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Class-60 D B Schenker-Red Livery
After an uncertain period when D B Schenker considered withdrawing the entire class a decision was made that they were a very necessary asset.Therefore about 20 members of the largely stored class were refurbished from 2011 onwards and given a new livery of Schenker-Red.
DB-Red 60017 rolls slowly through Cardiff as '0F85' from Newport-ADJ back to Margam-TC.
..8 june 2023..
60024 'Clitheroe Castle' crosses the River Usk in Newport with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston Sidings going to Westerleigh with a loaded train of petroleum products.
..3 april 2023..
Todays '6B33' the 13:49 from Theale-Puma to Robeston in West-Wales empty fuel-tankers was unusually a pair instead of the usual single '60'.Probably due to 60010 feeling unwell and 60011 being sent out to the rescue? Here it is seen approaching Swindon non-stop going through platform-4.
..28 february 2023..
This was my first visit to this location at Coedkernew on the 4-track between Newport and Cardiff since the line was fully electrified in 2020.Surprisingly a couple of shot angles are still possible particularly on the slow/freight lines. So here is DB-60019 'Port of Grimsby & Immingham' with '6B10' the returning Steel from Newport Docks to Margam-TC.
..1 september 2022..
'The Territorial Army Centenary' 60040 rounds the bend on the approach to Wickwar Tunnel with '6B41' the 11:08 from Westerleigh to Robeston Sdg's discharged 'TEA' fuel tanks.As the line from Gloucester to Severn Tunnel Junction is currently closed this train reversed at Gloucester and will enter S-Wales via the Severn Tunnel.
..6 august 2022..
60019 'Port of Grimsby and Immingham' runs down through Hall-End just south of Wickwar Tunnel with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston Sdg's to Westerleigh having had to use the Severn Tunnel today and a reversal at Gloucester instead of its usual route via Chepstow.
..6 august 2022..
'6B41' the 11:08 from Westerleigh to Robeston Sidings runs up through Can & Dursley with its load of discharged fuel tanks.DB-Red 60040 'The Territorial Army Centenary' was doing the duty. Normally this would turn left at Gloucester and continue on the South-Wales via Chepstow.However as that line is currently closed for engineering work this working will reverse in Gloucester Yard and return this way using the Severn Tunnel to gain access to S-Wales.
..6 august 2022..
DB-Red 60019 'Port of Grimsby and Immingham' is seen at Cam & Dursley with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston Sdgs to Westerleigh via the Severn Tunnel due to its normal route up the Severn Estuary being closed for engineering works.Bonus being we get to picture it again after it reverses at Gloucester Yard.
..6 august 2022..
DB-Red 60010 rumbles along the B&H just West of bratton with '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale-Puma returning 20 empty TEA's to Robeston for a refill.It departs Theale at 13:35 getting to Robeston Sidings at around 20:35 in the evening.A journey time of just 7 hours.
..04 january 2022..
The New Year kicks off with DB's 60010 working '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale-Puma to Robeston Sdg's empty fuel tanks.Seen in rather dull lighting thudding through Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley.
..03 january 2022..
DB's 60019 passes Bratton on the B&H with '6B33' the emptied fuel tanks from Theale (13:35 away) to Robeston.This tele shot being necessary as the foreground had already faded badly due to the approaching cloud-edge moving East!
..2 november 2021..
Decal-less 60010 in DB-Red was today traction for '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale-Puma today going only as far a Margam-TC. Seen passing Great Cheverell under a glowing sky.
..6 september 2021..
DB's 60001 leads '6B33' as it passes Baynton Farm working from Theale (13:35 off) to Robeston in West-Wales with its empties fuel tanks.Note the brand new fencing here that has just been freshly installed.At least it's not spiky !!!
..2 september 2021..
After this working passed me at Manningford Bruce it then got sidelined in Woodborough loops for about 45 minutes thus enabling me to nip ahead of it for another quick grab shot.So here is '6b33' the 13:35 from Theale to Robeston pictured this time at Patney.A better shot was available down in the fields but given the time I had before it passed that wasn't really an option!
..26 august 2021..
The Pioneer Class-60 60001 continues to soldier on with DB.Here it is seen working '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale returning emptied fuel tanks to Robeston in West-Wales.Viewed sweeping through Great Cheverell on the B&H. ..25 august 2021..
'6B33' the 13:35 from Theale returning discharged fuel-tanks to Robeston pass Church Road in Heywood Village nr Westbury.DB-Red 60011 making a fine sight s it thumped by!
..10 august 2021..
Now that the Hawkeridge Curve from the B&H to Trowbridge is back in use after a lengthy wait to find spare parts for the points at Hawkeridge this train '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale to Robeston has begun to use this route again. Here is 60001 passing Heywood shortly after coming off the curve at Hawkeridge. ..28 july 2021..
DB-Red 'Tug' 60020 passes Heywood Village nr Westbury working fuel empties as '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale back to Robeston Sidings in West-Wales.
..11 may 2021..
60020 'The Willows' today brought '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale to Robeston emptied fuel-tanks via the B&H past Baynton Farm at Bratton.A final shot before the Christmas Period albeit in dire 1600-iso conditions. ..24 december 2020..
60059 'Swinton Dalesman' is viewed approaching Standish Junction with '6B41' the 11:19 from Westerleigh-Puma going back to Robeston with its train of discharged fuel tanks.
..12 august 2020..
DB-Red 60054 heads '6B33' the 13:35 from Theale returning discharged fuel tanks back to Robeston Sdg's in West Wales.Here seen shortly after passing Great Cheverell on the B&H.Finally this year after about 6 attempts I have managed '6B33' in decent light.Previously it was either delayed,run early diverted,failed to run ,I was Covid-19 housebound or just in no sunlight. Nice one.
..22 july 2020..
Finally after 7 weeks of lockdown I am able to occasionally use my car to travel a few miles for a change of scenary! So here is 60063 with '6B33' the 13:46 from Theale going to Robeston thudding past Baynton Farm at Bratton on the B&H.Although the TEA's were pretty grubby there was a good variety of liveries!
..14 may 2020..
DB's 60054 just misses a sunny spell as it rounds the curve on the approach to Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley with discharged fuel tanks as '6B33' the 11:42 from Theale-Murco going today only as far as Margam-TC.
..29 february 2020..
The former Mainline-Blue 'Ailsa Craig' now runs around in DB-Red carrying the name 'Dowlow'.Here it is seen on a lovely clear sunny winter's afternoon passing Great Cheverell with '6B33' the13:45 from Theale-Murco returning discharged fuel tanks back to Robeston for another reload. No sign of the miserable ignorant git that lives next to the line here today...
..27 february 2020..
The 13:46 from Theale to Robeston Sdg's discharged fuel tanks '6B33' passes Yarnbrook nr Trowbridge barely 30 minutes before sunset.Luckily the skies were sufficiently clear enough on the horizon to allow for a decent spot of yellowing evening sunlight on this shrub-free stretch of embankment.DB-Schenker Red 60020 being the loco in charge today.
..3 january 2020..
With the sun popping out intermittently a decided to picture Tug-60044 'Dowlow' now it is back into circulation after a starter motor defect earlier in the week.Sadly the sun didn't play ball hence this brightish no sun shot of it working '7V16' the 11:55 from Fareham going back down to Whatley with a set of emptied boxes passing Masters Farm Crossing nr Fairwood-Jn.
..25 september 2019..
DB-Red 60092 threads its way under the mess of OHLE at South Marston just east of Swindon with '6B13 'the 'SO' 11:50 from Theale taking discharged fuel-tank to Margam Yard..This is one of the few sections on this line where the electrification masts are single sided thus allowing a now all too rare clutter free location on the sunny side of the tracks.
..21 september 2019..
'Dowlow' 60044 rolls through Berkley Marsh in the yellowing low evening light working '6Z31' the replacement STP working for the cancelled '6C31' due to a wagon becoming derailed this morning at Theale.It finally left Theale at 15:10 going down to Whatley Quarry.
..13 september 2019..
This is a more wide shot of 'Clitheroe Castle'' 60024 thuding through Great Cheverell on the B&H with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry empty boxes.Note the sun angle being the fabled 'one panel lit' requirement for Class-60's! ---13 september 2019---
'Clitheroe Castle'' 60024 thuds through Great Cheverell on the B&H with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry empty boxes.Note the sun angle being the fabled 'one panel lit' requirement for Class-60's!
..13 september 2019..
'7C28' having arrived at Westbury from Exeter Riverside (13:44 off) then reverses for the final few miles down to Whatey Quarry.Here it is at Berkley in the lengthening shadows slowing for Clink Road Junction.60044 'Dowlow' doing the duty for yet another day this week.
..6 september 2019..
60044 passes a rather autumnal looking erkley with '7C28' from Exeter going to Whatley.
..6 september 2019..
'Dowlow' 60044 runs up the Frome Avoiding Line with '7C28' the 13:44 from Exeter-Riverside yard returning empties to Whatley Quarry. Not much light about but DB-Tugs on these workings will probably never happen again after early november so worth a shot!
..6 september 2019..
Of the three Class-60's currently around Westbury for use on aggregate work this was today the only one in use. So here is 60044 'Dowlow' passing Clink running about 30m early with '7C28' the 13:44 from Exeter Riverside Yard to Whatley Quarry.A lucky shot this.barely 2 minutes before is was full dull and raining quite hard but the sun broke through just in time.This accounts for the glistening look for the train and the surrounding scene! First bit of luck all day. ---4 september 2019---
Today was a mainly full cloud but luckily there was a brief interlude of sunniness in the early evening which nicely coincided with one of Westbury's current duties being worked by a Class-60.So here is 60039 'Dove Holes' going down to Whatley Quarry after its reversal at Westbury since coming up from Exeter Riverside Yard as '7C28' having departed at 13:44. A bit of a telephoto shot (170mm in 35mm-SLR terms) as this location on the Frome Bypass bridge at Clink is getting quite shadowy now even at 17:30.The approaching autumn shorter evenings are now making themselves quite noticable.
..2 september 2019..
60039 'Dove Holes' was today selected to work to Oxford and return. Here is the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road (11:45 off) going to Whatley Quarry.Seen here powering down the straightaway from Fairwood Junction.This was the sight of a set of Water Troughs from the steam era.Not quite full lighting but good enough!
..30 august 2019..
'Dowlow' 60044 creeps through Clink nr Frome with '6C31' the 09:20 from Theale to Whatley Quarry. I nearly missed it! It shot around the Westbury avoiding line instead of going via the station and stopping for a short while thus cutting it arrival time here by about 20 minutes.Phew! that was close!!
..30 august 2019..
60044 'Dowlow' formally known as 'Aisla Craig' draws away from Westbury with '7V16' the 11:55 from Fareham going to Whatley Quarry.As usual as in so many times in the last two weeks or so I missed any available sunlight!
..28 august 2019..
DB's 60015 hauls '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston Sdg's to Westerleigh-Puma Dbc loaded fuel train through Standish Junction on a superb hot sunny august day.
..24 august 2019..
Amazingly today was superbly clear and cloud free.Coupled with that pair of Class-60's at Westbury currently were both out working local freights.Having pictured its stablemate 60024 already going to Eastleigh it was 60039 'Dole Holes' turn next to be targeted and it it seen here passing Clink nr Frome with the returning 13:41 from Exeter-Riverside yard to Whatley empties '7C28'.
..23 august 2019..
Thankfully with china-blue skies and the full knowledge that this loco was actually working the train there was just anticipation in the air as '7O40' the 13:35 from Merehead to Eastleigh finally approached and then passed here at Arn Hill nr Warminster.The loco being 60024 'Clitheroe Castle' which is currently having a stint of aggregate haulage out of the Mendips.A sort of a Finale before DB ceases working from there in the Autumn.
..23 august 2019..
Something of a 'Contra-Jour' shot but fairly worth it given the loco on the point! Here is 60024 'Clitheroe Castle' 60024 bringing the 'FO' 13:35 from Merehead up to Westbury before its reversal and continuing on the Eastleigh.Viewed at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..23 august 2019..
60024 'Clitheroe Castle' having just left Westbury approaches Fairwood Junction with '7V16' the 11:54 from Fareham-ARC going down to Merehead.These Sixty's (2 of them) have been around Westbury now for about 10 days and so far out of 10 passes I have achieved just two shots in the sun..God they are hard work!
