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Freightliner/Genesee&Wyoming Class 66/4 66/5 & 66/9 (Post-01 August 2020)
Very pro-active Company with interests in Liners/Aggregates/Coal and anything else available! Over 100 locomotives available in either 66/4, 66/5 and 66/9 guises (A total of 107 engines of both types were built--11 have been exported to Poland and one was written off in an accident).A few others have gone to GBRf and Colas.
Now here is a quite unique container train made up almost entirely of 'pocket-wagons' to carry the larger sized containers now in common use plus a few tanktainers..It is '4O57' the 13:14 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT. This route via the Limpley Stoke Valley of coarse is not cleared for the larger containers on standard freightliner flats. GM-66598 in obsolecent FL-Green was doing the job today as it is viewed passing Dilton Marsh shortly after leaving Westbury.
..29 july 2021..
Powerhaul liveried GM-66/5's are not particulary common so it was nice to grab a fairly clean and tidy 66528 'Madge Elliot MBE-Border Railway Reopening 2015' in nice lighting here at Arn Hill nr Warminster.The working being '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking Dn Yard going eventually to Merehead Quarry.
..26 july 2021..
Standard Issue Freightliner-Green 66525 worked todays '4O57' 13:14 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT via the Wylye Valley.Here seen at Heytesbury with a couple of loaded 'pockets' directly behind the loco for a change.Weather today was still very warm and sunny but from tomorrow we can now look forward to a week or so of thunderstorms and sub-20 degree temperatures.. Ahhhhh, what a relief ! ..23 july 2021..
With the Westbury White Horse in the distance (7 miles away) '6X08' the 18:23 from Taunton-Fairwater Yard to Theale passes by at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.An unseen 66515 was leading with this loco 66561 on the rear of the fully loaded Track Replacement Train
..21 july 2021..
66522 is seen at Clink with '6Z52' from Westbury to Whatley returning the wagons from yesterdays '6Z33' from Cricklewood.Note the 2 wagons that have remained loaded.
..21 july 2021..
66502 'Basford Hall Centenery 2001',one of Freightliners first GM's was seen here at Berkley with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking going down to Merehead.Given that this is the original paint on this loco it still looks very tidy after over 20 years use!
..19 july 2021..
'Powerhaul' liveried 66528 'Madge Elliot-MBE Borders Railway Opening 2015' run down through Clink with '6C76' the 14:39 from Acton going to Whatley.As this working spent 45minites in Woodborough Loops I was able to get ahead of it quite easily and shot it again here near Home.
..19 july 2021..
With the farmer grafting under the extreemly hot afternoon sun '6C76' the 14:39 from Acton-TC to Whatley passes by with 'Powerhaul' liveried 66528 in charge.
..19 july 2021..
66563 passes Woodborough Loops with a loaded aggregate train from Stoke Gifford (06:07 off) going to Appleford.Note the fairly new all metal footbridge here which probably see's more use from railway photographers than anyone else?
..19 july 2021..
Freightliner-Green 66541 gets away from Clink Road Junction with '6M20' the 10:38 from Whatley going up to Churchyard Sidings at St Pancras in London.
..5 july 2021..
Another anonymous Plain-Jayne Green Freightliner GM,this time 66541 seen heading '6M20' the 10:38 from Whatley Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings in the Capital.Here passing the site of the long demolished Edington & Bratton Station.Note the original goods Shed still remains as an Industrial Unit in the old Station Yard.
..2 july 2021..
'4O57' was fully loaded behind the Freightliner locomotive 66520 today for a change.Interestingly the loading being 'Stolt' tanktainers used to transport 'Hydrogenated Terphanyl' which certainly makes a change from the usual boxes (If there is any behind the loco that is!).So here is '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog going down to Southhampton-MCT.Seen in the currently shadowless deep cutting on the Upton Scudamore Incline at Upton. ..30 june 2021..
