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Class 08
These have been around now for well over 50 years.Numbers now greatly reduced in use with mainline companies but lots in preservation or in industry with private owners private owners
Class-08 D4100 'Dick Hardy' engages in a spot of stock control inbetween the scheduled services here at Highley on the SV-Rly.
..2 october 2022..
08133 was formally numbered as D3201 and when originally built way back in 1955 at Derby as 13201.Here seen in that original numbering in plain green livery with no yellow applied.Pictured from a passing train on Kidderminster Depot.It is apparantly in full operational condition.
..2 october 2022..
Eastleigh-East Yard is now one of the very few places where several '08' shunters can be seen shuttling around doing the job they were designed for many decades ago.This one 08511 is now owned by RSS and is seen shunting a long rake of HQA type ballast hoppers after a visit to the Virtual Quarry which is also on site.
..11 july 2022..
08785 stands ready for work with its engine idling at Southampton MCT wearing its fresh coat of G&W-Orange,There is no missing this one for sure! 61 years old and counting!
..14 june 2021..
The AVR now has a nice working Class-08 shunter on its books.This one 08202 was withdrawn bt BR way baclk in 1989 and for many years worked for the 'Potter Group' in their signature yellow livery.After that it entered preservation and now reside here having just has considerable body and cosmetic work done to it.Viewed in the Avon Valley Yard parked next to 5518,one of the original Class-31's from way back in 1958.
..5 november 2017..
Venerable 0-6-0 shunter 08785 which was once D3953 is now 57 year sold and is still going strong.Originally built in Derby when that place had a proper locomotive works it stands next to USA-import 66504 which incidentally was the first FL-GM to carry 'Powerhaul' colours and is 40 years younger.Both are seen on the depot at Southampton-Maritime T&RSMD.
..10 may 2017..
Reports indicate that the iconic GM Bo-Bo Switcher that has been the mainstay of the shunting here in the yards at Merehead is currently OOS with a major engine problem.I went down to see if I could picture the temporary replacement but in fact the yards were empty! I did see this lone 0-6-0 Class-08 No-08643 which has been there for many years still wearing the WR-Green livery albeit totally covered in mendip-dust.It was taking a breather just inside the loading area here at Torr Works.
..18 august 2016..
08617 'Steve Purser' c/w a crew stands in the yard of Eastleigh Works.This active '08' is in the ALTO-pool which is 'Alstom 08 Pool' carries a strange looking mat-green styling.Originally built in September 1959 nearly 57 years ago as D3784.Also in this shot is EMU-444015 and 07007.
..07 july 2016..
The 2nd Class-08 on St Philips Marsh's books 08822 was also given a makeover,this time into the now long gone Intercity Livery.This was also looking resplendant c/w a new name 'Dave Mills'.Until recently this was in FGW-Blue and carried the name 'John'.Another superb paint job!
..02 may 2016..
St Philips Marsh Depot Shunter 08663 looks to have been specially prepared by the staff here for todays event.Fully restored into BR-Blue with the name 'St. Silas' applied as well..Superb..A credit to the workers here!
..02 may 2016--
The mediocre spell of weather continues hence yet another short visit to Westbury Station basically just to keep the camera excercised! Here is the resident 0-6-0 DM 08799 'Fred' busily working the 'Up' Yard marshalling a couple of sets of HQA's in readiness for their next duties.With all the turmoil going on in the steel and coal industries this area with its relatively stable traffic out of the Mendip-Quarries+many Engineering Workings from the sidings here has become something of a percieved 'Hotspot' for freight lately.
..09 november 2015..
With operational Schenker-Class 08 shunters numbers now down to the low single figures 08799 seen here moving around the confines of the yards at Westbury now represents a rather less common sight than the previous 5 decades or so.Several times in the last few years attempts have been made to 'do' away with this duty at this location but somehow it continues to be retained!
..30 october 2015..
'Fred' 08799,one of D B Schenkers now extreemly small band of pure shunting locomotives is seen in mid-shunt at Westbury-Wilts.The powers that be tried to manage without a dedicated shunt-loco but this effectively depleted the available loco-fleet needed for heavy aggregate train haulage by one loco and caused several workings to be cancelled,hence the local '08' re-appeared as if by magic!
