Just 'CLICK' the thumbnails for a full page image! (1280+853 nominal)
Class 47 (After 01 August 2013)
GBRf's 47739 having delivered new EMU-701045 to Marchwood-MOD for storage makes its way back to Eastleigh-TRSMD as '0Z96'.It departed there at 13:17.Seen at Saxon Road in Southampton.
..31 january 2023..
Here is GBRf's 47739 taking new EMU 701045 to Marchwood-MOD from Eastleigh-TRSMD as '5Q96' (11:30 off) for further secure storage (safe from graffiti attacks etc).Viewed at Totton where the branch to Marchwood diverges.
..31 january 2023..
'0Z45' Here is an interesting 'one-off'. Freightliner's 'Pet' 47830 'Beechings Legacy' has been based at Southampton-MCT now for quite a few weeks doing crew/route learning duties.Here it is seen returning to Southampton-MCT from Exeter Riverside Yard (13:30 off) as '0Z45' having earlier arrived at Exeter having traversed the route there via Salisbury.Pictured in an unlucky patch of cloudiness at Clink Road in Frome.
29 july 2022..
47772 'Carnforth T.M.D' works '1Z51' the returning 'West Somerset Steam Express' -16:26 from Minehead to Paddington deputising for the steam loco 45596 'Bahamas' as that loco was prevented from operating due to the recently imposed NR steam ban because of the hot-n-dry weather conditions.Viewed passing Clink nr Frome in the dullish 800-iso evening light.
..23 july 2022..
Now in West Coast Rly's bland looking maroon colours this loco 47813 until quite recently was in a much more pleasing blue colour scheme.Here it is operating as a substitute for steam loco 45596 'Bahamas' due to the recently imposed steam ban because of the exceedingly hot and very dry conditions of late.The train being '1Z50' the 'West Somerset Steam Express' - 07:13 from Paddington going to Minehead at the seaside end of the West Somerset Railway.Seen on the approach to Clink Road Junction in Frome running very early due to the train not going through Westbury Station as planned with steam in charge. It's hard to believe it is now 20 years since this loco was owned and operated by GWR on this very route hauling regular passenger services and that this loco is now 58 years old old and still going almost as good as ever!
..23 july 2022..
47614 (47853/D1733) leads '1Z63' the 16:35 from Kingswear back to Cardiff-Central through Berkley Marsh against a backdrop of the rapidly setting sun.47805 (D1935) being on the rear.From Taunton to Kingswear and return BR Pacfic 70000 'Britannia' led as did 47614 from Cardiff to Taunton. ..16 july 2022..
47583 heads '1Z61' the returning '1Z61 16:35 from Kingswear to High Wycombe. 2-tone BR-Green D1924 (47810) presented a much nicer subject due to the nasty sun angle on the rear of this train as it passes the barley fields at Berkley nr Frome as the time approaches 20:00 in the late evening.
..9 july 2022..
Finally the pick of the LSL loco fleet was in charge of one of this years series of Railtours operating down to Kingswear in Devon.Here is 'Large-Logo' 47593 'Galloway Princess' leading '1Z60' the 06:40 from High Wycombe to Kingswear viewed here on the Frome Avoiding Line nr Styles Hill in a lucky patch of sun as the clouds were rapidly building.D1924 (47810) was todays tail-end charlie which it will still be this evening on the return journey. BR Pacific 4-6-2 Britannia 70000 is due to take over this tour from Taunton to Kingswear leaving 47593 at Fairwater Yard until the tour returns this evening.
..9 july 2022..
After a pretty dire period lasting over a week the sun finally made a very convenient and lucky appearance for the returning 16:35 from Kingswear to Poole Excursion '1Z61' here at Berkley Marsh. Despite it being as late as 20:30 in the evening the sun was superb enough to picture the tail-end charlie loco 47593 'Galloway Princess' in all its 'largo-logo' glory.Note how long the shadows were indicating just how close to sunset it was when it finally passed here!
..2 july 2022..
This is D1924 (47810) with '1Z61' the returning English Riviera Express from Kingswear to Poole(dept at 16:35).Viewed having just passed Clink Junction in Frome running fairly slowly.For sure 47810 wasn't running particularly well as quantities of smoke and a very rough sounding engine testify to.Thankfully this train reverses at Westbury and 47893 on the rear then takes it the rest of the way to Poole which it did arriving more or less on time.
..2 july 2022..
Typically after 5 days of virtually unbroken hot sunshine this morning with two classic diesel traction tours passing within an hour here at Clink dawned dull and cloudy with threatening rain.---Oh dear--------------Anyway here is D1924 (47810) working '1Z60' the 07:48 from Slough going down to Kingswear in Devon.D1935 (47805) was unseen on the rear.Upon reaching Taunton Bullied Pacific 4-6-2 34046 took over from the diesel onwards to Kingswear.
..18 june 2022..
This is the returning '1Z61' 16:35 from Kingswear to Solihull 'Saphos Trains' Railtour operated by LSL traction.Lead loco 47805 is now well out of sight but a decent low evening sun angle shows up the rear loco 47810 'Crewe Diesel Depot' to good effect here at Pot Lane as is continues to power East.
..11 june 2022..
Todays 'Saphos Trains' Railtour to Kingswear from Solihull is viewed on its returning leg,the 16:35 from Kingswear to Solihull '1Z61'. 47805 'Roger Hosking MA 1925-2015 is leading with 47810 well hidden in this shot on the rear of the formation.Seen at a well backlit Pot Lane at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..11 june 2022..
Amazingly the sunsine just managed to clear the scene just before this Railtour passed here at Brewham in deepest Somerset.47614(the old D1733 XP64 loco) with 47501 (D1944).It was '1Z42' the 06:34 from Rugby to Paignton 'English Riviera Statesman' operated by 'LSL'.
..14 may 2022..