Scabby & rusty 66549 today worked '7C77' the 12:41 from Acton-TC to Merehead.It's amazing just how tall the grass has become in the last few weeks here at Masters Crossing nr Fairwood.A legacy of all the rain we had in the previous month or so no doubt?
..23 june 2021..
A train not often seen here is '6C62' from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley empties.Normally passing here a bit later. However it was somewhat earlier today with 66507 doing the duty.Viewed approaching Frome in the late evening sunlight.
..15 june 2021..
Freightliner's 66545 c/w its load of fresh air in the first two bogie flats passes through St Denys going to Southampton-MCT from Lawley Street (10:50 departure) as '4O03'.A pretty work stained example,in dire need of a front end refresh or maybe a coat of G&W-Orange?
..14 june 2021..
66569 climbs Upton Scudamore Incline woth '4O57' the 13:29 from Wentloog to Southampton-MCT.A nice load behind the loco today.The empty 'pocket' not being to intrusive to the overall picture.
..8 june 2021..
More empties 'JNA's' are seen returning to Whatley.This time as '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road.Standard-Green Freightliner 66536 doing the job here passing Masters Farm Crossing nr Fairwood.
..8 june 2021..
With Bunns Lane overbridge in the distance 66542 with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking to Merehead is approaching East Somerset Junction in readiness to take the branch down to the quarry.
..4 june 2021..
Next train up through Dilton Marsh just 12 minutes after 59004 on '7O40' had passed was '4O57 the 13:29 from Wentloog in Cardiff going down to Southampton-MCT.Plain-Jayne Green Freightliner 66550 being in charge.Today for a nice change the first five megafret wagons were fully loaded with containers which makes for a much more balanced photograph.
..4 june 2021..
Plain Green 66522 roll through the heavily wooded cuting on the approach to Clink Road Junction with '7V09' the 12:41 from Chichester going to Merehead.Whoever lives in the detatched property beside the tracks here needs to do a spot of gardening!
..1 june 2021..
66524 c/w its advertising boards on each flank passes Bratton on the B&H with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley empties.
..27 may 2021..
Framed nicely by old style lineside infrastructure 66549 hauls '6M20' the 10:39 from Whatley to Churchyard Sidings in London away from Clink Junction. ..11 may 2021..
The 16:25 from Stoke Gifford to Whatley Quarry which i think works as '6C89' passes Berkley Marsh om the approach to Clink Road Junction on a nice sunny evening in the mendips.Freightliner's 66549 doing the duty.
..4 may 2021..
5-door 66597 runs past Clinl with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington to Whatley Quarry.Note how green this cutting is now as the Spring wears on!
..26 april 2021..
This is '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley with Freightliner's Green machine 66565 in charge.Today for a change it ran via the station instead of roumd the back of Westbury on the avoider.Quite a high proportion of freight going to the Quarries off the B&H now travel round the Avoiding Line.Probably something to do with DB's attitude towards Freightliner about use of sidings and charges in the Yard...I call it 'Sour Grapes'
..22 april 2021..
Freightliner's 66568 hauls '6M20' the 10:38 from Whatley going up to Churchyard Sidings in London past Berkley Marsh under a china-blue totally clear sky. April is the best time of the year if conditions are like this!
..22 april 2021..
The first Freightliner owned loco to get a G&W-Orange makeover was 66413 now named 'Lest We Forget'.The shade of Orange used on '413' is significantly a lighter shade than subsequent repaints making this loco somewhat unique. Here it is passing Berkley nr Frome with '7C64' the 15:25 away from Acton-TC heading for Merehead.Still good lighting but by now taking on a bit of a yellowy tinge.
..19 april 2021..
This is '6V60' coming from Acton-TC (11:43 off) going down to Whatley Quarry.66568 being the chosen traction.Viewed at Masters Crossing coming down the long straightaway from Fairwood Junction. This was the former site of the water troughs for non-stop steam expresses until the early 1960's.This spot chosen for that purpose because it is perfectly flat and straight thus suitable for water troughs several hundred yards long full of water.
