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Class 59/2 (Up to 31 July 2018)
Former National-Power Engines now owned by DBS (was EWS) and work mainly out of the Mendip Quarries.
Schenker-Red 59202 brings '6V18' the 11:25 Allington to Whatley Quarry into Westbury off the Trowbridge line having been diverted via Swindon due to the B&H being currently shut.This location was shadowing up fast athough it was only 17:35 in the afternoon.Another 20 minutes and the shadows would have overwhelmed the tracks!
..24 july 2018..
After coming to a stand at Hawkeridge Junction for 50 minutes due to a probable signal failure in or around Westbury 59201 with '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry finally enters Westbury.Seen at Westbury North with the Power Box forming the backdrop.
..24 july 2018..
Phew! that was a close one.Not only was this shot nearly ruined by '6L21' going the other way (see the end hopper in the distance) but the sun only appeared as it was coming under the bridge. So here is the diverted via Swindon '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC going today to Whatley Quarry.59201-Bell end leading was in charge of this set of empties returning to the quarries.This train came to a stand at Hawkeridge Junction and stayed there for 50 minutes as for some reason the Westbury Station area was all on 'Stop'.Needless to say I managed a further shot at Westbury-North.
..24 july 2018..
DB-Schenker 'Pinky' 59205 heads '7A17' the 10:20 from Merehead going to Acton-TC.Because the B&H is currently closed for engineering works all London bound stone trains are having to travel via Melksham and Swindon,regaining their original route at Reading.Seen on the sharp downhill curve at Ladydown shortly after passing through Trowbridge Station.
..11 july 2018..
Because the B&H is currentlyclosed for engineering works in and around newbury this working '7C31' the 09:49 from Theale to Whatley Quarry today was routed via Swindon and Melksham.That coupled with heat related difficulties with loops-etc meant this working was 110 minutes later than booked as it eventually passed Church Road in Heywood Village nr Westbury.59202 was todays power for its train that comprised HOA's and IIA's.
..9 july 2018..
Original Schenker-Red repaint now nearly 10 years old is starting to look rather ratty around the edges albeit still quite clean looking mainly.Here it is at Blatchbridge-Junction in Frome with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking returning emptied stone-boxes to Merehead.
..6 july 2018..
59202 rolls through a parched looking Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '7C31' the 09:18 from Theale to Whatley Quarry.
..6 july 2018..
59206 approaches Clink Road Junction in Frome with '6v18' the 11:25 from Allington-ARC going to Whatley Quarry.Note the terrible mess the 2nd wagon in in due to the Cretins that graffiti these trains probably whilst stabled overnight in Acton-TC in London.Three of these moronic trespassing schisters got what they deserved the other night in London when they were eliminated by a passing train whilst they were executing their shitty little scribbles!
..28 june 2018..
Schenker-59201 ambles past Scratchbury Hill at Norton Bavant in the Wylye Valley working '7V16' the 11:56 from Fareham-ARC returning emptied stone- boxes to Whatley Quarry.
..28 june 2018..
Another of the dedicated local team of 14 Class-59's,59203 approaches Clink Road Junction with '7C28' the 13:44 from Exeter-Riverside Yard to Whatley Quarry.This loco only doing the Westbury to WQ leg of the trip.Colas doing the main journey up from Exeter to Westbury with a 'Hire-In' Class70/8 working for DBS.
..27 june 2018..
Tatty looking 59206 slows for Clink Road Junction with '6V18' from Allington-ARC{11:25 off) to Whatley Quarry.
..27 june 2018..
It is now over nine years,yes nine years since this loco 59206 became the first UK loco to get a coat of Schenker-Red.It can be seen that it is now looking quite dull and in places beginning to show a few rust patches.You never know it might get a fresh repaint in the coming months,maybe even GBRf if rumours are to be believed! So here is 59206 running into Westbury off the B&H with '6V18' the 11:25 from Allington-ARC going eventually down to Whatley Quarry.Seen at Westbury-North with the Power-Box there as the backdrop.
..27 june 2018..
59205 heads '7C64' the 15:26 from Acton-TC to Merehead as it 'glows' through Berkley in the hot evening sunlight.
..25 june 2018..
Schenker-59202 comes out of the sun at Berkley Marsh with the 2 hour late running '6A97' the 16:12 from Merehead to Colnbrook.
..25 june 2018..
With '7C77' rapidly receeding into the distance Schenker 59203 restarts '6L21' the 13:23 from Whatley Quarry to Dagenham Dock-ARC after a brief halt here to allow an HST service to overtake.A somewhat backlit shot this but worth it to show the layout of the loops here at Woodborough that see regular use all day long.
..21 june 2018..
Schenker-Red 59202 certainly brightens up its surroundings as it passes Woodborough on the B&H with '6V18' the 11:25 from Allington-ARC going back to Whatley Quarry with its load of empties.Until a few years ago this shot was not possible then Network Rail spent about £500K on a footbridge to replace a little used foot-crossing!
..21 june 2018..
Glowing 59203 eases through Berkley Marsh with '7C64' the 15:26 from Acton-TC heading for home at Merehead.The sky was a scary full-blue but very welcome after the mornings clouds and wind!
..14 june 2018..
After a really dull & dismal start to the day the late afternoon cleared to a full blue sky-which was nice! Here is Schenker-Red 59204 with its rake of redeployed HTA ex-coal hoppers now on aggregates passing Berkley Marsh with '6C76' the 14:39 from Acton-TC going down to Whatley Quarry.
..14 june 2018..
Who needs a Pole ???? The oldest Schenker-Red liveried locomotive 59206 passes the now well opened up Styles Hill in Frome with '7A15' the 17:05 from Merehead going to Acton-TC.
..31 may 2018..
Schenker-59205 adds a splash of red to a rather colourful scene as it passes the oil seed rape field at Fairwood exiting Westbury with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking going down to Whatley Quarry.
..14 may 2018..
Schenker-Red 59203 draws through Berkley Marsh with '6C76' the 14:39 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry.This loco along with all the 59'2 sub-class still carry the D B Schenker logo on its flanks.Most of DB's 66 and 60 fleets that were originally stickered as such have now been re-decal'd as DB.Only a matter of time I presume?
..10 may 2018..
Schenker-Red 59204 powers down the Frome Avoider at Styles Hill footbridge with '7C29' the 06:24 from Acton-TC to Merehead.So nice to have this location back on the agenda after a good 7 years of it being so badly overgrown! Welcome back!
..3 may 2018..
Yet another Schenker-Red 59/2,this time number-3 creeps past Blatchbridge at walking pace running a signal section behind a local 166-Turbo heading for Weymouth.This working being '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC going to Merehead,again just boxes and no hoppers.
..2 may 2018..
This evenings light was excellent.With a shot like this the post-picture processing that is required is virtually nil! Here is Schenker-Red 59205 glowing nicely as it passes Blatchbridge Junction Foot Crossing with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking-Down Yard to Merehead with it string on empty boxes.
..2 may 2018..
Another view now available is the one looking west from Styles Hill footbridge.Again cleared out by the most efficient local 'Cutting Crew'. Here is an STP working '7A77' the 11:48 from Merehead heading for Theale-FY. Schenker-Red 59205 being the loco in charge today.
1 may 2018..
59201 again with '6V18' about 20 minutes later passing Clink in Frome going to Whatley Quarry from Allington-ARC.Well the sun was out and as I was passing going home----why not?
..26 april 2018..
Schenker-Red 59201 with its leading end bell glinting in the sunshine approaches Westbury at Hawkeridge with a diverted '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC going to Whatley Quarry.This has had to travel via Swindon and Melksham as the B&H its regular route is currently shut for upgrade works.
..26 april 2018..
I also waiting a further 40 minutes at Heywood Village to this train '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry as it was following '7C77'.Naturally I got humped again albeit a very near miss there this time for the sunshine .Since this was just 6 minutes behind '7C77' here at Clink I pictured it here instead.(Always sunny at Clink!) Still branded DB-Schenker 59201 was doing the duty.
..25 april 2018..
Proof (not that any is really needed) that this area between Westbury and Frome is the epicenter if you want to view and record Class-59's at work.Here is a pair passing each other at Fairwood.AI-59002 'Alan J Day' waits for the road into the yard at Westbury to reverse with '7C28' the 13:44 empties from Exeter to Whatley Quarry whilst 59201 comes away from there with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington also heading for Whatley Quarry.
..20 april 2018..
59203 with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry comes under the Marsh Bridge at Berkley Marsh.This shot was taken from a location about 1/4 mile away enabled me to lose a completely shadowed foreground.Full tele of 250mm (Over 400mm in 35mm terms) plus a spot of cropping in Adobe Photoshop allows a picture from virtually nothing!
..21 march 2018..
Still under a china-blue sky despite what the BBC weather said! 59202 drags '6C31' away from Westbury going to Whatley Quarry from Theale (09:15 off).Pictured at a superbly manicured Fairwood nr Westbury.
..21 march 2018..
'Alan Meddows Taylor-MD Mendip Rail Limited' 59202 creeps away from Westbury with '7C77' the12:38 from Acton-TC going down to Merehead Quarry.After a 30 seconds wait whilst it crept into the frame at about 5mph the sun died a second or so after the shutter was pressed.Only a Schenker-59/2 but far far nicer in full light if possible!
..20 february 2018..
59203 works '7V16' the 11:47 empty stone-boxes from Fareham back to Whatley Quarry past Towns-End Farm Crossing in Wylye in just a hint of sunniness.Sadly the wider shot here that was available prior to last Spring is now somewhat overgrown with scrub-n-bushes.Hence this more head-on angle off the crossing.
..19 december 2017..
Final shot on this very cold but sunny afternoon albeit at only 14:45 was this one of 59202 working '6C58' the 11:55 from Oxford Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry via the B&H.This is normally a GM-66 duty so this Class-59 was rather unexpected. Viewed approaching Fairwood Junction shortly having departed Westbury.
..11 december 2017..
Schenker-Red 59203 runs slowly down through Berkley Marsh in anticipation of turning off the mainline at Clink Road-Jn with '7C31' the 09:55 from Theale heading for Whatley Quarry.
..6 november 2017..
With the late afternoon sun getting progressively weaker by the minute '7C77' appeared and passes Clink nr Frome going to Merehead from Acton-TC (12:40 off).Unusually it was headed by a double helping of Schenker Class-59 power.59203 was leading with 59205 tucked inside.
..30 october 2017..
Ex-National Power Doyen 59201 continues to work regularly out of the Mendip Quarries as indeed does the entire class of six locomotives.Here it is rolling towards Frome with '7V77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC going down to Merehead Quarry.A healthy load today with two portions comprising 'boxes' and one of hoppers at the rear.
..25 october 2017..
59204-Again- this time returning from Appleford-Sdgs (14:27 off) to Whatley Quarry presumably as '6C48'.With a few recent chilly nights the trees are now beginning to take on their autumnal tinge.
..21 september 2017..
Minutes behind 59204 returning from Theale came 59201(No-2 end leading) with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC again going to Whatley Quarry.A long long set of wagons this time stretching out of sight way into the distance.Seen once again at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..19 september 2017..
With the sun now rapidly setting producing a rather yellowy light 59204 is seen returning from Theale (15:35 off) to Whatley Quarry with its string of empty hoppers.Pictured passing the currently empty cow pastures here at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..19 september 2017..
Schenker-Red 59204 grinds away from Clink Road Junction in Frome with '6A&4' a 09:22 from Whatley Quarry going up to Theale.Note the local 'cutting crew' have been busy again clearing the embankments to the new accepted standard of a 6-metre clear gap between the tracks and any vegetation as decreed to prevent any possible damage from lineside trees etc to the soon to be introduced 'IET's and their largely redundant pantographs!
..19 september 2017..
Schenker-Red 59204 rolls through Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester-Recp heading for Merehead.Note the heavily laden apple tree here that provides any visiting photographers with a nice sweet crunchy snack whilst waiting for the passing freights at this time of the year!
..14 september 2017..
As this loco 59205 working '7V16' the 11:47 from Fareham-ARC to Whatley Quarry was approaching Masters Crossing just west of Fairwood Junction the sun disappeared behind a large cloud.So I wasn't very impressed,then to my amazement about 70 yards from the Crossing itself it ground to halt accompanied by an ominous silence.It seems to have failed! The driver could be seen leaving his seat and diving into the engine compartment.3 minutes later after a lot of different sounds the flywheel starter kicked in and it restarted.The driver re-appeared and after another few minutes with him checking the gauges etc it slowly moved off.Incredibly as it accelerated towards me the sun burst out in a small gap in the clouds so I got my shot after all!- -- Jammy or what????? Oh yes the driver had a big grin on his face waving as he went by!
..14 september 2017..
59201 heads into the setting sun here at Berkley Marsh with '7C64' the evening empties from Acton-TC to Merehead.Again maximum telephoto for the lens used (170mm equiv in 35mm terms) was required to defeat the long long shadows in the foreground.
..13 september 2017..
59202 slows for Clink Junction with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC going back to Whatley Quarry with its train of emptied hoppers.Hopefully the very overgrown state of this cutting at Clink will soon be sorted out.The edict is that all running tracks on routes to be used by IEP type trains must have about 6 metres of clear width either side to prevent the vegetation from damaging the pantographs on the roof of these units. We will see?
..13 september 2017..
As the shadows lengthen here at Berkley Marsh now the evenings are getting progressively short by the day I needed to shoot over the fields to eliminate the long long shadows,something I quite dislike. So here is Schenker-59206 with the 15:24 from Acton-TC going to Merehead as '7C64'.
..8 september 2017..
Here is 33&1/3% of the entire 59/2 sub-class making a quite rare appearance on '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC going down to Merehead on the afternoon-empties.59202 was leading a probably DIT 59205 making a matching pair as they passed Clink Road Junction in an all too brief glimpse of quite nice sunshine in an otherwise mainly grim afternoon.Good job this location is just a couple of 100yds from my front door!
..21 august 2017..
With its 'Bell-End' leading Schenker-Red 59201 chugs through Berkley Marsh as sunset approaches with '7C66' the 17:50 from Wootton-Bassett-FY to Merehead empties.Gone now are the set of ex-EWS-HTA coal hoppers that were used for quite some time on this duty.Now replaced by new HOA's,IIA's and Hanson-JHA's.
..15 august 2017..
Locally based (Merehead) Schenker liveried 59203 rolls through Clink about to take the route leading to Whatley Quarry working '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC.
..15 august 2017..
You do not have to stand around for very long between Westbury and Frome before you see one of these! Here is Schenker-Red 59205 returning '7C28' the 13:44' from Exeter-Riverside stone-box empties to Whatley Quarry.Viewed at an again nicely remanicured Berkley Marsh. Perhaps NR have learnt some kind of lesson here?.Reclearing the recently re-engineered and cleared drainage ditches regularly means they continue to work efficiently.Quite a pleasant surprise they did it!
