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Class 37 (Post 01 August 2017)
Originally over 300 built in the early 60's and still about 50 or so in service with DRS,Colas,West Coast and Network-Rail plus many more on the preservation scene
Here is 37116 leading '1Q14' back to Westbury after its booked duty to Weymouth was aborted at Castle-Cary.Nothing was showing on RTT apart from a mass of 'No Report' listings.Only OTT gave a clue as to its progress and departure back to Westbury.The system eventually catching up some time after its unscheduled arrival back into Westbury after its truncated trip! Viewed at a rather back-lit Clink nr Frome.
..5 october 2023..
Here is the 'GAW' of '1Q14' at Fairwood to picture 37116 doing its pushing duties. DBSO-9701 was leading.It departed at 11:13 from Westbury bound for Weymouth but only got as far as Castle-Cary where it was terminated,eventually returning to Westbury 4 hours later.
..5 october 2023..
Whilst '1Z22' the 07:49 from Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth waited at an adverse signal for the line into Frome to clear I was able to briskly pedal like mad and get ahead of it two bridge further down the line.Here is '1Z22' now rollng slowly towards Click Junction with 37175 up front and 37254 still tagged on the back.
..4 october 2023..
Todays regular Test-Train '1Z22' the 07:49 from Derby to Bristol-Kingsland Road via Weymouth was a pair of 37's.37175 leads and 37254 was on the rear as they passed Berkley slowing for an adverse signal as '6L21' was coming off the Whatley branch ahead of it.
..4 october 2023..
Another highlight of the day here in Frome was the passing of the monthly 'Test Train' '1Z22' from Derby-RTC (08:00 off) going to Bristol-Kingsland Road via Weymouth.It didn't actually get that far today due to signalling difficulties south of Yeovil so it reversed there. So here it is approaching Clink with 37610 leading and 37116 on the rear.
..6 september 2023..
'1Z22' the 07:57 from Derby-RTC to Bristol |Kingsland Road returned from Weymouth,departing there at 16:11.Here seen with 37612 leading with 37610 now on the rear.Pictured at Berkley as it was heading away from the camera towards Bristol via Westbury.
..12 july 2023..
This is 37612 on the rear of '1Z22' the 07:57 from Derby-RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth.37610 was leading this set of four test-cars.
..12 july 2023..
By the time this working passes here (14:38) the lighting is inconveniently nearly head-on,sadly these days not having the means to travel further afield means this shot was the best I could manage! So here are 37610 leading with 37612 on the back-end with the regular monthly Tester from Derby-RTC to Bristol Kinsland Road via Weymouth.Today it was running as '1Z22' departing Derby at 07:57.
..12 july 2023..
Here is '3Q14' the 15:17 from Westbury to Westbury via Weymouth Test-Train.The loco being 37175 in Colas colours.DBSO-9714 was on the rear.Due to cows on the line somewhere between Castle-Cary and Yeovil-Pen Mill this working was 131 minutes later than scheduled as it passed here at Berkley nr Frome.Quite convenient really as the skies were much clearer of clouds than earlier and I was able to use this location which had a nicer sun-angle! Footnotr---apparantly----The Cows shown on the maps is normal and a red herring. The signaller lets the farmer at Thorney Marsh use the crossing to take his cows for milking when there are no trains and gives him a time to ring back before the next train is due so you will often see COWS and a time on the train describer as a reminder for the signaller. ..9 july 2023..
Todays monthly Test-Train '1Q18' the 07:59 from Derby-RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth was graced with a pair of Colas operated Class-37's 37612 &37254.Thankfully the Blue one 37612 was leading on the leg down to Weymouth with Colas liveried 37254 on the rear in the distance.Here seen at a very warm Bartletts Bridge at Fairwood shortly after its departure from Westbury.
..14 june 2023..
Amazingly a faint glint of sunlight coincided with the passing of this much anticipated return working of the BR-Green duo 37521 (D6851) and 37667 (D6817) 'Flopsie' after a weekend of charter work down in Cornwall. This duty being '1Z31' the 08:45 from Kingswear returning to London-Euston.Viewed at the now palisade fencing stricken Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..11 april 2023..
Colas's 37116 which was once, years ago in 'Transrail-Blue livery c/w/'Sister Dora' nameplates approaches Clink Road Junction with '1Z22' the 08:23 from Derby-RTC to Bristol-Kingsland Road via Weymouth Test-Train.Another of the Colas-37 fleet 37254 was on the rear.This would lead on the return from Weymouth a few hours later.
..22 march 2023..
Due to the late timing and poor lighting this shot required the use of an F2 lens and 1600-iso to get a barely acceptable record shot of this unusual working.Here we have 37688 'Great Rocks' in Railfreight Grey Construction Livery with 4 barriers vans in tow working from Reading Traincare Depot (13:47 off) down to Exeter Riverside Yard as '5Z31'.Seen through the gloom approaching Clink Road Junction running at a good rate of knots!