..19 october 2015..
0-6-0 08691 'Terri' continues to stand parked out of use at 'SMMD' Southampton Maritime Maintenence Depot..It has moved since my last visit about seven weeks ago but only about 10ft! Time will tell?
..22 august 2015..
08691 'Terri' sits in the loco holding sidings at Southampton-Maritime Depot.A recent transferee from Felixstowe but seemingly currently out of use.Possibly with a temporary defect or perhaps it is about due to be permanantly sidelined given that it is now over 55 years old!
..30 june 2015..
This now vintage Class-08 DM-Shunter was formally D3858.It was constructed at Horwich Works way back in 1959 (How many loco's built at that Works are still going ?????).Now numbered 08691 'Terri' it was until recently stationed at Felixstowe-FLT.Although listed as operational it presumably is in need of some kind of repairs as a couple of GM-66's were seen on this day to be busily doing all the shunting here at Southampton-Maritime.
..30 june 2015..
This Locomotive 08785 or as it was up to December-1973 D3953 has been around now for over 55 years having been built way back in Late-1960.It is still doing a useful job of work here at Maritime in Southampton marshalling Liners in readiness for despatch northwards.Note 66532 inside the 'SMMD' building whilst all around lies various wheel-sets for use under Liner-Flats.
..27 june 2015..
One of D B Schenker's somewhat overlooked dwindling fleet of 08-shunters (About 7 at the last count!) 08799 'Fred' wearing a now quite shabby coat of EWS-Red sits adjacent to the platforms at Westbury quietly 'ticking over' in readiness for its next bout of shunting activity.This Derby built example from 1960 is now 55 years old and still it continues to give good service.
..27 january 2015..
Here is the immaculately turned out Class-08 used in St Phillips Marsh Depot in Bristol by FGW. 08822 carrying the small nameplate 'John' is pictured in the sidings at the rear of the depot parked next to a couple of HST trailers. Note the paint lines on the crank-axles used to detect any evidence of axle movement.
..25 october 2014..
08911 or D4141 as it was previously numbered has been owned by the NRM for 10 years since its withdrawal.It is now the resident shunt loco on the site as well as being an occasional exhibit itself! The engine is seen in the workshop area of the NRM from the public viewing gallery.Also scattered around in there are large and small piles of the remains of 4472 'Flying Scotsman' which will (Rumour has it) be back in one piece in late 2015.
..23 september 2014..
During the Diesel Gala this Shunter 08032 (Formally D3044) was providing Brakevan ride in the yards at Alresford using an old GWR 'Toad' type van. Amazingly this loco was removed from BR service way back in 1974 (Over 40 years ago) due to only being vacuum braked.It did how ever find useful employment at Yeomans at Merehead until 2009 until finding itself here as a preserved locomotive.Evidence of its previous ownership are still visible on the bodyside.
..06 september 2014..
08799 'Fred' is one of the dwindling band of '08' class shunters still in use with D B Schenker.Here it is a Westbury carrying the now defunct colours of previous owner EWS.This particular location is one that still requires one of these 0-6-0's on a regular daily basis. Footnote-- On the 31st of August (Just 4 days after this shot was recorded) DB-Schenker announced they were to remove all but two examples of this class from service with the Company. This very busy example here at Westbury was one of those withdrawn!
..27 august 2014..
One of the dwinding band of active 08-shunters on the National-Network is seen working happily away here in the very busy yards at Southampton-Maritime.This example 08530 was up and down many times during our short stay here busily sorting liner-flats.
..22 august 2014..
Parked up minding its own business in the depot at Toddington was fully operational 08484.Still wearing the livery of its former industrial owner,the Port of Felixstowe.Indeed the nameplates it carried during that period 'Captain Nathaniel Darell' remain affixed to its flanks.This was once in BR days D3599.No doubt in the fullness of time it will gain a Green/Waspstripe colour scheme and that original identification.
..28 july 2013..