At last after several failed efforts to pictured this Railtour over the last two days luck was finally on my side for this shot of '1Z72' the returning 16:24 from Oxford returning to Penzance.Original liveried Brush Type 4's D1935 & D1944 are making plenty of clag as they accelerate their 'load-11' down through a sunny Berkley Marsh nr Frome. Note the lead-47 is in the process of washing its windshield in readiness for the blast down over the Somerset Levels towards Taunton.
..7 may 2022..
LSL pairing D1935 & D1944 in BR 2 tone green make plenty of exhaust smoke as they power down the Frome Avoiding Line with the 'Cornish Explorer Statesman '1Z50' which departed Peterborough at 07:17,due to arrive at Penzance at 18:26.A total journey time of just over eleven hours!
..6 may 2022..
Here is the returning '1Z80' 16:37 from Paignton to Ely 'English Riviera Statesman' Railtour running a few minutes ahead of schedule as it passes a nicely softly lit Berkley Marsh nr Frome. Sulzer 47810 (D1924) 'Crewe Diesel Depot' leads this return leg now with 47805 (D1935) 'Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013' now the back end of the pairing.Both were of course under power.
..23 april 2022..
The English Riviera Statesman Railtour '1Z79' ran today between Ely (departing at 05:20) and Paignton in Devon.Power was provided by a pair of LSL Class-47's.47805 (D1935) 'Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013' leading with 48710 (D1924) 'Crewe Diesel Depot' inside.Here they are seen at speed approaching Clink Road Junction nr Frome.Such a shame about to rather dim lighting conditions.
..23 april 2022..
West Coast-Rly's Class-47 47804 was on the rear of '1Z62' the 08:45 from London-Victoria to Bath Spa steam excursion today headed by B1-61306.Here seen at Great Cheverell disappearing towards Westbury on the B&H.
..5 april 2022..
Formally named 'The Bobby' good old 47747 now carries the name 'Chris Fudge 29.7.70-22.6.10'.This West Coast Rly loco is seen working '1Z12' the 08:46 from Slough to Par.It did get replaced as booked by steam loco 45690 'Leander' at Taunton. ..12 september 2021..
For the second day running a Class-47 put in an appearance through Frome.This time it was West Coast Railway's 47772 'Carnforth T.M.D' hauling '1Z22' the 08:26 from Slough to Par as far as taunton.From there Steam Loco 45690 'Leander' was booking to take it over. Another day another shot in the dull!
..29 august 2021..
'LSL' operated Inter-City liveried 47828 with 47614 on the rear power down through Frome with the Dartmouth Royal Regatta Statesman as '1Z68' the 05:52 from High Wycombe going down to Kingswear in deepest Devon.Shame the sun has failed to shine now for more than 2 days!
..28 august 2021..
Good Old 47813 which a decade or so ago passed here almost daily when a Great Western Loco as 'SS Great Britain' is now owned by West Coast Rly's. It is seen here at Styles Hill in Frome with '1Z31' the 08:46 from Slough going to Par.Steam loco 60163 is booked to take over on this working from Fairwater yard in Taunton. ..11 july 2021..
Here is the Charter '1Z30' from Crewe to Weymouth via Eastleigh running bang on time passing Towns End Farm Crossing in Wylye in the valley of the same name.47593 leads with 2-tone green D1935 inside.Makes a change from the usual GM's!
..16 september 2020..
For the Diesel Lovers out there this is Brush Type-4 D1944 (47501) on the rear of '1Z27' the 07:50 from Bristol-TM going down to Kingswear in Devon Steam 46100 was the lead loco.This train being operated by Saphos Trains is called the 'English Riviera Express'.Seen at Clink nr Frome.
..26 july 2020..
Here is the returning Railtour from Peterborough to Paignton.Seen at Berkley nr Frome.The return journey set off from Paignton at 16:28 as '1Z38' 47805 running as D1935 doing the duty solo.
..18 july 2020..
This is the first Railtour to pass down this route since before the Covid-Lockdown commenced in Marsh-2020.Sadly the lighting was particularly bad but still warranted of shot.Here is 47805 with '1Z37' the 05:37 from Peterborough going to Paignton. Seen nr Upton Noble at Strap Lane.I don't know the seat occupancy of this working but I would be amazed if if managed to run without so kind of financial loss!
..18 july 2020..
Unsung plain Hero 47802 in plain WC-Rly maroon colours originally D1950 from way back in 1966 over 50 years ago hangs on the rear of '1Z16' the 06:42 from West Brompton to Bath Spa-Christmas Market Excursion operated by 'Steam Dreams'. B1 4-6-0 61306 was the loco up front making all the smoke and steam.Viewed here at Townend Farm Crossing in Wylye Village.
..29 november 2019..
47771(47503) still in the old now very faded 'RES' colours stands in the yard at Eastleigh-Arlington Works await its call inside for some serious remedial work to take place on it.As it is now well over 15 years since it last ran that will almost certainly be a rather involved task!
..16 october 2019..
The returning '1Z04' Railtour from Bristol-TM to ELy led by 47614 had L-Logo 47592 tagged on the back as it passes Bourton east of Swindon. I know it's a 'GAW''type shot but a nice profile of this classic liveried Class-47 was not to be ignored!
..21 september 2019..
BR-Blue Brush Type-4 47614 led the returning '1Z04' Railtour from Bristol-TM (15:09 away) back to Ely in Cambridgeshire.Due to the difficult light angles this shot here at Bourton east of Swindon as it passes the recently cut corn fields is just about the best that can be achieved.Large-Logo 47593 was tagged on the rear having taken to tour to Bristol in the morning.
..21 september 2019..
A nice Railtour ran today from Ely going to Bristol-TM departing at the ungodly hour of 04:47 as '1Z02' Here it is viewed passing the derelict remains of the Thingley Junction MOD sidings now mostly lifted and overgrown.The lead loco was 'Galloway Princess' 47593 in Big-Arrow Blue with the BR-Blue 47614 on the rear.This would lead the return working from Bristol later that afternoon.
..21 september 2019..
