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Class 37 (Up to 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
About 15minutes behind the final steam trip of the day came '2Z25' the last trip from Wareham (17:19 off) down to Swanage.WC-Rly's 37518 doing the honors with D6515 taking it easy on the rear.Viewed passing over Corfe Common in the now quite 'heat' hazy sun. Time to go home via the pub for a couple of well earned pints of beer!
..20 june 2017..
37518 passes Cateye Crossing with '2Z23' the 15:19 from Wareham to Swanage.We stayed here mainly to wind up the 'mr nasty' that lived behind the loco in a BIG house with the BIG garden.He kept looking over to check if we had left,so we decided to stay for another pass of this working just to give him a taste of things to come for the rest of the summer! You know, loads of photographers here now these shots amongst others that are now in the public domain.He even called us 'anoraks'.Still he will see plenty more of those in the coming months (I hope!)
..20 june 2017..
37518 brings up the rear of '2Z22' the 14:23 from Swanage to Wareham.Seen in 'deliverance' country at Cateye Crossing nr Furzbrook. Best of luck if you visit this location,the natives are all very aggressive nimby's that have a down of strangers in their little isolated world here! I expect they hate the railway now making 'noise' 8 times a day past their shacks.
..20 june 2017..
West Coast Rly's 37518 rounds the bend on the approach to Creech Bottom FarmCrossing.D6515 being on the rear.It was forming '2Z21' the 13:19 away from Wareham going to Swanage.Not really the shot I wanted but being greedy I tried this reasonably successful tele shot then proceeded to completely balls-up the main picture on a wider visa.There is a moral here----you know what that is I am sure!
..20 june 2017..
With the historic remains of Corfe Castle forming the backdrop 37518 rumbles over Corfe Common with '2Z19' the 11:19 from Wareham to Swanage mainline connecting service.This is the only service from Wareham that is just about possible to picture here albeit just a tad head-on.WR-Rly's 33025 was on the rear but regretfully was replaced at Swanage upon arrival due to a minor fuel leak.
..20 june 2017..
This Test-Train',today working as '1Z23' the 07:14 from Bristol-High Level back to Tyseley-L.M.D via Severn Tunnel Junction runs through Thingley travelling east.The ROG/Europhoenix pairing 37608/37611 being in charge. Unlike yesterday which was gloriously sunny all day this morning dawned dank and dull but with this pairing working the duty still worth a shot,albeit a little on the dull side.
..15 june 2017..
Amazingly thanks to fairly light traffic conditions and this workings slack schedule I was able to get ahead of it after picturing it at Thornford in Dorset and shoot it yet again here at Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley 36 miles later.37611 was still leading with 37608 playing at rear-gunner.A massed gallery of about 12 to 15 people were here to view this working '1Z22' passing.It commenced todays duties at 08:14 from Tyseley-L.M.D.The eventually destination for this evening being Bristol-High Level.
..14 june 2017..
37611 'Pegasus' leads '1Z22' on its return journey up from its most southerly destination at Weymouth now returning to Bristol eventually after a short reversal at Bath to revisit Westbury for a 2nd time.Seen here approaching Thornford with 37608 'Andromeda' bringing up the rear.It commenced todays duties at Tyseley-L.M.D at 08:14.Quite nice for the sun to behave itself when such a nice pair of loco's were visiting our part of the country.Normally its usually raining or at best just plain dull!
..14 june 2017..
Europhoenix pairing 37608 'Andromeda' and 37611 'Pegasus',both ex-DRS machines pass Wyke Champflower working test-train '1Z22' the 08:14 from Tyseley-L.M.D to Weymouth and return (eventually) to bristol-High Level Sdg's.Thankfully this day turn out to be gloriously sunny enabling me to finally picture these nicely liveried old Class-37's in nice light.
..14 june 2017..
'5Z02' the 12:23 from Derby-RTC going to Salisbury T&RSMD passes Arn Hill nr Warminster in incredibly poor lighting.37409 'Lord Hinton' is seen here escorting 'Caroline' on this rather dull and damp trip from the Midlands. If it had been pushing as is often the case I wouldn't even have bothered!
..15 may 2017..
'Split-Box' 37099 leads '1Q53' away from Eastleigh with 37254 on the rear.This Test-Train's route today from Arlington(ZG) and return was cut short later when the TWPS in 37254 failed.37099 eventually completed the days work single-handed. So here are the pair of former 'preserved' loco's blasting away from home with clouds of smoke and much noise.All under a cloudless sky-------------lovely!
..10 may 2017..
Colas operated 37099 runs slowly through Frome's Brunelian overall roofed Station working '3Q14' the 10:42 from Westbury to Westbury via Weymouth and Thingley-Junction.Nice to see a 1st generation 'generator' type 37 that still retains its split-boxes.This NR-Test Train comprised of 5 coaches,the last one being a DBSO No-9708 which led going to Weymouth earlier this morning.
..27 april 2017..
This GAW shot here at Fairwood-Junction pretty much explains why this location was chosen to record this workings passing.Plenty of width and a forecast giving early morning sun and clouds later,hence this spot. 37099 was formally 'preserved' but is now back on the mainline with 'Colas' proving yet again just how un-life expired these Class-37's were when removed from service.This particular one getting the 'chop' in 1997 an unbelievable 20 years ago! Hopefully when 'Colas' have finished with it it will return to the preservation-sector.
..27 april 2017..
'3Q14' the 06:41 from Bristol to Bristol via Weymouth again! After picturing it at Fairwood there was plenty of time to nip across to Hawkeridge-Junction for a 2nd bite at this rather dull working since it was booked to pause in Westbury for about 30 minutes.So here is 37669 again with 37069 easing away from Westbury bound for Bristol-High Level via Thingley Junction.
..2 february 2017..
Despite being extreemly dull it was decided to picture this Test-Train '3Q14' as it passed through Fairwood nr Westbury on the return journey from Weymouth.It departed Bristol-High Level at 06:41 this morning and will return there via Thingley Junction.Leading loco is 37667 still sporting an earlier version of the Compass styling of DRS.The rear engine 37069 having the later current style.Shot taken from the public footcrossing there.
..2 february 2017..
I knew this was going to be a big 'ask' picturing this working seeing as it wasn't going to be stopping here at Westbury.However it was travelling through the platform-2 here at fair old speed in excess of 20mph so even this shot was a bit of a miracle! So here are 37611 with unseen 37601 on the rear working '1Z78' the 06:05 from Tyseley L.M.D to (eventually) Bristol High level Sidings.
..25 january 2017..
This was a nice slice of luck.Although not booked to visit Bristol-TM until a couple of hours later,instead of reversing out at Bristol-East it actually came un-announced into the station here in Bristol to do the deed.So here is Colas's 37421 formerly 'The Kingsman' working '1Z78' the 06:45 Tyseley to Bristol-TM via the World sitting along with the unseen 37025 whilst the driver changes ends.Not bad for a hand-held shot 15th/sec@F4 3200- iso.Kinda made the trip to Bristol worth while!
..2 november 2016..
Although I knew this working was in the area I didn't expect to see it because it was not supposed to arrive in Bristol-Temple Meads until several hours later.However the planned reversal that was booked to take place out in the East Yard occurred here instead.So here is Colas operated 37421,yet another loco obtained from the prevervation sector and put back on the mainline.The former 'The Kingsman' now in ColasRailFrieght colours.37025 in large-logo style was on the other end but unfortunately away from the station lights, hence no record of that.The working is '1Z78' the 06:45 from Tyseley to Bristol-Temple Meads via many places in the South and Midlands! The highlight of the evening by a mile!
..2 november 2016..
After a short pause at Heywood Road Junction-Westbury '1Z78' reversed direction to continue on to its destination for today Bristol-TM via the Limpley Stoke Valley.37219 was now leading with 37175 on the rear. Viewed passing the recently repaired embankments at Yarnbrook nr Trowbridge which current afford a clear view of the railway.How long before this becomes fully overgrown again I wonder ??
..5 october 2016..
Network-Rail Test-Train '1Z78' the 06:43 from Tyseley L.M.D. to Bristol Temple Meads passes Trowbridge heading towards Heywood Road Junction on the B&H nr Westbury where it will reverse to continue on the Bristol via the Limpley Stoke Valley.Today it was a matching pair of 'Colas' Class-37's sandwiching the NR stock.37175 was leading with 37219 on the rear,later to lead towards Bristol from Westbury.
..5 october 2016..
Network-Rail Test-Train '1Z78' the 06:43 from Tyseley L.M.D. to Bristol Temple Meads passes Trowbridge heading towards Heywood Road Junction on the B&H nr Westbury where it will reverse to continue on the Bristol via the Limpley Stoke Valley.Today it was a matching pair of 'Colas' Class-37's sandwiching the NR stock.37175 was leading with 37219 on the rear,later to lead towards Bristol from Westbury.
..5 october 2016..
Workstained 37612 and 37601 powered this ECS from Exeter-Riverside back down to Eastleigh-Arlington (ZG) today running as '5Z61'.It departed Exeter at 09:00.Since the Pathfinder-Tours 'The Autumn West Highlander' was a 4-day affair the slight grubbiness of the stock is quite understandable!Here it is seen passing Sherrington in the Wylye-Valley.The partial 'tele' shot being necessary due to the long shadows from the low autumn sun.
..5 october 2016..
Not wanting to look a gift-horse in the mouth the temptation of a 'full sun' GAW of this veteran tractor 37069 was too good to miss.Here is that loco on the rear of '1Q05' headed by 37608 bound for Weymouth on this leg on today's long schedule that started in Tyseley at 08:24 this morning.It finishes later this evening in Bristol. This shot taken off the Foot-Xing at White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge.
..7 september 2016..
Today a Test-Train '1Q05' ran from Tyseley L.M.D.(08:24 off)to Bristol via Weymouth.DRS cast-off 37608 which is now owned by Europheonix with DRS/Compass 37069 on the rear are seen passing White Horse Foot-Xing in Trowbridge running about an hour down of schedule after a prolonged stop at Swindon.
..7 september 2016..
37254 which from 2008 until March 2016 was in preservation on the Spa Valley Railway and had been a regular performer all the time.All I can say is COLAS must have made them a pretty serious offer of a big pile of cash to have prised it away from there! Anyway for now it still carries its preservation-era coat of Inter-City 'Swallow' Livery and it certainly looks good.Its last 3 days of passenger service was working the Bristol- Weymouth service so it is quite nice to see it again nr Frome albiet a GAW type shot.Here it is on the tail of '1Q05' from Tyseley to Bristol via Weymouth.
..10 august 2016..
NR-Test Train '1Q05' from Tyseley L.M.D (08:14 off) to Bristol High Level via Weymouth passes Berkley Marsh nr Frome with this interesting pair of 37's in charge.Leading is 37219 in 'House' Colas livery whilst nestling on the rear is recently de-preserved 37254 wearing a coat of Inter-City. Very nice it looks too.
..10 august 2016..
Of interest on the rear of '1Z48 the 17:15 from Minehead going back to Paddington hauled by 46115 the rebuilt Royal Scot loco was Class-37 37685 acting as insurance but thankfully not actually being required today.As usual it was in typical WC-Rly filthy condition not helped photographically by the dire late evening lighting which required 1600-iso to stop the action (The 46115 on the front of the train pictured seconds earlier needed that as well).Viewed at Berkley Marsh nr Frome with its classic 'GAW' pose!
..16 july 2016..
The Europhoenix pairing 37608/37611 cross over at Hawkeridge Junction working the Fairwood Junction to Bristol-TM section of '1Z78' that started at 06:45 this morning from Tyseley-LMD.No doubt in the near future they will both receive the company livery as applied to 37800..That will be nice!
..13 july 2016..
The former DRS 37611 now fully stripped of all the Compass livery vinyl's but with a small Europhoenix emblem denoting its new ownership on the rear cabside leads the '1Z78' Test-Train from Tyseley-LMD (06:45 off) to Bristol-TM via everywhere! Here it has just crossed Hawkeridge Junction at Westbury for the short trip to Heywood Junction.From there it reversed and returned via the same route then continued on the Bristol.Unseen on the rear was 37608,this is also now a EUPK owned machine.For this duty they are on hire to Colas-Rail. Confused?????? I know I am.......
..13 july 2016..
Rail Operations Group's latest recruit 37800 was today used to move 'Pig' Class 442- (44)2423 as '5Q42' from Three Bridges (Tilgate Sdg's) to Eastleigh-Arlington (zg) or if you prefer Eastleigh Works for further safe storage.It departed over 2 hours late and was still that amount overdue when it appeared here at Eastleigh.This was not helped by some kind of signalling failure south of Eastleigh causing everything to stack up on the approach there.Note the Class-444 next to the 37.This was actually running into the station in parallel blocking the 37 requiring me to hastily change sides to record even this rather cramped shot.Those on the end of the station platform would have been shafted completely...What a sod,but life goes on!
..07 july 2016..
Large-Logo 37025 again! This time leading '3Z14' the Bristol Barton Hill to Bristol High Level Sdg's via Weymouth and Chippenham.This being the final leg from Chippenham back to Bristol with DBSO-9703 on the back where it belongs.Location is Shockerwick west of Box.A brisk dash from Melksham and the previous shot was needed to arrive here just minutes before it passed.The journey taking about 20 minutes!
..26 may 2016..
It may be a 'going away' type shot but the lighting and subject matter more than compensates,particularly on a single line section where the direction of travel hardly matters.Only the tail-light being the obvious giveaway! Here is the superb looking Large-Logo 37025 pushing '3Z14' with its driver sat in silence up in the front of DBSO-9703.This is the Weymouth to Chippenham leg of todays roster which thankfully operated in superb sunlight for a change! It is seen at Dunch Lane in Melksham.
..26 may 2016..
Finally I get some Colas-Class 37 action through Frome in the sunshine! Here is everybody's favourite 37025 'Inverness TMD' thankfully leading '3Z14' the 09:54 from Bristol Barton Hill to Bristol High Level Sidings via Weymouth and Chippenham.DBSO-9703 being on the rear for this leg to Weymouth.It is viewed passing Clink nr Frome slowing for the junction there because it is being routed via the station loop.
..26 may 2016..
Now this is a teaser.How can this working leave Bristol 62 minutes late and then pass this spot at Fairwood nr Westbury 122 minutes early ??? No its not an example of time-travel,this working simply cancelled the run from Bathampton to Westbury via Reading thus saving 3 hours on the schedule and travelling directly via the Limpley Stoke Valley.No doubt due to the late start time.Running as a test-train '5Z10'. Its original route was from Bristol to Plymouth via Reading and the B&H then return directly to Bristol via Bridgewater.Here is 37219 regretfully 'pushing' with DBSO 9703 up front therefore a 'GAW' had to suffice.All a bit of a cock-up really but that is the nature of this fraught hobby sometimes!
..19 may 2016..
Now the sun had decided to show itself a shot on 37884 in the sunlight was in order here at St Philips Marsh.Luckily it wasn't under a gantry that would cast a nasty shadow.Note the special 'dellner' type coupling fitted to this engine specially so as it can haul EMU's around.This being its current dedicated work for 'ROG' The Rail Operations Group.
..02 may 2016..
37884 continues to work on the UK network even though it was originally withdrawn as life expired ?? way back in 2001.It spent many years working in Spain after that date as L84 but was eventually repatriated and restored to use by Europhoenix Loco-UK.I remember it best as a Loadhaul liveried machine back before the turn of the century carrying the name 'Gartcosh' It is now in regular mainline use for 'ROG' currently hauling EMU's around from Derby the Midlands down to Ramsgate-Kent. Here it is seen having a 'fire-up' making plenty of smoke and noise at St Philips Marsh Depot during the Open-Day.
..02 may 2016..
This pair of DRS-37's seen here passing Towhend Farm Crossing in Wylye were running as '0Z36' from Crewe Gresty Bridge (Drs) to Eastleigh Trsmd. The loco's 37610 and 37059 are wearing two different versions of that Company's colours.37059 being the latest style.The reason for going to Eastleigh is that they are working a charter tomorrow morning (departure is 05:13) going eventually to Fort William.I won't be out for that one!
..21 april 2016..
Today this Network-Rail Test Train '1Z22' was booked away from Tyseley-MDB at 08:14 going eventually to Bristol High Level Sidings via Weymouth.Interestingly although it was running to time when it passed Clink here nr Frome it reversed at East Somerset-Junction and missed the Weymouth section out entirely!I was not too bothered about that as the light would have been crap on the return anyway!..So here are 37612 leading wearing compass-colours whilst on the back 37609 has the latest DRS styling.A nice day for an all too rare Class-37 working here at Frome!
..20 april 2016..
'1Z02' with 37601 on the rear and 37688 leading disappears towards Melksham Station past the back of the local 'Leeks' Superstore'.It left Derby at 06:52 this morning and has been rolling ever since covering a large part of the South-West's network before finishing at 23:45 that evening.
..23 march 2016..
