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Class 59/1 (Up to 31 July 2018)
Formally ARC Engines but now owned by Hanson in turn owned now by Heidelberg Cement.based at, or around the Mendip-Quarries.
59102 'Village of Chantry' with its set of recently built boxes and no hoppers today forms '6C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC going to Merehead.Again this working was diverted via Swindon and Melksham due to the B&H currently being out of use for engineering works.Seen against a backdrop of a 'Simpson' sky at Heywood nr Westbury.
..9 july 2018..
This evenings '7C64' the 15:26 from Acton-TC to Merehead was sidelined in the Frome Station Loop to allow an HST service to overtake it.Hence the less usual shot of this train at Blatchbridge Junction coming off the single station line prior to using the 'ladder' to regain the down-main.'Hanson in the Sun' (My first this month) 59102 was doing its duty as it passes the junction.
..6 july 2018..
59103 comes off the B&H at the soon to be completely re-aligned and rebuilt Westbury North-Junction.The train being '6C76' the 15:26 from Acton-TC to Merehead.
..27 june 2018..
If the sun is out there is bound to be a 'Hanson in the Sun' somewhere! Here is 59101 'Village of Whatley' charging through Blatchbridge-Junction nr Frome with '7V12' the 15:26 from Woking going down to Merehead.
..26 june 2018..
'Hanson' 59103 approaches Clink Road Junction with '7c31' the 09:23 from Theale going down to Whatley Quarry.Note yet mote 'HTA-s' that have been pressed into use on aggregate workings now the coal movement industry in this country is virtually dead.
..22 june 2018..
'Hanson in the Sun'-59102 rounds the curve at Barkley Marsh with '7C66' the 18:38 from Royal Wootton Bassett returning empties to Merehead Quarry.
..21 june 2018..
With the low evening lighting nicely lighting the underframe detailing 59101 passes Masters Crossing nr Fairwood working '7C64' the 15:26 from Acton-TC going to Merehead.No hoppers on this one,just boxes.
..21 june 2018..
'Good Ol Boy' 59102 works '7C29' the 06:25 from Acton-TC to Merehead down past Styles Hill in Frome on the Avoiding Line there.
..21 june 2018..
Today has turned into a Hansonfest! This is the third 'Hanson in the Sun' in just over 2-hours! This time it is 59102 with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking-Down going to Merehead with a nice load of empty Boxes.Location is of coarse Berkley nr Frome.
..14 june 2018..
It must be a nice day! That is two 'Hanson's in the Sun' within an hour! This time it is 59101 with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester Recp to Merehead running through the reverse curves at Blatchbridge nr Frome.
..14 june 2018..
Good old 'Hanson in the Sun' 59103 rolls through Clink nr Frome with '6V18' the 11:25 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry.After a crap morning and most of the afternoon the skies had cleared to full blue now until sunset-------nice.
..14 june 2018..
Todays 'Finale' just had to be a 'Hanson in the Sun'.Here is 59102 pulling away from Westbury at Fairwood with '7C66' the 17:50 from Royal Wootton Bassett returning empties to Merehead Quarry. As usual this working signifies the end of daylight photography of returning trains to the quarries.A pity because the sun was still good and strong,albeit getting quite yellowy for another 45 minutes!
..14 may 2018..
There may only be four 'Hansons' but sometimes it seems like there is fourteen of the things! Here is 59101 rolling '6C58' up to Clink Junction from Oxford-Banbury Road (11:55 off) to Whatley Quarry.
..10 may 2018..
Good old 'Hanson in the Sun' 59103 rumbles through Clink with '7V77' todays 12:38 from Acton-TC down to Merehead.Sadly the Mendip-Rail wagon fleet seems to be a current target for the 'graffiti artists' that infest presumably the London area whenever one of these trains is stationary for more that a few hours in the dark.Funny how they can afford money for ladders and paint-spray cans out of their Social Security cheques! It must cost at least £25 per wagon. Time to install a couple of active sniper towers at Acton-TC to sort the problem out!
..10 may 2018..
Good Old 'Hanson in the Sun' 59102 'Village of Chantry' rolls through the fields nr Pot Lane at Berkley Marsh with '7C66' the final freight back down to the quarries able to be seen in decent evening light before sunset.This working coming from Royal Wootton Bassett (17:50 away) going down to Whatley Quarry.
..2 may 2018..
'Hanson' 59102 is seen with '7C29' the 06:24 from Acton-TC going to Merehead moving past Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..26 april 2018..
Originally I went to Heywood Village for this working '7C77' the 12:38 from Acton to Merehead because it was diverted via Melksham off its normal route.Naturally I got screwed off there by the patchy clouds but as I was passing this location going home pulled in for a shot anyway! Loco is 'Hanson in the Sun' 59104 seen here in the then quite shadowed cutting at Clink.Well it was past 17:00 instead of its normal pass time of about 15:20!
..25 april 2018..
'Village of Whatley' 59101 drones up the Incline at Upton Scudamore at about 10 mph working '7O40' the Fridays-only 13:35 from Merehead to Eastleigh aggregate sdg's.Now we are in the month of april there is just sufficient sun-height angle to record this working here in this deep cutting.For 8 months of the year this shot is not really possible at this time of day.
..20 april 2018..
59103 with '7C77' the 12:38 from Acton-TC to Merehead passes Standerwick between Westbury and Frome.Until a few years ago this was just a pleasant cow pasture with a few animals in it.Now it is a mess of portacabins and crap dumped everywhere.A pity!
..26 march 2018..
'Good Ol Boy' 59102 approaches Clink Road Junction with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington to Whatley Quarry.This is running about an hour later than normal as it has had to run via Swindon and not the B&H due to engineering work between Reading and Newbury.This is a bit of a test shot trying out a new lens (EF-S 55-250 IS-STM) bought for its extreme 250mm top end focal length.1st impressions for this fairly inexpensive lens are quite acceptable!
..15 march 2018..
'Village of Great Elm' 59104 works '7C77' the 12:38 from Acton-TC to Merehead past the turnip fields at Fairwood nr Westbury.Hard to believe less than 5 seconds prior to this shot being exposed most of this scene was in heavy shadows! Oh-well,that's this months 'Hanson in the Sun' sorted out then!
..8 march 2018..
'Hanson' 59104 is caught in a short sun patch as it passes Clink heading for Wahtley Quarry with the 11:20 from Allington-ARC Sdg's.Note the freshly cut back cutting sides bourne out of NR paranoia that overhanging bushes will damage IET Class-800 pantographs in the down position.I certainly do not care about that but I am quite pleased with the clearing of the bushes as it makes photography considerably easier!
..15 february 2018..
Hooray! a 'Hanson in the Sun', the second this month as well! Here is 'Good Ol Boy' 59102 returning '7V12', a string of empty aggregate hoppers back down to Whatley from Fareham-ARC (11:47 away).Seen at Masters Farm Crossing at Fairwood with the junction just visible in the far background.
..7 february 2018..
'Hanson' in the Sun! 59204 speeds non-stop past Woodborough on the B&H with '7C77' the daily afternoon empties from Acton-TC (12:38 off) going back down to Merehead in the Mendips.These afternoon stone trains are once again just beginning to possible to photograph once again now that Spring is just around the cold and draughty corner and the sun is getting higher in the sky.
..1 february 2018..
'Village of Chantry' 59102 runs past the wide open spaces at Berkley Marsh with the returning empties from Theale (13:40 departure) going back down to Whatley Quarry.
..31 january 2018..
