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EWS & DBS (Up to 31 July 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 Of the original 250 in the UK 64 now in France,15 are in Poland and just one has been withdrawn due to crash damage leaving just 170 in use in the UK
According to earlier reports 66175 was heading '6C48' when it passed Swindon earlier from Appleford. However RTT identified this working at Clink Road Junction as that train but somehow the loco had swapped to 66056.Also the regular wagons for that duty are 'KEA-s' whilst these are 'MBA-s'. What ever! Note the Air Conditioning on 66056 was turned on...or put it another way----the cab-door was left open!
..30 july 2014..
Double Trouble on '6V18' the 12:27 from Hither green to Whatley today. EWS styled 66047 with 'Hanson' 59104 along for the ride passes Clink nr Frome spot on time.Considering the appalling vegetation growth here in the last few years the shot still remains pretty satisfactory.Quite useful when you only live about 200 yards away!
30 july 2014..
Todays '6M20' was running about 2 hours earlier than normal due to addition service out of Whatley later in its slot.Here it is with the sun full on the front (for a change) passing good old Berkley-Marsh shortly after coming over Clink Road Junction.GM-66126 had its usual set of mixed bogie hoppers that invariably make up this working.
..29 july 2014..
66207 finally gets away from Pilning Loops after a prolonged halt of nearly 90 minutes.I expect the driver is loving it in his fully non-air conditioned cab.The working is '6V13' the 08:12 from Dollands-Moor going to Margam.The load being a long rake of empty 'SNCF' type SWB bogie canvas hood steel carriers.
..26 july 2014..
The Acton to Merehead '7C77' draws away from Westbury at Fairwood going to the Quarry.59005 had brought the working down from London and 66126 was added at Westbury simply to get it back down to the Quarry.It had brought a set of empty 'MBA-s' up from Exeter to Westbury about 2 hours earlier.
..24 july 2014..
This is a bit of a scoop shot! Running as '6Z10' GM-66115 heads for Merehead from Westbury yard (Booked 14:15 off but 20 mins early) with 21 EWS 'HTA-s'. Because of the shortage of wagons currently due to the increase of traffic flows it seems they are going to give this set of coal-hoppers a try.Last year they came down but were rejected because of coal contamination (unsurprisingly). I had a quick look as they passed and this time all appeared very clean.Seen at Fairwood Junction. (Did you get that one S Mcm ?)
..24 july 2014..
66020 heads a rake of freshly overhauled and repainted ex-National Power coal hoppers HKA's.Their new scheme is of coarse Schenker-Red and they certainly looked a sight as the gleaming rake passed us here at Denchworth on the 4-track west of Didcot.The working is a late running '6Z47' from Wembley going to Cardiff Docks.
..22 july 2014..
The 'Blue Sausage' running as '4O40' from Morris-Cowley heads for Southampton East Docks at South Moreton nr Didcot. GM-66140 being in charge of this long long train although in fact it is not particularly heavy overall as most of its load is fresh-air and tin boxes!
..22 july 2014..
'6O15' which departed Mossend at 17:30 the previous evening passes Cholsey Manor Farm in brightening conditions at 07:30AM.A good load going to Eastleigh of mainly containers although there was some empty flats and a single 'TTA' type tank on the rear but it was obscured by the lineside bushes.
..22 july 2014..
66138 heads '4O20' the 02:06 from Castle Bromwich going to Southampton East Docks with more Jaguars for export.As can be seen harvesting is in full swing here at Cholsey Manor Farm.No activity though at 06:30,most norrnal people are still in bed or at least having breakfast!
..22 july 2014..
Schenker's EWS liveried 66091 looking particularly shiny passes Upton-Scudamore with '6V41' from Eastleigh going down to Westbury.Strange how this train is still consistantly well loaded whilst the 'Colas' equivalent is a light engine most of the time?
..21 july 2014..
'6O32' is the loaded Steel for export via Dollands-Moor coming from Margam (10:00 off).66013 was in charge of a lengthy set of the SNCF hoods used to carry the load of probably Steels Coils.There were plenty of 'Orange-Jackets' working on the line here at Baulking.Probably doing prep work for the upcoming electrification of this route.
..17 july 2014..
66095 powers '6V47' from Tilbury (10:27 off) going to Trostre.The load being mainly empty Cargowagons but a few SWB-SNCF type hoods in the consist as well.The working is passing the as yet still unsullied location of Baulking west of Didcot. Not long now before the inevitable OHLE buggers this shot up forever!
..17 july 2014..
EWS 66046 passes the former Station Site at Bratton east of Westbury with '7A74' from Whatley going up to Theale.A completely uniform set of Hanson-Hoppers except for just a couple of 'IIA-s' seemingly lost in the middle of the consist.
..14 july 2014..
As HST services are much thinner on the ground on Saturdays compared with during the week the few freights that run invariably gain substantially on their booked schedule. This particular train '6V13', the 08:12 from Dollands-Moor going to Margam-TC headed by 66061 was 85 minutes ahead of time.Here viewed exiting Chipping Sodbury Tunnel with its long rake of empty 'SNCF'type SWB-Steel Hoods.
..12 july 2014..
66238 passes Fairwood Farm Crossing with the 10:37 off Whatley going to St-Pancras running as '6M20'.A nice sunny start to the day with the added pleasure of finding Network-Rail had cleared all the vegetation in both directions on this nice quiet location.Thats this place sorted for the rest of the summer!
..10 july 2014..
This Schenker operated Inter-Modal passes St Denys as '4E70' from the Western Docks Berth-109 going to Wakefield.66061 in the old EWS colours heading to train. Here was a very well loaded working.Usually Schenker style 'Liners' are not quite so well used as their Freightliner counterparts but this one certain was!
..02 july 2014..
66014 is working '4O21' from Trafford Park-Euro Terminal heading for Berth-109 in Southampton-Western Docks.Here seen passing St Denys in the northern suburbs of Southampton.
..02 july 2014..
Although this working '4O40' actually departed Cowley early it was nearly 3 hours overdue when it passed St Denys on its journey to Southampton Eastern Docks with its 'Blue-Sausage' full of cars for export.EWS's 66238 being in charge.
..02 july 2014..
EWS's 66013 passes Mt Pleasant in Southampton going to the Western Docks with a long string of empty car-carriers.This 'Q' working Wednesday-only '6Z77' originated at Wembley-Euro.Waiting at the signal behind was '5Y01',an ECS from Woking going to Southampton-Up Good Loop.The set was 450557.
..02 july 2014..
Todays Westbury to Eastleigh Infrastructure working '6O41' was a pretty sad affair with just one careworn bogie-bolster making up the load. Even GM 66004 would have barely noticed that behind it during its journey down from Westbury.The train (what train?) is pictured passing Millbrook in Southampton.
..2 july 2014..
Schenker's EWS liveried 66164 rolls slowly down the track leading to Eastleigh's depot.Was this the loco that caused the long delay to '4O20' earlier?
..2 july 2014..
'6M48' the 10:34 empty car-carriers from Southampton Eastern Docks going to Halewood (Jaguar) approaches Eastleigh with 66105 in charge of a long long rake of covered wagons.Exports of british made cars seems to be booming particularly for the Jaguar Company.
..2 july 2014..
This working was a bit of a bonus being about 4 1/2 hours behind time when seen here. It is '4O20' from Castle Bromwich (Jaguar) going to Southampton Eastern Docks.EWS-GM 66098 was doing the late-late duty.The original locomotive was possibly replaced due to failure? in Eastleigh Yard as the train was pretty much on time until there.The working is seen passing Eastleigh on the final leg to the Docks just a few miles away.
..02 july 2014..
The 'MOD' working to Marchwood from Eastleigh Yard '6B45' runs past Campbell Road Bridge south of Eastleigh Station.A heavy load of containerised stores.66008 was doing the duty.
..02 july 2014..
The regular Westbury to Eastleigh morning infrastructure working '6O41' was today hauled as is now the norrn by a GM,this one being 66232.The main item of interest in todays consist is the monster 'Kirow' Crane with its associated set of support wagons.Here viewed passing the top of the Upton-Scudamore Incline with a vast field of ripening corn to the right of the line.
..01 july 2014..
Amazingly although it was only 30 minutes since the 37's had passed this spot here at Little Langford (See HERE) a mass of clouds were already forming out of thin air! Luckily however it didn't prevent a nice shot of '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh hauled by 66024.The load being Track panels,a few JNA-s and a CWR-Set.
..13 june 2014..
Still in 'Heritage' EWS colours 66135 runs through MIllbrook with '6O41' from Westbury bound for Eastleigh with its train of departmental 4-wheelers.Although a seemingly superbly sunny day the clouds were extreeeeemly slow moving and when the sun was occasionally masked sometimes it was 15 minutes or more before the golden-orb appeared again.Hence several interesting workings such as a Car-train/Wool sand and a couple of Liners were not pictured...A pity.......
..12 june 2014..
The Eastleigh to Fawley Oil Refinery 'Tripper' passes Eastleigh station shortly after departing the yard.66024 was hauling a set of bogie 'TEA-s' loaded with crude-oil from Holybourne along with about a dozen 'TTA' 4-wheelers as well,these are almost certainly going for a refill.The code for this working is '6B93' and its booked departure time off the yard is 09:53.
..12 june 2014..
The working from Eastleigh yard down to the Western-Docks in Southampton was a bit of a disappointment because it was completely empty comprising of container-flats and car-carriers.66167 as '6B43' worked this down.The return train about 3 hours later was a corker with all wagons fully loaded with Vans/Cars or Containers.However a rather large cloud prevented that shot being shown here!
..12 june 2014..
66040 runs through Eastleigh shortly after departing the yard (09:14 off) there with '6B45' going down to Marchwood with a working of MOD supplies.
..12 june 2014..
'6V41' the 14:47 from Eastleigh to Westbury approaches the crest of Upton-Scudamore incline prior to the drop down into Westbury.A rather clean 66150 was heading a set of empty JNA's.
..06 june 2014..
After the disappointment of the Colas 70/8 '0Z50' fiasco a brief wait of about 20 minutes produced this consolation-prize of 66095 on '6M36' from Westbury going to Stud Farm for a refill of ballast in its lengthy train of 'JNA-s'. Again the sunlight was just about spot-on well helped by the blooming Blackthorn in the background.
..15 may 2014..
An engineers working '6W60' coming from Westbury and going to Penwithers Junction with a loaded set of 5-HQA's. EWS 66164 was leading with 66238 on the tail. Berkley-Marsh was the location and the scene was set in the superb evening sunlight.
..14 may 2014..
66132 heads todays 13:30 from Appleford going to Whatley-Quarry '6C48'.Here it is seen threading across the junction at Westbury Power-Box to access the down goods loop just west of the station.
..14 may 2014..
This working,the 13:30 from Appleford going to Whatley '6C48' was noted as being just 40 minutes behind 66020 on '6A83' so I decided to wait under an improving sky.Loco in charge of this working today was not one of the usual 59 class but 66002.Here it is passing Heywood pretty much right-time.This loco along with 66001 are the only two in the entire fleet of 250 DBS owned Sheds (Home and Abroad) to be equipped with screw-couplings only.....No buckeye setup was ever fitted.
..12 may 2014..
'Phew', that was a close run thing! 66020 hauls the Avonmouth-Bennets to West-Drayton ARC stone '6A83' through Heywood prior to turning east at the junction to go up the B&H without going into Westbury proper.As you can see it was a pretty close thing with the 158-Unit going the other way.My last visit for this working was thwarted by a small floater ruining the light,happily it worked out this time (just).
..12 may 2014..
Ah! Mr Bond we have been expecting you! 66 007 passes an incredibly bright and clear Arn-Hill shortly after passing through Warminster with this '6V41' Infrastructure working from Eastleigh-East Yd going to Westbury.Although it was running so-called in the later 15:58 departure path after a 32 minute early departure plus gaining some more time enroute it actually passed here nearly an hour early!
.. 09 may 2014..
The returning stone empties from St-Pancras (14:35 off) to Westbury '6V51' dragged by 66206 make a fine sight passing the Oilseed rape on the approach to a Farm-Crossing nr Crofton Bottom Lock 63 on the B&H.
..03 may 2014..
A bit of a grab-shot this..66014 with '6V13' from Dollands Moor going to Margam-TC with empty steel carriers passes Hay Lane in West-Swindon.The M4 motorway can be seen in the distance.
..03 may 2014..
I have not been down the Wylye-Valley to picture this working for quite a while but as a Colas-70 was booked through about an hour after this train '6O41' hauled by 66182 from Westbury to Eastleigh had passed it seemed like a good idea at the time.Naturally the working with 70804 failed to run in its allocated slot so this was the sole result of the trip to Wylye.The bridge in the background carries the infamous A303 over the line.
..30 april 2014..
The 10:37 from Whatley to St-Pancras '6M20' c/w its motley collection of cast-off bogie-hoppers powers away from the Westbury Area passing the now redundant Cement Works that used to be a major local employer until that wonderful French company Lefarge got its asset-stripping hands on it! EWS liveried 66130 was in charge today. There are plans in the near future to have this very tall local landmark demolished.As yet nothing official has been announced.
..17 april 2014..
When I pictured '6Z21' with 66138 in charge at Woodborough it was noted that the train was going into the loop there to allow a following HST to pass.I decided to ride smartly to Great Cheverell about 10 miles or so further west for a second shot if I got there in time.As it happen I actually beat the HST that 66138 was waiting for as well.Anyway here is '6Z21' from Grain to Merehead again with 66138 hauling the same grubby set of monster-boxes.
..16 april 2014..
'6Z21' from Grain returning to Merehead passes a blaze of yellow in the fields adjacent to the line at Woodborough on the B&H.66138 was in charge of its set of rather careworm empty 'MBA-s'.Its hard to believe that when first introduced in 2000 these wagons were exactly the same colour as the EWS-Sheds.I suppose it does prove that the Class-66/0's do get the occasional wash and brush up!
..16 april 2014..
Peering through the Blackthorn Bushes at Bourton '6O32' from Margam going to Dollands Moor transporting loaded steel can be seen. 66031was the EWS-Shed in charge today.It seems every 400 yards or so along this route there are groups of 'Hi-Vz' workmen doing preparatory work for the forthcoming unnecessary electrification of this line.After that unwanted event takes place unobstructed views such as this one will be consigned to the history books.
..16 april 2014..
GM-66130 swings through Great Cheverell on the B&H with '6A26' from Whatley going to Hayes & Harlington.There is always a nice mix of stone hoppers on this duty.Even a few of the now 'out of favour locally' RMC's can still be seen in the consist.
..16 april 2014..
'Heritage' Shed 66076 heads '6V47' the 10:27 from Tilbury-IRFT going to Trostre in West-Wales.yet more empty steel carriers returning after delivering its heavy load for export.Location is once again between Challow and Baulking.
..14 april 2014..
66133 restarts '6V13' the 09:25 from Dollands-Moor to Margam empty-steels carriers away from Challow Loop where it had been sidelined for a short stop to allow an Express-HST to overtake it.Note the Margam-Sheep emblem above the cab windows.This was a legacy of when that place actually had a full facility TMD.These days it is basically a siding in a freight-yard.Is this the first time a siding has had a 'logo' dedicated to it, I wonder?
..14 april 2014..
This Schenker-Working comes from Hayes&Harlington at 10:47 and goes to Moreton-on-Lugg.It reports as '6B35' and these empty bogie stone hoppers were hauled today by EWS-liveried 66204.Location is Challow with the Jewson Building Supply Depot there forming the industrial type backdrop.
..14 april 2014..
'7C74' the 15:33 from Theale to Merehead rolls through Berkley-Marsh nr Frome going to Merehead. EWS liveried 66168 making an appearence for the once locally dominant freight company.I have to say that lately getting shots of Schenker locomotives apart from the dedicated 59/2's has become quite a minority sport lately around Westbury!
..11 april 2014..
This heavy Car Train '6X44' from Dagenham Dock-Reception going (on this leg of its journey) only as far as Didcot passes Dunsomer Hill with its valuable cargo of various Ford Fiesta's and Focus's.It was running about 30 minutes late due to a delay at Acton in West-London. Here (causing much consternation) it is being overtaken by a far more speedy moving HST on the fast-line.Luckily 66109 and its train just kept ahead sufficiently not to wreck the picture.In fact the presence of the HST probably gives the shot a bit more balance.
..08 april 2014..
Heritage Schenker-Shed 66015 today worked '6M20' from Whatley Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings at St Pancras in London.Here it is seen taking the Westbury Avoiding Line at Fairwood-Junction.This working always guarantee's a good mixed selection of DBS's own hoppers.Usually as can be seen today of about 4 or 5 different designs.
..21 march 2014..
This older EWS livery is now becoming rarer with D B Schenker less prominant operating workings out of Westbury these days.Here is 66158 seen shortly after leaving Westbury going to Whatley Quarry with '6V18' from Hither-Green with its uniform set of empty 'IIA-s'.
..19 march 2014..
Here is a bulk locomotive movement from Knottingley-TMD going down to Doncaster-LIP.I presume its running as '0Z12'. The loco order is 66117/66150/66151/66092 and 66058. Sadly this was the last working to pass this location just south of Knottingley for the rest of the afternoon in sunshine,which was a pity as the action was coming thick and fast including all the ECML Class-1 diversions.Good job I had an HD video camera to keep me occupied!
..15 march 2014..
66164 heads east at Burton Salmon at 10:45 with a set of Schenker/EWS 'HTA' coal hoppers.Some of these anonymous EWS coal workings are rather hard to identify,I think this is from Ratcliffe-PS going to Milford.
..15 march 2014..