Here are a pair of 'Hire-in's' from DRS for Colas being used on '1Z02' a long long duration Test-Train journey from Derby RTC (NR) going eventually to Bristol High Level Sdg's running as '1Z02'.It commenced its day at 06:52 running throughout the day arriving at its destination at 23:45. A total of nearly 17 hours! The locomotives are 37688 leading with 37601 on the rear of the 4 coach NR-Test Set. Location is again Dunch lane in Melksham and by some miracle the lighting had improved almost to full light! When I left home just over 10 miles away any thoughts of a full sun shot were just a fantasy given the look of the sky!--------You never know?
..23 march 2016..
Todays '6M63' the 11:58 from Bridgewater going to Crewe-Coal Sidings hauling a pair of FNA flask wagons had an interesting pair of engines in command. 37419 'Carl Haviland' was briefly repainted into Schenker-Red in 2009 but never actually made it into service in that guise,(Click HERE for EWS version).It finally returned to service with DRS in 2012 in the livery you see here 'Compass'.The second loco is 57305 used to be 47822 (Click HERE) but now glorifies in the Northern-Belle style with 'Northern Princess' nameplates as well.This pairing is shown passing Parson Street in Bristol in an extreemly lucky small patch of sunshine! At least something went right today!
..16 march 2016..
Colas's current Wandering Star 37025 today brought up '6C25' from Tavistock-Junction to Westbury Down Yard.It comprised of a partially loaded set of 'Salmon' bogie-flats carrying recovered scrap track panels.Viewed here at Gant's Mill on Bruton Bank making plenty of racket! Typically after hanging around in full sun for over 40 minutes when this working made its appearance a usual errant cloud got in the way,oh yes 15 seconds later it was full sun again.....what can I say.
..03 march 2016..
Type-3 37025 'Inverness TMD' did it again today and operated yet another booked working without its load as expected.This time it was supposed to be returning 'RailVac-4' to Westbury after going down to Devon with it overnight.Due to a lack of a load it also ran early as '0C54' from Exmouth-Junction thus scuppering the game-plan to go down to Bruton Bank for its original return time.So one way or another this engine is a bit of a nuisance promising so much and actually giving virtually nothing for the efforts involved. I will be glad when it goes back to Scotland where it belongs out of the way!
..28 february 2016..
Todays duo of 'FNA' flask wagons were hauled by this pair of fairly grubby looking DRS Type-3's, 37603 was leading with 37602 in behind.The train '6M63' departs Bridgewater at 11:38 and goes to Crewe Coal Sidings.This is just a gathering point before the onward journey to Sellafield.Viewed here shortly after passing Parson Street in Bristol.Somewhat backlit but what can you do?
..24 february 2016..
The preserved 'Hire-In' 37025 to Colas rumbles through Magor on '0M37' the 08:53 from Barry going up to Washwood Heath to collect a couple of Barrier-Vans and return them to Barry.Probably to continue the training with instead of the Coal-Wagons used previously.Unfortunately I was unable to wait for the return about 6 hours later.Whether it was sunny or not here is a mystery but about 90 minutes after it passed north the clouds had well and truly rolled in here! Anyway I didn't get to see it!
..23 february 2016..
37025 with '4M20' to Barry from Bristol-Parkway rejoins the mainline at Pilning after sitting in the loop there for 30 minutes.This shot is included just to show the shadow problems here even at 14:20 in the afternoon.With this working only going as far as Parkway this place was pretty much as good as it gets for this time of year.If,as predicted this 'Trainer' runs for a further 2 months this location will by early April be a completely different proposition sunwise!
..11 february 2016..
The use of my 70-200L lens plus a bit of cropping resulted in this shot of 37025 plus its load of 5 Ex-FL bogie coal hoppers departing the Pilning Loop with the returning '4B20' to Barry from Bristol-Parkway where it had reversed.Even though it was only 14:20 in the afternoon the shadows here were getting pretty long so this teleshot was necessary.Still musn't grumble!
..11 february 2016..
The preserved but 'on-hire' 37025 'Inverness-TMD' powers through Pilning on the Colas Crew-Trainer '4M20' running from Barry (09:10) to Barry.It was supposed to go to Swindon before returning but yet again reversed at Bristol-Parkway and returned from there 108 minutes earlier than booked!
..11 february 2016..
Having missed this shot here exactly a fortnight ago because I wasn't paying attention to RTT and was pre-occupied with the Class-37 DRS-MOD move through Bristol-TM I was amazed when todays percieved crap forecast turned out to be really nice so I made a trip here to Pilning for it.I departed in plenty of time but three road blockages and one slow diversion due to accidents in the icy early morning conditions meant a journey that normally take about 50 minutes took about 2 hours!Anyway I made it so here is my 4th attempt at this working '4M20' The 09:10 from Barry to Barry via Swindon Colas Crew-Trainer passing Pilning.Happily it is also the 1st one in full sun! Loco is of coarse the on-hire 37025 'Inverness-TMD' with its brake force load of five FL bogie coal hoppers.
..11 february 2016..
37025 in immaculate Large-Logo Blue passes Llandevenny with '4B20' the 08:37 from Barry to Barry (Via Bristol Parkway as it turned out) Colas Crew Trainer.This working using five ex-freightliner coal hoppers HHA's for brake force.This shot could have been so much better but a rogue floater cloud masked the scene for the vital 10 seconds as this working passed.60 minutes before and 15 more afterwards was clear and sunny...What &££$ing disaster!
..30 january 2016..
Sadly my luck today deserted me when this working was due.It is a Barry (09:10 off) to Barry via Swindon crew training run '4B20' for a new recruit to the 'Colas' ever expanding fleet of Class-37's.Thankfully this one 37025 named 'Inverness-TMD' in Large Logo is only on hire so is still technically preserved! Anyway here it is passing Acton Turville on its return from Swindon heading back to Barry.Unlike previous trainers in this area that used ex-motorail barriers this one had five redundant Freightliner 'HHA' Coal Hoppers as its load.Annoyingly about 10 minutes later the sun was back out but regretfully it was too late!
..28 january 2016..
Here is a 2nd 'Pull Back' shot of the '5Z40' working, the 08:20 from Plymouth's Devonport Royal Dockyard going up to Crewe Coal Sdg's-DRS.Immaculate recently fully overhauled 37069 was leading with a grubby 37609 thankfully inside.The train consisted of just the pair of Barrier-Coach 'Mk-2's 9428/9419 as the bogie flask wagon taken down yesterday remained in the dockyard with no return load just yet.Here it is seen passing a Bristol Barton Hill-WRD that was looking quite empty.Just a half of a FGW-158 being visible and nothing else.
..28 january 2016..
Here is the return working of the train that took an MOD nuclear-flask wagon down to Plymouth's Devonport Dockyard.As usual these 'Nuke' workings are specified as a pair of locomotives for reliability purposes although on this return journey back up to Crewe as '5Z40' it only had the barrier coaches in tow..Today it was the freshly overhauled gleaming 37069 with its not so clean partner 37609 in charge.The working is seen opening up and making a nice racket as it passes Bristol Barton Hill-WRD.The booked stop in Bristol-TM was not taken and a good job too.Minutes later the scene was covered by the first clouds of the day!
..28 january 2016..
'6M63', the working transporting spent nuclear fuel rod from Berkley NPS to Sellafied in Cumbria as far as Crewe Coal Sidings (11:58 away from Bridgewater) is seen passing Flax-Bourton with a pair of flask-carriers in tow.37601 'Class37-Fifty' was leading with 37059 in behind.The load appears to be an older 'FNA' with one of the new 'NDA' versions as well.The old now derelict former rail connected Fuel Dump (Part of the Government-Pipelines and Storage Systems) forms the back drop at this location.
..20 january 2016..
37215,its work done for the day here on the GW-Rly during the 'Christmas Cracker' Mini Gala rests safely inside the protective cover of the superb Diesel Depot here at Toddington.Its former playmate here,37324 has since moved away and recently been sold to 'Colas' for re-use on the mainline.All very impressive but enough is enough.The pair of 37's that remain,this one and 37248(D6948) deserve to be left in peace and retirement!
..29 december 2015..
The long refurbishment of ex-WCRly 37248 is soon to be completed.Here the loco as D6948 sits in the Diesel Depot at Toddington looking pretty immaculate in its coat of original BR-Green.All the front end skirts have been restored along with the headcode panels c/w working destination blinds.Apparantly its first outing is due to be spring-2016 subject to all being well!
..29 december 2015..
The Growler Group's loco 37215 continues to perform well here on the Gloucester & Warwick Railway since it was restored to working condition in 1998.Unlike many of its fellow Class-37's lets hope Colas doesn't get its hands on this one! Anyway here it is passing the superbly cleared out cutting on the approach to Winchcombe with '2L19' the 11:30 from Cheltenham Racecoarse to Laverton.
..29 december 2015..
BR-Blue 37215 exits Greet Tunnel on the approach to Winchcombe with '2L19' the 11:30 from Cheltenham-Racecoarse going all the way to Laverton.BR liveried steam 'Manor' 7820 was in use in T-n-T mode on this service as well.
29 december 2015..
37175 brings up the rear of '1Q07' as it passes Wanstrow heading back to Bristol-Temple Meads from Merehead (White's Crossing) via East Somerset-Junction.37219 was leading but is unfortunately out of sight amid the rampant bush and shrub growth that now infest this branch-line.Lighting was the usual dismal affair with 1600asa seemingly becoming the norm in the current extreemly dull and wet spell! Still musn't grumble,it could have been a pair of GM-66's.In which case I wouldn't have been here anyway!
..30 november 2015..
These days this is just about the only shot available on the branch from East-Somerset-Junction to Merehead.Particularly today when I was up to my ankles in slurry and mud!.Even this is a shadow of its former self given the rampant tree and bush growth here at Wanstrow.So here is Colas-37219,this time leading coming away from Merehead now bound for Bristrol-Temple Meads.37175 was having a well earned rest on the rear having powered this working '1Q07' all the way from Derby where it departed earlier at 08:54 this morning.
..30 november 2015..
Today '1Q07' ran from Derby to Bristol-Temple Meads via Merehead Quarry (White's Crossing).These Test-Trains now seem to be well and truly in the hands of Colas owned Class-37's instead of the previous DRS owned similar traction. Here is that working negotiating Blatchbridge-Junction nr Frome on its way down to the Quarry.37219 which was once a preserved machine on the Pontypool& Blaenavon Railway was on the rear.37175 was leading but I was taken unawares by its speedy approach and failed to produce an even 1/2 way decent picture.Hence this GAW!
..30 november 2015..
Today a Colas operated 'test-train' operated using hired-in DRS power in the form of 37603.The working '3Z14' was the 10:07 from Bristol-High Level Siding and return via Weymouth and Swindon.DVT-9703 was actually leading but the 37 pushing for all its worth was the preferred target as it departed from Westbury heading on down towards the coast.As can be seen the conditions were incredibly dire but still worth the effort (Just!)
..05 november 2015..
After 5-days of virtually continuous work including the length of the country (twice) and cruising around Scotland this obviously pretty reliable pair of DRS type-3's today finished the job by taking the coaching stock from the extended railtour 'The Autumn Chieftain' back from Exeter Riverside-Yard down to Eastleigh-TRSMD.It departed Exeter at 13:46 as '5Z39' and passed Dundas here in the Limpley Stoke Valley running spot on time.37218 was leading with 37425 'inside'.Not bad for a pair of 50 years old locomotives!
..29 september 2015..
After 5-days of virtually continuous work including the length of the country (twice) and cruising around Scotland this obviously pretty reliable pair of DRS type-3's today finished the job by taking the coaching stock from the extended railtour 'The Autumn Chieftain' back from Exeter Riverside-Yard down to Eastleigh-TRSMD.It departed Exeter at 13:46 as '5Z39' and passed Dundas here in the Limpley Stoke Valley running spot on time.37218 was leading with 37425 'inside'.Not bad for a pair of 50 years old locomotives!------------29 september 2015---------
The classic pairing of 37425 'Concrete Bob' and 37218 both wearing DRS-colours in contrasting styles passes a deserted Ladydown nr Trowbridge with '1Z30' which was originally supposed to be an ECS but upgraded at the last minute to a one-way only Railtour. The train-set comprised 12 coaches in mainly Choc-n-Cream colours included a superb looking BR-Mk 1 Kitchen Car No-80042 in BR-Blue-Grey.Stock is for tomorrows Autumn-Chieftain 4-day Railtour of the Scottish Highlands .A Snip at just £895 per premier-class-seat! Seeing as this location was the best sun angle for 20 miles in all directions I was quite surprised to be the only photographer present.Perhaps the monster rain storm just 30 minutes before the train passed had put everybody else off?
..24 september 2015..
The Classic pairing of 37425 'Concrete Bob' and 37218 both wearing DRS-colours in contrasting styles passes a deserted Ladydown nr Trowbridge with '1Z30' which was originally supposed to be an ECS but upgraded at the last minute to a one-way only Railtour. The train-set comprised 12 coaches in mainly Choc-n-Cream colours but with a superb looking BR-Mk 1 Kitchen Car No-80042 in BR-Blue-Grey included.Stock is for tomorrows Autumn-Chieftain 4-day Railtour of the Scottish Highlands .A Snip at just £895 per premier-class-seat! Seeing as this location was the best sun angle for 20 miles in all directions I was quite surprised to be the only photographer present.Perhaps the monster rain storm just 30 minutes before the train passed had put everybody else off? --------------------------------24 september 2015-------
DRS 'Hire-In' to 'Colas' 37601 works '5Z23' the 13:30 from Bristol-East Depot to Exeter's Riverside Yard route-learner which was actually running about 20 minutes early! The test load being half a dozen ex-FGW Motor-Rail Vans,the leading van having 'TNT' branding which I believe was from a 'Parcel-Train' Trial which took place a few years ago on the WCML using a 'Colas' Class-86.These old Vans are wearing a disturbingly close approximation of the drab new FGW-livery due to be inflicted on its entire rolling-stock fleet in the next few years.How crap is that? Anyway the working is seen passing Parson Street heading west shortly after passing Bristol-TM.
..02 september 2015..
This week 'Colas' are conducting route learning trips between Bristol (East Depot) and Exeter-Riverside yard.Two trips being planned daily until this friday (the 4th).I decided to go for it on the first day just in case the planned workings failed to run their full coarse! So here is DRS 'Hire-In' 37601 Class-37 'Fifty' along with its scratch set of empty stock comprising of six ex-FGW Motor-Rail Vans.Gawd knows where they dragged those up from (Probably Long Marston). It is viewed at Parson Street approaching Bristol on the return leg of the first of two trips today.This one being '5Z22' the 11:10 from Exeter-Riverside Yard back up to Bristol-East Depot.The next trip to Exeter just 60 minutes later passed in dire-dire light and heavy rain so unfortunately won't be presented here.
..01 september 2015..
This week 'Colas' are conducting route learning trips between Bristol (East Depot) and Exeter-Riverside yard.Two trips being planned daily until this friday (the 4th).I decided to go for it on the first day just in case the planned workings failed to run their full coarse! So here is DRS 'Hire-In' 37601 'Class-37 Fifty' along with its scratch set of empty stock comprising of six ex-FGW Motor-Rail Vans.Gawd knows where they dragged those up from (Probably Long Marston). It is viewed at Parson Street approaching Bristol on the return leg of the first of two trips today.This one being '5Z22' the 11:10 from Exeter-Riverside Yard back up to Bristol-East Depot.The next trip to Exeter just 60 minutes later passed in dire-dire light and heavy rain so unfortunately won't be presented here.-----------------------------------01 september 2015---------------------------------
This is the returning Bournemouth to Chester 'The Bournemouth Flyer' Railtour '1Z39' that departed Bournemouth at 16:52.By now the cloud cover was 100% so this wrong-side shot was undertaken here at Sandhills literally miles from anywhere somewhere in the New Forest north of Beaulieu Road Station and south of Ashurst.Large-Logo 37401 was leading 37405 c/w RAF roundals over the marker-lights! Such was the lighting that 800ASA was needed usng an F1.8 50mm lens set to F5 @ 800-sec.It was a mile or so long walk both ways to this location carrying a heavy set of telescopic steps (which were not needed!) but just about worth the effort I suppose.
..22 august 2015..
Oh No! another GAW! Well why not! Here are the rapidly disappearing 37401/37405 on the rear of the '5Z39' ECS from Eastleigh-Arlington to Bournemouth hauled by 57307.The train having been set up for the return journey with the 'Star' 37401 leading north on '1Z39'.The shot was grabbed at Totton.The shiny tracks on the left hand side serve Fawley Oil Refinery and Marchwood-MOD Depot.
..22 august 2015..
I know its a 'Going Away Shot' but with this subject matter in this location it was hard to resist! Here is the fast disappearing '5Z38'(12:53 off Bournemouth) hauled by 57307 going to Eastleigh-Arlington from Bournmouth.37405 and 37401 looking superb in the southern sunshine.
..22 august 2015..
