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Inter City Railway Society May 2015

Inter City Railway Society founded 1973

www.intercityrailwaysociety.org

Volume 43 No.5 Issue 509 May 2015

The content of the magazine is the copyright of the Society No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the copyright holder

President: Simon Mutten (01603 715701) Coppercoin, 12 Blofield Corner Rd, Blofield, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4RT Chairman: Carl Watson - chairman@intercityrailwaysociety.org Mob (07403 040533) 14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG Treasurer: Peter Britcliffe - treasurer@intercityrailwaysociety.org (01429 234180) 9 Voltigeur Drive, Hart, Hartlepool TS27 3BS Membership Sec: Trevor Roots - membership@intercityrailwaysociety.org (01466 760724) Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD Mob (07765 337700) Assistant: Christine Field Secretary: Stuart Moore - secretary@intercityrailwaysociety.org (01603 714735) 64 Blofield Corner Rd, Blofield, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4SA Events: Louise Watson - events@intercityrailwaysociety.org Mob (07921 587271) 14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG

Magazine: Editor: Trevor Roots - editor@intercityrailwaysociety.org Sightings: James Holloway - sightings@intercityrailwaysociety.org (0121 744 2351) 246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3ES Photo Database: John Barton (0121 770 2205)

Website: Manager: Trevor Roots - website@intercityrailwaysociety.org (01466 760724) Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD Mob (07765 337700)

Yahoo Administrator: Steve Revill

Books: Publications Manager: Carl Watson - publications@intercityrailwaysociety.org Publications Team: Trevor Roots / Carl Watson / Eddie Rathmill / Lee Mason

Contents: Officials Contact List ................................... 2 Society Notice Board ...............................3-5 Events .....................................................5-6 ICRS Sales .............................................. 64 Current News / Sightings: Franchise / NR News ............................ 6 Freight Matters ............................... 54-55 Gloucester / Stirling Sightings ......... 42-44 Light Rail & Metro News ...................... 46 Liveries .......................................... 62-63 New Stock / Transfers .................... 57-61 Out & About Sightings .................... 21-25 Stock Changes .................................... 56 Traffic & Traction News .................. 11-20

Feature Articles: Days Out........................................................... 45-46 Eastleigh Works Report......................................... 7-9 Preservation: ‘Forgotten’ Loco – Steam ................................... 10 Galas ........................................................... 26-41 News ................................................................. 44 Railway Globetrotters ........................................ 47-53

Front Cover Photo: The first Royal Scotsman of the 2015 season was in the hands of GBRf 66732 ‘GBRf The First Decade 1999 - 2009 John Smith - MD’ as the usual loco operator, WCR was banned. It is seen approaching Kennethmont loop at 19.43 in glorious late evening sunshine to await the passing of an Inverness to Aberdeen ScotRail service, 21st April 2015. A week later there was snow !! £2.50 where sold separately

Printed & distributed in the UK by Henry Ling Limited, at the Dorset Press, Dorchester DT1 1HD

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SOCIETY NOTICE BOARD

Editor’s Comments: The repercussions of the operating ban on West Coast Railways (WCR) has meant major changes to many charters and regular clients like the Royal Scotsman. This had to start its 2015 season on the 21st April with a GBRF freight loco at the head instead of a WCR claret loco (see front cover). At least it still ran and the loco was very clean and it spiced up the variety of traction up here. Better still, 55022, still deputising as 55003, took over for the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh return leg. I couldn’t get over to photograph that unfortunately, but it must have been worth seeing. Hopefully the WCR situation will be resolved one way or another.

I won’t waffle on too much this month as again more content than pages, but yet again it is satisfying to see so many members contributing with a record number sending in photos, 8 for the first time so thank you. We have broken the 200 barrier with 206 photos this month and only 5 of them mine (plus cover), the most ever in an issue !! However it does mean I am finally having to more selective but keep sending them in as it’s nice to have a good choice. Mind you I think everyone, bar me sadly, went to the Barrow Hill Rarities Gala which for pure variety of traction will be hard to surpass. This was one of another bumper crop of preserved railway Galas, 7 in total, including Deltics at the Bluebell Railway !! This has meant BORDERS RAILWAY being bumped to June.

Happy reading and for those receiving the pdf early I hope to see some of you at the DRS Crewe Gresty Bridge visit and/or at the Swanage Diesel Gala. For those intending to go to the Eastleigh Works big bash on the 6th June this is the last issue before then, so get your applications in asap.

Stop Press - as I finish this issue on Monday 27th April we are currently rapidly thawing out from 2” of snow which fell heavily on Sunday afternoon, the most we’ve had this year ironically. It was high teens only days ago, so much for Spring, poor daffs were looking lovely...all flat now !!

Errata: In STOCK CHANGES, 41000 should have read 41001

Publication News: The latest 2015 edition will be Irish Railways 2015 to be released in late May. Prices are on the rear cover of TRACKS.

Membership Matters: Subscriptions: Standard Membership: (up to 30th April 2015) Annual - £16.00, Five year - £75.00 (currently saving £5.00 against annual rate but will save £12.50 against increase) (from 1st May 2015) Annual - £17.50, Five year - £80.00 (saving £7.50 against annual rate)

eMembership: Annual - £16.00, Five year - £75.00

NB. Having been held for 6 years, the rates have risen modestly from 1st May 2015 (as agreed at AGM) to £17.50 (annual) and £80.00 (5 year – saving £7.50), to help cover increased costs of production / delivery of TRACKS and the 33% increase in size to 64 pages. TRACKS has actually increased 228% since the rate was originally set in 2009 as it was 28 pages printed in black & white !! Both paper and postal costs have risen considerably over recent years. Though the books have subsidised TRACKS since 2011 and will continue to do so, the deficit gap between income from the standard member annual rate and production / distribution costs will still be £0.98. The cost of sending membership cards and general admin raise this deficit much higher.

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ICRS Membership gives you: • TRACKS a high quality full colour 64 page monthly magazine - covering all aspects of railways,

posted with Standard Membership or emailed as a pdf with eMembership. • up to 30% discount on all ICRS books (7 currently available). • occasional members only visits to railway facilities. • the latest issue of TRACKS emailed (on request) 10 days prior to receiving printed version. • an informative website, with access and indexes to previous issues of the magazine. • 10% discount on lan Allan books (direct sales from IA only).

New Members: (* re-joined) Christopher Addoo (Eastleigh), Geoffrey Armstrong (Gateshead), Kevin Blackall (Slough), Anthony Briggs (Nottingham,), Anthony Calderbank (Wigton), Frank Cook (Telford), Tony Ellis (Immingham), James Faill (Newcastle upon Tyne), Kenneth Fox (Lincoln), Bryan Morrissey (Colchester), Malcolm Oates (Ossett), Mark Poole (Prescot), Andrew Ray (Walsall), Alan Scott (Margate) - a warm welcome to you all.

Obituary: Sadly Stanley Oates from Leeds died in February. Our condolences go to his widow and family.

Membership Renewal: When your membership is due for renewal this will be indicated along the bottom of the TRACKS address carrier sheet with your expiry date. Therefore please check your address carrier sheet with your copy of TRACKS...before you dispose of it. The reverse of the carrier sheet will be printed with a Renewal form, which can be returned or not, depending on the method of payment (see below). If no renewal is forthcoming after a Renewal Reminder form, your membership will be deemed to have lapsed. Please make sure you and provide a telephone contact number. If you are ex-directory, don’t worry as it will not be revealed to any third parties but it is important that we have a contact number other than by post, which is a costly way to communicate. As a helpful ‘reminder’, members who have set up a bank standing order will have a note to that effect on the front of the carrier sheet but no renewal form on the reverse. Hopefully then no one will renew twice, as has happened !! PLEASE RENEW asap, as only one more copy of TRACKS will be sent after your expiry date, unless you state a reason for the delay. If you are not renewing please have the courtesy to say so.

Methods of Payment: Please note we cannot accept credit card payments over the telephone.

Internet Banking (BACS) / Standing Order: This is the preferred most cost effective, secure and quickest way of paying, for you and the Society and ensures we get the full amount. Bank details will be included on your renewal form.

Cheque or Postal Order: Please make payable to ICRS and return your remittance with the form to: Trevor Roots (Membership Secretary) ICRS Membership Renewal, Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD

PayPal: Pay by credit card or debit card via PayPal on the website, however this incurs a cost to the Society (currently £0.74 for £16 & £2.75 for £75)

Please provide your first name and a landline telephone number, whether joining or renewing and your email. If you renew in the first week of the month, whilst TRACKS is at the printers, you may receive a Renewal / Reminder form but do not worry as the admin process will naturally see things cross in the post. Please also note that cheques are not presented to the bank until the first week of the following month. As well as receiving a new card, renewals will be acknowledged where possible by email.

NB. When using PayPal, please read and follow the instructions on the relevant web page.

Membership Cards: Your membership is valid until the end of month as shown by the first two numbers. For those who joined from mid 2009, the second two numbers are the year. Cards will be sent as soon as practicable following your renewal, separate from TRACKS distribution. No card is sent to overseas and e-members.

TRACKS Magazine: If you so request, the very latest issue of TRACKS will be emailed as a pdf when it goes off to the printers so you will get it ‘hot off the press’ 10 days before you receive the printed version. That means you have the latest news, some within days of the event occurring. Please email the editor, Trevor Roots at editor@intercityrailwaysociety.org to receive the latest issue by email in addition to the printed version. Similarly the last 11 months are also available by email, but only to members.

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Submissions: Articles: Any information / article on any railway related item will be most welcome for inclusion in the magazine. Your visits, travel stories or anecdotes about any part of the railway network, past or present, home or abroad can give pleasure to others or inform of places to visit. This railway hobby of ours is made all that more enjoyable by the sharing of information, knowledge and experiences. Neatly hand written submissions are perfectly acceptable, but ideally a typed document is preferable. Better still, if you have a PC and internet connection then send an email.

Photos: Good quality photographs are always welcome, preferably high res jpeg digital photographs via email (not compressed please), but prints are acceptable. Please send an SAE if you wish them returned. Please include full contact details with any submissions, including your first name.

The latest date for articles / info for the June 2015 issue is Monday 29th May 2015 with delivery to members after Friday 12th June 2015

please check the TRACKS page on the website for date of posting from the printers

Magazine Distribution: TRACKS is distributed direct from the printers to members in a clear plastic wrapping with an address carrier sheet (reverse printed with a Renewal / Reminder form if appropriate). If any member fails to receive their copy after one week from the above estimated delivery date then please contact the editor.

Magazine Contributors: (* new this month) Thanks to Chris Addoo*, John Brace*,Alan Brooks, Andrew Buckley, Ken Bull, Malcolm Castell, Malcolm Clements, Peter Cole, Neil Dix, Bob Eastwood, Martin Evans, Derek Everson, Iain Gardiner, Robert Hawker*, Michael Hayman, James Holloway, Geoff Hope, Nigel Hoskins, Gordon Kirkby, Ian Knight, Colin James, Ian McAlpine, Stuart Moore, Keith Morey, Martin Newsome, Stuart Nye, Keith Partlow*, Malcolm Patrick, Colin Pidgeon*, Colin Pottle, Phil Quantock, Steve Revill, Mike Rumens, Norman Smith, Ray Smith, Derek Sneddon, Graham Stockton, Paul Sumpter, Roger Thomas, James Trowbridge, Malcolm Wallace*, Carl Watson, Doug Welch, David Williams & Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has been missed. Photos not credited in the caption or within the article are by Trevor Roots. Website: The new re-designed website was launched on the 17th May 2014. Login details are no longer required to access previous issues of TRACKS (Dec 2006 to date) and new pages have been added listing articles appearing in these issues. However the last 12 months issues (on a rolling basis) are available and can be emailed as pdfs to members on request from the editor (see Magazine above). Email Trevor Roots at website@ntercityrailwaysociety.org if you have any queries or suggestions.