59102 'Village of Chantry' eases away from Clink Road Junction with '6A74' the 09:22 away from Whatley Quarry taking a large consignment of aggregates up to Theale for road distribution.
..30 january 2018..
This class of just 4 locomotives (59101-104) currently carry the longest lived non-heritage modern livery of any loco or DMU in the country! Having been in this livery now for well over 20 years.Scarily I am beginning to quite like it?????. Anyway here is 59101 seen at a relatively shadow free Berkley Marsh nr Frome given the time of day and time of year.It is hauling '6A15' the 09:32' from Whatley Quarry going to Appleford 'STP' working.Note the tail-end of '7C29' in the background. Phew!----that was close!
..15 december 2017..
'Village of Great Elm' 59104 runs under the 25-Kva power-lines that stretch over the Avoiding Line here in Frome.It is on '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC heading for Merehed Quarry.The shot is pictured quite lawfully from a public foot crossing!
..5 october 2017..
59104 'Village of Great Elm' rolls through Berkley Marsh nr Frome with the 06:24 from Acton-TC going to Merehead as '7C29'.This particular location has for the last 10 years been impossible photographically due to rampant shrub and tree growth.Trackside clearance such as this is just about the only 'up-side' to the new IET's that are soon to be infesting this route.Managerial paranoia percieve all this trackside vegetation could possible rip off the pantographs from these new 800-series plastics so it has to go.Pity it wasn't kept under control in the last 20 years I say?
..3 october 2017..
59102 'Village of Chantry' comes under the Pot Lane overbridge at Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '7V52' the 12:03 from Hamworthy going to Whatley Quarry barely 10 minutes after 59204 on '6C48' that was going to the same place.That short little branch can be incredibly busy at times particularly in the evenings.
..21 september 2017..
59103 'Village of Mells' (A Hanson in the Sun!) passes an amazingly neat and tidy (both sides of the fences) Berkley Marsh working '6A74' the 09:22 from Whatley Quarry to Theale loaded aggregate. It is worth a mention that the 59/1 sub-class is the only version that still retains its original names on the entire set of four loco's.Most of the ex-Yeomans and the ex-NP 59/0's and 59/2's lost their original identities years ago!
..14 september 2017..
My first 'Hanson in the Sun' this month! Here is 59102 at Berkley Marsh with '7V52' the 12:05 from Hamworthy nr Poole to Whatley Quarry. This train holds the dubious distinction of being Dorsets only regular freight working!
..13 september 2017..
A commendably tidy 59103 'Village of Mells' cruises through Clink nr Frome heading for Whatley Quarry on the daily '6V18'-11:20 from Allington ARC.Matching Loco & Hoppers today albeit somewhat graffittied in places.
..31 august 2017.
Yet another 'Hanson in the Sun',this time 59101'Village of Whatley' looking particularly clean and smart thrums past Blatchbridge Junction in Frome with '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC to Merehead.This shot taken from a public foot crossing part of which can be seen in the foreground.
..15 august 2017..
Another 'Hanson in the Sun',this time 59104 working '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC to Merehead.Pictured here at Masters Crossing just west of Fairwood Junction instead of the usual shot departing Westbury-proper because lately this working and indeed the one that follows (6V18) increasingly miss out the station stop and use the avoiding route around the station.I hear that DB-Cargo have changed working practices and engine crews seem to be signing on and off at the Quarries hence the lack of need to call in at the station.Another indication of the sad decline of that concern.
..15 august 2017..
This months 'Hanson in the Sun' is 59102 'Village of Chantry' here moving slowly past Fairwood nr Westbury with '7A77' the 11:44 away from Merehead going up to Theale with a heavy load of Mendip stone products in approx 40 bogies hoppers.A load approaching 4000 tons!
..10 august 2017..
Another 'Hanson in the Sun!' this is 59102 leaning through Great Cheverell with the 12:40 from Acton to Merehead,otherwise known a '7C77'
..12 july 2017..
Oh No! Another 'Hanson in the Sun'.This time it is 59101 with '7C66' the 17:50 from Royal Wootton Bassett to Merehead-FY.Here seen departing Westbury at Fairwood in the yellowing latish evening sunlight.
..3 july 2017..
This month's first 'Hanson in the Sun' is 59104.Here seen on the Frome Avoiding Line with '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC to Merehead.A nice quiet little foot-crossing this albeit now getting somewhat overgrown again.Come on 'NR' stop wasting your time and money putting up ineffectual and un-necessary palisade fencing and do a bit more vegetation control!
..3 july 2017..
59102 still looking as good as ever after 27 years of service rumbles through Berkley Marsh at Pot Lane with '6C76' the 1440 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry.-----Just another 'Hanson in the Sun' you might say!!
..22 june 2017..
A double helping here of 'old-originals' 59104 with 59004 in behind are seen having just come off the Westbury-Avoiding Line at Fairwood Junction in the distance.The train is '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC going to Mearhead Quarry.
..16 june 2017..
The original 'Hanson' 59101 works '6Z41' from Acton-TC (14:11 off) to Whatley Quarry down through Berkley nr Frome.Although the trackside just here was completely cleared of vegetation less than a year ago during drainage work large bushes are already re-appearing.Nearly time for a call 'Frome Gardening Services' to get an estimate for their removal!
..15 june 2017..
'Hanson' 59103 purrs through Blatchbridge-Junction with '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC to Merehead empty boxes.Shot taken from the public foot-crossing situated here.
..15 june 2017..
Here is a busy evening scene at Fairwood nr Westbury.Whilst '6A21' the 18:25 from Whatley Quarry hauled by 59201/66056 waits at Westbury signal W105 for a path into the station area 59101 approaches with '7C66' the 17:50 from Royal Wootton Bassett-FY going to Merehead.I would have preferred it if the DB-59 hadn't been there but that's the way it was!
..12 june 2017..
59104,yet another 'Hanson in the Sun' this month! runs down past Berkley Marsh c/w its rampant showing of seasonal Mayflower bushes.This working is '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC heading for Whatley Quarry.Note ----- the newest 'HOA' wagon on the entire train was the one targeted by the probably London based graffiti-twats that have nothing better to do than spent their unemployment benefit on aerosol cans of spray paint and stencils.....
..11 may 2017..
'Hanson in the Sun' 59101 runs past Saxon Road Footbridge in Southampton with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester to Merehead Quarry in Somerset returning empties aggregates boxes for reuse.
..10 may 2017..
'Hanson' 59104's appearance here on '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry coincided nicely with one last burst of sunlight before the clouds won the day.In less than a hour five quarry workings passed me here and three were in some kind of sunlight.Not too bad considering!
..8 may 2017..
Now this is a location that hasn't been this clear for many years!The local NR-Vegetation Control Team have done a masterful job of clearing all the tree's and bushes away from the tracks here apparantly in readiness for the upcoming IEP's due to start running through here by the autumn.Quite understandable really as just one small 'thwack' from an overhanging tree would probably shatter the fragile looking Jap-Javelins to pieces very easily! So here is 59101'Village of Whatley' passing Fairwood with '6A74' the 09:22 from Whatley Quarry going up to Theale-ARC.
..2 may 2017..
'Hanson in the Sun' 59101 runs through Berkley Marsh with the returning empties '6V52' from Hamworthy (12:05 off) to Whatley Quarry.This flow has recently made a return to the active list after several years of the terminal at Hamworthy lying dormant.It brings a welcome return of freight to the County of Dorset!
..12 april 2017..