47773 plays 'tail end charlie' to 7029 'Clun Castle' as it accelerates away from Gloucester with '1Z55' the returning 14:52 from Gloucester to Dorridge.Note the pair of happy snappers probably videoing the exhaust of the steam loco and totally ignoring the good old 45 years old Brush Type-4.
..24 august 2019..
Here is Tyseley's resident Brush Type-4 47773/D1755 in use bringing the ECS '5Z55' from Barnwood Junction into Gloucester in readiness for GWR Castle 7029 to return to Dorridge with '1Z55' about 25 minutes later.
..24 august 2019..
The ECS from the weekends 'Steam' out of Bristol to Devon passes Townend Farm Crossing at Wylye.The loco being good old 47245 which is just about the only 'non heat Class-47 still running on the mainline these days.The working being '5z30' the 09:37 from Bristol-Kingsland Road to Eastleigh-Arlington (ZG).
19 august 2019..
This is '5Z79' the ECS for the weekends Steam Excursion from Bristol-TM.Happily this locomotive 47245 actually made it to Bristol without the drama that went with last weeks attempt that finally arrived there about 9 hours late due to two locomotive failures! So here is the now repaired 47245(It was involved in last weeks fiasco) emerging from Middle Hill Tunnel- Box at the site of the former station that has been long gone sadly..It departed Southall at 12:30 at arrived at Bristol-Kingsland Road pretty much on time.
..3 august 2019..
Todays 'Torbay Express' nearly didn't run for various reasons.Firstly an impromtu solo 'Steam Ban' due to the 4-6-2 Duchess causing a lineside fire at Somerton yesterday and also the ECS bringing to coaches from Eastleigh to Bristol nearly didn't get there as it required a third locomotive to complete the journey as the previous two loco's failed,one at Basingstoke and then another at Swindon. The loco seen here piloting 60009 'Union of South Africa' 47802 had a very busy weekend,rescuing the train that the Duchess couldn't return from Minehead to Paddington,then speeding to Swindon to rescue the ECS for this working and then today actually working the train along with the A4 to actually allow it to run! Here is one loco that certainly saved WC-Railways Arse this weekend! So here is the returning '1Z28' from Kingswear to Bristol- Temple Meads.47802 nominally doing all the work but 60009 was certainly doing some as it is seen passing Berkley Marsh nr Frome
..29 july 2019..
This working was quite heavily delayed by signalling difficulties in the Bathampton Area for about 90 minutes.Sadly it finally arrived here about 10 seconds before a missive blue patch of sky appeared above me.I have to say I wasn't very impressed! Anyway here is '5Z79' the ECS from Southall(12:30 off) to Bristol-Kingsland Road with WC-Rly's 47802 leading and Stanier Pacific 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland in behind.Oh well yet another afternoon wasted!
..20 july 2019..
Here is the 'tail end -charlie' on '1Z45' the 06:46 from Princes Risborough to Weymouth headed by Steam--61306. It is WC-Rly's 47245 in that companies rather numdane maroonish colours.The flanks still bear evidence of the remains of a recent graffiti/attack.Seen departing the Eastleigh area going west.
..27 june 2019..
47593 formally 47790 'Galloway Princess' runs away from Fairwood Junction with route-learner '0Z10' the 14:06 from Bristol-Barton Hill-WRD to Saltash.Great to see a pretty authentic looking Large-Logo-47 running on the mainline.What a treat to see!
..14 may 2019..
This loco 47851 came along for the ride on '1Z33' the 05:27 off Crewe going to Weymouth being hauled by 33029 and later by D6515 as well purely as an ETH source and possible as a back up if the Cromptons had problems.Here viewed as a GAW on the approach to Frome at Berkley Marsh.
..23 march 2019..
With no expectation of any sun whatsoever I decided to try this location for '1Z60' the 06:07 from Crewe to Portsmouth Harbour Statesman Railtour.Naturally the sun peeked out at the wrong/right moment but unfortunately here it was somewhat head-on.Anyway it is what it is. Here is D1924/47810 'Crewe Diesel Depot' freshly reliveried in early 60's 2-tone green passing through Trowbridge with the unseen 47853/D1733/47614 on its tail.All things considered a quite pleasing result!
..16 march 2019..
Locomotive Services Ltd owned Class-47 1733 or 47853 if you prefer, today worked '5Z80' the 08:19 from Crewe H.S taking Mk-2 Brake Coach 17080 owned by Statesman Rail down to Eastleigh-Arlington (ZG).Here seen running at quite a speed through Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley in an extreemly fortunate burst of 'almost' full sunshine.Any chances of sun looking up at the skies 30 minutes before would have been dismissed out of hand!
..21 january 2019..
Hopes were high at this location Arn Hill nr Warminster which was optimal for sun-angle for this working,however as ever the light turned out to be crap.Always the same when something of any significance is due to pass!.So here are a sunless pair of Class-47's 47853 (D1733) & 47805 (D1935).The duty being '5Z80' the 08:20 from Crewe-HS taking a set of seven Statesman Mk-2's down to Eastleigh Works-Arlington for some planned maintenance.
..19 november 2018..
After failing by a couple of minutes to picture this loco in the sunshine this morning on its journey to Paignton from Alton as '1Z82' and an evening 'glint' shot being thwarted by a 99-minute late departure from Paignton on the return journey making any kind of shot at around 20:30 at Frome impossible I though I would have a go at this 'Night' shot of '1Z83' on the move through Warminster just to see if anything could be achieved. Well this exposure was 640th@F2 at 6400-iso and all things considered not too bad ???? 47804 was on the rear somewhere having brought the train up from Devon.47580 took over after the reversal at Westbury.
..16 august 2018..
Sadly I missed out on a brief spot of sunniness by a couple of minutes which was a pity with this loco 47580 'County of Essex' actually on the front for a change! This was '1Z82' the 07:21 Excursion from Alton heading for Paignton.Another WC-Rly loco in the dour maroon livery 47804 was on the back sharing the workload where appropriate!
