Britain's leading railway society - still observing after 90 years www.rcts.org.uk - Railway Correspondence and Travel Society
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RO
OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 88 NUMBER 1076 ISSN 0952 - 7133
THE RAILWAY CORRESPONDENCE AND TRAVEL SOCIETY
90th
YEAR
Britain’s leading railway society
– still observing after 90 years
www.rcts.org.uk
Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 2
THE RAILWAY CORRESPONDENCE
AND TRAVEL SOCIETY
Founded by: L. B. LAPPER and A. E. BROAD.
President: REvEREND CANON BRIAN R. ARMAN, 59 Kenmore Crescent, Filton Park, Bristol BS7 0TP.
Vice-Presidents: D. F. COLE, E. v. FRY, A. H. GOULD, R. A. LISSENDEN, E. C. PALMER, T. M. B. SILCOCK,
J. B. SWEET.
The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the
Charity Commission for England and Wales - registered number 1169995.
CONTENTS
Regulars
Memory Thro’ the Lens 649 Urban & Irish Railways 692
A Message from the Chairman 649 Preservation & Other Railways 693
UK Rail Development International 695
Rail Industry 650 Branch News 701
UK Network Infrastructure 652 Query Corner 702
T&RS – Locomotives 656 Publication Reviews 708
Coaching Stock 658 Letter 710
National Network Operations Observer’s Diary 712
Southern 660 Where Is It? / Was It ? 715
Western 664 The RCTS Photographic Archive 718
North Western & Midland 670 Nostalgia Corner 719
Scotland 678 Features
Eastern & North Eastern 680 Back to the future with 10000 698
Centrespread – Replicating the first Main Line Diesel
fairlie fascination 684 further Long Days Out 706
SUBMISSIONS fOR DECEMBER 2018 RAILWAY OBSERVER
Press Day – News Reports Saturday 20th October
Details of Geographic and Topic Editors are included in the Officers Directory supplied with the January
and July editions of the RO and available on the Society website. Members unsure as to whom specific
reports should be sent may forward them to the RO Mailbox at -ropostbox@rcts.org.uk.
Picture Submission Date Saturday 20th October
The RO ‘Guidelines for Submitting Photographs’ can be found on the Society website. Images complying
with these guidelines and accompanied by suitable captions must reach David Kelso, at Al Mafrak,
George Hill Road, Broadstairs CT10 3JT, e-mail roimages@rcts.org.uk by this date.
Editorial Date friday 26th October
Submissions from topic editors must arrive with the Managing Editor no later than 18.00.
RO Managing Editor Mike Robinson roeditor@rcts.org.uk
front Cover – The 12.27 (5X53) York-Peterborough IET test train clears Colton Jct. on 4th August.
Steve Batty
Inside Back Cover – A southbound train of tanks headed by 66182 and tailed by 66023 and thought to
be en route from Aberdeen Waterloo to Mossend has just passed Golf Street station, Carnoustie on 16th
August. Golf Street station is only served by a single weekday return service to and from Glasgow and is
adjacent to the Carnoustie championship golf course immediately to the right. Mike Robinson
Back Cover – A1X (Terrier) class W8 Freshwater arrives at Havensteet with a service from Smallbrook
Junction for Wootton on 5th August. Graham Roose
NON-RECEIPT Of RO. Non-receipt of RO, change of address or other member details should be notified to David Goddard,
by e-mailing membership@rcts.org.uk or phone on 0118 988 8581.
Retail Price £3.00 Printed by Amadeus Press Ltd., Cleckheaton, Yorkshire.
Published by M. S. Robinson, 4 Doonview Gardens, Doonfoot, Ayr KA7 4HZ
(Members £2.18 post free) for and on behalf of The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society.
Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 649
T H E R A I LWAY O B S E R V E R
O C T O B E R 2018 V O L U M E 88 N U M B E R 1076
MEMORY THRO’ THE LENS
Photography at Buckley was
difficult for a 13 year-old, who
was not quite tall enough to
see over the parapet of the
road bridge. So I lay across the
top with my feet off the floor,
both arms reaching forward to
hold the camera in front of me,
and pressed the shutter. The
picture missed most of the
train. After regaining my feet
on the roadway there was a
shout from the signal box on
the right but, ready to run for
it, I realised my friend and I
were being invited inside
Buckley Junction signal box.
