Recent Images - Apr-Sep 2013

Recent Images - April - September 2013

The 2013 Rail Head Treatment Train (RHTT) season is now with us. On Sunday 29 September 2013 RHTT vehicles FEA642022 and 642048 was hauled from Exeter Riverside to St Blazey by Class 66 No. 66081. The train was operated as 6Z05, the 13.33 Exeter Riverside to St Blazey, running some 25 minutes early. The Class 66 having previously operated light from St Blazey to collect the train. the RHTT stock had operated west to Exeter the previous evening, hitching a ride on the rear of a Westbury to Exeter engineers train. CJM

Colas Class 66/8 No. 66849 Wylam Dilly hurries westward through Dawlish, trying to dodge the rough sea, on 27 September 2013 in charge of train 6Z28, the 08.20 Westbury to Hackney Yard, Newton Abbot, formed of a long welded rail transport train. CJM

C2C 'Electrostar' set No. 357214 passes Shadwell in East London on 19 September 2013 forming train 1B26, the 13.30 Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness. This image was taken from the Docklands Light Railway station. CJM

Still painted in ONE Anglia blue livery, but sporting Greater Anglia branding, Class 90/0 No. 90002 Eastern Daily Press departs from Stratford on 19 September 2013 in charge of train 1P27, the 10.00 Norwich to London Liverpool Street. CJM

No this is not a new EWS/DB-S livery, but what happens when Class 66s spend time working in Cornwall on China Clay duies. This loco has the most of one side caked in white clay dust. On 18 September 2013, the loco is seen powering train 6C53, the 14.34 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside, emerging from Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish. CJM

Thanks to high ISO, this image of the returning 'The Cathedrals Express' was possible during the early evening of 17 September 2013. A1 No. 60163 Tornado is seen emerging from Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish powering train 1Z24, 17.11 Kingswear to Staines. CJM

The poor autumn weather spoilt the image of A1 No. 60163 Tornado passing Dawlish on 17 September 2013 powering the Cathedrals Express, 1Z23, the 08.03 Staines to Kingswear. The passengers were greeted to Devon by heavy rain and near dark conditions. CJM

Its quite amazing what one finds plodding around the Dawlish Sea Wall these days! In a welcome splash of sunlight, Foster Yeoman (Aggregate Industries) Class 59/0 No. 59005 Kenneth J. Painter pulls out of Kennaway Tunnel and heads adjacent to Marine Parade towards Dawlish station with train 6Z27 the 11.13 Burngullow to Exeter Riverside on 9 September 2013. The train operated west to collect sand, but after arrival at Burngullow it was found impossible to load the train and it returned empty, running some 183 minutes early and early enough to catch the sea side lighting. CJM

Freightliner Class 66/5 No. 66559 heads towards Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish on 5 September 2013 powering train 6Y27, the 06.00 Charfield to Hackney Yard, Newton Abbot, loaded with rail sections for disposal. CJM

On Friday 6 September 2013, Class 43 power cars Nos. 43189 and 43122 operated back to back as light loco move 0Z70, 09.00 Plymouth Laira to Old Oak Common. The combination is seen emerging from Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish.. CJM

Colas Railfreight Class 47 No. 47749 Demelza operated light from Westbury to Hackney Yard, Newton Abbot on 3 September 2013 and then hauled one of the Network Rail 'slinger' sets as train 6Z29, the 12.42 Hackney Yard to Westbury. With harsh mid-day light, the train is seen emerging from Kennaway Tunnel and heading towards Dawlish station. CJM

The Torbay Express on 1 September 2013 emerges from Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish powered by Bulleid 'West Country No. 34046 Braunton. CJM

DRS Class 47s Nos. 47818 and 47501 powered 'The Devonian' charter on 2 September 2013. The train operated as 1Z76, the 07.45 Liverpool South Parkway to Paignton, formed of a mixture of stock, including ex-Virgin Trains Mk2s, the train is seen passing Dawlish. CJM

Black 5 No. 44932 was in charge of 'The Royal Ducky' charter from Bristol to Par on Sunday 1 September 2013. The Black 5 was rostered to haul throughout, with Class 47 No. 47237 on the rear, but following lineside fires just south of Exeter, the '47' ran round the train at Newton Abbot and hauled it throughout to Par. With the diesel hanging on the back the westbound train heads towards Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish. CJM

The westbound Torbay Express on 1 September 2012, powered by Bulleid No. 34046 Braunton heads towards Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish, while the resident Dawlish pleasure craft touts for business. CJM

The westbound Torbay Express on 1 September 2012, powered by Bulleid No. 34046 Braunton heads towards Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish,. CJM

