disused platform here is marked out of bounds.Hovever when this 8 coach + 2 locomotive working arrived that regulation was conveniently forgotten! Here is a rare view of the old Island platform at Severn Beach showing both platform faces.The RH side of coarse having been abandoned many years ago.66129 stands ready to continue with the Railtour when all passengers have rejoined.Next point to be visited was Whatley-Quarry nr Frome.
..17 january 2015..
66129 leads '1Z71' with 59205 on the rear from Bennets-Siding back to Eastleigh via Avonmouth,Severn Beach and Whatley Quarry slowly through the Avonmouth Bulk Handling Terminal as it heads past the NP loading Silo No-1 going to Avonmouth to reverse.A glimmer of sun here.If the driver hadn't stopped outside the DB-offices for a wee-wee break it would have been in full light!
..17 january 2015..
Here is 'The Mendip Mariner' Railtour as it slowly departs Bennets Sidings in Avonmouth.59205 leads whilst 66129 is on the rear.Luckily the yard is pretty empty of aggregates otherwise this view would have been pretty much obscured.Note the mobile pumps positioned around the site trying to remove flood water!
..17 january 2015..
Still runnning in EWS-colours 66183 draws a set of loaded 'HTA' coal hoppers away from the Coal loading Terminal going to Aberthaw-PS.This is the 08:20 off the BHT-Sidings so was obviously running somewhat late.The Railtour '1Z70' is seen waiting the signal to proceed into Bennets-Sidings which is the nominal destination for this leg of that Excursion.Seen from the Rockingham Road overbridge nr the Esso Terminal.
..17 january 2015..
The Pathfinder Railtours operated '1Z70' from Eastleigh to Avonmouth/Severn Beach and Whatley visiting various freight only sidings along the way rolls slowly around the curve at Rockingham Road on the approach to Hallen Marsh Junction at Avonmouth Docks.66129 is leading the eight coach train with 59205 on the rear.
..17 january 2015..
D B-Schenker seem to have given up on the idea of repainting all their locomotive fleet in the bright red as applied to the 60's and 59/2's.Now a quick splash to remove the 'EWS' off the flank and a couple of Stickers seems to now be the main way to go! Here is so-treated 66090 running through Lower-Basildon with a largely empty '4021' from Manchester-Trafford Park Euro-Terminal going to Southampton W-Docks Berth 109.
..30 december 2014..
A rather filthy EWS-GM 66194 from where it had been used for just a week or so on the St-Blazey based RHTT sits in the winter sun idling away whilst 43004 on the rear of '1A78' from Penzance prepares to depart for Paddington---In fact this train was terminated at Reading due to overrunning engineering works at Ruscombe.
..27 december 2014..
66177 'Snowy' the EWS GM-66 with experimental white painted cab roofs to see it if helps with cab temperature during hot periods slowly reverses its train of now emptied steel wagons down into Cocklebury-Yard here at Swindon in readiness for it departure back to S-Wales with '6B50' later in the day.
..19 december 2014..
66170 still in full EWS-Colours gets away from the loop at Swindon after a short stop to facilitate a change of crew.The working is '6B35' the 10:47 from Hayes going to Moreton-on-Lugg.
..19 december 2014..
The RHTT season is now officially finished.The St-Blazey based set ran one final time yesterday and today it commenced its journey back up to its home base in York.The first leg is from St-Blazey up to Westbury and it departed at 09:53 running as '6Z12'.A not so filthy 66183 was leading whilst a completely brown 66194 was on the rear. Location for this incredibly dull (1000asa) shot was Clink Road Junction in Frome.
..09 december 2014..
Spewing out the absolute minimum emissions that any EU registered traction is allowed to, 66041 leans through Great Cheverell with '7A17' the 10:33 from Merehead going to Colnbrook-FY.
..08 december 2014..
It has happened before but it is still quite a rare occurence.Todays '6O41' was powered by a completely filthy 66117 which has just come off several months of RHTT duty.Tucked in behind obviously on transfer was Colas's 66847 which I have to say was not much cleaner! The working which comprised of a CWR-set is seen passing the woods at Norton-Bavant in the Wylye-Valley.A muddy field was crossed to get here resulting in yet more dirty jeans and socks---I never learn!!!!!!!!
..08 december 2014..
66021 heads '6W23' the 11:53 engineers working from Hinksey to Slough-West.Train comprising of a long rake of loaded side-tippers.Seen at Lower-Basildon in the still 'wire-free' environment (for now).
..06 december 2014..
