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Freightliner Class 70
Recently introduced and slowly finding their feet after a shaky start! A total of 19 in service after one got damaged (70012) whilst being inloaded.it has not been replaced.
70004 c/w a largely empty '4O14' the 13:15 from Crewe Basford Hall to Southampton-MCT.Seen coming off the junction at the east of Basingstoke Station from the Reading direction.
..10 august 2023..
70008 runs slowly through the platforms at Basingstoke with '4O90' from Leeds going to MCT in Southampton.
..10 august 2023..
70017 with '4M63' passes through basingstoke going north to anchester-Lawley Street from Southampton-MCT.
..10 august 2023..
These Freightliner Class-70's have now been operating for 13 years for FL in the Powerhaul colours.I wonder how long before one becomes the first to receive the G&W-Tango Orange livery? So here is 70014 with '4O18' the 07:06 from Lawley Street to Maritime Container Port just a mile or so further West.Seen passing Southampton Central Station under a totally clear blue winter sky.
..06 february 2023..
GE-70011 is seen at Oakley with '4O14' the 05:36 from Garston-FLT heading for Southampton-Maritime.
..24 may 2022..
Despite appearances this train '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT was fully loaded behind the nine empty 'KTA' pocket wagons directly behind the loco GE-70002.Pictured just over the summit of the Upton Scudamore Incline at Arn Hill.
..4 may 2022..
'Powerhaul' 70008 with '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT passes Arn Hill nr Warminster having just cleared the top of the Upton Scudamore Incline.Sadly the first 10 'pocket' wagons were not carrying any containers but that is not quite so disasterous as if they were simply bogie-flats!
..30 march 2022..
Class-70's are now comparatively rare on this working '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog dowm to MCT in Southampton.At least it was a fairly well loaded train.Seen at Ladydown nr Trowbridge.70011 was doing the job
..10 january 2020..
A somewhat workstained 70010 draws '4O57' the 13:29 from Wentloog to Southampton-MCT through Heywood Village nr Westbury just as the sun conveniently popped out.Usually its the other way round! ..25 october 2021..
With the Maize in the adjacent field now well over 6-ft tall and due for harvesting soon 'Powerhaul' GE-70020 climbs up the Upton Scudamore Bank with '4O57' the 13:29 away from Cardiff-Wentloog bound for Southampton-Maritime. Despite the first eight 'pocket-wagons' being devoid of any cargo their size doesn't detract too much from the picture.The train was well loaded but sadly all the boxes were at the far end of this particular consist.
..20 september 2021..
70002 still wearing the Class-Wide 'Powerhaul' livery drones away from Southampton-Central with 4O14' the 05:36 from Garston to Southampton Maritime Container Terminal.Nice to see a full load right up to behind the locomotive for a change. How long before one of these GE machines gains the new 'house' G&W Orange colours??
..8 september 2021..
GE-70016 heads '4O15' the 06:44 from Lawley Street to Southampton-MCT.here passing through Eastleigh Station during the nice spell on sunshine that morning.
..8 september 2021..
''4M61' the 12:56 from Maritime here in Southampton to Trafford park is viewed again about 90 minutes after its previous shot at Maritime now passing Southampton-Central Station having finally got under way.70020 looking quite tidy still being the loco up front!
..14 june 2021..
GE-70020 begins it journey from Southampton-MCT (12:56 off) to Trafford Park as '4M61'.two other members of this small class of just 19 locomotives can be viewed as well as it passes the Loco Depor there.
..14 june 2021..
Freightliner's GE-70019 lifts its train of mainly hydrogen and oxygen up through the cutting near the top of the Upton-Scudamore Incline as '4O57' the 13:29 from cardiff-Wentloog bound for the container depot in Southampton.This working appears to be currently a solid Class-70 turn now that the majority of this class have now returned to regular usage,
..26 apri; 2021..
A busy afternoon for freight on the line up through Dilton Marsh today.'4O47' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT was just one.signal block behind 59206 on '7O40'.A long block this as only one train is allowed on Upton Scudamore Bank at the same time (In case of runaways etc). So here is 70003 humming up the incline with the almost usual empty first four liner-flats albeit the first one being a 'pocket' version.
..23 april 2021..
The distinctive whine of this GE built locomotive 70003 could be heard several minutes before it passed Arn Hill as it climbed the steep Upton Scudamore Bank with its well loaded Liner '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT.
..22 april 2021..
Sixty years ago I well remember seeing 70019 'Lightning' as a Britannia Pacific Steam Loco and being used to regularly climb this Incline up through Old Dilton working the 13:00 from Cardiff to Brighton as far as Salisbury. Fast forward over sixty years and now 70019 in a GE-Diesel with Freightliner hauling container trains. So here is the present day 70019 motoring up the Upton Scudame Incline with '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog going down to Southampton-MCT.A lucky shot this as this brief patch of full light lasted just about 5 minutes.Sometimes we all get lucky!
..14 april 2021..
This duty '4O57' seems to have become a regular GE Class-70 allocation once again. here is 70004 looking quite smart climbing up through Upton Scudamore with the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog bound for Southampton-MCT.Again with a lack of boxes directly behind to locomotive.
..2 april 2021..
The very clean looking 70002 today again headed '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southamptom-MCT. Today the train was fully loaded including the flats next to the loco for a change.Here it is seen passing under the road leading from Heytesbury to Sutton-Veny at Heytesbury.
..30 march 2021..
Today another very clean looking GE,this time 70002 was in charge of '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT Containers.Viewed climbing the Upton Scudamore Incline just south of Dilton Marsh.
..29 march 2021..
Freightliner's Powerhaul GE-70003 grinds its way up through Dilton Marsh at the start in the embankment up to Upton Scudamore.Looking particularly clean and tidy as it lifts '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT through the small Station Halt there.
..26 march 2021..
Here is a partial 'tele' of Freightliner's Powerhaul GE-70003 grinding its way past Dilton Marsh at the start in the embankment up to Upton Scudamore.Looking particularly clean and tidy as it lifts '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT through the small Station Halt there.
..26 march 2021.. ..26 march 2021...
'Ah Mr Bond I have been expecting you!' GE's finest 70 007 drones up through Dilton Marsh on the climb away from Westbury with '4O57' the 13:29 from Cardiff-Wentloog going down to Southampton-MCT. Again a nice loading with boxes positioned right up against the loco again today.
..8 october 2020..
Freightliner's GE-70001 c/w its not very obvious nameplate 'Powerhaul' oasses saxon Road in Southampton with '4M61' the 13:00 from Soton-Maritime going to Trafford Park.
..18 september 2020..
GE-70020 is possibly the grubbiest member of this class I have ever seen as it passes through Eastleigh bound for Southampton-MCT with a nicely loaded Liner from Birch-Coppice (07:19 off) as '4O05'.Pictured off the Campbell Road Overbridge south of the station.