Class 150/1 No. 150124 plus a Class 153 head towards Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish on 1 September 2013 forming train 2T12, 10.21 Exmouth to Paignton. CJM

Class 150/1 No. 150124 plus a Class 153 depart from Dawlish on 1 September 2013 forming train 2T12, 10.21 Exmouth to Paignton, whole a Class 220 passes on the up line with train 1M45, the 10.50 Paignton to Manchester. CJM

The return Pathfinder Tour 'The Torbay Flyer, the 19.00 Kingswear to Crewe hurries out of Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish on 30 August 2013 powered by DRS Class 20s Nos. 20308 and 20303. CJM

Pathfinder Tours 'The Torbay Flyer' operated on Friday 30 August 2013 in conjunction with Dartmouth Carnival and air show. The train operated as 1Z18, the 07.13 Crewe to Kingswear and was powered by DRS Class 20s Nos. 20303 and 20308. The outbound working is seen between Dawlish station and Kennaway Tunnel, with a mixed bunch of coaching stock. CJM

The infrequent operation of the HST-based New Measurement Train (NMT) between London and Plymouth and return took place on Friday 23 August 2013. The outbound train, the 05.17 Old Oak Common to Plymouth is seen approaching Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish, with a friendly wave from the driver. The train is formed 43014, 975984, 977994, 977993, 975814, 977984, 43013. CJM

The infrequent operation of the HST-based New Measurement Train (NMT) between London and Plymouth and return took place on Friday 23 August 2013. The return train, the 10.01 Plymouth to Paddington is seen emerging from Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish. The train is formed 43013, 977984, 975814, 977993, 977994, 975984, 43014. CJM

EWS Class 66 No. 66004 passes along adjacent to Marine Parade on 20 August 2013 powering train 6C62, the 15.31 St Philips Marsh to Tavistock Junction loaded oil train. CJM

The first time that recently restored Bulleid 'West Country' No. 34046 Braunton operated to the West Country was on 18 August 2013 when it powered the 'Torbay Express' from Bristol to Kingswear and return. The return working, running as 1Z28, the 16.50 Kingswear to Bristol is seen emerging from the 209 yard long Kennaway Tunnel on its approach to Dawlish station. CJM

A very rare working along the Dawlish Sea Wall took place on 11/12 August 2013 when Hanson-liveried Class 59/1 No. 59101 powered the infrequent Westbury to Burngullow and return sand train. On 12 August 2013, No. 59101 is seen emerging from Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish, powering train 7Z28, the 18.32 Tavistock Junction to Westbury, running almost an hour late. The image was exposed on a Nikon D800 using a 50mmf1.4 lens set at f4 with an ISO of 4000. CJM

The empty Colas Rail Freight operated log train from Chirk Kronospan to Teigngrace on 31 July 2013 is seen passing through Hereford powered by No. 56087.The train was operating as 6Z52, the 11.13 Chirk to Teigngrace, a couple of hours later than its usual working. CJM

On 26 July 2013, the New Measurement Train or NMT operated an Old Oak Common to Plymouth test run followed by forming train 1Q19, the 10.01 Plymouth to Paddington, seen approaching Dawlish station. The NMT was powered by Network Rail Class 43s Nos. 43013 and 43014 with the five Mk3 test vehicles including the pantograph fitted overhead power line test coach. On the down line, a CrossCountry HST heads west forming train 1V44, the 06.00 Leeds to Plymouth with Class 43s Nos. 43304 and 43285. CJM

On 24 July 2013, DB-S-liveried Class 60 No. 60063 passes Newport with 05.07 Robeston Sidings to Westerleigh loaded Murco oil train. On the right is First Great Western Class 158 No. 158955 forming train 2U08, the 08.41 Weston-super-Mare to Cardiff. CJM

Freightliner Class 66/5 No. 66563 passes Newport on 24 July 2013 powering the 09.58 Wentloog to Southampton loaded container train. CJM

Carmarthen is the major rail hub in west Wales, served by Arriva Trains Wales with services from Fishguard Harbour, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock to Swansea, Cardiff and as far north as Manchester. First Great Western also serve the station with one train each weekday to and from London Paddington. On 24 July 2013, ATW Class 175 No. 175108 stands in the main platform with train 1W31, the 15.03 service to Manchester Piccadilly, while on the right ATW Class 143 No. 143608 arrives with train 2E24, the 14.00 Swansea to Pembroke Dock, which reverses direction at Carmarthen. CJM

Class 150/2 No. 150216 slows for the station stop at St Ives on 17 July 2013 forming the 14.48 shuttle service from St Erth. CJM