Its a miracle! A decent Railtour (The Bournemouth Flyer) with very acceptable traction and the sun was shining for a change! Here is the superb looking DRS-owned 'Large-Logo' 37401 'Mary Queen of Scots' along with 37405 in 'Compass' style getting away from Eastleigh running to time with '1Z37' the 06:17 from Chester heading for Bournemouth nominally for the on-board passengers to go to view the Airshow along the seafront there.In truth most of those on the train were probably just after some long distance mainline 37 thrash! The working is seen from the Campbell Road Overbridge next to the Works there.
..22 august 2015..
Its a miracle! A decent Railtour (The Bournemouth Flyer) with very acceptable traction and the sun was shining for a change! Here is the superb looking DRS-owned 'Large-Logo' 37401 'Mary Queen of Scots' along with 37405 in 'Compass' style getting away from Eastleigh running to time with '1Z37' the 06:17 from Chester heading for Bournemouth nominally for the on-board passengers to go to view the Airshow along the seafront there.In truth most of those on the train were probably just after some long distance mainline 37 thrash! The working is seen from the Campbell Road Overbridge next to the Works there.----------22 august 2015-----------
A nice surprise here at Elford Loops was the passing of a pair of Network-Rail yellows 37's albeit just a L/E movement. 97304 'John Tiley' was leading 97302 as they sped northwards as '0Z97' the 11:00 from Bescot returning to base at Derby-RTC.
..31 july 2015..
The formally preserved 37175 which was kept north of the border on the Bo'ness & Kinneil Rly was sold to Colas earlier this year for re-use on the National Network.I am not sure whether this is a good thing or not for the long term, but it is what is is?.Having only been repainted into Colas colours just a few weeks ago this is one of its first duties back on the mainline.The working is '3Z14' the 09:28 from Bristol Barton Hill to Derby via Weymouth.It seems that Colas are now doing what DRS have done for several years and are supplying traction for these NR-Test Trains.Here it is seen passing Blatchbridge Junction nr Frome running slightly late due to single-line difficulties around Yeovil earlier in the schedule.
..16 july 2015..
After the Easter weekends exploits going all the way to the north of Scotland and back the pair of DRS-Tractors are seen here making their way back to Crewe-HS from Eastleigh TRSMD as '5Z74' with the empty stock being returned to base.The loco's are 37218 and 37607 which are sporting different versions of the Compass Livery are seen passing Bapton in the Wylye-Valley.As usual as this was obviously the working of the day the sun decided to play 'hide-n-seek' in the clouds so this shot is something of a 'scrape' with a considerable session of Photoshop work required to bring the backgound up to the brightness! I think it works---just, but could have been better! Grrrrrrrrrrr.....
..07 april 2015..
DRS pairing 37218 and 37607 in two different styles of that company's livery heads what remains of '5Z67' from Crewe H.S.going to Eastleigh Trsmd.The train was delayed at Hereford for 90 minutes whilst 4 of the 7 coach-consist was removed due to some kind of fault with that stock.The working is seen passing Norton-Bavant in the Wylye-Valley. Quite what is going to happen to tomorrow mornings '1Z68' Railtour 'The Easter Chieftain' going all the way to Inverness is anybody's guess.Standing room only with an arrival time at Inverness of 22:15 tomorrow night seems an unlikely solution!
..02 april 2015..
'6M63' the regular train transporting nuclear-waste from Bridgewater up to Sellefied via Crewe Coal Sidings runs upthrough parson Street in Bristol.Two 'FNA' flask wagons today hauled by 37218 and 57008.Each locomotive displaying different versions on the DRS liveries. The Class-37 having the latest version!
..04 march 2015..
Final shot of the day and literally minutes before this location become fully shadowed up from the quickly setting sun was this one of '3Z01' from Tyseley to Hither-Green.Unfortunately it was sticking rigidly to schedule and it departed Didcot RT.Any later though and it would have been 'game over',30 minutes earlier would have been much nicer! So here is 37402 at Lower-Basildon barely 3 minutes behind the preceeding Freightliner going at full line speed making shadow judgement rather difficult and also quite surprising.
..30 december 2014..
37402 the former Margam-Pet once well known for its unique black/grey livery still survives today working to DRS. Livery now of coarse is the standard 'Compass' colours of that company.Gone also is its old name 'Bont y Bermo' now replaced with 'Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954--8.6.2013'. Here it is arriving at Didcot with '3Z01' from Tyseley heading for Hither-Green.The three coach test-train has DBSO-9714 on the rear so it was a bit of luck that the loco was leading!
..30 december 2014..
This is a working I should really make more effort to record seeing as it is usually drawn by a pair of the older classic UK built engines,mainly 37's but often 20's or maybe even 57's.Todays duty produced a pair of EE type-3's sporting the current two livery styles of the DRS-fleet.37609 is leading in the latest style whilst 37688 behind is in the older Compass variation.Load today was two FNA's.Location is Ram-Hill nr Coalpit Heath-Bristol.
..29 december 2014..
Pathfinder Tours 'The Festive Portsmouth Explorer' departed Stafford at 07:02 running as '1Z36'.For some reason it was delayed at Swindon for nearly an hour but there was still insufficient time for the one cloud bank in the entire sky to clear the sun,hence this rather flat pictorial effort shown here. 37218 in the latest DRS Livery was leading with 37668 on the rear.The train that was made up of mainly rather faded ex-virgin stock is seen at South Moreton just east of Didcot.Well it was worth the effort (Just in case the sun came out!)
..29 november 2014..
West Coast Rly's perpetually grubby 37706 powers noisily through Thingley with '5Z40' from Bristol-Kingsland Road to Southall-WCR returning the empty stock used on this weekends train from Bristol-TM down to Par.Nowhere near full sunlight but the brightest shot of the day,the rest were dull to say the least,hence will not be shown here!
..15 september 2014..
Todays ecs from Southall-WCR (12:35 off) to Bristol-Kingsland Road '5Z36' passes Stepping Stone Lane just west of Shrivenham.Traction being provided by a welcome but extreemly grubby 37706. Hung on the rear can just be seen the smoky 34067,presumably the engine for tomorrows Royal Dutchy Express (This Set) going to Par... Come on WC-Rly's we all know your livery is appallingly dull and dour but that is no excuse for not cleaning it occasionally.
..13 september 2014..
37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' hums past Bishops Sutton on the 16:20 from Alton to Arlesford. This engine was subject to a rebuild from a basic '37' into a test prototype for a percieved Class-38 using a Mirrlees Engine instead of its original EE type.Although it performed well enough the '38' project was never preceeded with and with the influx of '66-s' these few experimental rebuilds (6 in all) were doomed.37901's useful life ending in 1998 after just 13 years.
..07 september 2014..
37324 brings up the rear of the 15:55 from Arlesford to Alton as it passes Bishops Sutton.The casually placed rear tail-light on the drawbar hook being a bit of a give-away!
..07 september 2014..
37324 rolls into Medstead and Four Marks with the 13:55 from Arlesford past the Yard there used to store various items of railway infrastructure including semaphores and a wooden Signal Cabin undergoing some pretty serious restoration.
..07 september 2014..
The 11:15 from Arlesford to Alton make a typically noisy exit from Ropley thanks to 37905 errrr ? I mean D6836.This panoramic view of the Shed area at Ropley shows over 50% of the running roster for the 2014 Gala. Visible are 37324/31271/31466/50027 plus 37905 of coarse.
..07 september 2014..
37324 or if you prefer 37099 heads East over Bowers Grove Lane at North Street with the 17:15 from Arlesford going to Alton.After a mainly cloudy day the sun finally made an appearence around teatime so the temptation for a couple of lineside pictures became rather more attractive than riding up and down the length of the line behind various classic traction classes!
..06 september 2014..
37901 'Slug-1' stands in the Depot at Ropley awaiting its first turn of duty.Glimpsed over a selection of steam locomotive wheels and adjacent to a partially restored boiler.
..05 september 2014..
Running as D6836 but in fact really 37905.It is seen entering Ropley Station with the 09:55 from Alresford going to Alton.Not a particularly bright day today so this type of shot (Looking down on the subject) is pretty necessary to give any pictures at least some kind of even lighting.Also use of 800asa was also required for the duration of the day.It was that dull!
..05 september 2014..
As '1Z47' from Southend going to Minehead sped by at Crofton there was just enough time to grab a shot of 37706 that was hanging on the rear.Unbelievably this '37' was even dirtier than the lead-loco 47237.It is viewed passing the famous Crofton Beam-Engine Pump House that is still used to this day to keep the K & A Canal topped up with water.As can be seen it was not operating today as no smoke was flowing from the vintage chimney behind the loco.
..16 august 2014..
Today a Test-Train from Bristol (09:37 off) ran going eventually to Didcot via Weymouth.It was reporting as '3Q23'.Unfortunately the DBSO was leading with 37409 'Lord Hinton' operating on the rear.Here it is viewed running silently down Bruton Bank prior to turning left at Castle-Cary going to Weymouth.This area is known locally as Gants Mill but due to ever encroaching bushes and trees this shot was pretty much the best you could do!
..29 july 2014..
The use of full telephoto on my 24-105 lens then some pretty dramatic cropping in Photoshop gave me this 2nd picture of '3Q23' with 37409 pushing towards Weymouth from Bristol.Having passed Gants Mill the train was approaching Cole.
..29 july 2014..
Although this picture is rather dull I have included it to show a closer shot of the new style livery now being applied to the DRS fleet.37423 in its fresh colours was leading 37402 yet again with 37604 still playing its tail end charlie role in the distance. So here is '1Z38' returning to Stafford from Swanage growling nicely in the dullness passing Arn Hill nr Warminster. Nothing that 800ASA and a 640th @F4.5 can't fix!
..13 june 2014..
Today 'Pathfinder Tours' ran this working '1Z37' from Stafford departing at 05:47 going all the way to Swanage along the preserved railway there.37423 and 37402 were leading.37423 had recently been reliveried into the style of the brand new Class-68's which have yet to reach regular service.37402 plus a third 'nose' 37604 on the rear retaining the Compass style.Here the working passes Little Langford in the Wylye-Valley running in fine style c/w its full set on eleven matching Choc-n-Cream Coaches.Nice not having to worry about being done by a floater for a change!
..13 june 2014..
Over 50 years ago when my now 'passed on' Dad worked on this Station here at Warminster I virtually had the run of the place.For example--extended visits to the Signal-Box or helping to load Mail-bags into every train that stopped. Truly happy times.These days staffing is down to just one person selling tickets during normal working hours so overall it is now just a shadow of its former self. However today due to the drizzle and wind it turned out to be a very good place to record the passing of '1Z48' from Whitchurch (Shropshire) to Eastleigh.Although running as a Class-1 it was most definitely not in public use but had about 10 presumably support staff sat in the coach behind the '47' for a Railtour starting tomorrow from Eastleigh called the 'Heart of Wales Meanderer' operated by Pathfinder-Tours to Llandrindrod Wells. Power for this working today was a very generous triple header comprising 37612/37611 and 47810 all in Compass-DRS colours.The stock was a complete set of GWR-Style Choc n Cream.All very nice.
..20 april 2014..
For some reason today the usual NMT duty '1Q18' down to Plymouth and return to London-Paddington was substituted by a pair of DRS-37's and NR-stock.Understandably it was running slightly behind time due to the faster speeds the NMT runs at.It was 15 minutes late here at Fairwood on the Westbury Avoider and arrived at Paddington 43 down. 37218 was leading with 37603 on the rear.Shortly after this working had passed the lighting went dramatically downhill so it was quite lucky to get this rare substitution in reasonable light!
..20 december 2013..
DRS-pairing 37419 and 39194 plod steadily northwards over Eckington River Bridge with '6M56' from Berkley C.E.G.B going to Crewe Coal Sidings.Two presumably loaded 'FNA-s' in tow.
..11 december 2013..
Pathfinder-Tours operated this working '1Z42' today from Whitchurch (Shropshire) going to Portsmouth.Named as the 'Festive Festival Express' it was powered by a pair of DRS-37's.Neither of which I recall on Railtour duty before.Leading was 37261(This went to France in 2000 and survived the cull upon its return) and 37405 tucked inside providing the ETH to keep those punters not hanging out the windows warm! It is seen running a few minutes early passing Dilton Marsh-Halt during its climb of Upton Scudamore Incline.....Quite nice thrash!
..30 november 2013..
'6M63' from Bridgewater going to Crewe-Coal Sidings today had two flask-wagons in tow.Power being provided as always by a pair of locomotives. It was the turn of 37259 and 37605 today and they are seen at Croome Perry motoring north in the weak late afternoon sunlight.
..12 november 2013..
After several passes of our vantage point with little luck with regards a spot of sunshine D6700 finally saw some light whilst hauling the 12:54 from Bridgenorth to the south end on the line as it passes Foley Park just north of the tunnel there.The coaches being the superb complete LMS 'Period-3' trainset resident on this railway.
..05 october 2013..
The first-built Class-37 D6700 is now part of the National collection and is currently visiting various preserved railways around the country at various different locations.This weekend was the Severn Valley Railway's turn and it coincided with their annual diesel gala.Here the fully restored engine moves slowly away from Kidderminster with the 09:55 to Bridgenorth.The Gala got of to a bad start when a volunteer passed away whilst working in one of the coaching sets in the sheds here whilst preparing it for the days duties.A sad start to the day.Although this working departed 35 minutes late the schedules for the remainder of the day were not too badly effected.
..05 october 2013..
'2W81' was the final train of the day going only as far as Winchcombe from Toddington.At last a decent shot with the entire vista in sunlight! 37215 is viewed passing Hailes Abbey with this last working.A fairly pleasing end to the day after quite a few promising shots ended in clouded up failure.
..28 july 2013..
'2C63' from Lavenham (Departed at 12:04) approached so silently here at Dixton with no 37 'growl' whatsover that I nearly missed it! BR-Blue 37215 looked really superb as it passed us by.
..28 july 2013..
'6M67' from Bridgewater to Crewe today departed in a late path at 14:02 instead of its usual 11:58.Hence by the time it got to Parson Street here in Bristol the shot was rather backlit.However as today it had four 37's leading three Nuclear Flask wagons it was a picture not to be missed.There was no time to move locations after the overhead cloud cleared to full blue unexpectedly less the 30 minutes before its arrival.Anyway here are 37688/37610/37609 and 37605 whisking through the somewhat grassy platforms at Parson Street.Considering the extreme sun angle a not to disappointing result after a heavy session in Photoshop CS2.
..04 july 2013..
A quadruple set of 37's today graced '6M67' from Bridgewater going up to Crewe Coal sidings transporting three Nuclear Flask wagons.I know the rules covering the security of these workings require two working locomotives so quite probably one of the initial pair became defective so rather than split another pair up they were simply just added to the consist.I am not complaining as this is the first time I have seen this many of this class together moving for many a long year. Here are 37688 with 37610/37609 and 37605 passing through Parson Street in the western suburbs of Bristol City.A 2 hour late departure from Bridgewater at 14:02 meant that the scene was painfully backlit,typically when you hope for no sun it duly appears in a cloudless sky.Amazingly 60 minutes earlier it was wall to wall cloud and dullness!You can never win in this game! ..04 july 2013..
DRS-Pair 37603 and 37409 speed up through Flax-Bourton with '6M67' from Bridgewater going to Crewe with two nuclear-flasks in tow.In the background was an Oil storage facility that has recently officially closed after years of being in mothballs.All the track inside the compound is now lifted and the disconnected siding beside the mainline will no doubt be gone soon as well.
..10 april 2013..
37419 c/w low-level nameplate 'Carl Haviland 1954-2012' leans into the sharp curve at Ladydown as it slows to take the Melksham line at Bradford-Junction.Listed as '3Z14' from Bristol Kingsland Road to Didcot-TC via Weymouth. DBSO 9714 was out of sight on the rear. I noted the other day some ex-West Coast DVT's have now been refurbished and reliveried into NR-Yellow.Are these additional or will they result in the older DBSO's getting the bullit?
..09 april 2013..
Setting off again from Westbury on another leg of todays route,37609/37602 on '1Q13' heads off back towards Bath again.Viewed this time at Yarnbrook near Trowbridge.An hour or so later it returned again to Westbury then headed off up the B&H back to Bristol via Reading.
..21 february 2013..
'1Q13' with 37602/37609 rolls into Westbury past the Power-Box there.Not too much right with this shot,wagons in the way,and the light is too head-on really.However beggers can't be choosers as this was the only bright patch of the afternoon!
..21 february 2013..
This is the 13:34 Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Temple Meads Test-Train via Bath/Westbury/Chippenham/Westbury/Reading and Swindon.Running as '1Q13' here it is on the first approach of Westbury seen at Trowbridge.37602 was leading with 37609 waiting its turn on the back.
..21 february 2013..
The surprise of the day was the un-announced use of 37906 double heading with 31601 on just one shuttle later on during the Gala.Since it was known that 37906 was under repair earlier it can only be assumed the shuttle service was used as a test run taking 31601 along as insurance.Anyway we missed the run to Bewdley due to being between locations but were lucky enough to get this one shot,albeit heavily backlit although its amazing what can be done in photoshop! The working was the 16:33 from Bewdley and is seen on the approach to Foley Park Tunnel in the low early evening light.
..06 october 2012..