..16 august 2018..
ROG owned 47813 today delivered a rake of 12 VTG-JSA's steel-hoods to Eastleigh-Arlington ZG for modification work from Long marston where they have been in secure storage.It departed there at 09:00 nominally and ran as '6O86'.It is seen here at Arn Hill thankfully in a nice patch of sun whilst all about was some quite threatening clouds! After the last 6 weeks or so heatwave you kinda get used to not looking over your shoulder at the sky?
..24 july 2018..
ROG owned 47813 today delivered a rake of 14 VTG-JSA's steel-hoods to Eastleigh-Arlington ZG for modification work from Long marston where they have been in secure storage.It departed there at 09:00 nominally and ran as '6O86'.It is seen here at Arn Hill thankfully in a nice patch of sun whilst all about was some quite threatening clouds! After the last 6 weeks or so heatwave you kinda get used to not looking over your shoulder at the sky?
..24 july 2018..
Today a Pathfinder Tours train 'The Solent and Sussex Explorer ran from Cardiff-Central departing at 07:17 to (Initially Portsmouth Harbour) as '1Z53'.Here it is seen speeding through Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire with GBRf's recent acquisition from Colas 47727 'Edinburgh Castle/Caisteal Dhun Eideann'.Now a dedicated loco mainly north of the border on Scottish Caledonion Sleeper duties to see it this far south is quite a treat! GBRf-66741 was tagged on the rear.
..21 july 2018..
An immaculate 47805/D1935 ran as 'tail-end charlie to 34046 today on '1Z27.Here seen through the smokiness generated by 34046 'Braunton' or if you prefer 34052 'Lord Dowding'.Seen at Heywood Village nr Westbury.
..24 june 2018..
ROG operated Class-47 47813 runs down through Arn Hill in the Wylye valley with a working of ex-stored JSA's (VTG steel hoods) from Long Marston (09:00 off0 going to Eastleigh Works as '6O86'.For sure going there for re-commisioning work after long time storage prior to re-entry into revenue earning service.
..5 june 2018..
A further shot of 47810 hauled by 66140 trundling around Eastleigh East Yard prior to departing north later that day bound for Crewe H.S.Almost certainly it will receive a coat of 2-tone green as originally built like a couple of other Class-47's based there have. Interestingly this loco was the last Virgin-47/8 to get a refurbished Sulzer engine overhauled at Crewe when 47's ruled the roost on XC trains.
..18 april 2018..
47810 has been in Eastleigh-Arlington (ZG) for quite some time for various mechanical work and a matt coat of ghostly-grey.Here it is seen as '0Z47' running up from the Works to East Yard in readiness for todays booked departure to Crewe-H.S.In the event the train became 4Z47' as it took a few car-carriers along as well.Hauling loco was the same as seen here 66140.
..18 april 2018..
It was a cold,dull and occasionally drizzly afternoon here at Cowleaze Lane at Bratton on the B&H but this Charter by 'The Branch Line Society' running as 'The Christmas Brush' 1Z78 from Paddington (09:34 off) enticed me out for this high-iso shot.Here 47760 partnered by the unseen 47245 are seen heading for the tours most westerly point--Westbury.There it would reverse and return towards London. Its route had already included the Greenford-Loop and all the down loops between there and Westbury.The up loops to be used on its return.A bonus for the punters (Not shown on RTT) was a trip out to Bradford-Junction and then a trip round the Hawkeridge Chord on the return onto the B&H.
..2 december 2017..
With very few locations now available at this time of year compounded by the sea of OHLE masts now prevelent on the 'Top-Road' this location was chosen to picture this ECS '5Z60' from Southall-WCR (11:20 off) to Bristol-Kingsland Road-Fhh.True to form when you need a working to run later than planned this thing ran over 30 minutes ahead of time making the lighting here at Filton Abbey Wood marginal to say the least.Anyway it is what it is.So here is 'County of Essex' 47580 piloting Britannia-Pacific 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' nearing its destination dropping down Filton Bank.It came to Bristol in readiness to work '1Z65' tomorrow morning on a Tour to Chester,departing at 07:04.Far to early for me that's for sure!
..24 november 2017..
For a long time this loco 47812 operated post-virgin in 2-tone green as per when built but it is now with 'ROG' the Rail Operations Group and in plain blue.Still quite acceptable though! So here it is passing Totton just west of Southampton with an ECS from Ely-mlf-Papworth Sdg's (09:05 off) going down to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D as '5O86'.The trailing unit being Wessex-type 442416.The new TOC in this area 'South Western Railway' are returning this class of Unit to active service,probably going to Bournemouth for re-commisioning as this depot had expertise with these trains for many years.
..5 september 2017..
Every cloud has a silver-lining apparantly? The one that caused mild difficulty picturing the lead loco of the train Steam-46100 the '1Z60' from Horsham to Bristol Temple Meads cleared just in time to record the unusually quite clean West Coast Rly's 'Back up Loco' 47760 that was tagged on the rear.Here seen rounding the curve away from Avoncliff in the Limpley Stoke Valley.Nice to see a member of this slowly dwindling long serving class still active albeit just in a back-up role.
..26 april 2017..
One of only two operational 'no-heat' Class-47's remaining working on the National-Network 47237 heads '1Z45' from Kettering (Departed at 06:58) to Bristol Temple Meads.This was supposed to be steam hauled by 45699 'Galatea' but that unfortunately failed its 'fitness to run' examination,hence the diesels instead.47760 was tagged on the rear and that dealt with the return leg that evening. With just 16 Class-47's left currently listed as mainline operational I was quite pleased that this was working as the alternative to steam.Amazingly it gained 90 minutes on the booked schedule by this point due to not having the change from Diesel to Steam at Southall and not having a water-stop (for obvious reasons) at Newbury-Racecource.The rather dull shot depicted here was done at Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley.No angry Beards & Sandels were present when it powered through!
..1 april 2017..