Perhaps the signalman
realised we would be safer in
the box than messing about
on the bridge!
The signal box was a three-
storey affair and we walked
along the narrow path at top of
the cutting to gain entry to the doorway.
The signalman opened one of the sliding windows enabling me to take a picture of the train which he had signalled
after we entered the box. The train had stopped at Buckley station, which can just be seen in the top right of the
picture, and as the train approached the box I pressed the shutter as carefully as I could as my cheap plastic
camera had a very low shutter speed, indeed so slow the manufacturer was embarrassed to say what it was!
I had an anxious fortnight's delay before I saw the picture which was developed and printed by a family friend,
but to me the photo was epic – correctly framed and with the train visible in its entirety and no apparent lack of
sharpness.
Taken from Bannel Lane bridge, the track to the left led to the former Buckley Railway at Old Buckley whilst the
double tracks on the right are from Hawarden and known as the Hawarden loop. BR Class 3MT 2-6-2 tank 82021
was built at Derby in 1953. As regards the three suburban coaches, I will leave better eyes than mine to identify
them! Philip Macey
A MESSAGE fROM THE CHAIRMAN
As you will have read in the August RO, to celebrate our 90th anniversary year the MC has offered free
membership until the end of 2018 to anyone who takes up the offer from mid-May until the end of October.
Adverts were placed in the commercial railway magazines as well as concerted efforts at Branch meetings,
exhibitions and sales stands. I am pleased to report that at the time of writing (22nd August) a record 626
new members have joined the Society. I am sure that many application forms will arrive before the offer ends
at the end of this month. Please put the application form that accompanied the August RO to good use.
On behalf of the Trustees and Management Committee I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of
our new members who now belong to ‘Britain’s Leading Railway Society’ and thank you for joining the RCTS.
I am sure you will make many new friends, enjoy reading The Railway Observer and participate in the events
that are organised both locally or nationally. Although you will have been allocated to a specific branch you
are more than welcome to attend the activities of any branch and details of these are published in the RO and
on our website. We are always looking for members who have particular skills so if you think you can help the
Society at national or local level please contact a member of your branch committee.
My thanks to all who have been very active in recruiting our new friends. However, I must make give a huge
COPYRIGHT 649
The content of The Railway Observer is copyright of the RCTS and no material from this or any other issue of The Railway
Observer may be reproduced without prior written permission of the Managing Editor. views expressed in the RO by ALL
contributors are not necessarily shared by any or all members of the RCTS Management Committee.
Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 650
thank you to Vron Cooke and David Goddard who have had the mammoth task of processing the applications
and details of our new members.
As mentioned at the AGM at Coventry in April the Trustees and MC will now be publishing the minutes of
their meetings on our website. The minutes of the January meeting were ratified at our June meeting and
these are displayed in the member’s section.
At our June meeting David Bird and Paul Chancellor, Chairmen of the Publications and Development
committees were co-opted onto the MC. It was reported that development work continues on our new
website which should be up and working in 2019. Photographic sales from our website are now automated
thus speeding up the delivery of images to our customers. The LMS Pacific book is selling well and of the
1,500 that were printed only 300 remain on the shelf. Good progress is being made with the book centring
on the Patriots which will be ready for printing soon. It is envisaged a book featuring the Royal Scots is up
next and progress continues to be made with the Michael Mensing coffee table style of book. Budgets for
the forthcoming year were discussed. With the implementation of GDPR (Data Protection) it was confirmed
that a Newsletter had been distributed to all Society Officers in April as a guidance to the implementation
of the new regulations and informing them of the need to contact all of their branch members. The
Membership Secretary is the only MC member with all the data on our members with the Chairman and
Secretary having monthly back-up files in case of any catastrophic computing disasters. Branch data is
limited to Branch Secretaries for their own specific branch. For the new Archive and Library at Leatherhead
shelving has been ordered which once fitted will enable the transfer of books and material from Uxbridge
and other locations to begin. The opening date of the new Library has been set for 6th October. We have
been contacted by the LNWR Society requesting us to take part in a survey with other various societies to
establish common issues and concerns thereby enabling all partaking societies to learn from and help each
other. I am sad to report that Terence Jenner our Honorary Legal Advisor has had to step down as a Trustee
and from the MC due to health reasons. I am sure you join me in wishing Terrence a speedy recovery.