Flickr Photo Gallery: www.flickr.com/photos/intercity-railway-society. We have a photo gallery on Flickr and all photos submitted for inclusion in TRACKS will, time permitting, be added to the gallery. Please send all photos to editor@intercityrailwaysociety.org

ICRS Yahoo News Group: We have our own Yahoo News Group, established in March 2004, open to members and non-members alike to post sightings and observations, share comments and debate the current railway scene. To join visit groups.yahoo.com/group/intercityrailwaysociety/ or email Steve Revill at intercityrailwaysociety-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

MEMBER ONLY VISITS

Eastleigh Works, 6th June 2015: Following our previous two successful visits in 2013 and 2014 we have organised another Members Only visit to Eastleigh Works on the 6th June which is expected to start at 13.00. There will be a 100 tickets It will however be necessary to make a charge of £20 to cover the normal visit fee (which Arlington donate to charity) and organising stewards, but for that you will get access to all areas for about 3 hours, cab rides and there will be that hog roast again. The cost of food is subsidised by the Society. Please reserve your place by sending an A5 SAE (normal second class stamp will suffice)

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/intercity-railway-society�http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/intercityrailwaysociety/�

with a cheque / PO to Louise Watson (Events Co-ordinator). Please provide either an email or tel. contact to receive confirmation of your application. Tickets will be posted out at the end of May.

Eastleigh Works, 25th July 2015: Guided tour. Further details nearer the time.

Eastleigh Works, 12th September 2015: Guided tour. Further details nearer the time.

OPEN DAYS

Tyseley Locomotive Works (TM) 27-28th June 2015: TM has its next open weekend on Saturday and Sunday, 27th and 28th June 2015. Gates open from 10.00 - 17.00 each day, last admissions 16.00. The entrance fee is payable on the day, Adults - £15, children under 15 - free and members of the Vintage Trains Society can get in for £5. DRS Carlisle Kingmoor Open Day, 18th July 2015: With DRS celebrating its 20th anniversary the gates the Depot will be open from 10.00 – 16.00. Tickets are now on sale through the DRS website http://www.directrailservices.com though I believe you can buy them on the gate. We will be there with our sales stand.

PRESERVATION GALAS

Swanage Diesel Gala, 7-10th May 2015: Unless you are reading this as a pdf we will already be there with our sales stand where hopefully the printed version will be delivered.

FRANCHISE / NR NEWS

As mentioned elsewhere the banning of West Coast Railways (WCR) led to 66732 & 55022 hauling the first two Royal Scotsman tours of the season. Here is another view of the second day of the first tour with 66732 heading west near Roseisle at 09.00 away from the first nights stop at Keith on the 22nd April 2015, with whisky bonded warehouses behind.

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EASTLEIGH WORKS REPORT by Carl Watson

for the period up to 26th April 2015

General: The beginning of April was pretty quiet in comparison to previous months. This and the fact that I took a week off between 7th and 10th April means a relatively short report this month. There was only one movement of note during that time which was the departure of 50035 to RVEL at Derby for re-painting. Unfortunately our Paintshop is so busy that we weren’t able to guarantee the loco would be repainted in time to appear at the Swanage Diesel Gala so the owners took the decision to move it elsewhere.

Locos: 66704 emerged from the Paintshop on the 14th but had to wait for a new windscreen to be fitted so didn’t depart until the 17th.

73128 t&t 73201 on a test train (73128, 1256, 999550, 6261, 9481, 73201) arrived for stabling on the 14th, returning a couple more times later that week. 59003 remains in grey primer (see ghostly photo below right taken on the 16th) whilst electrical work on fitting of TPWS, OTMR etc. is ongoing.

Colas Cl.70s continue to visit for maintenance with 70805, 70808 (see photo above left taken on the 15th), 70809 and 70810 all putting in appearances during April.

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66707 and 66724 arrived for maintenance on the 20th, departing the following day (see photo below right). 66705 arrived behind 66704 on the 21st for repainting (see photo below left). It will lose its Union Jack in the process.

Units: The two active GLVs, 68501/505 returned at the beginning of April from winter duties and will now be decommissioned and stored ready for next winter. Siemens have worked on 450108, 107 and 089 with 558 and 556 on site on the 26th. Stored Cl.508 vehicle 64667 is being stripped of parts and will be scrapped by the end of April (see photo right taken on the 23rd).

Coaches: 47813 arrived with a convoy of VSOE coaches on the 13th. BSO 9502 and ‘Baggage Car No.11’ (99545) were used to bring Pullman car 281 ‘GWEN’ in for repainting. Also along for the ride was Pullman car 255 ‘IONE’ which was fresh out of a 3 year re-build at Stewarts Lane and on its first journey out as a proving run. Having deposited ‘GWEN’ in our yard 47813 returned to SL with the other three coaches. (see photos of ‘GWEN’ below and ‘IONE’ opposite top).

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Stored DBSOs 9704, 9709 and 9710 have been sold to DRS and were moved to RVEL overnight on the 17th / 18th. TSO 6137 is the first of the second batch of coaches for ScotRail Fife Circle services to be painted in ScotRail colours with 5955 following by the 26th. Both received ScotRail wraps on the 27th / 28th.

Wagons: The South West Trains KHA wagons being converted for use with their MPVs are due to be renumbered (see FREIGHT MATTERS for full details) with the first one 9319 001-2 (ex 4574 003-7) painted blue on the 20th. By the end of the month 9319 002-0 (ex 4574 008-6) was also due to be painted blue (both of these were inside on our AGM visit). IFA 4908 075-4 (see photo right) departed with converted car carrier frames behind 66183 on the 21st. 4908 620-7 also departed during April. More IFA wagons arrived on the 21st for conversion behind 66183, 4908 608-2, and 617-3,

OTP: The Speno RPS 32-2 Rail Grinder (DR79221-226) arrived for annual maintenance in early April. It is due out in early May (see photo below of DR 79221 detached from DR 79222-26 taken on the 14th). A Matisa portal crane from a Track Renewal Train arrived for repairs on the 20th on the back of a lorry.

photos by Carl Watson

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PRESERVATION PHOTO SPOT ‘FORGOTTEN’ LOCOS - STEAM

Ivatt 2MT 4-6-4 46464 has been under renovation for some time alongside the former Bridge of Don station and the preserved Caledonian Railway (CAL), 4 miles east of Brechin. Built in 1950 at Crewe Works, it was withdrawn in December 1966 having spent its entire working career in Scotland. 46464 hauled the very last passenger train from Brechin to Forfar on the 2nd August 1952 when she had to stand in at the last minute to replace another failed engine. This was her only visit to Brechin, and indeed the only recorded visit of an engine of her class. She also hauled the last train, on the 19th May 1965, to run over the Carmyllie branch.

Bought for preservation by Ian Fraser, it was stored before entering service on the Strathspey Railway on the 22nd July 1978 and continued operating into the early 1980s. It has not worked since. It left for Brechin on the 30th November 1989 where assessment was undertaken following the death of Ian Fraser in 1992. With CAL unable to fund restoration, a separate company was formed in 2000, the Carmyllie Pilot Co to restore and operate 46464. In 2002 the loco was dismantled and moved to its current private location. Being 95% complete it is merely time and money rather than lack of parts that is the deciding factors as to when it will steam again.

Enclosed in temporary structures the photo below shows the state of main frames, cab and smokebox on the 10th March 2015. The tender and the boiler are in separate structures to the right with the wheels in front in the open.

46464 is one of seven surviving Ivatt 2MTs, the others being: 46428 ELR (S), 46441 RSR (S), 46443 SVR (O), 46447 ESR (A), 46512 STR (A) & 46521 GCR (A). Only 46428 has never worked since withdrawal. Refer to UK Combine for codes.

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TRAFFIC & TRACTION NEWS

March 25 56113 was seen passing Bescot at 14.16 with TTA tanks from Grangemouth for storage at Long Marston (see FREIGHT MATTERS).

March 31 20305 + 20308 were seen at Swindon at 12.30 heading for Bristol where they transferred the two drift snowploughs to Fairwater Yard, Taunton then were used for route learning in the Okehampton area ahead of a railtour in April (photo below by James Trowbridge).

66849 passed through Carlisle at 12.42 with the Kingmoor - Chirk log train. 68002 + 68003 pulled into Kingmoor working the Daventry - Mossend Intermodal at 10.55 as seen in the photo below by Gordon Kirkby from Etterby Road Bridge.

66730 was seen in Kingmoor Yard at 11.00. 86605 + 86638 double headed the Coatbridge - Crewe Freightliner through Penrith at 17.37.

April 2 66140 + 66136 were seen passing Eastleigh at 10.56 on 6O41 10.14 Westbury Down T.C - Eastleigh East Yard (photo at end by Malcolm Wallace).

57002 + 57004 passed through Walsall at 14.32 with Berkeley CEGB – Crewe flasks 37218 + 37607 were passing Eastleigh at 13.42 on the late running (65mins down) 5Z67 07.18 Crewe HS - Eastleigh TRSMD (photo below by Malcolm Wallace)

Tamper DR 73928 was seen passing Eastleigh at 12.30 (photo below by Norman Smith).

April 4 60066 passed Severn Tunnel Junction at 10.23 with the 6B13 05.01 Robeston - Westerleigh loaded Murco tanks (photo below by Andrew Buckley).

April 7 37218 + 37607 were seen passing Eastleigh with 5Z74 ECS from Eastleigh TRSMD - Crewe

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HS. This was the return from the Easter railtour by Pathfinders. 66711 was seen hauling the North Walsham tanks just south of Wroxham. The Empties run one day and the loaded tanks return the next.

April 9 66414 + 70013 showing both Powerhaul livery variations (the former inspired by the latter) were seen stabled on the Ipswich loco holding sidings at 14.55 (see photo at end by Colin James). 90043 was seen passing Ipswich at 17.29 on 4L97 05.01 Trafford Park FLT – Felixstowe North intermodal (see photo below by Colin James).

April 9 66139 was seen passing Leicester with the Burton on Trent - Southampton modal at 16.04 (photo below by Mike Rumens).

31190 (D5613) was seen arriving into Eastleigh at 11.11 on 0Z31 Bristol - Eastleigh Works to collect 50035 to take to Derby for painting (photo below by Chris Addoo).

70808 was seen passing Eastleigh at 10.59 on 0C07 Eastleigh East Yard - Eastleigh East Yard via Weymouth route learning duties. 66771 was seen passing Leicester at 15.07 with the Harlow Mill - Bardon Hill train (see NEW STOCK). Eurotunnel liveried 92028 in use with the Caledonian Sleeper was see stabled on Polmadie Depot with 92018 at 15.14 (photo below by Iain Gardiner).

DRS liveried 68004 was seen atop ScotRail liveried coaches at Edinburgh Waverley at 08.43 with the Fife Circle service (photo below by Iain Gardiner).