Typically this working was supposed to be a '60' but today it was allocated to GM power 66069. This is the 11:40 off Humber loaded fuel tanks going to Kingsbury.It runs as '6M00' and is viewed passing the busy looking Lime Works on the approach to Barnetby at Singleton-Birch.We stood here at this prime location for nearly two hours and this was the only freight going West.A pity as it was full blue all the time we were there.
..14 march 2014..
This is '4D87' the returning Biomass empties operated by Schenker using some very recently introduced dedicated 'Tafoos' bogie hoppers.These are actually constructed here in the UK by W H Davies of Mansfield-Nottinghamshire. Named 66050 'EWS Energy' was in charge of this return working from Drax-PS going to Hull Docks for a refill.It is seen passing Whitley Bridge Junction which serves Eggborough-PS.
..13 march 2014..
This is a loaded Biomass working from Hull Docks to Drax-PS operated by Schenker.It is '6H84' and uses the brand new 'Tafoos' bogie hoppers.66050 was doing the duty and it is seen approaching Wormesley Road Level-Crossing in Knottingley. One of the 'Big-3' Power Stations in the area Ferrybridge forms the backdrop.
..13 march 2014..
Coming all the way from Dolland Moor was '6V13'.It departed there at 08:12 this morning,---9 hours ago.Journeys end being Margam,just another mile or so West.66167 was the loco in charge.Seen passing Water Street Junction.Of coarse this is no longer a junction of any kind with the massive marshalling yards that covered this area now long gone and the site now mainly abandoned waste ground apart from the odd Traveller- horse compound!
..08 march 2014..
Whilst 66047 was at a stand awaiting the signal to proceed on into Margam Yard with '6B16' from Trostre the opportunity was taken for this 'side-on' study of this GM-Shed.Note the Air-Conditioning' was switched on at both cab-ends and given it has been in service now for well over 10 years the paintwork is in still generally good condition.
..08 march 2014..
This is '6B16' the afternoon trip working from Trostre to Margam-Yard.Expectations were high that Silver 60099 would be working this as per published lists in the morning but NO! Good old GM 66047 turned up much to everybodys disgust after a longish drive to get to this location from Newport.Anyway here it is approaching Margam passing Port Talbot and slowing for the adverse signal to allow it to cross over into the Knuckle Yard.
..08 march 2014..
Having seen a message that this working had just passed Claverton nr Bath (Thank DB) a quick dash around the other side of Westbury enabled me to grab this shot of '6A83' the 13:26 off Avonmouth-Bennets going to West-Drayton.Here is that working just getting underway again after its usual halt on the Hawkeridge curve for a crew change.Schenkers 66112 is just moving off with its rake of Hanson hoppers in tow.
..07 march 2014..
'Snowy' as 66177 has become known due to its 'budget' cab cooling system today powered the 13:06 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley-Quarry empties '6C54' seen here passing Ashburys at Shrivemham.The roof looks quite freshly repainted,I have in the past seen the roofs looking almost black with dirt so it is obviously seen as having some benefit! ..26 february 2014..
'6O41' the morning Schenker infrasructure working from Westbury to Eastleigh passes Codford in the Wylye-Valley with 66192 in charge.Behind the loco is a rather large 'Kirow' crane along with its support wagons.
..21 february 2014..
66221 finally rolls into Westbury about 3 hours later than booked after being in an engineering occupation at Oxford Rd (Reading).Load consisting of several partially loaded YWA-'Salmons' and a long-long rake of MHA type 4-wheelers.This is the third engineering train to enter the 'up' yard in under an hour.Its amazing just where they park all these trains!
..16 february 2014..
EWS-66109 brings is set of HQA's in off the B&H on the 09:11 from Oxford Rd (Reading) after an overnight occupation.As can be seen Westbury today is stacked full of bogie-hopper wagons from the Hanson fleet.This working was well over 2 hours late probably due to the engineering works overrunning somewhat!
..16 february 2014..
The day today dawned bright and clear so the opportunity (rare lately) arose for a few shots in the sun of action on the approach to Westbury adjacent to the Power-Box there.Here is the 05:40 from Cwmbran to Westbury engineering working '6W98' with 66162 dragging a CWR-Set.This turned up bang on time despite departing 30 minutes late.
..16 february 2014..
Schenker owned but still liveried as EWS 66127 rolls through Fairwood on the approach to Westbury with '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings-St Pancras in London.Again a nice mix of various liveried and styled bogie stone hoppers.
..04 february 2014..
66063 comes slowly out of Port Talbot Grange-Sidings with a set of bogie hopper coal wagons presumably going just to the Margam Knuckle Yard Sidings.Note the somewhat battered and work-worn safety sign against a backdrop of the reddening sky as the day approaches sunset.
..11 january 2014..
This empty coal came from Uskmouth -PS (10:37 off) and after reversal in the yard in the background continued onwards back to Avonmouth-NP Silo1 for a refill. GM 66184 was in charge of this heavilly graffitied set of 'HTA-S'. Location is of coarse East-Usk Junction in Newport.
..11 january 2014..
Here is a working that has been on the move since 17:23 last evening (17 hours ago).It has travelled from New Cumnock nr Kilmarnock in Scotland and is carrying coal to Aberthaw Power Station.Now that is what I call a long distance coal train! It ran as '6V22' and a reasonably clean looking 66004 was the traction.Interestingly this 'Shed' was in the first batch of three production 'GM-s' to reach our shores and was displayed at the August 1998 Open-day in Toton-TMD. Can it really be over 15 years ago?
..11 january 2014..
Schenker traction again! This time working '6A26' from Whatley Quarry going to Hayes & Harlington-Tarmac Sidings. 66127 viewed heading a nice oddball set of Schenker mineral-bogies including some 'HLA-s'.It is seen passing the Great Cheverell stabling point which at this time had no horses on the depot! Footnote----Thanks to the phantom night working tree surgeon who kindly removed the 20ft tree that would have been bisecting the train right where the 3rd wagon is!
..08 january 2014..
66232 works '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh over the crest of Upton-Scudamore incline at Arn-Hill.Load consisting of mainly spoiled ballast.Strange that these days Schenker-Sheds are now far less common around Westbury than a few years ago due to the influx of firstly Freightliner and now Colas and GBRf into the work patterns!
..08 january 2014..
66084 today handled '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh again.Here it is passing Norton-Bavant with a consist that included a CWR-Set on the rear.
..20 december 2013..
With the recent shake-up of infrasructure workings in the South of England Class-60's no longer appear around Westbury-Wilts purely because there is no workings that can bring them to this area anymore.Consequently this sole remaining engineering train out of Westbury to stay in DBS hands is now 100% GM worked.Therefore it is virtually ignored by the local photographers.However as today was a superb blue sky for the morning a trip to Codford in the Wylye-Valley was undertaken to picture this working '6O41'.Here is 66084 with a large 'Kirow' type Crane in tow.Seen passing Sherrington Lane Crossing.
..19 december 2013..
Todays '3S13' going back to St-Blazey from Westbury passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.Now looking incredibly filthy apart from the H&S obligatory front-end. 66141 with 66193 continue to provide the power.Note the completely dis-interested trackworker who took nearly 15 minutes to amble from the bridge in the distance to the point where he is standing in this shot.No attempt to raise his arm when the RHTT was approaching either.Probably wishing he was somewhere else I expect!
..26 november 2013..
This is a 14:40 off Llanwern to Margam 'Tripper' running as '6H27'.A pretty clean 66041 was in charge of a rake of empty bogie slab carriers.It was seen over the spiky fencing at an extreemly desolate and run-down Water Street-Junction on the approaches to Margam.What a place! Land fenced off by the gypsies for about 4 or 5 horses,crap everywhere.The whole area reeks of decay.Pretty sad really.
..23 november 2013..
Schenker's EWS-Shed 66184 heads loaded coal '6B51' from Onllwyn going to Llanwern then on to Scunthorpe past a very autumnal Miskin.
..23 november 2013..
A regular feature of the Saturday scene these days are the '0X12' locomotive convoys from Margam to either Westbury or Eastleigh for use on weekend engineering workings (This particular movement was going to Westbury only). Here is a relatively short version comprising 66091 leading dragging 66005/66170/66106 and 66063.Seen near Cardiff-Central at Long Dyke-Junction heading east.Recently built tenements for the local natives forming the backdrop.
..23 november 2013..
The RHTT season continues to drag on.A month has passed since I pictured the same working here at Styles Hill on the Frome Avoiding Line.Both engines have been replaced,this pair are 66141 leading with 66193 on the rear.Also the tree colours have completely altered. Check the same location out just one month earlier HERE
..22 november 2013..
66055,one of the occasional Lickey-Incline banker engines runs past Denchworth with '6B35' from Hayes going to Moreton-on-Lugg.
..13 november 2013..
Another shot of the '3S59' RHTT that works out of Bristol Barton Hill covering most of the South-Wales and Bristol Area's. 66125 sits preparing to depart towards Bristol alongside 'hired-in' 158881 which has just arrived ECS from the Bristol direction and is about to depart for its home depot at Salisbury for overnight servicing.Westbury Station is surprisingly busy between 21:15 and when I departed for home at 22:45.Plenty of scope for a bit of night photography.... I must do it again next week!......At least the clouds are not a problem!
..08 november 2013..
The Bristol based RHTT sits in Westbury platform-2 after arrival from Bristol (19:21 depart) via Chippenham and Bristol again.From here it will travel over to South-Wales and cover virtually all the system up the Valleys out of Cardiff. Todays working (Friday) is listed as '3S59' This eventually arriving back in Bristol at approx 15:30 in the afternoon tomorrow.That works out as a 20 hour duty..pretty impressive! 66125 is seen leading here with 66126 on the rear of the RHTT-set.
..08 november 2013..
With the afternoon setting sun barely off the horizon '3J41' the 14:51 from Didcot to Didcot Rail-Head-Treatment-Train (Via Reading and the B&H) squirts round the sharp curve at Crofton going west.A rather grubby 66085 was leading with 66112 sandwiching the actual RHT-Equipment.
..29 october 2013..
After much twiddling in Photoshop this is still not a particularly good picture (apologies but you should have seen the original!) due to a very large cloud sweeping across the scene at the very last second. However as this was the very last '6V62' from Fawley going to Bristol-SFM with fuel for the FGW-fleet it has been included purely for the historic interest of it all!. A fairly clean 66136 but without even a commemorative headboard of any description passes Bapton in the Wylye-Valley with 16 'TTA' four-wheeler tanks in tow.To add insult to injury the train even missed out the booked stop at Westbury thus preventing any chance of getting ahead of it for a hopefully 2nd shot.For me the road journey all the way from here to Avoncliff in the Limpley-Stoke Valley was done in full sun as was the walk up the canal to our proposed 2nd shot site.,only to discover then the damned thing had gone straight through without its usual Westbury halt.A conspiracy me-thinks! Anyway why is this fuel-flow now going by road? What a disgusting 'Shower of S+++' FGW really are.lets hope they really shoot themselves in the foot and this winter all the roads are snowbound and the road-tanker drivers have a nice long strike...Hit the miserable swines where it hurts (In the revenue department-the only language this bunch of bean counting accountants seem to understand)..Hopefully DBS will store these 'TTA' tanks just in case it reverts back to rail but going by their performance when the LPG flow from Dorset to Avonmouth finished they will all be scrapped within 6 weeks! Lets hope for a change of heart (If FGW has one that is?)
..29 october 2013..
One of the only advantages of the change to winter-clocks the previous weekend is that a few extra morning shots in the Wylye-Valley are now available.Here is one at Warminster Station of '6O41' the Westbury to Eastleigh infrastructure working. 66078 is seen in charge of a long rake of 'JNA-s' loaded with spent ballast.
..29 october 2013..
Under a rasping dark-blue sky which was the aftermath of a really heavy rainstorm EWS-GM 66201 powers '6Z51' the 14:35 from St-Pancras-Churchyard Sidings to Westbury past Shrivenham having been diverted from its usual route via the B&H due to weekend engineering works.Always an interesting set of piecemeal bogie hoppers on this working,various styles and liveries.One of the more interesting duties that originate from the Mendip-Quarries.
..19 october 2013..
66077 'Benjamin Gimbert GC' rolls a largely empty '4O53' through Didcot-North Junction from Wakefield-Europort going to Eastleigh East Yard. Autumnal colours are beginning to show here and as everywhere else the lineside vegetation continues to make photography hard work.All rather academic here really as when the OHLE is installed in the next few years this view will be totally ruined anyway..........
..19 october 2013..
The RHTT today was back to normal,the defective 66187 having been repaired.(It was only flat batteries!).So here is '3S13' running loosely to time speeding down the Frome-Avoider at Styles Hill. 66074 being dead on the rear.The scene is still very green with little sign of the leaves dropping off the trees just yet.No doubt a few windy days and all that will change.Hopefully after a week or so of autumnal colours. For the nerds out there (You know who you are) the blue tank wagons are 642022/642048.
..17 october 2013..
Yet another RHTT reaches Westbury.This one comes from Didcot via Reading.Here it is arriving passing the Westbury Powerbox . This one is designated as '3J41' and is powered by 66085 leading and 66154 on the rear.After a brief halt here in the platforms it will reverse and head back up the B&H towards Reading then Didcot. Note it has five water tanks fitted unlike the cornish set that only has three.
..15 october 2013..
66074/66187 on the 100-minute late '3S13' RHTT was held at Fairwood-Junction for about 5 minutes to allow an HST to pass going south that had used the Westbury-Avoider.This allowed me to chase ahead of it and grab an additional shot.Here they are in a new livery not too dissimilar to that worn by the fleet of locomotives operated by West-Coast-Rly's.By that I mean a bland sludge-brown!
..15 october 2013..
Todays 'South-West' RHTT suffered a locomotive failure of some description,probably something quite minor but enough to disallow it from leading the train when it was its turn.Earlier in the diagram it also went from Westbury to Salisbury doubleheaded as well.Therefore considerable time was lost shunting the 'good' GM around there and also at Westbury where reversals took place. Anyway here is the 100-minute late '3S13' from Westbury heading south returning to St-Blazey with 66074/66187 unusually both at one end.The working is seen passing Fairwood shortly after departing Westbury.
..15 october 2013..
Less than 8 minutes behind the preceeding HST,66172 with '6M20' from Whatley-Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings in London certainly wasn't hanging about! Not only was this 'GM' looking reasonably clean but the first five bogie-hoppers were all of completely different profile.That I consider to be a fairly rare occurrence.---An interesting formation. Location is on the approach to Lavington on the B&H
..15 october 2013..
Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT's) have now started running even though the leaf fall so far this year has been quite minimal.Here is the working that originated at Didcot departing at 14:51,'3J41' having arrived here at Westbury via the B&H and Reading.It returns back to base using the same route.66154 was leading into Westbury whilst the other loco is 66085.For the moment the train and locomotives look reasonably clean but give it a few weeks and they will resemble the ballast they have been travelling over!
..14 october 2013..
66207 creeps through the undergrowth that is the western entrance to Margam-Knuckle Yard.The coal has come from Onllwyn (depart at 13:54) and eventually goes to Immingham.The report number is '6E09' and it runs on Tues/Thurs only.(Today was a Thursday!).
..10 october 2013..
About an half an hour behind the Class-60 from Westbury was this working '6M26' hauled by 66087,this time bound for Stud Farm.This gave us a bit of time to move several hundred yards to the next bridge at Stepping Stone lane here at Bourton.Again the banks have been nicely manicyred in readiness for the upcoming mast installations.I think I prefer the bushes and shrubs!
..10 october 2013..
A view here of the 'Up' siding area at Westbury.GM's may be the standard fare these days for most freight traffic but there is plenty of livery variations.Here are three of them in just one shot.66143 in the foreground wears the now seemingly ancient EWS-Red still worn by the majority of the Schenker-66 fleet.In the far background is 66849 in Colas-colours whilst 59201 which is just arriving from Merehead on '7Z12' going to Royal-Wootton-Bassett has a coat of the latest Schenker-Red.
..02 october 2013..
The returning Eastleigh to Westbury afternoon Infrastructure working '6V41' today produced this triple header,regretfully the Tug was DIT instead of at its rightful place and leading.Here 66204/66005 and 60045 draws slowly through Millbrook up to an adverse signal to allow a Portsmouth to Cardiff service to overtake it.The load today was yet more redundant track panels going for scrap and a fully loaded CWR.
..05 september 2013..
From the high vantage point that is the A33 main road in Southampton known as Mountbatten Way this shot of the Railway passing through Millbrook Station can be had.The working seen here is '6B94' the Thurs/only from Fawley Oil Refinery going to Eastleigh Yard. GM 66204 was in charge as it passes through the platforms there.
..05 september 2013..
Here is the Thurs/only Eastleigh to Fawley Oil-Train Tripper '6B93' which has both 'TEA' ans 'TTA' type tankers in the load.It is seen approaching the old station location at Marchwood.As can be seen the signals controlling this short branch are still of the older semaphore style.The loco was 66204 and due to the angle of the sun a 'head-on' location such as this is probably the best option anyway.
..05 september 2013..
66112 (An out of sight 66198 on the rear) hauls a long rake of 'OBA' type lwb 4-wheelers back from Cowley Bridge Junction.going as far a Westbury.Some of those wagons in the consist are the wirecage type once used on the concrete-block flows that used to go from Merehead Quarry up to Acton tagged on the morning 'Jumbo Stone' working '7A09'.I think that flow has now ceased,hence their use on Infrastructure duties such as this.Location is of coarse Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..01 september 2013..