59101,now a quite venerable older GM but still hard at work after 27 years passes Masters Crossing nr Fairwood with '7C31' the morning returns from Theale (07:55 away) to Whatley Quarry.
..10 april 2017..
Final shot of this 15 minute Class-59 Fest was 59104 with the returning '7C66' 17:50 from Wootton-Bassett to Merehead hopper empties.Not bad,one of each sub-class adding variety,albeit just the liveries! Viewed emerging from under Pot Lane Bridge at Berkley Marsh with the sun now progressively turning somewhat yellowy.
..7 april 2017..
59103 leans into the curve at Great Cheverell with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry.Now with all the 59/2's in Schenker-Red and the 59/0's in AI Ice-Cream Van liveries this long standing Hanson colour scheme these days seems quite appealing in comparison!
..7 april 2017..
Here is my reguler 'Hanson in the sun' for this month! This time it's 59103 with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC heading for Whatley Quarry passing Clink nr Frome.Note the superb display of Blackthorn here this year.A welcome reminder that winter is now thankfully just a memory!
6 april 2017..
Having seen 59001 about 50 minutes earlier here at Clink the other 'local' Doyen 59101 duly appeared on '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-A.R.C to Whatley Quarry.This being my first 'Hanson in the Sun' for March!
..20 march 2017..
Pictured purely because of the amazing colour of the sky was 59101 which was running L/E as '0F59' from Westbury down to Merehead.Another couple of weeks and the shrubs and bushes here will be turning to lovely yellows & golds.......
..12 october 2016..
'Hanson' number-1 eases under the A361 main road bridge here at Clink with '7C77' the 12:39 from Acton-TC heading for Merehead.A little bit head-on but at least the sun was shining!
..6 september 2016..
Tonights finale to a 4-freight-fest in just 11 minutes was '7C66' the 17:50 from Royal Wootton Bassett-FY down to Merehead.Local stalwart 59101 doing the business dragging its set of ex-EWS HTA's now on stone haulage instead of the virtually non-existant coal.Note the FY bogie hopper in use as a buffer-translater.
..31 august 2016..
Hanson 59103 lifts its train away from Clink Road Junction coming from Merehead as '6C97' 17:05 to Colnbrook,albeit over an hour late for some reason.The leading portion are the new MRL/VTG HOA's recently placed in service here out of the Mendip Quarries.
..31 august 2016..
'Good Ol Boy' Hanson 59102 emerges under the occupation bridge here at Clink Road Junction into the rapidly shadowing up Cutting there. The train is nominally '6C48' the 13:45 from Exeter-Riverside to Whatley Quarry. Today a 'hire-in' Colas Class-70 did the trip to Exeter and return but the final leg from Westbury down the branch to Whatley was operated by this 59/1.Wagons are the brand new JNA's now in common user-usage that still look immaculate (For now).
..30 august 2016..
As the sun was shining in the totally clear blue sky predicted by the BBC I made an early start and nipped out for '7A09' the 07:12 from Merehead going to Acton-TC.Today was the turn of 59104 'Village of Great Elm' to be in charge.Yeoman hoppers mainly with an 'IIA' as a buffer translater. Note at the rear of the train some of the brand new JNA's also in the load. Shot taken at Clink nr Frome even before I had had my morning cup of tea!
..26 august 2016..
'Hanson' 59102 was over an hour late departing Westbury due to being caught up in the congestion caused by '6V18' failing nr Clink Road-Junc. It eventually passed here at Berkley Marsh about an hour late.The train left Woking Dn-Reception on time at 1538 as '7V12'.Of interest is the brand new 'jna' box wagon behind the loco.It had arrived factory-fresh on the 12th along with 24 other examples.It is dual branded as 'MRL' and 'VTG'.
..19 august 2016..
Unusually with no wagons to come back to Whatley Quarry todays 14:40 Acton-TC ran as '0C76'.59104 paired with 59004 are seen speeding through Great Cheverell on the B&H.Although a light-engine pair they still continued all the way down to the Quarry! ..12 august 2016..
Local-Loco 59103 'Village of Mells' comes up through Clink with its mixed load of 'IIA's and Ex-Coal HTA's going to Theale from Merehead.It left there at 09:04 as '7A74'.
..25 july 2016..
'Good-Old Boy' Hanson 59102 rolls through Clink with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC with more empties bound for Whatley Quarry.
..22 july 2016..
No monthly gallery around Frome would be complete without a couple of 'Hansons in the Sun'.For my 2nd effort this month we have 59103 with its set of orphan ex-EWS coal hoppers now redeployed on stone traffic instead of coal.This is '7C66' the returning empties from Royal Wootton Bassett to Merehead. Worryingly I am starting to actually like this now rather old livery contrasting nicely with the DB and AI versions.Picture shot at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..13 july 2016..
An uncharacteristically grubby looking 'Hanson in the Sun' 59102 passes Berkley Marsh with the late afternoon 15:35 from Theale to Merehead '6C74'. At least some of the many now redundant EWS coal hoppers have found employment as seen here on this working.They must be fairly suitable for aggregate workings as they have now been working out of the Mendip Quarries for well over a year now.
..05 july 2016..
Oh No! My first 'Hanson in the Sun' of the month! Here is a rather clean looking 59104 easing through Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '7C74' the 15:35 from Theale returning empties to Whatley Quarry.This is just about the longest lived current livery still in general use,not including heritage repaints of coarse.Scarily I am starting to like it ???? I think I need to sit down and take a pill with a cup of tea!
..03 june 2016..
'Good Ol Boy' 59104 powers through Ruscombe with todays '7C77' the 12:39 from Acton-TC to Merehead.Rather lucky here as I was nearly 'done' by the London bound HST.It did momentarily cause a bit of concern?
..05 may 2016..
'7C64' the evening Acton-TC (15:24 off) to Merehead-Quarry passes under Pot Lane Bridge at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.'Old Faithful' 59102 was today handling the duty.Its been nearly 10 days since my last 'Hanson in the Sun' and this is certainly the first one from this viewpoint for many years!
..29 april 2016..
Hanson-Doyen 59101 looking literally 1/2 cleaned passes Clink nr Frome with the 12:39 from Acton to Merehead '7C77'.Although it is now over midway through April the bushes and shrubs here are flowering quite late due to the continuing chilly weather!
..20 april 2016..
'7C29' the 06:22 from Acton-TC to Merehead dodges the early morning shadows (well 09:30 actually but I'm a late riser!} at Clink Road Junction.'Good Ol Boy' local-loco 59102 was today doing the duty.
..20 april 2016..
Handsome-Hanson 59101 creeps away from Westbury bound for Whatley-Quarry with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC Sdgs.With cloud cover better than 75% this shot was a rather lucky one,albeit just a 59/1! Amazingly this small sub-class of just 4 locomotives has now worn this particular livery for something like 20 years making it just about the oldest one still current on the national network apart from several heritage repaints here and there! Location here is Fairwood just west of Westbury.
..12 april 2016..
'Hanson' 59102 'Village of Chantry' powers up Upton-Scudamore Incline making about 8 to 10 mph as it hauls about 2000 tons unassisted up this not inconsiderable bank.The train being '7O40' the FO from Merehead (13:35 off) going to Eastleigh Aggregate Sidings.Back in the steam days the regular loco-coal trains hauled by GWR 2-8-0's or 2-8-2T's were about 40 10-ton wagons long,so not much more than 500-tons in total and these were invariable banked all the way to Warminster.How things have changed in the intervening 50 years! I remember them well as a small local trainspotter!