..16 october 2019..
70020 a Powerhaul-GE loco works through Eastleigh on '4O14' the 05:36 from Garston to Soton-MCT.Note the 'very' pink containers right behind the loco.All very colourful and certainly much better than 'fresh-air' !!!!
..18 april 2019..
These GE series locomotives seem to be back in favour again with Freightliner as about 50% of the class are noe back in revenue earning service once again.here is 70008 at Didcot North Junction with '4O90' thre 05:45 from leeds-FLT going down to Southampton-MCT.Nice to see boxes again nicely loaded directly behind the loco instead of a couple of sad looking empty flats!
..14 february 2019..
The GE built Powerhaul Class-70's seem to be back in favour with Freightliner.Quite a few have been re-introduced into service on liner duties.I wonder if Freightliner's winning of the Mendip aggregate traffic from DB has had some bearing on that decision? So here is 70010 nearing journey's end at Maritime in Southampton passing through Central Station with '4O14' the 05:36 from Garston-FLT to Southampton-MCT.
..9 january 2019..
A very smart looking 'Powerhaul' liveried 70002 brings its annoyingly empty at thr front '4O49' the 09:22 from Crewe Basford Hall S.S.M to Maritime Liner through Southampton.Just a mile or so to go before journeys end!
..18 april 2018..
Last built Freightliner GE 70020 runs down towards Didcot at the North Junction with '4O70' the 06:12 from Leeds-FLT to Southampton-M.C.T.Another mainly empty train with luckily a few boxes right behind the loco to balance the picture!
..5 april 2018..
70008 hums north at full line speed with '4M61' the 13:00 from Southampton-Maritime to Trafford Park whilst 387137/387139 approaches Cholsey from Didcot-Parkway (14:33 off) as '2P55' going to Paddington.Note the rather poor reflective qualities of the large mirror device in place here as an aid for Driver Only Operated Trains 'DOO'.
..12 february 2018..
Today's '4O14' Freightliner the 05:58 from Crewe Basford Hall-SSM to Southampton-Maritime FLT produced this pairing.GE-70017 leads GM-66562.Here seen at Didcot-North Junction looking towards Appleford.Thankfully as yet no mast-n-wires at the junction itself although they are evident in the distance.Also the annoying overhead power-line that was here has now been buried in readiness for the electrification when it eventually happens up to Oxford.This part of the GWR electrification is currently suspended due to the massive cost overrun already incurred on this project.Perhaps if the masts and OHLE had been a more normal and realistic size the costs wouldn't have been so stupidly high!
..12 february 2018..
With the Church of St Mary the Virgin at Stratfield Mortimer in the background GE-70008 works '4O14' the 05:36 from Garston down to Southamptom-MCT past Silchester just about dodging the long winter shadows in the process.Thankfully this one was loaded directly behind the loco making for a much more balanced picture.
..17 january2018..
Sadly 70014 had no boxes on the flats directly behind the loco on this '4O15' the 07:21 from Lawley St to Southampton-MCT.At least it seems Freightliner are still using these Class-70's.A high proportion of this 19 strong class are layed up & stored in Leeds for some reason.perhaps they just do not like them?????? Seen passing Great Park Foot-Crossing just north of Mortimer between Reading and Basingstoke.
..17 january 2018..
70014 is seen with a set of freightliner-flats that are being returned off maintenence at Hunslet in Leeds to Southampton MCT,seemingly via Millbrook-Landward Terminal.I presume the report number for this train was '4O80' that left Hunslet Yard(FLTT) at 07:26 this morning.Seen running 'wrong-line' on the approach to Millbrook-Terminal.
..17 november 2017..
Freightliner's Powerhaul Class-70 No-70020 eases through Millbrook approaching journey's-end at Southamptom-MCT with '4O49' the 09:22 from Crewe-Basford Hall S.S.M. Lengthening shadows, although it was only 14:40 making shots progressively more difficult!
..17 november 2017..
This weekend the section of line between Didcot and Reading was closed as Network-Rail attempt to commission and energise that section of the GWR-electrification.Hence all freight from the North to the South Coast was being diverted via Westbury.Hence the line through Chippenham was incredibly busy with HST-shuttles and freightliners to Southampton.Here is '4O90' the 05:27 from Leeds going to Southampton-MCT.Powerhaul 70019 was doing the duty passing through Chippenham.This particular 'liner' was well loaded as the route it uses regularly isn't cleared for the larger containers hence it was a normal load.Most of the others seen today were virtually empty because they usually carried the larger boxes which would be out of gauge on this diversionary route.Hence they were not carried so the trains were largely empty apart from a few smaller boxes.
..14 october 2017..
Considering I live nr Westbury-Wilts which is a southern hub for many Colas-Class 70/8's I do nowadays prefer the freightliner liveried versions particularly clean as is this example.Here is 70019 droning northwards through Mill Meece on the WCML with '4M87' the 11:13 from Felixstowe North-FLT heading for Trafford Park.Until fairly recently this was an electric traction duty using Class 86's or 90's in pairs.Such a shame it wasn't tonight!
..24 july 2017..
For some reason the GE-Class 70's owned by Freightliner are somewhat out of favour with a high proportion on the 19 locomotives on the books out of service? So here is one still in use,70015 ambles through Eastleigh with '4O14' the 05:36 from Garston going down to Maritime in Southampton.The usual trick---empty flats directly behind the loco on an otherwise well loaded train! Viewed off the Campbell Road Bridge at Eastleigh.
..6 july 2017..
70007 with annoyingly, all the loaded containers towards the rear of the long-long train passes Mount Pleasant Road with '4O49' the 09:22 from Crewe-Basford Hall going down to Southampton-MCT.After a period of a couple of months when quite a few of the Class-70 fleet was laid up and stored for some reason in Leeds they now seem to be back on the active list again.Also they seem to have had a bit of a smartening up given too them as well!
..10 may 2017..
70017 passes Saxon Road in Southampton preparing to enter the landward-side Container Terminal at Millbrook.This 'Liner' is '4O90' the 06:12 from Leeds-FLT going to said Terminal.Hence it being seen working 'wrong-line' heading west.
..10 may 2017..
A glimpse over the bridge overlooking Southampton-Maritime T&RSMD shows parked 70005 and 66952 which on doubt very recently arrived with container trains from the north.
..10 may 2017..
'4O18' the 07:21 from Lawley-Street FLT to Southampton-MCT draws away from Eastleigh Station after a brief stop for a crew change for the final leg down to the Container Terminal.Powerhaul 70007 being in charge of this well loaded 'liner'.
..10 may 2017..
An immaculate Powerhaul GE-70019 rounds the curve on the approach to March-East Junction working '4M67' a 'Q' working from Felixstowe-North FLT going to Crewe-Basford Hall.This is another location straight out of the last century and all the better for it.In the sidings to the right was even a Snowplough of all things!