08238 has been in Preservation since it was withdrawn in March 1984,nearly 30 years ago.The former D3308/13308 is seen looking very smart and obviously operational at Lydney on the Dean Forest Railway parked along various other older diesel types.
..16 july 2013..
Another Infrastructure working going to a worksite at Craven-Arms '6W38' is seen at Westbury rolling up to the signal prior to depature.66115 was in charge this time.It is viewed passing the parked-up 08995 in a nice patch of sun.Load was again just empty MTA's and MHA's.There must be a mountain of spent ballast to be removed to require at least two long trains worth to get rid of it!
..15 june 2013..
The 'cut-down-cab' 08995 was originally modified to work on the ex Burry Port &Gwendraeth Railway in South-Wales due to low bridges.Altogether five 08/9's were modified in total.The first two 08991/08992 were scrapped in Swansea way back in 1989.09883/09884 are currently stored by DBS so this is now the only active member of this small unique sub-class.It once carried a nice circular nameplate 'Kidwelly' but that is now long gone. The 54 year old shunter is seen parked up for the weekend adjacent to the platforms at its current base Westbury-Wilts.
..15 june 2013..
A recently repainted immaculate FGW 08 was spotted residing at the rear of St Phillips Marsh Depot in the heart of Bristol City..A shot over the spiky fence is just possible with a decent set of steps! Here is 08822 c/w a cast nameplate 'John' basking in the sunshine.When new and clean the FGW-Blue is actually quite pleasant. However most of the time this colour as worn by the DMU and HST fleets looks distinctly dull and dour!
..02 april 2013..
This is an ex-BR 08 shunter originally 13030 then D3030 then finally becoming 08022.It was withdrawn in March-1985 from Capital-Stock and dumped at Swindon.However Guinness the drinks company had a need for a replacement shunter at their Park-Royal Business in London so it was acquired by that concern then.It moved on to the Cholsey&Wallingford Railway in 1997 and has remained there ever since. Here it is seen out on a work-train near Cholsey along with a couple of vintage wagons and a GWR-Toad Guards Van.
..16 february 2013..
Final shot of a very entertaining day where everything went pretty much to plan (sunwise and timetablewise) was this pairing of D3022 (1953 Derby) and D3586 (1958 Crewe).These were given a trip up to Bewdley and return allowing 31601 a rest after it had been operating this service for the last 6 hours.They are seen on the 17:06 ex-Kidderminster just after leaving Foley Park Tunnel travelling at about 20 mph. Amazingly this pair of veteran 08's between them share a total of 113 years of railway service.Pretty impressive and still going strong!
..06 october 2012..
D3586 draws D821 away from the Terminus having now been released by the departure of the pair of 20's. Shame the 08 was only identifiable by having its number scrawled roughly on the cab side-sheets. Of interest D3586 or 08471 as it was known at withdrawal was removed from capital stock in September 1985 and the Warship D821 in 1972,unbelievably 40 years ago! ..06 october 2012..
08873 is currently employed hee at Southampton-Maritime shunting around and preparing Liners for Northbound departures.This 'Hire-In' from the Hunslet Engine Company was originally D4041.It was withdrawn from capital stock in December 2006.As you can see,six years later looking far from being 'life-expired' still wearing a long extinct 'Parcels' livery.
..19 may 2012..
08436 puts in its second appearance of the day returning to Harmons-Cross with a very well loaded ex-SR bogie-brakevan.Seen at the A351 roadbridge at Valley Road on the outskirts of Corfe-Castle.
..11 may 2012..
Resident '08' 08436 kicked off the days proceedings with a trip up the line from Harmons-Cross to Norden giving a Brake-Van ride to a few people.The working is seen heading north at Corfe-Common.
..11 may 2012..
The changing scene at the Freightliner-Depot at Maritime in Southampton.GE's 70001 and 70009 representing the future and Class-08 08624 representing the past.Amazingly the age difference between these two loco types in over 50 years! When that shunter was built in Derby in 1959 steam still had nearly 10 years to go on the national-network.
..22 october 2011..