Without Terrence’s expert guidance and knowledge the Society would not have gained charity status in the
shortest time possible. He was also instrumental in giving the MC advice and guidance in obtaining the
lease on our new Archive and Library at Leatherhead. We owe Terence a massive debt and I extend our
thanks to him for a job well done.
The Members’ Weekend at Bournemouth will soon be with us and I hope to see at least one representative
from each Branch in attendance at the Officers Conference on the morning of Sunday 14th October. For
those of you staying the weekend don’t forget to pack your bucket and spade! W. Gordon Davies
RAIL INDUSTRY
Heathrow Express. The planned takeover of the Heathrow Express operation by GWR did not happen on 1st
August as originally intended. It is now expected that the change will happen in the autumn. The delay is purely
in the paperwork formalities; as yet the relevant authorities have not approved part of the safety case (specifically
the part for using the Heathrow tunnels). GWR will supply the trains and drivers but Heathrow Express will remain
as a company for marketing and administration functions.
How to fix a Timetable. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has set out a four-point plan for Network Rail following
an investigation into the company’s mismanagement of timetable changes. Widespread disruption to train
services has occurred since May this year after the introduction of new timetables. But, before this, problems
emerged with NR unable to finalise timetables 12 weeks in advance, prompting the launch of an ORR investigation
in February 2018. The immediate actions demanded of NR were:
1. - NR to provide a report to ORR by 31st August demonstrating how it is running an efficient, fair, effective
and transparent process in revising upcoming timetables.
2. - Revision of its recovery plan by 31st August to get timetables back to the T12, 12 weeks advance
requirement and public reporting of progress.
3. - Accelerate progress on ORR-approved plans to strengthen timetabling capability and resources, including
specific indicators against which ORR will publicly report Network Rail’s progress.
4. - Speeding up of decisions on structural reform and provision to ORR of a draft plan by 30th September.
Portishead – Will it/Won’t it Re-open?
A consultation on the MetroWest phase one scheme, carried out between October and December 2017, received
more than 1,000 responses. Over 95% of those respondents are said to have supported the scheme. The
re-opening of the Portishead branch line has been deemed a nationally significant infrastructure project as it
entails railway works of over 2km outside Network Rail’s existing operational railway network. As a result, North
Somerset council, on behalf of the other west of England authorities, is required to submit an application for a
‘Development Consent Order’ to the government. The publication of the findings marks the final consultation
stage in the scheme’s development process and is described by the council as a significant step towards the
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On 5th August 2018, 66090 arrives at its destination with 6C03, the 13.17SuO Southall-Severnside refuse
containers. The refuse is incinerated at the Energy Recovery Centre indicated on the road sign, beneath which
the branch to the unloading terminal can be seen. Stewart Jolly
submission of the DCO application later this year. North Somerset council is continuing to explore funding options
for the £116m scheme which has included an expression of interest to the Department for Transport’s
‘Transforming Cities Fund’. This was made in conjunction with Gloucestershire and Wiltshire councils in
collaboration with the West of England Combined Authority (see Portbury on p.655).
Trouble at Mill. The Transport Secretary has suggested that trade unions base future pay rises for their members
on the consumer price index (CPI) rate of inflation rather than the higher retail price index (RPI). As one would
expect, this has not gone down well with the unions. The RPI figure is also used to set rail fare increases and so,
unless the government intervenes controlled rail fares will rise by 3.2% in January.
The Secretary of State wrote to the general secretaries of ASLEF, RMT, Unite and TSSA as the August RPI rate was
announced. This figure has been used for several years to calculate regulated rail fare increases the following
January for England. This year’s figure is 3.2% (1% above the RPI figure) with labour costs being cited as one of
the main reasons why rail fares need to go up by more than inflation.