This weekend-engineering working originated at Eastleigh at 08:00 this morning and is going to Slough via a reversal at Didcot.Here Schenkers 66035 passes Lower-Basildon drawing it long train of JNA's.15 were empty whilst 10 were fully loaded with new ballast.Note how the slow creep of electrification work on this stretch of line is now becoming rather more obvious was time goes by!
..06 december 2014..
Still running with its EWS Insignias 66081 approaches South-Moreton with '4O43' from Birch-Coppice (Dep 06:35) going to Eastleigh East Yard.There is still a few autumnal leaves clinging to the trees here,no doubt they will all have fallen off within the next few days.
..06 december 2014..
Grubby EWS-66122 rolls away from Didcot with '6L35' from there to Dagenham Dock conveying empty car-carriers.It is supposed to leave Didcot at 08:26 but today for some reason was nearly 2 hours late.Here seen approaching Moreton past the stilll colourful trees there.
..29 november 2014..
DB decaled pair 66117 and 66099 T-n-T the local RHTT '3J13' on the 08:45 Westbury to St- Blazey leg of this duty.Seen passing the Foot-Xing at Fairwood shortly after departing Westbury.
..14 november 2014..
The now very grubby RHTT '3J13' operating as the 08:45 from Westbury to St-Blazey heads west at Fairwood nr Westbury.66117 and 66097 are still on the duty after nearly a month.
..10 november 2014..
The 06:35 from Birch-Coppice to Eastleigh-East Yd '4O43' was diverted via the Laverstock-Loop nr Salisbury due to engineering works between Basingstoke and Eastleigh at Winchester.Here the well loaded working is seen at East Dean heading south.Schenkers EWS liveried 66201 doing the duty.
..01 november 2014..
'3J13' the local RHTT passes a colourful Warminster busily jetting as it goes.Super filthy 66117 leads whilst 66099 sits on the rear.This will lead when this working reverses at Salisbury to continue on its way back down to St-Blazey via Westbury.
..01 november 2014..
The completely filthy St-Blazey based RHTT is seen heading back to base with '3J13' after departing Westbury and going to Salisbury and back.This final leg home from Westbury requires no jetting to be done.It is seen passing Styles-Hill in Frome.66117 is still leading here with grubby 66099 on the rear.
..31 october 2014..
Schenker stickered ex-EWS 66053 rumbles through Berkley-Marsh with todays '6M20' from Whatley Quarry running as it often does as far as Westbury about 30 minutes early.Amazingly just a couple of years ago the bridge in the backgroud was in full view from this vantage point but now it is barely visible!
..31 october 2014..
This loco 66168 plus Tug-60001 both came up from Whatley Quarry earlier this morning on '6M20'.With no other engines there it was a good bet that they would seperate there.The question was which one for this working, '6O41' and which one for '6M20'. Well here is the answer.DB stickered 66168 is on '6O41' seen passing Norton Bavant going to Eastleigh with some rail carriers and assorted 4-wheelers. Next stop Great Cheverell to hopefully record 60001 on '6M20' to St-Pancras!
..28 october 2014..
The St Blazey based RHTT runs back through Norton Bavant with '3J13' the 08:45 from Westbury to St Blazey via Salisbury busily jetting for all its worth.A very grubby 66099 was leading whilst equally filthy 66117 brings up the rear.Both these engines now sport the DB stickers that have replaced the EWS branding (Not that you would know it!).
..28 october 2014..
'0O12' having come off the 'Rhubarb' at North Somerset Junction continues on its way to Eastleigh.66192 leads 66207/66006/66142 with 66005 bringing up the rear.
..25 october 2014..
This weekends '0O12' from Margam to Eastleigh due to the closure of the Severn Tunnel for engineering work was diverted via Gloucester adding a considerable distance to the journey.The convoy today was only 5 locomotives (Sometimes it can be 10!).They were 66192/66207/66006/66142 and 66005.All still in EWS livery.The formation is seen curving round the 'Rhubarb' in Bristol as it prepares to head towards Bath and beyond.
..25 october 2014..
'6W07' from Westbury (14:35 off) takes the 'Rhubarb' at North Somerset Junction as it heads for Severn Tunnel Junction with another train load of side-tippers full of ballast.66137 which has now been stripped of any identification of its previous 'EWS' ownership was doing the duty.
..25 october 2014..
Schenker owned 66151 hauls '6W06' the 11:24 from Westbury going to the engineering occupation at Severn Tunnel Junction through Bath-Spa with a load of fresh ballast..The working is running over the brick viaduct on the approach to the Station.How ridiculous is it that 20ft high trees are allowed to grow on a structure such as this.Just what are the roots doing to the structure????????