..8 april 2017..
Ahhh---Mr Bond we have been expecting you! GE-70007 passes Manea east of March in Cambridgeshire with '4L84' from Leeds-FLT to Ipswich-SS.This isn't a divert,it is booked to come this way regularly.
..8 april 2017..
Here we have a completely unspoilt timeless.scene unlike the utter destruction we are experiencing on the old GWR between Paddington and Bristol.What can I say,simply superb! Here coming up the long straight towards Manea east of March in Cambridgeshire is the '4L84' liner from Leeds-FLT (08:55 off) going to Ipswich-SS. GE-70007 was in charge of this long train of large container-boxes.Note the semaphore signals that are still doing an excellent job of controlling traffic on the extreemly busy cross-country freight route.
..8 april 2017..
GE-70008 powers through Whittlesea east ofPeterborough working the diverted '4L97' the 03:57 from Trafford park going to felixstowe-North FLT.THis location is an amazing place.manually operated 4-gate level crossing,semaphore signals and a manned Signal Box.All the equipment that was associated with the railways in the last century but in most area's is now swept away on a tide of modernisation and palisade fencing!
..8 april 2017..
Final current member of the Freightliners fleet of 19 GE's is 70020.Here passing Millbrook on the slow-line preparing to enter Maritime FLT just a miles or so away having just come from Crewe Basford Hall (09:22 away) as '4O49'.
..8 september 2016..
GE-70011 has just passed through Southampton-Central Station as it approaches journey's end at Maritime-Container Depot.It left Leeds ar 06:12 this morning running as '4O90'.Shot taken off the old lattice footbridge at Saxon Road.
..8 september 2016..
This is an underbridge near to Micheldever/Wallers Ash Loops where the Railtrack entrance for track access resembles something that was used in the making of the movie 'The Great Escape'. Meantime GE-70007 drones by working '4O70' the 09:56 from Cardiff-Wentloog heading for Southampton-Maritime Container Terminal.
..26 august 2016..
Rush Hour at Sonning? With '6M20' with 66114 acting as an unwelcome backdrop '4O14' the 05:36 from Garston to Southampton-MCT powers by with this GE/GM pairing.70005 leads with 66593 'inside' as it passes Duffield Road in Sonning.Not long now before those masts become gantrys and this view becomes history!
..09 august 2016..
Ahhh Mr Bond! We have been expecting you. Powerhaul 70-007 runs up the slow-line at Duffield Road in Sonning with 4M28' the 09:32 from Southampton-MCT going up to Garston-MCT via the GWML due to the Oxford route being closed for trackwork rebuilding.
..09 august 2016..
I suppose this is the classic shot of Sonning Cutting with the cast-iron high 'suicide' Warren Road Bridge in the background.Shame its all going down the toilet in the name of percieved progress in the next year or so.So here is a diverted Freightliner due to engineering work at Banbury and Oxford This one is '4O29' the 08:44 from Crewe-Basford hall to Southampton- MCT.GE-70019 was the allocated traction on this seemingly well loaded working.Although as it is going back to the docks most of the containers are probably empty!
..06 august 2016..
Unfortunately the returning Wentloog (15:33 off) to Southampton-MCT Extra '4Z51' fell victim to a patch of clouds right overhead here at Old Dilton on Upton Scudamore Bank.Due to the current rarity of this type of working via the Limpley Stoke Valley I have included it anyway.So here is GE-70016 making short work of the incline here with its lightly loaded return working.
..24 may 2016..
Business on the Southampton-MT to Cardiff-Wentloog route must be booming! Here is an extra, '4Z50' that departed Southampton at 10:13 and is using the now 'cleared for containers' route via the Limpley Stoke-Valley.It was actually booked this way and was not a divert.GE-70016 was leading its very well loaded train as it is passes Ladydown nr Trowbridge.After the dreaded 'electrification' is completed I can see that these services between Cardiff to Southampton could very well come this way regularly.
..24 may 2016..
Powerhaul liveried GE-70017 is pictured hauling '4O70' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog bound for Southampton-Maritime along the up-goods line on the approach to Magor.As usual this working is carrying a full compliment of boxes and tanktainers.
..23 february 2016..
This is (for me) my first shot of the elusive 70010 which was originally a 'HH' machine.Now of coarse with FL-HH in deep 'Doo-Doo' due to lack of work particularly in the practically now defunct Coal-Sector it has been transferred to the Inter-Model side of the business.Hence its appearence here on '4O70' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MT.Pictured here just after it had traversed the Llandevenny Flyover coming down the ramp to normal track level.Luckily the train was sufficiently short enough to allow the entire consist to be in the shot!
..15 february 2016..
'4O70' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT was the only freight of the morning to pass here today because of the Uffington cable theft simply because there was no other way for it to go!. So here is GE-70014 running non-stop through Swindon with its fully loaded long train of containers.Next stop for me was the Coffee Shop for some warmth and another hot cuppa!
..02 february 2016..
GE-70014 powers Liner '4O70' the 09:58 from Wentloog to Southampton-Maritime past Magor west of Severn Tunnel Junction.The shot was taken from the now open newly rebuilt footbridge here designed to allow the electrification to pass safely under the span.However the sides are now the regulation 1.8 metres high so a set of steps is certainly needed to even see the railway whilst on the bridge span.However the bridge-steps now are on the western side which actually allow an addition angle for trains going east.Enjoy it whilst you can.The masts and wires will ruin it all anyway!
..19 january 2016..
GE-70016 powers an impressively well loaded '4O70' he 10:58 from cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-Maritime up the long straight away from Swindon here at Bourton.Still no real sign of electrification work here apart from the brand new track and ballast where it was lowered under the bridge here to allow the dreaded catenary wires to fit! A far better option than yet another crappy FailTrack Meccano effort!
..30 september 2015..
'4O70' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog runs through Wootton Bassett Junction with its healthy looking loads of mega-frets/tanktainers and pockets. GE-70009 being the power today up-front.
..29 september 2015..
70013 (No not the 4-6-2 Pacific steamy thing),a GE Co-Co operated by Freightliner snakes through Oxford working '4O17' the 12:11 from Lawley Street going to Southampton-MCT.
..26 september 2015..
GE-70009 passes Dunsomer Hill with '4O27' from Garston (departed at 05:21) heading for Southampton-Maritime.What remains of the now abandoned Didcot 'A' Coal-PS is still visible in the distance just beyond Didcot-Parkway.This time next year the remaining three cooling towers will have been demolished and this stretch of line will be in a tunnel of steel and wires.....And they call that progress??????
..26 september 2015..
'Powerhaul' styled 70019 rolls past the largely empty park-n-ride car park used to serve Oxford railway station with '4O15' the 07:37 from Hams Hall-Parsec going to Southampton-MCT.