Wales Train and Tram-Train Orders. Stadler has been named preferred bidder to supply 71 trains for the Wales
& Borders rail operation. There would be 36 Citylink three-car tram-trains for Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and
Merthyr Tydfil services. Relying on 25kv as well as battery power, these trains will bring back on-street running
to Cardiff for the first time in 70 years.
The remaining 35 units will be of the FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) type, 11 of which will be
diesel-operated and used on South Wales Metro services to Maesteg, Ebbw vale and Cheltenham. The other 24
units will be tri-mode, capable of running on diesel, overhead electric wires and battery power. The tri-mode
fleet consists of seven three-car and 17 four-car trains and should be in service in 2023.
‘New’ Trains. By the time you read this, ‘short’ HSTs should have entered service in Scotland whilst sub-surface
stock conversion Cl.230 (former D stock) should be running trials between Bedford and Bletchley prior to three
units entering service in December. Meanwhile, at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Artemis has converted a former
West Coast DvT into a Cl.19 by fitting it with a JCB diesel engine to test the feasibility of using such conversions
on unelectrified branch and local services.
New Chair. Former London City Airport boss Declan Collier has been named by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling
as his preferred candidate for the role of Chair of the Office of Rail and Road.
Money from Holes. Transport for London (TfL) says Elizabeth Line oversite development schemes could raise half
a billion pounds to spend on London transport improvements. The claim was made following the signing of an
agreement between TfL and property developer HB Reavis to build a 138,000sq. ft. mixed use scheme above
Farringdon’s new Elizabeth Line platforms.
No More Trains. Open access train operator Alliance Rail Holdings has had its bid to run a new service between
London Waterloo and Southampton Central rejected. The Arriva/Deutsche Bahn-owned company proposed to
operate up to 18 trains per day.
facilities for Enthusiasts. A Transport Focus survey asked more than 12,800 passengers across the country to
rank improvements needed at their station. Passengers said that toilets were the most important facility, followed
by seating on the platform, free Wi-Fi, and shelter; all of course essential for the enthusiast!
651
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UK NETWORK INfRASTRUCTURE
MAJOR PROJECTS ultimately is dependent on successful timely
East West Rail. NR submitted its final plans, the construction of the successor.
outcome of four years’ work, for the Bicester/ Ayr. Platforms 1 and 2 were temporarily shortened
Aylesbury-Bletchley section on 27th July. The statutory from 28th July. The reason is rather unusual as there
consultation period expired on 7th September. If the are concerns about the structural integrity of the
Transport and Works Act Order is approved, adjacent Station Hotel. This action keeps the public
construction could begin early in 2019 under the away from any danger should parts of the hotel fall
auspices of a separate East West Rail Company. away. However, operations were further restricted
HS2. Construction. Amey won the contract to design from August when through platforms 3 and 4 were also
and install two temporary electricity sub-stations to shortened ceasing to act as through roads and
power the Chiltern area tunnelling equipment. One effectively isolating the Girvan/Stranraer line and the
will connect to the Scottish and Southern 132kv Townhead EMU servicing sidings from the network. As
network and transform it to a 33kv supply; the second a result, trains to Ayr are currently limited to four
will take that output and convert it to 11kv for vehicles and services south of Ayr to Girvan and
distribution to final use. Stranraer are replaced by buses. Restrictions will
NEW STATIONS remain for the foreseeable future and a continuing
Brent Cross West. A compulsory purchase order was threat that all services to Ayr will be curtailed at
signed in May to acquire land for a new station (see Prestwick whilst remedial action – whether repair or
p.394, June 2017 RO). It will be about mid-way demolition – is undertaken on the former hotel
between Cricklewood and Hendon, just south of the buildings (see also SCOTLAND notes).