..10 august 2017..
With its route now cleared over the junction at Clink Road in Frome '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley hauled by Schenker-Red 59205 gets under way again.The short train today being a mix of Hanson-Hoppers,HOA's and a couple of IIA's.
..3 july 2017..
'6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry sits at the signal waiting for the route at Clink Road Junction,59205 being the traction. Meanwhile '1J99' the 14:53 from Exeter-St-Davids to Paddington goes in the opposite direction heading east.The back PC was 43036.
..3 july 2017..
This was my last picture in a short 40 minute session here at Pot Lane nr Frome. that bagged every type of 59 and a GM-66 plus a pair of new IEP's.All completely different liveries as well!. So here is Schenker-Red 59202 grinding along going to Merehead from Acton-TC (15:24 away). Note the impressively large herd of cows in the distant fields.Something that is now not quite so common as it used to be a few years ago.
..22 june 2017..
Basically today was too hot to be hanging around on bridges! (32 degrees C).Unbelievably my only other attempt at a shot at Woodborough today was a failure! Ridiculously on a day like today I was thwarted by a cloud! I gave up in disgust after that.-So here is Schenker-Red 59206 passing Bratton with '6C58' the 12:05 from Oxford-Banbury Rd to Whatley Quarry.This working for some reason travels via the B&H instead of Melksham.
..19 june 2017..
Schenker-Red 59203 rolls its mixed set of boxes through Masters-Crossing just west of Fairwood Junction working '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking returning to Merehead.
..16 june 2017..
'7B12' hauled by 59202 was well over an hour late departing Westbury due to some kind of difficulty with the 59.Obviously it was sorted as it is seen here speeding through Trowbridge with its load of aggregates going to Wootton Bassett-FY.
..16 june 2017..
Schenker-Red 59205 works '7A15' the 17:05 from Merehead going to Acton-TC up through Berkley Marsh in a rather backlit or as I prefer to call it 'conte-jour' situation.Framing the train with the overhanging trees helps to eliminate most of the glare and flare you get when shooting at this angle into the sun.
..31 may 2017..
The 'first-born' Schenker-Red loco 59206 now 8-years in this livery approaches Clink Road Junction nr Frome with '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC going down to Merehead.Although it is now only 3 weeks away from the longest day even at just 19:00 in the evening this shot off the Frome Bypass Bridge is only currently possible with a sizeable telephoto lens.Another year or so given current growth even this option will be gone!
..30 may 2017..
Schenker-Red (What-else?) 59204 eases away from Westbury at Fairwood Junction with '6C48' the 10:09 from Appleford returning its long string of empties back down to Whatley Quarry.It is a shame that the 'cutting crew' that just a few weeks ago did such a superb job of bush and shrub removal both sides of the bridge trackside in the distance didn't sort out the ever growing bushes between the two sets of tracks that converge at the junction just behind me.Perhaps they will return----I hope so?----They did! Bt august all the shrubs and bushes had been removed!
..19 may 2017..
Schenker-Red 59202 rumbles through Berkley Marsh with '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking returning empties to Merehead.
..8 may 2017..
Just to round off the week a shot of one of the returning local empty stone trains seemed a good idea.This one being '7V12' the 15:38 from Woking to Merehead headed by Schenker-Red 59202.Pictured in the wide open spaces at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.Note the Hawthorn is just now coming into bloom to brighten up the background.
..28 april 2017..
Schenker-Red adorned 59201,doyen of the /2 sub class of 59's with its Bell-end leading rolls through Berkley Marsh with '7V12' from Woking (15:38 away) to Merehead.Note by this time of the evening the shadows are beginning to lengthen and the light is taking on a light yellowy tinge albeit still quite strong.Use of a 70-200 L lens needed to overcome the long shadows here at Pot Lane.
..18 april 2017..
Schenker-Red 59203 ambles away from Westbury with a long string of JNA open-boxes on '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton-TC down the Merehead. Not only have the RT-Cutting Crew done a brill job of removing all the vegetation here but the local farmer has chipped in as well and shorn the hedgerows alongside the road down to less that 6ft.Thus opening up yet more angles here at Fairwood.Some sort of short ladder though is still necessary!
..18 april 2017..
59205 runs past the now superbly cleared-out Fairwood nr Westbury.It was heading '6C58' the 12:05 from Oxford-Banbury Road to Whatley Quarry returning empty boxes.Sadly the 'Horse' in the background isn't in the sun, not because of any cloud issues.It is simply that the hill-angle wasn't quite right to catch any rays!
..18 april 2017..
59204 comes under Pot Lane Bridge c/w its infamous radio mast at Berkley Marsh nr Frome with '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking-Sdg's to Merehead empty boxes.
..7 april 2017..
Schenker-Red 59204 passes Fairwood (Masters) Crossing with the Tues/Thurs-only '7A77' the 11:42 from Merehead up to Theale.A nice quiet spot here with only the occasional phone call from Westbury Power Box to break the silence!They were worried about a couple of horse riders that had failed to call them back again after they had crossed the line.The horses names were 'Nanny' and 'State' !!!!!!!!!
..6 april 2017..
'7B12' the 11:35 from Merehead to Royal-Wootton-Bassett passes Berkley Marsh.Schenker-Red 59204 being in charge today.Load today being 20 yeoman hoppers,about 1400-tons of various grades of aggregates.
..3 april 2017..
'7V07' the 13:42 from Chichester-Reception Sidings to Merehead lumbers through Wylye with its train of empty aggregate boxes.59203 doing the business today.
..9 march 2017..
Today for a change 59201 worked '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley Quarry going up to Churchyard Sidings/St Pancras instead of the more usual GM-66.Same set of wagons as usual though!
..9 march 2017..
59206 the loco that started the Schenker-Red era passes Norton Bavant with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester returning empty stone boxes to Merehead.
..2 march 2017..
59206 was the first UK loco to get the Schenker-Red treatment.Unbelievably that was in Jan-2009,eight,yes,eight years ago! Here it is still looking quite smart passing Freshford working '6A83' the 10:42 from Avomouth-Bennetts Sidings to West-Drayton (Via a Westbury reversal).Older ex-Coal Hoppers now being the preferred wagons for this aggregate duty.
..24 february 2017..
'6A83' the 13:26 from Bennetts Sidings at Avonmouth to West Drayton via the B&H passes Trowbridge with Schenker-Red 59205 in charge.Currently this foot-xing is closed off in preparation for fitting an actual walkway across the tracks.Until now there was nothing there whatsoever.All component parts are just dumped all over the place.No doubt H&S paranoia has led to the closure because of this?
..17 february 2017..
59202 enters Westbury off the B&H with '7C31' the 08:40 from Theale to Whatley Quarry..Note how the newly introduced HOA type hoppers are quickly becoming inter-mixed with the older types.The siding next to the Power Signal Box here now see's regular use for infrastructure wagon storage.All rather inconvenient for freight photographs coming of the line from Reading,particularly this time of year with the shadows being so long!
..25 january 2017..
This is '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry empties. Viewed emerging out of the tree's at Cowleaze Lane at Bratton. The original Schenker-Red loco 59206 doing the job.I really must make an effort and take my 70-200L telephoto lens with me more often.By this time (15:40) the shadows were becoming very problematical and only a pretty severe 'crop' from the top-end of the 28-105L lens gave me this composition.Not too bad considering but it would have certainly been a far crisper shot using the longer lens!
..20 january 2017..
DB-Dipper 59205 rumbles past Coulston west of Lavington with '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton going down to Merehead.Although it is still mid-january picturing this and the later '6V18' down the B&H is just now becoming possible again as the days are perceptively getting just a bit longer!
..20 january 2017..
I came here to picture '7V77' but much to my disgust it went down the Westbury-Avoiding Line thus not passing this location here.Therefore another 50 minutes had to be endured in the by now pretty cold conditions albeit quite sunny awaiting '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley-Quarry.59204 was today traction as it passes Heywood Road-Junction with it rake of Hanson-Hoppers.The horse which had stood motionless for fully 45 minutes had been joined by its field-mate.Another pair were in the same field as me but had wandered off after about 20 minutes.
..19 january 2017..
Another pretty dire day but the stone trains out of the Mendip-Quarries just keep on rolling.Here is the last built Class-59,59206 running through Clink Road Junction in Frome with '7B12' the 11:20 from Merehead going to Royal Wootton Bassett with another load.This modest location receives just under 2000 tons of aggregates 5 times a week. A not inconsiderable amount of business for such a small terminal.
..17 january 2017..
59206 'John F.Yeoman Rail Pioneer' the first loco to gain Schenker-Red over 5 years ago eases away from Westbury at Fairwood with '7C31' the 08:40 empty aggregate working from Theale back to Whatley Quarry.Note the almost new 'HOA' hopper on lease from VTG in the train.It seems that Mendip-Rail are moving away from wholly owned wagons and are now into leasing instead?
..14 december 2016..
Autumn's come and Autumn's go but the 59's based at Merehead just keep on rolling! 59202 with a uniform set of Yeoman hoppers except for just one new HOA runs through Fairwood with '7B12' the 60 minute late 11:35 from Merehead to Wootton Bassett.
..30 november 2016..
Schenker's 59205 eases through the bush infested cutting on the approach to Clink Road Junction nr Frome with '7C31' the 09:55 from Theale to the Quarry at Whatley.The wagons now in use on this duty are from the new batch of HOA's that arrived a few months ago from their manufacturer somewhere I believe in Poland.The ex-EWS ex-Coal Hoppers formally in use on this duty now seem to have disappeared from the Mendip wagon rosters.
..28 november 2016..
59202 works a shortened '6V77' (no hoppers) past Cowleaze Lane in Bratton on the B&H.Even though it was only 14:35 in the afternoon the long-long shadows makes life quite difficult.
..25 november 2016..
Once the 'National Power' flagship c/w its commemorative-bell 59201 now wearing DB-Red trundles through Berkley Marsh with '7C31' the 08:40 from Theale going to Whatley-Quarry.Once,quite a few years ago now this was the top morning location for pictures passing Berkley however with the addition of the radio-mast and equipment cabin is was lost forever.Tree's and shrubs have now completed the job very efficiently!
..25 november 2016..
59206 rumbles through Warminster with the FO-Q working '7O40' the 13:35 away from Merehead going to Eastleigh-FY.206 is looking quite tatty these days but then this was the first loco to get the Schenker-Red treatment way back in early 2009,getting on for eight years ago!
..18 november 2016..
59202 'Alan Meddows Taylor-MC Mendip Rail Limited' rolls away from Fairwood Junction along the level track over Masters Farm Crossing with '7C31' the 08:40 from Theale to Whatley returning empties to the quarry there.Way back in 'steam' days this section of level track was the site of a set of water troughs for the non-stoppers via the avoiding line to take on water supplies on the move.Sadly GM's do not need that facility!
..23 september 2016..
Today '7V07' was handled by 59206 which was looking pretty smart coupled to a set on new JNA-boxes recently arrived for Poland.They were returning from Chichester (13:41 off) going down to Merehead. Arn Hill nr Warminster being the location.
..22 september 2016..
Final shot of the day was this long long tele shot (about 370mm in 35mm terms) that has also been heavily cropped as well of 59201 sitting in the down loop waiting for its booked slot with the 17:10 from Appleford returning empties to Whatley Quarry.presumably it still runs as '6C48' albeit in a somewhat later slot.Shot taken from the end of the 'Up' platform at Swindon after the sun had gone over at 18:20 in the evening.
..13 september 2016..
59202 makes its second pass through Swindon in less than 30 minutes having run round its train in the East Down Loop to gain access to the sidings at Royal Wootton Bassett for the stone terminal there.The working is '7B12' the 11:35 off Merehead Quarry.Train makes use of a set of otherwise redundant HTA ex-coal hoppers.If they were not being used for haulage of aggregates they would given todays economic climate probably be scrapped!
..13 september 2016..
Red-Schenker 59203 eases up to Clink Road Junction with the 56 minute late running '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley.A surprisingly clean loco,but then it is under the care of Mendip-Rail so gets treated with regular TLC even getting a wash and brush up occasionally!
..01 september 2016..
Hard on the heels of '7V12','7C64' drones through Berkley Marsh.It left Acton-TC at 15:24 also heading for Merehead.Schenker-59202 was up front today.
..31 august 2016..
Schenker 59205 glints in the evening sunlight as do the still very shiny-new JNA's recently introduced onto the stone circuits out of the Mendips. This working is '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC heading for Merehead.I understand given the influx of new wagons on lease from 'VTG' older KEA's and probably the stopgap ex-coal HTA's will be phased out. In total VTG-UK will be supplying 130 new wagons,a mixture of hoppers and boxes in the coming months.So far 44 are now in service (I think?)
..23 august 2016..
'6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry edges round the bend at Great Cheverell with its mixed load of two types of hoppers.Loco 59202 is named 'Alan Meddows Taylor MD,Mendip Rail Limited'.One of just two 59/2's so treated.The other being 59206.
..23 august 2016..
Schenker's 59204 finally manages to get through Westbury after a period of delays which forced this train into the 'up' sidings to allow several passenger trains behind it to pass.There it was stuck until the congestion had cleared.It eventually left there 90minutes late and is seen here passing Berkley Marsh as the sun was setting quite rapidly. It is of course '6C48' the 14:59 from Appleford to Whatley Quarry.Pictured from the fields at Berkley because the shadows were way way to long off the overbridge!
..19 august 2016..
59202 departs Westbury with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC going to Whatley Quarry with its string of empty hoppers.Both of Westbury's famous landmarks are basking in sunshine in the background.Regretfully the long redundant Cement works Chimney is set to be demolished in about a months time.Local Councils and Officials have made viewing it when it is demolished so difficult very few will actually bother to go and see the event!
..10 august 2016..
This was a bit of a bonus.As we headed home from Twyford early due to the onset of cloud the skies cleared somewhat as we returned west. So it was decided to try for this working '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton-TC to Whatley Quarry.Closest place we could think of given the fact it was minutes away was here at Bedywn. The siding on the left is used by Turbo's when reversing to return to Paddington. Anyway seconds after we arrived here 59202 hove into view - ---which was nice!
..09 august 2016..
The very local 59203 powers away from Westbury going to Whatley Quarry with the 08:40 from Theale.Viewed at Fairwood near Westbury.This working is a regular turn for the displaced ex-EWS HTA coal hoppers.If they were not being used on these aggregate workings in all probability they would end up being scrapped as virtually no coal duties exist anymore due to our governments abandonment of coal as a source of fuel for the nations power-stations.
..05 august 2016..
59206 that has just returned to the Mendip Rail Fleet after a few weeks at Toton for repairs powers slowly up the quite severe incline of Upton Scudamore Bank.The train is '7O40' the FO 13:35 from Merehead to Eastleigh Aggregate Sdg's.This is just about the perfect time to capture a workingt in this rather steep cutting.However since this is the only freight scheduled to run at this time (and then only once a week if you are lucky),to picture it in sunlight is quite rare.