..19 april 2021..
5-door Low Emission version 66591 gets away from Westbury with ''7V16' the 11:55 from Fareham bound for Whatley.Viewed at the still nicely manicured section of track at Fairwood.
..19 april 2021..
The 'Advertising' GM-66524 gets away from Clink Road Junction with an early pathed '6M20'.Usually a 10:38 departure from Whatley going up to Churchyard Sidings in London but today it was booked to leave at 09:38.
..19 april 2021..
Freightliners 66507 rolls up through Clink with '6C72' the 08:30 from Fairwater Yard at Taunton to Westbury HOBC trip for a refill at the Virtual Quarry there.
..19 april 2021..
66524 c/w its advertisement on its flanks offering jobs in the Freightliner Business runs through Berkley Marsh with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking going interestingly to Whatley this evening.This train normally returns the empties to Merehead?
..14 april 2021..
Tomorrow (23rd March) is the anniversary of the first Covid-19 'Lockdown'.Its hard to believe this continued situation has lasted this long and is set to continue for some time yet to come.However from next weekend I will be able to move a little bit more freely in the surrounding area as rules are relaxed partially and record shots other than mostly Clink Road Junction,An added bonus being 'BST' returns giving me another hour of evening sunlight to work with.. So here is a now sunny (at 16:00) Clink Junction again this time with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington to Whatley Quarry.Today graced by the 'doyen' of Freightliners GM-66 fleet 66501.Still looking quite smart after 20+ years on the move.
..22 march 2021..
Freightliners standard liveried 66568 speeds away from Fairwood Junction having just come around the Westbury avoiding line with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry empties.
..22 march 2021..
This is 66517 tagged on the rear of '6m20' to Churchyard Sidings from Whatley (10:38 off).66518 was leading.Note the badly sighted Relay Cabin and Mastm sighted here at Berkley Marsh....Not a very pretty sight and bang in the wrong place for any westbound workings!
..9 march 2021..
Within 5 minutes of '1A78' passing Clink Junction in the distance this working '6M20' the 10:38 from Whatley to Churchyard Sidings in London emerged. Interestingly 66518 was leading with classmate 66517 running in T-n-T mode.It definately went up the B&H in this mode as it used the Avoiding line around Westbury Station...Operational difficulties in London maybe?
..9 march 2021..
Freightliner's 66518 with the seeming odd reporting code of '6V60 on a 12:01 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry passes Clink.In fact it actually originated from Ardingly in Sussex hence the 'V' coding.
..8 march 2021..
'7C77' today has 66565 doing the donkey work.It departs acton-TC at 12:41 and goes down to Merehead.I wonder if I will still be stuck at Clink Junction photographically when the bushes have turned green!
..8 march 2021..
Nondescript non-name 66514 heads '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley through Clink Road Junction (where else in the current lockdown?).
..8 march 2021..
..
Freightliners' Doyen-Shed 'Japan 2001' 66501 continues with its current stint working the Mendip Quarry circuit.here viewed passing Styles Hill in Frome with '7C77' the 12:41 from Acton-TC to Merehead.
..5 march 2021..
Today was the turn of Freightliner's first ever GM that arrived in the UK over 22 years ago.66501 was named 'Japan 2001'and is seen with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington going down to Whatley Quarry. Sadly virtually every bogie-hopper is this working has been 'tagged' by morons with nothing going on in their lives apart from sheer vandalism! ..2 march 2021..
As the temperature is now much milder i decided to use my bicycle to excerise a mile or so from home to coincide with the passing of the 08:30 from Taunton's Fairwater yard to Westbury -VQ '6C72'at Berkley Marsh.This is my first visit here for several months.Freightliner's 66517 led the 1/2 HOBC set going to Westbury for its ballast refill.
..23 february 2021..