North Circular Road. Its provision is part of the same Barlaston. London Northwestern Railway has declared
scheme that is behind the rail freight depot (see p.222, that it intends to re-open the station in December 2020
April RO). The area in which it will be built is currently or May 2021. Nearby Wedgwood will remain closed.
light industrial and residential; this will be accompanied Chalkwell. NR completed 18 days’ work repairing the
by 7,400 new homes and an enlarged shopping centre footbridge on 27th July. It appears that it was covered
to provide custom for the station. Opening could be as in scaffolding that was removed before work began.
soon as 2022. After strengthening was complete, protective panels
Guildford West. The local council has proposed a new were fitted to prevent further wear.
station in the Park Barn area between Wanborough and Cholsey. The down main line and centre island
Guildford to serve Royal Surrey County Hospital and concrete panel platform extensions were largely in
Surrey University. The scheme is sufficiently advanced place at the country end on 18th August.
that a GRIP3 design has started. Opening is unlikely to Cookham. A new waiting area and ticket office were
be before 2024 but could take up to a further five years. opened recently to replace those suffering from dry rot
Marsh Barton. A new station, Teignmouth side of (see p.508, August RO).
Exeter, was supposed to open in 2016 but construction Derby. To describe some of the platforms as
has still not started. As is often the case, costs have ‘renumbered’ (e.g. new 5 is former 6, see p.580,
escalated, in part owing to a change in required September RO) does a disservice to the teams involved
standards after the project began, requiring rework of in delivering the new station. By 6th August the south
the designs. A good portion of the funding is in place, end of the former platform 4/5/6 island had been
but the station must open by March 2021 otherwise completely removed and a new structure was built in
the funding will be withdrawn. its place on a new alignment over the following weeks.
Waterbeach. Developer RLW Estates proposes a new Didcot. The London end platform extension to
station to replace the current one. If patronage accommodate 12-car terminating electric trains
increases in line with RLW’s projections, the safety risk showed little progress in mid-August. Such work that
at the existing station, which straddles a level crossing, had been completed is noticeably higher than the
is likely to become unacceptably high. Additionally, site remainder of the platform.
constraints mean that it is impracticable to extend Added in July, platform 1 has red squares with white
platforms for longer trains or provide a footbridge. A zone numbers painted on it. These should match zones
new site, around a mile north of today’s station at a displayed on the CIS.
new town, will allow it to act as a park & ride facility. Farringdon. TfL and HB Reavis have signed an
RLW submitted a planning application to South agreement to build 12,800m² of mixed use
Cambridgeshire district council recently and hopes to development above the station platforms. It will have
open it in 2021. two storeys of retail topped by a further seven of
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS offices.
Stations. Angel Road. The ORR published its public Feltham. The area will see numerous changes soon.
consultation associated with closing the station on Station upgrade works should be completed in
22nd August. If approved (as is likely), it will close ‘on December 2019. In addition to platform lengthening,
or after’ 19th May 2019. Closure would coincide with there will be a new entrance to platform 1 and
opening its replacement at Meridian Water and improved interchange with local buses. The adjacent,
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On 5th August 2018, 66090 shunts the refuse unloading terminal at Severnside after arrival with 6C03, the
13.17SuO from Southall. The saplings in the foreground are likely to obscure this view within a few years.
Stewart Jolly
but offsite, ramped footbridge will be replaced by a Redbridge. Many (mainly unstaffed) stations have had
pedestrian and cycle bridge. Aside from station their permit to travel machines removed and replaced
changes there will be a resignalling scheme, part of by ticket vending machines. This station is unusual in
which will see closure of Feltham West level crossing. having a new permit to travel machine, placed by the
Glasgow Queen St. Consort House and the Millennium entrance, but with no ticket machine or CIS. The choice
Hotel extension have been razed, with some further of equipment indicates that there may not be a data
demolition necessary on Dundas Street. Piling for the cable in the area.
enlarged station can now begin. To brighten up the Salford Central. During a period of just over three
hoardings a local artist and Glasgow School of Art weeks starting on 31st August, the platform canopies
graduate was invited to cover them with a bold, were cut back. Often, such as on the Great Western
modular design. It includes elements from the Glasgow main line, such action is to give sufficient electrification
coat of arms and semaphore signals, amongst other clearance. In this case it is to improve signal sighting.
things. Taplow. The old temporary footbridge (towards
Liverpool Lime St. A new ‘platform 0’ was created from London end) had been dismantled and removed by
30th July as NR refers to the now-trackless former 21st August.
platform 1 as such. Three days earlier, local MPs had a Tilehurst. By 26th August the centre island platform
guided tour of the station construction works. New London end extension had longitudinal concrete beams
platform 1 will come into full passenger use in October installed. The up relief line had the ground dug away
when the works are fully complete. for foundations but little more.