..23 november 2022..
Colas's 37175 along with DBSO-9714 form Test Train '3Q14' the 10:37 from Westbury and return via Weymouth and Thingley Junction.Seen in watery sunlight approaching Frome at Clink.
..3 novenber 2022..
A further view of '1Z22' the 06:44 from Derby R.T.C to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth Test Train as it crosses over Clink Road Junction to continue on the Weymouth using the Frome Station loop.37421 leads with 37254 'Cardiff Canton' on the rear both in the livery of the Colas Company.
..2 november 2022..
37421 passed here many times with the then regular Bristol to Weymouth LCHS services over 20 years ago.Amazingly it still continues to do good work now with Colas on mainly Test Trains. So here is 37421 with 37254 with '1Z22' the 06:44 from Derby R.T.C to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth monthly tester viewed on the approach to Frome's Clink Road Junction. ..2 november 2022..
Colas's 37175 pushes away from Westbury with '3Q37' the 10:09 from Westbury to Derby R.T.C via Merehead.Having gone down to the Quarry it was returning running non-stop back through Westbury.DBSO-9701 was leading for this leg of the journey.
..11 september 2022..
Colas's Tractor 37175 is seen with a NR-Test Train today running as '3Q37' the 10:09 from Westbury to Derby R.T.C cia White Crossing at Merehead.I think the reason for this run is to check the track nr Quarry Junction on the Merehead Branch after repairs that were needed as a pair of Class-59's and a few wagons became derailed there a week or so ago.Pictured nr Styles Hill on the Frome Avoiding Line.This is quite unusual to see a Test-Train here as the regular booked runs always go via the Station loop and not the Avoider. --Note the ex-Great Western Motorail NVA Van 96604 directly behind the 37. That passed here many times as LCHS came this way when 'Great Western' used Class-47's!
..11 september 2022..
With its headlight and markers shining brightly 37421 powers through the gloom returning from Weymouth going to Bristol with '1Z22' the 07:29 from Derby RTC. Seen at Clink nr Frome. 37219 now being on the rear end.
..7 september 2022.
As this working was running quite slowly I was able to grab this GAW of 37421 on the rear with 37219 leading on '1Z22' the 07:29 from Derby RTC to Bristol via Weymouth. 37421 over 2 decades ago was a regular through here on the well remembered Bristol to Weymouth LCHS.Nice to see it still in use.
..7 september 2022..
Colas Pairing 37219/37421 worked this NMT substitute tester as '1Z22' the 07:29 from Derby-RTC to Bristol Kingsland Road via Weymouth.Caught in a lucky spot of sunlight now that the UK weather has returned to normal after this years long dry heatwave.
..7 september 2022..
Colas's 37099 c/w its Split-Box indicator panels and original style circular buffers runs over Clink Road Junction with the '3Z01' Tester as the 14:18 from Yeovil-Junction to reading Triangle Sidings.DBSO-9714 being of the rear end. Its hard to believe that in December 2022 this will mark its birthday as 60 years old (Built in Dec-1962)----amazing!
5 september 2022..
Europhoenix's 37611 is viewed passing Warminster with '5Q79' moving ex-GCR stock from Eastleigh (17:19 away) over to Landore to S-Wales on behalf of Transport for Wales. Right behind the loco is DVT-82230.
..27 august 2022..
Another shot of 37601 with the route learner on-hire to Colas as '0Z12'.This being the second round trip of the day between Westbury and Merehead.Pity it hasn't got 1200 tons of stone on the hook as well!
..19 august 2022..
ROG-Europhoenix's 37601 continues with its series of route learners out of Westbury.Today it is doing '0Z12' the 08:28 between Westbury and Merehead Quarry three times.Here it is returning from Merehead on the first trip passing Clink nr Frome.
..19 august 2022..
ROG-Europhoenix's 37601 which was on spot-hire to Colas passes Clink Road Junction for the thrird and final time of three round trips from Westbury to Whatley Quarry. Maybe on some kind of route learning duty? It commenced this trip at 08:28 this morning running as '0Z11'
..17 august 2022..
Now this is an amazing comeback to activity on the mainline.37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' after over 20 years away from Network service has now been re-commisioned by Europhoenix.Here it is on its first revenue earning duty along with 37800 moving a pair of Mk-4 sets c/w DVT's from Eastleigh TRSMD to Landore T.M.D for 'Transport for Wales'.The train being '5Q79' the 18:26 from Eastleigh to Landore. Train make up was 37901,5 GCR Mk-4's,DVT's 82201,82220,5 LNER Mk-4's and 37800. Sadly it didn't get any further than Bristol-TM due to several issues.37901's horn became 'stuck on' and the train tripped several axle-counter detectors between Bath and Bristol.Last heard off parked in Bristol-TM for the night!