..19 august 2019..
Whilst a Track Worker stumbles along with a theodolite-tripod over his shoulder seemingly more interested in the cigarette he was busily dragging on, DB Class-60 60024 'Chitheroe Castle ' thuds slowly by with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry empties. Conditions were indeed quite dire today but the lure of this loco forcing me out for a shot requiring 800-iso and an F2 35mm lens to ensure something fairly sharp.As this was my 4th attempt at picturing at this loco this week I decided to record it today because in a day or so it will probably move away from this area probably never to return!
..14 august 2019..
With DB losing the Mendip Quarries Contracts this Summer is almost certainly the last that DB-60's will be seen working stone trains in Somerset.So here is 60039 'Dove Holes' on '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry departing Westbury at Fairwood.Currently a pair of 60's are stationed at Westbury to plug a 59/2 shortage whilst DB are trying to flog them in a Sales-Pitch at Toton.How long these Tugs remain working around here is anybodies guess.Lets hope the sun shines again in the next few days before they are transferred away?
..13 august 2019..
60039 'Dove Holes' has been drafted into Westbury for a few days deputising for a pair of 59/2's (202 &204) that have been sent to Toton to be inspected by perspective buyers. So here is 60039 powering away from Fairwood-Junction with '6C58' the 11:45 from Oxford-Banbury Road going down to Whatley Quarry.
..12 august 2019..
60001 with '7C66' the 17:50 from Wootton Bassett to Merehead finally passes this spot at Berkley Marsh nr Frome in full sunshine. In the previous 3 weeks that this loco has been around on this duty it has only happened for me twice. Next week it is off to Acton-TC for training purposes up there so this was the last chance (for now) of getting this loco here in decent light.Better late than never!
..6 june 2019..
The original Class-60 60001 continues to work whilst most of its 99 class-mates remain in storage at Toton-TMD.Here it is at Fairwood Junction nr Westbury with '7B12' the 11:23 from Merehead to Wootton Bassett.I just managed it in the sun for a change,hence the partial telephoto that was necessary to avoid the foreground shadows.
..6 june 2019..
DB-Red 60001 draws '7B12' the 11:23 from Merehead bound for Wootton Bassett over Fairwood Foot Crossing on the approach to Westbury.This is a crew training run in readiness for a Class-60 influx on quarry duties quite shortly replacing the 59/2's until DB ends involvement in the Mendip Stone traffic in the Autumn-----.Note-this never happened as the 59/2's remained and the Class-60's did the disappearing act!)
..24 may 2019..
The Westbury Training Tug 60001 today had a trip out on '7B12' the 11:23 from Merehead to Wootton Bassett and return.Here it is passing Masters Farm Crossing at Fairwood in fairly thin lighting.I was unable to be around for the return working that evening due to a prior commitment which was just as well because it turn out to be a light-engine much to the disgust of the many photographers eagerly awaiting its return! This was due to an unloading equipment failure at the Bassett Stone Terminal.
..22 may 2019..
What goes up must come down !! This is 60001 returning from Wootton-Bassett with '7C66' the 17:50 off from there to Merehead.Although it was 19:40 when it passed the light was still high enough and strong enough to make a pretty decent shot!
..20 may 2019..
The original prototype Class-60 60001 continues to do good work for DB on various duties.Here it is working '7V12' the 11:23 from Merehead to Wootton-Bassett.This shortish duty is being used as an 'out and back' training run for Westbury drivers learning the Class-60 type loco in readiness for the loss of 59/2's quite shortly off the Mendip stone workings (This never happened eventually). The train is seen on the quite severe downgrade at Ladydown-Trowbridge just prior to turning right at Bradford Junction.
..20 may 2019...
Tug-60001 was today employed on '7V12' the 11:23 from Merehead to Wootton-Bassett primarily to train Westbury drivers in the art of Class-60's in readiness for the departure of the Class-59/2's to pastures new in the near future (In the event this never happened,they were sold to Freightliner and continue to haul stone out of the Mendips).Here it is carefully slowing for the signals at Bradford-Junction where this train will take the branch via Melksham to RWB.
..20 may 2019..
During a weekend visit to friends at nearby Chapel in le Frith along with the wife a quick visit to Peak Forest was done just to hopefully catch the now resident pair of Class-56's doing a spot of shunting..Of coarse they were just parked up switched off.Anyway this long-long telephoto shot of the distant departure sidings shows DB's-Tug 60017 sitting ready to depart to somewhere with a loaded set of DB-Red boxes,probably '6F07' the 14:18 to Warrington-Dallam.Nice to see the good old semaphore signalling here still in use!
..5 april 2019..
Schenker-Tug 60063 heads a now fairly unusual Saturday '6B33' from Theale (12:14 off) returning empty TEA's to Margam Yard.Seen a South Marston nr Swindon where the awful OHLE is conveniently on single sided masts allowing for an unobstructed view here on the south side of the line.
..22 december 2018..
60062 'Stainless Pioneer' has been hanging around Westbury now for over a couple of months with just the occasional trip out in revenue earning service.Here it is on '7B12' the 11:30 from Merehead to Wootton Bassett-FY.Oddly friday seems to be the day it is allowed out for a trip.It is seen here passing Clink in Frome on the run up to Westbury.
7 december 2018..
'Tug' 60062 'Stainless Pioneer' today made one of its all too rare trips away from Westbury-Yards where it has been allocated now for quite some time.Today it worked '7B12' the 11:30 from Merehead to Royal Wootton Bassett stone trip.Here seen passing an incredibly dull Clink nr Frome as it makes its way towards Westbury.
..23 november 2018..
With the sunlight quite backlit 60062 creeps along the Frome Avoiding Line with '7B12' the 11:30 from Merehead going to Wootton Bassett.Although this loco has been around Westbury now for about a month or so its trips on the mainline seem to be few and far between.Friday seems to be its favourite day for a trip out?
..2 november 2018..
After picturing this loco at Berkley Marsh a quick dash to Clink took place knowing this train would be halted to allowaLondon bound IEP to pass.Given the forecast I am quite surprised that I managed this working in such good light.Here is todays 'Bonus Ball' an STP from Theale (10:26 off) going to Whatley Quarry as '7C31'.So here is 60062 'Stainless Pioneer' slowing for Clink Road Junction in readiness to take the junction to head for Whatley.A nice shiny 'tug',a nice change from the normal GM diet I must say!.
..13 october 2018..
With the light up and down like a yo-yo it was something of a miracle that this shot turned out as good as it did.As the train was slowly passing the tree throwing a quite large shadow the entire scene was quite a lot duller.Then somehow it all lit up plus a bit of help from photoshop to produce this image shown here.So here is 60062 'Stainless Pioneer' with '7C31' an STP from Theale (10:26 off) to Whatley Quarry.A quite unusual working for a Saturday morning passing Berkley Marsh slowing for Clink Junction.It was held there to allow '1C80' to pass hence the 2nd shot at Clink which was nice!
..13 october 2018..
DB-Tug 60062 'Stainless Pioneer' takes a break from Westbury Yard shunt duties and did a trip to Fareham and return.Here it is viewed on the Westbury to Whatley Quarry leg of that duty.Details are '7V16' the 11:56 from Fareham-ARC Sdg's to Whatley Quarry. Seen approaching the junction at Clink. Shame about the 800-iso lighting!
..12 october 2018..
This loco 60007 has been hanging around Westbury now for about a week doing very little and persistantly played 'hard to get' having been to Appleford twice only to arrive back to base at around 21:00 or later thus making shots not particularly worthwhile.However for some reason it ended up on the rear of '7C29' the 06:33 from Acton-TC back down to Merehead so must of sneaked up to London overnight! It is seen here DOR of that working hauled by 59005 in a short burst of decent light.In truth I was expecting it to be tucked in behind the GM so a half-success really I suppose?
..28 july 2018..
60100 now sporting DB stickers instead of Schenker's works past Alexander Dock Junction Yard in Newport with '6H26' the 15:23 away from Llanwern Exch Sdg's to Margam.Load being empty coil carriers plus a few Tiphook tri-hoods on the rear.
..19 april 2018..
60100 for former 'Boar of Badenoch' but now sporting a simplistic small DB sticker only rounds the curve at Duffryn with '6H25' the 09:22 from Margam-TC tripping over to Llanwern with a longish train of sliding-hood coil carriers.The ones at the front being the older 'Tiphook' 3-section type.
..19 april 2018..
As today promised to be unbroken sunshine I decided to take a toll-free trip over the 'M4-Big Bridge' for a few shots around Newport.I carried my trusty 9ft extending ladder on the back of my Suzuki-Bandit to kill 2 birds with one stone.The traffic around Newport these days is horrendous as are the now fully modified bridges to prevent the local tossers tossing 'fridges' over them onto the 25-Kva OHLE. So here is 60091 'Barry Needham' passing Undy with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston heading for Westerleigh Oil distribution depot.Until recently there was a hour or so in the morning at this location when if you were lucky 4 freights past but these days this working is the only one booked now at this time.
..19 april 2018..
The final built 'Tug' 60100 which once glorified in the name 'Boar of Badanoch' but now just sports a small DB sticker on its flanks thuds through Cholsey with '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale-Murco returning emptied fuel tanks to Robeston in West-Wales.
..5 april 2018..
60001 the original 'Tug' continues to go about its work quite happily nearly 30 years after the class was originally introduced. Here the now nameless Schenker liveried '60' is seen at Llandevenny working '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston to Westerleigh with its train loaded of various automotive fuels.
..2 february 2018..
The original built 'Tug' 60001 formally named 'Steadfast' but now nameless draws '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston Sidings to Westerleigh Oil Terminal loaded supply train through Magor.This shot was a rather close run thing! I literally arrived at this location, pulled my camera out of the bag,quickly composed and grabbed the shot within seconds!!!!!! Thankfully it wasn't too bad after all.That'll teach me to consume my breakfast of Mcmuffin & Coffee rather more quickly next time!
..27 october 2017..
Schenker's 60007 c/w its 'Switch on the Safety' logo on the flanks was todays workhorse on '6B13' the 05:00 from Roberston Sidings to Westerleigh Oil Terminal.Seen at the now quite overgrown Marshfield on the 4-track section between Newport and Cardiff.
..3 september 2017..
60019 thuds it's way on down the Limpley Stoke-Valley at Freshford shortly after passing through this small station.A rarely seen sight in daylight hours as this was an STP from Margam (08:54) off going to Theale albeit on its normal route but much much later.
..13 july 2017..
After picturing this working '6A11' at Oldfield Park there was sufficient time to get ahead of it and record it again here at Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley.This being due to this train taking a 40 minute recess in Bathampton Loop as per the schedule.So here is 60019 'Port of Grimsby & Immingham' again in weak sunshine but sufficient to make the shot worthwhile passing Freshford with its long train of loaded fuel tanks.It left Margam this morning at 08:54 with its destination being Theale-Murco.
..13 july 2017..
'6A11' today ran in a considerably later path than it normally does allowing a chance at these eastbound 'tanks' at a reasonable hour (For me anyway!).So here is 60019 running through Oldfield Park on the outskirts of Bath Spa with '6A11' the 08:54 from Margam going to Theale-Murco. A brief splash of sunshine was just enough to brighten the scene reasonably well!
..13 july 2017..
The Schenker Class-60 60100 which passed here in Newport about 90 minutes previously going to Llanwern from Margam duly returned working '6B04' the 12:46 from the Exchange Sidings there.Another good load and the patchy clouds played ball and allowed a nice sunny shot of its passing.
..23 april 2017..
Schenker's 60100 came into view nicely about 10 seconds after the bridge here at Newport was finally illuminated for the first time properly for about an hour! It was working the Margam-TC to Llanwern Exchange Sdg's trip working '6H25'.With more luck than judgement it turned out to be '60' instead of the kinda expected GM-66.So that was two slices of luck in one shot-----nice!
..23 april 2017..
Here is '6M30' the 10:55 from Margam going up to Dee Marsh.The former 'Boar of Badenoch' but now nameless DB-60100 was doing the duty today.Here seen from a slightly wider angle than 60091 which passed here at the Usk River Bridge in Newport about an hour earlier.That is quite simply because the shadows off the remaining arches of the bridge had now largely disappeared.