April 10 31465 t&t DBSO 9703 on Derby RTC - Old Oak Common TMD was seen near Wellingborough at 09.54 (photo below by Colin Pottle).

April 12 66119 + 66221 + 66037 + 66107 were seen passing Harrowden Jnct on Toton TMD - Hither Green Loco Sidings at 18.25.

April 13 70007 + 70001 + 66534 passed through Eastleigh at 13.04 before then being seen at St

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Denys at 14.13 on 4054 Leeds - Southampton Maritime (photo at end by Ian Knight).

April 14 57303 was seen at Paddington on the stops at 07.00 after working the 1A40 21.45 Penzance – London Paddington sleeper train with 57603 at the country end work the 5A40 07.26 London Paddington – Old Oak Common sleeper ECS (photos below by Colin James).

73128 + 1256 + 999550 + 6261 + 9481 + 73201 passed Wandsworth Road on 1Q10 08.59 Hither Green Down Reception Rd – Eastleigh Alstom Works test train at 09.37. 66847 was seen passing through Kensington Olympia on 6L37 09.58 Hoo Junction Up Yard – March Whitemoor Yard engineers train with track panels at 11.30 (photo below by Colin James).

325003 + 325004 + 325002 were seen passing South Kenton at 16.36, working the 1S96 16.22 Willesden PRDC - Shieldmuir mail (photo at end by Colin James).

92031 passed through Wandsworth Road at 09.10 on 6B20 07.09 Dollands Moor Sidings – Wembley EFOC bottled water (photo below by Colin James).

67012 + 5981 + 82145 were seen passing South Kenton at 17.13, working the 1Q28 14.32 Derby RTC – Derby RTC via Euston NR test train. (photo below by Colin James).

170505 was seen in the Tyseley carriage washing plant (photo below by David Williams).

325007 + 325005 were seen passing Law Jnct just north of Carluke on Shieldmuir - Willesden PRDC mail (photo below by Iain Gardiner).

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All four converted Cl.73/9s 73964 + 73963 + 73961 + 73962 (see photo at end) were seen together in Tonbridge West Yard with 73119 + 73212.

April 15 66732 was seen hauling the North Walsham empty tanks at Salhouse (photo below by Stuart Moore).

31233 t&t 97xx was seen at Exeter St. David’s at 11.33 3Z03 Exeter Depot - Exeter Riverside Yard (photo at end by Malcolm Wallace). 57307 was seen passing through Northampton at 12.35 (photo below by Graham Stockton).

66152 passed Ashchurch at 15.31 with a Round Oak to Margam working (photo below by Robert Hawker).

66718 passed Nuneaton at 16.19 with 6V83 Peterborough - Morton on Lugg empty box wagons.

April 16 67012 was seen approaching Eastleigh at 14.27 with two MK2s working 1X23 Salisbury - Salisbury test train. It was booked to go to Southampton and run back to Salisbury via

Redbridge. As 67027 was taken off earlier in the day forcing 67012 to work the Chandlers Ford Branch (photo below by Chris Addoo).

April 17 66755 passed through Shepherds Bush at 12.30 on a Calvert –Tonbridge working (photo below by Paul Sumpter).

The following freights were all noted passing through Northampton: 11.29 90047 Crewe - Felixstowe liner 13.35 66302 Daventry - Purfleet liner 13.58 90044 Felixstowe North - Crewe Basford Hall liner 15.01 66725 on Felixstowe North - Hams Hall containers (photo below by David Williams).

15.33 70003 Felixstowe North – Crewe Basford Hall liner 16.01 90016 Trafford Park - Felixstowe liner 16.29 90045 Felixstowe North - Trafford Park

April 18 66593 with 4017 Lawley St - Southampton failed at Nuneaton at 13.15 and was rescued by 66591, finally departing at 16.20.

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92032 was seen basking in the sun at 10.06 with 92023 at Rugby (photo below by Alan Brooks).

66135 + 66041 + 66085 + 66204 were seen passing Stenson Junction in convoy at 14.44 (photo below by Colin Pottle).

April 19 67006, substitute traction for WCR due to their ban, was seen passing Par at 11.11 heading the return leg of the ‘Statesman Cornish Riviera’, This charter was from Leeds to Penzance and return which left Leeds at 07.30 on the 17th.

April 20 The following four freights were seen passing Rugeley Trent Valley: 13.38 90036 + 90025 on 4M25 Mossend – Daventry (photo at end by Ken Bull). 14.16 90049 on 4L90 Trafford Park – Felixstowe 15.35 86614 & 86612 4M81 Felixstowe - Crewe Basford Hall 16.50 66759 on 6K50 Toton – Crewe departmental 66075 was seen loading sand at Griffin Wharf Ipswich at 08.00 for onward movement to Watford (photo at end by Keith Partlow). 92018 + 90019 headed north through Nuneaton at 14.20. 66772 with the Peterborough - Morton on Lugg empty boxes was seen passing Nuneaton at 17.30 (see NEW STOCK).

April 21 90019 headed north through Penrith with the Euston - Inverness/Aberdeen sleeper service at 02.04 to be passed in the opposite direction at 02.05 by 90018 working south on the Glasgow/Edinburgh - Euston sleepers.

57306 + 66559 + 66599 passed through Bescot on Crewe Basford Hall – Toton North Yard at 14.00...with all of two wagons !! (photo below by David Williams).

37604 t&t 37612 on 1Q05 09.09 Norwich - East Ham EMUD was seen running 82 minutes late at 11.21 approaching Bridge 243 south of Ipswich tunnel with stock: 72639, 977974, 72631 & 6263. D9009 + 55019 were seen passing Kensington Olympia at 10.41 (photo below by Paul Sumpter)

....then later at Tilehurst (photo below by Steve Revill) returning from the Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala as 0Z04 10.27 East Grinstead - Kidderminster SVR.

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70010 was seen stabled in Carlisle parcel sidings at 08.34 (photo below by Doug Welch).

66747 passed through Newcastle Central with a North Blyth - West Burton freight at 14.28 (photo below by Doug Welch).

April 22 Having been transferred north for use hauling the Caledonian Sleeper ecs into Glasgow Central, 47812 was seen on Polmadie Depot (photo below by Iain Gardiner).

37059 + 37605 working 5Z71 Hereford - Eastleigh Depot was seen approaching Eastleigh East Jnct at 16.39 with 7 coaches (photo below by Chris Addoo).

87002 headed north through Penrith with the Euston - Inverness/Aberdeen sleeper service at 02.03 and 92041 worked south at 02.09 on the Glasgow/Edinburgh - Euston sleepers.

The following three freights passed Sytch Lane: 12.57 57012 Crewe – Toton (photo below by Roger Thomas) 13.07 90049 + 70008 Crewe - Felixstowe 13.12 90036 + 90026 Mossend - Daventry

April 23 90036 + 90026 were seen heading through Plumpton, south of Carlisle at 17.15 working light engine from Polmadie - Crewe EMD. 67014 was seen approaching Banbury at 14.04 (photo below by Norman Smith).

April 24 66589 was seen on the bottom of Belstead Bank Ipswich at 08.20 with 4R98 04.04 Tilbury Riverside - Felixstowe North (photo below by Keith Partlow).

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43010 was seen running on its lonesome through Swindon at 13.04 on 0Z74 Old Common - Bristol St Phillips Marsh light engine move (photo below by Colin Pidgeon).

April 25 57310 + 57306 + 37602 + 37608 were seen in Carlisle Parcel Sidings at 13.05 with a Sellafield - Kingmoor working made up of one flask wagon 550045 (photo below by Doug Welch).

66051 was seen near Wellingborough on Toton - Leagrave Junction being overtaken by EMT 222001 on 1C60 Sheffield - St. Pancras, Wellingborough (photo below by Colin Pottle).

66757 was seen on the Chandlers Ford branch approaching Eastleigh East Junction at 16.15 on the diverted 4Y19 Mountfield - Southampton Western Docks (photo opp top by Chris Addoo).

April 26 47847 was used to haul the Caledonian Sleeper ecs into Glasgow Central for the train loco 92044, both seen at 21.30 (photo below by Iain Gardiner).

April 27 70000 ‘Britannia’ on 5Z70 Swanage - Stewarts Lane via Southampton and Romsey was seen passing Millbrook at 11.02 to Bevis Park where it ran round its support coach 35465 then returned tender first at 12.00 heading towards Redbridge and Romsey (photo below by Chris Addoo).

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News from Norfolk (Stuart Moore): The Short set has been irregular use over the past month. The most frequent pairing has been 47790 and 47818. However, on the 20th April 2015 47805 replaced 47790 from three days. On the 22nd it failed (see photo below) and on the 23rd 47790 was back on the roster.

April is planned to be the last full month of 47 operation with 37/4's due to take over from the 11th May.

There are no plans for the 'drags' this Summer instead there will be a shuttle between Norwich and Gt Yarmouth using 5 coaches t&t by 37/4s. Times for this have just been released. 37604 t&t 37612 were on the 1Q08 Derby - Norwich on Monday 20th which arrived late into Norwich due to a failed AGA London – Norwich service blocking its way. It ran Norwich - East Ham on the 21st (see photo below at 09.07)

66140+ 66136 Eastleigh, 2nd April 2015 (Malcolm Wallace)

66414 + 70013, Ipswich 8th April 2015 (Colin James)

90036 + 90026 Rugeley Trent Valley, 20th April 2015 (Ken Bull)

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all four converted Cl.73/9s together 73964 + 73963 + 73961 + 73962

Tonbridge West Yard, 14th April 2015 (Derek Everson)

31233 Exeter St. David’s, 15th April 2015 (Malcolm Wallace)

70007 + 70001 + 66534, St. Denys, 13th April 2015 (Ian Knight)

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86614 + 86632 Rugeley Trent Valley, 20th April 2015 (Ken Bull)

66759 Rugeley Trent Valley, 20th April 2015 (Ken Bull)

325003 + 325004 + 325002 South Kenton, 14th April 2015 (Colin James)

66075 Griffin Wharf, Ipswich, 20th April 2015 (Keith Partlow)

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OUT & ABOUT by James Holloway

For clarity, steam locos are now shown in red. To be more helpful for those interested in where stock was exactly, can I ask all contributors who list trip sightings over long distances, to please add all locations when submitting to James. Please also ensure your sightings reach James a few days before the press deadline, see SOCIETY NOTICE BOARD…ed Stuart Nye: 26th March: Birmingham New St 08.30-08.45/16.50-17.00: 43303/304/357, 153371, 158820/826/827/832 170101/102/107/109/113/116/117/511/516/520 170636, 221132/33, 323201/04-08/13/16/19/21 350109/115/121/231/242/254/267, 390002/104 390114/125/127 King’s Norton: DR98909/59 Bristol: 43034/056/207, 66067/136, 70003, 150102/125 150234/239/263/265, 153368, 158953, 170397 Peter Cole: 31st March: Cardiff Central: 43003/009/010/023/027/033/035/041/053/079/088 43091/092/122/127/130/131/137/140/142/143/158 43159/168/172/176/181/188/194/196, 60100 66031/125/127/135/140/150/151, 67002, 70804 142002/06/72-76/80-83/85, 143601/02/04/06-09/14 143616/22-25, 150102/127/129/130/208/213/217 150227/231/236/237/241/245/251-253/255/259 150260/262/264/265/279/281-285, 153303/20/23 153368, 158820/821/952/955/957/960, 170104 170106/107/113/518, 175002-004/006/008-011 175101/102/105/106/108/110/115 Malcolm Clements: 23rd March: Fort William: 19.50 67009+9806+1210+10598+10650 to Euston