..16 july 2022..
Annoyingly the purpose of this visit here at Oakley nr Worting Junction was to pictures this pair of 37's in a spot of sunshine but it wasn't to be! So here are 37688 'Great Rocks' and 37521 in BR-Green with '1Z68' the 07:26 from Weymouth-Jersey Sidings to Crewe running pretty much to time sounding really good but not looking so nice in the cloudy conditions.
..24 may 2022..
Sadly the unbroken sunshine that had endured all day faded away less than 30 minutes before this private charter '1Z65' the 11:34 from Llandrindod to Weymouth passed me here at Berkley Marsh.Traction being this tasty pair of Class-37's.BR-Green D6817 (37521) leads with 2-tone grey 37688 'Great Rocks' in behind.
..22 may 2022..
Sadly the unbroken sunshine that had endured all day faded away less than 30 minutes before this private charter '1Z65' the 11:34 from Llandrindod to Weymouth passed me here at Berkley Marsh.Traction being this tasty pair of Class-37's.BR-Green D6817 (37521) leads with 2-tone grey 37688 'Great Rocks' in behind. ..22 may 2022..
A quick sprint over the very busy main road at Clink enabled me to grab this 'GAW' of 37612 pushing '3Q14' with DBSO-9708 leading on the late running 10:37 from Westbury to Westbury Test-Train working via Weymouth.
..19 may 2022..
37884 'Cepheus' has a long history of activity (59 years to date-built in 1963) including a protracted period in sunny Spain working on a railway construction contract.Amazingly it made it back to the UK in 2012 after a 10 year period there.Then Europhoenix'ROG took it over and recommisioned it and it has been working on the mainline ever since on a continuous basis.Here it is working '5Q42' the 15:12 from Eastleigh-TRSMD to Crewe C.S. The stock being transferred is 5 Mk-IV coaches and a DVT 82200 wearing the livery of 'Grand Central Railways' originally destined for the now abandoned Euston to Blackpool service.Transport for Wales are now the owners and will be returned to use with them eventually.
..4 may 2022..
Not to look a gift horse in the mouth this is my 3rd shot of '3Q14' the 10:37 Westbury to Westbury local test-train today.37612 is nice Blue livery is again leading returning from Thingley Junction with DBSO-9708 now on the rear.Viewed at Church Road at Heywood Village,The medium tele-shot being necessary because of the long-long shadows in the foreground.
..2 december 2021..
Here is 37612 now pushing '3Q14' back from East Somerset Junction bound for Thingley (It reversed there instead of going to Castle-Cary.) DBSO-9708 now being the lead drivers position.Viewed pasing Berkley Nr Frome.
..2 december 2021..
37612 along with DBSO-9708 on the rear passes Fairwood with '3Q14' the 10:37 Westbury to Westbury Tester.Amazingly it was a superbly sunny day today.Normally when a '37' run down through here in daylight it is ultra dull or slashing down with rain!
..2 december 2021..
Here is a shot tele shot of 37612 with '3Q14' the 10:37 from Westbury to Westbury via Castle-Cary and Thingley Junction.Seen at Fairwood just catching some sunlight on its bullnose.Of note was it only went as far as East Somerset Junction before it turned back!
..2 december 2021..
This West Coast Rly pairing 33207 and 37706 were shadowing the steam rail tour '1Z48' that passed here less than 10 minutes before. They departed Plymouth shortly after the 45596/61306 combo had left Plymouth and had been right on its tail ever since.Seen here approaching Fairwood Junction.
..1 october 2021..
A nice Sunday afternoon bonus was this Network-Rail test train movement from Hither-Green (10:56 off) down to Exeter Riverside Yard as '3Z39'.Colas's 37116 thankfully was leading with its DVT-9702 on the rear. Pictured coming up the straightaway from Fairwood Junction in excellent conditions.Many years ago this loco then named as 'Sister Dora' in Transrail Blue c/w Big-T worked the then regular Bristol to Weymouth passenger duty for a few days just after it was overhauled and rebuilt from the last '37' 'split box large-logo' that at that date still retained its buffer fairings.
..30 may 2021..
Here is 37402 performing a Route learner between Eastleigh-Arlington and Bristol-Temple Meads and return.It departed Eastleigh at 10:06 as '0Z11'.Here viewed on the return leg at Hawkeridge nr Westbury.Despite being a solo-loco it was nice to see and hear this now 57 + year old machine as it passed.
..26 may 2021..
Blue 37612 passes 60028 going in the opposite direction as it operates '3Z01' the so-x0 called 13:05 from Reading Triangle Sidings to Exeter-Riverside which actually departed there around 2 hours late.Here seen at Bratton on the B&H.When was the last time a Class-37 passed a Class-60 on this stretch of the railway through Wiltshire??