08737 is the current Yard-Power here at Westbury.This must be one of the few places left in the Country now that boasts a resident '08'.Unsure just how many EWS/DBS still actually have in use but it cannot be very many now.
..05 october 2011..
lick here to edit.
Went for a bit of a test-ride on my '600 Bandit' (See itHERE) today after some heavy mtce in readiness for a planned ride to Prague in a few weeks time.Popped down to Southampton only to realise nothing running due to an Engineering-Occupation so took a few shots over the bridge at Maritime -Depot instead! Here is 08575 having a day off sunbathing in the yard there. ..23 april 2011..
08925 shunts the sidings at Tremorfa-Works in Cardiff.A steady industrial scene this with Tidal-Sidings off to the left. ..04 march 2011..
08393 sits on a road trailer all chained up and secured ready to depart Dove Holes Quarry sidings in Peak-Dale.It did however work regularly for EWS for several years after that.Now in 2013 this shunter can be found at Barton under Needwood at the shunter repair facility there.I think DBS have sold it into private industry and it is there for a few running repairs.
..17 october 2008..
Looking very tidy here at Merehead whilst owned by Foster-Yeoman this engine was originally built in March-1954 and numbered as 13044.It became D3044 and finally 08032 in the 'Tops' scheme.BR withdrew it in 1974 after just 20 years service as surplus to requirements and 34 years later was still giving sterling service here at this Quarry! However in 2016 it has now passed into preservation and currently resides at the Mid-Hants Railway.
..22 june 2008..
0-6-0 DM Shunter 08947 sits in the sunshine at Whatley Quarry now once again a fully operating loco.It was withdrawn from capital stock at Westbury just over a year ago simply because it had a broken spring on one wheel and a flat battery.No doubt MRL got it for scrap value.Anyway within a week of arrival from that location on a low-loader it was once again happily at work.Note the faded original BR-Blue paint job which in 2017 has long been repainted but still in this livery style.
..17 march 2008..
---------------------60060 and 08588 bask in the sunshine along with an RMC Industrial at Dove-Holes Quarry in Derbyshire.--------------------26 September 2006------
Looking pretty smart in LNWR-Black Livery 08588 reposes in the shunter refuge sidings along with an RMC liveried Industrial 0-6-0.This location is Peakdale,the Dove Holes Quarry complex.Amazingly 10 years later this engine is still active in the same colour scheme but is now to be found at Washwood Heath in Birmingham in the MRSO (Mainline Rail 08) Pool.
..26 september 2006..
A nicely maintained pair of ex-BR 08's rest in the sunshine at Merehead Quarry.08643 used to be allocated the St Phillips Marsh in Bristol owned by FGW,hence the green livery.A recent arrival after it was sold out of service in 2001.The other one is a bit of an oddball.Nominally numbered 08296 but possibly 08787 (No one is really sure).That was sold as life expired in late 1988.Amazing how they are both in perfect health now!. 08643 is moving on or has moved to the Isle of Grain and 08296 now works at Machen-Gwent in S-Wales. Both are still very active in Industry.
..13 september 2003..
Two of the MRL Fleet of 08's rest in the sunshine ar Merehead-Depot.08643 and 08296.Both withdrawn as life-expired by mainline companies but in 2012 are still both working for a living!
..13 september 2003..
Class-08 08913 seen shunting empty stock in Crewe way back in the 'blue' era.Today in 2016 nearly 40 years later it still survives being owned by Malcolm Rail and is usually based in Daventry D.I.R.F.T but is currently is in LHGS-Barton under Needwood.Possibly in for repairs.
..July 1977..
08948 looking pretty well ex-works sits in Old Oak Common wearing Rail-Blue.Amazingly in 2013 (19 years later) it is still operational working out of Temple-Mills in East London allocated to the GPSS pool (Eurostar) probably the depot shunter there.
..19 march 1994..
Engineers-Grey 08992 sits in the sunshine in Eastleigh Works-Yard during the Open-day there.Over 20 years later this particular example still survives and is currently working at Burton-on-Trent in the Nemesis-Rail Depot there now wearing a coat of DRS-Blue.