Morar: 17.36 156499 to Mallaig 24th March: Mallaig: 12.05156445/499 to Fort William

Morar: 17.36 156476 to Mallaig

25th March: Plockton: 15.50 158713 to Kyle of Lochalsh 26th March: Plockton 11.17 158705 to Kyle of Lochalsh

Kyle of Lochalsh: 13.46 158719 to Inverness Bob Eastwood: 30th March: Water Orton 11.46 12.57: 66044/053/076/101/104/107/182/593/605/716/756

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Colin James: 2nd April: Ingatestone: 10.32 66718 4L02 Hams Hall-Felixstowe (see photo below)

10.40 70004 4L89 Crewe-Felixstowe

10.49 66955 4C88 Ipswich-Ilford 11.11 66503 4R97 Felixstowe-Tilbury (see photo below)

11.11 317508 5F96 Ilford-Witham 11.16 66130 6Z17 Chelmsford-Acton 11.40 90049 4M81 Felixstowe-Crewe 11.49 90043 4L41 Crewe-Felixstowe 11.59 317508 5V07 Witham-Ilford (see opposite top)

12.00 90007 0P98 Ilford-Norwich 12.08 90041 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe 12.42 66955 4Y88 Ilford-Ipswich 12.43 66738 4M23 Felixstowe-Hams Hall (see photo below)

13.09 90048 4L97 Trafford Park-Felixstowe 13.20 66524 0Y07 Harwich-West Ealing 90001/03/05/08/11/12/15, 321311/314/320/334 321343/362/421/447, 360102-106/108/114/116 360117 Mike Rumens: 16th March: Nuneaton 14.02-14.31: 66011/070, 70802, 153375, 170518/638, 221104 350116, 390011/118/121/157 17th March: Nuneaton 13.57-14.55: 66014/086/185/716, 70802, 86613/639, 90048 153365, 170105/520, 221114, 350375, 390002 390020/040/135/151/156 18th March: Nuneaton 14.07-14.50: 43014, 66021/183, 70802, 86614/632, 153375 170107/110, 221114/43, 350107/369, 390011/049 390114/136/148/154, DR73948 19th March: Nuneaton 14.03-14.32: 66117, 70802, 153365, 170104/113, 221103 390112/123/126/130/157 23rd March: Nuneaton 14.12-15.01: 66148/738, 70809, 86607/627, 153365, 170638 350374/376, 390127/125/130, DR73923

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24th March: Nuneaton 14.00-14.35: 66160, 70809, 153365, 170109, 390046/104/126 390152 25th March: Nuneaton 14.11-14.37: 70809, 153334, 170105, 350377, 390043/044/046 390115/129, DR80201 26th March: Nuneaton 14.08-14.38: 66044/128, 70809, 153365, 221102, 170105/398 27th March: Nuneaton: 66025/206/571, 90044, 170637, 350104/265 390005, DR80201 Tamworth 14.10-17.20: High Level: 43013/062/366/378, 56087, 60010/20/63, 66065 68001, 70016, 170104/113/115/117/522/523/635 170636, 220004/13, 221120/25/26/29/38 Low Level: 66041/111/567/568/747, 86610/638, 90018/43/47 90048, 221107/09, 350126/130/235/371/376/377 387103/28, 390044/107/118 30th March: Nuneaton 14.09-14.30: 66207, 70809, 92029, 153371, 170107/110 390131/134 Marston Jabbett: 90016/21/41, 350372, 387103/28, 390123 1st April: Nuneaton 14.03-14.30: 66125, 70803/810, 90043 2nd April: Nuneaton 13.45-14.30: 66142/501, 70803/810, 92039, 153364, 170104 170111/636, 221108, 350241, 390042/112/126 390134/138/148/151 3rd April: Nuneaton 10.10-10.30: 37218/607, 153371, 390010/154 7th April: Nuneaton 13.20-14.15: 66023/517/597, 70015, 92029, 153366, 170113 170523/638, 221116, 350107, 390044/046/103 390125/138 Coventry 14.35-15.42: 66002/145, 70801, 220005/24/29, 221111, 350103 350105/109/246/248, 390009/042/117 8th April: Nuneaton 14.16-16.25: 66098/097/127/134/143/518/591/728/742/762 67005, 70008/803, 90041/44, 153365, 170101/103 170107/113/522, 221112/43, 350101/106/368/370 350377, 390006/013/046/047/103/119/123/131 390132/134/135/141/153/154/156/157, DR80208 9th April: Nuneaton: 66076/955, 170107/397/519, 350115, 390132 Leicester 14.12-17.48: Yard: 37800/906, 56031/038/065/069/081/098/104 56106

Station: 66139/507/621/728/771, 156401/410 158799/862, 170102/106/109/398/519/522/636 222001/003-009/011-013/016/018/021-023/102/103 11th April: Nuneaton 15.51-17.17: 66037/097/126/134/145/709, 153334, 170102/111 170114/116/638, 350122/128/369, 390002/011 390039/107/114/118/121/131/132/141/151/153/156 Malcolm Wallace: 2nd April: Eastleigh: 09.21 66418 4M55 12.27 DR73928 6J29 09.30 66068 L/E 12.35 66082 6X44 09.35 66716 6M26 12.53 66148 4O40 09.41 66083 L/E 12.55 66002 4M52 09.51 66542 4M28 13.23 59201 7V16 10.10 66086 6B93 13.32 66590 4M61 10.19 66074 4E69 13.35 70020 4O54 10.55 66206 6M48 13.46 70009 4O70 11.14 66517 4O15 14.08 70015 4O49 11.21 66068 L/E 14.44 37607/218 5Z67 11.40 DR73928 5B39 14.50 66136 7V41 11.55 66068/136 6O41 15.00 66068 12.07 66097 4O43 15.13 66570 4O27 12.25 66086 L/E 158883/884/887, 220004/05/09/11/13/18/22/29/30 221122/26/29, 377155, 444001-04/06/08/11/13/15 444016/18/19/21/23/26/29-31/34/35/37/38/40-45 450001/004-006/008/011-013/018/024/025/034 450036/038/042/076/083/087/089/094/103/113 450121/545/549/556/559 Malcolm Patrick: 19th April: Par: 67006

Malcolm Castell: 4th April: Hitchin 16.40: 170421/423 Craigentinny-Stewarts Lane Michael Hayman: 26th March: Euston: 47245/746 Rugby: 57308, 66086/420/573, 68011 Stafford: 66569 Crewe: 57307/308/313/315, 66054/526/747, 90045 Willesden: 66024/193/952, 86613/639, 92038/44

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14th April: Clapham Junction: D9009/55019 Paul Sumpter: 15th April: Water Orton 11.50-13.50: 11.48 66040 Banbury Res-Mountsorrel Sdgs 11.54 66194 Bescot-Toton 12.19 66083 Burton-Felixstowe South 12.19 66613 Rugeley B PS-Leeds

12.26 66115 Felixstowe South-Burton (see photo below)

12.39 66204 Margam-Corby BSC 12.44 60040 Washwood Heath-Peak Forest 12.46 66089 Corby BSC-Margam 12.52 66705 Eastleigh East Yd-Cliffe Hill Stud Farm 13.14 66019 Walsall-Briggs Sdgs, Steetley 13.16 66536 Cliffe Hill Stud Farm-Hinksey Yd 13.37 66601 Hope Earles Sdgs-Walsall 13.47 66702 Tinsley Yd-Coton Hill Ian McAlpine: 25th March: Whittlesea: 66718, 170271 Ely: 66759, 170203/270 Cambridge: 170205, 317653/672/872/885, 379011/16 DR73925 Whittlesea: 66425/730/731, 70020, 158770/788, 170271 March: 158847 Ely: 66175, 158865, 170203/270, DR73919/925 Cambridge: 66150, 170202, 317507/654/659/888, 379018/25

28th March: Peterborough: 156404, DR75403 Norwich: 156412, 158785, 170271 3rd April: King’s Dyke: 66739 Huntingdon: DR73113/114 Welwyn Garden City: DR75402 King’s Cross: 67016, 365520/35 Waterloo: 450111/117, 458530 Clapham Junction: 43010/027, 378141/257, 442420, 455860 Putney: 458534/535 Richmond: 378255 Whitton: 458531 Egham: 458013/023 4th April: Peterborough: 158847 Norwich: 156409/416, 158864 5th April: Peterborough: 365531, DR75403 Holme: 67016 Huntingdon: DR73113/77904 Bounds Green: 08847 St Pancras: 373004/010/013/105 King’s Cross: 365501/08 10th April: Peterborough: 66120/732/746, 91106, DR75403 Doncaster: 66031/059 York: 61994 ‘The Great Marquess’, D9009, 66433, 150273 11th April: Darlington: 91128, DVT 82205 York: 61994 ‘The Great Marquess’, D9009, 66764 222018 Doncaster: 142069, 158840, 220016 12th April: Darlington: 156436, DVT 82200 Doncaster: 66184 Newark Northgate: DR73913/75401 Peterborough: 66744/753/765, 91105, DR75403 17th April: Peterborough: 66556/735, 91101, 321405, 365509/24/28 DVT 82217 King’s Cross: 67015 Waterloo: 159001/003/005/010, 444001 Vauxhall: 458535/536 Wimbledon: 458503/534 Weybridge: 458504 Woking: DR80205/98220 Salisbury: 159006/008/102 Tisbury: 159108 Sherborne: 159011 Axminster: 159017 Pinhoe: 159022 Exeter St David’s: 150131, 221129 Newton Abbot: 143611/20/21 18th April: Exeter St David’s: 43366/378, 143603/12, 150104/106/120/202/219 153361

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Teignmouth: 143611 Newton Abbot: 150131/219, 153377, 221137 Paignton: 7827 ‘Lydham Manor’, 150128, 153305 Crediton: 143611/18, 150131 Eggesford: 143620/21, 150128, 153305 19th April: Exeter St David’s: 43169/194, 143617/18, 150108/128, 159018/022 Axminster: 159102 Yeovil Junction: 159009/021 Westbury: 59004, 66107/850, 70801-803/810 Woking: DR80205/210 St Pancras: 373017/103/202/232 King’s Cross: 67015, 91128 Ferme Park: 66748 Geoff Hope: 27th March: Clapham Junction 09.55-11.45: 66719, 158882/890, 159004/008/009/013/015/021 159103/105/108, 377102/104/117/121/123/127/128 377133/137/142-145/154/161/302/304/309/314/315 377317/318/320/325-328/402/403/408/409/414/425 377426-428/446/447/457/460/470/473/475/601/602 377607/609/612-614/617/619/621/623/701/704 378139/147/148/152/206/211/222/230/233, 442404 442407/09/10/16/18/19/21/23/24, 444001/02/07/09/ 444010/15/19/22/24/31-34/38/44, 450002/004/005 450009/013/014/016-018/020/021/029/031/033/037 450038/040/041/072/073-075/077/082/088-090/094 095/096/099/105/450110/112-114/118/119/123 124-127/543/547/550/555/559/560/568/569 455702/707/709/711/713/714/717/719-721/723/724 455726-728/733/734/736/738/740-742/809/811/818 455821/847/849-852/854/855/857-860/862/865-867 455870-873/902/903/905/909-913/916/918-920 456002/12/14/15/17/18, 458007/008/013-015/017 458021/502-504/531/533/535 East Croydon 11.55-13.25: 66099, 171729/801, 319004/214/423/437/442/454 377101/103/106/107/116-118/120/121/124/125/127 377130/131/134/136-138/140/143/145/152/153/157 377159/161/164/201/202/204/209/214/302/304/311377315/317/320/325/327/328/401/403-405/407-411 377413-416/420/421/427/428/431/435/437/444/445 377447/451/452/458-460/468-470/475/507/511 377514-517/520-522/606/607/610/614/705, 387107 387112/14-17/19/21-27, 442404/07/10/16/18/19/21 442423/24, 455801/805/816/818/821/829/832 Bethnal Green 14.20-16.00: 90003/10/11/13/15, 315802-04/07/08/11/13-16 315820-23/26-35/37-41/44/47/49/50/52/53/55/58 315860/61, 317502/503/509/650/652/653/655/660 317668/669/882/887/890, 321311/313/315/317 321321/328/330/332/336/340-342/344/349/361 321366/422/424/426/432/434/437/440/445 360101/102/104/106/109/110/116/117, 379001-06 379008-12/15/16/19/20/22-24/26/28/30 DVT’s 82103/112/118/121/127 Blackfriars 16.35-18.35: 319002-005/008-010/012/013/214/216/218-220 319370-373/375-378/381/383/385/422/423/