..2 april 2017..
'Tug' 60091 'Barry Needham' brings '6H25' the 10:08 from Margam to Llanwern over the River Usk in Newport.A good load as well,even some exposed steel-coils are just visible on the rear of the train.Some Class-60 fans will probably get all excited because this shot has the classic '2 front panels' lit. Me? I was just pleased it was a '60' and not the expected GM!
..2 april 2017..
This is another quick tele shot of 60040 at Westerleigh-Oil Terminal shortly after its delayed arrival with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston.This was due to the shunterman failing to be at 'post' by the entrance to the yard when this working arrived.It cannot proceed into the sidngs here without his authority hence the 40 minute delay.After it parks here in the adjacent long siding the train needs to be split into two equal portions before it is shunted into the Oil-Depot proper to be discharged.All very systematic and methodical!
..21 january 2017..
Schenker-Red 60040 'The Territorial Army Centenary' is seen arriving at Westerleigh-Murco/Puma with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston Sidings.A very very cold morning with the shadowed frost still remaining on the Westerleigh Yard trackwork.
..21 january 2017..
'6O41' was to provide me with a pleasant surprise this morning. Westbury's current resident 'super-shunter' 60054 was given a run-out to Eastleigh and return.Not a bad idea in winter months to get a bit of heat through the engine and traction motors etc.Here it is passing Norton Bavant in the Wylye-Valley with its pitiful load of just a pair of YKA 'Osprey' track-panel carriers.Good for this happening to coincide with a nice sunny morning!
..18 january 2017..
Now this is a welcome rarity.This working '6A11' normally passes here in darkness in the very early morning but for some reason it halted at Margam for over 6 hours and eventually passed here at Hawkeridge 432 minutes late! Schedule for this is normally a 22:49 departure from Robeston the previous evening with a booked arrival time at Theale at about 09:30.With RTT failing to give passing times whatsoever after Margam the Open Train Times-Maps saved the day making me aware of its very late progress.5 years ago this working would have gone un-noticed,not now with the 'net' thank goodness!
..29 december 2016..
Schenker-Red 60092 powers non-stop through Severn-Tunnel-Junction with '6B13' the 05:00 away from Robeston to Westerleigh-Murco with the daily fuel supply train for that distribution depot.Elsewhere in the country various oil trains have transfered to Colas and GBrF.I wonder how long before DB bail out of the duties in the S-Wales area?
..29 november 2016..
Westbury is currently back down to just one Class-60 working locally again. 60091 the former 'An-Teallach' now named 'Barry Needham' seems to be currently confined to 'Super-Shunter' duties at this infrastructure hub.So here is the under-worked '60' partaking in a spot of shunting in the Down- Yard.Occasionally the length of the wagon-sets being shunted require it to draw up right past the platforms on the station much to the excitement of the many enthusiasts that now seem to be visiting Westbury.Given the current state of the freight scene in the UK it has become something of a 'Hot-Spot' of late and is now a very popular place to visit!
..10 november 2016..
60007 eases '6B33' across Newton Meadows at Newton-St-Loe west of Bath Spa with the diverted empty fuel train from Theale (10:55 away) going to Margam-TC for stabling until monday.
..5 november 2016..
60039 'Dove Holes' today worked '6O39' in the path of '6O41' presumably because it went to Eastleigh via Chandlers Ford so as to arrive there from the opposite direction.No doubt the inclusion in the train of a large crane had something to do with that arrangement.Here the working is seen at Arn Hill nr Warminster about 4 miles south odf Westbury.
..3 november 2016..
60091 formally named 'An-Teallach' but now carrying the ex-Class 56 nameplate 'Barry Needham' rolls into Westbury with '6C31' the 08:40 from Theale to Whatley Quarry.This loco plus classmate 60039 are both currently working quite regularly out of Westbury on various duties in between shunting duties there!
..27 october 2016..
Schenker-Red 60091 'Barry Needham' powers slowly up the ever steepening Upton Scudamore Incline with a fully loaded '7O40' the 13:35 'fridays only' from Merehead going to Eastleigh Aggregate Sidings.A near miss this one,the shadows were making quite a mess of the back end of this working but a good dose of 'photoshop' seems to have rescued it quite well.Whoever said railway photography was a stress free hobby???
..14 october 2016..
'Barry Needham' 60091 heads into the sunset with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry.Autumn colours are now beginning to appear with just a couple more weeks before the clocks alter to Winter-settings. Viewed at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..11 october 2016..
With the sun dropping out of the sky rapidly and getting increasingly more yellow 60091 plods through Berkley Marsh with '6C76' the 14:40 away from Acton to Whatley Quarry.Hard to believe it was only 17:35 when this shot was taken signifying that summer is now well and truly over!
..11 october 2016..
Westbury is currently home for a pair of Class-60's and one at least seems to escape shunting duties and has a trip out delivering aggregates to various places.Today was the turn of 60091 working '7B12' the 11:35 from Merehead going to Royal Wootton Bassett-FY.Most of the hopper wagons in this set are almost brand new HOA types recently built in Poland and imported via the Channel Tunnel.Location is 'Upper Town' nr Dauntsey Lock.
..7 october 2016..
60091 'Barry Needham' that was formally 'An teallach' gets away from Westbury Down Sidings having reversed there after coming up from Fareham (13:03 off) as '7V16'.Viewed at Fairwood as it begins the short trip from here down to its destination Whatley Quarry.There are several lineside bushes that have grown alarmingly here is summer.No doubt they will magically disappear before next year or else it will be too late to deal with them subsequently!
..5 october 2016..
This was a rather unexpected surprise! After languishing around all day in Westbury doing its allotted duty 'super-shunting' rakes of wagons about it was placed on to '6C50' the tripper from Westbury (16:35 off) down to Whatley Quarry.A nice set of shiny new JNA boxes adding to the bonus as well.'It' of course being Westbury's current Class-60 resident 60039 'Dove Holes'.Location is Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..8 september 2016..
Westbury's current resident '60' escaped again today and did a trip from Westbury to Whatley Quarry with '6C28' the 13:45 from Exeter- Riverside. Not sure if it went to Exeter as Colas-70's have been doing that run lately but never do the final leg from Westbury to the Quarry. So here is 60039 'Dove Holes' c/w a new set of JNA's slowing for Clink Road Junction.A lucky shot this as I only stopped to have a word with S Mcmullin who was stood on the bridge as I passed.Also a bit of a tele due to a floater intervening at the wrong moment.The 50mm type view was in full shadow!
..07 september 2016--
Westbury's most recent 'Super-Shunter' 60039 today escaped from the yards there and did a duty to Fareham-ARC and back just to relieve its tudium for a few hours! Here it is on the final leg of the return duty having left Fareham as '7V16' at 13:03 going down to Whatley Quarry.Note the 'temporary' bothy on the rhs placed there about 20+ years ago during a period of hand signalling in this area.It is now slowly merging into the ever overgrowing vegetation here.
..6 september 2016..
A rather nice finale to the 6 hour day spent in and around the Shrivenham area was this shot at Ashbury's Crossing of '6B33' the 13:00 away from Theale returning discharged fuel tanks back to Robeston in W-Wales. Schenker-Red 60092 was todays choice of loco on this train which is still virtually 100% Class-60 hauled.Worryingly a path is now showing on RTT from Immingham to Theale so perhaps the trips from Robeston are numbered.Also this just might be my final shot here of a completely clear line between Compton Beauchamp and Ashbury's The OHLE crap is getting worryingly close!
..30 august 2016..
With Schenker's active Class-60 fleet now back down to under 10 examples at least this working remains solid-sixty.Here is 60039 'Dove Holes' thudding through Bourton with '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale to Robeston empty fuel-tanks.Note the position of the 'double' mast bases here.Exactly where a shutter would be pressed using a standard lens.Also why ? are there always double masts both sides of all bridges.I am sure they do it just to annoy photographers!
..16 august 2016..
Shunter-Tug 60017 continue's to do meaningful work out of the Mendip Quarries.Today it went to Theale and is seen returning the empties back to Merehead passing Great Cheverell as '6C74' departing there at 15:35.Wagons on this duty are now regularly ex-EWS HTA coal hoppers which seem to be quite suited to their new role as aggregate as opposed to coal carriers.Lighting for this shot was quite difficult with most of the foreground in light shadow.Considerable work being necessary in PS to produce a reasonable image!
..12 august 2016..
The surprise 'bonus-ball' of the day was Tug-60017 which was given a run-out to Royal Wootton Bassett with a load of aggregates from Merehead.Here it is returning through Berkley Marsh right on the cusp of sunset photographically at 20:30.By now the shadows were lengthening by the second so this working '7C66' the 17:50 away from 'RWB' to Merehead passed here in the nick of time.
..18 july 2016..
Brush Type-5 60017 rumbes up the straight on the approach to Fairwood Junction nr Westbury with '6C28' the 13:45 from Exeter to Whatley Quarry.Sadly because of the time this working gets back to the Westbury area it is incredibly backlit and getting a reasonable picture given the lighting conditions is nigh on impossible but worth a punt anyway.
..14 july 2016..
Westbury 'Super-Shunter' Tug-60017 was again let off the leash today and ventured down to Exeter with a delivery of aggregate from Whatley Quarry.Here is the evening return working of that train '6C28' on the final leg from Westbury back down to Whatley at Berkley Marsh..As usual a 5 minute later departure would have resulted in a full sun shot but it was not to be.Instead I only managed this rather watery effort instead! Oh-Well!
..11 july 2016..
Schenker-Tug 60017 returned to Westbury as expected working '6V41' the 14:47 away from Eastleigh East Yard.A pretty meagre load of just one NR liveried 'IFA' type wagon (7093010013 for the number crunchers out there!).Viewed passing Norton Bavant in the Wylye Valley in the weakest of sunlight but sufficient to make the shot worthwhile given the subject matter.
..06 july 2016....
For the 2nd day running 60017 Westbury's 'Super-Shunter' was used on '6O41' the Eastleigh (10:14 off).Unlike yesterday when the lite was shite today was rather kinder allowing a fairly decent picture to be had here at ArnHill nr Warminster.A nice mixed rake of wagons,bogie and 4-wheelers in the make up including an FAA Bogie Well Container Flat No 609044 (2nd wagon).Very unusual for that to be in this working that's for sure!
..06 july 2016..
60100 was once again working '7A15' the 16:16 away from Merehead going to Acton-TC.Here amazingly caught in a fleeting patch of late afternoon sunlight in between patches of torrential rain.3rd time lucky for me.Wednesday I arrived just as it was passing,last night was ok but in the dull (see below) but tonight (Friday) it was sunny albeit somewhat back-lit.After the crud experienced in the last few weeks beggers can't be choosers! Pictured passing Berkley Marsh with the Frome-Bypass Bridge in the background.
..24 june 2016..
This afternoons '7A15' was again powered by 60100.Here seen passing Berkley Marsh running about 30 minutes late.Most freights from the quarries going towards London were somewhat delayed today due to quite a bit of disruption caused by last nights torrential thunderstorms. This workings booked departue is 16:16 away from Merehead going as far as Acton-TC.
..23 june 2016..
Schenker's 60100 eases through Berkley Marsh on the approach to Clink Road Junction nr Frome with '7C29' the 06:22 off of Acton-TC returning empties to Merehead.Plenty of NR-action here with a track-gang working away trying to cure a 'wet-spot'.I presume they had a temporary occupation of the 'up' line at this time as they continued to work as this train noisily passed them.
..23 june 2016..
With Westbury unusually currently hosting three Class-60's its longest Tug resident (6 weeks) 60007 managed to have a trip today to Eastleigh and return on the regular tripper '0O41/6V41' to there from Westbury.Here is 'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' passing Arn Hill nr Warminster with its miniscule load of just four-4 wheelers.Since it travelled over this morning light-engine I suspect it probably went mainly to get refuelled. Note the logo 'Switch on to Safety' on its flanks.Lately I just wish it was the sun that could be Switched-On ????.Is it summer or not because I am becoming quite confused!
..22 june 2016..