..12 may 2021..
60028 the 'Blue-Cappagh' with a 40 minute early running '6Z24' the 14:59 from Bristol East Freightliner Depot to Willesden passes 37612 working '3Z01' the 13:05 (nominally)from Reading Triangle Sidings to Exeter-Riverside Yard.This service being nearly 2 hours later than booked.If things had gone as to the timetable at this time they would have been over 100 miles apart.Just my luck to be at the precise point where they passed each other.Viewed at Bratton on the B&H east of Westbury.
..12 may 2021..
With what is certainly the working of the month and quite probably the working of the year Large-Logo EE-type 3's 37402/37407 bring a set of loaded JNA's into Westbury with the 11:36 from Parkeston Quay running was '6Z37',Amazingly this all happened in excellent light which was nice for a change(a miracle in fact).Scheduled scenes such as this were fairly common 20+ years ago but deffo not now. What a scoop!
..21 april 2021..
With what is certainly the working of the month and quite probably the working of the year Large-Logo EE-type 3's 37402/37407 bring a set of loaded JNA's into Westbury with the 11:36 from Parkeston Quay running was '6Z37',Amazingly this all happened in excellent light which was nice for a change (a miracle in fact).Scheduled scenes such as this were fairly common 20+ years ago but deffo not now. What a scoop!
..21 april 2021..
Colas's 37219 brings up the rear of the Test-Train '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley-L.M.D to Bristol-HL via Weymouth which is being led by 37116.Note the addition of some odd looking brackets on the front of 37219.These are used to attach 'RILA' track monitoring equipment that is used to monitor gauging of the track. This formation is viewed crossing over Clink Road Junction to travel via Frome Station.
..24 february 2021..
Todays '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley L.M.D to Bristol-HL via Weymouth Test-Train was today powered by this pair of Class-37's instead of the regular 67's which was nice!.Here the service is seen slowing for Clink Road Junction in Frome.Lead loco being 37116 which for a while many years ago was named 'Sister Dora' in a unique Transrail-Blue livery.37219 was on the rear and would lead upon the return from Weymouth.
..24 february 2021..
37612 brings up the rear of '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley L.M.D to Bristol HL via Weymouth Test-Train. Here seen slowly rolling through Westbury Station on a very gloomy winters afternoon.800-iso was necessary for this record shot....Years ago back in the days of 100-iso transparency reversal film shot such as this would have been pretty much a no-no.
..2 december 2020..
With the light levels being very low requiring 800-iso I broke out my trusty 35mm EF F2 prime lens for this record shot ot '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley L.M.D to Weymouth then on to Bristol HL Sdg's.37610 was leading with 37612 on the rear.Good use was made of RTT/OTT to make sure I was on the appropriate platform for it passing.Strangely this station was pretty much deserted----I wonder why??????? ..2 december 2020..
If the sun was on its knee's for the previous shot of this working at Bapton this was was positively flat on its back! The light had failed completely so 1600-iso and F4 @ 400th was the best I could manage for its return back down the Wylye Valley after '1Q23' had reversed at Westbury to return to Salisbury. 'Split Box' 37099 was leading this time with 37254 somewhere in the gloom on the rear.The sun did appear very briefly but it was so low on the horizon that most of this scene was fully shadowed anyway....Oh well,nice to see this pair of EE Type 3's anyway!
..19 november 2020..
As usual 'Sod's Law' dictated that after standing here at Bapton in the Wylye valley for 45 minutes in full sunlight as this train appeared in the distance the threatening cloud bank did its job and shrouded the scene in dullness! What can you do?...Anyway here is a pair of Cloas-37's 37254 leading with 37099 on the rear working this NMT-Substitute '1Q23' from Reading Triangle Sidings (05:41 off) to Salisbury via Exeter and Westbury.Here seen in the failing light at Bapton Crossing much to the disgust of the gallery of 5 hopefuls. ..19 november 2020..
After a morning of intense rain and extreme dullness the odds of getting this working '5Z02' from Weymouth (11:30 off) to Bristol-High Level were thought to be practically zero.Amazingly sod's law worked in my favour today and as Colas's 37099 came into view a short interval of sunshine coincided with its passing.A nice long set of test-coaches including what appears to be an ex-caledonian sleeper day-coach.DBSO-9702 which led going to Weymouth being on the rear of the formation.
..31 october 2020..
37025 enters Westbury with '3Q14' at the end of todays duties.It went from here this morning down to Weymouth and then returned before going off to Salisbury,finishing with a trip to Thingley Junction near Chippenham. Shame about the lighting,after 60 minutes of full blue it all collapsed at the vital moment!
..16 july 2020..