As usual a day that started out as wall to wall sun degenerated into the usual english midday disaster area.Here can be seen '6M67' coming from Bridgewater (Nuclear sidings) going to Crewe with its load today of two 'flask' wagons.37259 with 37607 in ex-works condition along for company motor up past Malago-Vale in the western suburbs of Bristol.Note the 15ft high sound barrier fencing that runs for about half a mile of this stretch to protect the sensibilities of the new house owners built on ex-railway land at this location.At least its not palisade and spiky!
..19 september 2012..
This Tour, unusually ran on a Friday was organised by Pathfinder-Tours as the 'Dartmouth Flyer'.It departed Tame Bridge Parkway at 06:02,its destination being Kingswear in Devon.A nice pair of DRS 37's 37612 and 37259 are seen here going at full speed hauling a very mixed bag of stock in various liveries.A very colourful scene as the working passes the fading willow-herb here at Styles-Hill on the Frome avoiding-line. Note the blood splatters on the nose of 37612 where it had earlier executed an unsuspecting low flying bird of some description!
..31 august 2012..
The final leg of todays duty for '3Z14' was supposed to be from Weymouth to Swindon via Melksham then back to Bristol past Bathampton.However the train then headed by DBSO-9714 was held at Thingley-Junction for some considerable time because of lineside equipment difficulties so the section from there to Swindon was abandoned.This meant that when it appeared here going to Bristol it was pretty much back on schedule.97304 was thankfully leading as it passes Bathampton in the superb evening light!
..23 july 2012..
With the NR 31's now seemingly falling out of favour the 973++ series of refurbished 37's are now making appearances on Test-Trains in our area. Here is 97304,the former 37217 now named 'John Tiley' heading a short 3 coach working '3Z14' from Bristol going to Weymouth.With a DVT on the rear this working will be pushing all the way from there to its next reversal at Swindon.The working is seen just after departure from Castle-Cary on the single line towards Yeovil Pen-Mill at CockHill.
..23 july 2012..
'1Z37' The Kernow Explorer was a tour run by Spitfire-Tours.It originated from Birmingham-International departing there at 05:00 in the morning.Its destination was Penzance.West-Coast Rly's supplied 37516/37676 and matching coaching stock for this much anticipated tour.The working is seen 4 hours into its 7 hours journey rounding Langstone-Rock at Dawlish-Warren actually running just over 10 minutes early.After the week of terrible weather it was nice to see it pass in nice strong morning light!
..23 june 2012..
Disappearing fast towards London from Plymouth is '1Q88' with a pair of NR-yellow 37's in charge.This was a substitute for the unavailable NMT that usually does this duty.97302 on the rear here was formally 37170 whilst the Loco leading 97301 used to be 37100,one of the 42 37's that spent some time around 2000 working in the South of France,(When I can dig out the Transparancy and scan it I will Link it from here).Location for this lucky lucky shot is Styles-Hill in Frome.
..22 june 2012..
Well! This has got to be my luckiest shot of the year so far.During the 20 minute wait I had to endure a raging gale and sheets of rain and almost total darkness.However as this working came into view up the mile long straight from Blatchbridge-Junction a miraculous hole appeared in the 100% cloud cover.That combined with the rare use of this pair of NR tractors instead of the usual NMT produced this shot. The working was '1Q88' from Plymouth heading up to Paddington Here is 97301 with 97302 on the rear going well passing Frome at Styles-Hill. Amazingly this is the first time I have ever seen an NR-yellow 37 actually in motion hauling a train.....Well worth the wait! I really must get out more.
..22 june 2012..
With the Weymouth to Newbury leg of todays running of 'Test-Train' '1X14' DRS-Compass 37603 bores through Clink amazingly today running almost to booked schedule.37038 was nestling on the rear.As usual it was raining but after all it is June in the UK so what else would you expect!
..22 june 2012..
'5Z14' from Derby to Didcot via Bristol and Salisbury growls up the incline at Upton-Scudamore in extreemly dull conditions.37038 leading,still in the older DRS livery and 37603 on the back.This working was slightly behind schedule------260 minutes down!---------
..21 june 2012..
For the first time in over 10 days the sun made an appearance in our area!This was extreemly convenient as this Railtour '1Z20' from Crewe (05:37 off) going down to Parkendillack run by Pathfinder-Tours was running today. Here the nicely turned out DRS pairing of 37609 and 37606 are seen at the top-end of the Charfield-Loops in North-Bristol running pretty much exactly to time.Judging by the rust,the southbound loop here see's very little use.
..09 june 2012..
With 37611 leading and 37601 on the back the '1Q13' test-train passes Westerleigh as it travels from Exeter going to Didcot.
..26 may 2012..
Having completed its full set of visits around the Eastleigh and Southampton areas the Tour now running as '1Z63' with the pair of 20's leading departs Millbrook nr the Docks and is starting its journey back to Crewe travelling via Guildford and Reading.37409 seen here moving slowly away on the rear.
..05 may 2012..
Against the backdrop of the busy Port of Southampton comprising Vehicles for export,Container-Ships and Cruise-Liners 37409 runs past Millbrook on the approach to the junction for the Western-Docks.Behind the train can be seen the now redundant car-loading facility for imported cars that used to leave the port daily by rail.Sadly this has not happened now for a few years.
..05 may 2012..
The poor relation on this tour was 37409 'Lord Hinton' along for the ride being employed as a drawback engine and a source of 'ETS' for the train.However it did get a few miles in as the train-engine.Here it is on the Eastleigh to Southampton-Eastern Docks leg of the Itinerary. Seen passing St-Deny's approaching Northam and the junction for the Docks.
..05 may 2012..
Another example of night photography during the day! ''640th@F4 800asa''. 37423 brings up the rear of the rapidly disappearing '1Q14' test train(DBSO 9701 leading) as it nears this days journeys end--Westbury.Its route today was from Eastleigh to Clapham via Guildford then to Salisbury and to finish up down the Wylye-Valley. Seen from one of the staggered platforms at Dilton Marsh Halt looking north.
..03 may 2012..
'1Q14' going from Derby-RTC (05:44 departure) to Eastleigh runs into Westbury pretty much running to time.The aptly named 37423 'Spirit of the Lakes' given the prevailing weather conditions leading 72612/977868 with DVT 9701 bringing up the rear.
..01 may 2012..
37259 led '1Q13' on its return from Salisbury bound for Oxford via Westbury/Reading and Didcot.37604 now playing the role of 'Tail-End Charlie'.A lucky capture in the sunlight this but the fast moving clouds opened up just in time.This engine looking particularly smart having recently had some attention from a paintbrush around the nose-ends.seen passing Arn-Hill nr Warminster just prior to dropping down Upton-Scudamore Bank.
..30 april 2012..
37604 heads the Radio-Test-Train '1Q13' up the Incline at Upton-Scudamore going to Salisbury from Swindon.37259 was DOR.------------30 april 2012----
Making a rapid ascent of the Incline at Upton-Scudamore is seen 37604 with 37259-DOR with '1Q13' going to Salisbury.This Didcot to Didcot 'round-robin' still had the B&H to negotiate after returning up the Wylye-Valley,then on from Reading to Oxford before todays journeys end at Didcot. Oh-Yes! the sound of this loco climbing this quite steep bank was superb.
..30 april 2012..
'1Q13' the Radio-Test-Train comprising 'RSC3' and 3 barrier vehicles passes Hawkeridge Village on the Swindon to Salisbury leg of todays planned testing tour.37604 was leading here with 37259-DOR.
..30 april 2012..
'The Coal Grinder' Railtour from Crewe to Tondu then onward to Cwmgwrach running as '1Z37' speeds past to loops ar Charfield north of Bristol.DRS-Pair 37603/37606 leading with an ex-Fastline GM 66304 on the rear but unfortunatly out of sight in this shot.
..24 march 2012..
'1Q13' having reversed at Bath down-goods-loop is viewed heading back to Westbury with the RSTT.37604 now in the more conventional role pulling the carriages instead of pushing.Claverton nr bathampton being the location.
..09 february 2012..
A further shot of 37604 pushing '1Q13' away from Westbury going to Bath -DGL in a brief splash of watery sunshine.
..09 february 2012..
37604 pushes '1Q13',the 'network radio survey train' away from Westbury heading to Bath down-goods-loop where it will reverse and come back to Westbury later.Do not often see a '37' working solo with a DBSO.They usually move a round in pairs!
..09 february 2012..
The Radio Survey Test Train '1Q13' today did a diagram that covered many lines radiating around the Westbury area.Coming from Didcot and visiting Westbury,Reading,Basingstoke then reverse to head west to Frome via Bath and eventually ending up at 20:50 back at Didcot.Former 'Split-Box' 37038 was leading on this leg to Reading with 37604 just in view on the rear.Running pretty much on-time the working is seen at Hawkeridge nr Westbury about to take the chord to avoid the station and head on up the B&H. ..30 november 2011..
Yesterdays 'Jorvic Explorer III' from Exeter to York was booked to run as the returning ecs '1Z37' from Exeter to Preston the next day.It took the long way round from Exeter booked via Bristol and Westbury,then Reading before turning north up the Thames Valley,turning right at Didcot - etc.Departure time from Exeter was 10:30 and estimated time of arrival at Preston was 19:05. Here the train is seen in the Limpley-Stoke Valley passing Freshford under a pretty much cloudless sky running bang on time.Locomotives were West-Coast Rly's 37676 and 37685 leading with an out of sight 57601 DOR.
..06 november 2011..
Wearing a nice traditional looking Headboard proclaiming 'Spitfire Tours' 37706 with 37685 DOR heads for Portsmouth Harbour from Winchester Baltic Sidings.The Root&Branch III Tour '1Z37' was still about an hour late due to earlier difficulties at Reading. Shot taken at Hedge-End Station on the Eastleigh to Fareham line via Botley.From Portsmouth as '1V38' the train would head back towards Paddington in the gathering darkness.
..22 october 2011..
A more wider view of 37706 as it now heads the '1Z37' Tour after a reversal on the Hamworthy Branch nr Poole.37685 taking a rest on the back.By now it was an hour late but thankfully the blue skies held on as it passes the Maritime FL-depot near Redbridge.
..22 october 2011..
37706 now heads the '1Z37' Tour after a reversal on the Hamworthy Branch nr Poole.37685 taking a rest on the back.By now it was an hour late but thankfully the blue skies held on as it passes Maritime near Redbridge.
..22 october 2011..
'1Z37' The Root-n-Branch III Railtour was delayed by about 30 minutes due to a cable fault causing loss of signalling at Basingstoke (According the N-Rail sources). Here it is arriving at Eastleigh past the North yard there with 37685 leading and 37706 on the back.Thank goodness the sun was out because the WC-Rly livery these engines carry just about works when it is shining!
..22 october 2011..
Having 'got the road' 37601 growls away from the signal check with '1Q13' as it powers towards Reading via the Didcot-Avoider. 37611 DOR.
..28 september 2011..
The next leg of todays radio testing route was from Oxford going to Reading.Still running as '1Q13' 37601 with 37611 DOR slowly approaches Didcot passing the yellowing autumnal trees there.
..28 september 2011..
With 37611 leading and 37601 on the rear '1Q13' heads away from Didcot towards Oxford on the first leg of todays Radio-Test program.Viewed passing under the Bypass at Didcot-North.
..28 september 2011..
The Network-Rail Radio Survey Train today travelled from Derby to Bristol via Reading.Here seen passing Thingley-Junction running just 20 minutes down on schedule. Booked as '1Q13' loco leading is 37611+Test Train+ 37601.
..26 september 2011..
'6M67' from Bridgewater going up to Crewe-Coal Sidings.This regular 'Flask' working today had 37682 and 37229 in charge of a solitary container.Seen running at speed (the fastest thing through here in over an hour!) past Bristol-Parkway.18 minutes from Flax-Bourton to Parkway.Is that a record?
..23 september 2011.
Departmental 975025-'Caroline' was once a Hastings-Unit TRB 'S60755' now converted into an Inspection-Saloon is seen being drawn by 37409 on a jaunt from Reading to Reading via Didcot/Oxford/Worcester/Cheltenham/Bristol/Taunton and Westbury then back up the B&H to Reading.Nice work if you can get it,eight hours haulage by a 37 and all the tea you can drink! Working '2Z02' seen running a few minutes ahead of time on the Frome-Avoider in indifferent light.Good job really as if the sun was out would have been backlit to hell! ..16 september 2011..
For more info on 'Caroline and its interesting history click HERE
Radio Survey Test-Train '1Q13' today did a Bristol Temple-Meads to Bristol Temple-Meads via Newport/Gloucester and Bristol-Parkway.Here it is speeding south passing Standish-Junction.Ex-split-box 37059 leading and 37604 dead on the rear. ..15 september 2011..
Couldn't resist a 'tele' grabshot before the main shot (see above). This working was not hanging about since it did not stop (as booked) in Haresfield-Loop in the distance just beyond the bridge.37059 and 37604 may be 1/2 centigenarians but they have a good turn of speed! This was '1Q13' returning to Bristol-TM from Bristol-TM via the Severn-Tunnel and Gloucester. ..15 september 2011..
37607/37608 having been dragged up on the rear from Southampton Eastern Docks now once again head the train '1Z59' as it does the final movement from Eastleigh Station to the RSMD.Sods Law dictated it was to take the 'back-way' in so a full tele-shot was called for as it it seen taking the line round the other side of the Works.This of coarse will reverse the stock neatly ready for the return journey later. ..02 september 2011..
Since the train was checked at a signal for a few minutes,a quick sprint down the road enabled me to grab this 'GAW' of the two 37's 37607 and 37608 now on the rear slowly being dragged by 47841 back into Eastleigh station.Note the Pigeon still well wedged in the jumper-plug-hole! ..02 september 2011..
Footnote.Apparantly the Pigeon has been wedged on the front of 37607 since north of Preston.Quite a long way for a Hearse to travel!......
More of the same train described below.'1Z59' growling past the bracket signal on the approach to Mount Pleasant Level Crossing.These gates spend more time closed to traffic than open!. Notice the deceased Pigeon firmly wedged in the jumper plughole on 37607.I wonder how far that non-fare paying passenger has travelled ? ..02 september 2011..
Main event of the day and the reason for going to the Southampton area was this working.'1Z59' from Glasgow Central to Southampton Eastern Docks.One of the now fairly regular Boat Trains ferrying passenger from Scotland to a waiting Cruiseship in the Docks.Today the waiting ship was the new Queen Elizebeth.Hauled for the first time by a pair of 'Tractors' 37607 and 37608 with 47841 DOR the 'on-time' working seen running down the slowline in readiness to take the docks line about 1/2 miles further along past Northam Depot. ..02 september 2011..
'5Z92', reported to be hauled by 47500 as it did last week so it was a bit of a surprise when this loco popped out of Box-Tunnel running spot on time.Tractor-37516 wearing grubby West-Coast Brown colours speeds by with the stock for tomorrows 'Weymouth-Seaside-Express' from Bristol.No decent light again,the crappy UK summer drags on! ..30 july 2011..
West-Coast-Rly Livery is dark at the best of times but when the light is poor these brown? engines look so-so drab. Anyway here is 37685 leading the ECS back from Westbury getting eventually to Bath to head the '1Z30' from there up to Oxford.This part of the diagram is '5Z30' from Westbury to Bath via Bristol. 57001 was tailing this stock set (The Royal Scotsman) and would head the train away from Bath to Oxford.This loco in I/C colours had a spell in the South of France in 2000 building a TGV-Line there and is now one of just a few of that batch of 42 to still survive. ..12 july 2011..
Emerging from the lengthening shadows and by far the noisiest and swiftest train to pass us here at Dawlish Warren was the returning 'Kernow Explorer II' running as '1Z32'.Travelling up from Penzance back to Birmingham-International. This time with 37229 leading and 37409 inside.As can be seen the day finally turned out nice making the long-long wait for this Spitfire-Tours return well worth while.....................................
..25 june 2011..
Next up after the 20's about 35m later was this Pair! 37409 'Lord Hinton' and 37229 'Jonty Jarvis 18-12-1998 to 18-3-2005' with another Spitfire-Railtour '1Z31' from Birmingham-Int again to Penzance.Name for this one was 'Kernow Explorer II'. Two down One to go!.......
..25 june 2011..
37516 now afflicted with the incredibly dull 'West Coast Railway' colours draws the convoy of locomotives used at last weeks Gala at the Swanage Railway back to the Severn-Valley Railway.Engines behind 37516 are 37503/D9009/56301 and D1062 on the rear.Seen shortly after running over Hawkeridge Junction with '0Z57' with Kidderminster as the destination. ..17 may 2011..
To see 37516 14 years ago in a 'proper' livery click HERE.