Mendip-Rail's extra-hand whilst quite a few 59's are unavailable 60100 today went to Exeter-Riverside.Here it is returning on '6C28' the 12:34 away from Riverside going back to Whatley via Westbury.Regretfully the sun was pretty weak here at Masters Crossing nr Fairwood.Naturally it was full out 15 seconds later.To add insult to injury the return from Westbury to Whatley was reversed in less than 30 minutes so I missed that completely.By then it was 134 minutes early!!!! Oh Well........
..03 june 2016..
Having pictured this working at Melksham barely 30 minutes earlier at Dunch Lane I though given the late afternoon traffic congestion the chances of getting a second shot of 60100 on '6C48' were pretty slim to nil.However somehow I achieved it with about 15 seconds to spare.The train appearing precisely as I looked over the bridge upon arrival.Not only that but it was full-sun as well!.Unlike at Melksham where the shot required quite a bit of work in Photoshop to make presentable (just). So here is 60100 on '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley-Quarry again,this time at Clink-Junction nr Frome. Sometimes 'headless chicken' mode does produce results!
..02 june 2016..
Schenker-Red 'Tug' 60100 that once carried the pretty emotive name 'Boar of Badenoch' rolls past Dunch Lane nr Melksham working '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford going to Whatley Quarry.This locomotive appears to have been drafted into the Mendip-Rail sphere of operations to cover for a temporary shortage of Class-59's.According to my reckoning the fleet in 4 engines short for various reasons.Long may it continue!
..02 june 2016..
Finally 90 minutes late and over 5 hours since it departed Frome 60007 with '6W32' the 14:03 from Blatchbridge-Jn to Westbury manages to pass Yarnbrook which is just a few miles from journeys end at Westbury.Regretfuly the fast sinking sun and its lighting was now quite weak compared with when it should have passed.
..08 may 2016..
60007 'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' creeps extremely slowiy 'wrong-line' along the 'up' line going to Frome-North in readiness to form '6W32' the 14:03 from Blatchbridge-Junction back to Westbury via Taunton and Bristol.It had been parked up in the engineering occupation at Fairwood all night and most of the morning.It being released now that its duties there have been completed.This is a bit of a 'local' bonus as 60007 was allocated to Westbury primarily as a 'super-shunter' but all this week it has repeatedly escaped onto much more meaningful duties!
..08 may 2016..
60007 'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' creeps extremely slowly 'wrong-line' along the 'up' line going to Frome-North in readiness to form '6W32' the 14:03 from Blatchbridge-Junction back to Westbury via Taunton and Bristol.It had been parked up in the engineering occupation at Fairwood all night and most of the morning.It being released now that its duties there have been completed.This is a bit of a 'local' bonus as 60007 was allocated to Westbury primarily as a 'super-shunter' but all this week it has repeatedly escaped onto much more meaningful duties!
..08 may 2016..
After successfully picturing this working 60007 on '7C74' the 15:35 from Theale to Whatley Quarry empties at Newbury a chase was taken on but failed to catch up with this train again until Berkley Marsh nr Frome.Here it is slowing for Clink Junction with the famous local 'White Horse' landmark standing out in the background.
..05 may 2016..
Throughout our long and busy day aroung Sonning Cutting and Ruscombe it was always planned to get back somewhere on the B&H to picture this working '7C74' the 15:35 from Theale to Whatley.Since it appeared at Westbury last Saturday as nominally a 'super-shunter' 60007 has most days been out on aggregate workings (Which is nice).So here is Schenker-60007 'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' thumping through Newbury Racecoarse going to Whatley.Not a very successful chase followed and it was missed 2 out of 3 further attempts at shots due to it not stopping anywhere for its booked times.That was pretty unusual but par for the coarse when a '60' is involved!
..05 may 2016..
The '7V16' from Fareham to Whatley was actually terminated at Westbury. However the wagons proceeded on down to Whatley-Quarry as '6C50' the regular evening tripper '17:22' off Westbury down to the quarry.Thankfully 60007 wasn't 'ripped' either so turned up as well here at Clink in superb evening sunlight much to everybodys delight. Very nice.
..04 may 2016..
Recently re-instated 60007 'The Spirit of Tom Kendal' arrived at Westbury barely a few days before, nominally as the replacement 'super-shunter' for 60039.However it wasn't long before it was doing some much more valuable work instead.Here it is returning to Whatley from Fareham (12:50 off) with '7V16'.It is seen at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.The inclusion of the swiftly moving tractor-n-roller required a rapid re-composition of the shot!The last thing I needed was 1/2 a tractor. So nice to have,what is now a relatively rare working on this line and in equally rare perfect lighting as well!
..04 may 2016..
Today the Theale-Murco (11:25 off) to Robeston Sdg's was again diverted off its usual route via Hullavington,this time via Chippenham.This event is always worth a punt to obtain a worthwhile picture and happily today the 80% cloudbase played along. Here is 60039 passing Thingley west of Chippenham on '6B33' in a nice patch of clear full sunshine.
..30 april 2016..
Finally a bit of luck! 60039 'Dove Holes' currently assigned shunter duties at Westbury was allowed an all too rare trip down to Eastleigh and return to Westbury with the daily 'tripper' duo '6O41/6V41'. Here is it passing Wylye on the return duty designated as '7V41' due to the monster 'Kirow' crane in tow along with some new-build 'Lobster' bogies plus a few (invisible in this shot) 'Salmons'.Even the sheep in the field were mildly interested in this all too rare happening!
22 march 2016..
Today for the 2nd time in a row 60039 'Dove Holes' has worked down to Exeter from Whatley with a loaded stone working.Unfortunately it returns from Exeter with '6C28' at a very inconvenient time with the sun pretty much up it rear-end.However with 60's on stone these days being such a rare event this effort was recorded.Hopes were high that it would reverse and then go back down to Whatley as it did yesterday.However Sods-law dictated that it was 'ripped' at Westbury and substituted by a mundane-66.Naturally that was in full sun on the nose---What can you do ???? So here is 60039 on '6C28' running up through Berkley Marsh from Exeter about 2 hours early.The sun would have been even worse if it was on time!!
..17 march 2016..
This is 60074 that was famously 'Teenage Spirit' in Blue livery for a few years but is now just another Schenker-Red Tug. Recent rumours persist that all these Class-60's working for Schenker are to be stored by the end of the month (Just a week away).Lets hope not, although the company certainly seems to be struggling with the current dramatic loss of traffic from Steel/Ore and Coal! Anyway here it is passing Magor on the up-main with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston heading for Westerleigh.
..23 february 2016..
Schenker 'Super-60' 60074 which until quite recently was working a 'Teenage Spirit' in Light Blue livery ambles slowly down the single line from Yate to Westerleigh Oil Terminal with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston. Click HERE to see the same locomotive at the same location but in Teenage Spirit Blue in 2010.So much nicer!!!!!
..18 february 2016..
Thankfully this working '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston to Westerleigh 'Tanks' just about fitted in c/w all of its load as 60019 'Port of Grimsby & Immingham' rolls slowly off the ramp from the Llandevenny Flyover. Compared with a couple of decades ago this flyover which was built to ease congestion along this stretch of line past and through the now virtually defunct Llanwern Steel Works is hardly used and a shadow of its former usage due to almost total loss of steel and coal traffic through here!
..15 february 2016..
'Port of Grimsy & Immingham' 60019 brings '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston to Westerleigh-Murco Tank-Train working over the Llandevenny Flyover just west of Magor in S-Wales.Note the extensive shrub and tree removal work going on in readiness for OHLE work along this section some time in the future.Mind you with the speed of installation going on so far it will be fully regrown by the time this location is fully electrified! To compare this shot with the same location just a fortnight ago before the bushes-etc were removed. Click HERE
15 february 2016..
60024 'Clitheroe Castle' continue's to eek out its unloved existence here at Westbury now that 08799 'Fred' has been withdrawn by Schenker.Here it is about to reverse all the way from the Station area on the 'up' side for about half a mile or so along the main Salisbury line to allow it gain access to the 'down' yard.Its load of ballast filled side-tippers are probably bound for Eastleigh some time this evening.Lets hope it remains on this shunt duty long enough for a spot of morning sunshine so a couple of better quality shots can be recorded!
..25 january 2016..
Westbury is currently playing host to a pair of 60's.60047,a member of the Colas-10 and 60024 from Schenker that has now been relegated to the role of permanant shunter here.It even sports a Westbury-Depot square sticker to prove it! Here '24' is running over from the down-side to collect and transfer a set of loaded side-tippers over to there from here (the up side).They are probably bound for Eastleigh tonight on the regular Colas working due to depart this evening at 17:30.
..25 january 2016..
Schenker's 60017 passes Over on the approach to Gloucester with '6B13' the regular fuel delivery working from Robeston (departs at 05:00) heading for Westerleigh Terminal.
..29 december 2015..
The only freight routed via the B&H today due to the engineering works west of Reading on the Didcot route was the 11:27 from Theale to Margam empty fuel-tanks '6B33'.Here is the former 'Charles Babbage' 60054 in Schenker-Red thudding through Great Bedwyn in the winter sun.Considering the close frequency (about 15 mins between workings) of all the diverted HST-sets it is amazing that this service was allowed to operate on such a congested day for this stretch of line.But it did and no real delays were caused!
..21 november 2015..
In a 5 hour period between 12-Noon and 17:00 today just one freight train was seen to pass this location at Chipping Sodbury.However 'Old Faithful' the 13:00 discharged fuel-tanks from Theale returning to Robeston '6B33' didn't let us down particularly on such a cloudless day.Here is 60024 in its Schenker colours emerging from the tunnel with its mixed rake of variously liveried 'TEA' tanks.
..02 october 2015..
Schenker-Red 60054 approaches Elford with '6E41' the 11:35 away from Westerleigh Oil Terminal nr Bristol heading for Lindsey-ORF.
..31 july 2015..
Schenker-Red 60020 thuds through Acton Turville on '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale-Murco returning discharged TEA fuel-tanks to Robeston for refilling.
..28 july 2015..
Schenker's 60092 runs past the undergrowth on the approach to Severn Tunnel Junction Station.As can be seen from the incline the train has just emerged from the Severn-Tunnel.The train is '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale going today only as far as Margam.That tells me that there probably won't be a working tomorrow (Saturday).Normally the train is booked to go all the way to Robeston.
..17 july 2015..
'6V75' the 09:30 from Dee Marsh to Margam is viewed again here at Duffryn west of Newport-ADJ after its visit to Llanwern to re-arrange its load before continuing on the Margam.As can be seen,compared to the load it was hauling just two hours earlier practically everything is changed.60024 was still in charge although this time it is pictured with the dirtied 'exhaust-end' cab leading.
..17 july 2015..
60024 'Clitheroe Castle' runs down through Ponthir with '6V75' the 09:30 from Dee-Marsh going eventually to Margam.Firstly though it will go the Llanwern Exchange Sidings for a spot of wagon-exchanging and then proceed onwards an hour or so later.
..17 july 2015..
Todays '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale returning discharged Fuel-Tanks to Robeston passes Steventon just west of Didcot with 60092 in charge.The three remaining Cooling Towers of the now closed Didcot-A Coal-PS still plainly visible (For now).Oh yes! the Network Rail Crew were still standing around doing Naff-All just like 30 minutes ago.I couldn't take it anymore so I left!
..18 june 2015..
The original plan was to picture this working up at Alexandra Park overlooking Bath but because it was running about 50 minutes behind its booked time a move to this location in Oldfield Park was necessary as '6V13' the Dollands Moor Steel was right behind it.So here is Schenker-Red 60063 with '6B33' the 50 minute late running 11:27 from Theale-Murco going to Margam-TC.The working is currently being diverted via the B&H and the Limpley Stoke Valley due to ongoing weekend engineering work on its normal route.
..16 may 2015..
The former 'Loadhaul' Tug 60059 still retains its 'Swindon Dalesman' nameplates even after it was overhauled to become a 'Super-Sixty' albeit without the 'Tilcon' sub-plates.Here it is with the clean roof-end leading passing Baulking on '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale returning empty bulk bogie fuel tanks back to Robeston for a reload.
..21 april 2015..
As the sun was now beginning to set and the clouds were rolling in the skies were turning out to be quite dramatic.Here is 60039, a L/E movement from Immingham going to Scunthorpe passing Barnetby-East.It's just a pity that it wasn't hauling any wagons!