..22 july 2016..
The 12:41 from Chichester to Merehead '7V07' passes Clink nr Frome. DB-Cargo owned 59203 being in charge.The latest livery changes on these DB engines has seen the name 'Schenker' being omitted leaving just the 'DB' insignia.I wonder how long before this small change appears on the 59/2 fleet based here in the Mendips?
..14 july 2016..
DBC's 59202 eases '6C76' towards Clink Road Junction in the welcome evening sunlight.This working departs Acton-TC at 14:40 going down to Whatley Quarry.
..13 july 2016..
59204 comes out of the sun at Berkley Marsh powering '7A15' the 17:10 away from Merehead going to Colnbrook-Foster Yeoman.Wagons on this duty are a set of Ex-EWS 'HTA' coal-hoppers that have been redeployed since the almost total collapse of the coal transportation business by rail in this country in the last couple of years!
..11 july 2016..
This is my first shot of a Schenker Class 59/2 since the 'Brexit' from the EU was announced this morning.I wonder if the German owners are now even more disillusioned with the UK Freight business than they were anyway ? Oh-well...Here is 59202 passing Berkley Marsh with '7C64' the 15:24 from Acton-TC to Merehead.
..24 june 2016..
Schenker's 59201 positively glows in the low evening light here at Berkley Marsh as it passes by with '7C66' the 17:50 from Royal Wootton Bassett to Merehead empties.Tonights load being a set of ex-HTA coal hoppers that for sure will never ever carry coal again during their remaining lifetime.They must be a reasonable success for aggregates use as these 'sets' are in continual regular use out of the quarries.
..03 june 2016..
Yet another pretty smart looking Schenker-Red GM 59202 eases through Clink going to Whatley with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton Yard.
..02 june 2016..
59203 approaches Clink Road Junction nr Frome working '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley Quarry.
..02 june 2016..
59202 in Schenker-Red (How nice would this loco look in National Power-Blue ?) rolls past Berkley Marsh with '7C64' from Acton-TC (15:24 off) going to Merehead.
..24 may 2016..
Schenker-Red 59202 makes a dramatic contrast to the previous two Class-59's that passed here just over fifteen minutes ago,those two were in 'AI' Ice cream van livery.They say variety is the spice of life and livery-wise we certain have had that here at Berkley Marsh in the last 30 minutes (Full Blue FGW-HST and a broadly similar Class-150 not shown).5 different liveries in 7 workings--Amazing! Anyway this is '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking-Down Reception to Whatley-Quarry conveying empties back to base.
..23 may 2016..
Final train of the evening of yet another fun filled few hours in and around Frome at Berkley Marsh was '7C66' the 17:50 away from Royal Wootton-Bassett going to Merehead. DB-Schenker's 59204 tonight doing the honours.Note the inclusion of eight ex-EWS 'HTA' coal hoppers that are now in use transporting stone instead of coal.With the almost total collapse of the UK Coal and closure of most of the Coal-burning Power-Stations in the last few years (Due to blinkered short-sighted government EU appeasement policy) most of the 1100 HTA wagons are now redundant and will probably never see use again despite only being built in 2001.Several rakes however (About 50 wagons) are now working seemingly quite successfully moving aggregates around.
..04 may 2016..
The huge now redundant chimney of the long closed Westbury Cement Works really dwarfs the pair of 59's hauling '7C29' the 07:22 from Acton-TC going to Merehead Quarry.The pairing was 59203 with 59001 tucked inside.This working on Saturdays is regularly a double header probably to bring an Acton based 59 back to Torre-Works for a spot of maintenence.
..30 april 2016..
Today's '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Q to Churchyard Sdgs (Tarmac) was powered by 59202 instead of the usual GM-66.Here it is seen powering effortlessly over Cliunk Road Junction with its loaded train of about 19 bogies.
..29 april 2016..
59202 powers '6C29' away from Westbury running well over an hour late due to being diverted via Swindon and the Melksham-Branch.This being due to some unfortunate who became a fatality in the Upton-Nervet thus causing the line to be closed for investigation/clear-up operations.The working from Acton-TC is heading for Merehead Quarry and is seen at Fairwood Junction.
..27 april 2016..
59203 hauls '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking down through Berkley Marsh on the final leg of its journey to Merehead.By now the evening light was beginning to 'yellow' although still fairly bright.Note the freshly jet-washed Westbury White Horse in the background.Apparantly it was done to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday on the 21st of April which is tomorrow.
..20 april 2016..
59204,one of the entire class of six Schenker-Red 59/2's that spend most of their lives working out of the Mendip Quarries passes a superbly manicured and rebuilt section of track at Berkley Marsh nr Frome.It was returning empty stone wagons to Whatley from Acton-TC (14:40 off).Working as '6C76'.
..20 april 2016..
Todays '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington ARC Sdg's to Whatley Quarry was being handled by Schenker-Red 59205.It is seen slowing for Clink Road Junction prior to turning down the branch.
..13 april 2016..
59205 having arrived at Westbury from Woking (15:38 off) with '6V12' duly changed ends for the reversal final leg of its journey down to Merehead-Quarry.Here pictured speeding along at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome since it does not need to proceed cautiously for the signal on the approach to Clink-Junction as do the empty stones going to Whatley-Quarry have to.
..06 april 2016..
Schenker-Red 59205 passes Arn-Hill between Warminster and Westbury with the empties from Woking to Merehead-Quarry running as '6V12' the 15:38 away from there.
..06 april 2016..
59/2 Doyen 59201-Bell End leading gathers pace as it passes Fairwood on the final leg of its journey from Acton-TC to Merehead as '7C77'.
..06 april 2016..
A days photography around the Frome area just wouldn't be complete without at least one shot of a 59/2 Schenker-Red Machine.so here is 59203 running through a pristine looking Berkley Marsh on the approach to Clink Road Junction with '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking heading for Merehead.
..05 april 2016..
59203 with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester finally manages the last leg of the journey down to Merehead after a 90 minute lay-over in Westbury whilst the loco swaps train-ends and presumably the driver has a coffee and a short snooze! It is seen passing Berkley-Marsh nr Frome in nice evening lighting.
..22 march 2016..
Schenker (or is it Cargo?)59203 powers past Norton-Bavant with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester going eventually to Merehead after a booked reversal in Westbury.By now the skies had gone to full blue making for superb lighting conditions in the mid-afternoon march sunshine.
..22 march 2016..
Having been denied the chance of a freight train of any description three times today due to the usual errant cloud cover at last it was a case of fourth time lucky with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC going down to Whatley-Quarry.Here grabbed with Schenker-Red 59201 in charge approaching Clink Road-Junction nr Frome with its usual load of Hanson-Hoppers.
..21 march 2016..
Schenker-59202 takes a break from hauling stone out of the Mendip-Quarries.Here it is returning from Exeter-St-Thomas (08:30 off) to Westbury on a weekend infrastucture working.This one worked as '6X33' due to the inclusion of 'Points & Switch Carriers' in the train.These being classed as a wide (X) load.It is seen on the Brewham Bank passing the Bruton station. Note the Signal-Box style office building recently constructed here for a lorry repair workshop.
..06 march 2016..
Can it really be six years now since D B Schenker gave this loco 59206 its fresh coat of then new Red/Pink? paint! The answer is yes. Here is that engine powering through Chippenham with '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford going to Westbury with its load of empty boxes.
20 january 2016..
Big-GM 59202 and its train of 'HTA' ex-coal hoppers revives memories on the many coal trains that used to pass through Swindon everyday until a few years ago when Didcot 'A' Power Station was closed down.Today some of those same hoppers are redeployed and work out of Merehead Quarry transporting aggregate from there to (In this case) Wootton-Bassett F.Y. This working '7B12' the 11:35 off Merehead ran through Swindon Station to reverse in the East-Loop.Here it is seen now heading for W-Bassett on its 2nd pass through the station in just 30 minutes!
..15 january 2016..
After departing the Didcot area in disgust due to lack of sunshine or even suitable workings (Many were cancelled) I called in at Frouds Lane nr Aldermaston to picture '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC going to Whatley-Quarry.Amazingly as it was approaching with 59203 in charge the sun burst through the thin clouds producing something approaching decent light.Even though it was only 14:45 in the afternoon that concluded todays rather poor set of mainly low-light photographs.
..13 january 2016..
With the Mendip Quarries pretty much closed down for the Christmas break this STP working ran from Merehead (10:30 off) only as far as Westbury Down Yard.The pairing of two of Schenker's finest 59201 and 59205 are seen at Fairwood on the approach to Westbury.By later that afternoon five out of the six loco's in this sub-class were lined up on the yards at Westbury. Obviously parked up for the holidays.
..23 december 2015..
Schenker-Red 59201 with its No-2 end leading passes the ongoing groundwork in progress at Berkley-Marsh designed to cure wetspots/pumps problems on this short stretch of line.The working is '6L21' the 13:30 off Whatley Quarry going to Dagenham Docks-ARC.Note the use of redundant ex-EWS coal hoppers.Currently many of these fairly recently constructed bogie-hoppers are being broken up due to the total collapse of all things to do with coal in this rather blinkered country of ours.At least some of those discarded wagons have found a new home in the Mendip Quarries.
..26 november 2015..
Here is a working that is so intermittant these days it is not even included in the 'Freightmaster' listings anymore! This is the 13:35 from Merehead going to Eastleigh Aggregate Sidings.I believe the reporting number is '6O52'.Having seen it running-round in Westbury a picture here on Upon-Scudamore Incline was well worth a shot despite the gloomy low lighting conditions.The train with about 2000-tons on board was hauled by Schenker's 59205 and its line speed here just prior to the top of the incline barely at walking pace, about 4-mph.
..30 october 2015..
Now that the clocks have returned to BST even this train due away from Westbury at 15:17 presents problems with the yellowing light and quickly lengthening shadows.So here is '6C77' the 12:40 from Acton to Merehead approaching Fairwood-Junction dodging the shadows with its mixed rake of boxes and hoppers.Schenker's 59205 doing the duty today.
..28 october 2015..
The 11:20 from Allington to Whatley-Quarry '6v18' grinds away from Westbury past Fairwood-Junction.Schenker's 59206 doing the duty today as it passes a pretty impressive autumnal display.Such a pity the light was insufficient to show off the colours to full advantage!
..22 october 2015..
The 11:35 from Merehead to Royal-Wootton-Bassett '7B12' gets away from Westbury running pretty much on-time.Schenker's 59202 being todays chosen piece of traction.
..19 october 2015..
59203 which incidentally was the last of the 59/2 sub-class to get a Schenker-Red repaint passes Great Cheverell on the B&H with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton going to Whatley Quarry.Amazingly even though it is only 16:35 in the afternoon the shadows are becoming a problem now here as the days begin to noticeably shorten.Another month and it will be all over for shots of the tea-time stone returns from London.
..28 september 2015..
59201 c/w its brass presentation bell crosses over to the station route at Fairwood Junction with '7B12'.This goes to Royal Wootton Bassett and it departed from Merehead at 11:35.It normally follows '6M40' the GBRf working to Stud Farm as far as Swindon,here it reverses to gain access to the Wooiton Basset Stone Terminal.
..25 september 2015..
Schenker-Red 59204 wheels '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings 'Tarmac' at St Pancras straight down the Westbury Avoider missing out the station stop.The usual mix of Schenker owned bogie hoppers of different designs.Location is Fairwood Junction nr Westbury.
..25 september 2015..
With its No-2 end leading 59201 passes Lavington on the B&H with '6C77' the 12:40 from Acton returning empties to Merehead Quarry.Originally I was going to go to Woodborough but the road was closed in Market-Lavington so this location was 'Plan-B'.
..10 september 2015..
The Acton to Merehead '7C77' today was made up of 'HTA' ex-coal hoppers so it was probably classed as a '4C77'.Here it is viewed running down the Frome Avoider with 59205 in charge.Despite appearances this shot is taken from a public foot crossing!
..07 september 2015..
Schenker's 59202 'Alan Meddows Taylor-MD Mendip Rail Limited' just catches the final minutes of the dying yellowy evening light here at Berkley Marsh as it dodges the shadows with '7C66' the 17:43 from Royal Wootton Bassett down to Merehead.
..27 august 2015..
Schenker's 59201-Bell End leading heads '6C31' the 08:40 from Theale going to Merehead. Ex-Coal 'HTA-s' continue to be used on this roster.Unusually today a FY wagon was being used as a 'translator' to couple the 59/2 to the rake.Originally these engines were buckeye fitted but that arrangement has been removed now for many years.The working is seen coming away from Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury.
12 august 2015..
Schenker's 59201 is on full throttle as it hauls '6A77' around the sharp curve at Clink Road Junction.The train having left Whatley Quarry as short time ago is going the Theale-FY.This is one of the regular workings out of the Mendips now that utilizes a set of ex-coal hoppers that were deemed surplus to requirements on that type of flow due to a severe downturn of imported coal supply to Power Stations all over the country.
..04 august 2015..
A very clean looking 59201 rolls past Berkley Marsh with '6V12' the 15:38 departure empties from Woking to Merehead.
..22 july 2015..
Tonights '7C64' the 15:22 from Acton heading for Merehead was running about an hour earlier than booked time mainly due to it missing out its normal 30 minute + halt in Woodborough Loops and then using the Westbury-Cut-Off instead of going via the Station which usual means a stop for a while.Here is a positively glowing! 59205 passing Berkley Marsh under a completely cloud free evening sky.
..29 june 2015..
Finally after about 6 recent attempts I have managed to nail this shot for the first time in ages.Either the train had failed or it turned into Frome at Clink-Junc or the sun just plain failed to play ball!.This is 59201 running down the Frome-Cut-Off with '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton going to Merehead.Despite appearences this shot is taken from a public foot crossing and is not a trespass!
..29 june 2015..
Ex-NP Doyen 59201 with its Bell-End leading heads away from Fairwood-Junction working '7C31' the 08:40 from Theale conveying empty 'HTA' ex-coal hoppers back down to Merehead Quarry.
24 june 2015..
The 17:47 from Royal Wootton Bassett to Merehead makes good speed through Berkley Marsh knowing it does not have to slow for Clink Road-Junction.59206 being in charge of this---'7C66'.
..22 june 2015..
Schenker-Red 59204 brings another set of emptied hoppers back to Whatley Quarry after returning from Acton-TC as '6C76' (14:40 off).
..19 june 2015..
59203 restarts '6V18' after briefly being stopped to allow an HST to clear Clink Road-Junction.This working used to originate from Hither-Green but now starts a few miles further away at Allington-ARC.The destination of coarse still remains the same---Whatley Quarry.
..16 june 2015..