Today as it was so much milder I pedalled to Berkley Marsh for my daily exercise coinciding with the passing of a couple of early morning freights heading east.This is 66565 with '6M20' the 10:20 from Whatley going to Churchyards Sidings in London.I may have not visited this location for a couple of months but nothing much changes?
..23 february 2021..
5-door 'Powerhaul' liveried 66416 albeit in quite a grubby state slows for Clink Road Junction with the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry empties.
..22 february 2021..
Its now nearly 2 months since the shortest day and the sun is noticably higher in the sky now at the time 66565 working '7C77' the 12:41 from Acton-TC to Merehead passes my currently only vantage point for the railway during this seemingly never ending 2nd Lockdown..Not long now before we are released I hope.At least I have had my Covid Phizer Jab so freedom looks to be just around the corner just like Spring is!
..18 february 2021..
'7C77' the 12:41 from Acton to Merehead Quarry today was powered by a bog-standard FL-66565 with its load of mixed liveried JNA's including some of the now one year old Touax versions.Seen at Clink nr my home which currently is my only vantage point for photographs without breaking quarantine rules until covid restrictions are lifted somewhat.
..3 february 2021..
G&W Orange 66503 heads '6Y15' the returning 07:10 from Oxford to Fairwater Yard HOBC working.FL's 66557 being unsighted bringing up the rear.Here viewed at Clink Road Junction after a light fall of early morning snow. ..24 january 2021..
Freightliner's 66565 again powered '6Z26' the 10:23 from Whatley to Willesden S.L.S.Here seen at Clink having just come over the Clink Road Junction.
..15 december 2020..
The day dawned bright and clear so a trip down the Wylye Valley was taken to picture '4O51' the 09:45 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT Freightliner service. 66518 was in charge but annoyingly the first half of the train comprised of just 'nowt' with all the containers situated on a very distant rear of the train.Seen approaching the Sherrington Lane Foot-Crossing.Since my last visit here it has been equipped with traffic lights and an audible hooter to warn of a trains approach.Not very good if you were here for a spot of video recording for sure!
..12 december 2020..
Today was the turn of 66565 to work '6Z26' the 10:23 from Whatley to Willesden S.L.S.seen passing Berkley on a bright sunlit. morning.
..8 december 2020..
Just 4 minutes after 66606 had passed with '7V16' yet another base-green freightliner loco 66542 put in an appearance with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry as well.masters Farm crossing being the location.Somewhat necessary given the now very low sun angle.
..1 december 2020..
66520 hauls the now very regular '6Z26' the 10:23 from Whatley Quarry to Willesden S.W.S up through Berkley with the usual loading of Freightliner's own liveried hoppers.
..1 december 2020..
Despite it now being the 1st of December the trees here at Fairwood are retaining quite a lot of their autumnal leaves.66556 is seen passing with '6C84' the 08:40 from Taunton's Fairwater Yard going to westbury's Virtual Quarry for a top-up of ballast in this part-HOBC.Indeed about 75% of the train was still fully loaded so quite a quick turnaround today no doubt!
..1 december 2020..
Freightliner's mundane 66517 hauls a rather neatly loaded '4V54' the 10:14 from Southampton-MCT to Avonmouth-West Wharf through the Limpley Stoke Valley on the approach to Freshford Station.
..13 november 2020..
Freightliners 66568 passes a very autumnal Fairwood with '7B12' the 11:23 from Merehead going up to Royal Wootton Bassett via Swindon.Note the 3 'Touax' hoppers near the rear of this trainset,now well seperated from the rest of the new wagon fleet!
..12 november 2020..
66509 today worked the '6C73' from Westbury back down to Taunton-Fairwater Yard.Here viewed with its short set of HOBC wagons that had required a ballast refill from Westbury's VQ.Seen on the Frome Avoider at Styles Hill.
..6 november 2020..
66544 with '6Z26' an STP from Whatley Quarry (10:23 off) to Willesden S.W.S passes Berkley nr Frome shortly after coming over Clink Road Junction.This particular working uses Freightliner's own liveried hoppers.