..17 april 2015..
'6E41' the 11:35 off Westerleigh to Lindsey-ORF empty fuel tanks passes through Barnetby Station just a few miles now from journeys end.Tug-60054 in the now pretty universal for '60s' Schenker-Red being in charge. As can be seen from the station digital clock we had been out taking pictures now for over 10 hours.Not long now until the Pub,a couple of pints and a good meal!
..17 april 2015..
60100 with its load of Iron-Ore in Tippler Wagons '6K25' eases past Barnetby-East signalbox on the slow-line as it prepares to stop for a while in the refuge sidings here at Barnetby.Hence the long telephoto shot which was necessary because a long redundant telegraph pole is annoying right in the way (See the previous picture) when workings take that route through the station.
..17 april 2015..
60024 passes Humber-Junction at South-Killingholme working '6K24' with a fresh load of Iron-Ore from Immingham Dock bound for Scunthorpe.The sidings to the right are still in use as departure points for several Oil Tanks Trains from Lindsey Refinery which is the very visible industrial backdrop to this location.
..17 april 2015..
The former 'Boar of Badenoch' but now nameless 60100 approaches Humber-Junction which is quite close to Lindsey Oil Refinery as it heads '6K25' the 15:17 from Santon going to Scunthorpe via Immingham with soon to be refilled empty Iron-Ore Tipplers.
..17 april 2015..
The kink in the line west of Barnetby here at Elsham allows shots with the sun still on the nose whilst further east at Barnetby and beyond it is now well backlit.So here is the next subject to pass in full sunshine.This time it is 60024 on a Santon (13:32 off) to Scunthorpe via Immingham '6K24'.
..17 april 2015..
'6M00' the 11:40 from Humber going to Kingsbury passes the Lime Works nr Melton Ross hauled by 60001 the original Class-60.Note the completely uniform rake of VTG-TEA Tanks.Still looking fairly clean as well.
..17 april 2015..
60024 'Clitheroe Castle' passes the Singleton-Birch Lime Works with '6T24' the 11:38 from Immingham going to Santon.When Class-56's ruled the roost around here the land to the right of the track used to be a deep water filled pit.No doubt it was filled in for H&S reasons!
..17 april 2015..
60100 passes Singleton Birch heading for Immingham from Santon to collect another load of Imported Iron-Ore for use in Scunthorpe Steel-Works.
..17 april 2015..
60024 'Clitheroe Castle' heads east at Melton Ross with an Ore-shuttle from Santon to Immingham-BSC.As it turned out we were very lucky because this was the final day for a few weeks that these Iron-Ore flows were operating.Without these workings plus the current sharp downturn in coal operations as well due to the 'Carbon-Tax' coming into force at the beginning on the month freight trains along this line will be few and far between for quite some time!
..17 april 2015..
The now nameless Schenker-Red 60001 which was originally built as 'Steadfast' approaches Barnetby Station with '6E46' the 04:37 from Kingsbury returning discharged TEA-type bogie-tanks to Lindsey-Refinery.By now at 09:30 the sun angle was approaching right-angles to the line and producing what many 'fussy' photographers deem to be the perfect angle for a Class-60 with just 2 out of 3 panels on the front end lit. Me? I am just grateful to get it in the sun!
..17 april 2015..
Tug-Doyen 60001 is seen approaching Barnetby with '6E46' the 04:37 from Kingsbury heading for Lindsey Oil Refinary.It has just passed Wrawby-Junction which is in the background and still retains several impressive signal gantrys which are still operational.The Junction Signalbox which is quite difficult to photograph can just be seen above the rear wagons of this passing Oil Train.
..17 april 2015..
60100 thuds through Barnetby with '6K21' the 08:11 from Santon going to Immingham Ore-Terminal to collect yet another load of IronOre destined for the Steel-Works at Scunthorpe.
..17 april 2015..
A pretty workstained Schenker-Red 60091 'Barry Needham' powers the 13:00 from Theale returning discharges fuel-tanks to Robeston.It is passing the former Ashbury-Crossing (Now a footbridge) in Shrivenham.Evidence of the multiple worksites all along this line are here to be seen,roadrailer shovels and multiple stores in the yard behind the train whilst in the foreground is a reminder of the forthcoming photographically ruinous OHLE to come in the form of a piling for supporting the catenary posts-etc.
..14 april 2015..
Schenker-Red Tug 60017 heads away from Newport at Duffryn going to Margam with '6V75' the 09:30 from Dee Marsh-Reception.This load goes to Llanwern first for a spot of shunting after arriving in the Newport area several hours earlier.Interestingly the wagons it was hauling here are completely different to what it arrived at Llanwern with although technically it is the same train!
..26 march 2015..
After the drama of being almost completely bowled by a speeding Class-170 on the fastline there was just enough time to grab this shot before the train went out of the available frame.Unfortunately the rather bulky indicator/signal is just in front of the cab but 'what can you do'.So here is 60019 on '6B13' from Robeston to Westerleigh slowing for its regular booked stop to allow a following Arrive-XC working behind it to overtake.That working was in fact the one that passed a few milleseconds before so to add insult to injury the quick chase to Severn Tunnel Junction was a waste of time because it didn't even stop hence we missed it--Not a good start to the day!
..26 march 2015..
60017 in its now dulled down Schenker-Red livery heads '6B33' the 11:27 from Theale going to Margam with discharged fuel-tanks.Now the evenings are beginning to lengthen,lightwise chances of picking this working up in S-Wales west of Cardiff are now becoming available.Again this is St George's nr Cardiff.
..21 march 2015..
Bonus shot today was the late running (80 minutes down) '6V51' from Warrington-Arpley (01:47 off) going to Portbury Automotive Terminal comprising of empty car-carrier flats.Today unusually it was 60040 the former 'Army-Tug' although it still retains its nameplates.Here it is viewed passing Church Road in Undy just west of Severn Tunnel-Junction.Normally this is just an EWS-66 so a Class-60 was a real treat!
..21 march 2015..
A bit of a bonus on a day around Newport when the freight scene was noticably very quiet. Here is the occasional '6B25' the 11:06 off Westerleigh-Murco returning a set of discharge fuel-tank 'TEA-s' to Robeston.The very busy and also now rather faded and work-stained 60017 was leading. Location is of coarse Coedkernew west of Newport.
..18 march 2015..
Todays 'Chosen One' was 60019 which was a bit of a pity because I was kinda expecting the 'Drax-Tug 66' but as usual sods-law prevailed and it went in the opposite direction to Trostre! Anyway here is the days '6B13' Fuel Supply Train thumping through Magor nr Severn Tunnel-Junction going to Westerleigh from Robeston (05:00 off).
..18 march 2015..
The now fairly work-worn 60017 thumps through Acton-Turville with the 13:00 from Theale returning discharged fuel tanks back to Robeston.This working '6B33' has been a stalwart along this line now for many years.The good news this week is that the threatened Robeston Supply Plant was taken over by 'Puma-Oil' from 'Murco' along with the Theale and Westerleigh distribution depots.Basically that means that the Schenker deliveries between those locations now seems to be secure for the forseeable future.It appears sanity finally prevailed in this case!
..17 march 2015..
A rather workstained 60019 rumbles slowly down the former Midland Mainline to Bristol from the north that is now just a single line leading to the Westerleigh Oil Terminal.The train is '6B13' the daily 05:00 from Robeston bringing in another 3 million pounds+ worth of petro-chemichals to that distributrion depot.Each 'TEA' tank holds about 100 000 litres of fuel and the working usually has about 30 wagons in total.The location is Westerleigh Village just a mile or so from journeys end for this service.
..10 march 2015..
'Port of Grimsby and Immingham' 60019 rounds the curve at Great-Cheverell with the diverted '6B33' from Theale to Margam-TC.This is because of ongoing work in the Reading area by Network-Rail.Viewed under a clearing sky but unfortunately as this working was 25 minutes early it had come and gone before the blue patches arrived! (As usual!)
..14 february 2015..
'6B33' was again this weekend diverted via the B&H due to engineering works nr Reading.Here is the 11:27 from Theale to Margam passing the K&A Canal nr Bedwyn heading west towards Westbury and then a trip along the Limpley Stoke-Valley before heading for Bristol and then regaining its original route via the Severn-Tunnel.Today the former 'Charles Babbage' 60054 in grubby Schenker-Red was doing the duty.
..24 january 2014..
After visiting Avonmouth-etc picturing the 'Mendip Mariner' Tour a drive into Bristol proper was undertaken to record the passing of the diverted '6B33' from Theale going to Margam via the B&H and Bristol.Here Schenker-60039 is seen in incredibly dull and damp conditions (1600asa 500@F2) coming under the former Midland Mainline that is now a cycle-path at Lawence Hill deep in the centre of the City of Bristol.The track on the right used to serve the Barrow Road waste disposal point famously used by the local Binliner service now of coarse discontinued.
..17 january 2015..
By 14:00 in the afternoon the clear skies predicted by the BBC had finally appeared but by then it was really a case of too little-too late.Here is '6B33' from Theale (13:00 off) going to Robeston dodging the majority of the back-lit shadows as it ploughs up the slowlines here at Lower-Basildon. Schenker's 60062 'Stainless Pioneer' being todays power.Note the very substantial looking mast already erected here to carry the upcoming electrification.The area around here is littered with masts/tubes/supports and new cable troughing in readiness----what a mess!
..30 december 2014..
As often happens on a Saturday this train '6B33' was running nearly an hour early as it passed this spot at South-Marston nr Swindon.No complaints though as the lighting is somewhat better than later! So today it was 60044 hauling its set of discharged Fuel-Tanks back to Margam in S-Wales from Theale (11:27 off nominally).
..13 december 2014..
Everybody's Saturday favourite working '6B33' from Theale (11:27 off) to Margam passes Circourt Bridge at Denchworth in the low afternoon winter sun with Schenker-Red 60024 in charge.There was a gallery in excess of 20 people here for the pair of Colas-56's which were following this working.Of coarse though this was a nice bonus.I wonder if the driver though the photographic gathering was for him ??? As can be seen from the long long shadows choice of locations at this time of year is very limited.Hence our visit here.
..06 december 2014..
Rather disconcertingly this working '6C54' which departed Oxford-Banbury Road heading for Westbury actually left 'right time' 13:06, but the Application RTT failed to report it anywhere until Challow which was barely 10 minutes away! Anyway thankfully it appeared on time in a patch of strong sunlight (for a change).The attraction of this working today was 'Tug' 60001 with its set of empty 'KEA' boxes.Here pictured passing Shrivenham. I suppose that made to 100 miles round trip worth it!
..31 october 2014..
Once named 'Steadfast' 60001 hauls it empty rake of boxes past Bapton in the Wylye-Valley heading for Westbury from Fareham-ARC '7V16'. I have included this albeit rather sunless shot due to the rarity these days of a Schenker-60 working stone out of the Mendip Quarries.
..30 october 2014..
Todays 08:19 from Whatley Quarry going up to London St-Pancras Churchyards Sidings '6M20' was unusually hauled by one of the recently rebuilt/overhauled 'Super-60-s'.Somehow it ended up at Westbury after a weekend on engineering duties and due to a bit of a locomotive shortage at Westbury was pressed into service yesterday on an Oxford-Banbury Road duty and today on this. So here is 'Doyen' 60001 running through Great Cheverell on the B&H with its mixed set of various hopper types heading for London.
..28 october 2014..
Here is the original 'Tug' 60001 formally 'Steadfast' now fully overhauled and to-date with just over 2000 hours on the clock.Today it unusually made an appearance on the stone working originating from the Mendip Quarries.Something that has not happened for a considerable length of time.It is seen passing Ladydown nr Trowbridge with the returning '6C54' from Banbury Road-Oxford going to Westbury with a rake of battered 'KEA-s' in tow.A pretty dark situation required 1000ASA and just a 500th at F4 to scrape the shot.Note the smoke in the top RH corner from a local factory that was well ablaze with about 6 fire engines and many police in attendance.
..27 october 2014..
Final shot of the day although it was only 17:00 was 60100 working '6B33' from Theale going back to Robeston with its set of discharged 'TEA-s'.Thankfully the Schenker colours really help to lift the light on the loco as the trajn passes Duffryn west of Newport-ADJ.