..08 april 2016..
Todays 12:39 from Acton-TC to Merehead comprised just one set of empty boxes so probably ran as '6C77'.Loco allocated was 'Hanson' in the Sun-59104'Village of Great Elm' which is recently back into traffic after an absence of about a year!I believe it has been out of action for quite a while with a defect of some kind,it's just a pity it didn't get a fresh coat of paint as well! However all now seems to be back in order!It is seen shortly after passing Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury at Masters Crossing.
..05 april 2016..
No day of photography around Frome would be complete without the inevitable shot of a 'Hanson'. So here is 59101 working an 80 minute late '6V18' from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry through Berkley-Marsh.It was delayed for some reason at Willesden in the Capital and thereafter was unable to make up any time. So ended a short busy 30 minutes here in Frome which produce four freights. With the rapid demise of such places as Barnetby & Newport the area surrounding Westbury is rapidly becoming a leading 'Hot-Spot'.
..22 march 2016..
Last but not least of this fine clear blue sky late afternoon 30 minute 'Gala' here at Berkley Marsh was '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry which was running about 50 minutes late for some reason.Good old 'Hanson 59101 'Village of Whatley' is viewed at Berkley Marsh slowing for the signals for Clink Road Junction.
..17 march 2016..
59102 'Village of Chantry' cruises past Baynton Farm on the B&H with '7C77' the 12:39 from Acton-TC going to Merehead. No shortage of 'Hansons in the Sun' in this months portfolio!
..17 march 2016..
59104 having had a short layover in Westbury Down-Yard with '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley Quarry is now seen at Fairwood on the final leg of its journey.The pair of well known landmarks around Westbury-Wilts being well in evidence on the far horizon.Unfortunately the now redundant Cement-Works Chimney is set to be demolished sometime this year,never to be rebuilt again due to corporate asset stripping and an alien takeover by the french!
..14 march 2016..
Having pictured 50% of the available Hansons on '7C77' about 25 minutes earlier I couldn't believe it when yet another Hanson 59104 turned up just 25 minutes later on '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley here at Westbury opposite the Power-signal Box there.
..14 march 2016..
Here we have a 'Double-Dollop' of Hanson-Blue! as 59102 and 59101 motor past the extreemly muddy and partially flooded fields at Coulsdon on the B&H west of Lavington.The working being the ever regular '7V77' 12:39 from Acton-Yard going to Merehead.I would have preferred getting in a bit closer but as all I was wearing on my feet was a pair of canvas trainers I though somewhat better of that idea!
..14 march 2016..
Good old 'Hanson' 59102 'Village of Chantry' motors down through Clink nr Frome with the 12:39 away from Acton going to Merehead-Quarry '7C77'. Now the month of March is upon us the sun is now sufficiently high at 15:00 to 16:00 to picture both this and '6V18' in this quite deep cutting here at Clink-Junc without too many shadows. Roll on April,probably the best month for light and lack of overgrowth on the track sides!
..07 march 2016..
Oh look,a Hanson in semi-sun! 59102 takes the Westbury station route at Fairwood-Junction with an early running '7B12' the 11:35 from Merehead going to Royal Wootton Bassett The wagons used here are redundant EWS ex-coal hoppers that are now firmly displaced off their old regular duties hauling coal to Power-Stations.Things in that area of usage are certainly not going to improve so these wagons look to be a permanant fixture working out of the Mendip Quarries.
..04 march 2016..
With the loss of the last Foster-Yeoman liveried 59/0 suddenly the 'Hanson' 59/1's are starting to look quite attractive again! In fact this one 59102 'Village of Chantry' was looking very smart indeed giving me my regular monthly 'Hanson in the Sun' picture. Here it is hauling the 13:30 away from Avonmouth-Bennetts Yard to West-Drayton ARC.The report code being '6A83'. It is passing the White Horse Business Park in Trowbridge on the approach to the foot-crossing there.Note the brand new 1.8 mtr high link fencing that has replaced old fashion 'post n wire' that extends for about 400 yards either way to prevent people getting on the track.All very pointless with a foot crossing in the middle! Only Railtrack-Nobs would spent probably in excess of £30-grand on a pointless useless 'tick in the box' fence like that.No wonder our railways are the most expensive in the world with utter waste such as this!
..24 february 2014..
Running as the 09:30 from Appleford to Whatley Quarry I can only assume this is '6Z48' that normally departs at 13:30 as '6C48'.However here is 'Hanson' 59103 about to roll through Westbury's Platform-1 with its load of empty boxes.Nice that it didn't use the down-relief which would have presented no chance whatsoever of even a semi reasonable picture!
..09 february 2016..
Unbelievable its only the first of the month and already I have my regulation 'Hanson in the Sun'for the month! Here is 59103 dragging '6V18' away from Westbury going to Whatley-Quarry.This train came from Allington-ARC and departed there at 11:20.Note the couple of Network-Rail workers doing a spot of surveying just stood in the middle of the down avoiding mainline! Not a very bright thing to do particularly without any anybody on look-out duties!
..01 october 2015..
59103 powers a boxes-only '6C77' non-stop through Woodborough on the B&H.This departs Acton at 12:40 and is destined for Merehead Quarry.
..28 september 2015..
59101 the leader of the Hanson 'Gang of 4' eases slowly away from Westbury with presumably '4C31' the 09:55 from Theale going to Merehead.I note that a yeoman-hopper is again being used as a 'translator' wagon to enable the train to be hauled by a coupling-only Class-59!
..28 september 2015..
At last! My regulation monthly 'Hanson in the Sun' This is 59103 'Village of Mells' droning through Lavington on the B&H with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC Sidings heading for home-base (Whatley Quarry). Amazingly these loco's have had their 'Hanson' livery now for 20 years and as such it is the longest lived current non-heritage colour scheme still in general use today. Something to think about when you moan as yet another 59/1 approaches!
..10 september 2015..
If all else fails that good old stand-by a 'Hanson in the Sun' can always be relied upon.Here is this months effort--59101 hauling '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking going to Merehead.Viewed passing Berkley-Marsh nr Frome in pleasant evening lighting.
..17 august 2015..
59102 powers '7C64' the 15:22 from Acton down to Merehead past Blatchbridge-Junction nr Frome.All was not well with this loco,plenty of smoke and a rather strong smell of burning as it passed.Time will tell!
..25 june 2015..
'Hanson' 59102 is slowly approaching Hawkeridge-Junction with '6A83' the 13:26 from Avonmouth-Bennets Sidings to West-Drayton ARC.This duty uses the Hawkeridge Chord to gain access to the B&H for the run up towards London.
..24 june 2015..
This is Culham north of Didcot.It now looks like it used to many years ago after Network Rail have had a session of Tree & Bush clearance in readiness for the dreaded masts-n-wires.The working is '6A57' the 15:03 from Whatley Quarry going to Oxford Banbury Road Stone Terminal. Power today for this working is being supplied by MRL's 59102 still wearing the 'Hanson' colours which is now just about the longest lived loco livery currently in use on the network (Heritage repaints don't count).
..18 june 2015..
'Village of Whatley' 59101 ambles past Berkley Marsh with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC going down to Whatley Quarry.This is the second 'Hanson in the Sun' in just two days.At least it was a different one and the clean roof end was leading this evening!
..16 june 2016..