319425-429/431-439/441-443/448-451/453/454 319456-460, 375306/308/619/704/915/925 377208-212/214/215/501/503/504/506-509/511 377513-517/519-522, 387106/08/12/13/16/20 387123-26, 465162/930, 466008/35 2nd April: Leeds 08.50-14.20: 66110/755, 43045/064/207/277/285/295/300/301 43303/308, 91101/05/14/17/18/26/29/32 142026-29/33/64/66/84/93/94, 144001/04/05/11/13 144014/16-19/21-23, 150113/133/134/138/146/149 150150/268/269/272, 153301/28/60/63, 155341 155344-47, 158752-754/756-759/791-795/816/817 158843/844/848/850/851/853/855/859/860/903 158906/908, 170303/304/309, 185101/03/05-07/12 185114/16-20/23/27-30/32/33/35/36/41/43/45/46 185148-51, 220002/03/08/24/25, 221120/21/23/25 221134/39, 321901-903, 322481/83, 333002-10 333012-14, DVT’s 82206/07/11/12/22/26/27/29 9th April: Crewe 08.30-08.50: 67012, 153320, 221104, DVT 82145, cs 5981 Stafford 09.10-14.10: 31601, 50008, 57309, 66115/182/304/420/428/541 66555, 68005/11, 90016/41/44, 220003/11/13/16 220027, 221101/02/04-09/11-15/17/19/21/24/27/28 221132/35/36/43, 350106/113/115/120/231/232 350236/238/240/253/255/266/368/370/377 390001/002/005/008/009/011/044-046/104/117 390119/121-124/127/128/130/131/134/135/138 390141/151-154, DR73108/77002 23rd April: Crewe 08.35-09.00: 67018, 90037/42, 153362, 221118/42, 323236 350106/248, 390123 Wolverhampton: 170630, 220002, 323208, 390136 Soho: 08805, 323212 Birmingham New St 10.05-12.15/14.25-15.00: 43304/384, 150107, 153334/54/71/75, 158820/822 158826-828/830/836/838, 170102-104/108/110/111 170398/501/503/504/506/513/515/520/522/523/633 170634/636, 220005/07/09/12/15/18/21/23/24/27 220028/30/33, 221101/02/05/06/18/19/121/23/28 221138/41, 323201/02/04-21/42, 350109/114/118 350119/121/122/125/127/128/232/240/242/259/265350267, 390008/011/013/016/044/104/122/126/127 Birmingham Moor St 12.25-12.30: 68013, DVT 82303, cs 10274/12604/617-619/623 Birmingham Snow Hill 12.35-13.55: 67008, 153375, 168108/216, 170633 172213-217/219-222/331-334/336/338/342-345 DVT 82301, cs 10273/12602/606/613/615/620 Trams 08/16/18/19/21-23/25/26/31 Stafford: 92014/28, 350249/371 Crewe: 90046, 221103/08, 390129 Nigel Hoskins: 16th April: Reading General: 10.40 59102/66059 7A09 Merehead-Acton

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PRESERVATION GALAS

North Norfolk Railway (NNR) Steam Gala, 6-8th Mar 2015: This Gala was attended by Colin James and Stuart Moore who covered all three days. Reports are by each with photos by Colin only.

by Stuart Moore: From the 6-8th March the North Norfolk Railway ran its first steam gala of the year. The weather over the weekend was very good until midday on Sunday 8th March when it then turned wet which is when I decided to arrive...good timing!! (hence photography challenging), but was very impressed with the event. The railway had two visitors, 0-6-0PT 1501 (SVR) and Gresley D49 4-4-0 62712 ‘Morayshire’ (BKR).Resident locomotives in operation included BR Std 2-6-0 76084, Holden B12 4-6-0 8572 and BR 9F 2-10-0 92203. Unfortunately the Y14 was not back from works at the ELR, so was not able to take part. The railway ran its usual intensive passenger timetable with additional demonstration freight workings. Although services were running slightly late everything was running and looked and sounded fantastic. Weybourne is the place to be to watch the event as the trains pass at this point. Some passenger services also terminate here so there is always something to watch. Wordsell Y7 0-4-0T 985 was also used for shunting in the yard to release 0-6-0T [1700] ‘Wissington’, which was working Weybourne - Holt shuttles with vintage stock, tramcar 7 + ? + LNER 6843.

right 8572 Sheringham (16.18) 7th April 2015 (Colin James)

This was a very good gala and hopefully a foretaste of the main steam gala in September

985 shunting tramcar 7 + ? + LNER 6843 + 0-6-0T ‘Wissington’, Weybourne Yard

(10.35) 6th April 2015 (Colin James)

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by Colin James: I attended the NNR Steam Gala over the weekend of the 6-7th March. There has been much lineside clearance opening up more views on the approaches to Weybourne station and around Holt yard and sidings. All advertised locomotives were running, facing boiler first out of Sheringham. As well as passenger services there was a demonstration freight train hauled by various locos. An interesting part of the goods train was the recently refurbished ‘Birds Eye’ refrigeration container. A wheelset fault with the buffet vehicle on the dining set meant the removal of that set from service on Friday afternoon, with the DMU then being used as a hauled set on the rest of Friday and Saturday. Not ideal, but could it be seen as an authentic re-creation of the early BR modernisation era, steam rescuing diesel ? The timetable generally held up, but started to slip later on each day. Some sunny periods on cool days allowed for some nice photo opportunities. All passenger trains were well loaded on both days.

showing the view now possible with lineside clearance, 92203 is seen in Holt goods yard headshunt picking up the goods train (13.32) 6th April 2015 (Colin James)

all things are possible on preserved railways...GWR 1501 + SR brake van on the North Norfolk coast, working 11.03 Sheringham – Holt goods train

(11.18) Weybourne, 6th April 2015 (Colin James)

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above 62712 + 8572 approaching Weybourne working 11.40 Sheringham – Holt non-stop service (11.54) 7th April 2015 (Colin James)

Mid Norfolk Railway (MNR) Diesel Gala, 28-29th March 2015 by Colin James: I had a day at the Mid Norfolk Railway diesel gala on Saturday 28th March. The weather was disappointing, with the sun only coming out just before the finish of the day! GBRf, DCR & Colas were scheduled to supply visiting locos for the weekend, but in the end Colas couldn't find any locos, so DRS were a generous last minute substitution with 37419 ‘Carl Haviland 1954-2012’ joining 66733 ‘Cambridge PSB’ from GBRf and 31601 from DCR. On arriving Saturday morning, 31601 was already on site, but was declared a failure, so didn't participate at all. A DCR fitter did arrive on site Saturday afternoon, so it may have run on the Sunday.

above right 66733 Dereham (12.50) 28th March 2015 (Colin James)

62712 + quad-art set approaching Holt on 13.45 Sheringham – Holt service (14.17) 6th April 2015 (Colin James)

76084 + 51192 + 56352 approaching Weybourne on 11.56 Sheringham – Holt service (12.09) 7th April 2015 (Colin James)

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Resident 47367 also spent all day in the sidings, which was surprising with only 5 engines working, resident 47596, 73210 and 31271 ‘Stratford 1840-2001’, which ran the bulk of the services, assisting 37419 and 66733. Resident Cl.101 DMU 51226 + 51499 (101695) was also used on shuttles north from Dereham, on the extension as far as Hoe.

31601, 47367 (see TRANSFERRED STOCK) & 37419 Dereham 28th March 2015

(Colin James)

above 73210 on 15.30 Dereham – Wymondham Abbey service,

Thuxton (15.47) 28th March 2015 (Colin James)

left 37419 + 66733 arriving into

Thuxton at 10.02, on 09.40 Wymondham Abbey – Dereham

28th March 2015 (Colin James)

above 47596 on 10.50 Dereham – Wymondham Abbey service, Dereham (10.33)

left 31271 in the run round loop Dereham (16.23) both 28th March 2015 (Colin James)

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Barrow Hill ‘Rarities’ Diesel Gala, 18-19th April 2015: It seems several members, at least 6 I know of, went to this excellent Gala. With several members submitting reports and photos I have included four reports as they all say something different and cover both days. The photos are from all four (spread out within reports) and represent a cross section of the locos present.

by Paul Sumpter: We drove up from Reading via Toton to visit Barrow Hills Rarities event on Sunday 19th April and was to be my first visit there for around 10 years. It was a great day with the variety of locos making me reminisce back to the the early 1970s when I first got in to trains. An unbelievable 27 classes were represented: 01/03/08/10/20/23/24/26/27/35/37/40/42/45/47/55/58/60/66/68/71/81/82/83/84/85/89

It was great hearing the Hymek and Warship bursting into life from the halt and giving plenty of clag, especially the Hymek. I had the added bonus of my first Cl.68 for haulage and my fourth Cl.66 albeit for a very short distance.

two visiting hydraulics, 19th April 2015 left D7076 (Andrew Buckley) right D832 (Paul Sumpter)

The stewards were very helpful and knowledgeable especially, the old boy who drove 03066 up and down the yard reminiscing about his 65 years on the railway.

We saw a total of 121 different locos on the day at TO and BH (plus a few more we could not see the numbers at TO) which on today's railway again make me think back to the early 70s when that was the norm on a good day out. All in all a great day and even the sun came out in the afternoon allowing better photos to be taken. by James Holloway: A visit to the gala on Saturday 18th April was started by catching the 07.34 from Solihull to Moor Street and then the 08.03 from New Street to Derby. In the station sidings were 20107+20096 with 20132+20118 t&t the barrier wagons used to deliver new LU stock. 31601 was stabled in the siding at the north end of platform 1. After photographing the locos I caught the next train to Chesterfield and used the free bus service to Barrow Hill. The bus provided was a preserved Leyland Lynx reg. E64 WDT in Chesterfield Corporation livery.