Large-Logo 'Inverness TMD' 37025 leads '1Q14' the 10:25 from Westbury (10:25 away) and back via Weymouth and Salisbury and Thingley Junction.Here seen on the single line approach to Frome at Feltham Lane.An interesting set of coaches with DBSO 9703 bringing up the rear.
..16 july 2020..
37612/37610 pairing with '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley to Bristol High Level Sidings via Weymouth,Bath Spa then back to Westbury before going on to the Bristol Area.Viewed passing Yarnbrook between Trowbridge and Westbury.
..20 may 2020..
After '1Z22' with 37610/37612 had travelled from Tyseley to Weymouth then to Bath Spa it duly reversed there and travelled back to Heywood Road Junction at Westbury before continuing on the Bristol as booked.here the Test-Train is seen at Yarnbrook now with 37610 leading and 37612 on the rear..Superb clean sunlight tonight,hard to believe it was after 20:00 in the evening!
..20 may 2020..
'1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley to Bristol having completed the run to Weymouth returned in the evening going towards Bath and Bristol.Here seen moving away with 37610 leading and 37612 on the back.This shot necessary due to the backlit nature of the shot here at Berkley going east here at 18:10 in the evening.
..20 may 2020...
Today Tester to Weymouth was a pair of 37's instead of the usual Colas-67's.Which was nice!.This is 37612 in plain blue partnered with 37610 in logo-less large logo livery passing Wyke Champflower at the bottom of Bruton bank with '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley to Bristol via Weymouth.Due to it being diverted via the B&H from Didcot due to a Cow-Strike at Wootton Bassett which disabled a pair of Class-800's it was actually running about 30 minutes early at this point.Surprisingly I was the only person here at this percieved good location,which was nice given the isolationism currently required!
..20 may 2020..
Colas's-37421 stands in Cardiff-Central about to leave for Rhymney with '2R20' the 17:01 departure.Apparantly the friday in just a couple of days time will be the final day for these Class-37 hauled trains up the Rhymney Valley. Reliability issues being the reason this arrangement is ending earlier than originally planned.
..19 february 2020..
Todays Tester from Tyseley-LMD (08:20 off) to Bristol-High Level via Weymouth running as '1Z22' was graced with a pair of 37's instead of the usual Class-67's.Here is that Network-Rail' working at Blatchbridge Junction running pretty much to time with 37612 leading and 37610 on the back.This will lead the next leg from Weymouth to Bristol later.
..6 november 2019..
Superb looking 'Split-Box' 37057 rolls back into Westbury with '3Q14' the Network Rail Test Train that had been running around now for over 6 hours since it left here this morning visiting Weymouth and Thingley Junction along the way.It is seen at North Junction as the shadows lengthen crossing over into the Down-Yard.DBSO 9708 was he back trailer.
..15 august 2019..
A nice surprise today was the running of this NR-Test Train from Westbury-Up TC and return via Weymouth and Thingley Junction.Even better was that 37057 in BR-green as D6757 was the traction.So here is the 10:28 from Westbury albeit about an hour late finally passing Berkley Marsh nr Frome heading for Weymouth.Thankfully the DBSO-9708 was at the back so the loco would be pushing on the return leg.
..15 august 2019..
2nd picture--------- Finally after three attempts to capture this working in reasonable light my persistance paid off. Here is ROG's 37800 'Cassiopeia' with a freshly imported CAF-EMU-397005 sandwiched between various barriers passing Parson Street in Bristol with '5Q32' the 09:39 from Portbury Automotive Terminal going to Manchester International Depot (FI). It was a long wait as this working showed 90 minutes late when it finally passed me here. Initially there was about 10 people waiting to picture this working but had thinned out to just 4 by the time it passed.Indeed I was having just one last look at 'OTT' on my Mobile before departing myself when it showed movement as I watched the screen-I was very nearly gone but glad I held out! ..5 july 2019..
1st picture--------- Finally after three attempts to capture this working in reasonable light my persistance paid off. Here is ROG's 37800 'Cassiopeia' with a freshly imported CAF-EMU-397005 sandwiched between various barriers passing Parson Street in Bristol with '5Q32' the 09:39 from Portbury Automotive Terminal going to Manchester International Depot (FI). It was a long wait as this working showed 90 minutes late when it finally passed me here. Initially there was about 10 people waiting to picture this working but had thinned out to just 4 by the time it passed.Indeed I was having just one last look at 'OTT' on my Mobile before departing myself when it showed movement as I watched the screen-I was very nearly gone but glad I held out! ..5 july 2019..
For me the star of this years Diesel-Gala here on the West Somerset Railway was this immaculate restoration by the Growler Group on the G&W-Rly D6948 (ne-37248).Here it is viewed approaching Williton in the now almost cloudless late afternoon after a rather indifferent morning and early afternoon cloudwise! The working was the 14:54 from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.