59203 with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington-ARC to Whatley sits at the signal controlling Clink Road Junction whilst '1J99' the 14:53 from Exeter-St Davids comprising of 43026 & 43079 speeds past.
..16 june 2015..
Although just the locomotive is visible this is actually '6L21' the 13:30 from Whatley Quarry heading for Dagenham Dock-ARC with a couple of thousand tons of stone products in tow.59201 is seen slowly crossing the bridge over the River Frome nr Welshmill in the town itself.
..16 june 2015..
Having pictured this train '6V12' hauled by 59205 earlier on its approach to Westbury from Woking at Upton-Scudamore a second shot is possible as it has to wait a while in Westbury as the loco has to run-round so as to continue its journey on down to Merehead.Here just 20 minutes after its arrival at Westbury it is seen again passing Berkley Marsh nr Frome.
..15 june 2015..
Schenker's 59205 is seen beginning the drop down the Upton-Scudamore Incline towards Westbury with '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking Empties going eventually to Merehead (After a reversal at Westbury).
..15 june 2015..
59206 'John F Yeoman-Rail Pioneer' which incidentally was the first Schenker-Rail Loco in the UK to get the current livery style passes Fairwood shortly after departing Westbury with '6V18' the 11:20 from Allington going to Whatley Quarry.
..03 june 2015..
This was a bit of luck I suppose! The 19:22 from Theale to Merehead 'TThO' '6C79' with a long rake of ex-EWS-Coal hopper HTA's passes 43163 (The Plymouth advertising vinyled P/C) going in the opposite direction at high speed.This train was headed by 43150 and was the 15:59 from Penzance to Paddington '1A94'.I was hoping to get more of the EWS-HTA's into the shot behind the Schenker-59204 but all things being considered I was pretty lucky to get what I did. 500-m/secs either way and it would have been a blowout given the lengthening shadows I had to contend with as well!
..28 may 2015..
59202,one of Schenker's Red-Team takes the station route at Fairwood-Junction with '7B12' the 11:35 from Merehead heading for Wootton-Bassett.
..27 may 2015..
Schenker's 59202 runs down past Bayton Farm in Bratton on the B&H with '6C64' the 15:22 from Acton-TC heading for Merehead.This is just about the only freight that can be pictured here with the sun this side because this is the final working of the evening from London,any earlier and it is simply 'wrong'.
..21 may 2015..
Schenker-Red 59205 passes Berkley-Marsh with an early running '7B66' from Royal Wootton Bassett-FY to Merehead The consist was a bit of an odd ball as well with just 15 bogie hoppers,twelve of which were ex EWS Coal HTA's.These nominally redundant bogie coal wagons seem to have integrated quite well with the rest of the Mendip wagon fleet.It looks like they are here to stay!
..30 april 2015..
59201 Bell-end leading powers past Clink nr Frome with '7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester heading for Merehead.
..30 april 2015..
Upon arrival here at Wanstrow on the Merehead branch I was rather surprised just how overgrown it has become in just over a year or so.Anyway with no time to move this is the shot I managed using a rather wide-angle setting on the camera. Schenker-Red 59205 is bursting out of the cutting actually touching the lineside bushes with '6C77' the 12:40 from Acton going to Merehead. Unusually no hoppers in todays consist just boxes.
..28 april 2015..
After a day in which I covered about 150 miles on my motorcycle swanning around in the 'Vale of the White Horse' picturing various freight-trains in the glorious sunshine I pulled in just 200yds from my home to record 59201 running through Clink in Frome with '6C76' the 14:40 from Acton going to Whatley Quarry.A good end to a good day out!
..21 april 2015..
59203 sweeps round the Westbury-Avoiding Line thus gaining nearly 15 minutes purely by missing out the Westbury Station area.Naturally I was expecting it to go via the station as a shot on the other pair of lines seen here would have been more preferable.However sods-law prevailed as it powered under my feet on the avoider.The working is '6C77' from Acton (12:40 off) going to Merehead.
..15 april 2015..
Schenker-Red 59203 drops down the Upton Scudamore Bank on the approach to Westbury with '6V12' the empty-boxes from Woking going eventually to Merehead after a 'run-round'.This shot was taken skulking in the trees surrounding the infamous field at Old Dilton where the farmer is known to get a bit 'pissy' if he see you in there!---yes but the sun is shining!
..14 april 2015..
Just 10 minutes after the delayed '7C77' has passed '6V18' appeared with another dose of Schenker-Red leading.This time it was 59204 with a good old Hanson 59103 tucked inside for company.Both loco's were incidentally powering as well.This one come's from Hither-Green (12:27 off) and as usual its destination is Whatley-Quarry.Location is Fairwood-Woods Farm Xing just west of Fairwood-Junction. Note--The short sunny spell is about to come to a dramatic end!
..24 march 2015..
Network-Rail seems to be excelling themselves lately in their quest of making all remaining Foot and Farm-Crossings really clear for H&S reasons.Here is the amazingly unobstructed view at Fairwood-Woods Farm Xing looking east.59201 with its 'B' bell-less end leading is approaching with '7C77' the 12:40 from Acton heading for Merehead.
..24 march 2015..
'4Z51' the 15:24 from Acton-Yard going to Westbury (Incidentally diverted via Swindon) passes though Twyford Station in golden late afternoon sunlight,albeit a little bit head-on.Schenker's 59203 was the train engine whilst just visible (5th wagon) is one of the first 'HOA' type bogie stone hoppers to get a Schenker-Red makeover!
..07 march 2015..
Ex-NP 59201 still wears its presentation bell from when it was delivered way back in 1994.Here seen returning from Appleford heading for Whatley-Quarry.It's passing the village of Beanacre nr Melksham on the single line between Thingley-Junc and Bradford-Junc.A long stretch of badly overgrown shrubs and bushes were removed her for safety/sighting/signal purposes very recently.Naturally the local 'greens' complained it was ruining the countryside failing to realise that basically it was all just dross.
..06 march 2015..
'7V07' the 12:41 from Chichester to Merehead rolls past Dilton Marsh Halt.59202,one of just two 59/2's now carrying names------this one being 'Alan Meddows Taylor MD-Mendip Rail Limited'.Although it may not look like it this vantage point here is on the footpath leading up to the small platform that forms the Halt at this location thus perfectly within the bylaw!
..02 march 2015..
The 13:26 from Avonmouth-Bennets going to West-Drayton ARC '6A83' passes the village of Heywood between Trowbridge and Westbury.Ex-NP 59201 with No-2 end leading being in charge.This particular train avoids the station at Westbury,taking the Hawkeridge-Curve and then heading east on the B&H.
..02 march 2015..
In weak winter late afternoon light Schenker's 59202 'Alan Meddows Taylor-MD Mendip Rail Limited' creeps slowly up to Clink Road Junction in readiness to turn right and head for Whatley Quarry.The train is of coarse '6V18' the 12:27 from Hither-Green.
..26 february 2015..
After four attempts at picturing this working '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford heading for Westbury Down-TC in varying degrees of failure I finally nailed it in almost perfect lighting conditions about 15 minutes after a heavy dark rainstorm had passed. So here is 59202+MRL-Boxes at Dunch Lane in Melksham passing the assembled junk of a rather disorganised Smallholding adjacent to the line here.
..24 february 2015..
59203 and 59205 make a colourful splash as they rumble through Taplow on '6C64' the 15:22 from Acton-TC heading for Merehead.A fortunate one this as I was on the footbridge leaving when it was spotted in the distance. Luckily noting is was a pair of loco's instead of just one a rather longer sprint up the platform was required,making the spot to take what is basically a grab-shot with about 5 seconds to spare, Phew!
..18 february 2015..
Another Schenker-Red loco,this time 59204 with a fairly long '6V18' the 12:27 off of Hither-green heading for Whatley-Quarry.Location once again is Breadtcott Lane in White Waltham.Naturally the next working which was one of the percieved highlights for me of the day (GBRf on old Bardon Hoppers) passed in the cloud which were now building from the west.Oh yes! also '6V62' the Colas-60 was cancelled as well.Well it would be wouldn't it----It was sunny!
..18 february 2015..
Schenker-Red 59201 heads '7C77' along the 4-track heading west at White-Waltham. This regular back working, the 12:40 from Acton-TC to Merehead Quarry today was made up of 3-portions,a total of about 45 bogies.Although they are empty it still looks quite impressive!
..18 february 2015..
Schenker-Red pairing 59205 and 59202 roll slowly away from Westbury with '7C29' the 08:25' from Acton taking a mixture of empty boxes and hoppers down to Merehead-Quarry.Here it is about to pass the foot-crossing in the field near to Fairwood-Junction.
..14 february 2015..
Doyen of the ex-NP sub-sector gang of six-59201 rolls past the Westbury Power-Box with the 12:27 from Hither-Green going to Whatley as '6V18'.Now we are well into the month of February the sun is now just high enough in the sky to picture this working here as long as it is running to time,which it was today albeit in fairly yellow late afternoon winter lighting.
..09 february 2015..
Verkehrsrot or if you prefer Schenker-Red liveried 59201,the 1994 built 59/2 sub-class prototype c/w its presentation bell that was built in London Ontario-Canada (None of your cheapskate Muncie-Indiana rubbish) eases through Berkley-Marsh nr Frome with '7A17' the 10:33 from Merehead going to Colnbrook-FY with yet more aggregate for the London area.Note the use of an 'IIA' as the buffer-translater wagon.Also in the long consist but unseen in this shot are a dozen or so 'HTA' coal hoppers that have now been pressed into service on the Mendip Stone Circuit!
..03 february 2015..
A brief look over the bridge at Westbury produced this picture.Railtrack have over the last few weeks have slowly been clearing anarea within their compound adjacent to the station.This has included demolition of a couple of prefab type buildings and very recently felling a couple of rather large trees.This has (for now) opened up a limited view of the departure area at the 'up'end of the station. Here is 59201 slowly drawing '7Z12' from Merehead (11:35 off) going to Wootton-Bassett.The very congested car-park behind in the Westbury Car Auction Site.
..30 january 2015..
'6O41' with Schenker-Red 59206 rolls through Norton-Bavant having departed Westbury at 10:14 heading for Eastleigh East Yard.Its load comprising of six empty 'Salmons' converted to carry track panels.This was a one way trip for the Big-GM as the next day it turned up at Toton. Apparantly for some work to be carried out on it!
..30 january 2015..
More watery sun,this time over at Great Cheverell on the B&H brightening up the '6M20' the 10:37 from Whatley-Quarry heading for the Churchyard Sidings-Tarmac at St Pancras in London.Schenker-59203 was looking quite smart bodywise as it passes by!
..26 january 2015..
Todays '6O41' the 10:14 from Westbury to Eastleigh engineers train was graced with Schenkers 59206 hauling a CWR-set and some track-panel carriers.Here the Big-GM catches a patch of light sunshine as it approaches Sherrington Lane Crossing at Codford in the Wylye Valley.
26 january 2015..
Schenker's 59206 with its set of redeployed to aggregates' HTA'coal hoppers approaches Clink Road Junction in Frome with '6C31' the 10:00 from Theale to Whatley Quarry empties.
..19 january 2015..
Rather backlit but as it was pretty much the highlight of the Tour this shot is included.66129 with 59205 runs slowly through the siding-complex at National-Power Silo Number-1 in Avomouth.This monster tower is used to load coal trains from coal supplies that have arrived at Portbury and fed via a conveyer-belt system under the River-Avon to this Loader.Technically this section of the Tour is '1Z71' returning from Avonmouth to Eastleigh via this Silo,Severn Beach and Whatley Quarry.
..17 january 2015..
This piece of the National Network never has passenger trains on a regular basis.Hence when the Railtour 'The Mendip Mariner'operated by Pathfinder-Tours was listed as visiting Avonmouth-Bennets Yard and the NP-Silo No-1 Sidings a visit was decided upon.Here is that tour '1Z70' slowly proceeding into Bennets Sidings after a halt at the signals in the distance. 66129 was leading with 59205 on the rear.This would would be leading later on the Avonmouth to Severn Beach leg an hour or so later.The Esso Complex here forming the Industrial backdrop.
..17 january 2015..
A Railtour ran today from Eastleigh operated by Pathfinder-Tours.It was named 'The Mendip Mariner' and included visits to Avonmouth and Whatley Quarry.Here it is seen slowing for the junction at Bathampton on the outward journey which ran as'1Z70'.66129 was leading with 59205 added to the rear at Westbury.Coaches being a mixture of Mk-1 and Mk-2 in either Carmine&Red or Choc&Cream.Shot taken is rising light (1st sun of the day) but 10 seconds later would have been in much better lighting!
..17 january 2015..
Just over an hour after the pair of Black-5's rolled through this spot '7C77' passed with 59206 in charge.At least with diesels you don't get the exhaust wrecking the shot occasionally.Coming just from Acton-TC this working passed here non-stop in the weak late-afternoon sun as it headed for Merehead in the Mendips.
..16 december 2014..
59206 drags its set of redeployed 'HTA' Coal Hoppers through Clink going to Merehead from Theale (Departed at 08:40).'7C31`' being the workings identity.
..27 november 2014..
59204 with '7Z12' from Merehead going to Wootton Bassett approaches Westbury at Fairwood Foot-Xing.Still a bit of autumn colour in the trees and shrubs here.
..14 november 2014..
59205 again today handled '7C31'.Today running from Theale and heading for Merehead Quarry.Seen over the freshly manicured hedge on the approach road to the bridge at Fairwood nr Westbury.Although it does not look like it this is the same set of wagons as recorded yesterday.This was the rear of the wagon-set yesterday but has been round the Merehead triangle upon departure early this morning.
..04 november 2014..
At least the colourful loco and wagons brings a bit of contrast to an otherwise dull and lifeless scene! Here is 59205 dragging its set of redeployed 'HTA' ex-coal hoppers away from Westbury heading for Whatley on the 11:05 from Theale albeit about 1/2 hour earlier than planned.Presumably still allocated the '7C31' reporting number.
..03 november 2014..
Schenker 59203 hauls the diverted '7C29' the 05:42 from Acton to Merehead past Heywood Village just a mile or so from Westbury.It was diverted this way due to the B&H being closed this weekendfor engineering works.The train was made up of 'JGA' former Bardon bogie hoppers.
..01 november 2014..
'7A17' the 10:33 from Merehead going to Colnbrook kicks out a trail of Mendip-dust as it powers through Great Cheverell running just nine minutes behind '6M20'.Schenker's 59205 was in charge.Interestingly a pair of redeployed 'HTA' ex-coal hoppers have become integrated into a normally uniform set of FY hoppers.This is the first time I have seen this!
..28 october 2014..