..26 september 2015..
This train '4O70' with 70013 leading coming from Cardiff-Wentloog and heading for Southamptom-MCT was actually stationary here in the centre-road at Swindon for over 20 minutes.In all that time there was just one glimmer of partial sunlight and that was what you see here. As usual the BBC got the forecast completely wrong but we kinda expect that these days--don't we?
..17 september 2015..
A brief look over the bridge parapet at Maritime Depot produced this scene.70009 was undergoing routine maintenence on the open air concrete pad there whilst 70019 which had arrived an hour or so earlier on a working from Garston was being gainfully employed doing a spot of 'super-shunting' slowly pushing a train of containers up into the Redbridge holding sidings.
..22 august 2015..
Powerhaul liveried 70019 passes Eastleigh with '4O27' the 05:21 from Garston going to Maritime-CT in Southampton.Another seemingly fully loaded train although in all probability most of the containers are empty just being returned to China or Japan!
..22 august 2015..
70001 which actually carries the name 'Powerhaul' hidden away on the solebar passes Mount Pleasant in Southampton with '4O49' the 09:22 from Crewe-Basford Hall going to Maritime.
..07 august 2015..
'4O54' the 06:12 from Leeds to Soton-Maritime FLT runs through Southampton Central Station.Its final destination being only a couple of miles away.70006 was doing the duty.Note the additional cooling-fan housing now fitted to these locomotives.This modification seems to have cleared up the overheating problems these engines were suffering,and in a few cases resulted in serious fires! All in all they now seem to have settled down and are running reliably---Well it has been six years now since they were introduced!
..07 august 2015..
GE-70016 emerges out of the now shadowy background here at Easenhall with '4M56' the 12:57 from the new London-Gateway-FLT heading for Crewe-Basford Hall.Quite a telephoto shot this,---my 70-200L at full extension x the 1.6 crop factor gives (in 35mm film terms) a tele length of 320mm.Pretty impressive for a hand held effort!
..30 july 2015..
70020 the final member of the Freightliner batch of GE Class-70's is seen approaching Mount Pleasant in Southamptom with '4O49' the 09:22 from Crewe-Basford Hall to Southampton-MCT.The reliability of these once somewhat flawed machines has now seemingly improved dramatically since the modification of additional cooling fans have been added,thus allowing them to work more reliably and not burst into flames on a regular basis!
..30 june 2015..
GE-70020 rolls away from Southampton-Central heading for Maritime-CT with '4O29' the 08:14 from Crewe-Basford Hall.The location is Saxon Road Footbridge.
..27 june 2015..
GE-70008 drones north at Culham powering '4M99' the 16:57 from Southampton-MCT heading for Trafford Park-FLT.The biggest problem here now that the bushes have been removed is the rampant Cow-Parsley.Some of these 'weeds' appear to have grown up to 6ft high and make it quite difficult when trying to compose wide shots!
..18 june 2015..
GE 'Powerhaul' 70007 was making plenty of noise as it accelerates from Didcot with '4O70' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.
..18 june 2015..
Ahhh--Mr Bond I have been expecting you! Because unlike Earnst Stavros Blofeld seen in the movie 'You only Live Twice' I have RTT!!!!! Here is Powerhaul 70-007 powering through Wootton Bassett-Junction on '4O70' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.The former station site here is now slightly tidier than a few months ago but is still pretty messy.No doubt it will be 10 time worse when Network-rail start dumping OHLE-Crap everywhere anytime soon!
..13 may 2015..
a The 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT passes the remains of the long closed Shrivenham Station with GE-70004 in charge.This train always produces a nice mix of tanktainers/pockets and mega-frets due to the smaller loading gauge on this route from Cardiff which includes the Severn-Tunnel. I had been stood here for over two hours at this location and in fact this was my final shot before moving to another spot.As I pressed the shutter a jobsworth PCO-Toytown Copper and in female companion stopped on the bridge causing a traffic jam and started insisting I was percieved as a suicide risk purely because I was stood on this railway bridge.I said OK and walked off back to my motorcycle which was parked about 100 yards away.Unbelievably he was there waiting for me and after taking my name and PNC'ing my vehicle proceeded to give me a pathetic lecture about wasting public money if the police helicopter was scrambled to investigate should somebody deem my behavior warranted a 999 call! I mean is this a free country ??????? This muppet-pair have put my personal police credibility rating back at least 5 years. Oh yes then she started to tell me which bridges it was ok for me use ???????????????? I ask you what a crap society we are turning into when people are either seen a terrorists or suicide-merchants purely because they choose to be on their own on a public railway bridge.....What a F****** Joke! ---------Rant over---------
..21 april 2015..
After last weeks diversions to avoid Reading the Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT has become '4O70' again instead of 4O51'.Another fully loaded 'Liner' this time pulled by a nice clean GE-70019.Use of these GE machines seem to be the norm on this service.Location is again Sally Pussey lane nr Wootton Basset.Note several piles of the upcoming OHLE which have been unsuccessfully attempted to be hammered into the ground to the correct depth.
..14 april 2015..
A very brisk drive from Bath to Upton Scudamore nr Warminster enabled me to record the passing here near the top on the incline of a very clean Freightliner 70004 on '4O54' the 05:27 from Leeds-FLT going to Southampton-MCT.These liner diversions have been on all week due to engineering work in the Thames-Valley, No complaints! This is the 5th Class-70 to be photographed in the sun in the Wylye-Valley in five days.
..11 april 2015..
Big-GE 70004 is currently on temporary transfer from Freightliners Heavy-Haul division. So to picture it here in the Wylye-Valley on a diverted liner was a bit of a bonus!.The train is the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.Because Reading and the slow-lines in the Thames Valley are currently partially out of use for engineering work this working has to come this way via Swindon (reversal) and the Melksham line.Here pictured with Battlesbury Hill in the background at Norton-Bavant.Plenty of evidence of remedial trackwork going on here as well.
..10 april 2015..
70007 leads '4O54' the diverted 06:12 from Leeds to Southampton-MCT through Sherrington in the Wylye-Valley.The nicely well loaded train can be seen snaking away into the distance around the classic reverse curves at this popular location.
..09 april 2015..
70007 heads '4O51' the diverted 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MCT via Swindon (reverse) and the Melksham line.It is seen traversing the reverse curves at Sherrington.What you cannot see is 59004 coming the other way! This was a full zoom on the lens I had fitted and about 100 milleseconds after I pressed the shutter the shot was totally blocked by that GM! Phew! Close but no bowlage.... Just like London Buses,you wait for ages then two come at the same time.Not necessarily a very good thing!.
..09 april 2015..
Another Liner diverted via the Wylye-Valley today was '4O54' the 06:12 from Leeds down to Soton-MCT.Again a Class-70 was in charge.This time 70007 'GE-Bond' was the doing the duty.This train was nearly fully loaded and at least the mega-frets right behind the engine had boxes on them.Sherrington nr Codford in the Wylye-Valley was again the location.