On the final day of booked operations for '1Q13' out of Bristol the Radio-Survey Test-Train was supposed to go to Swindon,then up to Cheltenham and back.Return to Bristol then go to Didcot and return before heading off home to Derby in the evening.All started well as can be seen with 37607 leading with 37611 DOR passing Cocklebury Lane -Chippenham on the first leg.It never left Swindon for Cheltenham because of a problem with 37611 and due to a fatality at Bathampton Junc the return path was in doubt as well.Eventually started the return but Duff-Gen indicated it was going via Westbury so quick move was deemed necessary.This was a mistake as it passed our original stake-out position barely 3 minutes after we left (We had been there previously for about an hour).I think this may be called 'The Fog of War!'..... Never mind life goes on.................... ..08 april 2011..
My final sight of '1Q13' today was after it departed STJ and re-appeared at Pilning ,on this leg going to Highbridge-Loop for a reversal there.Though booked into the Loop here went up the Main as was pretty much on Loop Departure Time when it appeared.Older style DRS 37607 now leading with dirty 37611 DOR. Altogether Six really nice shots in under Four hours,I love it when a plan comes together (For a change!) ..07 april 2011..
A quick drive 'As the crow flies' enabled me to head off the Avonmouth to STJ leg at Pilning.Shortly after I arrived it appeared in the loop behind a Coal working to Aberthaw.After a short pause to allow a few Units to overtake it duly growled out of the loop with plenty of volume.As before '1Q13' with 37611 leading with 37607 DOR. ..07 april 2011..
With the dirtier of the pair 37611 now leading and heading for Severn-Tunnel-Junction-West '1Q13' seen on the Avonmouth Line passing Brentry at Fishpool Hill,better known as 'Dogshit Lane' though now it is fully tarmaced and any dog having a crap is likely to get splattered by a passing motorist! ..07 april 2011..
Still on the Taunton to Avonmouth 'BHT' section of todays itinerary 37607/37611 with '1Q13' are about to pass under the A403 roadbridge at Smoke Lane Avonmouth.Only about a mile from their next reversal actually in the Coal Terminal. ..07 april 2011..
Next port of call for '1Q13' was Flax-Bourton to record the 2nd-leg from Taunton going to the 'BHT' at Avonmouth.Running bang on schedule this time with 37607 (Old DRS logo) leading and 37611 on the back the working is seen passing the mothballed Fuel Storage facility at Flax.Sidings still intact but not connected (but could be) just in case there is a National Emergency such as a War in the Middle-East or perhaps Libya!! ..07 april 2011..
Spent the whole day chasing around Bristol area picking up altogether six shots of this very busy 'Radio Survey Test-Train'.'1Q13' departed Temple-Meads at 11:00,Its first destination being Taunton.Here with 37611 leading and 37607 DOR powering past Malago-Vale with the sun lightly catching the front-end.So nice to be able to concentrate on the photography and not have to worry about cumulus-obscurer. ..07 april 2011..
DRs provided this pair----37688 and 37510 to run '6Z50' .A scrap service from Stockton going to Sheerness in Kent.Here passing Colton-Junction south of York. What a superb racket these two produced. ..03 febuary 2011..
2010 saw the recommencement of regular traffic from Berkeley Nuclear-PS transfering spent fuel-rods up to Sellafield for reprocessing.Here is '6m56' from there seen passing under the M6 Motorway nr Cam&Dursley.37229 and 37087 with just one Flask Wagon.The Eddie-Stobart Lorry on the M6 was just a lucky fluke! ..01 august 2010..
Maisy-day Excursion '1Z82' run by 'Spitfire-Tours' down to Cornwall headed by a nice pair of DRS Tractors.37259 and 37218 seen passing Lympsham on the Somerset Levels. ..26 june 2010..
Finally back into traffic after a gap of many years ex-works 37409 partnered with 37423 passes Styles-Hill on the Frome Avoider with Observation Saloon 'Caroline' in tow.Working was '2Z01' from Willesdon to Southampton via Salisbury/Westbury/Yeovil and Dorchester. ..15 june 2010..
Test-Train '1Q86' the 04:30 from Selhurst-RSMD to Eastleigh via Exeter and Salisbury powers through Millbrook in Southampton with 37038 leading with 37610 on the rear.
..15 march 2010..
DRS pairing 37087 and 37510 stand in the 'cage' on the Sharpness Dock Branch where the spent nuclear fuel rods are loaded in their reinforced containers for transportation ultimatly to Windscale or as it is known now, Sellafield.These come from the decommisioned Nuclear-PS Oldbury,a few miles away.The two 37's have not fared much better.37510 is now withdrawn and stored at Barrow Hill so the future for that one is none too bright.However 37087 (the final splitbox 37/0 in mainline service) has no future whatsoever,it was scapped in C F Booths at Rotherham,being fully dismantled by March 2013.............A Pity.
..05 february 2010..
It is such a pity that only with very clean engines and good direct sunlight that these 'West Coast' liveried engines look 1/2 decent. Anyway ---- Here are 37516 and 37706 slowly negotiating the Swanage branch between Furzebrook and Wogret-Junction with the returning 'Purbeck-Growler' railtour operated by Spitfire-Tours.Return destination was Crewe. ..26 september 2009..
West-Coast Pair 37516 and 37706 are seen at Wareham in deepest Dorset heading for Swanage from Crewe with '1Z49',The Purbeck Growler.A Railtour organised by Spitfire-Tours.
..26 september 2009..
Serco Test-Train '1Q13' with 37608 passes the 'Shanks' 66522 that is shunting back to the Barrow-Road Bin-Depot with the then daily rubbish collection train..Shot taken from the old Midland Railway route out of Bristol that is now a Cycleway at Lawrence-Hill.
..22 september 2009..
An extra 'Nuclear' working to get this loaded flask wagon back up to Sellafield with its 'hot' cargo after it was left behind at Bridgewater the previous day due to an axlebox defect.37059 and 37608 seen making good speed through Yate in the northern outskirts of Bristol.'6Z05' being the reporting number. ..05 september 2009..
Billed as the final LCHS to Weymouth though in fact it happened again the year after! 37670 and 37401 approach Clink-Junction with the Bristol to Weymouth 'final saturday service'.Anticipating extra loading one more coach was added but train was still standing room only by the time it reach Bath!
..05 september 2009..
This was a pretty memorable day! The final LCHS of the 2009 season from Bristol-TM to Weymouth '2O72' 09:00 off passes Bathampton with 37670 in its fresh coat of Schenker-Red partnered with 37401.It was 37670 final duties in traffic so it didn't last very long despite the shiny coat of paint.Within a fortnight it was taken out of service by DBS.It was finally disposed of at Leicester L.I.P in March-2018.
..05 september 2009..
I have included this shot of 37116 simply because it is about to start a second life as a mainline working engine having been sold out of preservation to Colas-Rail.This engine was the last 'split-box' 37 c/w skirts and a L-Logo paint scheme when it was overhauled and rebuilt into the livery style your see here in early 1996.After 5 years use it was withdrawn and sold for preservation eventually in Feb/2007 here at Chinnor where this picture was taken. So now the wheel has turned full circle and 'Sister Dora' will rise again sometime in early 2014. I wonder if Yellow/Orange will suit the 37 body shape?
..28 june 2009..
Running as '2Z01' was 37423 with Inspection-Saloon Caroline along for Company.Here passing Witham-Friary going to the S-West.Starting from Reading-West,destination was Penzance .
..17 march 2009..
37898 in an incredibly rough edition of 'Transrail' livery sits next to a similarly doomed 56011 in the sidings at Long Marston basically waiting for the call to a scrapyard.This came 3 years later in September-2011 going to Kingsbury in the East Midlands..An amazing 12 years after its formal withdrawal.
..8 june 2008..
37275 and 37906 doublehead a working from Norden going to Swanage.here passing Corfe-Common.Probably the working of the weekend of the 2008 Gala.
..11 may 2008..
37275 draws '3417' away from Harmons-Cross during the 2008-Gala.
..11 may 2008..
Rushton engined 37906 had been in preservation since it was withdrawn way back in 1999.However it was sold to Europheonix at the end of 2014 so there is a distinct possibility that it will make a comeback to the mainline in the not too distant future.It is seen here running into Harmons Cross on the Swanage Railway during their 2008 Diesel Gala.It is towing EMU-3417 'Gordon Pettitt' the sole remaining Class-423 unit.This remains in preservation and is now based on the Bluebell Railway.It is about to be fully restored sponsored by Bombardier Transportation.
..09 may 2008..
This working ran a '1Z37' a Railtour operated by Pathfinder Tours under the name of 'The Heart of Wales Explorer'. EWS-Red pairing 37422 'Cardiff Canton' and 37417 'Richard Trevithick' are seen passing Fishermans Crossing nr Dundas in the Limpley Stoke Valley on a glorious Saturday morning going from Eastleigh all the way to Llandrindod-Wells and back again c/w a healthy loading of 11 coaches. Superb!
..25 august 2007..
37229 and 37218 T'n'T the Serco test train '1Q14' from London heading for Weymouth.Seen here at Totton west of Southampton past the remains of the freight-yard there.
..17 july 2007..
Top-n-Tail combo 37410/37406 speeds through Chepstow with '2Z37' the 08:15 from Gloucester to Cardiff Central.This was an extra working assoc with an event (Rugby I think) in the Millenium Stadium there.This pair did two out and back trip during the day giving plenty of opportunities for the usual crowd of window hangers as can be seen here!
..04 november 2006..
37411 on '2R26' the 12:59 from Cardiff-Central to Rhymney passes the unpronouncable Troedrhiwfuwch south of Pontlottyn in the Rhymney Valley.Access to this location was down over a long rocky rough hillside.The clear trackside being due to work a few year ago to stablise a landslip in this location.
..22 october 2005..
37411 in its then new coat of BR-Green runs into Ystrad-Mynach past the 'up' staggered platform here.The working being '2F34' the 14:15 from Rhymney to Cardiff-Central.Saturday's at this time was a happy hunting ground for loco hauled 37 shots with three sets out all day giving a chance of a shot every hour until sunset....A good time being had by all!
..22 october 2005..
Powering around the curve as it departs Ystrad-Mynach is the then recently repainted 37425 now wearing the universally liked Large-Logo colours.At this time still un-named it is heading south for Cardiff from Rhymney.The LCHS trains finally finished on this line shortly afterwards and I for one was quite glad.The aggro from the local natives was getting to be quite serious.Photographers were about as welcome up this valley as a fart in a spacesuit!
..16 july 2005..
A smart looking repainted 37411 runs past the Signal-box at Ystrad-Mynach heading south with a working from Rhymney going to Cardiff. A lucky shot this as I managed to blag my way into the box itself for this one time only picture. Can't see that happening much these days in 2012 with the Gestapo H&S regulations that now run the system!
..02 april 2005..
37408 wearing its final livery of EWS-Red.Seen here powering past a very convenient gap in the lineside shrubs at Troedrhiwfuwch just north of Tir-Phil.This clear patch was due to repair work a few years ago to a landslip of the steep hill to the left.The working was the 15:15 off Rhymney '2F26' going to Cardiff-Central.This loco was to spend the rest of its career on this Rota between Cardiff and Rhymney until on the 1st of August just under 5 months later it was involved in a shunting incident at Rhymney at the top of the line.Since a nose section was badly bent and damaged it was withdrawn from service straight away and eventually in January 2008 was cut up for scrap.A pity because this loco was always going to be a strong candidate for preservation when it finally finished with EWS. ..19 march 2005..
Somewhat dubious quality but this relatively early digital shot captures the departure from Whatley Quarry of the Pathfinder 'Industrial Invader' Tour returning to Crewe running as '1Z38'.Although now running quite late this train still had to visit Avonmouth before heading back to the Midlands.37047 and 37109 were leading as they made an extreemly smoky exit from the tunnel shortly afer leaving the quarry.37418 and 37410 were on the rear. ..18 september 2004..
37410 and 37418 emerge into the wooded area between the two tunnels on the approach to Whatley Quarry on the freight-only branch.Pathfinder-Tours ran this train 'The Industrial Invader' from Crewe visiting various lines on the way here including the branch to Sharpness as '1Z37'.Later on it was to go to Avonmouth as well.37047/37109 were on the back.This shot was only possible as a huge area of tree growth had to be removed a few years earlier to recover a derailed 59 and wreckage that littered this spot.Incidentally 4 years later another major derailment happened here when the Whatley GM Shunter brakes failed causing another big pile of wreckage!
..18 september 2004..
Gleaming in a new coat of 'Large-Logo' colours 37425 gets away from Pontlottyn for the final mile or so up to the terminus at Rhymney.This working '2R42' departed Cardiff-Central at 16:59,the journey up to Rhymney taking just over an hour.Despite the fact that this shot was taken over 12 years ago the spiky fencing wasd already having an impact.Until very recently here all there was alongside the line here was much more photogenic wooden posts and wire for the fence.Good enough for over 100years but not anymore according the the H&S braindeads!
..18 june 2004..
37667 'Meldon Quarry Centenary' rolls away from Didcot Yard going to Oxford-Hinksey,later on it will continue to Bescot.Seen from the footbridge at Didcot North Junction.This loco still remains active in 2013 working for the DRS concern based at Carlisle Kingmoor.
..08 june 2004..
Here is 37174 in the last month of its career.Game to the end but just considered surplus to requirements.It is viewed approaching Didcot at the North-Junction with the 09:29 '6V03' from Kineton conveying MOD stores.Just visible is the unofficial painted name bestowed upon it 'The Angel of the North'.Twenty days later on the 28th it was stored at Toton and eventually met the cutters torch at EMR-Kingsbury in April 2008 after 45 years since being built.
..08 june 2004..
37674 stands in the platform at Cranmore on the East-Somerset Railway with the train already made up for the evening 'Fish&Chip' Special.This was quite a good Gala and a year later another was organised,however that ended in farce when 37798 derailed at the Station Throat blocking in two Class 59's.Mendip-Rail were not impressed! No Diesel Gala's have been held there since!
..17 april 2004..
37674 'St Blaise Church 1445-1995' gets away fromCranmore going to Mendip-Vale during the nice little Gala held there that year.The I/C stock being that used by Wessex Trains for the 'FO' Brighton Train that spent all week in Westbury doing nothing hence the visit + its pair of 31's to this Diesel-Gala as well.This shot was obtained because in those days a fiver+a hi-viz jacket gave you unfettered track access.Thing are not quite so straight forward over 10 years later!
..17 april 2004..
After a superb cloudless day there was still just enough sunlight left to capture this glinty type shot at Southam Lane of the final train of the day going back to Toddington from Cheltenham-RC (Seen in the background) before the sun dropped over the horizon..The railways pair of BR-Blue 37's 37215 and 37324 were in charge and rounded off a good days photography on that weekends Diesel-Gala.
..26 october 2003..
Blue-Combo 37324 & 37215 head south at Hailes Abbey bound for Cheltenham during the autumn diesel gala being held on the line that day.Today in 2016 37324 has reverted to the number 37099 and is now an operational mainline loco again working for Colas.37215 however remains preserved and is still operational on the G&W-Rly.
..26 october 2003..
The final build EE-type-3 37308 is seen slowly climbing Upton-Scudamore Bank with '6O41' the morning engineers working from Westbury to Eastleigh today consisting of a CWR-set.Behind the Tractor DIT was 66236.Neither loco works in the UK in 2013.The 37 now has preserved status whilst 66236 is an ECR (France) allocated unit.
..06 october 2003..
Now in EWS-Red but still retaining its 'Loch Rannoch' nameplates 37408 blasts up past Ponthir with the 18:15 from Cardiff going to Crewe (via Wrexham) extra running as '1Z34'.This was to provide additional capacity on the route for an International Rugby Match at the Millenium Stadium between Wales and Scotland,the Welsh won 23-9.
..30 august 2003..
Speeding along in the sunshine with '1Z39' from Crewe to Cardiff full of Rugby fans going to the Millenium Stadium for a Wales V Scotland Rugby Match is 37408 'Loch Rannoch'. The shot is at Pandy north of Abergavenny on the Welsh-Marches.It started its journey at Crewe.
.. 30 august 2003..
37197 was by this time in private ownership,hence the oddball Green/Grey livery. This was another Rugby special for the Wales v Scotland Match at the Millenium Stadium.Another one originating at Crewe it ran as '1Z77 and is seen here passing Pontrillas on the Welsh-Marches.Unfortunately being preserved does not guarantee survival and it went for scrap at EMR-Kingsbury and was gone by 31 may 2012.
..30 august 2003..
Immaculate 37410 speeds past Miskin west of Cardiff with the 13:35 off Fishguard Harbour going to Rhymney.Running as '1R38'.This was quite a long distance run for a '37' at this time.In total over 140 miles end to end!
19 august 2003..
Faded 37669 rolls slowly off the short branch from Cardiff-Docks at Pengham with a rather lightly loaded 'Enterprise' going the short distance to Newport-ADJ.The working being '6B64'. It lasted in service until laid aside in September 2007 and was sold in early 2011 to West-Coast-Rly's and it now lies stored at Carnforth.
..19 august 2003..
Not long after it was repainted into EWS colours from its popular 'Large-Logo' style 37408 'Loch Rannoch' is seen approaching Gilfach-Fargoed on the Cardiff to Ryhmney line.This loco was pretty much a cert for preservation after its time on the mainline was over but regretably on 1st August 2005 (About 2 years after this shot was taken) it was involved in a low speed runaway incident at Rhymney and was damaged sufficiently to warrant withdrawal and eventual scrapping.