The working '6X31' returned back to Westbury this morning after doing its allocated work at Tiverton-Junction last night.Here 66096 with its interesting load of infrastructure equipment including a massive Crane and some 'Points&Switch Carriers' rolls up through Berkley-Marsh with the 07:59 from Cowley Bridge Junction.This particular GM was looking reasonably smart and rust free!.
..01 september 2013..
66096 heads '6X31' from Westbury going to Tiverton-Junction.The load being the 'Points and Switch Carriers (fully loaded)' and a massive Crane probably to lift the off-loaded turnouts into position.The working is viewed passing Berkley-Marsh nr Frome in the final hour of reasonable light before sunset.Due to the shadows lengths the 70-200 'L' lens was needed to get close to the action and eliminate foreground darkness!
..31 august 2013..
EWS GM-66031 was the return locomotive today on '6V41' from Eastleigh going to Westbury. Here it is seen passing Mount Pleasant in Southampton with a long rake on mainly 'JNA-s'.
..22 august 2013..
'6B94' the returning 'Thursday-only' tripper from Fawley Oil-Refinary to Eastleigh-Yard passes Millbrook with its train of loaded 'TTA-s' full of diesel fuel for railway use. 66070 was doing the duty.
..22 august 2013..
MOD traffic continues to flow from Marchwood on a daily basis.Here is 66145 with '6V38' comprising various different coloured containers going to Eastleigh and later-on to Didcot.The working is passing Millbrook in Southampton.
..22 august 2013..
66086 today headed Infrastructure-Working '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.A long long train which today unusually had nine Seacows behind the engine.The wagons are now quite a rare sight,certainly around Westbury these days.It is seen passing a rather deserted Millbrook FLT in Southampton.
..22 august 2013..
66070 hauls the Thurs-only '6B93' from Eastleigh-Yard down to Fawley.This working comprises the bogie type 'TEA-s' off the Holybourne service and a set of TTA-s' used for diesel fuel.Here it is getting away from Eastleigh Station for the short journey down to the Refinery.
..22 august 2013..
'6W38' an engineering working coming from Cardiff Queens Street and heading for Westbury passes Dundas in the Limpley Stoke Valley.66006 was leading with an out of sight 66063 on the rear.
..18 august 2013..
'6V41' today ran as an 'X' working because in its consist was the Points and Switch Carriers loaded with pre-assembled turn-outs etc.Here the 14:45 from Eastleigh-East Yard to Westbury passes Norton-Bavant with Red-Shed 66115 in charge.I had hoped it would be 60054 that ran down this morning on '6O41' but that was purloined for a train going to Oxford's Hinksey Yard earlier. No matter!
..16 august 2013..
'6O41'from Westbury to Eastleigh passes Dilton Marsh under an unblemished china-blue sky.66168 was drawing a CWR set plus a few sundry 4-wheeler open wagons.....Always a good way to start the day and only 4 miles to travel from Frome!
..01 august 2013..
EWS liveried Schenker-Shed 66174 arrives at journeys-end with the 11:30 from Westerleigh-Junction to Westbury engineering working '7W43'.The positioning on the rake of MRL hoppers making the shot somewhat awkward here adjacent to the Power-Box here.
..21 july 2013..
One last yellowy shot here at Kings Sutton having almost run out of telephoto focal length,available light,time and workings! It a northbound 66107 with '4E70' from Southampton-Docks (16:40 off) going to Wakefield Europort.After this it was back on my faithful Suzuki-Bandit for a nice cool 100 mile ride home albeit feeling rather cheated by the definate lack of Chiltern 67 LCHS workings!
..19 july 2013..
The 18:16 from Oxford Hinksey-VQ to Bescot-VQ passes Kings Sutton with 66175 leading and 'Royal' 67006 DIT probably going to Toton for Mtce.Consist tonight was a loaded CWR.
..19 july 2013..
Bog Standard ex-EWS GM 66135 ply's northwards past Kings Sutton with '4M52' from Southampton Docks returning the empty 'Blue Sausage' to Castle Bromwich to reload with yet more Jaguar Cars bound for export via that Hampshire Port..
..19 july 2013..
Excitement in Bristol was mounting when it was announced that 5029 'Nunney Castle' was to operate this weekends Steam Excursion from Bristol-TM down to Kingswear.A special effort had also been made as well bringing the train seen here in Choc/Cream GWR livery up from Eastleigh to Bristol so the loco and train would have matched nicely.However Railtrack have now issued a steam ban due to dry conditions and the fear of steam-loco induced lineside fires.The train is still going to operate but with a Class-47 Diesel instead. Anyway here is the stock mentioned coming up from Eastleigh-T&RSMD going to Bristol -Temple Meads as '5Z26'.A rather clean looking EWS liveried 66145 was the allocated traction.It is seen here passing Norton-bavant a few miles south of Warminster.
..06 july 2013..
66115 with '6W38' creeps slowly forward towards the still red signal at Westbury that will allow this working to proceed on its journey to Craven-Arms.It actually departed about 10 minutes early,surprisingly being allowed to leave just a few minutes ahead of a booked passenger train.Being just a rake of empty box's this GM will have little difficulty out-running a station-stopping 158-DMU!
..15 june 2013..
Shed-66110 rolls around the curve at Ladydown in Trowbridge heading '6W37' the 08:50 from Westbury to Craven-Arms.This is just empty MTA's and MHA's 4-wheelers that will be loaded with spent ballast for disposal at the track worksite.
..15 june 2013..
Loaded with newly manufactured Jaguar-Cars for export the 11:32 off Halewood to Southampton-East Docks '6O42; passes Kings Sutton at speed.It had been waiting time at Banbury for a considerable while and passed here 'RT' to the minute.66230 still in the old EWS colours was doing to duty.
..10 june 2013..
66192 heads '6V13' from Dollands-Moor going to Margam in S-Wales.The train is composed of the twenty-six swb SNCF type canvas-hooded steel carriers and has come through the Channel-Tunnel from mainland Europe.The working is seen passing the wide open spaces at Ruscombe near Twyford east of Reading.
..10 june 2013..
Running barely 5 minute behind the Class-47 hauled Railtour was this Car-Train '6M44' from Southampton taking empty car-carriers up to Halewood for reloading. DBS-66199 runs slowly off the Didcot -Avoider as it heads north.The view here is off the newly built 'OHLE' friendly footbridge which surprisingly allows a view both ways without needing a pair a steps to gain any height!
..10 june 2013..
Final shot of a 13 hour session today due to the unbroken sunshine was this working '6X65' from Didcot going eventually to Mossend.As suspected the loco that arrived at DSidcot earlier on '6X48' was allocated which was nice because it was Shed-Pioneer 66001.Here it is with its long mixed train of Imported cars and vans plus ferryvans as well grinding up through Culham a few miles north of its start point.
..04 june 2013..
..
For me this was the shot of the day! The superb lighting here at Dunsomer-Hill nr Didcot really showed off the recently repainted GM-66 pioneer 66001 in the current Schenker-Red to best effect.That coupled with the fact the long-long train of new Ford-Cars just fitted nicely into the picture in the distance. The working was '6X48' from Dagenham going as far as Didcot-Yard.Here it combines with elements off of '6V38' from Marchwood to form a working to Mossend '6X65' later in the evening. All in all a cracking shot!
..04 june 2013..
Now this was a much more interesting working.The 13:50 off Eastleigh-Yard going to Didcot '6X38' Enterprise working.Its load comprising of MOD containers,Renault-Vans and eight 'TTA' 4-wheel fuel-tanks.66172 was in charge as it passes Purley-on-Thames going West.
..04 june 2013..
Here is the returning 13:28 off Eastleigh to Hinksey-Oxford Infrasructure duty '6V27'.Not much of a load but still worth a picture.66156 again but this time with a full sized bodyside number on this side. Purley-on-Thames was the location.
..04 june 2013..
'6A49',the Didcot to Bicester-MOD service today produced a whopper of a train with fully loaded Container-Flats and lots of FerryVans.66162 headed this very impressive working on this bullheaded rail single line byway.It was seen on the approach to Islip as it was heading east towards Bicester.
..04 june 2013..
The 10:22 from Hinksey-Yard to Eastleigh infrastructure working '6O26' having just got under way from the yard at Oxford is seen passing Kennington-Junction.The load being today mainly rail carriers.Interestingly the locomotive 66156 is sporting a rather non-standard small bodyside number.Apparantly it acquired this during a long stint down in Cornwall running around doing the various china-clay workings.Some arty type in St-Blazey no doubt!.The one on the other side is of standard size and font.
..04 june 2013..
'4O40' which originated from Cowley gets away from Oxford-Hinksey Yard having reversed direction there.Its another load of BMW-Mini's for export using the 'Blue-Sausage' going to Southampton.66087 was doing the duty and is seen at Kennington-Junction just south of Hinksey-Yard.
..04 june 2013..
The 05:36 Southampton-East Docks to Halewood empty Car-Carriers '6M44' powers round the Didcot Avoider with 66079 in charge.This loco is one of the few EWS-GM's to carry a name.This one is 'James Nightall GC'. This shot was taken from the now rebuilt footbridge over the line at Didcot-North Junction. Make the most of this vista because when the 'wires' go up It will almost certainly be ruined forever!
..04 june 2013..
An unexpected additional '6Z46', the 12:28 from Didcot going to Southampton-East Docks with its load of Range-Rovers saying 'tata' to the UK and helping the Indian balance of payments situation.EWS-66090 doing the deed as is passes Worting-Junction.Unusually the train went via Andover and the Laverstock-Loop.
..01 june 2013..
EWS's 66004 with its odd lighting clusters passes Radley going northwards with '4E70' from Southampton Western-Docks to Wakefield-Europort. Considring how cloudy the skies were at 16:00 in the afternoon the evening clearence today was nothing short of amazing! just a couple of hours later.
..22 may 2013..
66206 now with the fully formed '6M28' rolls through Hinksey-Yard up to the north end of the yard to await departure to Bescot.
..22 may 2013..
66206 shunts the recently arrived '6V27' from Eastleigh making up the train for '6M28' from here at Hinksey-Yard in Oxford going to Bescot.A pretty busy scene with a couple of ballast workings all prepared waiting their next duties and in the distance the 'Blue-Sausage' full of brand new Mini's going for export from Cowley via Purfleet as '4L40'.
..22 may 2013..
A nice unexpected surprise was this late running '6M60' from Newport-ADJ going to Bescot working loaded China-Clay from Cornwall.66095 and 66136 being in charge of this well loaded working.East Usk-Junction was the location for this picture.
..18 may 2013..
Another recent makeover into Schenker-Red was 66118.Altogether now five 66's have been reliveried from EWS to Schenker.Here it is at East Usk-Junction in Newport with '6B67' from Margam tripping various consignments of steel-coil to Llanwern.
..18 may 2013..
The original EWS-GM 66001 has recently been repainted into the familiar Schenker-Red.Here it is heading the now regular weekend convoy of locomotives from Margam (11:05 off) going to Westbury and/or Eastleigh.It can consist of up to 10 engines but today amounted to only five.They were 66001/66009/66111/66095 and 66192.It was running as '0O12'.Here it is viewed passing the now rather empty looking East Usk-Junction in Newport in watery weak sunshine.
..18 may 2013..
66177 known as 'Snowy' for obvious reasons headed '6O42' today on its regular friday-only journey from Halewood (Jaguar Cars) to Southampton Eastern-Docks via the Limpley-Stoke Valley.Here it is seen rounding the curve at Ladydown nr Trowbridge dodging the ever lengthening shadows as it heads southwards. The experimental white roofs this loco has carried for some time look as if they have recently received a fresh coat of paint.Perhaps this cheapo form of cab cooling works after all!
..17 may 2013..
66095 runs down past Mt-Pleasant in Southampton with '6V41' from Eastleigh going to Westbury.A few stores wagons and a rather large crane forming the load today.
..07 may 2013..
66111 c/w a Stag logo on its flank pulls away from Frome-North with '6M20' from Whatley going to St-Pancras.The set of wagons in use on this duty today only arrived at Westbury yesterday from Doncaster.A selection of 'HOA-s' and 'IIA-s'.A few in ex-Buxton Lime livery and some still in EWS-Construction colours.Does this mean we are losing the older ex-RMC orange rust buckets? I hope not!
..07 may 2013..
After this train had passed Saxon Road footbridge it was noted that the train was being held to allow a Portsmouth to Cardiff passenger service to overtake it.A quick ride up the road to an old footbridge near the western end of Millbrook-FLT enabled a second shot to be had.So here is Schenker-Red Shed 66097 again on '6V41' against a backdrop of the FL-Terminal behind. Note the Air-Conditioning was in operation on 66097..Errr actually the door was just left open!
..02 may 2013..
Its an amazing fact that after three years only 5 examples of the entire ex-EWS fleet of 66's have been repainted in the Schenker-Red colours. Here is one of that small band...66097 is working '6V41' from Eastleigh going back to Westbury.This train was well loaded with freshly recovered track (It was still shiny from use).At Westbury they will be dismantled for scrap/reuse in the Track Reclamation Depot there.The not so shiny Schenker-Red Shed viewed shortly after passing through Southampton Station.
..02 may 2013..
'6B94' Thurs-only from Fawley-Esso going to Eastleigh East-Yard passes Millbrook with GM 66034 in charge.Possibly this is yet another part of the afternoon Wagonload service to Didcot '6X38'.
..02 may 2013..
66107 edges away for Southampton-Western Docks from Birth-109 apparantly with a short rake of flat wagons loaded with imported Renault Cars&Vans. This working is '6X44' and is going only a few miles to Eastleigh East-Yard. It is almost certainly a feeder for this afternoons '6X38' Wagonload service from Eastleigh going to the Didcot Hub.Shot recorded from the footbridge at Millbrook Station.
..02 may 2013..
After 60059 had passed Little-Langford in the Wylye-Valley I had less than 30 minutes to get to Great-Cheverell on the B&H to picture this.It is '6A26' from Whatley going to Hayes&Harlington and it was using the badly faded ex-National Power bogie hoppers still in the same livery as the 59/2's were when originally introduced.66169 and train duly arrived about 30 seconds after I did so it was a close run thing!
..01 may 2013..
66080 heads an 'additional' 14:45 from Eastleigh going to Westbury running as '6Z58'.It was well loaded 'JNA-s' with fresh ballast possibly for use west of Castle-Cary as that rather big project is still ongoing all this week!.Working seen at Arn Hill nr Warminster is reasonably light unlike the 57/3 and 60 that appeared shortly afterwards in the crud!
..30 april 2013..
An acceptably clean 66107 climbs Upton-Scudamore Incline past Dilton-Marsh with '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.Hopes were high that 60059, as it had been languishing in Westbury-Yard all weekend would put in an appearance.As usual 'no chance' with skies like this above! Oh-Well!
..29 april 2013..
Due to the ongoing major infrastructure work at Reading blocking the through lines completely off the B&H. Freight around Westbury today was virtually non-existent apart from this working coming from Machen-Quarry going only as far as Westbury.This only ran due to problems earlier in the week working today instead.Here is '7C80' the 14:10 off that Quarry passing Ladydown-Trowbridge with GM-66134 in charge. Today's load was gritstone 'BM HARD' and is consigned (eventually) to Whatley Quarry. Its really nice to be able to concentrate on the shot and not having to keep looking over your shoulder for that inevitable 'floater'.
..06 april 2013..
Red-Schenker Shed 66118 was today employed on '6A26' from Whatley to Hayes&Harlington departing at 09:37.Here it is seen dragging its train of ex-NP lwb hoppers over Clink-Junction nr Frome.Once again this went via Swindon but today it was too cold and too dull to consider chasing it!
..04 april 2013..
Knowing that all freight bound for destinations east of Reading this week are having to be diverted via Swindon due to the disruption I knew I had a fair chance of obtaining a second shot on the single line between Bradford-Junction and Thingley.Sure enough I made it with about 10 minutes to spare! Here is '6M20' from Whatley to St-Pancras again seen at Broughton-Gifford about a mile West of Melksham.The interesting combo of a Schenker-Shed 66118 and ex-NP bogie's being the subject.This is just about one of the few places where a shot on this line is possible however even with the help of BST the sun is still not quite on the front. ..03 april 2013..
Due to a fruitless trip to Bristol yesterday morning looking for a Class-56 that actually failed to run I missed this combination yesterday of recent Schenker-Red repaint 66118 and the newly delivered to this area ex-NP hoppers still in their old livery.Luckily it did a repeat performance today and even luckier the sun was shining! Here is that Red-Shed and those LWB hoppers passing Berkley-Marsh nr Frome with '6M20' going up to St-Pancras in London from Whatley-Q.Apparantly these are to become a regular wagon set working out of Whatley-----We will see?
..03 april 2013..
A pleasingly clean 66043 drags a set of mainly ex-RMC hoppers on '6V62' (Yes the 2nd one of the day!--strange that) from Churchyard Sidings at St-Pancras going to Whatley-Quarry.Another divert from the B&H using the Swindon route and the Melksham line back to Somerset.Location this time was Crossing Lane at Langley Burrell east of Chippenham.
..02 april 2013..
66129 hauls '6V62' from Fawley going to St Phillips Marsh.This being the regular fuel run to keep the FGW fleet mobile.After dropping off the required fuel in Bristol it then continues onward down to Tavistock-Junction to supply the depots down there as well.
..02 april2013..
I think this is '6C63' the late running 09:30 from Merehead going to Bennets at Avonmouth.This view is from Alexandra Park overlooking Bath Spa.Loco is 66003 with its set of empty stone boxes.Note the understated multi-arch Viaduct the working is crossing.I bet those under-arch lock-up businesses generate loads of cash year on year for Network-Rail!