The final working of the evening going down to Merehead in acceptable evening sunlight tonight was '7C66' the 17:47 from Royal-Wootton-Bassett.Hoppers are used on this duty as 'R-W-B' is one of the few terminals with 'bottom discharge' facilities so that this type of wagon can be used.Traction this evening was an inevitable 'Hanson',this one being 59102.This small sub-class of just 4 locomotives now wears just about the longest lived livery currently still in use in the country.The train is seen approaching Clink nr Frome running at a fairly high speed.
..15 june 2015..
'6C76' from Acton (14:40 off) going to Merehead produced 59102 hauling this small set of eight bogie hoppers.This is something that is not seen very often.usually the wagon sets are in multiple of approx eighteen.This then is probably just a wagon move possibly having defects ?
Footnote--This picture is the 5000th applied to this current website !!!!!!
..29 may 2015..
59103, my third 'Hanson in the Sun' for the month of May is seen approaching Woodborough on the B&H with '6C76' the 14:40 off Acton-TC going to Whatley Quarry.
..21 may 2015..
One of our local dearly beloved 'Hansons',this one being 59102 passes Clink Road Junction on '6V18' the 11:16 from Allington-A.R.C. to Whatley Quarry.
..12 may 2015..
The 15:38 from Woking to Merehead '6V12' passes through a very colourful Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.'Hanson' 59101 doing the duty.Well that takes care on this months 'Hanson in the Sun ' I suppose! No doubt more will follow though.
..11 may 2015..
This is a bit scary---My 4th 'Hanson in the Sun' in a single month!..... Here is 59102 with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC going to Whatley-Quarry at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.Thankfully this shot is now available for evening shots again due to the 'terrible-twins' putting in a spot of overtime on Boxing Day with various implements of mass destruction... ..Nice one M & D......................
..29 april 2015..
Decal-less former-FY 59004 comes under the Frome Bypass Bridge with '6V18' the 11:16 from Allington-ARC going to Whatley-Quarry.Note the Hanson stone lorry going over the bridge in the background,no doubt it is going to the same destination!
..28 april 2015..
Aha! This shot doubles my April quota of getting a 'Hanson in the sun'.Today it is 59102 powering straight though Fairwood-Junction directly off the Westbury-Avoider with '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton to Merehead.Note how manicured the trackside is here adjacent to this farm-crossing.Network-Rail have had a team working this stretch of line now for several days and are certainly being very thorough about vegetation/tree removal!
..23 april 2015..
At last! --this is Aprils 'Hanson in the Sun!' Here is 59103 'Village of Mells' rounding the curve on the approach to Clink Road-Junction in Frome with '6C50' which is a local tripper from Westbury (15:30 off nominally) down to Whatley-Quarry.The empty stone boxes behind the loco are the now quite ancient 'KEA' type albeit still doing a useful job day to day.
..10 april 2015..
Here is the regulation monthly 'Hanson in the Sun'.Todays offering is 59102 passing Clink nr Frome with '7C31' the 08:40 from Theale going to Merehead.Now this train is regularly composed of ex-EWS coal hoppers what exactly is its reporting number now? It is 7C31 or 6C31 or maybe even 4C31...??????????
..03 march 2015..
About 10 minutes after '6M20' has passed (Thankfully because the temperature was about 0 degrees C with a biting wind) '7A17' from Merehead going to Colnbrook made its appearance.Local Hanson-Stalwart 59101 being in charge as it sped non-stop up the Avoiding-Line at a fair speed.The first four Yeoman Hoppers being loaded with fine Mendip-Dust were producing a pretty impressive fog that was doing a fair job of obscuring most of the train.What can just be made out is the rest of the train is made up of mainly HTA ex-coal hoppers now doing duty in the Mendips.
..06 february 2015..
Due to a points failure (probably at Theale itself) todays '6C31' from Theale to Merehead was sent via Didcot and Swindon and not its usual route down the B&H.This was to produce the unusual sight of 'HTA' coal hoppers passing through Trowbridge.Something worth picturing in albeit pretty dire lighting conditions. Hanson-59103 is seen shortly after passing through Trowbridge at White Horse Business Park Foot-Crossing.Due to its lateness it didn't even halt in Westbury and carried on down to Merehead non-stop.
..22 january 2015..
After the '1A78' HST passes here at Great Cheverell there is usually '6M20' and '7A17' stone workings within 20 minutes.Due to a total lack of internet-access and with no info I kinda assumed when this passed it was '7A17'.In fact it is the 75 minute late '7A74' from Whatley going to Theale with 59101 in charge.'7A17' never ran and '6M20' was over 70 minutes late so neither of the regular booked workings turned up before I left feeling very cold at Noon..All this information became clear upon arriving home so I was glad I baled out when it did.That is just typical on a superbly clear and crisp day like today!
..19 january 2015..
As the shadows lengthen at just 15:05 '6A83' the 13:26 from Bennets at Avonmouth going to West-Drayton ARC runs past the contractors employed to clear the embankments here at Yarnbrook of trees and shrubs.59101 was todays power for this regular MWO service.
03 december 2014..
Mendip-Rail occasionally allow their 59 fleet to be used at weekends on engineering duties for DBS.Here is 59101 coming back up from Cogload-Jn on a crisp Sunday morning with '6W08' (08:40off) going the Westbury.It is certainly a nice change to see one of these local machines working a train of older style 4-wheelers instead of the usual stone hoppers.Location is of coarse Berkley-Marsh which is conveniently less than a mile from home!
..09 november 2014..
It doesn't happen very often but today I managed to picture all three Class-59 lead-locomotives! 59101 completed the set today when it rolled into Westbury with '6V18' from Hither-Green.Viewed here coming off the B&H past the caged Power-Box at Westbury.Naturally it was to continue on down to Whatley-Quarry after a short halt to facilitate a change of crew.
..07 october 2014..
Oh No! Another 'Hanson' in the sun,thats two in one day! So here is 59103 passing Woodborough with the 14:40 from Acton empties going back to Whatley Quarry.The loco and wagons were almost a perfect match except for a couple of odd MRL 'IIA-s' added in the middle of the consist.
..30 september 2014..
Hanson 59104 trundles through Clink with '7C31' from Acton to Merehead.The wagons being ex-EWS coal hoppers.Note the inclusion of a single Yeoman Hopper in use to provide buffers for haulage by any of the buckeye-less 59 fleet.
..30 september 2014..
Tut-Tut this really must stop! Two 'Hansons in the Sun' in the same month! This time it is 59102 rolling though Great-Cheverell with '7C77' from Acton heading for Merehead. The indifferent weather conditions give me no confidence to go any distance at the moment hence this lucky local shot in a brief blue hole in the mainly clouded sky.
..18 september 2014..
This months 'Hanson in the Sun' is 59103 'Village of Mells' as it passes Fairwood Junction with '7A17' the 10:33 from Merehead going to Acton.This is the regular booked duty for this older rake of ex-Bardon rust-bucket hoppers.
..09 september 2014..
No month would be complete without the inevitable 'Hanson'. So here is 59102 'Village of Chantry' easing through Berkley-Marsh with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking going down to Merehead with a uniforrn set of MRL-boxes.
..20 august 2014..
'Hanson' 59102 draws through Clink with '7A17' from Merehead to Acton made up of an almost complete set of the older Bardon style hoppers.Just 5 IIA's towards the back of the load breaks up the conformity.
..31 july 2014..
Oh No! Another 'Hanson in the Sun'.Mind you with the weather we have been having lately it has not been difficult! Here is good old 59102 cruising down the loop at Denchworth with the 13:30 off appleford going back to Whatley with the empty '6C48'.Wagons being a set of older 'KEA' type.