..16 august 2003..
37425 c/w Virgin liveried mk-2 stock prepares to get away from Llanbradach heading south on the Rhymney to Cardiff line.The platforms here are staggered and the other platform is beyond the footbridge in the distance.Note my faithful 250 HondaRSA in the carpark.I still own it and it is now fully renovated to 'Like-New' condition.ClickHERE to see it now.
..16 august 2003..
Heavyweight 37706 departs from Alexander Dock Junction Yard in Newport heading the evening engineers working to Bescot in Birmingham.Not a particularly taxing load!
..24 june 2003..
Resplendent in its recently applied unique 'Margam' version of 2-tone grey 37402 'Bont Y Bermo' powers away from Ystrad-Mynach on the Rhymney Valley Line heading for Cardiff.
..21 june 2003..
Standing at Caerphilly with a Rhymney to Cardiff service is a very recently repainted 37410.This 37/4 once carried the name 'Aluminium 100' but was to remain un-named for the rest of its career.It is now owned by DRS and is currently (December 2012) in store at Kingmoor nr Carlisle.
..21 june 2003..
37410 has just climbed the sharp incline away from Cardiff-Central Station and is crossing the mainlines on its way towards Queen Street Station.This was a Cardiff to Rhymney morning service seen from the Pellett Street footbridge.At this time all the trains to Rhymney were '37' hauled on a Saturday.The locals eventually got sick and tired of photographers and became quite aggressive and I for one was pretty glad when it was all over!
..21 june 2003..
Transrail-Grey 37674 gets away from Westbury up-yard slowly heading for Newport-ADJ with a long rack of 4-wheel spoil wagons.The working (Probably '6B65') is seen passing over Hawkeridge-Junction on a cloudless Good Friday Bank Holiday (Remember those?)
..18 april 2003..
The East Somerset-Rly had a couple of nice EWS mainline locomotives to help run the trains during their Diesel-Gala in the Spring of 2003..Here is 37798 leading 47758 away from Mendip-Vale heading back towards Cranmore.Luckily the embankments here had just been cleared of various bushes and tree's so presented a superb photo opportunity.Naturally 10 years later this shot is totally obscured again by the rampant vegetation.This Gala is well known for the fact that later on in the afternoon 37798 ran-away at Cranmore and was derailed 'all wheels' blocking everything in. EWS eventually re-railed it (no damage) later the next day. 37798 went for scrap in July 2009 whist 47758 went the same way in April 2008.
..05 april 2003..
'Loch Rannoch' 37408 runs into Ystrad-Mynach with the 12:00 from Rhymney going to Cardiff-Central.This line was a final stronghold for Class-37 traction on regular passenger work.All you ever get on this line now is 143 bouncy-buses and 150 DMU's. It was nice while it lasted!
..15 march 2003..
This pair of 'Tractors' 37308 and 37047 were allocated to St Blazey specially for a series of workings out of Meldon Quarry to St Blazey.Today we were lucky they were allocated to the morning St Blazey to Exeter-Riverside China-Clay working which I think was '6C53'? Here this (by then) rare working runs round the wall on the River-Teign at Shaldon Bridge.Both loco's were removed from active service just a year later in January 2005.37047 was scrapped at Kingsbury in May 2008 but 37308 has fared somewhat better as it is now preserved on the Dean Forest Railway undergoing restoration.
..28 january 2003..
Organised by Hertfordshire-Railtours this train ran under the name of 'The Walsall Concerto'.The outward trip for '1Z27' was from Finsbury Park to Nuneaton via Gloucester and Bescot. It was hauled on the first leg to Gloucester by 56104 (Click HERE to view it). An traction change was effected there and this pair of Tractors 37695 and 37689 took over as far as Bescot.A lucky break for this shot.After over an hour of unbroken sun a major cloudbase was casting its terminal shadow in the fields and moving fast as the tour finally arrived.Thankfully it was bang on time.Seconds later all was dark! ..04 january 2003..
37419 thunders up past Pontlottyn on a Cardiff-Central to Rhymney service.At this time the locals (See the film Deliverence) were still quite friendly and going into certain fields for shots of these trains presented little or no problem.Later however,particularly towards the end of these 37 hauled services what amounted to 'All Out War' was in session every saturday.Personally I was glad when it was all over! I have never been back since............
..19 october 2002..
Loadhaul 37710 stops briefly in Newport Station shortly after departing Alexander Dock Junction-Yard with an infrastructure working going to Bescot.This loco in 2013 is still largely intact but is now just a spares-doner dumped at Carnforth owned by West Coast Railways.
..12 november 2002..
Whilst still in the North-East at Middlesborough doing the Boulby Branch a message was received saying this pair of 37's was on '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury.After a brief panic discussion a frantic 300 miles journey was undertaken (albeit homeward) to get the shot.Anyway we made it with 15 minutes to spare and with a china-blue sky the result was well worth while! Here is 37248 'Midland Railway Centre' with plain-blue 37375 passing Arn-Hill nr Warminster with a train of CWR's.
..13 september 2002..
Even as late as the summer of 2002 Class 37's were still handling a considerable number of freight workings,particularly infrastructure duties.Here is a 'Mainline' liveried example 37203 growling through Kensington-Olympia with '6Y42' from Hoo-Junction going up to Eastleigh.Hopes for a classic 37 on this working were certainly answered but the load being drawn left me feeling rather flat,much like the three bogies behind to loco! Regretfully this is yet another locomotive no longer with us.It lasted in service until January/2005 and was eventually cut up for scrap at Hulls in Rotherham in May/2010.
..24 april 2002..
By this time (2002) 37-hauled freight workings were becoming were becoming increasingly rare so when this working appeared many people were out for the show (See number of cars on the preceeding bridge). Train was an extra from Westbury down to Eastleigh conveying stone to the then active VQ there.Engines 37372 and 37667 did the duty. Unlike most of their classmates these two survive to this day but with very different futures.37667 now an active member of the DRS fleet and can be seen anywhere in the UK whilst 37372 has become the Doner-Chassis for the 'Baby-Deltic' ProjectD5910 ..27 march 2002..
ETH-fitted 37412 'Driver John Elliot stands in Caerphilly with a service from Rhymney to Cardiff-Central on a cold damp saturday.Carriage stock at this time was the well known 'Beryl&Cheryl' blue and cream carriages normally used during the week for the early commuter trains that were in vogue around this period.
..18 november 2000..
A favourite pastime of mine around this period was doing a 200 mile round trip on my then current motorcycle (A Honda VFR750FV) to picture the evening commuter LCHS workings from Cardiff up the Rhymney Valley.Many times I was thwarted by errant clouds but this was one of the luckier days.EWS-liveried 37401 'Mary Queen of Scots' is seen just after departing Pontlottyn with'2R38' the 16:55 from Cardiff-Central to Rhymney.This location being barely a mile from journeys end for this duty.
..30 may 2000..
37429 'Eisteddfod Genedlaethol' gets away from Holyhead bound for Crewe with a 17:20 in the evening departure.Note the mess to the left of the railway.This was to become the North Wales Expressway A55 leading straight into the heart of Holyhead Town.Those were the days 300 miles to Holyhead and 300 miles back all in one day.Stamina was the name of the game then!
..6 may 2000...
EWS liveried 37415 speeds west at Abergeli & Pensarn on the North-Wales Coast Line with '1D67' going to Holyhead from Birmingham-NS (10:07 off). Rolling stock at this time was usually 100% Regional-Railways colours but later on for the summer months trains were strengthened with the addition of an extra Chocolate&Cream coach hired-in from Riviera-Trains. 37415 lasted until March 2003 when it was removed from service.10 years later in November 2013 it still exists but is awaiting the cutters torch in C F Booths at Rotherham.
..21 february 2000..
37421 speeds non-stop through Abergeli & Pensarn with '1D62' the 08:07 off Birmingham-NS going to Holyhead.This shot in memorable because I left my camera bag on the Unit bound for Llandudno Town and after furious banging on the guards door he aborted the departure to allow me to recover it.No doubt if the train had left I would never have seen it c/w video camera and various Olympus lenses ever again!
..21 february 2000..
Back when this shot was taken 37403 'Ben Cruachan' was considered a bit of a Celebrity.Unfortunately it was to remain in service for only another month or so after this picture was taken.Here it is operating '2F41' the 15:15 from Rhymney down to Cardiff-Central.The location is a station called Aber just round the corner from Caerphilly.After removal from service it was then consigned to the dreaded WNXX code and languished for many years getting rougher and rougher parked in the sidings round the back on Margam Depot.Salvation came in 2008 when it was bought for preservation and made the long trip up to Bo'ness nr Edinburgh where it it now being meticulously restored. See HEREfor the full story.
..19 february 2000..
'Ben Cruachan' 37403 runs past Pontlottyn with '2R25' the 13:50 from Cardiff going to Rhymney.These Saturday schedules on this line were 100% '37' hauled so were a major attraction back then.By the time it all ended railway photographers were 'Public Enemy No-1' in the Rhymney-Valley. I for one was glad when it was all over! 37403 had less than 250 miles to run after this date before it was withdrawn and dumped at Margam.
..19 february 2000..
EWS-Red 37042 heads the Diesel leg of '1Z81' from London-Victoria going to Poole via Salisbury.SR Pacific 35005 did the duty to Salisbury and this loco took the train on down to Poole.The working was run by Past-Time Rail under the name 'The Bournemouth Belle' although no Pullman Cars were in evidence in the train make-up.The working is seen passing East Grinstead north of Romsey.The full sun for this shot was a complete fluke as 10 minutes before all was dark but luckily the heavy cloud bank moved away minutes before this working arrived!
..12 february 2000..
A few days before this loco was employed on Railtour duty (See below) 37042 was going about its normal business working the short distance MOD trains to and from Didcot.Here it is at Didcot-North-Junction returning from a trip to Fenny-Compton Ministry site.
..07 february 2000..
A pair of heavyweight Tractors 37897 and 37895 get underway again after a halt in Challow loops to allow a few passenger services to overtake.This working came from Didcot and was going over to Newport-ADJ.Their load being the then universal bogie ballast 'SeaCows or Lions'.Amazingly this spot where the picture was taken was at that time still part of a public footpath (You can see the style beside the roadbridge).Alas no more,it was diverted through adjacent fields a few years ago (2010).The shot is still available if you fancy a spot of gentle trespassing! ..21 january 2000..
Regional-Railways liveried 37414 'Cathays C&W Works 1846-1993' worked the 'Bath/Bristol Binliner one night in the twilight of its career.Here it is seen under the loader at Westerleigh Refuse Container Terminal collecting the loaded containers in readiness for continuing onwards to Calvert to discharge its load for landfill.This loco survived just a further 3 months before being deemed surplus to requirements due to a massive influx of Class- 66's that were flooding into the Country at this time.. After seemingly being saved for preservation it was eventually sold for scrap and was cut up at T J Thompsons in Stockton by March 2009.Another potentially valuable ETH fitted asset wasted in the scrapping paranioa of the early 21st Century.
..13 december 1999..
After over 36 years of reliable service but regretfully just a few weeks away from withdrawal 37371 in Mainline colours pauses at Bargoed with '2F37' the 14:15 from Rhymney to Cardiff-Central.Summer Saturdays on this short 23 mile branchline up the Rhymney Valley was a superb way to pass the time back then with all the trains being Class-37 hauled.Totally gone now of course but very entertaining while it lasted! 37371 was removed from service a few weeks later and consigned to the infamous dump at Wigan.There it was wilfully destroyed for no reason but pure spite to prevent anybody else deemed a competitor by EWS obtaining working locomotives with years of life left in them!
..21 august 1999..
A favourite Saturday working used to be from Cliffe-Vale back down to St-Blazey empty Chine-Clay working.At this time a solid 37 working as well.Here are 37057 (The first 37 repaint into EWS colours) and 37351(The former D6702).The train is viewed passing the then wide open spaces at Badgeworth between Cheltenham and Gloucester.
..12 august 1999..
EWS/EW&S-Duo 37703 and 37704 power away from Westbury with a working to an unknown destination? possibly South-Wales.The load being a set of 4-wheel 'PGA-s'.Neither engine has a place on the current UK railscene.37703 was withdrawn in October-2003 and was broken-up in June-2009.37704 however has been working in Spain since May-2001,reliveried in light-blue and numbered L25.It is still operational to this day (Nov-2011)
..Sometime in 1999..Date to be verified ..
Happier days for 37414 seen here near Bradford-on-Avon with '2O87' from Cardiff going to the south coast at Weymouth.It was removed from service in March-2000 about 6 months later never to work again.This '37' was finally cut-up at T J Thompson's in Stockton in March 2009.Another wasted asset!--------29 august 1999--------
A quite rare loco to work the well known Saturday Class-37 services up from Cardiff to Rhymney was Transrail 37702 c/w square buffers and carrying the apt local name 'Taff Merthyr'.Here is working '2R29', the 14:50 off Cardiff approaching Pontlottyn not far from the northern terminus at Rhymney. This particular engine was selected to work abroad in Spain and duly left these shores for ever on 19th July 2001.It became GIF-L30 in a blue version of EWS livery.However it suffered a total alternator failure and was laid aside.It was eventually cut up for scrap at its Spanish depot of Puig Vert de Lleido in July 2007.
..28 august 1999..
A fine pair of split-box 37's.37043 and 37055 power past the access road to Margam-TMD with a Railtour '1Z38' operated by 'Railtours North-West' using WCRC maroon stock.Named as 'The Heart of Wales Scenic Rambler' it travelled from Lancaster (06:33 off) via Crewe,Shrewsbury,Craven-Arms and Morlais-Junction to approach its destination Cardiff from the West. 37043 was removed from service about 6 months later and 9 months after this picture was taken was broken up at Mcintyre's Scrapyard in Beeston.37055 lasted quite a bit longer but still ended up being dismantled for scrap at EMR-Kingsbury.It was gone by 12th of April 2008.
..07 august 1999..
Looking in fine condition 'no-heat' 37153 powers through the site of Durston Station on the approach to Cogload-Junction with '1Z10' a trip from Rhymney down to Paignton and return.This working utilizing the coaching stock used during the week on the Rhymney-Cardiff commuter workings. Sadly this loco had just 3 days work ahead of it on these workings out of Cardiff before it became a victim of the then headlong cull of older loco's due to the influx of 66's.After a while at Wigan-CRDC it went for scrap at Booth's-Rotherham,cut up by 22 jan 2003.
..25 july 1999..
Transrail-Dutch 37153 is seen at Pontlottyn with '2R42' the 17:05 off Cardiff-Central,one of the evening commuter trains from there up to Rhymney.Less than 5 month later this loco bowed out of service and in January 2003 was cut at CF Booth's at Rotherham.
..26 july 1999..
A rather tatty looking 37678 passes Wyke-Champflower with '2V74' from Weymouth going to Bristol-TM.This loco did altogether 321 miles on this day making 2 return journeys to the coast,albeit one was only from Westbury, probably because the booked loco (another 37) failed there coming from Bristol.Of coarse this engine is now long-gone being withdrawn shortly after that summer.Apart from briefly being used for sandite duties that was it. EMR-Kingsbury scrapped it and by 04 may 2007 it was gone.
..23 july 1999..
37678 looking fairly smart apart from the scag on the flank where its sector stickers were roughly removed gets away from Frome with '2O86' from Bristol-TM going to Weymouth.This shot location is long gone now due to rampant tree growth along with the Cuprinol Chemical Factory that formed the backdrop.All buildings now razed to the ground and replaced with the inevitable domestic housing.37678 is also gone,broken up at EMR-Kingsbury in May/2007.
..23 july 1999..
In the Summer months no-heat 37's were often allocated to the Cardiff to Rhymney passenger services.Here is dutch 37264 powering away from the Pontlottyn stop not far from the top of the line at Rhymney.The working being the evening commuter service,16:46 off Cardiff '2R40'.I made the 200 mile round trip to this location many times around this date on my motorcycle to get this shot (which I did many times---some were even in the sun,some were cruel misses by seconds!).This engine survives to this day in active preservation restored to L-Logo livery based on the North-Yorkshire Moor Railway.
..12 july 1999..
Transrail 37702 'Taff Merthyr' is seen at Gilfach with '2F06',the 07:41 from Rhymney to Cardiff early morning commuter train.This was one of three such trains each morning around this time,all were loco hauled mostly by 37's.This scene is now totally changed.The Bargoed Bypass passes over the line around here and all fencing has been replaced by 6ft high palisade type..Absolutely awful!. 37702 seen here conveniently fitted with continental type square buffers was transfered in May 2004 to the 'WZKS' pool and sent out to Spain repainted in a blue version of the EWS livery and renumbered as L30.Sadly it never returned as after being involved in a runaway accident was written off and eventually scrapped in July 2007 at Puig Vert in Spain. ..12 july 1999..