..02 april 2013..
With the sun barely clearing the scene here at Norton Bavant double-harness GM's 66020 and 66088 head '6V27',another divert from its usual route via Reading going to Oxford-Hinksey from Eastleigh (13:31 off).A nice mixed set of wagons although unfortunately from my location only the first few wagons were not obscured by the lineside trees and bushes.
..29 march 2013..
A visit to Frome-North to catch '6M20' was undertaken today (Actually about 400 yards from home!) in expectation that the rake of 'HIA' hoppers newly made redundant with the closure of Didcot A-PS that have been delivered to the Quarries just might be on this service...But No! However here is 66172 going to Hayes&Harlington with the usual ex-RMC set.The small white spots just visible are not dust on the camera sensor but flakes of snow! Hard to believe British Summer Time starts next weekend!
..25 march 2013..
Forget '50 Shades of Grey',here is '2 Shades of Schenker-Red' instead! The original GM,66152 to get a Schenker makeover and 66162 in the earlier darker version from EWS are viewed passing Arn-Hill near Warminster with '6V41' from Eastleigh going to Westbury with a good long train made-up of 20 HQA's Network-Rail Hoppers.
..20 march 2013..
'6V62' from Fawley going to Bristol-SFM with the weekly fuel supply run passes the thankfully now dry stubble fields at Newton-St-Loe on the western outskirts of Bath.66115 was heading the fairly substantial load of which only about a third is visible emerging from the tree line.At this point it was a 50-50 chance of a bit of sun however I got the other 50% as usual!
..12 march 2013..
'6V38' ran today as '6X38' due I assume to the size of some of the Vans being carried coming close to the loading-guage limits! Here is the Marchwood to Didcot 'Wagonload' passing Cholsey with GM-66103 in charge.The sun was by now dropping in the sky and the light was going quite yellowy but an interesting working with various types of wagons in the make-up.
..05 march 2013..
There is obviously no major war zones at the moment involving british troops,hence the meagre loadings on these 'trip' workings for the MOD from the Didcot hub.Here is the return from Bicester-MOD to Didcot '6A48' with a few empty bogie-flats and one ferry-van.66108 doing the duty.The train has just passed through Oxford and is at Hinksey.
..05 march 2013..
66034 with '6M50' from Westbury to Bescot passes a rather hazy Compton Beauchamp east of Shrivenham with its load of used ballast going for disposal.
..05 march 2013..
'6D09' from Avonmouth with 66184 hurries more coal through Compton Beauchamp destined to be burned at Didcot-A almost immediately.With the stock piles there gone coal goes straight into the furnaces under the 'Just in time' principle.These workings are due to cease when the Plant officially closes at the end of this month.
..05 march 2013..
'6V47' from Tilbury to Trostre is an import/export steel working that is unusually routed via the B&H and the Limpley Stoke Valley before eventually passing through the Severn-Tunnel into S-Wales.Here 66060 with is long rake of ferryvans passes Duffryn west of Newport-Gwent.
..04 march 2013..
Here is the train of steel-carriers we saw earlier in the day being pushed by this loco 66112 away from East Usk-Yard to Birdport on the Uskmouth branch using an old 'Shark' as a kind of makeshift DVT.See HERE Just over 3 hours later the whole train had been unloaded,returned to East Usk and prepared for departure. The working is seen at Duffryn now returning to Margam,running as '6H36'.
..04 march 2013..
66007 swings around the corner at East Usk dropping down the grade from Llanwern with '6V67' all the wat from Redcar going to Margam with a consignment of Coke going to the Port-Talbot Steelworks.These now occassional workings are still the longest Bogie 'HHA' wagon trains in the country due to the lightweight nature of the product carried.
..04 march 2013..
'6M41' the 11:55 from Margam to Round-Oak passes East usk with a short train of covered steel carriers,mainly SWB Continental type but a couple of UK built ones in there as well somewhere. 66021 doing this relatively lightweight working.
..04 march 2013..
'6M86' makes its second pass of the day with the Margam to Dee Marsh with 66100 in charge.It as been to Llanwern to complete its loading for todays working.The train seen at East Usk-Junction.
..04 march 2013..
The Margam to Scunthorpe empty steel billet carriers '6E67' ran today.Most of the bogie wagons being the older type with a few more substantial newer ones on the rear.A quite shiny (for a change) 66093 heads its train past East Usk going north.
..04 march 2013..
'6B67' the 11:16 Margam to Llanwern Tripper had a good load of Steel-Coils today.Here viewed at East Usk with 66044 doing the duty.
..04 march 2013..
'6O32' from Margam to Dollands Moor passes East Usk with 66124 in charge.This train, because it is going through the Channel-Tunnel comprises completely of the SWB-SNCF canvas hood type steel carriers.
..04 march 2013..
One of the more unusual movements around Newport is the use of an old 'Shark' ZUA number DB993876 still wearing faded Loadhaul colours as a makeshift 'push/pull' control van for working this quite long and heavy loaded steel down the Uskmouth-Branch to Birdport.With no run round facilities available this is the only option.However its been done this way for quite a long time and seems to work well.Here GM 66112 pushes its load very carefully under radio control from the shunter in the Shark.The working is nominally '6H35' from Margam to Birdport but with a session of shunting required at East Usk-Yard to arrange the train for this move.
..04 march 2013..
A working soon to cease running is this '4D12' empty coal hoppers returning the Avonmouth for another refill of imported coal for delivery to Didcot-A Coal-PS.66004 in charge.This GM incidentally was one of the first batch of 3 production 66's to arrive in this country way back in August 1998 making this loco now nearly 15 years old! Seen passing Shrivenham using a long-focus lens,about 200mm in 'old' 35mm terms.
..19 february 2013..
With a good forecast and the chance for a few pictures with blue skies at last a trip to Bourton west of Swindon was undertaken. The atmosphere was still somewhat misty when this, '4D11' drawn by 66004 appeared shortly after arrival.It was the morning coal delivery to Didcot-PS from Avonmouth-National-Power Silo No-1.With only weeks to go before these Coals cease when Didcot closes any coal-train shots on this stretch of line are worth having particularly in sunny conditions.
..19 february 2013..
EWS 66004 plus empty coal hoppers runs slowly down the loop at Denchworth to allow an HST to overtake it.This was '4D10' the 12:20 'Q' off Didcot-PS back to Avonmouth-BHT.Worth inclusion as in less than 6 weeks time these coal trains are set to finish forever as Didcot-A is closing down. Sitting in the loop waiting for the road will enable the driver to contemplate what he is going to have for his tea--- Iceland-Beefburgers are popular at the moment!
..16 february 2013..
GM-66155 wearing the defunct EWS colours passes Badgeworth with '6V92' an empty steel coil-carrier working coming back from Corby and going to Margam in West-Wales. Originally I went to this location on a promise of another DCR-56 working from Cheddeston (Derby) going to Cardiff-Tidal.Typically because it was daylight and sunny it failed to turn up! I expect the DCR part-timers fancied a Game of Golf instead!
..15 february 2013..
Now we are well into February,Didcot coal fired PS has only a few weeks to go before closing and ending generation from that fuel type forever.Amazingly we in the UK have to close our Coal fired-PS's to satify EEC regulations whilst China is opening new ones weekly! (Because they can!) No wonder we are in recession with that type of dunderhead thinking. Anyway here is 66139 with '4D10' from said Power-Station returning to Avonmouth for a reload whilst it can! Badminton sets the scene.
..14 february 2013..
A fairly recently introduced flow along the B&H heading west is this one coming from Tilbury and going to Trostre in West-Wales returning empty ferryvans.Here is 66107 on '6V47' passing Bratton with (today) just six wagons in tow.
..04 february 2013..
Grubby Schenker owned EWS 66067 seen at Duffryn with '6B04' from Llanwern heading for Margam.This is a 'trip' type working transferring stock between the two large steel-plants still operating in South-Wales.Llanwern and Port-Talbot.
..02 february 2013..
66250 is viewed at Ponthir heading south with '6V75' the 06:30 from Dee-Marsh going to Margam.This Loco was the final engine of the EWS batch and actually carries a small painted-on nameplate/dedication below the Animal-Heads logo's on the cabsides. It reads 'In Memory of Robert K.Romack'. He passed away during the construction of this very last EWS-GM and was honoured because he was the Class-66 Project Engineer.
..02 february 2013..
66194 c/w a smiley-face runs through Warminster heading for Eastleigh with the daily '6O41' from Westbury.Todays load was HQA's,a couple of JNA's and a LWRT.
..31 january 2013..
The original Schenker-Red-Shed 66152 'Derek Holmes-Railway Operator' motors up past Dilton-Marsh with '6O41' from Westbury heading for Eastleigh.Not only was it over 30 minutes late making for a rather more 'head-on' shot than I would have liked but as it hove into view the scene was somewhat duller than this so the camera was set up for about 2 stops more light.Then amazingly at the moment of taking the shot the scene lit up as if a floodlight had been turned on resulting in a heavily overexposed picture! Much faffing around in Photoshop has,although not perfect rescued the picture albeit with the colours being a little off! 3/10 for effort!
..30 january 2013..
The contrast between a filthy unkemp grubby dull faded 66141 with its loaded train of MHA's and the dazzling snow makes for a difficult picture to record.However one must take advantage of the snow while it lasts hence this snowy effort. The daily '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh is seen slowly passing Upton-Scudamore shortly after departing Westbury.
..21 january 2013..
Barely an hour after '4D10' had passed another empty coal from Didcot-PS going back to Avonmouth-BHT appeared.This I presume is '4D12' the next in the sequence for empty coals from Didcot.This time 66041 was in charge and the shot nicely includes in the distance the condensation plumes issuing from all the Cooling-Towers of the soon to be closed Didcot 'A'.Note that in the previous hour since the last empty coal had passed the horses in the field next to the tracks have been fed! Location is still Denchworth.
..15 january 2013..
With Didcot-Power Station coal fired 'A' section about to cease generation in the next month or so it was quite nice to picture once more one of the many empty coal trains that have passed through this location at Denchworth.This 4-track section was laid not so long ago mainly to accommodate these very trains that are set to cease shortly. Here is 66156 with the 12:20 off the PS going back to Avonmouth for yet another load.This working runs as '4D10'.It ran up to Challow in the loop and halted. Then, after a couple of HST's passed proceeded on its way.
..15 january 2013..
The 'Palindromic Shed' 66066 makes its way towards Eastleigh down the Wylye-Valley on a sparkling morning with 10 HQA's+ one OCA 4-wheeler on '6O41'.
..11 january 2013..
My local favourite working is this one '6M20' from Whatley going to London,s St-Pancras. Traction being quite incidental as the wagons are the real interest.These older ex-RMC hoppers in all shapes and sizes make for quite a characterful train! It was in fact hauled today by a mundane GM 66099 sporting the now defunct EWS-Red.Here the working is seen passing the former Cement-Works just east of Westbury.
..10 december 2012..
Ultra filthy 66168 has still not received a decent wash since the end of the RHTT season hence the grubby apparition seen here hauling '6O41' from Westbury heading for Easleigh with its load of Railtrack -JNA's in tow.Location is nr Norton-Bavant in the Wylye Valley.
..10 december 2012..
Ever reliable working '6M20' from Whatley going to St-Pancras was only minutes behind the preceeding HST service so evidentally was not hanging about. Shed-66069 was in charge today of quite a short set of ex-RMC hoppers viewed leaning into the curve here at Great-Cheverell.
..04 december 2012..
A twice a week 'new' working on the B&H is this steel-sector working being transported in older 'VTG' Ferryvans,albeit the returning empties! 66012 is seen with '6V47' from Tilbury-IRFT going to Trostre.Nice to see something other than Mendip-Stone on this route. Not to mention a spot of blue sky for a change after the terrible past few weeks!
..29 november 2012..
Homeward bound from a night out at Filton in Bristol 66063 heads '6W36' through the Limpley Stoke Valley.It is seen here approaching Freshford.Although most of the leaves have now fallen the trees and undergrowth here still retain some autumnal colour. Note the overnight frost in the foreground that has still not thawed out despite it now being quite mild as it was by now mid-morning!
..18 november 2012..
'6M20' was today allocated to 66063 going to St-Pancras from Whatley.Here the train is seen on the Whatley 'Freight only' branch at Elliots Lane slowly negotiating the Autumnal undergrowth.An incredibly dull day today requiring 800asa and the use of [email protected] fairly satisfactory result considering!
..15 november 2012..
Grubby EWS Workhorse 66063 is seen approaching Westbury with the regular '6M20' from Whatley heading up the B&H towards St-Pancras in London.I love these now rather faded RMC hoppers in all shapes and sizes. They have now been a regular fixture on this roster now for several years.One of the few remaining sets of wagons around the Westbury area still with a bit of character!
..13 november 2012..
RHTT Sludge-Express '3S13' runs down past Clink nr Frome heading for St-Blazey.66011 and 66094,both with partially cleaned front-ends doing to business.
..05 november 2012..
'3S13' from Westbury to St-Blazey via Salisbury passes Dilton-Marsh happily jetting the leaves off the railhead as it goes.66011 was leading with an equally filthy 66094 on the rear having a rest.In case you are wondering. The water-jets were not turned off as it passed and I received a fairly thorough sprinkling!
..03 november 2012..
Passing a freshly ploughed field that is almost a perfect match for it's current state of cleanliness is the local RHTT duty '3S12' coming up from Par as far as Westbury.66094 was leading with 66011 DOR. It is seen here at Fairwood less than a mile from its destination for this leg of todays duty.After a brief break the train will return to St-Blazey taking in a trip down the Wylye-Valley to Salisbury on the way!
..03 november 2012..
It is now several weeks into the 2012 RHTT season and the train is already looking like it is in 'West Coast Railways' Livery! 66011 is leading with 66094 on the rear of this St-Blazey based working.This is the final leg back to St-Blazey from Westbury running as '3S13'. Picture recorded on the Frome Avoiding-Line at just about the only spot where a shadow free scene is possible these days at this time of year.
..29 october 2012..
The local 'Rail-Head Treatment Train' has now commenced its duties until it is deemed all the leaves have fallen off the trees.Here is the St-Blazey based set used for Devon/Cornwall/Somerset and Wiltshire. 66011 with 66094 on the rear passes down the Frome-Avoider with '3S13' from Westbury going back to St-Blazey via Salisbury.The locomotives still look reasonably clean as do the watertanks.Within a few weeks the engines will be chocolate brown as will the equipment in between.
..17 october 2012..
66149 hauls coal-empties '4D12' back from Didcot-PS going to Avonmouth.Considering the coal fired side of the huge Power-Station at Didcot is due to close early next year there appears to be no let-up in the deliveries of fresh coal.Perhaps the stockpiles there are fully depleted and they are living from 'Hand to Mouth'. Anyway a nice shot to remember these workings by in years to come.Pictured at Acton-Turville.
..16 october 2012..
The Fawley to Bristol-SFM '6V62' weekly fuel tanks for supplying FGW's fleet with it fuel emerges from the shadows and on to the Viaduct on the approach to Bath-Spa.66188 doing the duty today hauling 27 'TTA' 4-wheel tanks.
..16 october 2012..
'6M20' today used Hanson-Hoppers for a change.A fairly clean 66144 gets the train underway after slowly coming over Clink-Junction which is about 500-yards behind the rear of this train.
..16 october 2012..
The famous Battledown Flyover at Worting-Junction forms the backdrop to Engineering working '6O26' from Hinksey going to Eastleigh.A grubby nosed 66188 dragging 66230 and a selection on MLA's passes by under a dramatic sky that was about to dump a considerable amount of moisture on all those present.
..13 october 2012..
If at first you dont succeed wait 24 hours and give it another go! Here is the same Loco as yesterday 66102 at the same location Dilton-Marsh with '6O41'.Today with some wagons in tow.Mainly concrete-sleeper carriers and a CWR. I won't be back tomorrow!
..04 october 2012..
A nice bright morning with a huge blue patch above me coupled with some nice autumn colour in the tree's.What could go wrong? No wagons that's what! GM 66102 speeds up past Dilton-Marsh with '0O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.
..03 october 2012..
Another Steel working without an identity.66059 draws a lengthy train of swb SNCF type steel hood carriers past Coedkernew heading west no doubt to Margam.It might be from Dollands Moor as this type are used on export steel flows.
..18 september 2012..
Another working that seems to have slipped under the radar.I assume it originated at Scunthorpe and is going to Port-Talbot judging by the load of solid steel billets.66070 passes 'you know where' with its heavy slab cargo.This location is now quite heavily overgrown and requires a short telephoto lens to get over the scrub and bushes.
..18 september 2012..
I can only assume that this is a Margam to Dee Marsh loaded steel working as its the only working that loosely fits the timeframe and load.Here is 66092 with it train of bogie-hood steel carriers heading east at Coedkernew.
..18 september 2012..
Shed 66074 ambles past the long morning shadows at Coedkernew west of Newport in S-Wales with '6B31' from Bridgend being tripped to Newport-ADJ.This lengthy train of ferryvans containing major engine parts manufactured at the Ford component factory there.
..18 september 2012..
Another go at '6A26' from Whatley Quarry going to Hayes.Today with 66148 in charge.Note the stray 'IIA' that has somehow become mixed in with this otherwise uniform set of older RMC hoppers.
..13 september 2012..
GM 66044 with its rake of empty boxes and a couple of rail carriers speeds past Arn-Hill on '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury.Only an EWS-GM but at least the sun was shining!
..11 september 2012..