59202 edges past Stapleton Road Station in the northern suburbs of Bristol.The train is the 13:40 from Avonmouth (Bennets) going to Westbury as '6A63'.This entire area is set to change in the next few years.4 tracks and electrification will require the old (currently disused) girder bridge to be completely replaced due to unsuitability and corrosion.Also the 3rd and 4th platform here will probably be re-instated. Note the lone photographer (MDF) just scraping some kind of shot as the shadows approach over his shoulder!
..25 october 2014..
Amazingly 59206 has worn the D B-Schenker livery now for over 5 years.It being the first UK locomotive to gain this colour scheme.Still looking pretty smart,no doubt because it is looked after by Mendip-Rail at Merehead. It is seen on the Westbury-Avoider going to Colnbrook from Merehead on '7A17' (10:33off). Note the mindless graffiti on the 2nd and 3rd hoppers.
..16 october 2014..
Solid-Regular '6M20' from Whatley-Quarry going up to Churchyard Sidings in London passes Great Cheverell with its usual collection of IIA/EWS and ex RMC hoppers.This very colourful train further enhanced by the Schenker-Red 59201.
..07 october 2014..
59203 has to apply full power to get a heavily loaded '6L21' (43 bogies- 4400 tons) from Whatley to Dagenham Dock on the move again after it paused in the loop here at Woodborough to allow a FGW-HST to overtake.This is a fresh angle on this time honoured location.Network-Rail have seen fit to replace a foot-crossing which probably never saw even one person a day use it with a brand new footbridge construction that probably cost at least a 1/4 million pounds all told. Economics of the Madhouse!!!! But at least it gives a good view of the loops here now for photography!
..30 september 2014..
'7C77' from Acton to Merehead runs past Woodborough on the B&H and did not use the loop here today.Schenker 59206 being in charge.Note how even at 15:00 in the afternoon the shadows are starting to get quite long. Much better for early afternoon photography but a sure sign that the summer is drawing to a close!
..30 september 2014..
Since this working '7C31' had to pause briefly at Clink Road Junction to allow an eastbound HST to pass I was able to nip round to the overbridge on the junction for a second shot of this train of 'HTA' hoppers on aggregate duty with 59204 in charge.Note how overgrown this cutting is now compared with just a few years ago.With the whole location protected by palisade fencing any chance of a bit of occasional gardening is gone.
..09 september 2014..
No! this is not Coals to Newcastle or even to Merehead for that matter.This is '7C31' from Theale (10:00 off) which is now utilizing surplus EWS-HTA coal hoppers to boost the local wagon fleet given the current boom in traffic out of the Mendip Quarries. This working is being dragged by 59204 and is seen approaching Clink Road Junction going to Whatley (Tuesday only).
..09 september 2014..
59201 with its Presentation-Bell end leading passes White-Horse Business Park after going through Trowbridge with '6C48' bringing the empty boxes back to Westbury from Appleford nr Didcot. In the background can just be seen the spire of the 'Church of St James'.
..08 september 2014..
59205 heads '6A83' from Avonmouth going to West-Drayton.This working actually misses out Westbury proper and uses the Hawkeridge curve to gain direct access to the B&H.It is seen here shortly after passing through Trowbridge as it runs alongside the nicely clear and convenient footpath behind the White-Horse Busuness Park.The banks are kept clear here of visibility on the foot-crossing that I am actually standing on for this picture.
..08 september 2014..
59202 heads'6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford is seen at Shrivenham going back to Whatley Quarry with its set of empty 'MBA-s'.This service is very busy at the moment,indeed there is another 'after-dark' trip as well.I think the upturn in traffic is due to the need for stone/building materials on the line from Oxford across to Bicester which is currently closed for rebuilding.
..20 august 2014..
'7C77' runs past Clink Road Junction heading for Merehead with locally allocated 59203.Being as I only live 200 yards away a check of RTT revealed it was due in about 2 minutes so a quick trot up the road produced this shot.Naturally if it was raining or dull I would have just carried on watching telly and totally ignored it!
..12 august 2014..
For some reason today all freights heading towards Reading that were bound for the B&H route was being routed along the 'fast' lines.This tended to make photography of these workings rather awkward to say the least. However,here is Schenker-Red 59205 powering '7C77' from Acton (12:40 off) going to Merehead in deepest Somerset. Picture shot off the Pound Lane Roadbridge overlooking the eastern aspect there of Sonning Cutting.
..07 august 2014..
The 15:38 from Woking going to Merehead '7V12' passes my local evening sunspot at Berkley-Marsh. Schenker-Red 59205 glowing well in the lower evening light.
..29 july 2014..
'201' Doyen of the 59/2 sub-class c/w the Presentation-Bell end leading passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome with '6C76' from Acton bound for Whatley Quarry.A complete rake of Hanson-Hoppers except for one lone Nacco 'IIA' behind to loco.
..25 july2014..
Schenker's 59204 heads '7C77' from Acton down to Merehead down the straight away from Fairwood-Junction.Pictured from Fairwood Farm Crossing which has recently been cleared out by Network-Rail to aid vision for users.
..25 july 2014..
Final stone-empties of the evening and running just 5 minutes behind '6C74' was '6V64' from Acton going this time (For a change) to Merehead.Yet another Schenker-Red 59/2,this time number 5 dragging a selection of older 'JXA-s'.Again Berkley-Marsh being the favoured evening location.
..21 july 2014..
59202 powered todays '6C74' from Theale going to Whatley-Quarry.Despite the Willow and Elder Bushes here getting a severe pruning just 6 months ago they are already beginning to block the shot once again.They will certainly need looking at again before 2015! Seen at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.
..21 july 2014..
Bell-end leading 59201 heads the occasional '6Z50' from Westbury today going to Whatley-Quarry.A good load of empty boxes,MBA's and KEA's.Two of the less common types to be used out of the local quarries.The train is seen at Clink nr Frome.
..21 july 2014..
After a round trip of 140 miles in the extreme heat on my 600 Suzuki-Bandit for a few shots on the Top-Road east of Swindon a quick stop was made at Clink Road Junction barely 200 yards from home to grab a shot of '6C76',the afternoon stone empties from Acton going to Whatley-Quarry. More Schenker-Red but this time it was 59202 lighting up the surroundings.
..17 july 2014..
Doyen of the /2 sub-class 59201 still complete with its presentation-bell it has worn since coming into the country to work initially for National-Power in April 1994 heads away from Westbury at Fairwood-Junction with '7C31' the 10:00 from Theale going to Merehead.
..14 july 2014..
Double Pink-Stamps today on '7C77' from the nominally 12:40 fromActon to Merehead. 59201 leads 59206 as the working passes Clink Road running about 80 minutes down on schedule.Whether that lateness was due to 59206 failing is anybodys guess.If so at least its going to the best place to get it sorted--MRL-Merehead.
..10 july 2014..
The 13:30 from Appleford to Whatley passes Heywood Village with '6C48'.Train comprising a long rake of KEA empties.Schenkers 59203 was doing the haulage today.Far more colourful than an old style EWS-GM!
..10 july 2014..
Schenker 59206 rattles the pointwork at Fairwood as it takes the station route with '7A17' the 10:33 from Merehead going to Acton.A nice mixed up set of older and new type hoppers on this trainset.The Ex-Bardon Bogies in rust brown making a nice addition to the local wagon fleet.
..07 july 2014..
59203 gets away from Clink Road Junction in Frome with '6M20' from Whatley going to Churchyard Sidings-Tarmac at St Pancras in London.This train along with many others were heavily delayed by a major points failure at Clink-Junc requiring all workings to be hand signalled past at walking pace.Amazingly there was 5 vans and an Incident Response Unit in attendance,about 15 people in all. Do you ever get that feeling that Railtrack is rather overstaffed?-----I do!
..03 july 2014..
59206,the first 59/2 to get the now commonplace Schenker-Red makeover heads east on the B&H at Great Cheverell with '7A17' the 10:33 from Merehead going to Acton albeit running about 20 minutes late.This recent re-introduced working is noteworthy because of its regular use of an older set of ex-Bardon Hoppers.Certainly an appealing change from the regular MRL/Hanson types.
..01 july 2014..
'7A74' (I think) coming from Whatley-Quarry (09:18 off) heading up the B&H to Theale passes Berkley-Marsh.59203 being in charge.A full set of Hanson-Hoppers apart from a couple of 'IIAs' in the middle of the consist.
..11 june 2014..
Schenker's 59206 eases '7C77' from Theale to Merehead away from Westbury.Seen at Fairwood.
..10 june 2014..
Schenker-Red 59203 works '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley past Great Cheverell heading west.
..06 june 2014..
With an expected four freights in less than 90 minutes to look forward too a move was made to Shrivenham east of Swindon.However the seemingly 80% clear conditions rapidly went downhill and just 2 of the expected shots were scraped in reasonable light,naturally they were the two least interesting workings,both being day to day regulars. So here is 59205 coming from Appleford (13:30 off) returning to Whatley-Quarry as '6C48'.
..05 june 2014..
With its bell-end leading 59201 passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome with '6V12' the 15:38 from Woking going to Merehead. Superb low-evening light really makes the Schenker-Red paintwork on this locomotive stand out!
.14 may 2014..
Schenker's 59203 today was in charge of the Merehead to Wootton-Basset stone delivery '7Z12'. No this isn't a trespass shot! I am behind the freshly installed guardrails at the newly refurbished foot-crossing at Heywood Village.All brand new and shiny.Work has included the thorough clearing of much undergrowth on all four corners of the crossing to greatly improve the visibility for crossing users.Not to mention plenty of room for a photograph or two as well!
..12 may 2014..
'7C77' from Acton going to Merehead passes Fairwood hauled by Schenker-59204 running pretty much to time.This view has been recently opened up by Network-Rail spurred on by their headlong rush to upgrade several public foot-crossings in the area.Not only have the crossings themselves been rebuilt but bushes and shrubs have been remove wholesale to improve x-ing users field of view prior to traversing the crossings.
.. 09 may 2014..
'7V16' the 12:47 from Fareham going to Merehead with a set of empty boxes passes Styles Hill on the Frome Avoiding Line.Schenker-Red 59202 being todays selected loco for this duty.
--29 april 2014..
15 minutes after '6M20' had passed the fourth stone train of the morning in about 3 hours passed the abandoned Cement Works heading out on to the B&H towards London.This working is the recently re-instated '7A17' from Merehead going to Acton.Such is the shortage of stone-hoppers at the moment due to a definite upswing in traffic levels that this set of older 'Bardon' wagons have been drafted in the help out.Haulage today was by 59206 which has been a regular now on this route for many years.
..17 april 2014..
There is no denying that the Schenker-Red livery looks really good when the sun is shining even if the loco is rather grubby as was 59203.Here that loco is seen approaching Westbury with the 09:25 from Merehead going to Theale '7A74'.Thankfully it went via the station today but it could quite equally have gone via the Avoiding-Line,in which case you simply miss out!
..16 april 2014..
D B Schenker's 59205 makes a colourful sight as it passes through the open countryside between Challow and Baulking with '6C48' the 13:30 from Appleford returning empty sone-boxes to Westbury.
..14 april 2014..
Here is an additional working '6Z21' returning empty 'MBA' boxes to Merehead for a refill from Grain in Kent. Schenker-Red 59206 heads the working as it passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.
..11 april 2014..
D B Schenker's 59202 now named 'Alan Meddows Taylor MD,Mendip Rail Limited' cruises through a sun drenched Great Cheverell on the B&H with '6M20' from Whatley-Quarry going to Churchyard Sidings near London's St Pancras.As usual this workings has a nice mix of hoppers on,today there was some EWS-Construction/RMC and a few IIA's.
..11 april 2014..
The 11:45 off Merehead going to Royal Wootton Bassett '7Z12' runs slowly away from Chippenham. Schenker's 59205 was in charge of this set of loaded Yeoman bogie hoppers as it passes Cocklebury Lane going east.
..01 april 2014..
D B Schenker's 59204 passes Scratchbury Hill nr Heytesbury in the Wylye-Valley with '6V12' the 15:38 empties from Woking returning to Whatley Quarry.
..31 march 2014..
Double Stamps today on '7V12' from Fareham going to Whatley. Presumably the now anonymous 59004 tucked inside was collected at Westbury with 59203 leading the working as it rolls slowly past Fairwood on the final leg to the Quarry just 7 miles or so away.The now redundant Cement Works Chimney stands plainly visible behind the 59/2.Its been 5 years since it last emitted any smoke..I wonder how long before it is finally demolished just as Lefarge have promised!----------------Lefarge---a French Company working for the French and sod the British!
..19 march 2014..
The original Schenker-GM repaint 59206 drones away from Westbury with '7C31' from Theale going to Whatley.This is a recent change of destination as until a few days ago it always went to Merehead (So no more shots of this working on the Frome-Avoider!).The train is seen across the very muddy field looking towards Fairwood Foot Crossing.
..25 february 2014..
Schenker's 59204 rathers speed up through Berkley-Marsh with WO '6A26' from Whatley-Quarry (depart at 10:37) going to Hayes & Harlington.A nice mixture of IIA/Schenker and ex-RMC bogie hoppers making up the consist.
..22 january 2014..
Another Schenker-Red GM 59204 today worked to 09:40 Theale to Merehead working '7C31'.The approaching bank of cloud actually engulfed this scene just as the loco passed under the road bridge I was standing on----so a pretty close run thing.......
..20 january 2014..
Schenker's newest 59/2 'namer' 59202 rolls past Fairwood on the approach to Westbury with '7Z12' the 10:42 from Merehead going to Royal-Wootton-Bassett. As can be seen from the background this brief interlude of sun was about to come to an end.
..20 january 2014..
The Theale to Merehead empties '7C31' bowls down the Frome Avoider is a patch of sun.The working was operated by 59202.It was recently named 'Alan Meddows Taylor MD.Mendip Rail Limited'. Note how Schenker still use the small cabside type nameplates unlike most operators in the country who mount their nameplates in a more conventional position.
..13 january 2014..
59202 eases away from Westbury with '7C31',the 08:40 from Theale today going to Whatley-Quarry.It is seen approaching Fairwood-Junction.
..20 december 2013..
Schenker-Red 59203 eases its way down to loop towards Challow with is train of empty MRL-boxes. Seen here at Circourt Bridge-Denchworth.The working is '7C54' from Oxford-Banbury Road going to Westbury.
..13 november 2013..
59204 looking immaculate compared with the RHTT locomotives that passed this point just four minutes earlier rolls into Westbury with '6C76' from Acton going eventually to Whatley-Quarry.Although it is only 16:55 the sun is practically now on its knees making photography after 17:00 pretty much a waste of time.
..15 october 2013..
Another local regular working is '7C31'.This location here at Clink Road Junction is just 200yds from my front door so its not to much of a trek to go and picture it.Today was the turn of the highly visible 59205 to operate this working that runs from Acton in London down to Merehead Quarry. Regretfully this is yet another local location slowly being swallowed up by the ever increasing scrub & shrub growth.Now however with the addition a few years ago of the all enclosing palisade fencing any chances of a spot of occasional gardening is now gone!