'2O93' the 16:33 from Bristol-TM to Weymouth service rolls into Freshford in the Limpley Stoke Valley.This perfectly servicable locomotive 37154 was removed from service 2 months later simply because it was surplus to operational requirements due to the influx of the 'Red-Death' from the USA.It was consigned to Wigan-CRDC and was gone by 2000.One of the rare engines that actually got scrapped completely at this farce of a place designed purely to deprive other operators of surplus serviceable traction! ..07 july 1999..
37414 'Cathays C&W Works 1846-1993' runs into Frome on the loop off the mainline via Clink-Junction.The working was '2O93' the 16:33 off Bristol-TM going to Weymouth.Typically 99/100 this train would have passed on the correct line for the direction of travel but today sod's law dictated otherwise! Before the Frome Avoider was constructed this was the mainline to the West.Access to this location which is a very overgrown occupation bridge is via Linsvale Road and the overbridge in the background of this shot.
..30 june 1999..
Regional-Railways 37414 is seen in the then wonderfully clear location of Freshford in the Limpley-Stoke Valley with '2V87' from Weymouth heading for Bristol-TM.Gradually over the succeeding years the brambles in the foreground made the shot more and more difficult and then Network-Rail placed three silver relay boxes right where the loco is.That finished it completely.Now with no pruning done since vegetation is 1/2 way up a trains bodyside.....This is an evening shot that is now very sadly missed.... ..27 june 1999..
37678 slows for the stop at Gilfach Station shortly after leaving Bargoed.The distance between these two station being less than a mile. The working was '2F21' the 10:15 from Rhymney down to Cardiff.The wide open spaces between myself and the railway used to be the location of Bargoed Colliery which was closed in May 1977.The site having been cleared and all building levelled.Now in 2014 the Bargoed Bypass (A469) runs across this land once again changing the area's character.
..26 june 1999..
37678 pauses at Caerphilly with '2F33' the 13:15 from Rhymney going down to Cardiff Central.Loco haulage was very much in favour on this short line from Cardiff around this time,regular workings during the week and almost 100% loco haulage on the weekend Saturdays.Thus it became a mecca for photographers.Nice times whilst they lasted!
..26 june 1999..
37703 powers through Woburn Sands on the Bletchley to Bedford line with a long train ofopen wagons containing spoil.Probably off an occupation on the WCML the previous weekend. This loco became surplus to EWS's requirements a year later in June/2000 and was selected for export to Spain for Infrastructure over there,repainted in blue and renumbered L25.However it returned to the UK in 2013 and was thought to be destined for scrap but DRS purchased it and after a quick refurbishment is now a resident shunter at Daventry 'super'-shunting together Liners..It is not equipped with OTMR-etc so is unable to be used on the mainline to actually do any meaningful work.
..01 june 1999..
Transrail's 37412 'Driver John Elliot' runs past Ferry Lane nr Claverton Weir with '2V70' the 08:39 from Weymouth going to Bristol-Temple Meads.At this time this loco was so reliable,handling this roster week in and week out and seemingly never failing.Sadly it no longer exists,having been broken up for spares in 2012 at Kingsbury after spending 10 years stored in various locations around the country.
..13 may 1999..
Dear old 'Driver John Elliott' 37412 powers away from Frome with '2O93' the 16:33 from Bristol-TM to Weymouth.This loco was a firm favourite on these duties to Weymouth sometimes doing it for weeks on end and was always very reliable.However by Sept/2002 it was deemed surplus to requirement by EWS and stored serviceable.After 8 years dumped at various places DRS obtained it in 2010 as a spares-doner and was stripped out at Barrow-Hill ended its days as a shell being cut up at EMR-Kingsbury. RIP-John.
..29 april 1999..
Now his was an interesting working while it lasted.Vacuum Brake training using a set of older open steel boxes.It was allocated a reporting number of '5Z31' running from Acton back to Acton via Westbury,Chippenham and Reading.Usually it was a Class-31 but today 37174 did the duty.Here it is growling through Great-Cheverell on the B&H in superb early spring sunlight. This Tractor survived until August 2007 in service but by April the following year had been disposed of at EMR-Kingsbury.
..26 march 1999..
By early 1999 pairs of 37's around Westbury were becoming quite rare.So this duo was a welcome sight!.37692 'The Lass o'Ballachmyle' and 37250 were in charge of a Westbury to Whatley wagon move.The working is passing the now sadly lost (To a Radio Mast and Undergrowth) westbound morning shot at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.37692 died at Booths Scrappy in July-2009 whilst 37250 has fared rather better.After a foreign holiday in the South of France in 2000 it eventually ended up in preservation.It is still in full working order on the Redmire Branch/Wensleydale Railway up in North-Yorkshire.
..16 february 1999..
'The 09:00 from Bristol-Temple Meads to Weymouth '2O87' passes Bunns Lane west of Frome on a superbly clear and cold early january morning.One of this duties most used locomotives was this one 37412 ' Driver Juhn Elliot' in the livery of Transrail (The Big T!).Around this time these 37's did 2 round trips to Weymouth per day,a total of 4 passes.Happy Days!
..02 january 1999..
37414 'Cathays C&W Works 1846-1993' reposes in the platform at Westbury after bringing in '2V93' the 19:38 Weymouth to Westbury.This train terminated here arriving around 21:00.This gave plenty of time for a few night shots before it moved over to the holding sidings until next morning.
..16 december 1998..
'Slug' 37901 'Mirrlees Pioneer' rolls along the slow line on the 4-track section between Newport and Cardiff with a train load of clay-balls from Llanwern Steelworks going to Cardiff Docks.Seen at Green Lane with its train of well loaded MEA's.
..12 october 1998..
The rather faded and care worn 'Slug' 37902 was quite a way from its normal operating area in S-Wales when I saw it operating this special working from Merehead via Westbury of large boulders that were destined for the Isle of Wight via Southampton Docks.No Internet in those days so I was just lucky to be here when it slowly climbed the Upton-Scudamore Bank towards Warminster.Being a 37/9 version it was strangely quiet, sounding more like a Class-59 with virtually no exhaust noise whatsoever.The driver had his feet on the dashboard and its train speed was barely above walking pace.I actually pictured it off the bridge in the distance and was able to sprint along the field for a couple of extra shots including this one. ..23 september 1998..
Around this time 37's were part of the everyday scene in the Westbury area. However when a Loadhaul liveried version appeared it did tend to cause a ripple of excitement.Here is 37513 hauling a set of ex-HEA hoppers that look to have recently been converted to MEA-type boxes,some in the older Mainline- Blue whilst most are in a fresh coat of EWS-Red.This train of empty-boxes was obviously going to either Merehead or Whatley but the working eludes me! Seen at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome. ..09 september 1998..
EW&S's 37717 along with 37371 in Mainline colours are working the morning Merehead to Exeter aggregate working being used to build the Honiton Bypass.This would come to Westbury from Merehead then reverse to go to Exeter.With two train sets running regularly this mean 8 passes along this line per day with pairs of 37's on.......Happy days!-----
..7 september 1998..
37073 "Fort William/An Gearasdan" stands in the workshops at Toton recieving some maintenance.This loco went to France for 16 months 1999/2000 on infrastructure contract work and upon return was consigned to the Wigan-Dump and never worked again.Its power-unit ended up in preserved 37003 and engine itself was cut up for scrap by 20/4/2003. 30 august 1998..
Paired 37676 and 37708 roll past Wanstrow with a set of empty boxes from Westbury going to Merehead for a reload.
..17 september 1998..
'Mary Queen of Scots' 37401 long before it became a DRS-machine is seen here working '2O87' the 09:00 from Bristol-Temple Meads to Weymouth.Viewed passing the natives at Standerwick between Westbury and Frome wearing the then current EWS livery.
..25 august 1998..
Here is a pair of Tractors now sadly both long gone.Transrail-37675 died in Feb-2002 whilst 37298 after returning from France in late-2000 was consigned to Wigan for stripping despite being in full working order--Even working the final commemorative train in the South of France bulled up with white painted wheels-etc.Very Dodgy EWS loco-re-use politics dictated it had to die,eventually getting cut up in Feb-2006.The loaded stone-train seen here approaching Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury about noon with '7C28' returning from Exeter-Riverside to Westbury.Workings were delivering aggregates for use in the building of the Honiton By-pass.
..23 august 1998..
37403 'Ben Cruachan' approaches Chetnole on the single line section between Dorchester and Yeovil-Pen Mill with a mid-morning train from Weymouth going to Bristol-Temple Meads.Around this time in the summer months these LCHS trains did two round trips to Weymouth and back per day from Bristol starting at Westbury and finishing there every night for stabling and servicing.
..15 august 1998...... .. ..uachan
The very green 37403 'Ben Cruachan' passes Dimmer south of Castle-Cary with '2O87' from Bristol Temple-Meads going to Weymouth.This popular engine was eventually taken out of service in 2000 and after many years of steady decay in storage eventually ended up at Bo'ness in Scotland where in 2013 the engine is part way through a very thorough overhaul back to mainline standard. To check out progress on this project clickHERE
..15 august 1998..
This picture was recorded long before the ugly mast and cabin was installed which totally ruined this classic shot here are Berkley Marsh nr Frome.Class-37 pairing 37174 & 37798 are seen heading for Merehead from Westbury at about 14:00 in the afternoon.The train has probably returned from Exeter earlier after delivering aggregate for the Honiton Bypass Contract. Both loco's are now long gone 37174 died in april-08 at Kingsbury whilst 37798 got the chop at Booth's in Rotherham in july-2009.
..11 august 1998..
37717 'Barwick Middle School' with just four bitumen tanks in tow approaches Blatchbridge -Junction in Frome having been looped on the station line to allow an HST to pass it.The train is of course '6V62' the well known flow from Fawley to Tavistock-Junction.Its departure time from the south coast refinery being 10:44.Sadly on 21 october 2013 this service finished completely.The Bitumen depot that it served had closed and FGW decided to use road tankers to supply its fuel to the Devon and Cornwall Depots.The privatised companies certainly know how to shoot themselves in the foot,that is for sure just to save a couple of quid whilst the railways die around them!
..7 august 1998..
Firm favourite on the Bristol-Weymouth duties was this loco 37403.Here seen at Bradford-on Avon crossing the river upon departure.Working was from Weymouth.
..August 1998..
The morning Merehead to Exeter-Riverside yard aggregate train rumbles slowly along the branch from Merehead to East Somerset Junction.37505 'British Steel Workington' leads with an EWS-Red 37 37694 in behind.
..4 august 1998..
Complete with the 'Sand and Cycle Explorer-Weymouth' circular headboard 37411 'Ty-Hafan' pauses at Frome to pick up the hordes of day-trippers off to Weymouth for a day on the seafront there.This was a popular Sunday train '2O87' the 09:00 from Bristol-TM.For many years this was the final service offered by Wessex-trains involving LCHS.After a change to Class-31's then 67's it finally petered out in 2010.It is sorely missed!
..02 august 1998..
Clink Road-Junction sets the scene for '2V70' the 08:39 from Weymouth going to Bristol-TM.37411 was doing the haulage but interestingly the coaching stock that day was the 'Beryl&Cheryl' set normally employed at this time on the Rhymney-Valley morning and evening commuter trains.The set certainly never re-appeared later in the afternoon so presumably went back to Cardiff that day.This location is now very much overgrown with this wide shot no longer possible,the tree behind the loco is now about 40ft tall and the flat roofed storage cabin simply collapsed one windy night a few years later.37411 which later gained a coat of BR-Green went to the breakers yard in 2012 as have probably the set of mk-2 coaches.
..30 june 1998..
EWS 37411 now carrying the name 'Ty Hafan was used on the final shuttle of the day between Westbury and Cranmore during the Mendip-Rail Open day at Torr Works/Merehead.The train which was made up of Choc/Cream Mk-1 stock is seen here on the Frome Avoiding Line.An ARC-yellow 59/1 was TnT on the rear.
..28 june 1998..
37225,by now a pretty careworn looking Tractor passes Ladydown nr Trowbridge with a Target-working between Swindon and Westbury.These used to run most days of the week back them.Todays load was a set of 'Dutch ' liveried Gunnels.Within a year this engine was converted to use as a 'Sandite' engine but by 2000 ended up dumped at the infamous Wigan-CRDC (EWS's pretend component recovery depot designed to stop other operators reusing their discarded traction.).It eventually ended up being scrapped at C F Booth's of Rotherham in June 2004..
..10 june 1998..
This was quite a rare loco that appeared on the Bristol to Weymouth loco hauled diagram for barely a week,never to be seen again.Here it is working '2V70' the 08:39 from Weymouth to Bristol-Temple Meads.Apparantly it was a bit of a troublesome loco and within a year was consigned to Wigan-CRDC for spares recovery and scrap...A pity given that so many of its 37/4 classmates are still giving excellent service nearly 22 years later------Life Expired????? I don't think so!
..1 june 1998..
A smart looking Inter-City liveried 37431 is seen departing from Frome with the morning Bristol-TM to Weymouth service.This engine did it for a few days and was never seen again! A troublesome machine that had only just returned from storage.After this it was seemingly always failing with one problem after another.However EWS lost patience (Gave up!) with it and it was withdrawn in April 1999.Consignment to Wigan-CRDC quickly followed and was cut up by August 2000.
..31 may 1998..
This a surprise appearance.The fairly longtime stored then re-instated Inter-City 37431 runs into Frome with '2O87' the Sunday-only 10:00 from Bristol-TM to Weymouth.Sadly after a few days doing this duty from Bristol and then some work out of Cardiff its career ended just 4 weeks later.Being a rather unreliable machine which kept failing EWS lost patience and the loco was culled and sent to Wigan-CRDC for component recover.It languised there being slowly stripped until august 2000 by which time it finally disappeared. Sad.
..31 may 1998..
Whilst I was having a rummage around in my old failed Photopic website files I came upon this interesting old scanned transparency.It shows the long scrapped 47555 'The Commonwealth Spirit' which was withdrawn just 7 months later in Jan-99 being escorted by 37407 'Blackpool Tower' passing through Trowbridge at Ladydown on the once regular Swindon to Westbury 'target' infrastucture working that happened most weekday afternoons.I knew 47555 had gone to Swindon but wasn't expecting the 37 as well.I was doing a 'Fewy' and sciving like mad to be sure of getting this return train.No RTT or OTT in those days.I think I had to wait well over 2 hours before it appeared.Not much work got done that afternoon!
..29 may 1998..
37429 'Eisteddfod Genedleathol' in Reggie-Rail colours heads north away from Warrington at Winwick Junction with '6E05' from Stanlow going to Humber with a set of LPG pressure tanks.
..27 may 1998..
Transrail 37675 with a heavy train of sharks and seacows etc rounds the curve at Ladydown nr Trowbridge going to Westbury with a working from Swindon.This loco soldiered on for another 6 years being OOS in Dec-2004.Eventually being cut by October 2010 at EMR-Kingsbury.
..19 may 1998..
When the now long closed Westbury Cement Works was actually manufacturing Cement one of the added ingredients was flyash which was brought down quite regularly in a short block train from Longannet-PS in Scotland.Here is that working nearly at journeys end at Heywood Junction less than 1/2 a mile from the Cement Works.Loco on the duty today was heavyweight 37712 in the then current EWS colours.It lasted in capital stock until 2008 and is still actually extant albeit stored at Carnforth owned by WC-Rlys,never a good sign!
..19 may 1998..
Plain-Grey 37262 powers away from Frome at Clink with '2V70' the 08:40 from Weymouth going to Bristol-TM.This was its last appearance in this area and its last day with a loaded passenger working. It succumbed to the 'Red-Death' in December/1999.Owned briefly by DRS as a spares doner it was finally cut for scrap at Sims-Metals in Beeston,it ceased to exist by 09 Feb 2004.
..15 may 1998..
37679 with its load of wood has just left Alexander Dock Junction Yard bound for Pontrillas passing Gaer Junction.Its load bound for the sawmills located there.This service didn't last too long however. The loco still exists in 2020,current awaiting work to restore it to working condition at the East Lancs Railway.
..18 april 1998..
This was the scene in Westbury Down Yard on Easter Monday in 1998.No spiky fencing surrounding this yard in those days.Just shin up an ash bank and through a 3-wire fence to grab this shot!.The loco's 37106/37052/37057/37890 and 37262 taking a day off basking in the spring sunshine.At this time they were being used mainly on the Honiton Bypass aggregate contracts.Two pairs were out daily on these duties.
..13 april 1998..
Heavyweight 38698 in the much liked 'Loadhaul' livery rolls down the straight at Wanstrow on the Merehead-Branch with another consignment of custom-supplied large rocks destined for Minehead for use on sea-defence work there.A regular working this for many months after which the 'Turbot' or 'Heron' YCV bogie wagons used for the flow were pretty much damaged beyond repair! 37698 lasted in service until April 2004 and languised until January 2012 whereupon it got the chop at Booths Scrapyard.
..09 april 1998..
37403/D6607 'Ben Cruachen' runs over Fairwood Junction nr Westbury with a lightweight '2V70', the 08:39 from Weymouth to Bristol-Temple Meads.Unbelievably 22 years later this loco still roams the UK Network on an almost daily basis......Not bad for a loco that spent from 2000 to 2015 parked up going from being a rusty seized-up almost total wreck to the reliable machine it is still today in 2020!