This working '6V62' strangely uses the old identification for the Fawley to Plymouth Bitumen tanks that stopped running a few years ago,although the current version via Bristol-SFM still uses this ident to there from Fawley???? Here is 66065 with its set of 'rust-bucket' ex-RMC/ex-Peak Forest orange hoppers passing Berkley-Marsh having come from St-Pancras and going to Whatley.Interestingly these days the majority of the evening empty stone trains go to Whatley.After '7C77' in mid-afternoon its as if Merehead does not exist!
..07 september 2012..
Shed-Power 66085 todays headed '6A26' from Whatley-Q going to Hayes.As usual the BBC lied about the weather conditions with today being very hazy and the sun being quite weak.Here the train seen getting away from Frome heading for Westbury and the B&H.
..06 september 2012..
Coming from Dagenham and going only as far as Didcot (To be forwarded later) '6X44' looks to be pretty well loaded with new Ford Fiesta's/Focus's and Transits.66016 doing the donkey work today here as it passes Lower Basildon in the Thames Valley.
..05 september 2012..
I presume this is '4D08' returning emptied coal hoppers to Avonmouth after a trip to Didcot-PS.66119 is viewed rolling to a stop at the top of the Challow Loop to await the passing of a couple of HST services.
..05 september 2012..
This location Clink-Junction is about 150 yards from my front door so is nice and convenient when I get the nod that something has just departed Whatley-Quarry. Since freights take 15-20 minutes to get here from the quarry but I can make it in about 30 seconds,getting into position usually pays off. Here is the morning '6M20' (presumably) that departs Whatley at 10:37. Today it was about 10 minutes early powering its loaded train of ex-RMC hoppers apart from one 'IIA' interloper off the junction heading for the B&H and London (St Pancras).GM 66056 doing the honours today. ..23 august 2012..
66056 hauling a set of older RMC stone hoppers of varying shapes and sizes passes under the Frome Bypass at Clink going to Whatley-Quarry from St-Pancras in London.This working is identified as '6V51',an occasional train that changes the day it runs quite regularly.What hasn't changed is the abandoned portable Lookout-Hut that was placed here about 20 years ago during a single line occupation but was never recovered.Good old Failtrack,same wasteful company, different century!
..20 august 2012..
66041 handled the afternoon Margam to Llanwern '6M67' Tripper.Viewed at East-Usk in Newport with a healthy load on steel products in both open and hooded coil-wagons,I was expecting 60040 on this working but it was switched at Margam and allocated to a working going to Scunthorpe that was in fact 10 minute behind this train! (I'm easily confused!).
..10 august 2012..
This working was yet another Freight that was sidelined for 10 minutes or so to allow more important ???? traffic to pass.Having chased up from Undy to record a 2nd shot of '4C55',66117 is seen creeping slowly through the new platform at Severn-Tunnel- Junction Station.Until fairly recently the platform the working is passing through was not in use and the station had to make do with just 3.The new publicity blurb extolls how they are expanding the railway when in fact all they are doing is replacing what was ripped out with undue haste a few decades ago!
..10 august 2012..
'4C55' from Aberthaw-PS going back to Avonmouth with its load of empty coal hoppers.66117 doing the job,seen passing Undy east of Newport.
..10 august 2012..
Running as '6V13' this exceptionally long rake of SNCF bogie hood steel carriers (42 in all) passes Acton Turville going to Llanwern in S-Wales from Dollands Moor.66030 being in charge. Such a pity only about 40% of this mega long train is visible.Workings of this length apart from Quarry Trains are not that common these days.
..04 august 2012..
Todays '6O41' was mooted to have 60007 in charge.However as usual things changed at the last minute and a usual GM was substituted.Here 66161 whines up past Dilton-Marsh with its CWR load heading for Eastleigh.
..31 july 2012..
Something of a rarity on the WCML are DBS/EWS diesel powered Liners.One exception is this working,'4M67' from Dollands Moor going to Hams Hall nr Birmingham.A fairly smart looking 66115 is seen with the well loaded working at Chelmscote in yet another lucky patch of sunniness!
..27 july 2012..
The Toton to Bescot Infrastructure working '6G45' eases away from Toton heading south with its long train of rail-carriers,albeit empty.66011 doing the business for DBS.
..26 july 2012..
66131 on '6D44' an Infrastructure working from Bescot going to Toton passes the remains of the old farm crossing at Chelleston on a superb summers day.
..26 july 2012..
The Kingsbury to Lindsey empty fuel-tanks '6E54' passes Chelleston on the Sheet Stores Freight only line from Stenson-Junction to Sheet Stores Junction.GM powered today (pity) with 66035 in charge.
..26 july 2012..
Another Infrastructure working,this time with just a single 'flat' wagon was '6G45' from Toton to Bescot.Here sandwiched between the Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and the Quarry Loader at Catholme.
..25 july 2012..
66172 heads a rake of empty Railtrack Boxes.The train did take the line towards Crewe here at Wyncnor-Junction but the actual identity of the working is a mystery due to it being empty.
..25 july 2012..
'0K50' the Toton to Crewe Infrastructure working today had nothing to offer other than a L/E in the form of 66090.Seen here ambling past the Quarry facilities adjacent to the line here at Catholme (Wyncnor-Junction).
..25 july 2012..
From Alexandra Park in Bath a good view can be had of the entire City.Here is 66005 on the approach to Bath-Spa Station with '6V62' from Fawley going to Bristol-SFM with another weeks supply of fuel for the FGW fleet of HST's and Units.About 60% of the load will continue on down to Cornwall to supply the fleet there as well.This portion will work as '6C62'.
..24 july 2012..
The 14:40 from Acton to Whatley '6C76' finally appeared at Berkley-Marsh after a stop of over an hour at Westbury.Shed power today in the form of 66118.Despite appearances moments after this freight passed it was 'lights out' for the rest of the evening so a well timed arrival!
..28 june 2012..
Double-Stamps today on '6V41',the Infrastructure working from Eastleigh going to Westbury.66175 leads 66230 as the pair pass Arn-Hill nr Warminster. A close one this! I had to sprint across the road for the shot as it was running about 10 minutes early.Always the same when the sun is out.At least I didn't miss it (This time).
..11 july 2012..
'6V41' was used again today for the second time in 2 months to return 59205 from a visit to the Midlands for necessary maintenence work.Last time was for repaint and cab-radio fitment,this time for wheel turning.Here seen at Arn-Hill nr Warminster DIT behind 66132 on its journey up from Eastleigh heading back to Westbury.Perhaps now it will settle down and start doing some regular workings out of the local Quarries? Note the long-light gash along almost the entire length of 66132's bodyside.A driver somewhere must have lost his 'no claims bonus' ???
..28 june 2012..
Nice to see my favourite set of hoppers again on '6M20' from Whatley going to St-Pancras (Note the lone IIA somewhere in the middle of the rake).66107 again in charge,here seen a Fairwood-Farm-Xing approaching the Junction there.
..20 june 2012..
66105 heads '6W12' with 66001 on the rear.This HOBC is going to Bristol-Parson Street from Westbury.Viewed passing the well known tall Evergreens that are beside the line here at Bathampton Loop.
..09 june 2012..
About an hour after the original Freightliner-Shed passed Patchway the original EWS-Shed also appeared!.Here is 66001 straining up the incline away from Patchway-Tunnel with a long long train of loaded ballast spoil 4-wheel 'Coalfish' wagons.Coming from Maindee-East in Welsh-Wales as '6W32' and going to Westbury.
..09 june 2012..
I had heard a whisper that a Schenker-Red-Shed was going to be on '6O41' this morning but it failed to happen.So I was stuck with 66088 smokin its way to Eastleigh from Westbury with its long load of JNA's.Seen from the approach path of Sir John Betjeman's favourite Halt-------Dilton-Marsh.
..30 may 2012..
The now reguler movement of locomotives from Margam/East Usk in S-Wales to Eastleigh on the South Coast for weekend engineering work is seen approaching Pilning shortly after exiting the Severn-Tunnel.Today it was going via its usual route down the Wylye-Valley.Listed as '0X12' todays convoy headed by 66040 was 66213/66057/66050/66105/66131 and 66080.All in various shades of filth!
..26 may 2012..
66250 was to be the final '66' bought by EWS. That Companies expectation of the traffic it would win with all these new locomotives was in hindsight rather optimistic as over 50 of the class of 250 have now been moved on to the Continent to find work.Anyway this UK based one is seen working '6V07' from Round-Oak going to Margam with a nice long train of various types of steel coil carriers.Location is Magor east of Newport.
..25 may 2012..
The returning 'Swindon-Steel' running as '6B50' passes Undy in S-Wales returning to Margam.An extreemly heavy load today consisting entirely of the EWS York built steel-hoods drawn by 66171.
..25 may 2012..
The classic shot in the Wylye-Valley is at Little-Langford.Here are Schenker-Red 66101 and original liveried 66076 with its nice mixed engineering consist going to Eastleigh from Westbury in the usual morning slot.Another couple of years and the Church will be obscured by the slowly growing bushes!
..25 may 2012..
Coming from Appleford-Tip nr Didcot,the '7C48' stone empties is seen on the final leg of its journey to Whatley passing Fairwood nr Westbury.66086 doing the honours today.
..24 may 2012..
Final shot of the day (By now I was turning into a zombie as we had been 'at it' in the blazing sun for nearly 12 hours solid) was '6X01' from Scunthorpe going down to Eastleigh conveying brand new rails for track renewals everywhere in the south.GM 66105 dodges the lengthening shadows here at Didcot North.
..22 may 2012..
Six and a half hours after it had set out this 'Round-Robin' from Hinksey to Hinksey '6Z55' was finally approaching journeys end just 10 miles away.The reversal of the CWR set being finally completed.Here Schenker 66101 heads north past the North-Junction at Didcot after going through the station area due to more points problems east of South Moreton rendering the avoiding line OOS.Oh yes,there was a failed HST in Parkway as well knocking out the westbound main platform!!!!!!
..22 may 2012..
Carrying a load of Range-Rovers and Discovery's was '6O42' from Halewood down to Southampton-Docks for export. GM 66089 was in charge of this quite long curtain sided car transport train seen here at Didcot-North Junction taking the route avoiding the Station complex at Didcot.
..22 may 2012..
'4M52' from Southampton going to Halewood on Merseyside sweeps past Hinksey nr Oxford with yet another 'Blue Sausage'.This one made up of seven sets of five articulated wagons.... Quite a lengthy train! 66091,another reasonably red-shed doing the duty.
..22 may 2012..
66044 made a re-appearance at Hinksey after dropping off the load from '6A48'.This time bringing up some empty 'Blue-Sausage' car carriers from Didcot Yard on '4A41'.The train got no further than where it is seen. The engine ran-round then took the wagons back south onto the Cowley Branch to the BMW-Factory for loading.
..22 may 2012..
Not a particularly taxing load even for 66044. One Ferryvan '21046' was all there was to come back from Bicester-MOD on todays '6A48'. Well I suppose thats better than a light-engine movement! Here seen drifting slowly past the lake adjacent to Hinksey-Yard.
..22 may 2012..
Todays Hinksey to Eastleigh regular engineers working was cancelled and substituted with this '6Z55' Hinksey to Hinksey magic-roundabout simply to reverse the direction of this CWR-Set.It was to travel via Melksham and the B&H arriving back in Hinksey in the evening. Here is Schenker-Red 66101 not long after departing Oxford passing Didcot with about 160 miles to go before it gets back to where it started. Fuel crisis? What Fuel crisis?
..22 may 2012..
'6V03' tripper from MOD-Kineton slows for Didcot with its train of Containers/Ferryvans and a single Warwell. Todays Didcot 'trip' engine 66044 doing the duty.
..22 may 2012..
66030 heads the Cowley (Just up the road a few miles at Oxford) to Southampton-West Docks export cartrain '4O40' full of BMW-Minis.Popular name for this set of wagons is the 'Blue Sausage' for obvious reasons.seen under those pesky power cables at Didcot-North.
..22 may 2012..
'4O53' ducks under the Power-Lines at Didcot-North.66187 having just got away from a short pause at the signal there.Those pesky cables in the air are just the wrong height,either they are 'in' the shot or if required 'out' makes the angles very difficult!
..22 may 2012..
66187 with a 'light load' slows for Didcot-North Junction coming from Wakefield-Europort and going to Southampton-West Docks.The code for this Intermodel was '4O53'.
..22 may 2012..
Amazing when you realise the massive carpark here at Didcot-Parkway was once a maze of railway sidings and buildings.Here is 66192 waiting to run-round and head on into the Power Station seen in the background to deliver another couple of thousand tons of coal dust to that facility.
..22 may 2012..
66192 stands adjacent to the Parkway Station carpark at Didcot with a loaded coal train from Avonmouth.The loco will now 'run-round' and take the train through the gravity unloading facility in the massive Power-Station here via the MGR loop specially constructed for the purpose.It then has to 'run-round' again before it can return west.A big fly in the ointment that! It was originally designed to accept trains from the north so no running round was necessary until that flow dried up (Thanks Maggie) and Avonmouth was used instead.
..22 may 2012..
An unusually colourful GM resembling the shade they all once were when delivered over 12 years ago! 66009 rounds the Didcot-Avoider with '6M44' from Southampton-East Docks going to Halewood.
..22 may 2012..
The NR test-train today '1Q13' was routed via some LT overground lines around London so the regular 37's were substituted with a pair of 66's modified with Tripcocks to comply with that networks signalling arrangement as part of todays test route is over the Metropolitan Line between Amersham and Marylebone.Here are the pair are just commencing the days testing departing Didcot recorded at Didcot-North Junction.66017 leading with 66019 on the rear. If you look carefully the Tripcock tangs can just be seen hanging down beside the leading axle's on both bogies of Shed-17.
..22 may 2012..
66006 passes Somerton in Newport bound for Moreton-on-Lugg having come from Acton with this set of (mainly) EWS hoppers.Working going under the allocation of '6B35'.
..21 may 2012..
'6G67' The Margam to Llanwern tripper passes Somerton with a fairly mixed bag of various hooded/covered steel carriers.Interestingly loco is 66131 that was viewed in the morning appearing to be bound for Dee Marsh.Still not sure about that one?
..21 may 2012..
Coming from Avonmouth and going to Aberthaw was this set of empty coal hoppers '6B68' hauled by 66168 past Coedkernow in S-Wales.
..21 may 2012..
This is (I think) a trip working from Newport-ADJ to Wenloog delivering three containers of flour for bread manufacture judging by the name on the containers (Kingsmill).Loco is 66194.Viewed at Coedkernow nr Newport.
..21 may 2012..
'6M86' from Margam going to Dee Marsh passes Coedkernow with a long train of steel coils.Srangely this loco appeared later in the day on the Llanwern-Tripper.Possibly there was a loco change at Newport -ADJ?
..21 may 2012..
66147 heads '4C64' from Cardiff Docks going to Margam via Newport-ADJ.Seen at a now sadly quite overgrown Coedkernow on the 4-track twix Newport and Cardiff.
..21 may 2012..
66118 heads for Southampton-Western Docks with an Intermodel '4O63' from Birch-Coppice.This train arrived in the yards north of Eastleigh Station in the early hours of the morning and completes its journey after a break there of over 10 hours.Seen from Campbell Road in Eastleigh.
..19 may 2012..
After a brief pause to undertake a crew change, 66089 from the DBS Stable gets '6M48' underway again from Eastleigh Station heading for Halewood with a load of empty Car-Carriers off the Eastern-Docks at Southampton.
..19 may 2012..
66057 on '6O26' from Hinksey-Yard at Oxford going to Eastleigh luckily passes on the main-line instead of up against the hedge in the loop/slow here at Worting-Junction.Once again a lucky shot as the people with me on 'standard' lenses lost it completely due to high speed clouds.
..17 april 2012..
The Eastleigh to Hoo-Junction morning Engineers '6M26' with 66076 in charge passes Worting-Junction on a seemingly sun filled day.With the clouds moving at about 30 mph you were never sure if the light was going to coincide with the subject!
..17 april 2012..
A returning overnight engineering duty from Burngullow-Junction back up to Westbury passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome. Running as '6W55' with EWS 66195 heading a single set of 5-HQA's.
..16 may 2012..
66108 climbs the Upton-Scudamore Incline with '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.A nice spot but now becoming rather overgrown.Once you could see the entire train from this vantage point!
..16 april 2012..
66186 drags '7W32' from Ebbw-Junc back to Westbury with a load of ballast spoil after an overnight Engineering occupat.Seen at Newton-St-Loe on the western approaches to the City of Bath.
..13 may 2012..
Under threatening skies 66119 heads westward with a train of empty coal-hoppers returning to Avonmouth from Didcot-PS.Working is possibly '4D08'.Seen passing over the old Midland Line to Bristol from the north now reduced to a short branch diverging at Yate to serve the Westerleigh Oil Terminal.
..11 april 2012..
Today '6V41' was running in the later 15:55 departure slot off of Eastleigh nicely compensating for the clocks-change of last weekend allowing a bit more brightness on the front end of 66112 as it passes going to Westbury with its load of OCA's and loaded Sleeper-Flats.Just for a change I tried the low-low angle here at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.
..02 april 2012..
Quiz-Time? What do you call nearly 1200 tons of scrap-metal moving through the countryside at 30mph? Answer '0X12' from Margam going to Eastleigh with a drop-off at Westbury of some of the metal. This was once quite a novelty but now appears to be a regular saturday working bringing sufficient traction over from South-Wales to satisfy the weekend engineering train requirements at both Westbury and to a lesser extent Eastleigh. Todays 'Lash-Up' was nine strong consisting of 66131/66065/66012/66199/66121/66011/66075/66119 and 66221. Interestingly only the last two 66119 and 66221 carried on from Westbury. The other seven remaining there. This incredible but now oft repeated scene was pictured at the southern end of the large field at Claverton nr Bath. ..24 march 2012..