..02 september 2013..
Ex-NP bell adorned prototype 59201 powers through Clink with a late running '7A09' from Merehead going to Acton Yard.I don't normally drag myself out of the house this early but the lure of a Colas-47 going to Devon was too much too ignore.Naturally it was a non-runner and this made a handy consolation-prize!
..02 september 2013..
59206 was the first 59/2 to get a dose of Schenker-Red and the only member of the class of 6 locomotives to retain a nameplate,albeit not the original one from when it was owned by NP last century.Here it is slowing for Clink-Junction at Frome with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley Quarry.Note the two 'IIA-s' added to the previously uniforn set of Hanson-Hoppers.
..29 august 2013..
Yet another Schenker-Red GM.This time its 59205 on the 15:56 from Theale going to Merehead running as '7C74'.This working concluded the procession of workings into the Quarries this evening/afternoon.With the temperature well above 30 degrees-C, I for one was glad to get out of the blazing sun!
..01 august 2013..
Now this is what an English Summer should be like! Rosebay Willow-Herb and Ragwort in full bloom,white puffy clouds and a nice clean Freight to complete the scene!.Here is 59202 drawing a set of Yeoman hoppers up the Upton-Scudamore Incline past Old-Dilton going to Eastleigh from Merehead (13:35 off) on '7O40'.Freight trains at this time of day are quite a rarity at this location so when this one popped up on the system it was a chance not to missed-----and I didn't!
..26 july 2013..
Schenker-Red 59206 is seen with '7C28' from Exeter-Riverside going to Whatley-Quarry as it approaches Westbury.
..25 july 2013..
This is serious! yet another Stone working without a Hanson on it! This time its '6V18' from Hither-Green going down to Whatley.59202 which for me is the most camera-shy of the repainted 59/2 class was in charge. Note the single 'IIA' MRL bogie hopper to break up the uniformity of the otherwise solid Hanson hopper set.No mistaking the location with both the freshly repainted White Horse (Like the 59/2's) and the now redundant Cement Works Chimney both in view,its Fairwood nr Westbury.
..22 july 2013..
'7C31' the 08:40 from Theale to Merehead passes the now very overgrown cutting at Clink nr Frome.Another Schenker-Red 59/2 this time number-4 doing the duty.Where have all the Hansons gone?
..22 july 2013..
'7A09' the morning 'Jumbo' from Merehead to Acton powers up through Berkley-Marsh nr Frome just as the early morning mist has virtually cleared. Schenker's 59205 was today motive power.I don't often see this working as it passes here at 08:00 most mornings but as I was an early riser this morning for a wasted trip to catch the 'Colas-Pair' of 47's from Eastleigh that eventually ran 2 hours late this shot was the consolation prize!
..22 july 2013..
An interloper but now firmly accepted as part of the 'Mendip-Rail' local fleet (Along with its five classmates) is 59205.Here the Schenker-Red liveried GM approaches Great-Cheverell on the B&H with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley.At least the MRL-Team keep these engines in good shape cosmetically unlike the free ranging reliveried 66's.Most of those are now quite grubby!
..05 july 2013..
'7Z66' the 17:41 from Royal-Wootton-Bassett going to Merehead chugs past Berkley nr Frome with a rather clean Schenker-Red 59204 leading its nice uniform set of FY-hoppers.
..26 june 2013..
The morning stone train from Merehead going up to Acton in London '7A09' passes Clink about half a mile east of the junction there.Today it was 59206's turn to do the haulage,the Schenker-Red livery contrasting nicely with the more conservative scheme on the Yeoman bogie-hoppers.
..25 june 2013..
59204,another example of Mendip-Rail's high standard of locomotive cleanliness passes Fairwood nr Westbury with '7C48' from Appleford nr Didcot returning empties to Whatley-Quarry.Meanwhile in the distance the recently refurbished 'White-Horse' shines out brightly whilst the presumably doomed Cement-Works chimney stands smokeless and dull!
..21 june 2013..
A fairly short-haul local working using a local locomotive.Here is the only 59/2 that now carries a nameplate.Schenker-Red 59206 'John F Yeoman-Rail Pioneer' It is returning from Exeter (12:41 off) with empties after a stone delivery to Riverside Yard there going to Westbury running as '7C28'. This 'in yer face' shot was taken from a public foot-crossing on the Frome-Avoiding Line,so despite appearences this is not a tresspass shot!
..14 june 2013..
The good old Berkley-Marsh shot never fails when the evening light is as good as this! Here is '7V12' from Woking again having reversed at Westbury and now on the final leg of the journey down to Merehead-Quarry.59206 is a Schenker-Red veteran as it has been over 4 years since it received its make-over!
..03 june 2013..
The first 59/2 to get a Schenker repaint and now the only one carrying a nameplate 'John F.Yeoman Rail Pioneer' 59206 runs down past Arn-Hill nr Warminster with '7V12' from Woking (15:38 off) going to Merehead.
..03 june 2013..
This is my first encounter with 59206 for quite some time.It has been away 'up north' having a major engine rebuild after it had somehow damaged its crankshaft,that in itself being a very rare occurrence.It is seen winding down off the Bishton-Flyover in South-Wales with a loaded '6C80', the 12:40 from Machen going to Westbury Yard.Interestingly this was the first engine ever to receive a coat of the now commonplace Schenker-Red way back in January-2009.
..18 may 2013..
Double Schenker's 59201 and 59203 with the added bonus of the bell-end of 201 leading passes Berkley-Marsh on '6C76' from Acton going to Whatley-Q. Despite every member of the 59/2 sub-class now being painted in Schenker-Red the chances of a pair in full sun are rare so this working was not to be missed.
..18 april 2013..
59203 again! At least its better than a Hanson! The 13:06 off Oxford-Banbury Road going to Whatley-Quarry '7C54' passes Church Road at Heywood Village nr Westbury.
..15 april 2013..
A sparkling 59203 rolls through Berkley nr Frome with '7V12' from Woking Down-Reception (15:38 off) going to Whatley Quarry conveying empty boxes.Interestingly this 'STP' working is not actually listed in 'Freightmaster' at the moment,no doubt it will be updated soon.
..12 april 2013..
Hot on the heels of '7C54' (actually 8 minutes later) was the diverted '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead.Again going this way due to the work in progress in the Reading area.Todays loco is Schenker 59202 with,unfortunately boxes behind the engine.As it was a divert,hoppers would have been preferable because boxes come this way almost daily,hoppers less so.A good job it was following on so quickly behind '7C54'.Due to the light getting rather head-on I was on my way back to the car when the message about how close it was came through.Yesterday freights were being interleaved with the HST's at the rate of one an hour.Today it was 8 minutes!
..03 april 2013..
Schenker-Red 59204 passes Pixash Lane in Saltford against a backdrop of the now closed Cadbury Chocolate Factory (Thanks Kraft!) with '6A83' the 12:15 from Machen-Quarry going today only as far as Westbury.With the clocks going forward for BST it was hoped the light would be just on the front here but no! however it was a pretty close run thing!
..02 april 2013..
About an hour behind 59201 on '7C77' was another working out of Acton-Yard '6C76',this time going to Whatley.Fellow class member 59205 again in Schenker's now common Red powers round the curve at Great-Cheverill just about missing the shadows that even at 16:00 are now short enough to allow a decent picture.
..18 february 2013..
A superbly lit afternoon prompted me to 'do' a couple of the empty stones workings returning from the London area to the Mendip-Quarries.Here is the doyen of the NP batch of 59's 59201 now wearing its 3rd livery-Schenker-Red.It is seen at Edington on the B&H with a short '7C77' from Acton-Yard going to Merehead.
..18 february 2013..
Schenker-Red 59203 passes Kensington-Olympia with '6O82' the 08:57 from Acton going to Hither-Green.The few white spots dotted here and there are actually snowflakes as the temperature was hovering around zero at this time.
..23 february 2013..
After this train passed Fairwood-Junction it was brought to a stand at Fairwood and was forced to wait there for nearly25 minutes before it was able to proceed on into the yard at Westbury.I would have gone over to the Foot-Xing seen just in front of the locomotive but the field was a sea of very soft mud so I opted for this wider shot instead.It is probably better anyway given the terrible backlighting here. Anyway I assume this is '6Z66' from Exeter to Westbury-Yard.59204 performed this first ever use of a Schenker-59 on the Moorswater duty.
..30 january 2013..
This working is usually operated by Freightliner but today for some reason Schenker-Red 59204 was sent down from Westbury to Exeter-Riverside to collect and return these 'PCA' cement tanks to Westbury.Normally they go straight down the avoider to the Cement-Works but today they went via the station and in fact was terminated in the up-yard there..I assume this is running as '6Z66'.This must be a first! a Schenker- 59 on cement-tanks coming from Exeter! The picture, although extreemly backlit was well worth recording due to the rare nature of the working.It is seen taking the station route at Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury.
..30 january 2013..
After a good 4 to 6 inches of snow falling on Friday (The day before) I felt I had to go out and get a few snow-shots despite the light actually being abysmal. Here is '7C29' from Acton going to Merehead with two rakes of boxes combined.The second set had not even been unloaded probably due to the weather problems yesterday.Schenker-Red 59203 was in charge as the train sweeps through Great-Cheverell on the B&H heading west.
..19 january 2013..
To round off a sunny albeit fairly local day I picture yet another Schenker-Red locomotive.This time it's 59204 with '7C77' from Acton to Merehead passing Heywood-Junction east of Westbury.Today it was routed via the Westbury-Avoider so anybody waiting for this at Fairwood all excited because of the sunshine would have been disappointed!
..11 january 2013..
Slick work with the Zoom and Focus is necessary for a 2nd pullback type grab shot of '7C31' from Theale as it travels towards Merehead at Styles Hill in Frome. Well it would have been rude not to seeing as the light was so good.59201 positively glowing in the low winter light!
..11 january 2013..
Doyen of the ex-NP batch 59201 glints nicely in the sun that is filtering into the cutting at Styles Hill in Frome on the Avoiding-Line there.Thankfully this working '7C31' from Theale passed at its booked time even though it actually arrived in Westbury over a hour early.
..11 january 2013..
Schenker 59201 does its best to upset the local environmental activists at Great-Cheverell as it rolls by with '6L21' from Whatley going to Dagenham.
..09 january 2013..
Schenker-Red 59204 heads westward at Bratton with '7C31' from Acton to Merehead about to pass the long closed Westbury Cement Works that was closed shortly after 'LeFarge' a very patriotic french company took over!Although it is now basically a staging post for cement manufactured in the Hope-Valley realistically the whole installation must now be on borrowed time!
..10 december 2012..
By this time in the afternoon (15:35) the sun is rapidly approaching the horizon and most known local shot locations are well in shadow.I decided to try a walk across a waterlogged field to grab this 'new to me' shot thus gaining a pair of throughly wet feet in the process! The Doyen of the 59/2 sub-class 59201 sporting its 'Bell-End' powers past my waterlogged feet nr Heywood about a mile or so from Westbury.This particular working '6A83' coming from Machen actually misses out Westbury using the east-chord to gain the B&H and head off for its destination, West-Drayton.
..14 november 2012..
Because of the early running of '6L21' I had to for-go a shot at Fairwood of 59205 coming up from Exeter to ensure I made it to Bratton in time to record a 2nd shot of 60019 on '6L21' heading East.Here the Dagenham bound loaded stone has just passed the disused Cement Factory nr Westbury with its now redundant tall-tall chimney.The DB-Schenker liveried '60' certainly stands out in the autumnal countryside that surrounds the B&H here.
..14 november 2012..
'7C31' from Acton to Merehead makes its way down the Frome Avoiding-Line on the final leg of the journey from Westbury.A still fairly clean 59203 in charge of todays load of 38 empty hoppers.
..29 october 2012..
Relatively recent repaint into Schenker-Red 59204 regretfully now nameless passes an autumnal Styles-Hill with '7C31' from Acton going to Merehead.
..17 october 2012..
To see a Schenker-Red 59/2 hauling something other than bogie hoppers from the local quarries makes a fairly pleasant change! Here is 59204 dragging 'JNAs' on weekend engineering duty returning to Westbury off the B&H at Heywood Road Junction.The working '6W31' originating from Theale via Acton.Incidentally it was running about 4 hours late by this time!
..14 october 2012..
Recently Refreshed Red-Schenker 59205 makes a nice contrast to the old RMC hoppers that are regularly used on this service up to St-Pancras from Whatley '6M20'.The working is seen at Fairwood-Junction taking the route via Westbury Station. Interestingly the stray 'IIA' that is 4th in the train was 3rd a few weeks ago.Assuming its the same set of coarse! See HERE for a comparison.
..04 october 2012..
Here is a Schenker-Pair of 59/2's. 59202 is the most recent repaint and also the last one in the class of six to get it.It certainly look transformed from the dull rusty pockmarked heap that went north to Toton about 6 weeks ago! Here it is partnered with 59205.This is the first 59/2 pairing in new Schenker-Red I have seen.Something no doubt in the years to come will be quite commonplace.The working '7C74' gained the extra loco (59202) at Westbury after arriving from Theale earlier single handed.
..13 september 2012..
Schenker-Red 59204 restarts '7A09' from Merehead up to Acton away from Woodborough Loops after it was sidelined to allow an HST to overtake.
..05 september 2012..
With the arrival back in the local area of 59202 earlier in the week the whole 59/2 sub-class are now adorned in the Schenker-Red colour scheme.So no more shots of scabby EWS 59/2's ever again.Here is the second member of the class so treated and still looking quite smart,59201 passing Frome on '7C31' from Theale returning to Merehead.Say what you like but this colour certainly 'glows' in bright sunlight!
..31 august 2012..
Busy Busy Repaint Returnee 59204 heads for Merehead with '7C31' from Theale.Interestingly the once uniform rakes of new 'IIA's now seem to turning up all over the place in different hopper formations.Todays '6M20' had just one individual wagon whilst this one came complete with a mini-block of three!
..23 august 2012..
59201 today did the short run to Appleford nr Didcot '7C48'.Here viewed departing Westbury on the final leg of the return journey back to Whatley Quarry with the empties. With the arrival of 59202 back from Toton in the next few days that will complete the entire 59/2 class repaint program into Schenker-Red.
..22 august 2012..
59204 displaying its new coat of Schenker-Red to good effect as it passes the White Horse Business Park Foot X-ing on '6C83' from Machen in S-Wales going only as far as Westbury Yard today.A second after the shutter was pressed the fast moving clouds had darkened the scene.Lucky or wot!
..20 august 2012..
Ex-NP Pioneer 59201 now in its 3rd livery style powers slowly out of Woodborough Loop on the B&H with '6L21' from Whatley going to Dagenham.A nice healthy train of 43 hoppers making a trailing load of in excess of 4000 tons. Note the gathering of Failtrack Vans and Vehicles at this popular B&H coffee stop,toilet,telephone and wi-fi, what more can they want!