47854 'Diamond Jubilee' brings up the rear of '5Z83' from Bath-Spa to Bristol's Kingsland Road Sidings where this train will remain until it returns to Bath later for the leg of this excursion back to Barrow-in Furness.47804 was leading on this almost uniform rake of maroon WCRly stock.Viewed at Newton Meadows which is one of the few locations available this time of year for a shadow less shot!
..7 december 2016..
Amazingly and against all expectations the sun miraculously put in an appearance here at Newton-St-Loe at the right time for me to record the passing of this working '1Z83' from Barrow-in Furness' to Bath-Spa.This was actually the ECS '5Z83' taking the stock to Bristol-Kingsland Road Sdg's for servicing before the booked return later this afternoon.The excursion was for all the passengers to visit Bath's now quite famous Xmas Market with all the huts/stalls clustered aroung the Abbey. 47804 leads the West Coast Rly stock with an out of sight 47854 on the rear.This loco will do the return leg later.
..7 december 2016..
This is a fairly recent acquisition to the WC-Rly fleet,47802 the former DRS owned loco now wearing the dingy albeit quite clean maroon colour of that company.It is seen as 'Tail-end Charlie' proving not only ETH for the passengers comfort but also as a motive power 'back up' in case the 'steam' has a problem.The train is '1Z87' the 06:50 from Poole going to Bath Spa and Bristol-TM.Pictured as a 'GAW' at a now much vegetated Fisherman's Crossing nr Dundus Aquaduct in the Limpley Stoke Valley.
..24 november 2016..
This is the back-end of '1Z84' the 08:42 from Victoria to Minehead.Preserved 47580 in its 'Stratford-Flag' livery style was doing the duty.Seen heading westward backwards very rapidly.It actually took over from 6201 at Bishops-Lydeard to Minehead due to the WSRly's allocated steam loco failing! Viewed at Master's Farm Crossing/Fairwood looking west.
..23 august 2016..
The '1Z68' Railtour operated by 'NENTA' from Norwich to Plymouth running as 'The Plymouth Invader' departed at 04:50 but the lead loco 47851 failed almost immediately requiring the 'tail end-charlie' 47854 to run round and commence work from there (Trowse Jn-Norwich).It was then over a hour behind time but by the time it's seen here at Frome's Clink was only 11 mins late.In fact by Taunton it was practically R/T.It certainly was going well as it passed here at full throttle!
..20 august 2016..
'1Z48' the returning Minehead to Paddington Railtour is seen returning back to the Capital with 47580 'County of Essex' in sole charge.45699 'Galatea' which operated the down train this morning was not booked to do the return.This loco was bolted on the back for the run from Paddington this morning.Anyway here is the unique WC-Rly Class-47 in that it is not in that dire maroon livery of all the others in the fleet passing Berkley Marsh catching the final fleet rays of sun before 'lights-out.Even so this shot required 1600iso to allow sufficient shutter speed to freeze the action!
..13 august 2016..
D1755/47773 was unusually partnered with WC-Rly's 47237 on this excursion 'The Whistling Ghost' from Tyseley Steam Trust (08:09 off) going to Bishops-Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway running as '1Z73'.Here viewed in pretty abject lighting conditions passing the jungle that used to be Malago-Vale Carriage Sidings in Bristol.
..18 june 2016..
Colas's long serving Brush Type-4 47739 'Robin of Templecombe' eases up through Clink nr Frome working '6X54' the 08:35 from Aish Emergency Crossing (Totnes) up to Westbury Yard.Its load being the Railvac No-4 which is strangely nicknamed as a 'Noo-Noo'.Just like yesterday the lighting was quite appalling with 800-ISO being needed despite it being mid-morning on a nominally summers day ????? Its funny because the sun was shining all last week,Oh yes I nearly forgot.I was in Southern-Spain !!!!!!!!!
..22 may 2016..
With 60103 doing a fine job at this point of hauling 12 coaches + a Class-47 unassisted up the Incline between Westbury and Warminster on '1Z60' the 08:37 Paddington to Salisbury 'Cathedrals Express' 47580 'County of Essex' sits quietly on the rear.Here it was quite silent but no doubt it gave a helpful light push on the steeper section prior to this location at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.Such a pity the weather was so dire.Rain and very low light making this pair of photographs quite a challenge!
..21 may 2016..
47749 an EWS reject that Colas rescued from a scrapyard and repaired at Eastleigh to launch their locomotive fleet back in September 2007.It was given the name 'Demelza'.It has been out of use for some considerable time having a fairly serious refurbishment for hopefully several more years of useful employment.It is seen here at St Philips Marsh in its new revised coat of Colas Paint.It now also carries its original name 'City of Truro' given to it when it was first launched into service in 1965.
..02 may 2016..
Immaculate looking 47830 'Beechings Legacy' is currently operating with the Rail Operations Group or if you like 'ROG'. Here it is speeding down through Standish-Junction with a stock delivery '5Z56' from Kilmarnock (Barclay Sdg's) to Plymouth's Laira T&R.S.M.D.It left there in Scotland at 06:00 this morning and by this time (15:00) was over 2-hours ahead of its booked schedule.It continued to gain time and actually arrived at Plymouth a mammoth 3-hours early!. Anyway the load was seven refurbished HST-trailers along with just one barrier-coach '6330'.To get this in a spot of sunshine was in itself a bit of a miracle as it was the first sun of the day for me since early this morning. A total of nearly 200 miles for basically just one shot----Seems about right these days!
..09 april 2016..
Looking very much like the inside of many diesel running sheds that covered the UK's rail network up until the end of the 20th century, Brush Type-4 1693 (47105),47376 and 37215 stand inside Toddington Diesel Depot.Only 1693 is stopped for repairs,the other pair are both fully operational.
..29 december 2015..
The heavily being worked-on Class-47 1693 sits along the currently operative 47376 inside the Diesel Depot at Toddington.The Freightliner liveried 47376 will actually be working service trains on the 2nd day (tomorrow) of this winter-event.