..22 july 2014..
'7A15' from Westbury going to Appleford comes off the western chord at Didcot-North Junction.Today it is the turn of 59102 to do the honours hauling the rake of 'KEA' bogie hoppers full of aggregate.
..22 july 2014..
59102,one of the local 'Hansons' draws away from Westbury past Fairwood Crossing with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley-Q.
..21 july 2014..
Oh No! another 'Hanson in the Sun'.Confusingly this working is listed on RTT as originating from Allington-ARC departing at 10:53.However it seems to have left Hither-Green in the '6V18' slot with no previous reports from Allington so it probably started at HG. So here is 59104 passing within 400yards on my front door about to negotiate Clink Junction going to Whatley-Quarry. Well!!!!! The sun was out!
..15 july 2014..
The expected '7A17' which usually follows '6M20' failed to appear during my wait here at Fairwood Farm Crossing.However this loco 59102 running as '0Z99' sped by bound for Woodborough Loop to rescue a failed '7A09' from earlier this morning.The errant loco was a 59/2. A 'Hanson in the Sun' to the rescue!
..10 july 2014..
Here is this months regulation 'Hanson in the Sun' shot.This time its 59101 as it eases '6V18' towards Clink Road Junction through Berkley-Marsh on its final leg to Whatley Quarry from Hither Green.
..09 july 2014..
Loaded stone as '6A83' from Avonmouth-Bennets going to West-Drayton ARC rumbles past Great Cheverell heading east on the B&H.Hanson-59102 being in charge of this one.
06 june 2014..
What better way to round off the day but with a shot of a 'Hanson in the sun!' Here is 59101 running past Arn Hill off the Wylye-Valley line shortly after passing through Warminster.The working is '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking going to Merehead.
..16 april 2014..
So here it is! If you stand around long enough on the B&H you will picture a 'Hanson' in the Sun! Today it was the turn of 59102.Here it is passing Great Cheverell with the recently re-introduced '7A17' from Merehead up to Acton.Stone traffic seems to be booming at the moment,even this old set of Bardon hoppers have been repaired and pressed into service (regularly on '7A17' it seems).The train is strengthened by the addition of a couple of the newish 'IIA-s'.Its a pity they ain't on the back out of sight.
..16 april 2014..
59102,one of our very local workhorses passes Clink in Frome (About 150 yards from my front door!) with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead. Business for the two local quarries has certainly picked up in the last few months.This train now loads regularly with 3 portions (Up to 57 wagons) and virtually the whole of the booked table of trains ran today which is very unusual for a Friday!
..11 april 2014..
As usual it is 'Hanson in the Sun' time again! Here is the well splattered local stalwart 59104 with '7C77' going to Merehead from Acton.Seen at Fairwood nr Westbury.Things must be looking up in the bulk stone business! Today this working comprised of 3-portions,close to 60 wagons.That has not been the regular thing now for several years...................
..07 march 2014..
Local-Hero 59102 powers up the Frome-Avoider at Styles-Hill with '7A74' the 09:25 from Merehead going to Theale.Now with the recession of the past few years particularly in the building industry easing somewhat traffic from the Quarries has certainly pick up in recent months.Indeed several long dormant paths have been activated.On a good morning four stone workings can again be seen heading east on the B&H in the morning.
..27 february 2014..
It never fails! Whenever there is a spot of sunshine one of the four 'Hansons' always appears to hog the limelight!This is 59103 working '6A83' from Machen in S-Wales going to West-Drayton.It turns left at Hawkeridge-Junction and heads on up the B&H without needing to enter the station complex at Westbury.Location is Ladydown in Trowbridge again.
..23 october 2013..
Engines come and engines go but 'Hansons' seem to go on forever! Here is local Stalwart 59102 approaching Clink in Frome with '6C54' the 13:06 from Oxford-Banbury Road returning empty boxes back to Whatley-Quarry.
..29 august 2013..
'Hanson in the Sun'- 59104 with a matching set of bogie hoppers passes Fairwood on the approach to Westbury with '6l21' from Whatley going to Dagenham Dock.
..25 july 2013..
B&H Stalwart 59101 passes Lavington in full sun (What else when there is a 'Hanson' involved!) with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead-Quarry.Note how the passing wagons vacuum have sucked the lineside vegetation right down virtually into the empty wagons! Time for Notwork-Fail to get their chainsaws out again methinks!
..05 july 2013..
Oh No! a 'Hanson in the Sun'---Just! 59104 rolls past Ruscombe east of Reading heading for the Westbury with a '7C77' from Acton.Note Westbury Driver Steve Rogers hanging out of the cab window,probably angling for yet another 'Picture Please'.
..10 june 2013..
Next up on the B&H today was '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley-Quarry.Would you believe it Another Hanson! this time 59103 on hoppers.Location this time is Baynton Farm at Edington.
..01 may 2013..
As this shot requires a walk of over half a mile I had never done it before being basically a lazy type. However as the sun was guaranteed the move was made.Apart from the odd teezle and dead cow-parsley a pretty clear section of line. Here is 59104 approaching Westbury with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead. Pity it was a 'Hanson' but still quite nice.
..01 may 2013..
Just to round off the day yet another 'Hanson in the Sun!' This time its 59102 actually looking quite nice in the low evening light.It was on '6V12' from Woking going to Merehead.Picture shot from the Frome Bypass nr Berkley-Marsh.
..29 april 2013..
A 60 minute late running '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead passes Clink-Junction with yet another 'Hanson' in the sun! This time it was the leader of the gang 59101.
..29 april 2013..
'7C74' the Theale to Merehead empties comprising a doubles rake of 'IIA-s' catches the sun (As Hansons do!) at Berkley-Marsh with former ARC-Doyen 59101 in charge. Wouldn't it be nice to see one of these in Mustard-Yellow again!
..18 april 2013..
'7C54' from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley was a runner again today so a visit to Ladydown in Trowbridge was undertaken.Hanson Stalwart 59103 duly made its appearance in another clear blue patch so given the state of most of the sky I can't complain too much.Lack of reports meant I didn't have a clue what the traction was until it popped its nose around the corner... Kind of a bit like the old days really!
..16 april 2013..
On what visually passes for a lovely sunny day the temperature was actually barely above freezing particulary in the biting wind at the end of Chippenham Station waiting for this working to appear.Hard to believe it is now well into April,it feels more like January! Anyway here is another 'Hanson in the Sun' this time 59101 with '7C54' from Oxford-Banbury Road returning empties to Whatley Quarry.
..03 april 2013..
Yes you guessed it -- another 'Hanson in the Sun'.This time its 59103 here approaching Chippenham at Cocklebury Lane with a diverted '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley.Another working via Swindon due to the B&H being out of commission at Reading.
..02 april 2013..
'7C77' from Acton to Merehead had to travel via Swindon today due to the B&H being unavailable for through trains at Reading.As usual-guaranteed to be in the sun 'Hanson' 59102 is viewed shortly after turning on to the Melksham line at Thingley-Junction.Due to heavy conjestion on this single line section freight trains were limited to just one path per hour going west.This working spending over 30 minutes sat at Chippenham waiting for a slot.
..02 april 2013..
59101 was paired up with 66121 on todays '7C77' from Acton to Merehead.It is seen at a surprisingly sunny Clink-Junction.As this is just 150yards from my front door its nice to get a picture without too much effort for a change!
..19 march 2013..