..16 august 2012..
Latest (to date) 59/2 repaint is 59204 still looking quite fresh in its new coat of Schenker-Red.This is my 1st encounter with it since the tart-up. Today it was employed on '6A83' from Machen going to West-Drayton via the B&H.I believe it is its first freight duty since returning south from Toton.Here seen approaching Hawkeridge where it will take the Chord-Line thus avoiding having to go into Westbury proper.
..03 august 2012..
Typically when 60039 was on this duty earlier in the week the weather was dire!Anyway today was better and shiny recent repaint 59201 was the allocated engine. Here '7C76' from Acton going to Whatley passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome still positively glowing in the early evening light!
..19 july 2012..
Although nominally only booked to run on Tuesdays & Wednesdays this was posted as '6A26',the Whatley to Hayes.Todays traction is the now sole remaining 59/2 in the now 'old' EWS livery.Interestingly this was the scabbiest one of all and it has ended up being the final one of the batch in the old colours.Here the rust pockmarked 59202 runs into Westbury for its usual wait for 30 minutes before following an HST up the B&H towards London. Footnote-As things turned out this was to be my last photograph of a 59/2 wearing the now defunct EWS-Red colour scheme.The entire class now wears Schenker-Red---------------Life goes on---------------
..19 july 2012..
The now nameless but still retaining its presentation-bell 59201 in its day-glo Schenker Livery approaches Clink-Junction with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley-Quarry.
..28 june 2012..
Latest 59/2 to get a repaint is 59205.Although it was returned from Toton nearly 2 months ago it has spend most of that time in Merehead Workshops having some heavy maintenence done on it.Now released to traffic (As of the 18th) the still immaculate loco (Also nameless like 59201) is seen doubled up with 59102 passing Fairwood with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead. Of the class of 6 engines 3 are now in Schenker-Red,1 is at Toton being repainted and just 2 are roaming around in rusty EWS.
..20 june 2012..
59202 motors through Clink with a '2' portion '7A09' to Acton from Merehead.
..20 june 2012..
Less than an hour after seeing 59202 the only other remaining 59/2 in EWS colours passed by as well.Here is 59203 looking much less scabby and seemingly wearing a different shade of red running past Berkley-Marsh nr Frome with a late running '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley.
..19 june 2012..
This always was the most corroded and rusty 59/2,particularly in the last couple of years but ironicly looks like it will be just about the last to gain a fresh coat of paint and probably a load of welding as well! Here is scabby 59202 with (for a change) a '7C77' from Acton going back to Merehead with a decent sized train for a change.13 OK-Boxes and a double set of Hoppers,today roughly 50 bogies long.Location is of coarse Styles-Hill in Frome on the Avoiding-Line there.
..19 june 2012..
'7A09' with 59202 in charge runs up the Frome Avoider going to Acton.This working still has a few block-wagons on the rear as always but the loadings of stone is now regularly 50% less than a few years ago.A pretty accurate barometer of the state of the econony and the building industry in particular.At the moment the barometric pressure is quite low!
..30 may 2012..
59204 creeps along the single line towards Merehead passing Wanstrow.The working is from Acton and runs as '7C77'.Not long to go now before this one is Schenker-Red as half the class are done already! Footnote-It went for repaint just a few days later so my final shot in scabby EWS!
..28 may 2012..
With 50% of this small class of just six locomotives now repainted in the latest Schenker colours the rest including this one must surely follow quite quickly.Here is a clean but work-worn 59204 at the top of the Upton-Scudamore Bank returning from Eastleigh with '6V41' going just down the hill to journeys end at Westbury.
Footnote-------This was to prove to be my 2nd to final shot of this loco in EWS colours as early in June less than a fortnight after this shot was recorded 59204 was consigned to Toton for a Schenker-Red Repaint.Only two to go now 202 and 203. For that final shot click HERE
..24 may 2012..
Soon to be repainted 59203 gathers momentum after negotiating Fairwood-Junction heading for Merehead from Acton with '7C77'.Interestingly running well early and with just one set of OK-Boxes in tow today.Seen at Fairwood-Farm Crossing west of the junction there.
..24 may 2012..
As this was my first encounter with 59201 in reliveried guise under a clear blue sky I couldn't resist a 2nd grab-shot as it passed Clink in Frome going to Merehead with '7C77' This thing is so shiny it played havoc with photoshop whilst preparing it before presentation!
..23 may 2012..
Newest member of the 59/2 fleet to get a makeover is 59201.Now back in squadron service plying the B&H with various stone workings.Here the incredibly shiny 59201 is seen approaching Clink-Junction nr Frome heading for Merehead with '7C77' from Acton. With 205 painted as well as 206 exactly half the class are now in Schenker-Red.It only took 3 years since 59206 got the initial relivery!!!!!!!
..23 may 2012..
An extreeeeemly scabby and rust pockmarked 59202 rounds the bend at Ladydown nr Trowbridge with '6A83' from Machen going to West-Drayton via the B&H,today running about 50 minutes behind schedule for some reason.Back to normal,dull May lighting again with the need for 500ASA so as to produce a reasonably acceptable picture.Not too long now and this loco will be called to Toton-Paintshop to get a nice coat of shiny Schenker-Red.No need for sunlight then!
..18 may 2012..
Eeking out its final few months in rusty EWS colours albeit quite clean is 59203.50% of the class are now in Schenker-Red so this is sure to follow! Here seen at Berkley-Marsh with '6C76' from Acton to Whatley in just about the only decent spell of sunlight all day.
..15 may 2012..
After a short layover in Westbury '6C76' continues on its way down to Whatley from Acton.Since I photographed 59206 as it arrived in Westbury and the skies had turned cloudless-blue it would have been rude not to picture it again! Here 59206 positively glowing in the low bright evening light passes Berkley-Marsh with its double-portion hanson-hopper load of empties.
..14 may 2012..
59206 curves round the Panel-Box at Westbury with '6C76' from Acton heading for Whatley Quarry having just come off the B&H from London.
..14 may 2012..
Its not very often a locomotive can be described as 'Ex-Works' these days but this must surely be it.A full repaint at Toton followed by a complete engine and bogie refurbishment at Merehead in the excellent MRL Workshops there has resulted in an engine ready for many more years of hard use.59201 now in the DB Schenker-Red complete with the Presentation-Bell from the USA but now running minus its original nameplates.Here the Super-Shed is seen passing Dilton-Marsh on '6O41' from Westbury going to Eastleigh.No doubt another proving run prior to entering general service.
..02 may 2012..
Not a particularly good picture due to the usual british malaise---clouds! But still quite significant.Here is the inaugural run of freshly repainted and overhauled 59201 in Schenker-Red with Hanson 59101 along probably as security on '7A15' from Merehead going to Acton-Yard.Quite smoky due to months of inactivy and it smelt of burning paint as it rumbled by.Seen at Styles Hill Footbridge on the Frome Avoider.
..01 may 2012..
The word was out that DBS-Red repainted 59205 fresh from Toton Paint Facility was 'coming-home' to Merehead on '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury DIT.Unfortunately it was on the later 15:55 slot off Eastleigh so by the time it arrived at Warminster the thin cloud had become somewhat thicker.No matter as a 1st shot of its arrival back on home turf had to be done.Here it is behind 66090 along with a set of HQA's and a CWR-set.Again like 59201 which arrived last month the same way the nameplates are missing.Have these two been de-named as those names are no longer relevant prior to renaming?---Time will tell. Perhaps the plates were just retained at Merehead for safekeeping until their return from Toton.
..30 april 2012..
Sole-Schenker-59 (But not for much longer) 59206 hums past Bayton-Farm nr Edington on the B&H with '7C77' returning to Merehead from Acton with a train of empty boxes.Only went here because of the Oil-Seed-Rape would add a bit of colour to the picture.59206 was just a piece of luck!
..16 april 2012..
Running about an hour later than booked due to some sort of delay at Theale scabby 59202 pulls away from Westbury with '7C31' from there going to Merehead.The train is about to pass over Fairwood-Junction.The tracks on the right are the avoiding line for non-stoppers from London to the West.
..16 april 2012..
This was the 5th of 6 freights to pass this spot in less than 2 hours this morning and like the sky I was getting pretty angry at the lack of coincidence between the freight workings and the increasingly small sun gaps in the very slow moving clouds.Anyway my patience finally paid off with this one of Schenker-Red 59206 hauling '6Z17' away from Whatley (10:57 off) going to Hayes. Location is a now sadly increasingly overgrown Berkley-Marsh nr Frome.How I managed a 'sun' shot with that level of cloud-cover is quite amazing!
..12 april 2012..
The original Schenker-Super-Red-Shed 59206 slows for Westbury with '7C48' from Appleford nr Didcot returning to Whatley. Finally after over 2 years as the sole DBS 59 its classmate 59201 is now in this livery as well.Not actually in traffic yet,it is in Merehead having a dose of heavy maintenance to complimant its new coat of paint.
..21 march 2012..
59205 turns left at Hawkeridge-Junction with '6A83' from Machen in South-Wales heading for West-Drayton.Interestingly today this working went straight through without stopping.Usually a crew change takes place here but not today.Perhaps the roster has changed?
..21 march 2012..
The former 'Vale of Evesham' now named 'L Keith McNair' 59205 slows for Clink-Junction with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley.With 201&206 now repainted into Schenker-Red it can only be a matter of time before this one follows suit!
..14 march 2012..
'6V41'was today used to return 59201 from Toton Paintshop via Warrington and Eastleigh on the final leg from there to Westbury.By later that evening it would have arrived at Merehead DIT on yet another working on the final few miles to the Quarry.I understand it is due a 'G' Exam so will not be returned to traffic in the near future.All those miles from Toton have been 'dead in train' so it has yet to turn a wheel in revenue earning service wearing the Schenker-Red.Interestingly there is no Nameplates,does this mean a renaming is in the offing? The train engine was 66142 and the train was running in the 'late-slot'.hence the dire light. Use of 800asa,500th at f2.2 and a 35mm focal length prime lens just about captured the misty and dull action. ..13 march 2012..
The 10:15 from Paddington going to Cheltenham headed by 43023 speeds past the sidelined 59203 on '6W24' from Hinksey(Oxford) going to the Merehead Branch in Somerset.Within 5 minutes the 59 had resumed its own journey as well.The scene is captured across the crop fields at the western end of the Challow-Loops.
..03 march 2012..
Departmental '6W24' from Hinksey-Yard Oxford is heading for an overnight occupation at a worksite of the Merehead Branch near Frome .Here a rather rusty 59203 is having a short rest in Challow Loop to allow an HST to overtake.Load is two sets of 5 HQA's full of ballast.
..03 march 2012..
Our local Schenker-Red Class 59 number 206 heads for Merehead from Acton with its daily load of approx 40 bogies (Usually).It won't be long before 'Nomates' 59206 will have a Brother wearing the same colours.News today is 59201 has emerged in the expected Schenker-Red from the Toton Paint-Shop,how long before a chance of this pair working together arises?
..29 february 2012..
Its funny that 59201 has gone to Toton for a repaint into Schenker-Red when this one 59202 'Vale of the White Horse' was so much more shabbier with red rust and corrosion showing everywhere,particularly on the roof panels.Perhaps it will be assigned for treatment next? Anyway here is tatty 59202 creeping away from Westbury going back to Whatley with '7V14' from Fareham.
..29 february 2012..
The stone empties '7C54' from Oxford Road Banbury going to Whatley Quarry passes Shrivenham with Schenker's 59206 at the helm.Not long now before its classmate 59201 gains this livery as well.The number of loco's now wearing this livery is well now into double figures and no longer such a novelty.At least the MRL maintained 59/2's will remain looking quite smart!
..23 february 2012..
As 59206 went to Eastleigh this morning it was a fair bet it would return on '6V41'----Which it did.Unfortunately its appearance here at Arn-Hill was right on the cusp of sunset so the light was getting yellowy and weak.At least it was shining though the need for a high ASA,a wide aperture and a none to high a shutter speed did produce a reasonable result albeit with limited depth of field. The fact it was 59206 with yellow failtrack boxes helped the situation no end.
..03 february 2012..
Couldn't resist a second grab-shot of 59206 on '6V41'.So nice to picture it hauling something other than set after set of stone hoppers.This loco has been in Schenker-Red now for nearly 3 years but no sign whatsoever that any of its 5 classmates getting the same treatment even though they are now looking very unkempt and rusty!. Norton-Bavant is the spot,the Westbury-Eastleigh departmental is the train. ..03 february 2012..
So there I was stood in the freezing wind wondering if this working '6O41' was going to work being as it was a friday and it was already about 15 minutes late when this bright thing popped out from the bridge in the distance.59206 has been off the Quarry circuit now for about a week and seems to be used on engineers trains instead.Anyway a very pleasing shot considering all the rest of the week 66053 had been on this working exclusively.Pictured at Norton-Bavant with Battlesbury Hill in the background.---------Nice-------- ..03 february 2012..
It is such a pity that the nameplates on the 59's of all types are so small.Almost to the point where they are regarded almost as nameless.Freightliner have the right idea with traditional sized plates affixed in the correct place as well. Anyway here is 59204 'Vale of Glamorgan' heading for Merehead from Acton on '7C31',the morning empty Jumbo.Shot taken from the still quite clear Styles Hill Footbridge in Frome.
..02 february 2012..
DBS-59206 with the TRT-Runner stands parked up waiting to haul away the TRT from the worksite when required.The line here at Cockhill runs parallel with a quiet country road so access for these shots was over the hedge from solid tarmac! Shortly after this shot was taken snow started to fall and the light got even worse,not to mention hypothemia setting in so I left! ..04 february 2012..
The engine that brought the Balfour Beatty-TRT down from Westbury was our local 'Sole-Schenker-59' number 206.Here it is sat parked a few hundred yards down the line towards Yeovil with the 'Runner' off the TRT quietly waiting for it to do its work so that it could drag it away so the ballasting can commence.The driver was sat quite happily eating sandwiches and reading a magazine no doubt with the heater going full blast. Me? I was frozen to the bone in sub zero temperatures wondering what the hell I was doing here anyway! ..04 january 2012..
Ex-NP doyen 59201 draws '6M20' from Whatley-Quarry bound for St-Pancras past the site of the long dismantled Bratton Station.The Goods-Shed still stands but now serves as an industrial warehouse.
..13 january 2012..
Running as '4C31' today the 09:45 from Theale to Merehead passes Fairwood with Rust-Bucket 59203 at the helm.Note the peeled off numbers on the front-end and the barely readable 'undercoat' logo and numbers on the side.The original numbers disappeared years ago.Come on DBS,get those paintbrushes out! ..06 january 2012..