..21 october 2014..
This is '6M86' from Margam heading for Dee Marsh with its loaded train of steel products from the S-Wales Steel Industry,60059 being the allocated loco.Here passing an increasingly overgrown Coedkernew on the 4-track between Newport and Cardiff.According to the publicity information issued about the upcoming Electrification all trees and bushes within 6.5 metres of the track will be removed and kept cleared in the interest of rail safety. Yea right! We will see!
..21 october 2014..
Once one of only three Class-60s to wear Mainline Blue-Livery 60044 gained the standard issue Schenker-Red upon overhaul at Toton.Here it eases through Severn Tunnel-Junction with the morning '6B13' from Robeston going to Westerleigh with yet another load of refined fuel products.
..21 october 2014..
Schenker 60059 still carries the name 'Swinton Dalesman' but unfortunatly not its old Loadhaul-Livery.Here it is viewed in the low afternoon light passing Duffryn just west of Newport with '6H36' the 14:58 from Birdport on the East Usk-Branch going to Margam.This was certainly a healthy looking length train considering the size of the Birdport-Plant.Note the ugly new support mast recently installed in readiness for increased height signalling systems.This is one of the first signs of the impending and regretful electrification of this route all the way from Paddington.
..11 october 2014..
Its not very often I venture this far west for '6B33' from Theale to Robeston.Here is 60100 with its long train of empty TEA-tanks slowing for Cardiff-Central as it passes Long Dyke Junction.Regretfully this junction which offered a back way into the Docks area and Splott has now been recently severed (As can be seen in the distance).
..11 october 2014..
Former Loadhaul liveried 'Swinton Dalesman' 60059 thuds past Shrivenham with '6B33' from Theale going only as far as Margam today.Due to the general state of the clouds around and above I came here today not really expecting to picture anything in reasonable lighting.As it turned out luck was heavily on my side today (For a change!)
..09 august 2014..
60020 in the now almost universal Schenker-Red rolls slowly down the rickety jointed track single line from Yate to the Oil Terminal at Westerleigh.This working '6B13' coming from Robeston with yet another 30 Bogie-TEA's full of various fuels for the depot there.
..08 august 2014..
Tug-60040 passes Westerleigh Village with the evening empties from the local Oil Terminal situated about a mile away at the end of this branch.This working being '6B47' and although is booked off at 18:20 usually departs slightly early and waits to gain access to the mainline up at Yate.Its hard to believe looking at it that this poorly maintained single line branch used to be the main Midland double track route to Bristol from Birmingham..........
..23 july 2014..
60040 'The Territorial Army Centenary' stands parked up at Westerleigh waiting to take '6B47' back to Robeston.
..23 july 2014..
The former Army-Tug 60040 rolls down the loop at Denchworth in readiness to halt for a while at Challow to allow one or more HST's to pass it. The train is the well known '6B33' from Theale returning emptied fuel-tanks to Robeston in West-Wales for refilling.
..22 july 2014..
The Theale to Margam '6B33' empty fuel-tanks departs Didcot at Foxhall-Junction using the bi-directional track as far as Steventon.60040 the formar 'Army' Tug (See HERE) was todays allocated '60'.
..19 july 2014..
The Theale to Robeston empty fuel-tanks '6B33' passes Baulking with Schenker-Red 60020 in charge.Now that the future of the Refinery at Milford-Haven (Murco) has been resolved favourably this train is set to continue.I found it hard to believe that Lindsey in the NE could have serviced both Theale and Westerleigh on top of its other regular deliveries.
..17 july 2014..
Saturday stalwart working '6B33' the 11:27 off Theale going to Margam passes the heavily refurbished and regraded cutting at the western exit to Chipping Sodbury Tunnel. Interestingly a few grey VTG TEA's were included in the consist today.Normally this working is the preserve of plain-red or red/blue Murco liveried bogies.This is probably the final full year when open shots like this here will still be available.Once the obscene girder style mast/OHLE are erected this viewpoint will be ruined forever! Oh yes I nearly forgot! Schenker-Tug 60019 was in charge today.
..12 july 2014..
Everybodys favourite Saturday working '6B33' from Theale back to Margam in S-Wales thumps past Rodbourne west of Great Somerford.Today was the turn of the former maroon 'Army' 60040 albeit still carrying its old nameplate.This area looks to have suffered from a major embankment slip which required considerable effort to remedy!
..07 june 2014..
The 64000-dollars question is 'How many more shots of a Schenker-60 on Tanks at Shrivenham do you need?'. The only other shot in the sun here was of '6B33' from Theale returning fuel-empties to Robeston.Mundane 60019 was on todays duty.
..05 june 2014..
The daily fuel-tank train from Robeston to Westerleigh '6B13' was today diverted from its normal route via Goucester and instead came through the Severn-Tunnel.This involves a reversal at Yate using the start of the Tytherington Quarry Branch as a headshunt prior to reversing to get down to Westerleigh.A unseen second locomotive 66148 was already on the rear of the train here seen hauled by 60063 in readiness to complete that operation.Here it is passing Coalpit Heath in Bristol.
03 may 2014..
Due to engineering works this Saturdays '6B33' hauled today by 60039 from Theale to Margam was diverted via Bath. Hopes were high for a brief patch of full sun of this working as it emerged from Middle Hill Tunnel at Box.Unfortunately it was not quite as bright as it could have been but overall it still makes for a quite nice shot of a west bound freight emerging from the superb Brunelian Tunnel exit here.
..19 april 2014..
The regular working from Robeston going to Westerleigh is seen here approaching Wickwar Tunnel past a pile of old discarded rails and some new cable troughing/covers. Schenker 60020 was just catching the rising light sufficiently to make the picture look reasonable.As usual 15 secs later would have been far far better!
..19 april 2014..
Todays '6B33' the 13:00 from Theale returning discharged fuel-tanks to Robeston passes the colourful fields at Shrivenham. An equally colourful locomotive D B Schenker's 60063 was certainly standing out in the bright sunlight.Unlike the filthy set of bogie tanks it was hauling!
..15 april 2014..
After a day which saw quite a bit of freight activty but virtually no sun a weak glimmer finally made itself felt sufficiently to enable this shot to be taken.Tug 60017 with its 'clean' end leading thuds past Bourton east of Swindon with '6B33' the 13:00 off Theale-Murco going back to Robeston in West-Wales for a refill of its load of discharged fuel-tanks.
..26 march 2014..
Finally after an anxious wait spending more time looking up at the sky than down the track '6B13' appeared.It was actually running spot on time and nicely coincided with a blue hole in the increasingly large cloud base. D B Schenker's 60017 with it dirty exhaust-end leading thuds over the distant Foot-Xing here at Gossington with its fully loaded train of fuel from Robeston heading for the Westerleigh Oil Terminal in the outskirts of Bristol. Job done here! Just as well because the rest of the day was an abject failure! ..22 march 2014..
The returning 14:48 Llanwern to Margam Tripper '6B04' was headed by the regretfully grubby 60001 with 66108 tucked inside for good measure.Here at Water Street Junction nr Margam a single locomotive would have made a better shot due to the ever encroaching bushes so the inclusion of the GM in the consist was not very welcome.Anyway at least the sun was shining!
..08 march 2014..
60059 'Swinton Dalesman' stands in Margam Yard minutes after arriving with '6B33' from Theale.On Saturdays this service only comes as far as Margam.The wagons are tripped on down to Robeston for reloaded later on tomorrow.
..08 march 2014..
Here is the Pioneer-Tug 60001 that was re-instated to traffic after an overhaul at Toton a few months ago since an unbelievable 8 years in storage! Here it is passing East Usk Junction in Newport with the morning Margam/Trostre to Llanwern Tripper '6B03'.
..08 march 2014..
The regular Theale to Robeston '6B33' discharged fuel-bogies thuds past Shrivenham with Schenker-Red 60039 at the helm.As the years roll by the red tanks are slowly getting dirtier and dirtier.Pretty soon they will all look like the older version directly behind the Tug
..26 february 2014..
The only working all day today on this route due to the B&H being closed at Reading for engineering work was the diverted '6B33' discharged fuel-tanks from Theale going to Margam. Here Schenker-60040 thumps through Woodborough (No need to use the loop here today!) just as the sun begins to peer weakly through the thin clouds.
..28 december 2013..
Schenker-Red 60020 produces a bright reflection in the river here at Eckington Viaduct as '6E41' from Westerleigh heads northwards going to Lindsey Oil Refinery for a reload.Again we were lucky with the light,not to mention the Biomass '4V94' which was still in sight just off the bridge going south as this working hove into view! Note how the riverbank is now severely overgrown due to the farmer fencing off the field preventing his livestock cropping the vegetation right to the rivers edge.Also several large Willow trees have now spouted out of the banks and in a few years (unless removed) will ruin this shot forever!
..11 december 2013..
60091 formally 'An Teallach' but now nameless thuds away from Gloucester with '6E41' from Westerleigh returning empty bogie-tanks to Lindsay Refinery for refilling. Jerry Steele --where are you?
..12 november 2013..
Schenker-Red 60079 draws the Theale to Margam discharged 'TEA'fuel bogie-tanks on '6B33' past Great Cheverell on the B&H.The diversion taking place due to weekend work around Reading making its usual path via Didcot unavailable.A surprising burst on sunniness in an almost 100% cloud cover sky meant the use of a prime f1.8 50mm lens was not really needed although it was fitted in readiness for an expected dull shot.Happily the additional brightness was a pleasant bonus.
..26 october 2013..
Today was just one of those all too rare days when everything went right.The blue skies held out and all targeted workings appeared and dodged the few clouds that passed from time to time. After picturing this working at Margam departing the yard another 25 miles chase westwards with little clue where to actually go we managed this shot at Genwen-Junction (I think thats its name) of 60040 on the Margam to Trostre Steel-Coils taking to route to Trostre there.Again it was just a few minutes before it appeared and this is certainly a new spot for me!
..10 october 2013..
60040 the former 'Army' locomotive albeit still wearing its 'TA' nameplates exits Margam-Knuckle Yard with an afternoon working of steel-coil going west to Trostre. 60's on loaded steel are quite rare so yet again another chase was decided upon towards Trostre Steel Works to try and picture it again.Especially as the sun was on the nose all the way!
..10 october 2013..
60010 powers northwards with '6E41' returning the empty fueltanks from Westerleigh to Lindsey Refinery.A somewhat backlit shot but the contrast in colours certainly makes for an interesting picture! Standish-Junction foot-xing again looking south.
..10 october 2013..
A dull shot I know but one must make the most of the current glut of 60's working off of Westbury at the moment.This is the very shiny 60024 rolling down the Upton-bank into Westbury passing Dilton-Marsh Halt.It was returning empties from Fareham as '7V16'.
..19 september 2013..
60024 one of the most recently re-introduced refurbished Tugs today headed '6V41' from Eastleigh up to Westbury.Here it is seen at the now rather shadowy Norton-Bavant (even at 16:15 in the afternoon) running well about 10 minutes ahead of schedule.As usual the non-exhaust end has remained perfectly clean,the exhaust end rarely does.
..16 september 2013..
A local Saturday favourite working is '6B33' from Theale back to Margam with discharged fuel-tanks..Here with Schenker-Red 60017 in charge.This working stayed '60' hauled right through the dark period a few years ago when there was perhaps one or two 60's left in service.This was prior to Schenker finally waking up and smelling the coffee,realising that basically they couldn't do without this class for heavy-haulage .Now getting on for two dozen are fit for service,usually about twenty in use at any one time and this service is still solid '60'.The working is seen passing Badminton viewed from a Farm Occuption Bridge that may or may not be there in a few weeks time.The whole of the Badminton/Acton-Turville area is a massive building site whilst the three bridges in the area are modified to enable the planned electrification of this route to go ahead.If the Notwork-Fail Vandals take the easy option this could be my final picture taken from this well known vantage point!
..31 august 2013..
A very colourful 60062 'Stainless Pioneer' thumps past Wickwar with '6B13' from Robeston going to Westerleigh Oil Terminal.A memorable shot for two reasons,this is the first time I have ever visited this location and secondly the look on Mark Few's face when he realised his EOS-50D was terminally knackered 5 minutes before the working was due with no back up camera available!