..22 june 2019..
The superb looking D6948 that was fully restored by the workshops on the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway at Toddington stands in Blue Anchor Station awaiting a northbound train to cross here.It was on the 12:53 from Minehead going down to Bishops Lydeard.What a machine!
..22 june 2019..
A tele shot? you might ask.Well the shadows were moving slowly towards the train as it approached.It was this basically or nothing! So this is D6948 formally 37248 in all its full restored to original form.Here viewed on the station pointwork at Blue Anchor with the 12:53 from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard passing some old GWR coaches being used as volunteer accommodation.
..22 june 2019..
ROG's 37611 'Pegasus' today made a guest appearance on '5Q42' the stock move from Portbury Docks to Manchester International Depot.Annoyingly it passed here at Parson Street in the City of Bristol running about 110 minutes down on the booked schedule,typically just as the clouds had finally filled in the few remaining patches of blue sky! The stock was five new Mk-5A's covered in plastic film along with six barriers for added brake force.
..3 june 2019..
A further 'wider' shot of this pair of '37s' working '1Z44' the 05:50 from 'uddrsfield to Paignton.The former 'Blackpool Tower' but now nameless Large-Logo 37407 led with DRS-37059 tucked inside as they appeared at the southern portal of Whiteball Tunnel just over the county line into Devon.
..25 may 2019..
Large-Logo 37407 leads 37059 as they thunder out of the southern portal of Whiteball Tunnel.The train being '1Z44' the 05:50 from Huddersfield going down to Paignton.Sadly the brief patch of sunlight faded just as they emerged from the tunnel mouth.Oh well it was nice to see and hear this pair anyway!
..25 may 2019..
37610 leads '1Z22' the 08:20 from Tyseley-LMD to Bristol High Level through Berkley Marsh nr Frome.Colas's 37521 on the rear being the main subject given the lighting.
..22 may 2019..
Class 37's 37610 and 37521 today were welcome substitutes for the usual Class-67's on this Tester '1Z22' from Tyseley-LMD to Bristol High Level via Weymouth.Here it is on the return leg from Weymouth to Bristol running up the single line towards Frome Station at Feltham Lane. Thankfully there wasn't a cloud in the sky unlike earlier when I attempted to picture this train at Wyke Champflower going towards Weymouth.I was well and truly done there by a large floater much to the disgust of all present!
..22 may 2019..
Colas's 37175 today worked a test-train '3Q14' from Westbury to Weymouth and return (10:25 off).naturally the loco was on the wrong end for the journey to Weymouth with DBSO-9714 leading.It didn't really matter as the sun was nowhere to be seen anyway.The problem with the return leg is its incredibly backlit virtually all the way so this shot in fairly soft lighting was basically as good as it gets given the lighting. So here is 37175 running through Berkley Marsh nr Frome with its quite lengthy set of yellow NR stock.
..28 february 2019..
Today these three DRS locomotives took a trip down from Crewe Gresty Lane to Eastleigh Works(Arlington Services).The working,the 07:54 from Crewe '0Z37' was led by 37402 with 37602 and 37409 in tow.Here viewed approaching Didcot at the North Junction after the earlier very foggy morning had finally cleared. It appears that they are based in the South for the weekend to run a series of Pathfinder Railtours from Eastleigh and Paddington under the name of 'The Here,There and Everywhere'.
..14 february 2019..
37025 'Inverness TMD' in the classic 'Large-Logo' colours is seen at Hungerford Loop with Test-Train '3Z23' the 09:49 from Exeter Riverside yard to Ferme park Sidings.Originally i was going to picture this coming under the road bridge further West but a couple of brightly coloured cars had parked just where the shot was to be taken so i walked the 500 yards east to this spot.Typically both those errant cars departed before the 37's arrival! Also my hands were so cold I nearly messed up this shot anyway Oh Well?
..17 january 2019''
Test Train '1Z22' the 08:14 from Tyseley-LMD led by 37219 heading for Weymouth and eventually Bristol halted for a few seconds here in Westbury enabling this study of 37116 adjacent to Turbo-165134. Of note is this was the last '37' running with original buffer skirts and split-boxes.These were thoughlessly ripped off and the loco was refurbished into the infamous Transrail-Blue 'Sister Dora! All so many years ago now!
..5 december 2018..
'1Z22' the 08:14 from Tyseley-LMD to Bristol-HL via Weymouth rolls slowly through Westbury platform-2.37219 led with 37116 on the rear.Unbelievably dire lighting requiring the use of my 35mm F2 lens and 1600-iso camera settings.Not too bad considering!
..5 december 2018..