Both Station Halt platforms were in use and two trains consisted of 3 carriages and were t&t by various locos throughout the day including

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D832, 26007, 27066, 66754 and 68001 with others being used after I left. The ‘Baby Deltic’ project was specially featured with D5910 (ex-37372) being displayed on the turntable to show the progress so far (see report and photos by Andrew Buckley). The ‘Deltic’ preservation group premises were open showing displays about their history, work and two Deltics D9015 & 55002 (see photo opposite left bottom by Andrew Buckley, 19th April 2015).

around the turntable in the roundhouse were left to right, 33118, E5001, E3035 (83012), 82008 & 85006, 18th April 2015 (Colin Pottle)

The roundhouse had a variety of steam, diesel and electric locos supported by various sales stands, the rest of the stock was outside in the yards. Good refreshments were available next to the shop and displays showing the history of the depot.

Photography was difficult due to the amount of rolling stock on site stabled closely together in a small area, and there were many enthusiasts enjoying wandering around. A visit is well worth while just to see the many different classes located here, though this is less on a normal weekend.

I returned home later in the afternoon by the same route that I used in the morning. by Andrew Buckley: Being of a certain age I remember watching the television programme ‘Blue Peter’ as a kid. My vintage was of the Italian Sunken Garden and a fashion that seemed to start at that time of burying a time capsule of representative items of the period to be dug up at a specified point in the future. At about the same time I discovered the railways. Many years later and after some twenty odd years ‘away’, I rediscovered the railways, albeit in a largely unrecognisable format to that which I remembered from my youth. However, every time I visit Barrow Hill Roundhouse my overriding impression is of being in a living time capsule with the railway exactly as I remember from the late ’70s and early ‘80s, and each time, my visit is anticipated by the same excitement I felt as a kid setting out on a ‘big’ railway day out. On the occasion of my visit on Sunday 19th April, the Roundhouse was hosting a selection of locomotives that were considered rarities as visitors in their previous working lives and this covered Cls.27/35 ‘Hymek’/42 ‘Warship’. Also supplementing them were contemporary guests, DBS Cl.60, GBRf Cl.66, and DRS Cl.68 along with the usual stunning array of motive power that makes Barrow Hill an absolute ‘must do’ in the railway calendar. In total there were 55 diesel / electric locomotives on display representing 26 different classes (not including industrial shunters), 6 steam locos and 1 DVT.

Also on the turntable in the Roundhouse was D5910 (ex-37372) the locomotive undergoing conversion to a ‘Baby Deltic’ (see photos overleaf of both sides). Not having seen the locomotive apart from under tarpaulins on my previous visits, I picked up a copy of the ‘Baby Deltic’ project literature to understand the developments to date (extracts below): ‘Work began on the conversion in September 2011 with the replacement of the centre pivots – this was necessary to allow the loco to be mounted on Cl.20 bogies (the same as Baby Deltic bogies)... ‘The list of the work undertaken since that momentous day...includes all underframe modifications for bogie change, nose ends shortened, body

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shortened, superstructure on A side renewed ‘We estimate that we’re about two-thirds through the recreation with the following major work still to do; B side superstructure to renew, body side body panels to renew, roofs to modify, noses to re-skin, pipework and conduit runs to complete’ The intention is that the locomotive once complete will be turned out in ‘as-built’ livery of green complete with a cream lower-body stripe and red bufferbeams and carry nose-end doors and headcode discs’ Wisely no timescale for the completion of the project is given but the locomotive should be a sight to behold once complete and I know that for me it will offer another cherished opportunity to visit the Roundhouse.

Stepping out of the Roundhouse into the yard is always a treat with the old cliché of ‘like a kid in a sweetshop’ best describing for me the dilemma of where to look next. On this occasion two Cl.40’s, D212 ‘Aureol’ and D213 ‘Andania’ were parked directly outside (see photo left by Andrew Buckley)

with ‘Europhoenix liveried 37884 just behind them. Yes, Barrow Hill really is that special!! Also tucked away were two Colas 37’s (see TRANSFERRED STOCK), plus a pair of GBRf Cl.20’s, oh and a pair of Orange HNRC Cl.20’s amidst the plethora of locomotives waiting to be seen.

It should, of course, be remembered that Barrow Hill is a working depot and that some parts of the yard are therefore inaccessible on foot. However 03066 was on hand to provide cab rides from

the signal box into the HNRC yard to allow photo opportunities. A really nice touch!

the view from the signal box steps with 03066 conducting rides into the HNRC area with left to right: 08502, 37261,EMU 3918, 47828, 015xx. 03066, 37175, 60002, 60092

18th April 2015 (James Holloway)

As for the ‘rarities’ and current mainline workforce, they were operating the shuttle service from the adjacent halt up the branch line at Barrow Hill. My first experience of ‘Hymeks’ and ‘Warships’ was at

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the West Somerset Gala last year and seeing and hearing them in action I was again struck by how distinctive an engine note they have. However what was really interesting was the sound of the 68 in comparison, for me this is a locomotive that also has a very distinctive ‘grumble’ of a tune to it and I can see it becoming a firm favourite on the rail network.

representing restored and cannibalised, left D6737 (37057) and right 37261 (Andrew Buckley)

Sadly the open day came to a slightly premature end at around 16.30 on the Sunday (it was due to close at 17.00) with staff citing a lack of visitors taking advantage of the shuttle service and indeed looking around the area it was very quiet at that time. It was fair to say that from a photographic perspective the day was really good with very few occasions where other enthusiasts inadvertently ‘encroached’ on one of ‘your shots’ and I can only remember a couple of times when I did to others, but I do hope that that does not signpost decisions to pull back events from two to one day.

In conclusion this proved to be yet another superb day and as ever at Barrow Hill my anticipation of the day was easily matched by what I saw. But then again I can’t remember the last time I saw two named Cl.40’s, with nameplates intact, stabled next to each other so I guess it was bound to be a winner in my book!!

Locomotives on site: Diesel / Electric: At the back of the Roundhouse on the ‘public’ side: D5054 Locomotives in use: 26007, 27066, D7076, D832, 60092, 66754, and 68001 all working the shuttle service with 03066 on yard photo moves Roundhouse: 58016, 45060, 33108, E5001, E3035, 82008, 85006, D6757 and D5910 (ex-37372) Station Halt: 37503, 37521, 37714, 37510, 20302, 20303, 20301, 37409, 08834 DVT 82101 Stabled in the yard area leading up to the Signalbox: 20905, 20901, 20314, 20311, 81002, 84001, 89001, 33035, 37884, D213, D212 Outside the HNRC and DPS Sheds: D4092, 45105, 47769, 20121, 47815, 08502, 37261, 37175, 47848, 08786, 08389, 08685, 01515/20 DPS Shed: D9015, 55002 37668

Steam: GWR 2-6-2T 5164, MR 4-4-0 1000, MR 0-6-0T 41708, LMS 2-6-4T 2500, GCR 4-4-0 506 & LNER 0-6-0 8217

locos on site for repair were left 27066 (DFR) fixed and in use & right D5054 (ELR) (Andrew Buckley)

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a family connection left right 33035 back off loan from EVR and 26007, both in use (Andrew Buckley)

shunters on view were 08786 + 08389 + 08685 from the 03 (Andrew Buckley)

and 08834 in the yard with the preserved HAAs (see FREIGHT MATTERS) (Paul Sumpter)

representing reinstated and awaiting reinstatement, left 60092 and right 89001 (Andrew Buckley)

by Colin Pottle: This has to be the event of the year so far. We probably all know the Roundhouse quite well, it having had numerous open days and galas over the years. This one was outstanding with locos from shunters to mainline, including Types 2/3/4/5 plus the latest diesel type to grace our railways, 68001.

The weather was certainly with us as well on Saturday 18th April, the day I chose to attend, with most of the day in glorious sunshine, something that can never be relied upon in April! I am sure many of our members were there over the weekend, and if you weren’t you missed a treat!....don’t rub it in, ed.

above right DVT 82101 + 37503 + 37521 + 37714 + 37510 + 20302 + 20303 + 20301 opposite the Station Halt 18th April 2015 (Colin Pottle)

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Nene Valley Railway Diesel Gala, 11-12th April 2015 by Andrew Buckley: As with other Galas reported this month, this one was attended by Andrew Buckley who provides the report and bulk of the photos and by Colin Pottle who only popped in for an hour due to uncooperative kids !!

The Nene Valley Railway Diesel Gala held its only diesel gala of the year over the weekend of 11-12th April 2015. The home fleet of locomotives were supported by visitors, 31271 ‘Stratford 1840-2001’ from the Midland Railway Butterley, 31601 from British American Railway Services, 33109 ‘Captain Bill Smith RNR’ and 50015 ‘Valiant’ from the East Lancs Railway, 50008 ‘Thunderer’ from RMS Locotec, Washwood Heath, 56104 from UK Rail Leasing at Leicester, DBS 60001 and GBRf 66757.

I had arrived the night before in Peterborough and would be spending two nights in total there enabling me to have around a day and a half on the line. On the Saturday morning I was at Peterborough Nene Valley station about fifteen minutes prior to the departure of the first train of the day and from here I saw the first completely Virgin Trains East Coast liveried set pass on the nearby mainline. Having purchased my Rover ticket I had an opportunity to peruse the timetable and must admit to a tinge of disappointment at seeing that the first train of the day would be behind 33109. The 33/1 was the mainstay of my youth, with two rostered daily to work my local Weymouth – Bournemouth services, so as a consequence they have not sparked my interest in preservation in the same way as, what for me would have been, rarer locomotives such as Class 40s or ‘Deltics’.

9529 eastbound (10.58) 11th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

50008 + 50015 eastbound to Ferry Meadows, (12.16) 11th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

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I duly found myself on the first departure from Peterborough and within the half hour I was at Wansford which was after a fashion, to be my base for the day. Having been at the line last year I

decided that I wanted to be trackside for as much of the event as the weather would allow and so set off to retrace my steps back in the direction of Peterborough. Effectively the geography of the line is east-west which means that you can take a photograph from the south of the line from one direction, or the other, at any given time of the day and enjoy the benefits of the sun over your shoulder. The other fantastic opportunity that the Nene Valley railway provides is the fact that there is a lineside path that enables you to navigate the route back to

at least Orton Mere and be literally within ‘spitting distance’ of the passing trains, it is an absolute gift.

Weather wise the day had started overcast and by the time I arrived at Wansford it was raining with quite a strong breeze which whipped across the largely topographically flat landscape. Whilst the breeze remained and indeed strengthened on the Sunday it meant that the rain was swept away very quickly and for the remainder of the weekend a bright sunny sky of cotton wool clouds predominated, which wouldn’t have looked out of place in an Impressionist painting.

The timetable in operation showed departures on average every forty minutes from Wansford and Peterborough with additional shuttle services from Wansford – Yarwell Junction being handled by the Swedish Railcar 1212 ‘Helga’. The rostering of locomotives allowed for some interesting and classic combinations with single and doubled headed and top and tail operations at different points throughout the day. It was an absolute treat to see a pair of ‘50s’ teamed together powering along the line. Special mention should also be made of the UKRL ‘56’ which announced its arrival on the Saturday morning by producing more clag than a central London Bonfire on November 5th!! From the return working it worked clean for the weekend and looked stunning in its Railfreight livery.

31601 westbound (14.15) 11th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

60001 heading westbound midway between Ferry Meadows and Wansford from Mill Lane bridge, (12.07) 12th April 2015 (Colin Pottle)

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The greatest revelation for me though was 33109 with its slightly weathered appearance and white window surrounds. Observing it at work on a number of moves along the line I had the opportunity to completely reappraise the locomotive and for the first time in many years understood why the ’Cromptons’ have such a strong following today.