..07 april 2015..
'4O51' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT was today diverted via the Wylye-Valley due to continued ongoing work around the Reading Area.So here is a pleasingly clean 70009 powering through the Valley at Sherrington with its load of welsh containers,regretfully with none on the first couple of flat-wagons.
..07 april 2015..
'6Z45' from Fifoots-PS to Portbury headed by 70003 rolls slowly through Severn Tunnel-Junction after a brief pause to allow an HST to overtake..Quite convenient that because it allowed me a quick drive east from Undy to obtain a second shot.
..21 march 2015..
GE-70003 powers through Undy hauling '6Z45' the late running 06:10 from Uskmouth-PS (Fifoots) returning empty HIA-s to Portbury Coal Terminal for a refill. Strange isn't it---Freightliner are using stone hoppers to carry coal whilst down in the Mendips Schenker are using coal hoppers to carry stone! Some kind of wagon imbalance there somewhere????
..21 march 2015..
'4V09',with empty coal wagons from Rugeley -B PS (07:28 off) going only as far as Stoke-Gifford passes the site of the long gone Wickwar Station north of Bristol. Power being provided by 70011,one of Freightliners 19 GE locomotives.Note the extra fanbox in its poorly matched paintwork added recently and seemingly successfully so to prevent overheating and possible fire risk.
..17 march 2015..
GE-70019 hums past White-Waltham with '4O29' the 08:14 from Crewe-Basford Hall Yard down to Southampton-MCT Note that these FL versions of the Class-70's are now retro-fitted with the additional cooling fans (The extra block on the flanks) that the Colas batch had installed upon introduction.This modification seems to have helped these locomotives to finally settle down after over 5 years in service to some level of reliability!
..07 march 2015..
GE-70007 passes the fully equipped engineers parking area at Pilning with the '4O70' the 09:58 from Wentloog heading for Southampton-MCT. Still plenty of frost around on the sunless side of the cutting here where the line climbs away from the eastern exit of the Severn-Tunnel.
..29 december 2014..
GE-70001 'Powerhaul' brings '4O27' the 05:21 from Garston-FLT to Southampton-Maritime through Mottisford & Dunbridge at pretty much full line speed.Again this is a diversion via Laverstock due to engineering works on its normal route through Winchester.Worryingly the whine of this machine on full-power was heard ages before it arrived here and the level-crossing gates at the end of the station appeared to drop only 20 seconds before it appeared! Scary!
..01 november 2014..
GE-70013 (Not Oliver Cromwell) takes the route down via the Severn Tunnel here at the Junction with '4O70' from Cardiff-Wentloog (09:58 off) going the Southampton-MT.Of note is that this particular '70' still has not had the Cooling fan modifications done that hopefully will curb this classes habit of busting into flames!
..21 october 2014..
GE-70018 passes the still standing remains of Highworth-Junction Footbridge with '4O51' from Cardiff-Wenloog going to Southampton-MCT. Note--This particular Freightliner-70 has yet to receive its additional cooling fan modifications as per the Colas versions.
..01 october 2014..
Interestingly this working '4O51' seems to have been retimed to depart Wentloog in Cardiff at 10:58 instead of the usual time of 09:58.Same destination though Southampton-MCT. Here it is seen having a short stop in the centre-road at Swindon whilst a seemingly more important? FGW-HST overtakes. I was hoping for a Colas style 'GE' but no, just the usual Powerhaul version,in this case 70014,albeit now modified with additional side fans to stop the thing occasionally bursting into flames!
..02 september 2014..
Powerhaul-GE 70008 produces a considerable amount of exhaust smoke as it gets away from Swindon after a brief stop with '4O51' from Cardiff going to Southampton.Happily a brief splash of sunlight coincided with its departure!
..29 august 2014..
70008 with the 09:58 from Wentloog (Cardiff) to Southampton -MCT '4O51' slow to a halt in the centre road at Swindon to allow an HST to clear the section ahead.After a brief slop of about 2 minutes it was on its way again in a cloud of exhaust smoke.
..29 august 2014..
The Southampton area these days is truly infested with Class-70's.Today I noted at least 6 here out of a total of just 29 in the entire Country! So here is yet another GE, this time it's 70019 running past Millbrook with '4O09' the 10:18 from Trafford Park to Maritime.Note this is one of the FL-batch that has now had the additional fan modifications to combat overheating and possible subsequent fires.
..22 august 2014..
GE-70017 draws '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southamptom-Maritime through the central station there just a mile or so from its destination.This working is characterised by the regular use of 'pocket' wagons and mega-frets to allow the transportation of the latest larger sized containers which otherwise would be out of gauge coming and going to Cardiff.
..22 august 2014..
Todays Wentloog to Southampton '4O51' container service is seen passing Acton-Turville on the Top-Line with 70020 in charge.This bridge has now been rebuilt to allow the electrification catenary to go safely under the roadspan.As a bonus all the large trees surrounding the worksite were removed.Hence the availability of this (for me) new shot location.Of coarse once the OHLE is erected it will be gone again!
..08 august 2014..
Ah! Mr Fugly we have been expecting you! 70-007 with '4O09' from Trafford Park going to Southampton-MCT passes through the as yet un ruined 4-track section at Southstoke in the Thames Valley.No sign here yet of even mast bases or other clutter from the upcoming OHLE project.
..22 july 2014..
One of Freightliner's versions of the Class-70 powers down through South-Moreton with '4O54' the 06:12 from Leeds going to Southampton-MCT.70014 has been transferred from Heavy-Haul to Container work after it was modified with revised cooling to combat problems the class has encountered since they were introduced a few years ago.
..22 july 2014..
GE-70019 pauses at Didcot-Parkway waiting for time with '4O59' the 10:59 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.Note this is one of the FL batch of 70's to have received the additional fan modifications to help prevent overheating and possible fire damage! Beyond the lightly used Car-Park (Well it is a Saturday) can be seen the three cooling towers of Didcot Coal PS-A that are now disused and indeed are to be demolished within a week or so.
..19 july 2014..
Screaming GE-70020 heads '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.A good load today on this regular working.It is viewed passing Hay Lane in the western outskirts of Swindon.
..17 july 2014..
'4M99' from Maritime going to Garston passes St Denys in the northern suburbs of Southampton.The River Itchen forming the backdrop.70014 was hauling this working.Note the recently modified bodyside involving additional fan -cooling modules in a bid to eliminate or at least reduce the incidents of overheating/fires this class has tended to suffer.The modification was a standard fitment on the latest imported Colas-70/8 so it seemed only fair to retrofit the original Freightliner order.All part of GE's aftersales service no doubt!
..02 july 2014..