..25 october 2014..
This is '6Z47' from Wembley-Euro going to Ryans at Cardiff Docks.It is a working noteworthy for the use of the recently refurbished ex-NP Coal Hopper HKA's. Here 66085 is getting away from Newport-ADJ at Duffryn passing a checked Barry to ADJ-tripper. Note the Rainbow in the seemingly blue sky.Looking the other way told a completely different story!
21 october 2014..
This is an unlisted loaded coal from either Portbury or Avonmouth was going presumably to Aberthaw-PS.The train was hauled by 66011. After waiting at the signal it is just passing under for about 20 minutes it then ran into ADJ-Yard and changed locomotives.This area is known as Gaer-Junction and is in the heart of Newport Town.
..21 october 2014..
'3J13' the RHTT that is based at St Blazey passes Clink in Frome on the homeward leg from Westbury via Salisbury. DB stickered 66117 is leading with 66099 on the rear.Note the state of the cutting here in Frome which explains the need for these 'leaf busters' anyway.Surely if the track sides were kept in clearer and less overgrown condition the need for these operations would be less pressing!
..20 october 2014..
Still wearing EWS identification (No DBS stickers yet) 66060 labours up past Dilton-Marsh with a heavily loaded '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.The local rumour-mill is awash with speculation that DBS are about to lose much of their work around Westbury.Apparantly that may even include duties starting from the local Quarries! We live is strange times?
..16 october 2014..
The returning 14:48 off Steel Tripper '6B04' from Llanwern to Margam rumbles through Long Dyke Junction in the eastern suburbs of Cardiff with Schenker's 66152 leading.A few rolls of freshly manufactured steel plate occupying the front couple of wagons.
..11 october 2014..
'The 12:01 '6B67' Steel Tripper from Margam to Llanwern passes over a very muddy looking River Usk in Newport.The first former EWS-GM to get a repaint into Schenker-Red 66152 doing the duty.
..11 october 2014..
After the excitement at lunchtime with the appearance at Westbury of brand-new 66757 this 15 year old GM 66008 brings us back to normality! Still wearing EWS-Red 66008 threads over into the down- reception with '6C54' from Oxford-Banbury Road.Its load being the now rather ancient 'KEA' bogie-boxes that are being used regularly on this flow.The scene is of course Westbury with the Panel-Box in the background.
..10 october 2014..
This is the RHTT working '3J13' rolling across Fairwood-Junction on the homeward leg of the nights duty back down to St-Blazey from Westbury.The rear loco 66168 still looks quite clean and shows off the new styling now being applied to the ex-EWS 66's quite well.The lead loco 66117 although also treated in the same manner is already looking pretty grubby! Within a couple of weeks the Water-Carriers will be transformed from their bright-blue to a muddy shade of dark brown (Think WCRly's).
..10 october 2014..
Now that the engineering work between Castle-Cary and Taunton has been completed the RHTT working from Cornwall can now reach Westbury and beyond.Here is 66117/66168 on '3J13' the 08:45 from Westbury (via Salisbury) back down to St-Blazey.Both these engines now display the DB-logo with the EWS markings removed.It is seen approaching Fairwood-Junction heading West.
..10 october 2014..
Despite appearances this shot was a lucky scrape with a rogue cloud just clearing milli-seconds before tha camera button was pressed.The preceeding '7A17' was scuppered by a cloud that cast a shadow that was just about 50ft in diameter,naturally right on top of the Loco!...Grrrrrrrrrr.......I guess 2 out of 3 ain't bad considering!... Anyway here is EWS 66147 dragging '6M20' from Whatley-Quarry going up to St Pancras Churchyard Sidings with its rag-bag of various older style hoppers passing Bratton heading east on the B&H.
..09 october 2014..
Although it is only the first week of October the 'RHTT' season is now upon us.Here is the first running of the Didcot to Didcot train '3J41' that left there at 14:51.Leading is the still reasonably clean looking 66044 with 66105 on the rear.All that will change of coarse in the next few weeks,in fact by the end of the month the whole train will be a very dark shade of dirty brown,much like West Coast Railways colours!This train was booked to wait in the station for 45 minutes before it reversed and returned up the B&H.Naturally I walked away only to see it depart within 5 minutes again in full sun. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
..07 october 2014..
'6C54' from Oxford-Banbury Road eases round the curve on the approach to Hawkeridge-Junction-Westbury. EWS-GM 66147 was in charge today with its load of MRL-Boxes.
..07 october 2014..