..5 november 2020..
You know the summer is over when you need a long telephoto to get over lengthening shadows at just 15:30 in the afternoon! here is 6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry empties.Another early FL-GM-66508 doing the duty.Seen at Clink nr Frome.
..26 october 2020..
When this loco arrived in this country from the USA on the 17th of July 1999 most of Freightliners trains were in the hands of the now long gone Class-47's and 57's.All this was 21 years ago and now the now 20 year old 66's do everything including the Mendip stone traffic! So here is Freightliners prototype 66501 'Japan 2001' working '6B12' the 11:23 from Merehead to Wootton Bassett.Seen at Fairwood nr Westbury.
..26 october 2020..
66953 with its past-HOBC returns to Fairwater yard from Westbury as '6C73' running for some reason 3 hours later than booked at 12:17.Seen at Clink as summer green turns to autumn red.
..14 october 2020..
Freightliner's 66559 powers up the Upon Scudamore Incline with '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT. Today it was nicely loaded behind the locomotive neatly coinciding with a few moments of crisp autumnal sunshine.
..7 october 2020..
66415 'You Are Never Alone' along with its replenished part-HOBC passes Bunns Lane at Witham Friary with the light nicely upon the nose.The train being '6C73' the 12:17 from Westbury up-TC to Taunton's Fairwater Yard.I think we can now consider this loco 'voodoo' no more!
..25 september 2020..
Salvation-Army tribute loco 'You Are Never Alone' 66415 G&W's Orange machine is currently based ar Fairwater Yard on HOBC duties.Here seen passing Berkley Marsh in Frome a substantial part of the HOBC-Set going to Westbury-VQ for a ballast reload.This working being '6V72' the 08:30 from Fairwater Yard to Westbury.
..25 september 2020..
Stunning clean clear evening light as 66524 passes Arn Hill nr Warminster with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking to Whatley.Such a pity it wasn't like this 10 minutes earlier when 66779 'Evening Star' was keeping ahead of this working!
..24 september 2020..
66524 c/w its Advertising Sticker for Staff Recruitment finally passes Fairwood with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley.This train lost nearly an hour after being halted nr Lavington due to a signal failure that closed the B&H both ways for a time.
..21 september 2020..
The 09:31 Crewe Basford Hall to Southampton-MCT '4O49' is seen at Mouth pleasant in Southampton.Thankfully there were a couple of containers right behind the loco to balance the shot. 66541 in unremarkable standard FL-Green doing the job.
..18 september 2020..
66505 grinds up the Upton Scudamore Incline with '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT.The loadings have noticably increased in the last few weeks however with the coming of a 2nd wave of the Covid Epidemic they will probably get reduced again!
..17 september 2020..
'You Are Never Alone' 66415 in G&W Orange runs down the Frome Avoiding Line at Styles Hill with '6C73' the 12:17 Westbury Down-TC to Fairwater Yard in Taunton with its reloaded HOBC portion.After about a month doing the HOBC duty out of Taunton I have at last finally nailed a decent full light shot of this rather camera shy (for me) loco!
..16 september 2020..
Tango-G&W 66415 drifts through Berkley Marsh with an HOBC-portion going to Westbury for a reload.It departs Fairwater Yard at 08:30 heading for the VQ in Westbury Dn Yard.
..16 september 2020..
Freightliner's 66528 'Madge Elliot MBE-Border Railway Opening 2015' in the now obsolescent 'Powerhaul' livery style brings '4O18' the 07:31 from Lawley Street to Southampton-MCT through the Central Station just a mile or so from its final destination.
..14 september 2020..
Here is '6Y15' the 08:27 from Oxford to Fairwater Yard HOBC. Annoyingly 66953 was STILL leading as it approached Westbury on its return journey (It had led coming from Taunton the previous evening).Annoyingly it did a second reversal at Didcot West Jn thus putting the expected 66415 on G&W Orange on the rear for this return working. Grrrrrrrrrr!