Named 'Powerhaul' if you look carefully 70001 passed Mt Pleasant with '4O27' the 05:40 from Garston going to Maritime Container Terminal.No modified cooling fans yet for this one as fitted to the Colas version although it is programmed for this modification to be applied.
..02 july 2014..
GE-70014 was until recently assigned to Heavy-Haul so has only just started to appear on Liner duties.Here it is with '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.Seen passing a rather 'head-on' sunwise Mt Pleasant in the suburbs of the City of Southampton.
..02 july 2014..
GE-70007 whines through Royal-Wootton-Bassett with '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT with its very well loaded train.This junction area is currently a hive of activity with lots of staff from the 'Orange-Army' doing prep work for the upcoming electrification scheme.
..05 june 2014..
Original GE 70009 now looking just a little bit work-worn compared with the newer Colas 70/8's powers through Compton-Beaucamp with '4O51' the 09:58 from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MT.Judging by the position on the new 70/8 series of the additional cooling fan assemblies the bodyside 'Freightliner' decals are set to be resited when they head to Loughborough to receive this modification shortly.
..11 march 2014..
70007 and DIT 66504 both in matching 'Powerhaul' colours restart '4V51' away from Challow as the working resumes its much delayed journey to Cardiff.A pretty tight shot this requiring the use of a fully-wide 17-85 EFS lens giving a focal length on 35m terms of about 28mm.If you think its bad here now just wait for the added confusion of OHLE as well. Shots even like this will be a thing of the past along here!
..13 november 2013..
The fully assembled and ready to go '4V51' now with 70007 in charge and the very dead-failed-defective-dud-broken 66504 tucked inside waits in Challow loops for a slot in between the many HST's to get back out onto the mainline and resume its 5 hour delayed journey onwards to Cardiff-Wentloog from Southampton.A full train which from my precarious position stood on tippy-toe on top of an armco road barrier nicely fills the frame!
..13 november 2013..
Here is a shot of the two very different styles of cab-ends of the Class-66 and the newer designed Class-70.The driving position on the '70' is noticably higher than the '66'.In the car world this would be pitched as a 'Command driving position' but in the railway world its probably seen as a H&S issue! Both locomotive were however commendably clean,66504 more so than the 70!
..13 november 2013..
'4V51' the Southampton to Cardiff-Wentloog Liner stands at the end of the Challow loops waiting to get under way again after a 300 minute delay due to 66504 suffering a power failure.70007 was scrambled presumably from Southampton to rescue it.Note how clear thelineside is at the moment due to work in progress preparing th linesides along here in readiness for OHLE mast installation in the not too distant future.
..13 november 2013..
I make no apologies for visiting the Southampton Area two days running as that was where the sun was shining for sure on both days.However much to my disgust 70001 'Powerhaul' was operating exactly the same train as yesterday '4O27' from Garston to Soton-MCT.So a different approach was called for for this shot.Use of a long 200mm lens coupled with a cropped digital sensor produces a focal length of approx 370mm in old-money.This produces a quite powerful foreshortened shot of 70001 running under the A33 at Millbrook.In reality this bridge is about a 1/4 of a mile away!
..05 september 2013..
Powerhaul-70008 eases through Southampton-Central with '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Maritime. This route is not passed for 9'-6'' containers so if that type are being transported,megafret type lowrider wagons or the pocket type are used.
..05 september 2013..
'4O27' the 05:40 from Garston to MT here in Southampton whines through Millbrook with one of the GE products that Freightliner took a gamble on and so far seem to have lost.This is the Doyen of the class 70001 c/w the Class Name Nameplate 'Powerhaul'.So far reliability of these powerful machines has been little better that the old 47's the Freightliner sent to the scapyard about 10 years ago allegedly because hey were life-expired,.I suppose its called progress?
..04 september 2013..
This is my first encounter with 70020,the latest '70' apart from the turkish thing to run on the UK at that time.Here the Powerhaul Screamer is passing Mouth Pleasant in Southampton with '4O27' from Garston going to Maritime.It was quite apparent today that most of the Liners running were getting longer and seemed to all be fully loaded.Perhaps the economy really is picking up?It certainly is for the Freightliner Company.
..22 august 2013..
GE-70017 heads north in the lengthening shadows at Kings Sutton with '4M98' the 16:57 off of Southampton-MT going to Trafford Park.
..19 july 2013..
One of the unpopular (With Freightliner anyway!) GE's 70008 runs up through Kings Sutton going to Birch Coppice as '4M68' from Southampton-Maritime (14:50 departure).
..19 july 2013..
70017,a GE product running in Powerhaul styling passes Culham heading north with '4M99' from Southampton-MT going to Trafford-Park.A nice long fully loaded container-train carrying Imports from probably the Far-East.
..04 june 2013..
GE's Powerhaul 70008 heads for Southampton-MT with '4O09' from Trafford-Park (10:18 off).Here it is seen in leafy surroundings just west of Lower-Basildon in the Thames-Valley.Interestingly this working was pencilled in the bring the Turkish built 70099 from Crewe down to Soton-Maritime.Obviously that didn't happen.It actually came down overnight about 12 hours later.
..04 june 2013..
GE-70019 speeds round the corner on the approach to Bramley Station on the stretch of line between Reading and Basingstoke.This is the saturday Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT (Millbrook) service '4O59'.Another pleasantly clean '70'.These machines seem to have now settled down after over 3 years in service and are performing reliably at last.
..01 june 2013..
The recent reinstated repaired GE-70018 screams past Popham at full speed with '4O27' from Garston going to Southampton-MT.Still looking pretty clean since its re-introduction back into traffic about 10 days ago.
..01 june 2013..
70018 thuds through Tilehurst with '4O59' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT(Millbrook).This Engine has only just returned to service after suffering a serious fire that would have forced the withdrawal of an older model.The fire happened in Wallers Ash Loop near Winchester.It has taken over a year to sort it out.It was released from Brush at Loughborough on the 21st (4 days ago) and Freightliner have wasted no time in pressing this loco back into service!
..25 may 2013..
Powerhaul-70017 struts its stuff up through Radley with '4M98' the 18:00 from Southampton-MT heading for Garston.A well loaded working with a good mix of large and small container types.No Pockets or Megafrets required now for gauging purposes.
..22 may 2013..
GE-70019 powers past Hinksey in Oxford with '4M99' the 16:57 off Southampton-MT going to Trafford Park. Can it really be nearly 4 years since these machines landed in the UK?
..22 may 2013..
GE-70017 lumbers over the level-crossing at Mount-Pleasant in Southampton with '4M99' from Maritime (16:57 off) going to Trafford Park.It was amazing just how much heat this loco was giving off as it passed slowly by.Being on the steps of the footbridge I was level with the radiator-ducts and only about 6ft away when it passed.It was like a monster hair drier!
..07 may 2013..