Just my Luck! Another 'Hanson in the Sun'. Here is 59102 with the afternoon Acton to Merehead empty hoppers & boxes.Seen at Woodborough approaching the loops there although it did not stop.
..29 november 2012..
59104 heads todays Merehead to Theale '7A74'.Here seen at Clink making steady progress towards Westbury.Interestingly the locomotive had both headlights and rearlights illuminated at the same time. Forgiveable perhaps? whilst shunting around in a freight-yard but not really acceptable out on a mainline!!! Tut Tut!
..06 november 2012..
Coming from Acton and going to Whatley '6C76' slows for Clink Junction at Frome.'Hanson in the sun' 59103 with its matching set of bogie stone hoppers.
..07 september 2012..
That good old stand-by a 'Hanson in the Sun'.Here is 59101 with (for a change) a decent load on empties from Acton going back to Merehead.Working is of coarse that afternoon stalwart of the B&H '7C77' seen here bang on time trudging down past Frome on the final leg of the journey to the Quarry at Merehead.
..19 july 2012..
Acton to Whatley '6C76' produced yet another 'Hanson', this time 59101 (same as yesterday).Note the 'artists' have had a go at the leading bogie-hopper.What a waste of effort and paint!
..19 june 2012..
Hanson 59102 trundles through Frome going to Merehead with the morning empties '7C31' from Acton.Note,this is another set of FY Hoppers with a couple of newer 'IIA-s' added.
..19 june 2012..
If all else fails the good old standby,one of the local 'Hanson' 59's will always appear in the sun! Here local stalwart 59101 'Village of Whatley' eases up to Clink-Junction heading for Whatley from Acton with '6C76'.
..18 june 2012..
A bit of a sad start to a new month.News of the cessation of stone to the distribution depot at Hamworthy in Dorset only became common knowledge earlier this week.I suppose it is just another victim of the ongoing recession that seems to have no end! What with Syria,the Euro Crisis and now this, things look pretty bleak all round. Even the sun failed to turn up for the final passing of '7V52'.The returning empties are seen in dire light (640th-sec at F2.2 400 asa) drawn by 'Hanson' 59102 on the crest of Upton-Scudamore Incline about to drop downhill into Westbury. RIP--Hamworthy Branch. ..01 june 2012.. Footnote. The Stone delivery to Fareham also ceased this week.Thats two regular flows (Up to 6 workings each way per week) now lost in the Wylye-Valley so Freight towards Salisbury apart from Engineers Trains has now virtually ceased. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........
The regular '7C77' empties from Acton to Merehead motors down the Frome-Avoider with 'Village of Chantry'--Hanson No-2 in charge.
..17 may 2012..
No month would be complete without a shot of a 'Hanson' in the sun! Here is 59101 creeping through Berkley-Marsh as it heads towards Clink-Junction ready to take the Whatley Branch with '7V52' stone-empties from Hamworthy on the south coast.
..14 may 2012..
59102 and 59202 cruise past Berkley-Marsh nr Frome heading for Whatley with '6C76' from Acton-yard.With three of the six 59/2's now reliveried in Schenker-Red, as usual, people will be panicking about picturing the now fairly tatty 59/2's remaining in EWS colours.
..01 may 2012..
Although rather backlit 59101 still make quite a pleasant picture as it passes up the Frome-Avoiding-Line with '7A15' from Merehead going to Acton-Yard.
..16 april 2012..
Just my luck! Another 'Hanson in the sun',this time 59101 on '6C76' from Acton going to Whatley. A telephoto shot this time just to vary to appearance of the shot taken from precisely the same position on the roadbridge here at Clink-Junction in Frome.Quite nice to have a matching set of both loco & hoppers in the now ageing livery although Heidelburg-Cement have owned the Hanson Company now for several years.Amazingly no attempt to rebrand the fleet has taken place!
..12 april 2012..
'7C54' from Banbury Road-Oxford approaches Clink-Junction.Here the train diverges from the West of England mainline to take the branch leading to Whatley-Quarry.Naturally it was a Hanson-59103 as always in the sun! The bushes after the last few weeks of mild weather have really burst forth with new leaf growth and a few are actually flowering! As Winter turns to Spring Brown turns to Green!
..12 april 2012..
The Hamworthy to Whatley '7V52' empty-stone passes Arn-Hill on a bright crisp evening with local-loco 59102 in charge.Note the long-long shadows as the sun sets onto the bright clear horizon!
..07 march 2012..
Just boxes today on '7C77' from Acton going back to Merehead.Shot recorded at the recently re-opened up location for afternoon workings of the footbridge at Styles-Hill on the Frome-Avoider.Naturally it had to be a 'Hanson in the Sun' but thats just the way it is sometimes.Another month or so and the shadows will have receeded but 59101 will still be plying its trade through here.
..05 march 2012..
First train back from the engineering work on the Merehead Branch nr Wanstrow was the Colas-HOBC running as '6W36' hauled by 59103.Seen at Fairwood near the foot-crossing there in the cloudless morning light.
..26 february 2012..
Due to the slowness of the smoky departure of 59102 on '6W35' I was able to scuttle the 20 yards or so for a 2nd shot of this 'Hanson in the Sun'.Here nicely blotting out the local fields with its blue smoke haze where it is still warming up after no doubt spending the previous night parked and switched off in Westbury-Yard barely 1/2 a mile away.Destination is East-Somerset-Junction and beyond towards Merehead on the freight branch.
..25 february 2012..
'Hanson in the Sun' as always 59102 eases '6W35' away from Westbury with its load of 'HOA-s' on the short journey to this weekends engineering occupation on the Merehead-Quarry line.
..25 february 2012..
Having just viewed 66101 at Norton-Bavant a quick trip over to Frome enabled me see picture the only other loco in the country with 101 as the final three numbers.59101 working '7C31' runs down past Clink heading for Merehead having travelled from Theale.
..16 february 2012..
Hanson Number-1 'in the sun' at Woodborough on the B&H heading for Merehead with solid afternoon favourite '7C77',today just MRL boxes and no hoppers.
..03 february 2012..
Another 'Hanson' in the sun! 59104 hums down the Frome avoider going to Merehead from Acton with '7C31' today with just one set on the newish 'IIA-s' in tow.Possibly running as '4C31' due to the higher-speed rating of this type of wagon.
..26 january 2012..
Now that nearly a month has passed since the 'shortest day' this location Great-Cheverell on the B&H is again just about do-able for this working '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead providing it passes loosely on time (14:50).A good-old 'in the sun' Hanson 59103 being in charge today.
..16 january 2012..
Local stalwart 59103 runs down the Frome-Avoider at Styles Hill with '7C31' from Acton going to Merehead with a train of empty hoppers.
..12 december 2011..
With the sun rapidly setting at just 16:45 in the afternoon any hope for reasonable pictures is all but over.Next weekend BST ends and we revert to GMT so decent light will have gone by 15:15. Here is '7A15' from Merehead going to Acton.Power today is pairing 59104 leading and Sole-Schenker-Super-Shed 59206 tucked inside.Both under power as can be seen by the smokey exhausts.Location is Fairwood nr Westbury.
..26 october 2011..
I couldn't possibly let a whole month go by without a 'Hanson in the Sun' so here is 59102 ambling away from Westbury with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead.Just a single-set on MRL-Boxes today instead of up to 3 portions as was usual until recently due to the winding down of the Olympic contracts and the general recession.
..26 october 2011..