Swanage Railway (SWR) Steam Gala 18-19th April 2015 by Andrew Buckley: The SWR Steam Gala took place over the weekend of 18-19th April 2015. I attended on Saturday 18th April arriving at Corfe Castle in time for the first movements involving both passenger stock and mixed freight at around 09.30 in the morning. The Home Fleet was supported by two visitors, BR Std 7MT 4-6-2 70000 ‘Britannia’ mainline certified and based at Southall Depot and Maunsell V Schools 4-4-0 925 ‘Cheltenham’ (Mid Hants Railway) making its first visit to the Swanage Railway.

right 30053 approaching Norden (15.25) 18th April (Andrew Buckley)

left 56104 erupts heading

eastbound from Wansford (11.38) 11th April 2015

(Andrew Buckley)

below 66757 heading eastbound

from Wansford (11.36) 12th April 2015

(Colin Pottle)

below 33109 heading westbound to Wansford (15.04) 11th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

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As is usual on Gala weekends at Swanage an intensive three train timetable was in operation and this time an additional mixed freight working was also included that involved three return trips on the branch. The other special ingredient in the morning was a particular weather atmospheric of both stillness and relative cold combined with, at times, quite sharp sunlight that allowed for fantastic steam plumes to hang above the advancing trains.

I decided that I would spend the morning around Corfe Castle and its southern environs trackside, hoping to get shots of the passing motive power and to that end soon after the departure of the first mixed freight working with resident Bulleid BoB 4-6-2 34070 ‘Manston’ in charge, I was wandering up the hill and over the foot level crossing to get east of the line on the curve. This proved to be a particularly picturesque setting amongst the field of rape seed which was blossoming, what feels like two or three weeks earlier this year. From here I retraced my steps back to the station and took the 11.36 from Corfe to Swanage with resident Maunsell U 2-6-0 31806 in charge (a recent arrival from the MHR).

After taking in the scene at Swanage and having a food pit stop it was back down the line first to the fields around the southern edge of the village of Corfe Castle just off the main road bridge and then finally to the fields and viaduct area above the National Trust car park just south of Norden station. Whilst I was looking for a variety of different locations from which to observe and photograph the days movements it was also essential to move around as some train formations had tender first and some boiler first operating out of Swanage and being a broadly north-south line it would be impossible to remain in one place to get all the shots.

34070 on the first demonstration freight passes southbound through Corfe Castle

(09.42) 18th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

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In summary another very enjoyable gala day was experienced with the added extra of the mixed freight workings which were for me the ‘icing on the cake’ but the weather conditions should not be overlooked either and for the notoriously showery April the day was thankfully anything but.

right Devon Belle Pullman Observation Car on the rear of the 17.05 Norden – Swanage

approaching Corfe Castle (17.33) (Andrew Buckley)

Epping Ongar Railway (EOR), Diesel Gala 18-19th April 2015 by Colin Pottle: This is a railway that I hadn’t been to since the days when it was owned by London Underground. The surrounding area has certainly been built up since then, no wonder the Underground want it back! I attended on Sunday 19th April and was transported from Epping station to North Weald on the EOR by a vintage bus, a wonderfully restored red Routemaster.

There were three trains running an intensive timetable on the Sunday. 08483 was bought in from Old Oak Common for the week-end, looking very smart, somebody must have watched ‘Pimp My Ride’ and taken it to heart! This was used to drag the Class 205 Thumper around. Another train was three coaches t&t by 03119 & 03170, whilst the last was a rake of coaches ably hauled by either D6729, 31438 and 47635 at various stages.

925 + 31806 approaching Norden (15.49) 18th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

80104 + 70000 departing Norden southbound (15.15) 18th April 2015 (Andrew Buckley)

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It is a shame the railway is so small, around six miles long though it has has recently been extended towards Epping and is within 100 yards of the LU station. It has two stations, North Weald and Ongar but if they get the go-ahead to run into Epping and build an extra platform at Epping this will certainly add an extra dimension.

right D6729 North Weald (13.15) 19th April 2015 (Colin Pottle)

left 03170 on the rear

of a westbound service alongside

08483 + DEMU 205205 on an eastbound service

to Ongar, North Weald,

(10.53) 19th April 2015 (Colin Pottle)

The weather wasn’t the greatest with lots of cloud, quite chilly and only the occasional ray of sunshine. This certainly didn’t put off people from coming – all the trains were almost full, and most ran within 5 – 10 minutes of the advertised time. Another great day out!

03119 Ongar, EOR 19th April 2015 (Colin Pottle)

note the incongruous headboard !!

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Bluebell Railway Diesel Gala, 17-19th April 2015 by Colin James: Both Colin James who provides the report and John Bloom (briefly) attended this Gala on the Friday, with photos by both.

Previously staunch ‘steam’ only Bluebell Railway held its first ever proper diesel gala with the stars of the Gala being two Deltics, of all things, D9009 ‘Alycidon’ and 55019 ‘Royal Highland Fusilier’ ably supported by 09018 conducting brake rides at Sheffield Park (see inset photo below by Colin James).

above D9009 approaching platform 2, Horsted Keynes at 17.25, working the 17.15 Sheffield Park - East Grinstead service, 17th April 2015 (Colin James)

I went along on Friday 17th April which was a nice warm spring day with plenty of sunshine. For a Friday service the trains seen were very busy, with lots of people making use of the main line connection, the connections at Horsted Keynes were generous enough to make switching Deltics quite easy. The brake van rides with Queen Mary 56290 at Sheffield Park were included in the price of the rover ticket.

left 55019 waiting to depart Sheffield Park on the 11.00 to East Grinstead,

17th April 2015 (John Bloom)

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STIRLINGSHIRE SIGHTINGS by Derek Sneddon

The following sightings are from Camelon Station & nearby Carmuirs Junction with an occasional sighting from Falkirk. Only freight and notable loco hauled workings are shown together with the diagram code, time, origin and destination (see location codes)

16th March 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66622 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 14.20 66250 6D61 RI-GM 17th March 05.10 66622 6H51 OX-IS 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66192 6S36 DS-GM 18th March 05.45 66303 4H47 MN-IS 08.20 66615 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 19th March 05.45 66303 4H47 MN-IS 06.30 66114 6A32 MN-AB 09.35 66102 6E69 AB-HL 20th March 05.45 66303 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66079 6G25 MN-ES 13.00 66434 4A13 GM-AB 21st March 05.45 66303 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66221 6A32 MN-AB 11.20 66079 4M30 GM-DV 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66021 6S36 DS-GM 23.59 66429 6K15 MH-ST 22nd March 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 23rd March 05.45 66303 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66622 6A65 OX-AB 12.20 57313/315 1Z88

Aviemore-DT 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 24th March 05.10 66622 6H51 OX-IS 05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 13.30 66079 6S36 DS-GM 25th March 05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 06.30 56113 6M65 GM-LM 08.30 66622 6A65 OX-AB 10.05 66080 6G25 MN-ES 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB

26th March 05.10 66615 6H51 OX-IS 05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 06.30 66090/079 6A32 MN-AB 08.55 37607/608 6S99 CL-GE 12.40 55022 0Z55 Springburn-IS 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66108 6S36 DS-GM 27th March 05.45 66303 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66114 6G25 MN-ES 10.20 66022 5Z55 IS-PO 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.00 66126 6S36 DS-GM 28th March 05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66090 6A32 MN-AB 11.20 66080 4M30 GM-DV 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66108 6S36 DS-GM 18.36 66119 6K03 MH-Dalwhinnie 23.58 66730/759 6K05 MH-ST 29th March 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 30th March 08.30 66618 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66431 4H47 GM-AB 31st March 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 06.55 56113 6R46 GM-PW 13.30 66138 6S36 DS-GM 1st April 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66618 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66138 6S36 DS-GM 2nd April 05.45 66427 4H47 MN-IS 06.30 66079 6A32 MN-AB 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66090 6S36 DS-GM 3rd April 05.10 66602 6H51 OX-IS 18.35 37218/607 1Z68 EH-IS 4th April 05.45 66304 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66079 6A32 MN-AB

4th April (cont) 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66090 6S36 DS-GM 5th April 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 6th April 05.45 66304 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66602 6A65 OX-AB 12.25 37218/607 1Z73 IS-EH 7th April 05.45 66304 4H47 MN-IS 06.55 56113 6R46 GM-PW 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66221 6S36 DS-GM 8th April 05.45 66302 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66602 6A65 OX-AB 13.30 66090 6S36 DS-GM 9th April 05.10 66602 6H51 OX-IS 05.45 66302 4H47 MN-IS 06.30 66027 6A32 MN-AB 13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 10th April 05.45 66302 4H47 MN-IS 06.55 56113 6R46 GM-PW 11th April 05.45 66302 4H47 MN-IS 10.05 66076 6A32 MN-AB 12th April 13.00 66428 4A13 GM-AB 13th April 05.45 66302 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66618 6A65 OX-AB 13.00 66428 4A13 GM-AB 14th April 05.45 66429 4H47 MN-IS 06.55 56113 6R46 GM-PW 13.30 66192 6S36 DS-GM 15th April 05.45 66305 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66602 6A65 OX-AB 08.50 37607/218 6S99 CL-GE 13.00 66428 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66192 6S36 DS-GM

Location Codes: AB Aberdeen AC Achnasheen AD Alexander Dock Jnct AE Attercliffe AF Ashford AH Ashchurch AJ Awre Junction

AL Alston AN Acton AP Appleford AR Abercynon AT Abbotswood Jnct AV Avonmouth AW Aberthaw AY Ayr

BA Blair Atholl BD Bedworth BE Berkeley BH Brierley Hill BI Burntisland BL Bristol BN Beeston BO Bo’ness

BP Bath BR Bridgwater BS Bescot BT Barton Hill BU Burton BW Barrow Hill BZ St Blazey BY Barry

CA Calvert CB Coatbridge CD Charfield CE Crewe CF Cardiff CH Chaddesden CI Clitheroe CK Chirk

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CL Carlisle CM Chalmerston CN Carnforth CP Chepstow CQ Croft Quarry CR Cadder CS Cheltenham CT Cardiff Tidal CU Cumbernauld CV Cliff Vale CW Cwmbargoed CY Corby DC Dyce DL Dalmeny DM Dollands Moor DR Doncaster DS Dalston DT Didcot DU Dundee DV Daventry DY Derby EA Earles Sidings ED Edinburgh EE Elderslie EH Eastleigh EL Elgin EU Euston ES Earlseat EV Evesham EX Exeter FB Ferrybridge FF Fiddlers Ferry FG Fishguard FO Forres FR Fairwater FW Fort William FY Falkland Yard GC Glasgow Central

GE Georgemas Jnct GL Gloucester GM Grangemouth GR Grange Sidings GS Gleneagles GY Grimsby HA Hayes HD Handsworth HF Hereford HH Holyhead HL Hartlepool HO Halewood HR Harwich HS Hunslet HT Hastings HU Hunterston HV Haverfordwest HW Heywood Jnct HY Hinksey IB Ironbridge IM Immingham IS Inverness JM Jersey Marine KB Kittybrewster KC Kirkcaldy KK Kilmarnock KL Kyle of Lochalsh KM Kemble KN King’s Norton KS Kingsland Road KT Kennethmont KY Kingsbury LA Laira LB Ladybank LC Lincoln LD Lydney LG Lairg LH Leith