..8 april 1998..
37051 with a train of Flyash from Longannett in Scotland to be used in the manufacture of cement at the Westbury Cement Works pauses on the Hawkeridge-Triangle awaiting a path up the B&H the short distance to the works. ..20 january 1998..
Ahhhh! those were the days...The only GM's in the Country then on the mainline were the 59's. Class 66's were still over a year away and locomotives such as these 37's were still commonplace on many workings all over the Country.Here are a pair that suffered quite different fates.37025 ended up preserved at Bo'ness in Scotland but the former D6701 here seen as a de-splitboxed 37707 fate was to be scrapped at Kingsbury in the Midlands in September 2011.On the plus side it did work for another eight years after this shot was taken!. This was at Westbury adjacent to the Power-Box there.37707 was parked up on some recently converted former MGR coal hoppers to boxes whilst 37025 was doing a spot of shunting around in the sunshine.
..13 september 1997..
An interesting picture of a unique 'set-up' designed for EPS-Eurostar rescue and stock movements.A pair of 'runner' ballasted bogie flats fitted with the compatable schafenburg coupling gear (stowed vertically in this shot) for the Eurostars with a pair of 'EPS' owned engines 37605/37603.These were originally acquired for use on the ill-fated inter-continental night sleepers.Regretfully that idea was a complete failure after many millions were spent on Loco's,Generator Cars and brand new Coaches. The Coaches are now in Canada,the Generators are still stored! and all the 37's that were rebuilt including these two are now owned and are still operated by DRS from their home base in Carlisle.This set-up seen heading north past Shallowford nr Norton-Bridge on the WCML. ..04 september 1997..
Regional-Railways 37414 speeds along the North-Wales Coast line with a Crewe to Bangor service.Behind it can be seen the seemingly abandoned TSS-Duke of Lancaster that had been there since 1979 (18 years before this picture was taken).In 2015 36 years on ,it is still there! Amazing!
..29 july 1997..
37516 wearing Loadhaul-Livery but devoid of any decals approaches Abergele&Pensarn on the North-Wales Coast Line with a set of loaded Seacows going to Warrington from the quarry at Penmaenmawr.This engine still survives today working for 'West-Coast Railways' click HEREto see her working in May 2011.
..29 july 1997..
Loadhaul liveried but decal-less (And it always was) 37516 stands in the yard at Penmaenmawr with a loaded ballast train ready to depart.This engine was a late retirement from service with EWS and today in 2013,16 years later is still in use working for West Coast Railways,regretfully no longer in LH colours but the drab brown of that Carnforth based company.
..29 july 1997..
Loadhaul liveried but sporting no decals whatsoever 37516 approaches Penmaenmawr on the North-Wales Coast Line with the mornings ballast train for reloading (Albeit still 1/2 full) at the local Quarry just a mile or so further west.This particular working appeared to have originated from Warrington.After a long long journey up from Somerset this footbridge here was very convenient as adjacent to it was a 'Little Chef'.Just the job for an Olympic Breakfast and several cups of coffee! Brekky at 08:00-Picky at 08:55.
..29 july 1997..
37711 formally named 'Tremorfa Steelworks' powers along the Frome Avoiding Line with '6V62' from Fawley transporting fuel-oil and bitumin down to Plymouth.Sadly this long standing service finally died in October 2013 when the remaining traffic (fuel-oil for Plymouth) was scandalously allowed to be lost to road transport !!!!!!!! Lets hope we have a massive snowfall that cuts off Devon and Cornwall except by rail.That will show the FGW wallies whats-what!
..22 july 1997..
Long before '6V62' became associated with the Tilbury to Llanwern Steel working for Colas this reporting number was allocated to the then very regular fuel-oil and bitumen flow from Fawley down to Plymouth.Here the working is seen with the bitumen-tanks on the front passing Granada Bridge at Arn-Hill nr Warminster.Of coarse at this time it was a solid 37 working with a very occasional 58 or 60.However on this day it was 37711 doing the duty albeit wearing 'Metals' sector decals.Note the scar where it once carried the name 'Tremorfa Steelworks' nameplate.
..22 july 1997..
The freshly reliveried 37411 with its new name 'Ty Hafan' ladders over at Clink-Junction to take the line into Frome for its booked stop.The working was the 09:30 from Bristol-TM going to Weymouth.At this time in the summer months this Loco & Coaches ran every day glorifying in the name of the 'Sand and Cycle Express'.Hence the small circular headboard in place on the loco. Interestingly in September 1998 I managed a Cabride to Weymouth and return to Westbury in this very Locomotive.A very pleasing 50th birthday gift! ..22 july 1997..
A very popular livery in the pre-Shed/66 EWS era was Loadhaul.It looked particulary good on the 37's. Here is 37713 running over Fairwood-Junction with the Rocks from Merehead bound for Minehead on the West Somerset-Rly for sea defence work on the coast around there.The train would work to Westbury where it would reverse before heading south-west towards Taunton and the coast.
..10 july 1997..
'Ty Hafan' 37411 moves away from Bristol-TM with the 11:30 to Cardiff.This used the stock off the service that had arrived up from Weymouth about 30 minutes earlier.
..01 july 1997..
The evening Enterprise from Willesden going to Mossend hammers up the WCML at Back Lane-Cranberry south of Millmeece.Recent repaint 37684 'Peak National Park' was paired with 37679 tucked inside.
..16 june 1997..
Dutch liveried 37097 made a brief appearance on the Cardiff to Weymouth service in the summer of 1992.Here it is restarting '2O87' away from Frome with its overall roof still intact.The Goods shed just behind the engine no longer survives in the 21st century,however the engine lives on at 'The Caledonian Railway' in Brechin- Scotland.
..Summer 1992..
37426 speeds westward at Sandycroft on the North-Wale Coast Rly with a morning working from Crewe going to Holyhead.Due to increased summer loadings on these workings a set of addition coaches was hired in from Riviera-Trains in Choc&Cream livery.However instead of retaining that stock as a complete set they were dispersed singly amongst the existing sets.hence the set-up you see here!
.29 may 1997..
37418 'East Lancashire Railway' speeds past Mold Junction on the North Wales Coast with a working from Birmingham-New Street to Bangor.After it was withdrawn by EWS in late 2007 it was preserved by the railway it is named after and is now to be found at Bury.
..24 may 1997..
37253 and 37275 run down the Frome Avoider with an ballast working going to Meldon-Quarry.This was a regular Noon departure from westbury at this time.Pictured not too long after the Bypass adjacent to the railway was constructed. This shot is long gone as the young trees seen on the bank are now at least 20ft high. ..May 1997.. (I think)..
37892 'Ripple Lane' passes Fairwood-Foot Crossing shortly after departing Westbury with the 10:00 ballast empties going down to Meldon-Quarry.So much has happened in the intervening 19 years or so.37892 was withdrawn in 2000,finally being torched in 2008.Sea-Cow ballast hoppers are now almost a memory.Meldon no longer supplies any ballast and the Cement-Works seen in full operation in the distance is now an abandoned ruin.
..18 november 1996..
A shot from a time when 'Digital' meant Fingers and Thumbs! This is 37892 'Ripple Lane' passing Fairwood nr Westbury with a train of Sea-Cows heading for Meldon on the regular 10:00 Engineers departure from Westbury.No Virtual-Quarry in those days,only the real thing then down in Devon!-----18 november 1996-------
37416 passes Berkley Marsh nr Frome with the morning 08:40 from Weymouth to Bristol-TM working '2V70'.This recently repainted loco finally became a victim of the scrapmans torch in late-2012 after being discarded by its final owner DRS once it was stripped for usable spares.
.. 28 october 1996..
Departmantal liveried 37142 slows for the Quarry at Penmaenmawr to collect yet another consignment of ballast for railway use.This was a morning train arriving just before 10:00 but I am unsure of the point of origin.The 4-wheeler vacuam wagons are probably a good clue! Happily the loco is now still with us and is preserved at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway in Cornwall.
..03 september 1996..
37890 'The Railway Observer' hauls the Fawley to Tavistock-Junction fuel train '6V62' down through Frome on the avoiding line.At this time these oil trains ran 3 days a week and also conveyed Bitumen as well.Today in 2013 it still runs but just one day a week and it now goes via Bristol so the sight of regular fuel tanks past Frome are now just a distant memory.
..19 august 1996..
Mainline-Blue 37803 powers through Bath-Spa with the Bristol-SFM to Westbury empty fuel tanks.
..19 august 1996..
With the newly opened Batheaston Bypass in the background this Parc-Slip to Westbury Cement Works coal train powers past Bathampton just prior to taking the Limpley Stoke Valley route towards Westbury.37802 leads with helper 37887 tucked inside. No RTT or Yahoo Groups in those days so a hours wait here on the way home 'just in case' on the off chance after a mornings work in Bath telephone exchange produced this working.More often than no these 'waits' produced nothing.
..27 july 1996..
37427 'Highland Enterprise' in the Scotrail version of Regional Railways Livery approaches Westbury at Fairwood with the 08:39 from Weymouth to Bristol-Temple Meads '2V70'.For some reason during this period an additional 'RES' van was included in the formation.Not extra seating so I presume it was for brake-force purposes possibly because of the icy conditions albeit very clear and bright or just accomodation for the guard?
..8 february 1996..
A pair of freshly reliveried engines into the then current 'Loadhaul' style.At a time when no 66's ran in the UK these loco types were still very much in frontline service.37517 and 60059 painted in slightly different styles,indeed the '37' seems to be in a matt version making it look faded straight out of the paintshop.The pair were on exhibition at the big Open-Day in Basford Hall Yard at Crewe.Such shows are a virtual thing of the past on todays railway scene now the lunatics have taken over the Asylam.
..27 august 1995..
Probably the most regular performer on the Bristol to Weymouth loco-hauled turns in the early 1990's was 37412 'Driver John Elliot'.At one time it was on this working for 6 weeks solid and never failed once! Here it is approaching Frome on the station cut-off coming under the bridge at Linsvale with the 09:00 from Bristol-TM going to Weymouth.Plenty of room on these 5 coach LCHS workings for all the happy punters unlike these days when they are all crammed into a single 150 DMU.Progress?? I don't this so! Today in 2011 37412 languishes at Barrow Hill owned by DRS but nominated at a parts doner and is destined to be scrapped....
..27 june 1995..
37521 and 37696 seen passing the site of Durston Station on the approach to Cogload-Junction hauling a single tank wagon.I was rather dismayed at the time thinking this was the then regular Bescot to St-Blazey Enterprise working.I needn't have worried at that turned up about 20 minutes later.So what this working was remains a mystery?
..06 may 1995..
'City of Worcester' 37114 then running in Civil-Engineers 'Dutch' Livery accelerates away from Frome with the 08:40 Weymouth to Bristol service '2V70'.Splitty Dutch 37's were none to common on this working even back then in the mid-90's.Location is Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.Background now transformed with a large drainage pool for a new trading estate plus the estate of coarse beyond the road in the distance. ..04 may 1995..
I/C liveried 37420 'The Scottish Hosteller' viewed approaching Frome at the North Junction.This was a Bristol to Weymouth service invariably hauled by 37's around this time.
..2 may 1995..
The 16:33 from Bristol-TM going to Weymouth gets away from the still overall roofed station in Frome.Thankfully this is now a listed building due to its Brunelian origins. Large-Logo 37408 'Loch Rannoch' was doing the duty. This loco was a nationwide firm favourite and a certain candidate for preservation until it was badly damaged and eventually cut up after an incident at Rhymney in August 2005.
..24 april 1995..
37-Pair 37703 and 37803 pass Fairwood with a load of stone from the local quarries.A full set of ARC yellow-boxes except for the inclusion unusually of a single bogie hopper towards the rear of the train.This was my first sighting of the then recently introduced 'Mainline-Blue' livery.Now nearly 18 years is just another page in the history books. 37803 ended its days at EMR-Kingsbury finally being cut-up in July 2007. 37703 however is now in Spain and has been since 2001.Now in blue livery as 'GIF' L25.
.. 03 march 1995..
By this time the sole remaining 37/4 in Large-Logo Livery was 37408 'Loch Rannoch' and it was one of the regular performers on the Weymouth LCHS duty.Here it stands after arriving at Westbury just after 21:00 in the evening on a wet and windy night.The working being '2V93',the 19:38 off Weymouth terminating at Westbury.This engine was an almost cert to be preserved when its time was up with EWS but it was severely damaged in a shunting runaway accident at Rhymney on 1 august 2005 and was a total loss with a bent chassis! ..17 january 1995..
37425 as seen from the side with the name 'Concrete Bob' (The other side was 'Sir Robert McAlpine') Naturally it was running in Construction Livery! This working from Weymouth terminated at Westbury and always stood in the platform for at least 10 minutes,allowing a couple of reasonable night shots.As it was a few weeks before Chistmas it was always rather draughty at this time of night,(21:00).
..Early december 1994..
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37408 still wearing 'Large-Logo' colours prepares to depart from Frome going to Bristol with the morning working (08:40 off) from Weymouth. Frome Station still has an all-over Brunel Roof.Unfortunately all the track layout here including bays and sidings is now just a memory,a single line serves just one available platform and 18 years later in 2012 the situation remains the same except no 37's anymore and the whole place in ring-fenced with ugly palisade fencing! ..October 1994..
37890 'The Railway Observer' runs down through Frome with the Fawley-Tanks going to Laira.This was known as '6V62' in those days.It ran 3 times a week Mon/Tues and Fri. In those days it was a guaranteed '37' duty.Later on '58s' took over with an occasional '60'.Around 2000 the Red-Death took it over and still hauls it today.Albeit via Bristol now and only on Mondays.
.Summer 1994..
Back in the days when the railways regularly held Open-Days at their larger Depots and Workshops getting this close to a parked-up loco was considered the norm.Nowadays apart from occasional displays at DRS-Carlisle this type of public event is now a fond memory....Anyway here is Construction-Sector's 37715 'British Petroleum' standing in the yard at Old Oak Common during the Open-Day event there in 1994.Now just over 22 years later this establishment is no more having been swept aside for the CrossRail Project and neither is 37715.That was cut up for scrap in november-2005.
..19 march 1994..
'Loch Rannoch' 37408 stands at the now sadly rationalised Frome Station with '2O87' from Bristol going to Weymouth.The overall roof here had just had a major makeover and restoration as it was getting to the stage of almost falling down.However that was in 1993,now in 2013 it really needs it again!
..10 july 1993..
Inter-City 37407 then named 'Loch Long' sits in Frome under the Brunelian Roof there with '2O89' from Bristol going to Weymouth.Filthy condition but at this time a rare engine for this train.Later of coarse as 'Blackpool Tower' in Transrail-Grey it was used on this service for weeks on end!
..19 june 1993..
Dutch 37098 stands parked at Gillingham ready to enter an engineering occupation a few miles to the west.I went here to picture a couple of 47's on passenger workings but unknown to me the line was closed. No Gen-Groups or Blackberries in those days.Indeed the Internet was still in the future for most of us then.Also mobile phones were the size of suitcases so nobody had one of those either.Happy Days!. 37098 is no longer with us.It was disposed of at Old-Oak-Common in May 2002.
..Spring 1993..
Dutch-Departmental liveried 37097 sits under the old brunellian overall roof at Frome in Somerset with '2O87' 07:58 from Cardiff going to Weymouth.At this time this working was either regional-railways or blue-cream stock of 5 or 6 carriages,sometimes even more! This loco 23 years later is now preserved on the Caledonian Railway at Bridge of Dun north of Dundee in Scotland.
..06 june 1992..
The original '37' D6700 (37350) stands in the yard at Foster-Yeomans Quarry during an Open-Day held there back in 1989.This was way before Class-66's were even thought of and the only GM's in the Country were the Yeoman home fleet of 5 59's.Amazing that this show was now nearly a Quarter of a Century ago!
..25 june 1989..
37245 stands in line for repair at Crewe-works after suffering a quite serious looking front-end impact.Apparantly this happened on 08 april1987 at Westhouses involving an HAA coal wagon.It was repaired and lasted until the year 2000 when it was broken up at the infamous Wigan-CRDC. Such damage today would result in immediate withdrawal mainly because most of the skill necessary under BREL no longer exist!
..04 july 1987..
Split-Box 37002 originally D6702 stands by the Loadbank at Crewe Works looking pretty smart in a new coat of 'Red-Stripe' Grey after an overhaul.It was renumbered 37351 and gained 'Dutch' colours and ended its career in that form. It finally went for scrap at T J Thompson's at Stockton in November-2007.
..04 july 1987..
Scenes such as this in Crewe Main-Works have now slipped into history.Many Class 37's with 'Split-Box' 37032 at the front stand lined up either being overhauled or having a complete refurbishment being converted from generator to alternator machines.Regretfully under todays H&S paranioa such close access to this type of work area without helmets/hi-viz/steel toecap boots and a 4 week personal awareness coarse is now just not possible anymore.