59201 today was used yet again on '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh.I actually went out on the promise of 59206 as this one shows up much nicer in mega dull lighting conditions such as these but it was not to be.However this time the ex-NP Pioneer was running 'bell-end' first and is viewed passing the staggered single coach platform at Dilton Marsh Halt.A place immortalised in a Poem by the late 'John Betjeman. To read that famous piece of work click HERE ..30 december 2011..
Due to the Christmas break at the local quarries the 59/2 fleet have been kept occupied on local engineering workings.Here is 59201 with 59202 DIT going to Eastleigh on '6O41' from Westbury.59202 is possibly going to Eastleigh -Works for its long awaited scheduled re-paint into DB-Schenker Red.This is much needed as the paintwork on that loco is very faded and in places completely missing showing huge patches of red-rust.The train consisting mainly of 'jna-s' is seen climbing towards Warminster at Upton-Scudamore. ..29 december 2011..
With the sun glinting off the polished bell I initially though this working '7C77' was being drawn by a Class-66! (No 59's of any sub-class carries the 'cyclops' headlight.) Here is seen the leader of the 59/2 gang number-1 passing Fairwood nr Westbury with a boxes-only version of this daily working from Acton.The weak low yellowish winter light just about illuminating the scene!
..15 november 2011..
59202,one of the ex-NP versions still happily powers around the region delivering stone products from the Mendip-Quarries.Here is '7C54' returning the empties from a delivery to Banbury Road nr Oxford.Pictured passing Shrivenham heading for Whatley.
..01 november 2011..
59205 in its Red&Rust colour scheme powers up past Berkley nr Frome with '6M20' from Whatley to St Pancras.Wagons today a uniform rake of Hanson-Hoppers.
..24 october 2011..
Local 'Froth-Idol' and still the Sole-Schenker-Super-Shed 59206 heads east at Great-Cheverell with '6M20' from Whatley-Quarry going to St-Pancras.Hanson-Hoppers today,the regular ex-RMC's being in use on the following 'Z' working to Hayes instead.
..21 october 2011..
With the Autumnal lengthening shadows most of the local shots of this working '7C31' are now longer possible even at 11:45 in the mornings! I thought I would try this one across the fields at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome seeing as the allocated haulage today was local 'celeb' 59206.This working from Theale down to Merehead.
..19 october 2011..
This engine 59205 is really in need of a repaint! Everything about it is dull,the numbers,the logo's and even the extremly faded front end.Many area's are also devoid of paint and now rather rusty.Mechanically it is fine (Thanks MRL) but visually--????? Here it is on '7V16' from Fareham-ARC on the last-leg to Whatley Quarry approaching Clink-Junction nr Frome.
..18 october 2011..
Schenker repaints are now becoming more common,about time too as this one 59206 was done 30 months ago! Here is the super-shed approaching Clink-Junction in Frome with '6V18' from Hither-Green going to Whatley-Q.
..03 october 2011..
Machen to West-Drayton '6B83' passes Magor on the main.A uniforn rake of 18 Hanson-hoppers in tow behind 59203.Plenty of rust on this one.If this was my car it would almost certainly fail its MOT! Come-on DBS get that paintbrush out!
..03 october 2011..
Local resident and Sole-Schenker-Super-Shed 59206 avoids going into Westbury as it takes the curve at Hawkeridge-Junction with '6A83' from Avonmouth going to West-Drayton.Driver will be relieved here during a brief halt before the train recommences its journey up the B&H.
..21 september 2011..
Sad to see the once mighty afternoon empty 'Jumbo' from Acton back to Merehead reduced to this! Once loaded with up to nearly sixty bogies this one had just ten boxes on! I know there is a recession on but that is quite worrying. Anyway here is 59201 with its lightweight load drifting through Clink nr Frome going to Merehead with '6C77'. ..14 september 2011..
One thing about 59206 in 'Day-Glo' Schenker-Red is it actually stands out quite well in dire-dire light such as this passing of '6M20' at Clink nr Frome.It was only the fact it had the 'JGA-s' on with an old 'Tiphook' in the consist persuaded me to actually press the button! Rain was also slashing down so lifting the hand away from the lens milli-seconds prior to exposure enabled a rainspot free lens shot to be taken (just!). ..06 september 2011..
'7V52',the empties from Hamworthy returning to Whatley-Quarry in the Mendips passes Millbrook FLT.Sole-Schenker liveried-59/2 number 6 being in charge.Over 2 years since this engine was the first in the country to get this livery and to date ther number of engines repainted has yet to reach double-figures! ..02 september 2011..
'7C54',the empties from Oxford-Banbury Road back to Whatley-Quarry draws away from Westbury at fairwood on the final leg of the journey.Traction is the still smart after 2 years now in this livery 59206.Note although the rest of the 59/2 fleet are all now looking decidedly rusty and tatty this is the only one treated to a repaint! ..31 august 2011..
Although it is now well over 2 years since this first repaint into Schenker-Red took place it is only now that the overall tally of 'DB-Red' has reached more than 1/2 a dozen.Due to being well looked after by Mendip-Rail 59206 still looks 'fresh'................Here it is passing Great-Cheverell with '7C77' from Acton going to Merehead,today unusually just 'boxes' in tow. ..19 august 2011..
The returning 'Bath Spa Express' was going quite well until the 'Brit' proceeded to throw a 'Mr Wobbly' nr Warminster after climbing the bank from Westbury in fine style.Loco was declared a total failure and dragged back to Westbury by 59203 c/w full train where 70000 was deposited in the yard there for inspection-etc.59203 nearly 3 hours late eventually left Westbury with '1Z88' for the 2nd time.Here seen at Arn-Hill nr Warminster going well.---Personally I think 59203 is much rarer 'haulage' than 70000 but I don't expect most of the passengers will see it that way! ..17 august 2011..
Now not quite so unusual running in Schenker-Red as several other classes have gained 'red' examples.No matter,59206 still looks really smart as is well looked after by the local MRL crew at Merehead.Here seen creeping through Clink with '6C76' from Acton going down to Whatley. ..01 august 2011..
Acton to Merehead '7C31' passes Bratton-Station Yard with Sole-Schenker-59 number 206 doing the job. ..28 july 2011..
The wider shot showing more of the train '6M20' clearing the junction at Clink as it gets into its stride heading for London via the B&H.Pity the loco was not still in NP colours and the wagons are so faded!
..15 july 2011..
Well I suppose it had to happen eventually.Ex-National Power 59206 today found itself reunited with a set of LWB HKA's originally delivered too and still carrying the NP colours albeit a bit faded.Working is the '6M20' from Whatley Quarry going to St-Pancras viewed powering over Clink-Junction nr Frome.Believe these are actually to replace the old favourites,the ex-RMC orange hoppers that have done this duty now for several years.
..15 july 2011..
Ex NP 59204 runs down the Frome Avoider with '7C77' heading for Merehead from Acton.Unusually today the train consisted of just boxes and no hoppers. ..14 july 2011..
After all the 'Mazey Day' excitement over the weekend back to the normal stuff around my home town!.Here is 59204 on '7A09' from Merehead up to Acton driving up through Berkley-Marsh in clinking early morning (07:58) light. ..27 june 2011..
Disappointingly this appeared whilst the 'Big Yellow Ball' was sculking behind a black fluffy thing.Worthy of inclusion due to the traction-combo,the wagons and the clouds of mendip dust blowing off the rear hoppers.Did a runner upwind as soon as shot taken as I have eaten that dust many times before and digi-slr's don't like it much! 59206/66126 with the 11:37 ex-Whatley to Hothfield running as '6Z20' an hour after the regulat '6M20' to St-Pancras. ..24 june 2011..
Although only 16 years old,the last 13 have been far more arduous than the first 3 with National-Power. EWS/DBS certainly have worked these 59/2's intensively and it shows.Here is 59203 'Vale of Pickering' complete with its albeit clean but extensively rust-pock marked body panels.Evidence of a replacement window with an odd frame,various faded and incomplete numbers on the front end and a shiny set of overhauled bogies where the wheelsets had been totally worn-out! Anyway here is 59203 cruising down the Frome Byline going to Merehead with '7C77' from Acton.The regular afternoon Jumbo empties of hoppers and boxes. ..21 june 2011..
59203 on day-5 since release from a major overhaul below the waist and seemingly running well approaches Clink-Junction with the empties from Theale going to Whatley '6C74'.This was the third set of empty wagons to past this point going down the branch to the quarry in less than 20 minutes.At times this stretch of single line can be busier than many mainlines! ..13 june 2011..
This locomotive 59203 has been off the books for many months due to its bogies requiring overhaul including new wheel-sets.Today saw it going to Westbury about 40 minutes previously light-engine and here returning back to Merehead.Obviously its first test run since all the major work necessary had been completed judging by the oily smells and smoke it was emitting in both directions.Below the sole-bar it looks like a thorough job has been done but regretfully the body still shows up the rust patches and flaking paintwork.DBS are quick enough to repaint 66's sent to Poland but continue to neglect the home fleets appearance! .. 08 june 2011..
Ex-NP 59205 hauls '7C77' from Acton back to Merehead,here seen from the high bridge at Styles-Hill in Frome. ..08 june 2011..
For those of you who prefer a more 'Tele-Type' shot clickHERE
'7V52',the empties from Hamworthy nr Poole in Dorset on the final-leg departing Westbury down to Whatley Quarry passes Berkley-Marsh nr Frome under a superb late afternoon summers sky.The overcast conditions having dissolved to sunshine barely a hour previously.59204 was todays traction choice,it fairly gleamed in the late afternoon brightness. ..27 may 2011..
Coming from Fareham and going the Whatley is '7V16' here passing Arn-Hill nr Warminster.Distinctive Sole-Schenker-Super-Shed 59206 on the duty today. ..03 may 2011..
A slick turnaround after arrival at Westbury down off the Wylye-valley route resulted in this passing Clink less than 30 minutes after arrival there.seen slowing for Clink-Junction in some of the best light of the day. Nice! ..21 april 2011..
'7V52' the returning empties from Hamworthy going back to Whatley (Reversal at Westbury) passes under the main roadbridge at the top of the Upton-Scudamore Incline with the Schenker 59206 well in charge.Working was about 25 mins early so was rather lucky to have got to this vantage point in time.A 2nd shotwas had about 45 minutes later on the Westbury to Whatley Leg at Clink. ..21 april 2011..
59204 looking clean (All down to MRL not DBS) passes Arn-Hill with '6V41' from Eastleigh to Westbury with 2 sets of JJA's and some bogie-flats containing scrap track-panels.Superb spring light here at 17:30 in the evening,best time of the year! ..18 april 2011..
Still looking quite smart after the boys at Merehead-MRL-Depot had given it an overhaul and a good clean 59205 creeps away from Clink-Junction with '7A17' having been put into the Frome Station Loop to allow an HST to overtake. ..18 april 2011..
With this train '7C77' becoming overdue by over an hour despite arriving at Westbury pretty much on time decision was made to quickly move to Berkley-Marsh where the lighting would by now be much more favourable as the Xing at Fairwood was going too 'Head-on'. Pitched up and within 5 minutes 59206 with '7C77' duly appeared thankfully still in the superb late afternoon sunshine.Final shot of the day and a good 'n. ..12 april 2011..
The Hopper-empties from Theale back to Whatley '6C74' speeds past the Fairwood-Farm Crossing with 59204 up front.Train was going faster than most empties due to coming off the avoiding line hence a higher line speed. ..12 april 2011..
Tues/Thurs only (Today is a Tues) '6A74' Whatley to Theale is lifted past Berkley-Marsh nr Frome by 59204 making easy work of it.Note the orange-man with a death-wish! ..12 april 2011..
59205 slows on the approach to Westbury with '7C77' from Acton. ..24 march 2011..
59204 with '7C77' from Acton down to Merehead approaches the junction at Fairwood.No sign of the paranoid fish-farmer today,miserable git! ..17 march 2011..
Ex-National-Power 59205 rolls past Wanstrow with some new 'IIA' type hoppers on the Merehead branch with '7A17' going to Acton in West-London. ..07 october 2010..
59205 passes an autumnal looking Styles-Hill in Frome with the once regular mid-morning '7A17' from Merehead up to Acton.Regretfully now with the completion of the majority of the Olympic contracts and the general economic downturn this once 'rock-solid' working has now ceased to run. ..06 october 2010..
Leader of the Ex-NP gang of Six 59201 rolls into Westbury 'Bell-End' first. Coming from Hither-Green and going to Whatley Quarry '6V18' was today unusually made up of the former RMC hoppers previously used around the Peak-Forest area in the north.
..28 august 2010..
This picture was recorded during the period when D B-Schenker were trying various locomotive types and combinations on their heavier workings such as this one to see if it was possible to be able to abandon use of the Class-60's. Thankfully it was decided that the 60's were a necessary loco type and in the subsequent 5 years to date (2015) have made something of a comeback with over 30 members of that once 100 strong class getting classified overhauls. So here is a pair of GM's 59205 double heading with 66007 pretending to be a 'Tug' passing Gossington with '6B13' the 05:00 from Robeston going to Westerleigh with a fully loaded fuel train.
..16 march 2010..
After a quick scan through shots already published on this site I have realised that 59202 appears to be the most camera-shy of all the 59's operating around Westbury (For me anyway).Here to rectify that situation is is that loco passing Berkley-Marsh nr Frome on the now defunct '7A17' from Merehead up to Acton.Load consisting of the then new 'IIA' hoppers.
..15 june 2009..
Running in connection with the Olympic building projects in East-London this working '6V64' coming from Bow going to Merehead seen at Clink nr Frome.Loco is the Sole Schenker 59 number 206. ..20 may 2009..
This is a piece of history! The very recently repainted into Schenker-Red 59206 rounds one of the many curves in the Limpley Stoke Valley nr Freshford with '6C83' from Machen going to Westbury.At this time this was the sole loco in the entire country wearing this very striking colour scheme.Regretfully in 2017 this location and view is now once again lost to the rampant undergrowth and fast growing trees which is a bit of a pity.
..7 april 2009..
59206 in pre-Schenker-Red brings '7C77' away from Westbury heading for Merehead viewed at Fairwood.Note how clean and bright the White-Horse was then.Now some 40 months later it is a dark grey colour slowly merging into the hillside.This shot was also notable as being the first with my then new 70-200 'L' lens.I have to say it is a superb piece of kit!
..10 october 2008..
The ex-NP 59/2's have been a part of the Mendip Quarries freight scene now for some considerable time.Here is 59206 and 59202 working hard up the incline away from the mainline on the Merehead branch in Wanstrow cutting.At this time this area had just been completely cleared out by Railtrack and presented a superb shot of any afternoon empty heading back to the Quarry such as this regular afternoon favourite '7C77' from Acton. Notice even then the paintwork on these 59's was getting faded and tatty! They only had to wait another 5 years for a fresh coat of paint!