LI Linlithgow LK Lackenby LL Llanwern LM Long Marston LN Laurencekirk LO Longsight LR Leicester LS Leeds LT Longannet LW Linkswood LY Lindsey MC Machen MD Middlesbrough ME Montrose MF Milford MG Margam MH Millerhill ML Motherwell MN Mossend MO Moreton MS Maesteg MT Mountsorrel MV Manchester Vic MW Moorswater NA Nairn NE Neath NG Nottingham NH Newton Heath NJ Norton Jnct NL Newtonhill NT Newport NV Neville Hill NW Nantwich OB Oban ON Onllwyn OO Old Oak Common OX Oxwellmains OY Oxley

PA Paisley PB Peterborough PC Port Clarence PF Peak Forest PG Pengham PH Perth PL Polmont PM St Philips Marsh PN Paddington PO Polmadie PR Preston PT Paignton PW Prestwick PY Portbury PZ Penzance RA Redcar RC Ratcliffe RD Reading RE Redmire RG Rugeley RI Riccarton RM Rotherham RN Robeston RO Round Oak RR Rowley Regis RV Ravenstruther RY Rugby SA Saltley SB Stourbridge SC Scunthorpe SD Standish Jnct SF Stud Farm SG Stoke Gifford SH Slough SI Sinfin SJ Severn Tun. Jnct SK Shirebrook SN Stockton

SO Southampton SP Spetchley SR Stourton SS Swansea ST Stirling SV Stevenage SW Swindon SY Shipley TD Tyne Dock TE Trostre TF Tremorfa TG Teigngrace TH Theale TJ Tuffley Jnct TK Tavistock Jnct TL Tilbury TN Taunton TO Toton TR Trishington TS Tees Yard TU Tunstead TY Tyseley VA Victoria WB Wembley WE West Burton WG Wentloog WH Westerleigh WI Whitemoor WM Wemyss WM Willesden WP Worksop WR Warrington WS Worcester WV Wolverhampton WW Washwood Heath WY Westbury YK York YT Yate

GLOUCESTERSHIRE SIGHTINGS by Nigel Hoskins

The following sightings are mostly from Gloucester Station, but also include workings on the avoiding line southeast of the station between Barnwood and Gloucester Yard Junctions. Only freight and notable loco hauled workings are shown with the diagram code, time (if known) plus origin and destination (see location codes).

20th March 02.09 66169 6M94 MG-CY 02.56 66745 6V00 PC-CF 04.03 66037 6M03 RN-BD 04.52 66137 6M11 MG-RO 09.08 66016 6M96 MG-CY 12.02 66137 6V05 RO-MG 14.45 70002 4V47 RG-SG 14.56 66169 6V92 CY-MG 15.53 66176 6V07 RO-MG 17.30 66074 6V35 BS-AV 21.22 66519/585 6X04 FR-WN 21st March 08.05 66006 4V83 TO-AV 11.00 60019 6B13 RN-WH 15.07 70002 4V46 RG-SG 22.21 66136 6V02 SC-MG 23.45 66161 6V29 LC-CT 24th March 13.17 37609/607 6M56 BE-CE

24th March (cont) 14.53 70004 4V47 RG-SG 15.01 66116 6V07 RO-MG 15.15 66122 6M39 AV-RC 18.15 66107 6M69 AV-TO 25th March 10.50 66429 4V38 DV-WG 11.11 60019 6B13 RN-WH 12.02 66140 6V05 RO-MG 12.53 66055 6V67 SC-MG 14.50 66113 6V92 CY-MG 15.17 66122 6M39 PY-RC 15.55 66025 6V07 RO-MG 19.04 60019 6B47 WH-RN 19.59 66429 4M36 WG-DV 20.19 66131 6E30 MG-HL 26th March 08.26 66129 6M81 MG-RO 10.38 66422 4V38 DV-WG 10.59 70003 4V09 RG-SG

26th March (cont) 11.57 66091 6E66 MG-SC 12.12 66130 6V37 TO-MO 12.46 66140 6V05 RO-MG 13.12 57002/009 6M56 BE-CE 14.35 70810 4V37 GL-PY 15.00 66113 6V92 CY-MG 17.03 70004 4V47 RG-SG 20.14 66144 6E30 MG-HL 21.42 60100 6V52 WV-MG 27th March 03.07 66025 6M03 RN-BD 03.56 66745 6V00 PC-CF 09.04 66067 4V70 RC-AV 10.18 66427 4V38 DV-WG 11.00 70003 4V09 RG-SG 12.01 66136 6V05 RO-MG 12.19 60020 6E41 WH-LY 12.50 66097 6V67 SC-MG 18.08 66088 6V35 BS-AV

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28th March 06.39 57315/313 1Z76 WY-FW 10.20 70003 4V09 RG-SG 10.59 60019 6B13 RN-WH 11.15 950001 1Z08 BL-DY 12.45 60010 6V67 SC-MG 13.15 60017 6E66 MG-SC 14.57 70004 4V46 RG-SG 16.15 66043 6M39 PY-RC 17.26 66023 6V06 HD-CT 29th March 11.13 66428 4V38 DV-WG 17.02 66149 6E47 MG-MD 17.59 66428 4M36 WG-DV 19.14 66232 6E68 MG-SC 19.43 66703 6V83 PB-MO 20.24 66110 6E30 MG-HL 30th March 10.49 66422 4V38 DV-WG 11.18 60019 6B13 RN-WH 12.52 60015 6E41 WH-LY 15.00 66185 6V92 CY-MG 15.17 66095 6M39 PY-RC 15.58 66183 6M41 MG-RO 17.53 66102 6M69 PY-RC 18.14 66065 6V35 BS-AV 22.38 57313/315 1Z79 FW-WY 31st March 08.28 66176 MG-RO 08.32 66135 4V83 TO-AW 09.05 66170 6M96 MG-CY 09.06 66756 6V80 WE-PY 10.57 60100 6B13 RN-WH 11.07 66304 4V38 DV-WG 12.01 66150 6V05 RO-MG 12.40 60099 6E41 WH-LY 14.07 70810 4V13 GL-EX 14.18 57004/002 6M56 BE-CE 14.45 70004 4V47 RG-SG 15.07 66185 6V92 CY-MG 15.59 66176 6V07 RO-MG 20.15 66172 6E30 MG-HL 20.19 66304 4M36 WG-DV 1st April 00.31 66134 6M39 MO-Radlett 00.45 56312 6Z36 SN-CT 01.05 66129 6M74 CT-BN

1st April (cont) 01.12 66089 6V02 TS-MG 01.55 66198 6M94 MG-CY 02.31 66188 6M98 CT-KY 04.26 66150 6M11 MG-RO 04.35 66183 6M03 RN-BD 04.47 37608/611 6V74 CE-BR 04.54 60063 6V98 LY-WH 08.28 66034 6M81 MG-RO 09.15 66176 6M96 MG-CY 09.17 66115 4V70 TO-AV 09.21 66756 6V80 WE-PY 10.51 66431 4V38 DV-WG 12.02 66150 6V05 RO-MG 12.22 60063 6E41 WH-LY 12.52 66102 6V67 SC-MG 13.47 37608/611 6M63 BR-CE 15.05 66198 6V92 CY-MG 15.49 66034 6V07 RO-MG 17.16 66182 6V35 BS-AV 18.19 66756 6E81 PY-WE 19.56 56312 6Z35 CT-SN 20.11 60010 6E30 MG-HL 20.18 66431 4M36 WG-DV 21.04 66183 6V55 BD-RN 22.28 66188 6V04 KY-CT 22.32 66152 6V97 BN-CT 2nd April 08.26 66135 6M81 MG-RO 12.01 66150 6V05 RO-MG 12.30 60063 6E41 WH-LY 14.50 66102 6V92 CY-MG 15.56 66019 6M41 MG-RO 3rd April 02.08 66707 6V00 PC-CF 05.08 60063 6V98 LY-WH 08.33 66135 6M96 MG-CY 10.45 66422 4V38 DV-WG 15.05 66165 6V92 CY-MG 18.16 66088 6V35 BS-AV 22.35 66756 6V80 WE-PY 4th April 11.01 60066 6B13 RN-WH 5th April 11.35 66429 4V38 DV-WG 18.54 66607 6V82 TU-WY

6th April 04.16 60091 6B17 RN-WH 10.30 56078 0F84 WW-CF 10.47 66429 4V38 DV-WG 12.28 60091 6B25 WH-RN 12.43 56301 0Z45 EH-DY 13.25 56078/105 0Z56 CF-WW 15.32 66019 6M39 PY-RC 18.44 66143 6M69 PY-RC 7th April 08.25 66183 6M81 MG-RO 10.54 66428 4V38 DV-WG 10.57 60091 6B13 RN-WH 15.58 66183 6V07 RO-MG 15.59 66085 6M41 MG-RO 20.01 66164 6V69 BS-AD 8th April 17.38 66035 6V35 BS-AV 9th April 08.06 37218/607 6V73 CE-BE 08.12 66081 4V83 TO-PY 09.05 66113 4V70 TO-AV 10.51 66303 4V38 DV-WG 11.03 60019 6B13 RN-WH 12.01 66014 6V05 RO-MG 12.17 60054 6E41 WH-LY 12.30 66109 6V37 TO-MO 13.39 66148 6Z09 CT-BU 13.42 37607/218 6M56 BE-CE 14.43 31233 3Z05 DY-EX 15.19 66081 6M39 PY-RC 15.58 66133 6V07 RO-MG 18.16 66113 6M69 AV-RC 11th April 17.20 57301/310 1Z58 DR-CF 18.47 142069/158840 1Z58

Oxford-Hooton 13th April 11.17 60020 6B13 RN-WH 11.57 DR80303/1 6U41

Castle Cary-Bedford 12.21 60066 6E41 WH-LY 14.13 37604/604 6M56 BE-CE 15.11 66151 6V92 CY-MG 15.59 66204 6M41 MG-RO 18.10 66115 6V35 BS-AV

PRESERVATION NEWS

Miscellaneous: The Rother Valley Railway (RVR) at Robertsbridge was re-connected to the main line in March. This will eventually mean trains will be able to travel from the main line to Tenterden when RVR re-connects with the Kent & East Sussex Railway. To this end the green light has been given to a level crossing on the A21 Robertsbridge bypass enabling the two preservation lines to be connected.

Following the expiry of its boiler certificate 7F 0-8-0 49395 has been moved to Locomotion, Shildon for static display. See photo below taken on the 11th March 2015 8 days after arriving.

The Snibston Discovery Centre is sadly to close on the 31st July.

A new steam workshop has been created in the former Crewe Diesel Depot (CD).

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DAYS OUT

Welsh Highland Railway by Martin Evans: Martin Evans spent a few days at Portmeirion and on the 25th March 2015 travelled on the narrow gauge (1’-11 ½ ”) Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) from Porthmadog to Caernarvon and return, in what turned out to be excellent weather. Before the journey started he walked along the Cob to photograph a departing Ffestiniog Railway (FR) train as Porthmadog is the southern terminus of the 25 mile WHR and the northern terminus of the 13½ mile FR. The WHR was rebuilt from Caernarvon starting in 1997, finally reaching Porthmadog in 2011 and now allows interconnection between the two railways and the small 1 mile