..31 august 2013..
60017 heads '1Z58' the Pathfinders Tour 'The Taffy Tug' away from Bristol going to various destinations up the Welsh-Valleys around Newport and Cardiff. 60063 was on the rear to take care of the many reversal proceedures this was going to entail.The working departed Bristol-TM on time at 09:33 and it is seen her at Dr Day's Junction a few minutes later.
..25 august 2013..
Shortly after coming off Barton-Hill Depot the pair of Schenker-Red Tugs 60017/60063 are seen taking the ECS out of Bristol-TM down to Bristol-East as '5Z58' where 60017 would run-round to form the 'Top-N-Tail' formation ready to work 'The Taffy Tug' Railtour operated by Pathfinder-Tours going to South-Wales to visit various freight lines over there.
..25 august 2013..
60054 the former 'Charles Babbage' had the distinction of being the last '60' to work wearing its original 'as-built' livery.Now it is in the standard Schenker-Red.Here it is passing Westerleigh Village with '6B13' from Robeston going to the Oil -Terminal less than a mile from this overbridge.As can be seen from the track formation this was once a double track mainline that brought the LMS south into Bristol.Now truncated it goes only as far as the Yards now at Westerleigh.
..17 july 2013..
Refurbished 60054 eases '6B13' with its multi-million pound load of diesel and petrol around the curve in the Village on the final approach to the Oil-Terminal at Westerleigh less than half a mile away.Another exceedingly warm day with the temperature having climbed to 30 degrees Centigrade (86'F in old money). I was certainly glad it turned up on time so I could get out of the blazing heat!
..17 july 2013..
Amazingly this working '6O41' from Westbury (10:14 off) going to Eastleigh hauling infrastructure/engineering wagons has produced two different 60's on two consecutive days.Yesterday was 60049 but the lighting conditions were terrible.However today 60059 appeared whilst the sun was beating down for a brief few minutes.Thoughtfully Schenker have retained the 'Swinton Dalesman' nameplates on this engine after it received a refurbishment at Toton.The working is seen approaching Dilton Marsh on the Upton-Scudamore Incline.
..27 june 2013..
Final shot of the day and well worth waiting for was 60063 with '6B47' from Westerleigh returning discharged fuel-tanks to Margam-Yard.Here seen at Magor in the yellowing low evening light.
..18 may 2013..
60092 put in an appearance on todays '7C48' returning to Westbury from Appleford nr Didcot.Here seen passing Ladydown-Trowbridge in 'Back to normal' lighting conditions.Only pictured it as this is my first sighting of '92' since it was refurbished as few months ago at Toton.
..10 may 2013..
60059 is seen here making its final appearance on '6O41'for the time being.An '08' was active today in Westbury so its role as a temporary 'Super-Shunter' in between duties was now ended.It is viewed thudding up past Dilton Marsh on the Upton-Scudamore Incline with a pretty heavy load behind it including a Crane-set and about 20 assorted bogie track-panel carriers.
..02 may 2013..
Thankfully 60059 which went down to Eastleigh this morning in '6O41' returned on '6V41'.Todays consist was a rather large Crane and some 'bass' 4-wheelers.The train is seen emerging out from under the A350 road bridge here at Arn-Hill at the top of the Upton-Scudamore Incline.
..01 may 2013..
Here is the more classical view at Little-Langford with the Church and Graveyard in the background.60059 in the Schenker-Red colours certainly brightens up the scene as it passes on '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.The best part was it was coming back 5 hours later in equally perfect lighting...
..01 may 2013..
Well what can I say! A day finally dawned when perfectly clear skies coincided with a decent piece of traction on '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.Here is Schenker 60059 'Swinton Dalesman' clean-end leading passing Little-Langford in the Wylye-Valley with a long train of JNA's in tow.A good start to the day!
..01 may 2013..
Just to round off a very busy day it was decided to go for '6B47' the returning empty fuel-tanks from Westerleigh going to Margam for Robeston.Todays delight was 60040 which although now has lost its unique 'Army' maroon colour still retains 'The Territorial Army Centenary' nameplates.Here it is passing the Lydney area south of Gloucester heading for West-Wales.
..27 april 2013..
For some reason,possibly due to all the extra trains for the Rugby in Cardiff '6B33' was diverted off its regular route and went via Bath instead of on the top-road as usual.Hence a chance to picture it in somewhat different surroundings especially as there was no bright sunlight to worry about! Here then is Schenker-Red 60010 passing Thingley nr Chippenham with the 24-bogie TEA's long train fitting in nicely between the two bridges here.Due to the low light available a 35mm f2 prime lens was used. Settings of [email protected] at 400asa just about filled the bill.
..16 march 2013..
Schenker-Red 60007 'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' rolls past East Usk with an extra from Westerleigh returning empty fuel-tanks to Robeston.This ran as '6B25' and made a pleasant change from the continuous stream of GM-Sheds we have had to endure up to now! Note the DBS sticker has been ripped off and a MG-Sheep logo added!
..04 march 2013..
Recent returnee to traffic after a major overhaul/refurbishment at Toton is 60020.Although now looking a little workstained it still looks quite smart,particularly with the non-exhaust cab-end leading,hence no sooty deposits on the roof.The working is of coarse '6B33' from Theale-Murco going to Robeston-Sidings.Nice mix of older and newish 'TEA' tankers today in three different livery styles although the front brown one is actually supposed to be red! The train is seen passing Shrivenham.Use of a slight telephoto about 135mm necessary as the shadows had lengthened considerably and a standard 50mm type shot was no longer possible.
..19 february 2013..
Once 60040 had a nice maroon colour scheme which was applied when it became 'The Army Tug'.At least it retained the name 'The Territorial Army Centenary' when it emerged from Toton after being overhauled in the current programme. Here it is seen heading north past Cam&Dursley with '6E41',the return empties from Westerleigh going back up to Lindsey Oil Refinery.
..14 february 2013..
60017 in the now pretty much universal Schenker-Red thuds south through Cam&Dursley at about 55mph with '6B13' from Robeston going to Westerleigh.
..14 february 2013..
A nice clear forecast for a Saturday was enough to prompt me to take a trip over the Severn-Bridge for few pictures.Today kicked off (After the obligatory McMuffin and Coffee) with '6B13',the 05:04 off Robeston going to Westerleigh with loaded 'Murco' tanks.Seen here for a change at East-Usk Junction in pretty near perfect light.Recently refurbished 60017 doing the job.This was my first encounter with Tug-17 in the now commonplace Schenker-Red colours.At least it was the clean-end leading!.
..02 february 2013..
60007 'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' makes its way past Denchworth with the regular Tuesdays '6B33' from Theale going back to Robeston for a refill. I though my luck was out when it appeared in the distance as all about was dark but miraculously the scene cleared of shadows just in time.Thankfully the train was ambling slowly down the loop expecting to come to a halt so the driver was not in a particular hurry.
..15 january 2013..
60063 has been around the Westbury area for several days.Today in the sunshine it was allocated to the Machen duty so,a trip to Newton-S-Loe was decided upon as it is one of the few places within a reasonable distance of Frome where the lighting would be fairly satisfactory. Here is '6A83' from Machen heading for West-Drayton via Westbury actually running about 30 minutes ahead of time (even better) at NSL.The train nicely obscuring a gang of about 20 workers all in nice dayglow jackets about where the 5th wagon is! As usual one shovel and 19 clipboards!
..11 january 2013..
60091 currently outstationed at Westbury today handled '6O41' again as it did yesterday.This being the morning Infrastructure working from Westbury down to Eastleigh.Here seen against a backdrop of Battlesbury Hill as it passes Norton-Bavant south of Warminster. After arrival at Eastleigh 60091 was promply allocated to the Oxford-Hinksey tripper so no return to Westbury on '6V41' for this one today!
..04 december 2012..
Yet another of the now 20 strong (approx) operational fleet of Tugs has made an appearance on the Mendip-Stone Circuit.60091 having come up from Eastleigh the previous evening was sent to Theale in the early hours of this morning. For some reason it was about 3 hours late with the return working '7C31'. Not that it mattered too much as it has been dog-dull all day around this area.The Tug is seen shortly after departing Westbury at Fairwood.
..30 november 2012..
Westbury-Wilts is having a bit of a Class-60 renaissance at the moment with two members of the Class working various trains off this location.Here is one of the pair 60015 (The other being 60019) both in the now common Schenker-Red livery. Today it being allocated to '6Z17' to Hayes-Tarmac' from Whatley-Q.This shot captured in dire light at Elliots Lane on the Whatley branch.Interestingly this was running about 14 minutes behind '6M20' which caused me some confusion! Also as far as I can remember a 2nd train of ex-RMC orange-hoppers out of Whatley within 15 minutes of another set is certainly a rare event!
..15 november 2012..
Final shot of the day (15:50) with the sun minutes away from dropping over the horizon is this 'long' shot of 60015 returning to Westbury from Oxford-Banbury Road running as '7C54' comprising of eighteen empty -boxes.Location is Heywood Village nr Westbury.
..14 november 2012..
60019 was again allocated to '6L21' from Whatley to Dagenham today.Thanks Darren for chopping all the 'twiggy' bushes back last weekend,it has made to shot possible again.Here it is approaching Fairwood Foot-Xing on the run into Westbury.Note the Margam 'Sheep' emblem now affixed to the front-end!
..14 november 2012..
Once named 'Wild Boar Fell' but now carrying 'Port of Grimsby&Immingham' plates recently refurbished 60019 rolls slowly past Fairwood nr Westbury with '6L21' from Whatley going to Dagenham.Available-Light was rather lacking requiring 800asa and settings of 500th@F4 to even record this marginal record shot.Class 60's have suddenly started popping up regularly around Westbury probably due to a 'Shed-Shortage' created by the RHTT leaf-buster season.
..13 november 2012..
The former 'Foinaven' 60079 eases '6B33' carefully up the slow-lines at South-Moreton nr Didcot in readiness to ladder over to take the route due west towards South-Wales.Note the prep work going on in the background preparing this once derelict area for use as a base for the forthcoming electrification work of this route all the way to Cardiff/Bristol and Oxford from Paddington. Something that only the Politicians seem to think is necessary!
..10 november 2012..
Everyone's favourite Saturday target-train is '6B33' from Theale back to Margam in S-Wales assuming of coarse it actually runs! Here is todays train running past Steventon nr Didcot.The usual mix of bogie-tanks in various colours with the now almost obligatory Schenker-Red Tug at the head. It was 60079's turn today and the sun just about lit the whole scene as it was approaching.
..03 november 2012..
60079 is seen shunting '6B13' after arrival from Robeston at Westerleigh.The train needs to be split into two halfs to enable the bogie-tanks to be discharged simultaneously side by side.
..25 october 2012..
Making a rare visit to the Mendip Quarries Schenker-Red 60054 draws '6L21' from Whatley going to Dagenham away from Clink-Junction.
..19 october 2012..
Having made a miracle appearance at Westbury overnight from Bescot the Ex-Army 60040 now wearing 'civvy' livery was allocated to '6O41' the morning Westbury to Eastleigh Infrastructure working.Regretfully the morning dawned cloudy and dull but due to its rarity the shot of this working out of Westbury is included anyway!.Here the train is seen at Norton-Bavant with its rake of 4-wheelers loaded with various mixed stores. The evening return trip was just as dull so this shot will have to do
..14 september 2012..
The Theale to Margam empty fuel-tanks '6B33' ran today (saturday) for a change.Refurbished 60079 being the allocated power.Here seen in strong sunlight passing Acton-Turville hauling its colourful set of bogie-tanks.
..08 september 2012..
Previously the 'Army-Tug' in its unique maroon colour scheme, 60040 emerged from its overhaul at Toton in the now standard Schenker-Red.One concession was the retention of 'The Territorial Army Centenary' nameplates.Here it is seen still looking pretty smart passing East-Usk in Newport going to Scunthorpe from Margam '6E66' hauling a long rake of empty steel carriers.
..10 august 2012..
60063 runs round the curve at Undy west of Severn-Tunnel-Junction with '6B13' from Robeston going to Westerleigh.This loco although no longer in 'ex-works' condition still looks quite smart.The workstained bogies and underframe actually looks better than the shiny black they were when first released back into traffic.