I nearly missed this one due to it actually running unusually about 15 minutes early! 66020 appeared heading '6V41' from Eastleigh back to Westbury barely 20 seconds after taking up my position for the shot! Here seen passing under the A350 main road at Arn-Hill nr Warminster. Load today 'JNA-s' and 'HQA-s'...........
..21 march 2012..
'0X12' the 11:06 from Margam was going to Westbury then on the Eastleigh after dropping off the rear 3 engines there passes Bradford-on-Avon.Today the now regular saturday-convoy had 8 engines in the consist as far as Westbury.Reading from back to front they are (If anybodys interested!) 66170/66086/66221/66194/66172/66125/66092 and actually providing the power for all this American-Iron 66160.
..10 march 2012..
Well the sun was out so it would have been rude not too! 66015 passes Arn-Hill on '6V41' from Eastleigh going to Westbury with a nice uniform set of Notwork-Fail 'JNA-s'.
..07 march 2012..
Today one of the three GM-66's now repainted in Schenker-Red made an appearance on '6B33' deputising for the usual '60' on this duty.66097 speeds down the 'fast' at Denchworth with the empty fuel-tanks from Theale heading for Robeston(via Margam). Nice-One!
..03 march 2012..
66050 'EWS Energy' heads '6V66' from Scunthorpe going to Margam with Steel-Slab bound for Port-Talbot.Picture taken off the A52 roadbridge looking north.The approach road to Toton-TMD is just visible on the left-hand side of the shot.
..29 march 2012..
Whilst shooting pictures of the stored 60's over the bridge at Toton an empty coal was seen heading north.Working is '4E51' with empties from Ratcliffe-PS returning to Milford. Quite nice in the late low evening sunlight.Early GM 66005 doing the job.
..29 march 2012..
The original 'Red-Death' 66001 still only fitted with link-couplings and no buckeye passes Portway north of Tamworth with a short engineers train '6G95' from Toton going to Bescot.
..28 march 2012..
'6M46' from Aldwarke to Crewe passes Catholme with its rake of empty yellow Railtrack Gondola's.Another! clean GM 66027 doing the duty.
..28 march 2012..
'6K50' from Toton to Crewe with 66183 up front today was conveying a Network Rail Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) Network Rail Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) DR989611/DR896611 plus a couple of 'JNA-s' presumably for brake force.Seen passing Catholme going south.
..28 march 2012..
Sometimes this working '6V05' from Round-Oak to Margam empty steel-carriers produces a Class-60 but not today! 66014 actually looking quite clean sweeps by Ashchurch with a nice healthy load.
..28 march 2012..
66155 gets '4O11' from East-Usk Yard at Newport under way heading for Onllwyn.Viewed at duffryn shortly after passing Newports other freight-yard at Alexandra Dock-Junction.
..27 march 2012..
A Loaded Stone from Moreton-on-Lugg going to Acton '6Z35' drops down through Ponthir basking in the sunshine.Early GM 66008,still looking pretty tidy after 13 years of hard service!
..27 march 2012..
The Dee-Marsh to Margam steel empties '6V75' passes the superb location of Ponthir with Shed-66121.Quite a variety of bogie hood type wagons on this train,even some SNCF french type as well!
..27 march 2012..
In a bid to get some sun on the front-end I tried the old footbridge at the former station at Portskewett.Still no joy but anyway here is 66165 on the Round-Oak to Margam empty steel '6V05'.At least now the sun is fully in the cutting prior to the bridge.
..27 march 2012..
EWS-Shed 66140 drags the exceptionally long '4E66' returning the Coke-Empties from Margam back up to the North-east at Redcar.Seen passing the location that was once a hive of freight activity but is now just an empty space!
..27 march 2012..
On my way down to Southampton I stopped off at Wylye in the Wylye-Valley to picture the regular '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh.I have had this location in mind for some time but have always been 'done' by clouds but under todays total blueness I nailed it. GM 66020 looking quite smart with its lightweight load of just 4 'JNA' type bogie spoil wagons is seen having just passed under the infamous A303 trunk-road at Wylye Village.
..23 march 2012..
66150 with presumably, '6B04' the Llanwern to Margam tripper is seen passing Duffryn just west of Newport as it powers by with a rake of empty steel bogies.
..06 march 2012..
The 09:30 off Dee-Marsh going to Margam empty steel '6V75' was today dragged by 66097,one of just 3 DBS 66's that have so far been reliveried in Schenker-Red.This was running exactly to time (To the minute) which was a pity as the only dullish 5 minutes of the whole day was when this appeared!---.
..06 march 2012..
66213 runs down from Gloucester with '6V05' from Round Oak to Margam with the returning empty steel.Location is Portskewett just east of Caldicot.In the background can be just seen a glimpse on the original suspension bridge carrying the motorway over the River- Severn.
..06 march 2012..
The returning empty 'Coke' from Margam '4E66' heading back up north to Scunthorpe/Redcar is seen at Magor on the slow line.This working was slowing and indeed was held at STJ for 15 minutes or so to allow a 'Unit' to overtake.GM 66018 doing the business today.
..06 march 2012..
66002 was actually the 2nd GM-66 built as per the number carried but only arrived in the UK a full year after 66001 although constructed at exactly the same time.It was held back at the Factory in North-America for test purposes and other development requirements.The Engine finally arrived at the same time as 66094 to 66105. It is unique along with 66001( /1 variant) as being the only EWS-66's not to be fitted with buckeye-couplings somewhat limiting its versatility.Here it is seen carrying the name 'LeFarge Quorn' rolling out of Westbury with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley-Quarry.This is usually a 59 working........... ..02 march 2012..
With the early morning mist now practically dissolved the Original Schenker-Shed 66152 trundles past Norton-Bavant on the departmental working from Westbury to Eastleigh '6O41'.Todays load being primarily concrete sleepers and an empty CWR.
..02 march 2012..
A once uncommon sight but now it seems to happen on virtually every saturday is this monster Loco-Lashup transferring engines from Newport to Westbury and then onward to Eastleigh. Running as '0O12' todays collection are seen climbing the Upton-Scudamore Incline after a 40 minute stop at Westbury.66182 was the only engine powering its consist of 66140/66104/66017 and 66053.Still the best part of 500 tons of dead weight so 66182 was whining quite well!
..25 february 2012..
One of the few named DBS-GM's 66172 'Paul Mellaney' slowly climbs the Upton-Scudamore Incline away from Westbury at Dilton-Marsh.Working the usual morning Engineers to Eastleigh '6O41'. Who was Paul Mellaney? Paul was a railway worker who lost his life in an accident whilst shunting carriages at Old Oak Common Depot in West-London on 14th january 2005.
..17 february 2012..
One of just three UK based 66's of the DBS Company repainted in the corporate colours 66101 heads down the Wylye-valley with '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.Quite a lightweight train today here seen passing Norton-Bavant.
..16 february 2012..
Same Locomotive as yesterday was used on '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh.66053 here seen climbing past Dilton-Marsh with a rake of assorted 4-wheel spoil wagons.A lovely day but temperature was just below zero degrees C.........
..02 february 2012..
66009 crosses the embankment just west of Coalpit-Heath in the northern outskirts of Bristol with '6B35' from Hayes going to Moreton-on-Lugg.
..01 february 2012..
Semi-Smart 66053 heads a train of spoil in 'MHA-s' on '6O41' from Westbury down to Eastleigh.Working seen at Norton-Bavant in the Wylye-Valley.
..01 february 2012..
66006 and 66053 stand parked in the possession at Cockhill nr Castle-cary waiting to be called forward to drop the fresh layer of ballast on the renewed track.Note the 'torched off' short sections of 'bullhead/wooden sleepers track' that have been a feature of this section of line for so long dumped to one side for collection and processing in the Westbury Track Recycling Centre. ..04 february 2012..
66006 brings up the rear of '6N02' as it slowly winds through Castle-Cary's platform-3 heading into the worksite.Interestingly the automated announcement informed the passengers that this train wasn't stopping so were told to stand back from the platform edge! It did stop! it wasn't a passenger train and nobody stood back from the platform edge because nobody was on that particular platform.-Amazing!
..04 february 2012..
66053 and 66006 sandwich a 20 strong rake of 'HOA' ballast hoppers.This working '6N02' only had a short journey time of about 30 minutes from it start point at Westbury.In the siding is the Tamper that will follow this train into the possession to process the dropped ballast.
..04 february 2012..
66059,one of the GM's fitted with addition headlights for work on the Lickey-Incline on banking duties passes Badminton with '4D10' from Didcot-PS back to Avonmouth-BHT for a refill.
..28 january 2012..
The final train of the day that passed in reasonable light before the cloud banks from the west called a halt to the proceedings was this. '6B35' from Hayes&Harlington going to Moreton-on-Lugg.Shown just after it had emerged from the Severn Tunnel with 66167 in charge off the end of the station platform there.
..27 january 2012..
The Margam to Redcar empty 'Coke' running as '6E66' passes STJ heading north.This is, I think the longest regular working using 'HTA-s'. It normally loads to about 31 bogies worth.Coke is quite bulky but does not weigh very much! 66141 looking quite smart up front.
..27 january 2012..
A fuel delivery to Cardiff-Canton for FGW Units and HST's passes Coedkernew shortly after leaving Newport-ADJ.These tanks came up from Didcot on an Enterprise service.66016 seen just dodging the early morning shadows here on the 4-track.
..27 january 2012..
66068 passes Hawkeridge nr Westbury as it journeys from Avonmouth (Bennets) to West-Drayton.This working '6A83' is one local stone train that hasn't originated from one of the two local quarries!
..13 january 2012..
A fair mix of stock on today's '6O41' from Westbury heading for Eastleigh.Directly behind GM 66200 was an almost brand new heavy lifting Crane than some side-tippers followed by a CWR-set.Pictured at Norton-Bavant where the shadows are now beginning to shorten as the sun starts to climb a bit higher in the sky as the new year wears on.
..13 january 2012..
66108 again as it passes over the ivy-clad arched bridge at Westerleigh Junction itself.The same working as below '4D08' from Didcot-PS going to Avonmouth.
..07 january 2012..
A late running '4D08' from Didcot-PS to Avonmouth empty-coal working was an unexpected added bonus at this spot on the approach to Westerleigh-Junction.GM 66108 being the loco in charge.Note the long disused and now rather rusty signal gantry still standing!
..07 january 2012..
The approach to Westerleigh-Junction these days is somewhat marred by the mess of overhead powerlines and the now, commonplace mast&cabin that are every few miles now on the entire national network.Here is seen 66121 with an engineers working '6W32' from Hinksey Yard nr Oxford going to Radyr in S-Wales.Load comprising of 3 sets of 'side-tippers' in various liveries.
..07 january 2012..
Nice to see some of the older type on ballast hoppers in the shape of some 'Seacows' in '6O41' along with a few 'mha-s'.Here is 66074 going the Eastleigh passing a nice sunny Norton-Bavant with Battlesbury Hill in the background. ..06 january 2012..
'6O41' today was 'Load-One' seen at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.Not a heavy train even for a GM! 66100 doing the lightweight duty today.
..02 january 2012..
Booked as the 12:44 off Newport-ADJ to Westbury '0X14' this little lot (10 in total) represents about 6% of DB-Schenker's entire UK based GM/66 fleet.Total number of engines in this convoy is (I think) the maximum allowed. Loco's were 66238/66080/66002/66162/66037/66043/66061/66100/66108 and 66213.About 1250 tons of US-Iron and if all working represents 30000 HP.The Lash-Up is seen approaching Hawkeridge nr Westbury.Regretfully the closer shot was scuppered by a SWT-159 going the other way but this shot gives you the general idea anyway.The rear five were dropped off at Westbury and the remainder carried on the Eastleigh shortly afterwards. ..17 december 2011..
A pleasing shot of a nice clean 66185 as it heads '1Z27' from London-Paddington to Ludgershall-MOD.An unseen 66085 on the back for drawback purposes at Ludgershall.As it was delayed at Westbury for a short while the chances of the sun remaining out and bright were reducing by the second but luckily shot was scraped with about 5 seconds to spare.Norton-Bavant was the scene of its passing! ..16 december 2011..
With the temperature just a few degrees above zero the inclusion of a 'generator'coach (behind the loco) was a 'no-brainer' with the selected motive power for this Tour '1Z27' being a pair of GM-66's.Here is viewed 66147 leading with an unseen 66085 on the back going to Ludgershall-MOD from Paddington and return.66085 being the drawback engine from Ludgershall back to Andover.The working is seen passing Norton-Bavant in the Wylye Valley a few minutes down on time due to an unscheduled stop at Westbury to remedy a small 'inter-coach' pipe/cable problem. ..16 december 2011..
An extra! '6Z36' from Westbury (Depart at 11:25) going to Newport-ADJ with a load of ballast in Network-Rail 'JNA-s' passes through the City of Bath heading west.EW&S RedShed 66177 complete with its experimental white cabroofs (one clean/one dirty) heads this working.
..07 december 2011..
With such a dark dirty looking bank of cloud approaching the filthy 'RHTT' seemed the appropriate train to complete the scene! 66139 is seen on the back with a slightly cleaner 66155 leading.Working is '3S13' from Westbury to St-Blazey.Taunton sets the scene.
..30 november 2011..
An 'as usual' grubby pair of GM's sandwich the RHTT-Set on '3S13' heading back to base at St-Blazey from Westbury.66155 leading with 66139 on the back.Having been 'jetting' now for nearly 6 weeks and most of the leaves are gone now I think these duties finish for this year at the end of the week (friday 2nd Dec).Location is 40-steps footbridge west of Taunton Station.
..30 november 2011..
Apart from a 'Health&Safety' wipe round of the front-ends this pair 66099 and 66006 are now throughly plastered with the sludge brown filth kicked up by the water-cannons on this 'RHTT' duty.Running as '3S13' the set passes Upton-Noble on the Westbury to St-Blazey leg of last nights duty.If the engines get any more filthy-brown they will start to resemble 'West Coast Rly' liveried engines!
..17 november 2011..
Brown 66199 heads the RHTT through Clink nr Frome with 66006 on the rear as it heads back towards Cornwall after another night marking its Territory with several thousand gallons of water!
..04 november 2011..
Early-build GM 66008 heads '4D10',an empty set of coal hoppers from Didcot-PS back to Avonmouth-BHT.Seen cruising past Shrivenham in the bright autumn afternoon sunlight.Like so many scenes on todays railways even this mundane coal working will in a few years be history when the Mob of Numpties from Brussels force the closure of the coal-fired section of Didcot-PS.Amazing in about 2015 in the midst of the expected increasing power out-ages we will actually be closing viable generating capacity and for what ???????????----Because some quasi do-gooder says so! ..01 november 2011..
With grubby 66006 leading and equally filthy 66199 on the back, the local RHTT '3S13' runs back down Upton-Scudamore Bank after its trip from Westbury to Salisbury and return.Very little scope from a front-end shot in the Wylye-Valley leg coming from Salisbury direction so this shot passing Dilton-Marsh Halt was the best option.
..28 october 2011..
A completely different RHTT set operated the 3S12/13 duty this week.Cleaner tanks and another pair of GM's. A quite clean 66116 is seen leading with 66176 DOR.Having arrived 2 hours late at Westbury from the west the trip down to Salisbury and back was cancelled, hence departure from Westbury back to St-Blazey passed Berkley-Marsh nr Frome was actually 15 minutes early! A nice tranquil scene with the cows for once actually staying in shot!
..24 october 2011..
Delayed by the failed '6W77' west of Castle-Cary the RHTT '3S12' finally managed to arrive at Westbury 2 hours late. Todays set being a different one than was used in previous weeks. 66176 leading and 66116 DOR.Set seen at Fairwood slowing for an adverse signal prior to going into the down yard at Westbury.
..24 october 2011..
66044 with two 'tta's'.These are probably the Eastleigh Depot fuel supply from Fawley.Having just departed for the yard there I am unsure if this is the loaded ones being delivered to the shed or the empties returning to Fawley.
..22 october 2011..
An extra 'Engineers ran today '6Z39' coming up from Eastleigh-Yard earlier .The return from Westbury (12:07 off) back to there was '6Z40' Here seen passing Norton-Bavant in the Wylye-Valley with a fairly clean looking 66044 in charge of a load of 4-wheelers.
..19 october 2011..
The local RHTT '3S13' on the final leg from Westbury back down to St-Blazey passes the fields at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome. About 3 week into the jetting season now and 66199/66006 are slowly turning brown.The once shiny blue watertanks are going that way as well!
..19 october 2011..
The weekly fuel supply train for FGW suffered an engine failure today.66109 was declared a 'dud' at Signal-E865 nr Romsey.What happened next shows what a 'one man band' set-up DBS really is! The Driver had to order a Taxi to be taken back to Eastleigh to commandeer 66182.This then ran as '1Z99' via Chandlers-Ford to Romsey so as to be able to run 'wrong-line' onto the front of the failed 66109.Quite fast work considering no other drivers available at Eastleigh! Here is the 2 hour late '6V62' running past Arn-Hill nr Warminster with its load of 28 tta's.The errant 66109 was dumped at Bristol and 66182 continued on later down to Plymouth alone.
..18 october 2011..
Having delivered the 'Points&Switch Carriers' to Eastleigh-Yard 66069 returned on '6V27' going back up to Hinksey at Oxford with a good load of yellow sand.Seen passing South-Moreton nr Didcot.Although it was only 15:00 the shadows were getting extreemly long due to the already low and shortly setting sun.