DB-Schenker red-liveried Class 66 No. 66152 passes adjacent to Marine Parade, Dawlish on 18 July 2013 powering train 6C53, the 14.34 Parkandillack to Exeter Riverside. CJM

Two classic items of 'traction' meet on the Dawlish Sea Wall in the early evening of 16 July 2013. Network Rail Class 31 No. 31285 propells track recording vehicles 977986, 977985, 62384 with DBSO 9701 on the far (front) end as train 3Q01, the 16.48 Exeter to Exeter via Goodrington and Heathfield, while in the foreground is a superbly restored 1953 Riley RM (first registered on 17 Jun 1953).
CJM

On 10 July 2013, DB-S-liveried Class 60 No. 60063 approaches Gloucester station off the Chepstow line with 05.07 Robeston Sidings to Westerleigh loaded Murco oil train. CJM

The up Penzance to Paddington sleepers on the night of 14/15 July 2013 were formed of an HST (43125/063) as the booked powering loco for the loco-hauled service, Class 57/6 No. 57603, had technical issues with its train supply. As the loco and stock were required in London to form the westbound service during the evening of 15 July, it was operated empty from Penzance to Old Oak Common on the morning of 15 July as 5A40, 07.53 Penzance to Old Oak Common. The train is seen approaching Dawlish station as FGW Class 150/2 No. 150265 departs westwards with the 09.23 Exmouth to Paignton service. Perhaps a little too close for photographic comfort! CJM

The second week of the 2013 season of 'Torbay Express' steam hauled Bristol to Kingswear and return services on 14 July 2013 was powered by 'Castle' No. 5029 Nunney Castle, piloting Riviera Trains Class 47 No. 47812. The return train, the 16.50 Kingswear to Bristol, slightly delayed by a lineside fire on the Torbay and Dartmouth Railway, is seen from the balcony of the Marine Tavern Hotel, Dawlish in stunning low evening light. CJM

Led by power car No. 43009, the 08.33 Paddington to Penzance passes through Dawlish on Sunday 14 July 2013. Note the 'round the bay' trip boat adjacent to the jetty. CJM

The 'Torbay Express' on Sunday 14 July 2013 was powered by a steam/diesel combination. Led by Tyseley-based 'Castle' No. 5029 Nunney Castle, piloting Class 47 No. 47812, the westbound Torbay Express 1Z27, the 09.15 Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear passes along the sea front at Dawlish and heads towards Kennaway Tunnel. CJM

On Sunday 14 July 2013, the 07.57 Paddington to Penzance departs from Dawlish formed with power cars Nos. 43156 and 43198. CJM

The infrequent Teigngrace to Chirk loaded log train operated on Thursday 11 July 2013, with power provided by Colas Freight Class 56/3 No. 56302. After working west with empty log wagons on 10 July, the loaded train operated on 11 July as 6Z53, the 14.53 Teigngrace to Chirk Kronospan and is seen approaching Powderham foot crossing. CJM

The weekly oil train from Fawley to Tavistock Junction via Bristol St Philips Marsh operates every Tuesday as train 6C62, passing Dawlish between 18.00 and 18.15. On 9 July 2013 motive power was provided by Class 66/0 No. 66192 which is seen between Dawlish station and Kennaway Tunnel, skirting Marine Parade. Note the power glider on the far right and the rather nasty scum on the sea surface. CJM

First Great Western Class 43 No. 43169 leads the 06.45 Penzance to Paddington towards Dawlish Station and alongside Marine Parade on 8 July 2013. CJM

The first of the 2013 season of 'Torbay Express' steam hauled services between Bristol Temple Meads and Kingswear operated on Sunday 7 July 2013. The train could not be operated by steam traction due to a steam ban imposed by the GW Zone of Network Rail who considered it a fire risk due to the dry weather conditions. The train was therefore powered by Riviera Trains Class 47 No. 47812 (D1916) which carries 1960s two-tone green livery with a full yellow end. The train is seen rounding the curve at Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren. CJM

FGW Class 143s Nos. 143621 and 143620 approach Kennaway Tunnel, Dawlish on 6 July 2013 forming train 2T21, the 15.23 Exmouth to Paignton. CJM

With power car No. 43378 on the front and 43321 on the rear CrossCountry set No. XC05 passes Dawlish on 6 July 2013 forming train 1V54, the 06.32 Dundee to Newquay. CJM