37116 which was once famously the final 'Large-Logo' Class-37 still with its original split-boxes and buffer skirts that then became hacked-about 'Sister Dora' in Transrail-Blue continues to work on the mainline many years later after a long period in preservation.Now owned and operated by Colas it spends it time working NR-Test Trains mainly. Here it is with '3Q14' the 10:28 from Westbury Up-TC to Westbury Up-TC via Weymouth and Thingley Junction.Viewed at Church Road Heywood nr Westbury on the return leg from Thingley to Westbury.Note the interesting inclusion in the train formation of what appears to be a barrier coach in blue livery.A quite unusual formation?
..13 september 2018..
This loco once glorified in the name 'Sister Dora' when it was the Blue-Transrail celebrity way back in the mid 1990's.Today after being 'unpreserved' by Colas it spends its time mainly working Test-Trains such as this one for Network-Rail.So here is 37116 growling down through Upton Noble with '3Q14' the 10:28 from Westbury down to Weymouth and return (via Thingley Jn).A blue barrier type coach was today included in the train make-up.At least it added a bit of variety to the normally all-yellow formation!
..13 september 2018..
Large Logo 37409 pushes 'Caroline' up through Didcot-North Jn with '5Z02' the 08:10 from Didcot-Parkway to Oxford.
..20 june 2018..
Making a nice change from the usual Class-47 good old EE-37668 today powered '1Z50' the 07:15 from Paddington to Kingswear as fas as Taunton where Steam-45212 was booked to take over.Here seen at a regretfully rather dull Styles Hill in Frome making a nice growling sound.No loco on the rear either.No doubt this loco will be tagged on the rear going back to Paddington this evening coming on at Taunton.
..10 june 2018..
Typically the sun finally broke through for a sustained 20 minutes or so then did its usual trick of failing 90 seconds before this targeted Railtour passed...So here are DRS-pairing in two versions of that companies livery 37069 leading with 37259 tucked inside passing Arn Hill nr Warminster with the returning '1Z54' the 16:01 from Salisbury going back to Huddersfield (An unseen 68025 being tagged on the rear of the train.).This working being billed as 'The Retro Bath Centurion & Retro Salisbury Belle. Retro-Tours seem to be a new player in the railtour market methinks.
..26 may 2018..
This was in pretty dire lighting but a pair of 37's on a tour through the Wylye Valley was not to be missed! So here are 37069/37259 with '1Z53' the 06:15 from Huddersfeild going to Salisbury c/w a nice set of BR blue/cream carriages.The name of this tour was 'The Retro Bath Centurion & Retro Salisbury Belle'. Pictured at Arn Hill nr Warminster nr the top of the Upton-Scudamore Incline.68025 was on the rear somewhere?
..26 may 2018..
37099 rolls slowly towards Hawkeridge Junction returning from it short trip up the Thingley Junction and return.The train '1Q14' departed Westbury this morning at 10:28 and went down to Weymouth before returning this afternoon prior to the visit to Thingley.As usual (it seems lately) i missed the sun by a few seconds although it would have been a somewhat 'mottled' type shot anyway.No time to move! Other people on the roadbridge by the station were much more in luck getting it in full sunlight.. Oh well Life goes on!
..29 march 2018..
Colas-37099 pushes its 3-coach Track Test Train,the 10:28 from Westbury to Westbury via Weymouth and Thingley-Jn '3Q14' with DVT-9703 leading towards Frome Station on the short section of single line from Blatchbridge-Junction.Again plenty of bush removal has been going on here restoring the tracksides to something resembling how it was a few decades ago.Sadly all the factories seen in the background are now disused and probably set of demolition sometime in the near future!
..29 march 2018..
Double stamps today here at Heywood! Less than an hour after the elusive 66727 'Maratime One' GBRf GM had gone the other way this nice pair 37259/37069 passed.Unexpectedly re-routed via Westbury at the last minute instead of Swindon was '5Z98' the 14:10 from Gloucester-North Yard returning an ECS down to Eastleigh-Arlingon ZG.This was the complete Railtour train that over the weekend traversed the Settle & Carlistle apparantly in very sunny conditions.Such a pity that didn't happen here! ----19 february 2018----
'1Z22' the Tyseley to Bristol Test-Train via Weymouth gets away from Westbury after a short halt to change crews.37057 was doing the business on the rear of the train headed by 37116.
Note this '37' is pretty much is 'as-built' condition externally c/w working splitbox headcodes,circular buffers,front end lower fairings,early 60's yellow warning panel and the early 60's green livery..Its even fairly filthy,another authentic touch!-------24 january 2018--------
37116 paired with 37057 stands in Westbury whilst a crew-change was taking place.Quite fortunate really given the abject lighting! They were operating '1Z22' the 08:14 from Tyseley-LMD down to Weymouth before returning back to Bristol that evening.
..24 january 2018..