On 11th August signage was in situ for the new virgin Twyford. By late August the country end extension to
Trains complex (see p.508, August RO), but fitting out the down main line platform extension was complete
was still taking place. In early July the main concierge and in use. So too was the London end island platform
office closed again. extensions (plural, as the work is in distinct parts for
London Paddington. If listed building consent is each track with a gap between).
forthcoming, NR will remove the platform 11/12 Water Orton. By 11th August the station’s lamp posts
Ransomes & Rapier buffer stops, which date from had been painted in West Midlands Railway orange but
around 1912. The area released will be used to the signs mounted on them were still London Midland
increase passenger circulation space. The threatened types, albeit with the logo blanked out.
buffers are not in use as there are other buffers about Other Structures. Catesby. Work has started at the
half a coach length away. NR hopes the buffers will find disused 1m 1,237yd-long tunnel, roughly mid-way
further use in a heritage environment. between Northampton and Leamington Spa, to convert
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Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 654
it into an aero research facility. By early August Sidings and Depots. Allerton. Roads 5 and 6 will be
contractor Stepnell had completed revised retaining electrified soon and the depot will receive new CET and
structures, arising from widening the south end AdBlue systems (the latter helps diesel stock have
approach cutting, in preparation for constructing the cleaner emissions). A bogie drop and roof access
two-storey main building. The tunnel will receive a equipment are also under construction.
smooth asphalt road surface and controlled Ardwick. An outline design for expanding the depot
environment to test vehicles at over 100mph. It is has been completed and a contract awarded to
perfectly straight with a 1:176 constant gradient. It was Spencer Group to complete detailed design and
built in 1897 and has sat disused since 1966; the facility construction. Ultimately, it will allow stabling for an
designers consider it to be in a remarkably good additional 16 vehicles. The extension will be separate
condition given the minimal maintenance it received in to, but accessed via, the Siemens-controlled sidings.
the intervening years. Site surveys had started by 17th August. One of the
Felixstowe. As a condition on creating around a mile of first tasks is to use ground penetrating radar to identify
double track between Trimley and Gun Lane level the bed rock, along with some excavation to find old
crossing (see p.798, December 2017 RO), NR secured arches known to be buried under the site. The sidings
appropriate permissions in early August to build a should be complete in May 2019.
bridleway bridge over the line to replace the crossing. Buxton. Site clearance began in the summer ready to
Contractor volkerFitzpatrick started construction very extend the freight sidings to accommodate 26-wagon
soon on the structure designed with due consideration trains (see p.76, February RO). The extension runs
to its visual appearance. through a former waste facility (in which construction
Liverpool. There is a staircase between the slow and workers unearthed a car and numerous tyres) and
fast lines, thought to be between Crown Street and farmland. It requires 2,000m of drainage and a public
Smithdown Lane tunnels, which is enclosed to protect footbridge will be extended and have better lighting
users from the OLE. It looks rather like a building fitted. The clearance should be complete in the
external fire escape, so it could be an emergency egress autumn to allow railway construction to begin in
route to the street above. November. The new sidings will be operational in April
Stirling. NR demolished Kerse Road bridge in April, 2019.
then from 21st July installed 14, 21m-long replacement Newton Heath. Stobart Rail and Civils has started work
beams during five night shifts. The work was on a new 3,500m² maintenance facility, expanding the
completed faster than expected, partly because of current depot by five sidings with capacity for 20
favourable weather conditions. The beams weighed vehicles.