GE-70017 growls its way past Millbrook shortly after departing Maritime in Southampton going to Trafford-Park.Service being '4M61'.
..02 may 2013..
GE-70019 powers past the former 4-track station site at Shrivenham with '4O59' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton-MCT.The distinctive engine sound of this machine gave away its approach long before it came into view.Amazingly although the station was closed in 1964 nearly 50 years ago the platform faces are still intact however all traces of the buildings are long gone.
..16 march 2013..
GE 70011 makes a fair amount of blue exhaust as it accelerates off the curve away from Newport at Duffryn.This FL-MGR empty set has travelled down from Fiddlers-Ferry-PS and is going to Cardiff-Pengham.It ran as '4V22'.
..02 february 2013..
1st built GE 70001 with its well hidden nameplate 'Powerhaul' camouflaged on the framing departs Eastleigh Station after a brief stop to change crews.This working '4O27'started out from Garston at 05:26 and is going just down the road to Southampton-MT.
..19 january 2013..
'4O27' from Garston is seen approaching Eastleigh past the very active Freight-Yard there.Examples of Classes-57/60 and 66 can be seen scattered about the yard on various duties.This Freightliner is going to Southampton-MT with 70001 at the head.Passenger traffic today was quite sparse due to South-West Trains operating an 'Emergency Timetable'
..19 january 2013..
A very presentable GE-70008 looking like somebody has made an effort and wiped an oily rag over it whines down past Hinksey with '4O49',the 09:23 off Crewe-Basford Hall going to Southamptom-MT.Another healthy looking load but no doubt most of the containers are empty when heading back towards the docks in this country.
..15 january 2013..
Freightliner '4O29' from Crewe-Basford Hall curves round Bordesley-Junction as it continues its journey south towards Southampton-MT.70007 being todays traction and looking quite smart as well.
..15 december 2012..
'4O27' from Garston going to Southamptom-MT was today headed by the Lead-GE 70001 named 'Powerhaul' (spot the nameplate if you can) seen here passing South-Moreton just east of Didcot.A nicely loaded train seen at a currently unobstructed viewpoint.That will all change however when the mooted electrification of this route is completed.Grab these shots around Didcot and the Thames-valley while you can!
..03 november 2012..
GE 70007 makes its way past Coedkernew with '4O51' from Cardiff-Wenloog heading for Southampton.Although the class has been in service now for almost 3 years they have had quite a difficult start to their careers.Problems ranging from engine failures/catching fire, right down to having one member of the class being written off the instant it touched down whilst being unloaded! Hopefully the worst is over and these 'interesting' locomotives now seem to be settling down to doing reliable useful work. ..18 september 2012..
By 18:30 in the evening in early September the shadows are now becoming quite long.Indeed a 35mm equivilant of nearly 200mm was needed here to overcome them in the foreground of this shot.Here is 70017 on the regular '70' duty from Southampton going to Trafford Park '4M99'. Not a particularly good day today,although the sun remained out most of the time the workings were pretty uninspiring and to top it off some miserable git stole my step-ladder at Challow after it was left unattended for a short period!
..05 september 2012..
After a 10 minute halt just outside the Station-Limits to allow an HST and a Class-158 service to overtake GE-70007 on the '4O51' Freightliner from Wentloog going to Southampton gets underway passing through Severn-Tunnel-Junction Station.
..10 august 2012..
70007 has been the dedicated locomotive all this week on this service '4O51' from Wentloog to Southamptom-MT.Here viewed creeping around the bend at Undy in S-Wales nr Severn-Tunnel-Junction.It was to be held there to allow a following HST and a Class-158 to overtake prior to going through the Severn-Tunnel.
..10 august 2012..
Newish-GE 70017 powers southwards with '4L57' from Daventry to Tilbury.Seen at Chelmscote in a nice bright patch of sunlight.The engine looked pretty clean and no sign of being on fire either!
..27 july 2012..
One of the few Class-70's actually performing on Liner duties at the moment is 70017.Here is '4O27' from Garston going to Southampton-MT passing through Eastleigh nearing journeys-end.A high proportion of this class have (for the time being) been relegated to HH work dragging coal around at low speeds.It seems the extended high speed running associated with F-Liner duties causes these locomotives to fracture fuel pipes causing spilllage that has a tendancy to catch fire.Not a good situation.So until a permanant solution can be found these GE machines are running under a cloud.(Usually their own smoke!). ..19 may 2012..
One of the final batch (for now) of GE locomotives to enter the country 70019 powers away from Chipping-Sodbury Loop after its regular scheduled stop here to allow an HST to pass.The '4O51' from Wentloog to Southampton-MT again seems to be regularly featuring this class of loco after several months of solid 'fred' rostering. Nice to catch it whilst it is still reasonably clean.Freightliner do not seem to have a particularly good record of keeping their engines smartly turned out!
..11 april 2012..
The Wentloog to Southampton-MT Liner '4O51' with 70019 had an extended wait in Chipping-Sodbury Loop today for its booked stop to allow the 09:28 from Swansea to Paddington to pass.For some reason this service was about 25 minute late.Original prototype MTU-convert HST-PC 43004 being in charge,43147 bringing up the rear.Good job really as the sunlight only emerged from behind the cloud-bank a few minutes prior to this scene.
..11 april 2012..
Plenty of action under the recently refurbished footbridge here at Eastleigh. 158886 takes on passengers for the 18:21 departure for Salisbury from Romsey working as '2S55', also 70019 prepares to get underway after a brief stop to facilitate a change of driver.This FL working is '4M98' from Maritime going to Garston. ..17 april 2012..
'4O27' today was the selected duty of GE-70019,still looking very smart as it is only a few months old.Once again due to fast moving clouds a long-long telephoto was called for to be able to get even this shot.This working has come from Garston and is heading for Maritime in Southampton.
..17 april 2012..
New-Build GE 70018 with '4M68' going to Birch-Coppice from Southampton-MT crosses the Mount Pleasant Road at the 4-track Level Xing there.This Crossing spends almost as much time closed as it does open due to the amount of rail traffic that passes here.This area here at Northam (SWT Depot in background) is like an Asian-Enclave with nobody speaking in english! You need a passport around there!
..23 march 2012..
You do not often see a Freightliner Coal workings on this stretch of line particularly if it is hauled by a '70'. Here is '4F56' from Uskmouth-PS in Wales going to Stoke-Gifford via Swindon! This appears to be due to the booked path via Chipping-Sodbury's loop being unavailable so an 80 mile detour was in order.As it was barely 15 minutes behind '5Z66' which was the purpose of my visit it was worth hanging on to make my first acquaintance with 70014,one of the more recent USA imports.
..22 february 2012..
Freightliner-Powerhaul GE 70011 swings down past Yate-Common with '4V20' from Fiddlers Ferry-PS to Stoke-Gifford with a set of coal-empties.