'1Z22' the 08:14 from Tyseley-LMD going to Bristol High Level Sdg's via Weymouth rolls slowly (thankfully) into Westbury in mega dull lighting conditions requiring the use of 1600-iso to have a decent exposure setting.37116 leads wilst BR Green-37057 was on the rear.This duty normally has the pair of Colas-67's working it but typically when this pair are allocated the weather was abysmal!-------------24 january 2017--------
37611 is seen pushing '3Q14' down the single line on the approach to Frome Station.DBSO-9708 being on the leading-end.This location is nr Feltham Lane between Blatchbridge and the Station.The duty was the 10:18 from Westbury DN-TC to Weymouth and return NR-test-train.
..12 october 2017..
Ex-DRS,now Europheonix operated 37611 growls down through Strap Lane at Upton Noble with '3Q14'.The service was the 10:18 from Westbury DN-TC to Weymouth and return.DBSO-9708 on the rear would lead on the return leg later that afternoon.
..12 october 2017..
It may be hard to believe it but this shot was such a 'scrape' that required maximum 'tele' on my 24-105L lens to grab this seemingly full sun shot..By the time it had passed us barely 5 seconds later a floater had dulled the scene nicely! I saw that coming hence the unplanned 'tele' shot. Anyway this is certainly better than I expected after a headless chicken race of the full length of the M4 to get here from Newport to the very West-Wales under an increasingly cloudy sky. So here is Colas's 37175 leading with 37254 on the rear of '1Z65' the returning 14:45 from Camarthen to Carnforth named the '565-Special' by the operator, the Branch Line Society.Here viewed passing St Ishmael shortly after departure from Carmarthen.
..3 september 2017..
The '565 Special' from Carnforth to Camarthen '1Z56' rests at journeys-end.A typical railtour scene with various tour participants scuttling around grabbing shots where they could. 37254 was leading 37175 upon arrival at 13:30.Its departure back via the Central Wales Line was booked at 14:45.
..3 september 2017..
This was todays main event and the reason for going across the overpriced Toll-Bridge into South-Wales.Colas pairing 37254 and 37175 were working a Railtour '1Z56' for the Branchline-Society branded as the '565 Special'.It departed Carnforth at 05:35 with a final destination of Camarthen in West-Wales.The return route being over the Central-Wales Line.The location provided one of the best opportunities to picture at a good lighting angle and thankfully the sun today played the game (Which was nice!).Location is of course Duffryn nr Newport.
..3 september 2017..
Europhoenix's 37884 passes through Worcester at Perry Hill's Metel Box Bridge working '5V94' a 'Unit-Drag' taking redundant Class-319-EMU's (319432/319426) for storage.It departed Bedford-Cauldwell Depot at 11:14 with a destination of Long Marston (That well known railway stock storage facility).
..28 august 2017..
As this prime working was making quite slow progress towards me I was encouraged to grab this full-tele-shot well before the main event passing the semaphore signal seen in the subsequent effort.Same details of course,the 11:14 from Bedford Cauldwell Depot to Long Marston taking 2 4-car Class-319 EMU sets (319432/319426) for storage running as '5V94'. This loco 37884 has had quite a varied career.It spent many years out in sunny Spain on infrastructure duties and prior to it going there in 2001 was in Loadhaul Livery carrying the name 'Gartcosh'
..28 august 2017..
Today's bonus-ball was this NR-Test Train '3Z40' going to Derby-RTC (NR) from Reading Triangle Sidings via the B&H and Bristol-Temple Meads.The attraction being the fully restored to original condition 'split-box' 37057.Regretfully DBSO-9702 was leading on this leg from Reading to Bristol but at least this location here at Ladydown nr Trowbridge afforded a pretty decent 'GAW' shot.There wasn't even a tail-light on the '37' to further spoil the illusion!.
..27 august 2017..
Here is a Railtrack Test Train that slipped into Westbury early this morning from Tilehurst (I think) largely un-noticed.37175,a Colas machine along with an unidentified DBSO are seen parked well back into the undergrowth on the Patney-Ditch siding adjacent to the Power-Box at the north end of Westbury.A difficult location but it was the best that could be done given the location and the subsequent lack of sun shortly afterwards! It was due to continue its travels ending up at Bristol-High Level shortly before midnight.
..17 august 2017..
This may be a 'GAW' type shot but as I havn't seen this loco working a train since just before its withdrawal way back in 2000 Why not? So here is 37403 the former green 'Ben Cruachan' in the last century now running as 'Isle of Mull' wearing Large-Logo styling.The guys up on the Bo'ness & Kinneill Rly nr Edinburgh are to congratulated on the quality of the restoration job undertaken on the virtual wreck when it first arrived there! Here it is seen pushing 'Caroline' 975025 on an Inspection-Jolly to Exeter and the Dawlish Sea-Wall then return from Willesden in London. Fairwood Junction nr Westbury can be seen in the distance.