..14 october 2011..
66125 on an Avonmouth-BHT to Didcot-PS passes Steventon with '6D13'.A long loaded coal train.These MGR-type workings have not much longer to run now that the coal-fired section of this huge electricity generating plant is listed for closure by 31/12/2015.Just over 4 years to go.
..14 october 2011..
Quadruple light-engine movement from Bescot down to Eastleigh-Yard.'0V69' departed Bescot at 08:20 with 66012/66054/66007 and 66084.Here passing Didcot-East still heading south in the sunshine.
..14 october 2011..
Running todays as '6X26' today instead of an 'O' working due to the movement of the 'Switch&Point Carriers' plus a substantial looking crane.Working with 66069 hauling it past Didcot-East going to Eastleigh from Hinksey Yard at Oxford.
..14 october 2011..
The 'Rail Head Treatment Train' or 'RHTT' season is now in full swing.Here is '3S13'(The DBS Devon&Cornwall&Somerset&Wiltshire Diagram) on the Westbury to St-Blazey-leg passing Styles Hill on the Frome Avoider in an extreemly lucky burst of sunlight!.66199 leading and 66006 on the rear.Even after a few weeks on his duty the two GM's are not looking too filthy.That is set to change and as by the end of season it will be a dark brown colour with all side markings totally invisable!
..08 october 2011..
The first Schenker 66 to get the DB-Red makeover was 66152.Here it is on '4023' from Hams-Hall going to Southampton Western Docks.Telephoto used again to enable a 2nd picture a few seconds later (see above).
..06 october 2011..
Again a full wide shot offers a completely changed picture perspective.Slightly wider this time than with the Wool-sand shot due to the speed of the working but still managed to scrape a reasonably well composed picture. 66152 again about 1.5 secs after the previous picture.Still '4O23' as well!
..06 october 2011..
Looking like a perfectly matched toy trainset Schenker-Red 66097+Car Carriers climbs the incline to run over the girderbridge of the Worting Flyover.Working is '6M48' from Southampton-Eastern Dock going up to Halewood.
..06 october 2011..
The Hinksey-Yard Oxford to Eastleigh Engineers '6O26' passes Worting,today with a CWR-set in tow.Original liveried (suppose we can call it that now) 66197 on the duty today.
..06 october 2011..
'6Y41' from Eastleigh to Hoo-Junction in Kent with 66116 in charge climbs the ramp to negotiate the flyover bridge at Worting.
..06 october 2011..
Leaf-Bustin season is here again and the local working '3S13' pictured after departing Westbury at Fairwood heading back to St-Blazey.66199 and 66006 being the current allocation.Just over a week into the schedule and the filth is already building up.By November they will be a featureless dark brown colour.So will the blue water-carriers.
..05 october 2011..
'4Z42' from Swindon going to Cardiff Dock passes Pilning with 66203 in charge.This working was the 4th freight to pass this spot in 18 minutes so can be considered as a 'rush hour',well less than 20 minutes actually.Honours even, 2 each for the Red and Green teams!
..03 october 2011..
66160 heads out of the Tunnel here at Pilning on '6Z35' for Moreton-on-Lugg going up to Acton.Note the H&S personal-relief cubicle on the embankment specially for the digger operative!
..03 october 2011..
66091 on '6V67' hugs the hedge at Magor going to Margam from Redcar with another delivery of Coke.
..03 october 2011..
It seems to me 1/2 the workings in S-Wales involving 60's see's them DIT,at least when I'm around!. Here is 60071 DIT behind 66204 on the 15:57 off Llanwern back to Margam '6B04' being the report-code.Location is Coedkernew.Actually today is the first time I have been back there for several years which makes the bush and scrub growth even more noticeable.
..30 september 2011..
The Redcar to Margam loaded Coke '6V67' reputed to be the longest 'HTA' train at 31 bogies in the Country passes Coedkernew heading west with a nice clean 66084 in charge..Even this well used location is now becoming overgrown,making composition of the shot more problematic!
..30 september 2011..
'4C11' empties from Aberthaw-PS going back to Avonmouth-BHT passes Somerton nr East Usk Junction.66011 doing the job.
..30 september 2011..
66078 powers past Somerton nr East Usk Junction with '6M41'.Loaded steel going to Round-Oak.Nice mix of wagons,EWS &Tiphook style hoods and some SNCF SWB canvas ones as well.
..30 september 2011..
Less than 20 minutes after arriving from the Orb Steelworks-Birdport 66081,this time without the Brakevan departs East Usk Yard going to Llanwern with this single wagon tripper.Report number is '6H36'.
..30 september 2011..
Now here is a sight you do not see very often these days.66081 with just one 'BYA'steel-hood and unbelievably an old BR Guards-Van looking about 30 years out of time.This particular 'Van' BR955196 has got to be a rare survivor in 2011! The working is a trip '6H24' that has just come up the Uskmouth branch from the Orb Steelworks-Birdport and going to the yard at East-Usk Junction for reversal then on up to Llanwern.
..30 september 2011..
Nicknamed Shed-0-Shed for obvious reasons 66066 heads '4E66' from Margam returning the Coke empties to Redcar for a refill.Seen at Portskewett just 15 minutes behind the big red tug.Glad we decided not to move for a while!
..30 september 2011..
DB-Schenker workings are a little thin on the ground on this stretch of line.This was the only one seen by myself today in nearly 6 hours! Here is 66112 on '4M00' from Ipswich Griffin-Wharf going to Hams-Hall. By now the low evening light was helping to turn the already autumnal trees an even more golden colour................Location is Church Brampton on the Northampton-Loop.
..29 september 2011..
66096 hauls the '4L40' Oxford-Cowley to Purfleet BMW-Mini carrier train seen crossing the Thames at Moulsford.
..28 september 2011..
'4M52' the 15:10 Southampton East-Docks up to Castle-Bromwich(Jaguar)passes Lower-Basildon at 17:01 with 66147 on the job.As can be seen the sun by now was pretty much on the horizon,even the rails were projecting a shadow 18'' long!
..28 september 2011.. Footnote---This could be my final shot taken from the old bridge here at Lower-Basildon.From the end of October road is set to be closed whilst the bridge is modified for the forthcoming OHLE Project.Expect 6'ft high parapets when completed.BIG Ladder will be required after completion until electrification then this location will be totally ruined anyway for sure. RIP L-Bas....................................................
DB-Schenker liveried 66097 passes Lower-Basildon with '6X48',the 14:58 from Dagenham to Didcot Cars.Train actually carries on north a few hours later but officially this working ends at Didcot. A good load today of mainly Ford-Fiesta's and Focus's.
..28 september 2011..
'6V27' is the returning Eastleigh to Hinksey-Yard departmental working.Today featuring 66102 ans 66148 drawing about a dozen 4-wheelers full of sand.Location is a yellowing Lower-Basildon.Another superb location soon to be destroyed by a ridiculous 6ft high steel bridge and the OHLE to Cardiff and Bristol. What a Joke!
..28 september 2011..
66169 passes Moulsford nr Cholsey with '6E55' from Theale returning empty bogie-tanks to Lindsey Oil Refinery.
..28 september 2011..
66047 with an Inter-Model from Hams-Hall going to Southampton Western-Docks '4O23'. Seen at South-Moreton making full use of a 200mm lens with the 1.6 multiplier effect of a cropped APS type digital EOS camera.
..28 september 2011..
66161 slows with the MOD from Kineton to Didcot '6V03' at Didcot-North.Nice to see a train with something other than FL-containers/hoppers or stone boxes!
..28 september 2011..
Government MOD traffic quite bouyant at the moment due to this Country still firmly stuck in the middle of the Middle-East fighting for----errrrr----not sure really? 66161 heads for Didcot shortly after passing Appleford with a short train of Vans and Containers .Came from Kineton as '6V03' going only as far as Didcot Yard.
..28 september 2011..
66102 runs down past Didcot-North on '6O26' from Hinksey-yard at Oxford going to Eastleigh.New sleepers being the main items being transported.There are a few in the foreground that could do with moving as well.They have been there 'dumped' for at least a year!
..28 september 2011..
A pair! 66012 and 66040 hum up Upton-Scudamore Incline with '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh. Todays working comprising of just an empty CWT-train.First time I have been to this spot for over a year,yet another location where if the farmers see's you he gives you a terse lecture!
..26 september 2011..
'6V41' today was classed as an exceptional-load so was reporting as '6X41'.Varied consist included a rather large Colas-Kirow-Crane,some track-panels and the new 'Points&Switch' carriers in NR-yellow. Unfortunately they were right at the rear of the train so not too prominant. Loco was 66016,the train was in the later 15:55 departure slot from Eastleigh hence the lengthening shadows as the summer(what summer?) draws to a close here at Arn-Hill nr Warminster 95 minutes later. ..16 september 2011..
This admittedly clean 'GM' has been on this train '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury everyday so far this week but today (Thurs) it had FIVE wagons not one or two like previous days! Here is 66187 running under the A350 roadbridge at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.
..15 september 2011..
66187 with its lightweight load of two bogie-stores wagons passes Arn-Hill with '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury just 4 miles away.Typically the field in the background with only one straw-roll in view had about fifty yesterday but the sun dipped so that shot was lost.Same loco but with one! wagon that time. No-matter!!! ..14 september 2011..
66187 passes the Isolated Church of 'St Nicholas of Mira' at Little-Langford in the Wylye-Valley with '6O41'.This regular runner today comprising on mainly 'JNA-s' in the now familier NR-Yellow. ..13 september 2011..
66156 passes Eastleigh with '4O24' from Hams Hall going to Southampton-Western Docks.Train actually halted for a few minutes in the Station to facilitate a change of crew. ..02 september 2011..
66091 with its load of scrap concrete sleepers and old ballast approaches Millbrook nr Southamptom on '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh. ..02 september 2011..
66005 with a short train of loaded Network-Rail 'JNA-s' going to Dr-Days Junction in Bristol from Hinksey Yard at Oxford.Running as '6W33' it is seen exiting Chipping-Sodbury Tunnel. ..27 august 2011..
The Whatley-Quarry to London St-Pancras '6M20' was today hauled by 66005 drawing a set of 'Hanson' hoppers.The usual wagons for this working ,the older ex-RMC orange rustbuckets seem to have disappeared.Working viewed taking the avoiding line at Fairwood-Junction instead of going through Westbury Station. No sign of the grouchy sod of a 'nimby' fish-farmer today who seems to think he owns the track up to the bridge! ..24 august 2011.. Footnote----------This recently re-introduced GM was stored for quite a long time with a defective main-engine.It now has the one from Crash-Victim 66048,the ill-fated Stobart liveried Shed that crashed on its maiden trip after relivery!----------------------------------------------------------------------
Radical wide-angle (17mm on an ef-s lens) of '6O41',the Westbury to Eastleigh morning Engineers seen climbing past Dilton-Marsh Halt hauled by 66006. ..24 august 2011..
After a short recess in the Pilning-Loop 66097 in its shiny new coat of Schenker-Red regains the mainline with '6V13' from Dollands-Moor heading for Trostre or possibly only as far as Margam.
..20 august 2011..
Latest recruit to the ranks of Schenker-Red is 66097 seen here rolling down the Loop at Pilning with '6V13' from Dollands-Moor going to Trostre (or Margam?).Train made up of the SCF-type swb covered steel-hoods.Interestingly although it halted in the loop here for 12 minutes nothing passed it.Perhaps the driver just wanted a Pee! ..20 august 2011..
66197 brings '6V69' towards Severn-Tunnel-Junction from Bescot going eventually down to Cornwall but just along to Newport-ADJ on this leg of the journey.Load being 17 empty Emery's bogie-polybulks.Real fag-end for light this with the sun rapidly approaching the horizon at 20:20 in the evening. ..09 august 2011..
The Round-Oak to Llanwern empty Steel '6V07' motors through Severn-Tunnel Junction on the main with 66077 in charge.Train today was quite a mixture with swb 'soft-top' continental hoods predominating.Note what appears to be the entrance to the long-long Severn-Tunnel on the left of the shot,in fact this is just a 'long' overbridge.The Tunnel proper starts several hundred yards further on! ..09 august 2011..
66100 draws a late running '6B50' empty Swindon to Llanwern Steel past Undy in the superb (At last!) early evening sunshine. ..09 august 2011..
It was a long way to go for just one shot and after working had passed I wondered if the 60 miles round trip diversion was worth it? Here is 66187 with 60015 DIT? on the Trostre to Llanwern Steel.Sun was just weakly brightening the scene when this working '6B03' appeared running past the tumbledown old farmhouse at Llangewydd west of Bridgend.Strangely 60015 returned to Margam later that afternoon as a light-engine so WHY? was it not just left there earlier as the trip to Llanwern was a complete waste of effort! ..09 august 2011..
66098 sweeps round the bend that marks the end for the long straight from Cardiff at Heol Pont-y-cwcw nr Newport with '4E66',the returning empty 'coke' from Margam going back up to Redcar.This is probably the longest train in the country using EWS Coal-Hoppers due to the lightweight nature of the fuel being carried. ..09 august 2011..
66084 draws '6V13' away from Chipping-Sodbury with a Steel working from the Continent to Troste via the Channel-Tunnel. ..30 july 2011..
One of the original batch of the Red-Death 66006 passes Bratton with '6Z17',an extra from Whatley going to Hayes.As this was running in the '6M20' slot, that working ran over an hour early so went unseen.Train comprised a set of plain old 'JHA-s' in Hanson colours. ..28 july 2011..
Looking pleasantly clean 66063 powers up past Dilton-Marsh with the morning Westbury to Eastleigh Engineers '6O41',today comprising a set of 'HQA-s',misc 4-wheelers and some track-panel carriers. ..28 july 2011..
Engineers working '6W05' 18:45 from Westbury going to Westerleigh-Junction passes Bathampton with a load of sand.66135 doing the business. ..23 july 2011..
66118 on '6V13' hauls its matching set of Continental SWB-Bogie-Steel Wagons up out of Chipping-Sodbury Tunnel going to Troste from Dollands-Moor. ..23 july 2011..
Not bothering with the loop '6O32' powers straight up the main coming off the incline up from the Severn-Tunnel.66065 hauls a set of 20 SWB-SNCF Hooded Steel-Carriers going to the Continent via Dollands-Moor and the Channel-Tunnel.Service originated at Llanwern nr Newport. ..21 july 2011..
Early GM-Shed number 6 runs past Arn-Hill with a CWR-Train coming from Eastleigh to Westbury as '6V41'. ..14 july 2011..
GM-66014 speeds past Avoncliff in the Limpley Stoke-Valley with '6V62' from Fawley going to St-Phillips Marsh in Bristol with the weekly delivery of fuel for the FGW passenger fleet based there. ..12 july 2011..
Hauling a lengthy rake of jna's 66112 heads '6V41' the regular afternoon engineers from Eastleigh back to Westbury.Running in the 60 minute later path today due to the F-liner worked '4Z29' appeared to have taken its slot.Arn-Hill again,nr Warminster. ..29 june 2011..
'6W40',an overnight engineering train seen returning from St-Germans in Cornwall to Westbury.This particular load being a Continuous-Welded-Rail Carrier.Now empty since the load has been discharged down south.Loco is 66087 and it is seen at Fairwood Foot-Xing on the approach to the junction there. ..26 june 2011..
Returning the empty steel carriers from Swindon going back to Llanwern.Running as '6B50'.Todays loco was 66130 viewed here passing Brinkworth-Callow Hill in nice summer light. ..14 june 2011..
About 40 minutes after '6B47' (depicted below) had passed the next booked freight along was this,'6V07' from Round-Oak going to Margam.Hauled by 66167. The empty steel working was a good length but looked quite dull and dowdy compared to the flourecent-sixty that preceeded it.Location is again Purton alongside the Severn Estuary. ..03 june 2011..
Running as '6Z51',an Extra to get the wagons back to Whatley from St-Pancras for a SO '6M20' is seen,this time just 6 minutes behind 59001.That's 3 trains in 16 minutes all bound for Whatley.Quite a busy single line at times! 66057,one of the headlight fitted 'Lickey Banker' batch did the job hauling the regular ex-RMC JGA's in their signature orange colour.Location is Berkley of coarse,no time to move with freight coming within minutes of each other like this! ..27 may 2011..
Bit of a grab-shot really. 9 out of 10 times this working '6M20' from Whatley to St-Pancras goes up the Westbury-Avoider (Where I was stood) but today sods-law dictated it was to go via the station.Probably because the working usually close behind it,'7A17' was a non-runner.Anyway here is 66057 with its set of ex-RMC's in tow slowing for the Westbury-Station complex.Nice wagons these,full of character,at least 3 different types can be seen in the 9 visable up to the bridge. ..25 may 2011..
66129 draws the hooded-steel '6V07' past Purton going to Margam from Round-Oak. ..24 may 2011..
Footnote---This was the point on the river where the Severn Bridge once stood until an accident in 1960 resulted in it having to be closed and eventually demolished.Two fuel-barges collided and hit the bridge bringing down two spans and killing 5 crew members on the barges.They are still there and can be seen in the middle right hand side of this shot on a mudbank exposed at low water.For full story look HERE.
66093 hauls '6V05' from Round-Oak going to Margam past the Lydney area running pretty much to time. ..24 may 2011..
Speeding northwards at a great rate of knots was 66027 with '4E66' from Margam going to Redcar with the Coke empties.This working was barely 10 minutes behind the 60 hauled tanks but travelling considerably faster! Shot taken near Lydney. ..24 may 2011..