..29 december 2015..
1693 or if you prefer 47105 resides in the warm and dry workshops at Toddington whilst receiving some comprehensive bodywork attention.The loco was built in 1963 and was withdrawn in 1994.It has now been in preservation for over 20 years.It once carried the name 'Goldcrest' that was unofficially applied whilst allocated toTinsley Shed in Sheffield.
..29 december 2015..
Prior to last weekend when I came here to picture the Hasting-DEMU my previous visit to Salisbury was nearly 5 years ago.However here I was again just seven days later to photograph the only locomotive in the West Coast Rly fleet of 47's to wear a decent coat of paint!.So this is 'County of Essex' 47580 c/w its Stratford Style Union-Jack working '1Z84' the return Salisbury (16:36 off) to Ashford-Steam Dreams 'Cathedrals Express' It was deputising for B1-61306 which had failed its fitness to run examination the day before due to a cracked axle,hence the solo Brush type-4.
..12 december 2015..
Here is '1Z11' the 06:30 from Preston going the Bath-Spa & Bristol Temple Meads.This working was being operated by the stricken company 'West Coast Railways' who continue to be in deep trouble after the infamous Wootton Bassett SPAD incident earlier this year.Anyway (for now) 47804 with 47786 assisting on the rear passes through Sydney Gardens in Bath approaching its booked station-stop.A few months ago the track level here was lowered considerably to eventually allow electrification.In fact that is now hardy noticeable unlike the rest of the crap needed for that idea when it is eventually installed.Apparantly work on the entire project is now so far behind this stretch through Bath looks like it may survive until possibly 2020.What a bunch of amateurs!
..12 december 2015..
Today an excursion ran from Three Bridges to Bath Spa for the passengers to visit the Christmas Market there.Booked steam traction for this job was 34067 'Tangmere'.Unfortunately the return journey was in the hands of 'back-up' West Coast Rly's 47832 due to the 'OTMR' on the Bullied Pacific failing.The loco itself was working perfectly but these days rules are rules so it was unable to be used.So here is the returning '1Z81' the 16:35 from Bristol Temple Meads during its booked stop here at Salisbury to pick up a few passengers.Although its arrival was 15 minutes down due to a late Bristol departure it left here almost bang on time even though 47832 sounded quite rough with it misfiring on at least a couple of its twelve cylinders.It did however arrive at Three Bridges R/T.
..05 december 2015..
Here is '1Z87' the 06:50 from Poole going to Bath-Spa and Bristol.Originally it was supposed to be steam hauled but operational difficulties caused by yet another 'mistake' by West Coast Rly's meant it had to be diesel hauled on this outbound leg.Thankfully an LMS 4-6-0 Black-5 45407 did the return leg with this loco 47832 on the rear.The train is seen dropping down Upton-Scudamoe bank on the approach to Westbury at Penleigh.This loco 47832 must hold the record for the engine that has worn the most liveries! Since becoming 47832 in 1989 it has had eleven seperate and distinct livery changes.Sadly the one it currently carries (WC-Rly's) is the crappiest of the lot bar none!
..26 november 2015..
Yet another 'Steam Dreams' organised Railtour with a preserved steam locomotive as traction has been scuppered at the last minute by some pen-pushing box-ticking empire-building office wally due to percieved 'gauging problems ???????? How many steam tours have travelled between Westbury and Paignton,literally dozens and dozens in the past few years.No electrification excuses available on this route so I expect it the booked use of 4936 'Kinlet Hall' that had them worried.The train still ran but with 47760,one of the Sludge-Maroon Brigade operated by West Coast Railways.Here the train '1Z50' c/w a 'The Cathedral Express' headboard passes Clink nr Frome .It started from Slough this morning at 08:34 and the destination was Kingswear.Hopefully they will get a bit of steam haulage between Paignton and Kingswear.
..27 september 2015..
Today was supposed to be the day I viewed 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' for the first time since 1963 in Carlisle but due to the Disney-Organisation 'Network Rail and the 7 Dwarfs' is was not to be.48 hours before the railtour was due to run it was decided there was 71 'issues' and 17 'prohibits' on the WR mainline east of Southall concerning track clearances.Obviously meaning new masts, gantrys and works associated with the electrification I would think.A complete joke really as all these new installations are much higher or further away from the track than ever before.To add insult to injury this loco 46233 was cleared and did run on this route last year.What a bunch of utter box ticking numpties! Anyway the railtour still ran but the Duchess of Sutherland only ran as far as Southall from its start point Rugby (07:16 departure).From here a West Coast Rly Brush Type-4 47760 took over for the rest of the journey to Bristol-TM.The train '1Z62' is seen rounding the bend at Ladydown nr Trowbridge heading through the Limpley-Stoke Valley.No doubt the lowered track through Bathampton was one of the percieved 'prohibits' ???????????????????????
..03 september 2015..
'5Z36' the 13:17 and a 1/2 ??? from Southall-WCR to Bristol-Kingsland Road passed Hullavington.WC-Rly 47832 (A 47 that has carried more liveries than I have had hot dinners!) with Gresley A4 60009 tucked inside was on this working.The steam being due to operate a steam excursion tomorrow from Bristol-TM. I travelled behind 60009 'Union of South Africa' from Aberdeen to Glasgow almost exactly 50 years ago to the day (16 Aug 1965). To see this loco (In Colour) then prior to its departure click HERE
..15 august 2015..
'1Z15' the returning 'Nenta' Excursion from Kingswear (16:45 off) to Norwich blasts past Blatchbridge in Frome travelling I would estimate at about 90mph which caught me unawares as according to RTT was due to go via Frome Station,hence a much slower approach to this junction! My 1600th/sec shutter speed being only just sufficient to just about stop the action.47746 'Chris Fudge 29-7-70 22-6-10' was leading on this return leg with 47760 dead on the rear.When this loco was part of the RES-Fleet it carried the name 'The Bobby' I will be reporting WC-Rlys for yet another operational transgression! The driver failed to sound his horn on the approach to the foot- crossing I took this shot from--Tut-Tut!!!!! (Only Joking)
..20 june 2015..