The end of an era. Dawlish signal box has finally been demolished over the nights of 2-4 July 2013, following removal of listed status in May this year. The structure on the up platform was opened by the Great Western Railway on 9 September 1920, replacing a previous smaller structure on the down platform. The box was of a vaulted design to give a full size operating floor with a narrow base structure to preserve the width of the station platform. The box remained in daily use until 1970 from when it was used to control weekend summer services or engineering work, finally being closed as part of the West of England re-signalling on 27 September 1986. After full closure the BR Property Board, BRB and Network Rail all tried to lease the structure for commercial use but no takers could be found. The box gradually fell into dis-repair and became an eyesore on the station platform. After removal of the brickwork overnight on 4-5 July 2013 an FGW HST passes the last remains on 5 July forming the 08.44 Penzance to Paddington, led by Class 43 No. 43125. CJM

Carrying Alstom Pendolino livery, Class 390/1 11-car set No. 390104 storms through South Kenton on the southern end of the West Coast Main Line on 3 July 2013 forming train 1B30, the 09.45 Wolverhampton to London Euston. CJM

Heading south on the slow tracks of the West Coast Main Line at South Kenton on 3 July 2013, DB-S Class 59/2 No. 59205 powers a rake of Yeoman high-capacity aggregate hoppers as the 10.34 Watford Yard to Acton Yard, bound for Westbury. CJM

For the 2013 Penzance 'Mazey Day' Statesman Rail operated a charter from Derby (departing at 04.45) to Penzance formed of the Statesman Pullman stock powered by West Coast Class 57/6 No. 57601 and Class 47/7 No. 47760. In immaculate condition the '57' leads the westward working through Dawlish 13 minutes ahead of schedule. CJM

Saturday 29 June 2013 was Penzance 'Mazey day' and two special charters operated from the Midlands to Penzance. A Pathfinder charter from Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance should have been powered by 'Western' No. D1015 but this was not available and its place was taken by 'Deltic' No. D9009 Alycidon owned by the Deltic Preservation Society. Departing from Tame Bridge Parkway at 04.50 the special is seen traversing the Dawlish sea wall at Dawlish at 08.54 three minutes ahead of schedule. CJM

Traffic levels over the North London Line are usually high, with a good selection of passenger and freight workings. All the passenger services are now operated by Class 378 four-car EMUs, while freight can produce a wide variety of Class 59s, 66s, 86s and 90s on a timetabled basis, with other classes turning up. In heavy rain on 28 June 2013, Freightliner Intermodal Class 66/5 No. 66505, delivered in August 1999, passes Highbury and Islington station in charge of the 09.03 Bristol Freightliner Terminal to Felixstowe container service.
CJM

The recently introduced sand flow from Burngullow to Westbury operated again on 24 June 2013, but this time Aggregate Industries (Foster Yeoman) Class 59/0 No. 59001 was provided for traction, making a very rare outing for the class west of Exeter and the first commercial freight to be operated by a Class 59/0 in Cornwall. After travelling overnight from Westbury to Burngullow, the loaded train, running as 7Z27, departed from Burngullow at 11.13 and recessed at Tavistock Junction where the train was split. Ten loaded wagons then going forward as the 13.48 Tavistock Junction to Exeter Riverside before the '59' returned light to Tavistock Junction to collect the remaining eight wagons, running as train 7Z28, the 18.32 Tavistock Junction to Exeter Riverside which ran around an hour early. The second loaded section is seen passing Cockwood Harbour. CJM
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The recently introduced sand flow from Burngullow to Westbury operated again on 24 June 2013, but this time Aggregate Industries (Foster Yeoman) Class 59/0 No. 59001 was provided for traction, making a very rare outing for the class west of Exeter and the first commercial freight to be operated by a Class 59/0 in Cornwall. After travelling overnight from Westbury to Burngullow, the loaded train, running as 7Z27, departed from Burngullow at 11.13 and recessed at Tavistock Junction where the train was split. Ten loaded wagons then going forward as the 13.48 Tavistock Junction to Exeter Riverside before the '59' returned light to Tavistock Junction to collect the remaining eight wagons. The first loaded section is seen rounding the curve at Langstone Rock. CJM

Freightliner Class 66/5 No. 66571 pulls off the Reading line at Basingstoke on 18 June 2013 and crosses to the down slow track towards Worting Junction with the 10.18 Manchester Trafford Park to Southampton Maritime Freightliner Termnal. CJM

Although electrified, the branch from Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier is operated by Class 158 DMUs on weekdays. On 18 June 2013, set No. 158888 approaches Lymington Town station with the 14.57 Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst shuttle service and crosses over the harbour. CJM