D B Schenker have very recently taken it upon themselves to start rebranding a considerable number of their locomotive fleet without the expense of a full repaint.So here is one of that newly rebranded fleet, 66117 with 'EWS' and the cabside EWS logo replaced by various sized 'DB' stickers.This shot actually being my first sighting of one of these so treated loco's.The working is '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury seen passing Arn-Hill nr Warminster with a healthy train of loaded Yellow NR side-tippers and track sections.
..06 0ctober 2014..
For some reason this working failed completely to show up on 'Real Time Trains' today.I can only assume it was '6Z47' from Wembley-Euro going to Cardiff Docks (Ryans).The giveaway being the ex-NP 'HKA-s' that are used on this service. So here is 66050 'EWS Energy' plodding through the gloom on the outskirts of Wootton Bassett heading west.There is certainly no mistaking this set of distinctive Schenker-Red Bogie Hoppers!
..16 september 2014..
Now this is something of a rarity,a daylight Schenker-Engineers from Westbury going to Cornwall.This is '6W60' the 17:23 to Penwithers-Junction seen passing Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.Traction is 66016 still wearing to old style EWS livery.
..10 september 2014..
If ever a nameplate was living on borrowed time this must be it! 66050 is one of the very few Schenker-66's to have a name and this one 'EWS Energy' probably won't be around for much longer. So here is 66050 pulling out of the East-Loop at Swindon going to Moreton-on-Lugg from Acton (10:37 off).Interestingly todays set of wagons was the now quite rare 'PGA' type similar as to those once used out of the Mendip Quarries many years ago.This completely uniform set of over thirty 4-wheelers being owned by lease-company VTG.
..02 september 2014..
GM-66125 gets away from Swindons-Cocklebury Yard with '6B50' returning empty Steel-Carriers to Llanwern from Swindon-Stores.The steel-coil this working brings to Swindon is used to manufacture the body panels for the famous BMW-Mini made in Oxford.Its just a pity the car panels still made in Swindon no longer travel north by rail as they used to!
..02 september 2014..
66125 having arrived earlier from Llanwern with '6B49' is seen busily shunting a portion of the regular steel-train backwards into the Swindon-Stores unloading building. The shot is of coarse taken off the bay platforrn at Swindon Station.
..02 september 2014..
66106 draws away from a short stop at Swindon loops after allowing a couple of HST services to pass.It is working '6B35' the 10:47 from Hayes&Harlington going to Moreton on Lugg.
..29 august 2014..
66082 appears to be having a bit of a coughing fit as it departs from Westbury with '6A26' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry going up the B&H to Hayes&Harlington.
..27 august 2014..
66187 working an extra MOD service '3F05' from Marchwood to Fenny Compton passes the extreemly busy Freightliner Depot here at Southampton Maritime.By modern standards this must be one of the most active and populated loco-depots left in the whole country.
..22 august 2014..
66057/66054 amble through Southampton-Central with a presumable very early '0V41' from Eastleigh back up to Westbury.The lead-loco 66057 having suffered an attack of Tagging-Graffiti seemingly in the last few days.Schenker have now started to remove the EWS and 3-heads logo's from their fleet of 66's so (If you want too) grab them whilst you can!!!
..22 august 2014..
66037 brings the 'Q' working '7V64' through Berkley-Marsh heading for Merehead having departed from Acton at 15:39.The nice low evening sun lighting up the entire front-end of this GM-type for a change.The roof top overhang is usually casting a shadow over the cab itself. Note the wagons are old 'JXA' type which were usually found on scrap steel workings around Sheerness in Kent. Another curious thing is why this train is listed as a 'V'.Surely that applies only to workings coming into the Western from another region..Last time I checked Acton was still on the Western!
..14 august 2014..
Todays '6V41' was running in the later 15:54 off Eastleigh path.here it is passing Arn-Hill nr Warminster in a lucky break in the cloud and rain storms.GM 66136 did the duty today with its light load of five older 4-wheel infrastructure wagons loaded with misc sleeper components-etc.
..11 august 2014..
A somewhat short '6V13' which today ran from Acton (11:00 off) going to Margam passes Shrivenham headed by 66086.Just four IHA's making up its load.
..09 august 2014..
Todays delivery of welded rail from Scunthorpe to Eastleigh '6X01' has an addition locomotive in the make-up today.Behind the train engine 66044 was 60091 which was looking fairly smart with what looked like freshly overhauled bogies underneath it.This was going to Eastleigh as a replacement for 60045 as 'super-shunter there in the yards.Tug-45 being recalled to Toton,possibly for storage.It is seen passing Lower-Basildon in somewhat difficult backlit lighting conditions at 18:12 in the evening.