Today 'West Coast Rly's' operated a Railtour from Norwich down to Kingswear in Devon on behalf of Nenta-Railtours.The inscription on the rather basic headboard reads ---Nenta TrainTours--Great Days Out--Torbay Coast Boat Train.That presumably refers to the short ferry crossing from Kingwear over to Dartmouth.47760 was leading with 47746 riding shotgun on the rear.The train '1Z14' is seen running RT passing through Frome.
..20 june 2015..
In 1600-ASA lighting conditions that a few years ago with conventional camera and film would have been nigh-on impossible DRS-pairing of 47853 and 37612 rolls past Parson Street in the western suburbs of Bristol with '6M67',the rescheduled to leave at 14:02 Flask working from Bridgewater heading for Crewe (Coal Sidings). Footnote-----Apparantly this is the first time a Class-47 has worked this duty for many years.So although it is a pretty dull shot it is also a pretty rare one!
..07 january 2015..
Here is a quick shot of the tail end engine of '1Z36' from Skegness to Bath-Spa.It is of coarse 47580 in BR-Blue/Stratford-Flag livery. How nice would that have been with this leading? Of coarse the evening return 16:30 departure from Bath-Spa had this one leading but regretfully in total darkness all the way. Oh well! Seen at Shrivenham with 47245 leading.
..13 december 2014..
According to earlier reports this locomotive was supposed to be on the rear whilst 47580 in BR-Blue should have been up front.However 'sods-law' dictated otherwise and 47245 in WC-Rly Maroon was leading '1Z36' the 06:38 from Skegness to Bath-Spa when it was seen here at Shrivenham with its set of maroon/pullman coaches.It was fitted with a seemingly unconnected headboard 'Spirit of the Lakes'--What was that all about?
..13 december 2014..
'1Z47' the 07:25 from Southend going to Minehead runs alongside the K & A Canal at Crofton in seemingly ideal weather conditions.In fact 20 seconds later all was dark so it was a nice stoke of luck picking this spot! West Coast-Rly's 47237 in its now customary dirty brown livery was leading whilst an even filthier 37706 was trailing on the rear.
..16 august 2014..
West Coast-Rly's 47237 powers the ECS for tomorrows steam excursion from Bristol down to Weymouth.It was running as '5Z36' the 12:57 from Southall heading for Kingsland Road Sidings at Bristol.Amazingly it was actually fairly clean as well which is quite a change for a WC-Rly loco! Shrivenham was again the location for this picture.
..09 august 2014..
47854 c/w a full set of yellow snowploughs leads 'The Royal Scotsman' ECS '5Z69' going to Bath-Spa to collect its passengers for the return journey to Oxford as '1Z69' (15:29 off).The train is seen passing Newton Meadows on the western outskirts of the City of Bath. This 'Grand Tour of Great Britain' is organised by Belmond-Royal Scotsman and comprises 8 days/7 nights and travels throughout the UK.The cost is a sobering £8930 per person for a basic package.Suddenly FGW doesn't quite seem such a huge rip off!
..15 july 2014..
'The Royal Scotsman' with West Coast Rly's 47804 leading runs through a somewhat head-on lit Sydney Gardens with '5Z69' ECS from Westbury going to Bristol East to be held there until required to come back to Bath to collect its passengers for the return journey to Oxford. Note the pathetic picket fence placed to prevent people leaning on the stone wall that had been perfectly adequete for over 150 years.Another 'tick in the box' for some sado H&S underling I suppose!
..15 july 2014..
DRS-pairing 47813 'Solent' and 47828 roll through Hawkeridge on the approach to Westbury with '1Z44' from Stafford (05:38 off).The pair will be removed here to be replaced by GWR-Castle 5029 for the remainder of the journey down to Plymouth.That section being listed as '1Z45'.Its advertised name by the organisers -Pathfinder-Tours was 'The Anniversary Limited'.
--09 may 2014..
This is the 'GAW' shot of the 06:43 from Hootton to Minehead '1Z91' Railtour at Norton Fitzwarren giving me a nicely lit shot of the trailing locomotive 47813.It carries the name 'Solent',a throwback to a couple of years ago when Boat-Trains from the north down to Southampton Docks were a regular thing for a short period.
..26 april 2014..
Dubbed 'The Somerset Coast Express' this working '1Z91' was powered by a pair of DRS Class-47's.The stock being a mix of older Virgin and DRS (I think) liveries.One time celebrity 47853 (XP64) but now rather anonymous was leading with 47813 on the rear.Here the tour from Hootton (Departed at 06:43) going all the way to Minehead is seen at Norton Fitzwarren on the connection to the WS-Rly.Behind it used to be the Taunton Cider Company c/w railway sidings but now slowly and inevitably is becoming yet another housing estate!
..26 april 2014..
Incredibly workstained WC-Rly's 47245 is seen at sunny Norton Fitzwarren escorting GWR-Castle 5029 + its support coach from Bristol-SFM going down to Plymouth as '5Z86'.This is a positioning move in readiness for the 'Great Britain VII' Railtour due to start from the west tomorrow.5029 is going to doublehead with 34046 from St Austell up to Bristol-TM.
..26 april 2014..
One of West Coast Rly's 'No-Heat' 47's 47237 heads '1Z32' from Guildford (07:51 off) to Kingswear.The diesels would be replaced at Taunton with LNER A4 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' for the final leg from there to the destination.Another loco 57313 was also on the working,it can just be made out on the back of the train.The location of this nicely sunny scene is the Avoiding-Line in Frome quite near the Style Hill overbridge.
..19 april 2014..