The first of a trial flow of sea dredged sand from Burngullow to Exeter Riverside operated on Monday 10 June 2013. Operated by DB-S, the train was formed of 18 box wagons from the Westbury pool and operated empty to Burngullow overnight on 9-10 June. After loading, the train operated as an 18-wagon (16 loaded and two empty) consist to Tavistock Junction where the train was split and operated forward to Exeter as two short nine vehicle sets. This was due to the heavy weight on the train over the graded Devon banks. The loaded train, operating as 7Z27, was booked to depart at 10.03 from Burngullow but operated over an hour late. The train regained lost time while detaching at Tavistock Junction, and was operated through Devon at booked time and is seen in this illustration, powered by Class 66/0 No. 66162, passing under the footbridge at Dawlish Warren. The loco later returned light to Tavistock Junction and collected the second portion. CJM

Preserved A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa passes Dawlish on 9 June 2014 powering the Railway Touring Company 'The Royal Duchy' charter from Bristol to Par and return. The train was operating as 1Z37, the 08.48 Bristol Temple Meads to Par.

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'All Change' liveried FGW power car No. 43148 passes Dawlish on 8 June 2013 leading the 13.06 Paddington to Penzance service. On the rear of the train was Class 43 No. 43053. On this day the train was operating in reversed formation, with the first class seating at the country end of the train. CJM

Fitted with plumbing for 'trip cock' equipment, EWS-liveried Class 66 No. 66017 passes through Cardiff Central station on 6 June 2013 powering the 09.24 Avonmouth to Aberthaw Power Station loaded coal train. CJM

Freightliner Class 70 No. 70007 passes Newport on 6 June 2013 powering the 09.58 Wentloog to Southampton loaded container train. CJM

DB-S Class 60 No. 60063 passes Newport on 6 June 2013 powering the 05.07 Robeston Sidings to Westerleigh loaded Murco oil train. CJM

Arriva Trains Wales Class 158 No. 158839, showing the latest ATW livery, applied during an overhaul at the LNWR factory in Crewe is seen stabled in Cardiff Central station on 6 June 2013. CJM

Arriva Trains Wales Class 153 No. 153303 departs from Cardiff Queen Street on 6 June 2013 with a shuttle service to Cardiff Bay. Now the Class 121 'Bubble' car has been withdrawn and sold to Chiltern Railways, the Cardiff Bay shuttle is now rostered for a Class 153. CJM

Arriva Trains Wales Class 150/2 No. 150236, painted in the new ATW livery is seen at Taffs Well on 6 June 2013 forming train 2E36, the 13.38 Merthyr Tydfil to Bridgend. CJM

Colas Railfreight Class 56 No. 56094 departs from the down loop at Dawlish Warren on 5 June 2013 powering train 6Z52, the 07.13 Chirk (Kronospan) to Teigngrace empty log train. CJM

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Colas Railfreight Class 56 No. 56094 sits in the down loop at Dawlish Warren on 5 June 2013 powering train 6Z52, the 07.13 Chirk (Kronospan) to Teigngrace empty log train, while a four-car Class 220 'Voyager' set passes forming the 06.01 Glasgow Central to Plymouth. CJM

Making its first visit to the west carrying Hewlett-Packard (HP) advertising livery, FGW Class 43 No. 43186 passes Dawlish on 3 June 2013 and heads towards Kennaway Tunnel leading the 15.06 Paddington to Penzance service. CJM

First Great Western have gone into the train advertising business with the full vehicle 'wrap' of Class 43 power cars Nos. 43148 and 43186. The two power cars were rolled out on Tuesday 28 May 2013 at London Paddington before entering service forming the rear vehicle of the 09.45 Paddington to Swansea (43186) and the 10.00 Paddington to Paignton (43148) services. The wrap is sponsored by Hewlett-Packard (HP) who are advertising tablets, printers and windows operating systems on the white body. The 'official graffiti' is seen on No. 43148 passing along the Dawlish Sea Wall on 31 May 2013 leading the 07.41 Penzance to Paddington via Bristol service. CJM

First Great Western have gone into the train advertising business with the full vehicle 'wrap' of Class 43 power cars Nos. 43148 and 43186. The two power cars were rolled out on Tuesday 28 May 2013 at London Paddington before entering service forming the rear vehicle of the 09.45 Paddington to Swansea (43186) and the 10.00 Paddington to Paignton (43148) services. The wrap is sponsored by Hewlett-Packard (HP) who are advertising tablets, printers and windows operating systems on the white body. The 'official graffiti' is seen on No. 43148 at Dawlish on 28 May 2013 leading the 14.15 Paignton to Paddington via Bristol service. CJM

East Midlands Trains Class 43 No. 43058 departs from East Midlands Parkway station on 17 April 2013 forming train 1B53, the 14.28 Nottingham to London St Pancras. In the background are the massive cooling towers of Ratcliffe-on-Trent Power Station. CJM