Autumn colours are just beginning to show themselves as the month of September draws to a close.I expect the leaves are dying of boredom waiting for a few days of sunshine! Anyway here is 59101 with a 90 minute late '7C77' running quite quickly under green signals approaching Clink-Junction nr Frome. Another 'Hanson' in the Sun!
..21 september 2011..
I have only featured one other 'Hanson' this month so here is yet another 'Hanson in the Sun'. Here is 59102 departing Westbury with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley-Q with a set of the newish 'IIA' hoppers. ..25 august 2011..
Ironic really that both these engines are numbered '101' in their respective class-types-59 and 66 because that is precisely where I feel both classes belong,yes I do mean Room 101 . Anyway here is 59101 and newly repainted in Schenker-Red 66101 running down the Frome avoider going to Merehead with '7C31' from Acton.66101 having only joined the train at Westbury. ..19 august 2011..
Ex-ARC Workhorse 59104 passes an exceedingly fruitful Crab-Apple-Tree in the hedge next to Berkley-Bridge with '6V18' from Hither-green bound for Whatley-Q.The indifferent Summer drags-on with myself finding other things to do such as Tree-Pruning and Fence-Erection in the back Garden! ..27 july 2011..
Still looking quite smart after getting a deep clean for last months West-Somerset Railway Gala,59103 is seen performing (as usual in full sun) with '6V18' from Hither-green going to Whatley-Quarry.Fairwood nr Westbury being the place. ..14 july 2011..
'Hanson' 59103 still looking immaculate 2 weeks after participating in the Gala on the West Somerset-Rly at Minehead.Seen at Arn-Hill with '7V52' from Hamworthy going back to the Quarry at Whatley.No apologies for all the shots at the same location.How could I turn down three Freights in the Wylye-Valley in full sun in less than eighty minutes.Probably wont happen again this Summer! ..29 june 2011..
'Hanson' in the sun as usual! 59102 draws away from Clink-Junction after coming up the branch from Whatley-Quarry going up to Theale with '6A74'. Rake today consisted of Hanson Hoppers plus three MRL-IIA's on the rear. ..27 june 2011..
59102 creeps round the bend in readiness to cross over at Clink-Junction to head on down to Whatley with '7C48',the return empty boxes from Appleford nr Didcot. ..13 june 2011..
59102 looking particularly clean eases away from a signal-check as it prepares to negotiate Clink-Junction going to Whatley from Hither-Green with '6V18'.Quite a short consist today of just on 'set' of 19 hoppers.Has been known to be nearly 60 bogies long! a sign of the 'thin' times ahead perhaps? ..01 june 2011..
On a day when pretty well everything went wrong sunwise I still seem to be able to get a 'Hanson in the Sun'.Only just as it happens,anyway here is 59102 with '6A74'(Tues-only) from Whatley going to Theale nr Reading with a set of loaded IIA's creeping up through Berkley-Marsh shortly after joining the mainline at Clink-Junction.
..31 may 2011..
I never turn down the chance of a shot in the sun even if the subject is a 'Hanson'.Of the three variants of 59's that work off the Mendip Quarries this colour scheme is my least favourite. Here is 'Hanson' 59102 with '7V16' from Fareham going to Whatley. ..25 may 2011..
If all else fails go to Fairwood for '6V18' so the story goes.I was waiting for 60040 to come back from Newport so it would have been rude not to!.Anyway here is local stalwart 59101 dragging yet another Hither-Green to Whatley away from Westbury. ..03 may 2011..
Because tomorrow is 'Good-Friday' this working '7C76' ran a day early I suppose.Local-Good Old Boy 59104 eases past the Ripening Rape at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome on its way down to Whatley-Quarry from Acton. ..21 april 2011..
All is not quite what it seems! 59103 having failed just beyond the overbridge in the distance was stationary for over 40 minutes until help arrived in the form of sister 59104.That Engine is actually pushing the train at this time,59103 being shut-down.This arrangement continued right on down to Whatley Quarry where the defective 59 could be removed.Pity really it is looking so clean and tidy as well! ..18 april 2011.. Footnote-- What actually happened was 59103 ran out of fuel!!!!!!.............. Shot of 59104 pushing over Clink Junc can be seen HERE
Just to show there is no favouritism here is a 'Hanson in the Sun!'. 59103 rolls by 'that' crossing with '7C48' from Appleford nr Didcot.Was only hanging on there for Schenker 59206 on '7C77' but light was going too straight so moved after this one last picture.Train was going of coarse to Whatley. ..12 april 2011..
Barely acceptable shot of 59104 on '7C48' at Broughton-Gifford on the single line from Thingley-Junction to Bradford-Junction.Working conveying empty boxes back to Whatley from Appleford north of Didcot.A poor consolation after the debacle assoc with '1Q13' at Thingley! ..08 april 2011..
59102 on '7A15' from Merehead heads towards Acton with 59202 on '7C48' from Appleford is going towards the Whatley-Quarry at Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury in the late afternoon with the sun nearly on the horizon. ..21 march 2011..
A 'Hanson in the sun'again! and the same one for that matter! 59102 comes through the centre-lines at Newbury with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead.Interesting feature here are the two odd Boxes tagged into the consist.Probably repaired 'cripples' going back into circulation? ..24 march 2009..
Found an old apparantly abandoned Foot crossing for this shot nr Wanstrow.59102 with '1Z26' this time the 16:45 of Cranmore going to Westbury carrying homeward bound visitors to the Open-day at Merehead.59102 again as was on this duty all day.Quite useful for the 'Haulage' Cranks! ..22 june 2008..
Now daubed in Hanson colours 59102 finds employment on the Westbury-Cranmore Shuttles in connection with the 2008 Merehead Open-Day instead of hauling Stone.Here heading towards the Mainline passing Wanstrow with '1Z24' the 14:15 off Cranmore. ..22 june 2008..
As can be seen nothing much changes Hanson-wise around Frome.This shot was taken over 12 years ago in 2007 of '7V12' from Fareham I believe.An unidentified Hanson is viewed across the small graveyard at Berkley.Sadly all the hedges have now overgrown heavily and virtually blocked off this shot completely.
..16 march 2007..
'Oh no! another Hanson in the sun! Standing seemingly on a train ready to move off,59102 is actually parked up for the weekend here in the yard at Merehead.I was lucky enough to be with a party of photographers that were allowed entry to the facility there to picture a steam railtour when it finally arrived.In the meantime shots such as this one were available and too good to miss!
..13 september 2003..
59101'Village of Whatley' was given a revised edition of the original mustard-yellow livery the entire class was delivered in.However this loco was the only one ever treated before the 'Hanson' blue took over shortly afterwards.Here is that rather elusive loco (For me anyway) rolling up the Merehead branch and is viewed at Wanstrow with a set of then brand new MBA's.Unsure of the destination but the use of 'boxes' limits the options somewhat!
..27 july 1999..
This is probably quite a unique photograph.It depicts 59101 minus its nameplates returning to Whatley straight after receiving a full repaint into an experimental 'ARC' livery.The styling was perpetuated but not this particular colour ever again.I think it was done by Marcroft at Stoke-on-Trent.As it passed you could smell the fresh paint 'cooking'--it was that recent.Here viewed at Boundry Lane in Frome with a set of nearly matching ARC bogie hoppers.
..11 june 1998..
Upon reflection the original ARC-Mustard-Yellow was a quite nice colour scheme,far far more attractive than the 'Hanson'style we have now! Here is 59104 running down past a Radio-Mastless Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '7C31' from Acton to Merehead.Note how bush-free the trackside was then. ..04 october 1995..