..13 september 2020..
G&W Orange 66415 'You are Not Alone' runs up through Berkley Marsh on the rear of '6Y15' the 17:24 from Fairwater yard going up to Wolvercote Junction.66953 being the unsighted lead loco.
..12 september 2020..
66540 'Ruby' rolls down the B&H at ratton with '6C58' the 11:45 returning empties from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry.
..10 september 2020..
Tango liveried 66415 heads '6C72' the 08:30 from Fairwater Yard to Westbury.Seen at Clink where in a 90% clear sky I managed to encounter the only patch of cloud around.hence the long tele shot the glean as much of the failing light as possible.This loco is becoming a bogie engine as in about half a dozen attempts at it I have yet to grab it in full light!
..7 september 2020..
G&W 66415 heads '6Y15' the HOBC going to Tackley from Fairwater Yard (departed there at 16:44).Seen at Clink looking somewhat backlit!
..5 september 2020..
Another new visitor to the Mendips FL Green-66516 today worked '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-Hanson to Whatley creeps up to Clink Junction after a brief halt to allow a London bound IET pass.
..4 september 2020..
With its front-end well ingrained with rust stains 66544 along with its multi coloured set of boxes,both old & new comes away from Fairwood Junction nr Westbury with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road going back down to Whatley.
..1 september 2020..
This is '6Z99' the 09:19 from Eastleigh Yard going over to Llangennech in West-Wales with a large Colas-Crane to help in the recovery and removal of the wreckage after a Theale bound fully loaded Tank-Train derailed and exploded a few days ago.G&W 66419 leads with an obscured 66418 at the rear with the Crane in-between.Viewed at Hawkeridge as the working was departing Westbury. ..31 august 2020..
66953 leads the monster 40- wagon long HOBC as it returns to Taunton's Fairwater Yard from Didcot-East Jn (dep 07:58) as '6Y15'. Seen at Clink with the sun nicely lighting the front of the GM. I was hoping 66415 in G&W Orange (Inset) would be leading but no! It was tagged on the back-end some way away!
..30 august 2020..
Freightliner's Palindromic GM-66566 negotiates the Hawkeridge to Heywood Curve with '6A83' the 13:17 from Avonmouth-Bennets Yard going up to West Drayton via the B&H.Captured in a split second burst of sunlight as it was creeping past. ..25 august 2020..
66415 'You are Never Alone' traverses the Frome Avoiding Line at Styles Hill with '6C73' the 12:17 from Westbury returning to Fairwater Yard with its reloaded part-HOBC.Quite a busy stretch of line this,as can be seen with another fully loaded aggregate train hauled by 59202 going the other way. ..25 august 2020..
Freightliner's 66592 'Johnson Stevens Agencies' hauls a fully loaded '4O57' the 13:29 from Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT through Dilton Marsh on the steep climb between Westbury and Warminster. I had insufficient time to get onto the station here so this 'alternative' was done instead!
..20 august 2020..
'4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT powers up the quite steep incline through Dilton Marsh with its well loaded train of containers.Typically the couple directly behind the loco 66553 being left empty.
..17 august 2020..
Freightliner's 66588 runs back down through Clink nr Frome with '6C73' the 12:17 loaded return for this part-HOBC frim Westbury-VQ to Taunton-Fairwater Yard.
..17 august 2020..
With a couple of the new Touax jna's behind it Freightliner's 66569 passes Arn Hill with '7V09' the 13:41 from Chichester to Merehead.
..11 august 2020..
Standing on this railway bridge at Arn Hill nr Warminster in the 30-degree heat isn't really my idea of fun these days! However I made it here to picture G&W's 66503 working a fully loaded '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT.
..11 august 2020..
The Taunton-Fairwater Yard based HOBC returns from Didcot east Junction after a night's work east of Didcot at Tilehurst as '6Y15'.66953 leads with an out of view 66588 on the other end.Sen at Clink which is conveniently just a few hundred yards from Home.....