Recently re-introduced back into service after a break of about 10 years is 47746 that was once known as 'The Bobby'.Here it is albeit very backlit in its drab sludge-brown livery of the owners 'West Coast Rly' running down the Upton Scudamore Incline past Dilton Marsh Halt with the diesel-section of a Catherdrals Express from Woking (07:04 off) to Kingswear in Devon. The '47' came off at Westbury and A4 Pacific 60007 took over for the trip down to the seaside. Both parts of the schedule were allocated
..10 april 2014..
I can't believe that I have overlooked the possibilies of this location for so long.Its been sitting there totally ignored! I for one will certainly be revisiting a few more times before the Autumn ends as this working '6Z30' from Westbury to Eastleigh is sure to provide yet more variety of traction now Colas operate it.Here is the 'Colas' stalwart 47749 'Damelza' passing Heytesbury in the Wylye-Valley with a load more in keeping with its tractive abilities after the farce last week when it was overloaded and stalled nr Warminster on Upton-Bank.
..19 september 2013..
47237,one of the West Coast Rly's Turd coloured fleet passes through Westbury with '5Z42',the ECS returning stock back to Southall after it was used for a Railtour that started from Bristol.This is probably the final stock transfer of the year as the Steam-Railtour season out of Bristol is now over.47237 today was actually quite clean so a reasonable shot was had,albeit under some wispy thin cloud.
..16 september 2013..
47245 was attached to the rear of '1Z67' for the journey from Victoria down to Weymouth.Steam Pacific 70013 was doing all the work and this loco was just idling.Well it was as it passed. No doubt when it departs Weymouth on the return journey it will be giving a generous helping hand on the climb away from the seaside up to Bincombe Tunnel.This 'Going Away Shot' was recorded at Millbrook.The loading cranes of the massive container port at Maritime can be seen in the distance.
..04 september 2013..
47749 has certainly earned its keep today! Just a couple of hours after arriving at Westbury with a working from Newton Abbott it was off again,his time going to Eastleigh as '6Z30' which actually left Westbury 3 minutes early at 16:50 (These Colas boys must be keen!). Here it is viewed at Arn Hill just south of Upton Scudamore going well with its lightweight load of about ten 'OBA' type LWB 4-wheelers. Colas certainly did well when they bought this bargain loco from Kingsbury scrap yard in April 2007.They have got a further 6 years use out of it and it is still going strong...Life-Expired? I dont think these old 47's know the meaning of that phrase!
..03 september 2013..
It appears that Westbury Wilts will have an almost permanant allocation of at least one 'Colas' locomotive in future now that, that company has several regular duties from there down to Newton-Abbot and Eastleigh with possibly more to come.One of the workings now given over to them thus guaranteeing (for now at least) a regular 47 or possibly a 56 loco in charge is '6Z29' from Newton Abbot (Hackney Yard) to Westbury plus the outward journey as well of coarse.Here is the return with 'Rebecca' 47749 drawing a CWR-slinger-set.It is viewed at Fairwood nr Westbury just a mile or so from journeys end.
..03 september 2013..
Today was the first day 'Colas' operated this working '6Z30' from Westbury to Eastleigh having now taken over the running of this service from Freightliner. Part of the diagram is a trip to Newton-Abbot and back earlier in the day but that did not run.So for this first run under the 'Colas' banner. 47749 was used hauling a set of 'HQA-s' and various other smaller 4-wheeler wagons.As this is to become a regular turn for that company,47's-56's and 66'8 can all be expected to put in appearences. It should be an interesting few weeks!. Anyway here 47749 is seen passing Old-Dilton running 50 minutes late (A good start to the contract!) heading for Eastleigh from Westbury.We had stood waiting for this working for nearly an hour with not so much as a glimmer of sun.However just as it appeared the skies parted and presented us with the scene you see here.It literally came out about a second before the shutter button was pressed!..............Amazing.................Moral of the story is,never give up until its over----------you never know! ..02 september 2013..
ECS from Southall-WCR to Bristol-Barton Hill running as '5Z36' passes Bapton in the Wylye-Valley.It has to be said,all the rolling stock and both locomotives 47237 and Black-5 44932 were looking particularly grubby.Is this a reflection of the lack of cleaners at Southall or is it a trick of the light due to it getting rather 'head-on' here as the working was running a bit late.Anyway despite it being 'Inside' the Black-5 managed to start a few lineside fires on its way to Bristol.Indeed,next day on the Railtour from Bristol to Par it started a few more.Needless to say on the return journey it was again 'tucked inside' 47237 with instructions to do no work!
..31 august 2013..
Here is a 'Colas' working comprising entirely of rolling stock of that Company.47727 'Rebecca' is hauling a rather heavy duty Crane-Set complete with supporting equipment and runners,all in pretty much ex-works condition.It was travelling from Westbury (11:30 off) going to Bristol's St Phillips Marsh HST Depot as '6Z47' and is seen at Newton-st-Loe west of Bath.
..19 august 2013..
'5Z83' the ECS from yesterdays Steam Junket to Weymouth heads back to Southall from Bristol.70013 tucked inside 47245 as it speeds through Oldfield Park in Bath.As far as the fabled website RTT was concerned this working was cancelled 'At the request of the customer!' and only an eyeball report through Keynsham confirmed it was actually in progress.Shortly after it passed here the schedule on RTT became active but well after it had started it journey. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.
..19 august 2013..
47245 in the sad sad livery of West Coast Rly's escorts 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' on '5Z81' from Southall going to Bristol in readiness for Sundays 'WSSE' from Bristol to Weymouth.The working is seen running exactly to time dropping down Upton-Scudamore Incline on the approach to Westbury.Needless to say nobody else was out at this location for a picture as the conditions were really dire! OK I admit it,I was bored sitting indoors!
..17 august 2013..
Here are 47245/47237 returning the ECS from yesterdays Weymouth-SSE to Southall from Bristol running as '5Z83'.It is not very often these days that a pair of 'no-heat' 47's are seen at the head of any working so this viewing at Westbury was quite pleasing,apart from the lack of good sunlight and the turd-brown livery that these locomotives are afflicted with.