It was very sunny around the Frome area until about the same time as this working passed me on Upton-Scudamore Incline at about 10:20.Hence the tele-view as the approaching shadows were just out of shot! Here 66047 with '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh with just two 'rail-carrier' flats in tow.For the Total-Nerds amongst you they were 996596/996365. ..20 may 2011..
66031 approaches Southampton station shortly after exiting the Western-Docks with an 'Inter-Model' tripper from there to Eastleigh-Yard. ..19 may 2011..
66021 on '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh-Yard passes Norman Road on the approach to Southampton-Central. ..19 may 2011..
Doyen of the UK-GM-Sheds 66001 approaches Southampton with the MOD tripper from Marchwood to Eastleigh-Yard. ..19 may 2011..
Footnote----Only this loco and 66002 in the entire DBS/EWS fleet of GM-Sheds are fitted with Screw-Couplings only and no Buckeye. Hence denoted as Class 66 (type A)...........................
One of the erstwhile 'Lickey Bankers' 66058 was used on todays '6V62' from Fawley going to Bristol-SFM with FGW's weekly ration of fuel.Note the small additional spotlight mounted on the bufferbeam for night working!Viewed about to cross the Barton-Farm foot crossing at Bradford-on-Avon with its now traditionally long rake of 'TTA-s'.Again a clean GM.Nice to see,this particular one still seems to retain the brightness these engines paint displayed when new,unbelievably now over 10 years ago! ..03 may 2011..
Next stop on todays whistle-stop tour of the local vantage-points was Arn-Hill where '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh was pictured.Nice clean GM 66192 for a change as well.Note the piece of flat bottomed rail in the foreground being used as a leaner-post! ..03 may 2011..
Now there's a novelty! A rather clean 66192 on '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury conprising of a couple of 4-wheelers containing stores and a 5-set of 'JJA-s'.Seen at Arn-Hill nr Warminster. ..02 may 2011..
For those of you who prefer a more 'tele' type shot look HERE.
'6W01' from Eastleigh going to Cardiff via Margam was T&T with 66097 leading and 66139 on the back.Sandwiched in between is a fully loaded CWR-set.Seen at the top of Upton-Incline with Arn-Hill in the background. ..30 april 2011..
Stock transfer from Eastleigh T+RSMD up to Bristol Temple-Meads ready for tomorrows steam tour to S-wales with 6024.Running as '5Z66' with 66192 up front,here viewed passing Upton-Lovell in the Wylye Valley. ..30 april 2011..
'6C41' from Newport-ADJ going to Westbury today comprised of a fair sized rake of older 'SeaCows'.Here coming out of the single-bore tunnel at Patchway.66173 climbing towards the Station there. ..20 april 2011..
Returning from Ashchurch-MOD depot with just the various types of flats used for this service '6A36' but with nothing loaded, 66081 is seen having eventually exited the Loop here at Haresfield having waited for a slot to traverse the 'Golden Valley' to continue its return to Didcot. ..20 april 2011..
Going from Southampton Eastern-Docks to Warrington-Arpley was this empty STVA Car-Carrier type consist.Running as '6M54' with 66149 in charge. Driver NH bringing it up from Southampton.Pity these working don't come this way more regularly. ..18 april 2011..
With the bushes here well in flower 66093 passes Clink nr Frome with '6Z33' from Westbury going to Fairwater-Yard Taunton.Odd this? Could this be a standby for an unavailable FL loco? ..11 april 2011..
Running today as an 'Exceptional-Load' due to inclusion of these 'Points and Switch Carriers' 66102 rounds the bend at Ladydown nr Trowbridge going to Westbury from Newport-ADJ with '6X41'.Well loaded with new sleepers and some new points assemblys,presumably to be installed somewhere over the weekend. ..08 april 2011..
Creeping away from Pilning Loop was DBS 66118 in the now familier 'filth' livery of that Company with '6B86' from Avonmouth going to Aberthaw west of Cardiff. ..07 april 2011..
The regular afternoon departmental '6V41' from Eastleigh commences the drop down Upton-Scudamore Bank just a few miles from journeys-end-Westbury.66135 with a selection of bogies carrying Track-Panels,Conc-Sleepers plus a few swb wagons. .. 06 april 2011..
66132 looking remarkably like somebody has given it a quick wipe-over strains away from Clink-Junction Frome with '6A26' going to Hayes-Tarmac from the Quarry at Whatley.The usual ex-RMC Hoppers still on this duty,something with a bit of character at least! ..06 april 2011..
Another load of brand new Continuously Welded Rail heads for Eastleigh from the manufacturer at Scunthorpe (Corus?).Here approaching Didcot with 66154 in charge.This loco looks like its been up on mineral duties around Peak-Forest judging by the amount of stone dust dumped on the rear roof.Dove Holes at a guess? ..19 april 2011..
Dropping down into the Didcot area shortly after departure from Cowley nr Oxford,the 'Blue Sausage' Car Carriers loaded with BMW-Mini's is about to take the avoider round Parkway Station and off towards London and its destination,Purfleet.Running as '4L40' today with a quite clean (for DBS) 66140 shining in the early evening light in charge. ..19 april 2011..
Quite a sad picture really.Not too many years ago we manufactured Ford-Fiesta's at Dagenham but now we import them through Dagenham Dock from manufacturers in Belgium and Germany.(Every picture tells a story). Anyway here is that train of imported cars '6X48' from Dagenham Dock going (for now) to Didcot.66149 doing the haulage of the STVA Car Carriers. Here seen at Cholsey Manor-Farm heading towards Didcot. ..19 april 2011..
66091 rounds the curve on the approach to Didcot North-Junction with '6Z52' from Appleford-Tip going back to Bow-Olympic with its empty 'mud' boxes.This is another working soon to end as the 2012 Olympic Site in Stratford-London nears completion. ..19 april 2011..
66158 passes the PowerBox at Westbury having just arrived off the B&H with '6C76' from Acton going ultimately to Whatley. ..31 march 2011..
The Sole-Schenker-Shed 66152 approaches Clink-Junction with '6C76' from Acton going to Whatley.Like most of the DBS fleet these days loco is filthy. ..28 march 2011..
66132 on '6V41' from Eastleigh approaches journeys end at Dilton with a selection of bogies mainly carrying old track panels.
..25 march 2011..
The 'Stag' 66111 so adorned by a certain 'GG' some time ago rolls round the corner at Ladydown with '6A83' from Avonmouth heading for West-Drayton. ..25 march 2011..
Known as 'Shed O Shed' an unusually clean! 66066 passes Arn-Hill on '6v41' with a load of scrap wooden sleepers. ..24 march 2011..
'6Z35' from Moreton-on-Lugg going the Hayes(I think) passes Ram-Hill with yet anothe filthy DBS shed at the helm.I think it might be 66130.That Company at the moment obviously has a 'no-wash' policy and it really is beginning to be noticed! ..23 march 2011..
'6M20' from Whatley going to St-Pancras rolls past Fairwood Xing on the approach to the junction there.A semi-clean 66058 doing the business.
..21 march 2011..
Wearing the now usual shite-brown colours of DBS 66143 climbs Upton-Scud Incline with '6P10' from Bescot via Reading and the B&H going to Eastleigh.Note the skies,as usual the BBC was predicting cloud and light rain this afternoon.What a bunch of T++++rs!
..20 march 2011..
66066 motors up through a misty Wickwar with '1Z90' from Eastleigh going to the Heart of Wales-Llandrindod Wells.
..19 march 2011..
Shed-95 powers through Bradford-on-Avon with '6V62' from Fawley with the weekly delivery of fuel for Bristol-SFM and Laira.
..15 march 2011..
66230 growls(If that is possible!) slowly up past Dilton-Marsh Incline with '6O41' from Westbury heading for Eastleigh. ..15 march 2011..
Shed-66095 heads '6V62' from Fawley going to Bristol-SFM and then on down to Cornwall as '6C62'.By this time the route had been revised due to the bitumen for Plymouth no longer being required.Sadly by late 2013 neither was the need for this working as FGW had decided to ship its fuel supplies by road instead (What a bunch of Nonces!).Here the train is seen just after passing through Bradford-on-Avon into the Limpley Stoke-Valley.
..15 march 2011..
Arriving at Westbury with an engineers train off the B&H is 66020 coming from Northalt.Report number was '6Z80' and the load was a nice set of older 'seacows'. ..13 march 2011..
Pictured during the period when DB-Schenker were frantically trying to sort out a cost effective replacement for the 60's on the heavier trains these were designed to haul.Double-Sheds and even 59/2's were tried but were found not to be suitable.Now in 2011 DBS have formally commenced a refurb programme for the now agreed indispensible 60's,well done Schenker for waking-up and smelling the coffee! Here are 66007/66017 at Wickar with '6B13' from Robeston going to Westerleigh.Hopefully this will remain an interesting failed trial. ..05 march 2011..
'6V62' ambles along the Wylye-Valley.Here is 66206 with its load of fuel-oil heading for Bristol-SFM and Cornwall.The countryside in this area is timeless looking virtually unchanged for decades.No palisade fencing,silver-boxes or un-necessary signage.Scratchbury Hill forms the backdrop here at Norton-Bavant a few miles south of Warminster
..18 jan 2011..
The start of the rail head treatment season has seen several 66's re-imported from France in use with ECR there to cope with the increased needs to power the RHTT workings around the this country.Here is 'frog' duo 66028 and 66073 working '3J43' from Westbury back to Didcot.Quite visable are some of the external mods to these machines making them quite distinctive.By the spring of 2011 both these engines had gone back through the Channel Tunnel to France for further work there. ..20 october 2010..
Autumn Leaf-Buster '3S13' with grubby 66130 and 66137 speed down past Upton-Noble on the final leg of the Nights work back to St-Blazey.
..07 october 2010..
This was once the regular morning engineering working between Westbury and Newport-ADJ that departed at a civilised time of mid-morning.Its replacement now goes to Bescot and leaves much earlier and in the winter in impossibly low lighting conditions as to be able to photograph it.Anyway here is the 'old '6B65' powering through Bradford-on-Avon with standard-GM 66168 leading and 59202 'inside'.The load being the standard fare of NR JNA-spoil wagons full of spent ballast. Nice station BoA.FirstGreatWestern have recently announced they want to reduce its status to that of an unstaffed 'Halt' just to save a few quid on staff. Any cash saved will be needed to constantly repair the vandalization and inevitable graffitti that will occur once the 'single-helix morons' realise there is no-one around to prevent their ugly antics! Who??? are the real morons?
..13 july 2010..
EWS 66084 heads '6B59' from Exeter Alphington Road to Cardiff-Tidal hauling a load of scrap for recycling at Celsa-Works next to Tidal.Train viewed passing the duckpond near Brent-Knoll south of Weston-Super-Mare.
..27 may 2010..
When this shot was taken the train engine 66152 was unique in that it was the only member of the 66/0 series to have gained DB-Schenker-Red.Here it is passing Heytesbury in the Wylye-Valley with '6V41' from Eastleigh heading for Westbury with 66230 tucked inside. The contrast between the loco and the bright yellow crops in the fields certainly makes for a colourful shot!
..20 may 2010..
There was a period in early 2010 when DBS was 'faffing' around trying to find a viable alternative to the use of Class-60's on the heaviest trains.Various options such as double-sheds (as here) or Class59/2's (Mendip-Rail very unhappy!) were tried.As we know now it was decided to sort out to 60's as Schenker actually accepted that they were invaluable! Anyway here one of those trial workings with 66138/66096 hauling the empty fuel-tanks from Theale back to Margam passing Pilning on a superb spring afternoon.
..08 april 2010..
Rail Head Treatment Train for the Chiltern area comes away from its holding siding at Princes-Risborough prior to heading south towards London.Note the boarded-up large size signal box behind the train.66101 was leading with 66127 on the rear.Interestingly 66101 has now been repainted in Schenker-Red.One of just three treated in this country so far by november 2011..
..17 november 2009..
EWS-GM 66031 drops slowly down the incline towards Bedlam-Tunnel on the Whatley Quarry branch.It was returning empties from Appleford (13:30 off) running as '6C48'.This loco had just been returned to service after a long time of being dumped at Toton.I believe it has received a replacement power-unit.Note the new freshly repainted cab door as well.No doubt the original was 'borrowed during it long storage!
..24 june 2009..
This working runs as '6V62' from Fawley as far as Bristol-SFM.After it has dropped off some of the load to supply the FGW fleet there it continues on down to Plymouth-Laira as '6C62'.This was once a 3-day a week operation but after the Bitumin traffic finished it was rationalised to just one monster train a week.Sound economics really? Here is 66011 passing Brent-Knoll south of Weston-s-Mare heading for the south-west with 23 'TTA-s' in tow.
..16 june 2009..
The daily Westbury to Eastleigh departmental working '6O41' was the perfect vehicle to get these three colourful 59's from the Mendip Quarries down to Eastleigh for the coming weekends big Open-Day at the revitalised Works there. Plain-Jane 66030 has 59103/59206 and 59001 tucked inside 'dead' for the 50 mile or so trip.The working is seen in the Wylye-Valley passing Little Langford.The Church and Graveyard of St Nicholas of Mira forming the backdrop.
..22 may 2009..
66075 rolls slowly up the single-line from Whatley-Quarry towards Frome and the Mainline.Here seen at Great-Elm with the ex-RMC hoppers on '6M20' going to St-Pancras. ..08 may 2009..
66136 on the St-Pancras '6M20' from Whatley passes Fairwood Xing on the approach to the junction there.Again the very photogenic ex-RMC make up the consist. ..01 may 2009..
Here is a scene at Bathampton nr Bath that can never be repeated! The then recently cleared vegetation has regrown with a vengeance,the post-n-wire fences here are now 6ft palisade fencing,the train itself '6V62' (Tues only) which was an '08:48' working from Fawley-ORF to Plymouth's Tavistock -Junction supplying fuel for HST's no longer runs due to FGW's blinkered stupidity and the GM 66201 as of March-2016 has been assigned to the 'WGEA' pool for export to France for use with DB-Cargo there.Oh yes I nearly forgot the final nail in the photographic coffin on this line is the long delayed electrification of this route which is now slowly getting closer to being done.
..7 april 2009..
As this working '4D10', an empty coal from Didcot-PS back to Avonmouth was heading west a monster rainstorm had just passed going the other way.66230 passes in bright sunlight as all about is wet,hence the dramatic sky and rainbow.Actually getting a decent shot of a train in the sun with a rainbow in a suitable position is quite difficult.I have only achieved it on perhaps 2 or 3 occasions.Location for this quite dramatic shot was Compton-Beauchamp nr Shrivenham.
..12 august 2008..
For a short while in the summer of 2008 '4M20' from Southampton going to Castle Bromwich in the midlands passed through our area heading north and not via Didcot.Here is 66147 with the 'Blue Sausage' at Dundas in the Limpley-Stoke Valley heading towards Bristol.
..28 july 2008..
66200 stands in Cranmore Station whilst working shuttle trains between here and Westbury in connection with the Merehead-Quarry OpenDay. ..22 june 2008..
Occasionally Liners (or Inter-Models) are diverted down the Wylye-Valley due to their usual route via Reading/Basingstoke being unavailable.Here is '4O43' from Hams-Hall going to Eastleigh passing Norton Bavant with a fairly shiny 66173 in charge. ..15 september 2007..
'6V62' from Fawley used to go via Frome unlike now in 2011 when it journeys via Bristol.Once the Bitumin traffic ended to Plymouth (seen on the rear in darker tanks) service was revised from 3 times a week to just once on tuesdays-only. Here is 66165 heading the dual-load passing Frome-Clink heading for Plymouth. Another sight now passed in to history.
..10 august 2007..
66075 rounds the bend out of Freshford-Cutting with '7C79' from Parc-Slip going to Westbury Cement-Works.This train has now ceased since the Plant at Westbury was de-commisioned and mothballed by that nice french company 'Le-Farge',probably never to operate again.Also the 'HAA' type 4-wheel mgr hoppers are no longer a feature as they are all (1000's of them originally) now withdrawn.The GM still operates but amazingly the factory in North-America where all the UK-Sheds were produced is now closed due to a takeover by 'Caterpiller', an exceedingly greedy selfish bunch of asset strippers! Read all about itHERE ..09 august 2007..
66188 makes a smoky getaway from Chinley-East Junction with '6E52' from Peak-Forest going to Peterborough.Its load being a set of well loaded 'MBA-s'.
..25 april 2007..
EWS-GM 66047 drops down the grade past Somerton (East Usk Junction) with its load of steel slabs from Lackenby going to Margam (Port-Talbot).Not long after this shot was taken these long distance steel working ceased. Note the recently erected high palisade fencing to keep the local monkeys secure in their ghetto compounds! Prior to its introduction I once saw a person with 2 childern casually walking from between those two trees over to the other side! Amazing!
..03 march 2007..
This picture was taken about the time 66's were taking over many of the workings originally allocated to UK-built traction.Here is an almost brand-new 66099 with '6V29',the famed 'LPG' from Furzebrook in Dorset to Hallen-Marsh at Avonmouth.This train was to run a further 6 years until July/2005.By this time the gas supply out of the wells at Wytch Farm had become exhausted.Shot location is Arn-Hill north of Warminster.
..02 october 1999..
Here is brand new 'Shed' 66091 hauling the now defunct Calvert to Bath and Bristol Binliner service.It is seen passing the freshly cut-n-bailed fields near Newton-st-Loe west of Bath.These trains only ceased when the local councils decided to incinerate their domestic waste at Avonmouth rather than sent it for landfill at Calvert.15 years later this loco is still in this country (unlike many of its class members) and remains in the same livery,now looking pretty shabby!