..10 august 2012..
One of the ever growing band of Schenker-Red 60's 60091 lifts '6E41' past Wickwar north of Bristol heading for Lindsey from Westerleigh with its set of discharged fuel-tanks.Luckily it was the non-exhaust end leading making for a much smarter looking loco.The other end invariably get grubby very quickly due to the exhaust being sucked down it the gap between the loco and the first wagon.
..04 august 2012..
Schenker-Red 60091 heads '6E41' from Westerleigh going to Lindsey with the empty fuel-tanks.Barrow on Trent on the freight-only line from Stenson-Junction round toTrent-Junction being the location.
..25 july 2012..
The former 'Army' liveried 60040 has now been released from Toton as part of the current overhaul program for selected 60's for nearly a month.One small cencession to its former status is the retention of the 'The Territorial Army Centenary' nameplates.Today was the first time it has managed to work '6B13' in refurbished condition.Here it is seen exiting Wickwar Tunnel with its rake of loaded fuel tanks heading for Westerleigh. Another bright morning that promised so much but actually produced naff-all!
..20 july 2012..
The Original Schenker-Red Tug 60011 was today leading deadshed 66182 on '6O41' from Westbury heading for Eastleigh.It has been selected as the replacement 'Super-Shunter' for 60039 in the yard there.Bit of a waste really,surely there are a few 08's knocking about that could do that duty? The heavy train today consisting of loaded JNA-s and CWR is seen creeping up the incline at Upton-Scudamore taking it quite steady with little or no thrash or effort.
..12 june 2012..
One of the fast growing band of Schenker-Red 60's.60079 departs from Pilning Loop after a protracted stay there of about 30 minutes.Working is the ever popular '6B33' from Theale going to Margam.The poor driver must have been nearly fried to death in the greenhouse cab whilst motionless in the loop with the local temperature in the low 80s F.It was bad enough up on the overbridge.When it finally passed the guy driving it was topless! I wonder if he still had his trousers on!
..26 may 2012..
Another shot of 60079 as it was passing Somerton nr East-Usk with '6M41' going to Round Oak from Margam.A pretty bare and empty place here now since the Signal Box and all the semaphore signals were replaced quite recently.
..21 may 2012..
Refurbished '60' 60079 now running nameless passes East-Usk Yard with '6M41' from Margam going to Round Oak.Still looking quite clean although it has now been released from overhaul for several months.
..21 may 2012..
The former 'Foinaven' but now nameless 60079 runs down the branch towards Westerleigh Oil Terminal with '6B13' from Robeston.The bright red DB Schenker Class-60's are now almost the norm on these trains,however it is still nice to picture them in nice light,even if, as in this case shadows were chasing it up the track! Finally overtaking before less than half the train of 23 'TEA-s' had passed.Location is Westerleigh Village Foot-Xing.This area is soon to be change forever with a massive 'Sustrans' cycle-path scheme alongside the track here,almost certainly to be followed by 'FailTracks' contribution in the form of a 6ft high pallisade fence,probably painted in green so it won't be noticed??????..Yea-Right. ..11 april 2012..
60063 with '6Z15' accelerate away from North Stafford-Junction going to Warrington with a short rake of re-commisioned China-Clay tanks.Coming from Burton the train went to Derby to reverse and was then delayed for some reason by over 45 minutes.Hard choices had to be made here as the mainline just a few hundred yards away was hosting a Class 56 on scrap/a Class 50 convoy/ a Class 60 on Fuel-tanks and a green Coronation Pacific! I think I made the right choice? I think?
..29 march 2012..
Recently overhauled and reliveried 60063 rumbles over Findern Level Crossing heading for Warrington with '6Z15' from Burton-on-Trent.The China-Clay Slurry Tanks recently came up from Cornwall to Burton for Maintenence having been stored for quite some time.Obviously now going into service north of the Border at Irvine.The Willington-PS Cooling Towers dominate the scene despite being long disused.
..29 march 2012..
The recently re-introduced 60079 formally named as 'Foinaven' makes an eye-straining appearance at Duffryn on '6B04' from Llanwern going to Margam.Originally mooted as being DIT behind a GM it was a pleasant surprise when the 60 turned up solo.
..27 march 2012..
'6B13' with Schenker-Red 60007 passes the now expansively empty site of the once mighty Severn-Tunnel-Junction Marshalling-Yards.
..27 march 2012..
Smartly turned-out 60007 today handled '6B13' from Robeston heading for Westerleigh.Here it is on the Duffryn-Curve heading East.
..27 march 2012..
'The Spirit of Tom Kendall' 60007 fresh from a spruce-up at Toton emerges from Wickwar-Tunnel with '6B13' going to Westerleigh from Robeston.Excellent light again today,at least on closer-up shots! Undoubtably late march/early april is the best time for photography with minimal bush growth and short grass!
..26 march 2012..
Although this newly re-introduced engine 60063 had been on this working '6B13' from Robeston to Westerleigh now for over a week it was only today with the promise of almost guaranteed sunshine that prompted me to make the effort of a 100 miles round trip to picture it.Here the still immaculate Class-60 thumps down past Gossington with its full load of laden 'TEA' Tanks.Nice one! Even the clean non-exhaust end was leading,hence no soot on the cab roof.
..19 march 2012..
Schenker-Red 60091 ambles down the Westerleigh-Branch barely a mile from its destination,the fuel terminal there with '6B13' from Robeston.This working was about 45 minutes late probably due to the northbound train to Lindsay having not departed yet as it only arrived about an hour before this one did! So a bit of conjestion today no doubt throwing all driver scheduling out of the window! All because some hapless soul decided to end it all at Lincoln last night causing heavy delays.
..14 february 2012..
'6B13' should have passed this point over 3 hours earlier but Schenker-60091 slipped to a stand on iced up rails west of Port-Talbot and required the services of a GM-Helper as far as Margam.Thankfully this delay meant it was to make its appearance on the Westerleigh Branch quite near to its destination with the sun now having moved round enough to enable this rare chance of a shot from the west side of the track here at the Village.Amazingly the skies remained clear and this quite nice shot was the result.Quite a gallery of locals here! but then you would expect that.
..01 february 2012..
60091 recently refreshed in the current uplift program for a limited number of this class passes Badminton on the empty fuel tanks from Theale back to Margam (For Robeston).This former coal-sector machine was originally named as 'An-Teallach' but regretfully lost that identity when it was returned to traffic in its new Schenker colour
..28 january 2012..
The latest release from Toton's Class-60 refurbishment program to wear DBS-Red is 60091.Now nameless but still shining out even in subdued conditions such as featured here.Here seen heading north from Westerleigh with '6E41' going to Lindsey with the empty bogie fuel-tanks.Action viewed at Wickwar just before the line enters the tunnel there.
..21 january 2012..
By this time in the afternoon in mid-december the sun is so low in the sky some shadows are unavoidable hence the bogies of 60054 being a little obscured.Most locations are sunless by this time in the afternoon.Here is the newly refurbished 'Tug' passing Acton-Turville thudding home to Margam with '6B33' from Theale.Three Class-60's have now been fully overhauled (by mid-dec/2011) and this was the second in the program to be released back into traffic. To see this engine in original livery just two years earlier click HERE
..10 december 2011..
My first encounter with 60054 since it has been refurbished and reliveried in Schenker-Red albeit a few weeks after introduction hence it is now quite grubby below the bodyline.It no longer carries its 'Charles Babbage' nameplates which is a pity.Anyway here it is thudding past Acton-Turville on '6B33' from Theale back to Welsh-Wales with the empty fuel tanks.Light was failing fast as it was 14:30 by the time it passed.Now only 10 days to the shortest day of the year!
..10 december 2011..
60007 the refurbished and repainted 'Schenker-Super-Sixty' passes Highworth nr Swindon on '6B33' from Theale returning discharged fuel-tankers to Margam,then Robeston.Tried for a shot of it on thursday,two days ago but one of the tankers ran a hot-box near Didcot requiring the services of the local Fire-Brigade.The delay meant a very late resumed journey once the offending bogie-tank was removed and made safe.Due to the time of year darkness had virtually arrived by the time it passed Chipping-Sodbury.I think this shot makes up for it?
..14 october 2011..
Steel '6V05' from Round-Oak going to Margam passes Portskewett nr Caldicott.Freshly overhauled 60007 doing the duty,albeit now looking a shade dirtier than its immaculate state of a few weeks ago.
..03 october 2011..
At last the Class-60 refurbishment programme at Toton has finally released a properly overhauled Tug.Here is the former Loadhaul liveried 60007 in all its Schenker-Red glory.Seen here at Portskewett heading for Westerleigh from Robeston on '6B13'.Now named 'The Spirit of Tom Kendell' with an additional bodyside logo 'Switch on to Safety'....................
..30 september 2011..
The finally released first 'Super-Tug' 60007 duly made an appearance down our way.Here seen in regretfully dull conditions passing Acton-Turville on '6B33' from Theale returning the empty-tanks back to Margam/Robeston.Main nameplate is 'The Spirit of Tom Kendell'.It also carries the logo 'Switch on to Safety'. But today more like 'Switch off the Light' !!!!!!
..24 september 2011..
There has been a rash lately of painting engines in Schenker-Red,ex-UK 66's and 92's.However this machine is still the Sole-Schenker-Sixty.Here 60011 passes Brinkworth on regular tug-job '6B33' from Theale back to Robeston conveying the empty fuel-tanks.
..14 june 2011..
A series of horn-toots and deep rumbles heralded the approach of this--'6B47' from Westerleigh going back to Robeston with the empty 'tanks'. 60011 positively glows! when the sun shines and that was the case this evening.Got 'done' by a partial floater two weeks previously so a return match was necessary to get this successful result.
..03 june 2011..
At this time still the Sole-Schenker-Sixty,60011 thuds past Undy on the approach to Severn-Tunnel-Junction with '6B13' from Robeston going to Westerleigh.Thankfully working came on the 'Main' lending the shot a much most balanced look.A great start to todays expedition!
..03 june 2011..
Un-mistakable 60011 thumps down the river at Purton with '6B47' from Westerleigh going back to Robeston with the empty fuel tanks.
..24 may 2011..
Sole-Schenker-Sixty 60011 thuds towards Lydney with the Robeston to Westerleigh loaded Tanks '6B13'.Somewhat cleaner than the last time I saw this loco last month!
..24 may 2011..
The sun was out and the working was ready to go at the Westerleigh Oil-Terminal so it would have been rude not to 'Do' the shot. Sole-Schenker-Sixty 60011 runs up the branch towards Yate with '6B47' passing the Church in Westerleigh Village along the way.
..20 april 2011..
Schenker 60011 now looking well due for a good clean particularly after somebody had obviously scrawled some message on the side but it has just been crudely rubbed off.. Here it is speeding down past Cam&Dursley with '6B13' from West-Wales going to Westerleigh with another 3.5 million quids worth of duty-laden fuels.
..20 april 2011..
As the saying goes----'What goes up must come down'----and true to form about 50 minutes later 60011 re-appeared with '7C28' to complete the return leg back down to Whatley-Quarry from Exeter via Westbury.Obviously this was always going to be 'THE' shot and once again the 'fluffies' kept away! Nice!
..12 april 2011..
Here returning from Exeter, '7C28' was the lucky working to be allocated 60011 after its arrival at Westbury yesterday.Running about half an hour up on schedule it is seen at Fairwood Farm Crossing. Such a nice day! Even the floaters kept away at the right moments!
..12 april 2011..
After a brief booked stop at Westbury '6C76' continues on down to Whatley Quarry still with both DBS liveried engines as seen earlier at Great-Cheverell. 60011 with 59206 slows for Clink-Junction still in superb evening sunlight.Train of 43 bogie-hoppers originated at Acton.Whoever was playing trains today ------Thanks very much!
..11 april 2011..
Just occasionally a working falls into place that ticks all the boxes.Today this was it! Sole-Schenker-Sixty 60011 partnered with Sole-Schenker-FiftyNine 59206 sweeps through Great-Cheverell on the B&H with '6C76' from Acton going to Whatley Quarry.Monster load as well comprising 43 bogie-hoppers.Round our way this qualifies as the 'Working of the Year' (So Far!).