..07 january 2012..
A rather clean 'GE' Screamer 70009 powers past Shrivenham on '4V50',the second Liner of the day from Southampton to Cardiff-Wentloog.This Route seems to have come alive this year with full loadings and extra trains.Remarkable what can happen if a service is marketed properly!
..01 november 2011..
Leader of the Bulldog-Pack 70001 now named 'Powerhaul' rolls slowly to a halt under the unloading gantry at Southampton-Maritime FL-depot.This working coming from Garston as '4O27'.
..22 october 2011..
Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MT hums past Didcot-East with another very well loaded train on this route from Wales.Once poorly loaded but now consistantly full.GE 70009 looking fairly immaculate doing the haulage.
..14 october 2011..
GE 70007 runs by Worting with '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-MT.Until quite recently this train had a reputation for being quite poorly loaded but lately has been full both ways.Indeed a 2nd working has been added during the week and even one on saturdays! All looking very rosy.Because of the more commom usage of 9'6'' containers this working is now invariably all 'pockets' and 'lowliners' to suit those type if carried.
..06 october 2011..
These 'GE' machines have now been around for nearly 2 years so are no longer the novelty they once were.However they are certainly a nice change from the usual 'Fred' species. Here is 70007 on '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog going to Southampton seen taking the Tunnel route at Severn-Tunnel-Junction.
..03 october 2011..
Photography here at the Bishton-Flyover is now becoming quite difficult since the area between the tracks has become a Shrubbery!.Here just about squeezed in is GE-70005 with '4F56' from Uskmouth-PS returning the empties to Stoke-Gifford.
..30 september 2011..
Newest Class-70 to actually make it into service to date is this machine 70011.70012 famously fell to earth in Newport Docks and returned to the USA in a bin-bag!. Here it is seen passing Chorlton on '6U76' going to Mounsorrel for a refill from Crewe-Basford Hall.Train consisting of the new distinctive Network-Rail 'IOA' Ballast-Boxes. ..22 august 2011..
Newish GE-Machine 70002 heads '6G07' from Liverpool-BHT going to Ironbridge-Power Station with another consignment of imported coal.Here passing Chorlton going south at 07:43 as the sun starts its early morning rise in the sky. ..22 august 2011..
'4O52' the returning weekday 'extra' from Wentloog back to Southampton passes Heol Pont-y-cwcw or if you prefer St-Brides.Doyen of the newish GE Class 70's 70001 being the allocated power.Note the barely identifiable nameplate 'Powerhaul' affixed to the solebar camouflaged in grime and green paint! ..09 august 2011..
'Powerhaul' named 70001 passes Gaer on the approach to ADJ in Newport with another 'extra' from Southampton going to Wentloog.Running as '4V52' business on this flow has really picked up of late with a now permanant Saturday working as well as the regular ones in the week,now getting additionals on weekdays as well! ..09 august 2011..
Now a regular Saturday working due to increased loadings is '4O51' from Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton-Maritime.70007 was in charge today with 'tanktainers' looking quite strange sitting in pocket-wagons! Chipping-Sodbury cutting now starting to look overgrown again about two years after a mass vegetation cull on this stretch of line.Nature will always win! ..23 july 2011..
Looking somewhat grubby these days with a patina of workstaining is 70005,even an inspection panel on the nose section has gone missing.(I wonder what part-number that is?).Here viewed humming through Pilning with a Coal working from Portbury going to Rugeley-PS.Report number being '6M04'.Spot of lucky sun as well to enhance the shot! ..21 july 2011..
'4O51' from Cardiff going to Southampton was today assigned to 70001.However due to serious signal problems east of Didcot ended up parked in the loop at Wootton-Bassett for the best part of 30 minutes.Quite a busy scene this.The driver of '4O51' seen returning to his cab after making himself known to the signaller whilst a delayed HST heads west going to Bristol.In the background can be made out a local 'Network-Rail' Gang having an impromptu 'team-brief' with one member putting his hand up,probably asking to go to the toilet due to excessive tea drinking! ..02 june 2011..
Final shot for the day was this effort of one of the 'New Kids on the Block' on the main South/North Liner-Route, a rather smoky 70008 on '4M99' going to Trafford-Park.A bit back-lit but still worthy of inclusion.Picture was recorded at Norman Road off the footbridge there.Due to the time of departure (16:57) there is nowhere around Southampton where the light would be on the front at this time of the day.Best place would be in the Thames-Valley west of Reading. ..19 may 2011..
Now that the crew-training phase on the Cardiff-Wenloog flow has finished these new machines have started to appear on the main FL flows from Southampton up to the Midlands and beyond.Here 70009 and 70001 'Powerhaul' stand in the sunshine at Maritime awaiting their next turns of duty. ..23 april 2011..
Doyen of the new '70' class is this Machine.70001 'Powerhaul' seen screaming down past Cholsey Manor-Farm with '4M61' from Southampton going to Trafford-Park Manchester.My first encounter on a long distance Liner service since now being allocated to turns north away from Maritime.Certainly adds a bit of variety and now having got used to them quite interesting! ..19 april 2011..
When this shot was taken the then brand new Class-70's seemed to be set for a bright future.Fast forward to 2019 (9 years later) most of the Freightliner owned loco's are languishing in store with just a few in regular servce Here is an almost new 70004 passing Bristol-West Junction with '6M61; the 08:25 from Portbury Coal Terminal with a train heading for Rugeley-PS.How times have changed.No more coal trains now from Portbury.Rugeley-PS is closed and this loco is stored OOS. What can I say?
..23 june 2010..
70004 hauls '4V46' from Rugeley-PS returning empties to Stoke-Gifford nr Bristol.Working seen passing Badgeworth.
..19 march 2011..
'Long' Teleshot of GE 70003 as it exits Wickwar Tunnel at quite a lick heading '4Z70' empty coal hoppers from Rugeley-PS back to Stoke-Gifford Yard. ..05 march 2010..
Class 70,another new generation of diesel from the USA.They have not really got off to a good start,reliability is rather suspect and the importers even dropped one on the Docks writing it off! Anyway here was my first sighting of one of these supposedly 'super' traction units.70003 zipping down past Charfield Loops with '4Z70' from Rugeley-PS to Stoke-Gifford comprising a rake of empty coal-hoppers. ..17 december 2009..
Can it really be well over nine years since these Freightliner GE Powerhaul locomotives first entered the country?? Pictured is 70002 fresh off the boat at Newport-Gwent from the Eire-Pennsylvania USA and still to turn a wheel in UK service.Here seen gleaming in the sunshine at Stoke Gifford Yard awaiting commisioning.Nearly 10 years on and a fairly high proportion of this FL owned Class seem to be regularly 'oos'. Perhaps they are deemed to be not quite what FL were looking for? However the later batch of 17 brought in by Colas appear to be working well and almost always in service!