variously between 30t and 50t and required a 750t Old Oak Common. Tractors with claw attachments
crane to put them in place. There are 88 piled were noted on 15th August tearing an HST depot
foundations and new abutments on either side. The building apart. It had lost a good proportion of the wall
bridge has been designed to allow the council to install facing the main line.
a third road lane in the future if required. Sheffield. Northern is extending its servicing facility
Routes. Coventry. Coventry Historic Trust has beside the station. Contractor Cairn Cross Civil
concluded negotiations to buy part of the former Engineering should complete the work, that includes a
Coventry loop line. The trust will convert the section new shed, CET and AdBlue facilities, by November.
between Humber Road Jct. and Gosford Green into a Sandiacre. Previously, NR’s high output trains had their
walkway to and from Charterhouse, which it also owns. own spare parts stores carried on board. NR claims
The Coventry loop line never had a passenger service £1.6m of efficiency saving by moving all parts to a new
and saw only very few specials. The section being store within the high output operations base (HOOB)
acquired closed on 7th October 1963; the remaining at Toton. Whilst potentially taking longer to source the
section stayed open until August 1981. required spare part, the improved storage conditions
Stromeferry. Owing to road works there was, prevent unwanted scrapping and mean the part stands
effectively, a new extremely long level crossing from a greater chance of being usable when it arrives.
3rd September as the A890 was temporarily diverted Wolverton. Much of the ex-LNWR works site is being
over the railway formation. There were set times demolished to make space for a supermarket. Railway
during which the road was open, dictated by the times work continues on the remaining site. During August
trains pass. This is not the first time the railway in this Knorr-Bremse announced that it will sell this site, along
area has doubled as a road (see p.274, May 2012 RO). with Glasgow’s Springburn works and its Birmingham-
Engineering Works. Bolton. NR closed all lines around based Kiepe Electric subsidiary, to Mutares. It is likely,
Bolton for nine days starting on 25th August whilst it but not confirmed, that the new owner will sell the
completed a major stage of the upgrade and companies on fairly soon.
electrification works. 14 stations lost their rail service Signalling. Liverpool Lime St. The miniature lever panel
for the duration (Adlington (Lancashire), Blackrod, saw its last operation on 13th July, its final duties
Bolton, Chorley, Clifton, Darwen, Entwistle, Farnworth, concerning the engineering possession taken to carry
Hall i’ Th’ Wood, Horwich Parkway, Kearsley, Lostock, out resignalling and remodelling. It was last used at
Moses Gate and Westhoughton), as did the lines to 20.17 after the departure of the final ‘shuttle’ towards
Blackburn Bolton Jct., Crow Nest Jct., Euxton Jct. and Huyton and signed out of use at 20.30 that evening,
Windsor Bridge Jct. The associated signalling works control passing to Manchester ROC (see p.580,
required 236km of cabling. September RO).
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Liverpool South Parkway. New signalling location cases August. If the MetroWest service does happen, the
(‘equipment boxes’) are in place at the north end of points will have to be replaced as the preferred design
platform 4, planted in part of the flower beds near moves them to the south of the Pill station site (see
where the car park roadway runs alongside. There is a also Portishead on p.650).
weeks’ closure in October when additional work will Operational Matters. Hanwell. The up relief line 2/3
take place, which will lead to abolition of Allerton and car stop marker was repositioned higher on 5th August.
Speke Jct. signal boxes over the Christmas period. This keeps the stop position the same and
Mossley Hill. New gantries and signals have been simultaneously allows construction workers to fit a
erected along the line to West Allerton and location hoarding around their work site. A similar action took
cases have been installed at the south (disused) end of place at Langley’s two up direction platforms on 3rd
West Allerton platform 4. September.
Level Crossings. Hessle. A footpath crossing between Sea Mills. The Bristol side ‘W’ board (for the
here and North Ferriby closed on 13th August. Unlike occupation crossing at the Avonmouth end of the
many closures this one was temporary, for five days, platform) now carries a small yellow rectangular sign
whilst NR installed monitoring equipment to check on with black lettering stating ‘non stop trains only’.
a crack that had formed beside the railway. The closure Wigan. From 5th August a sign was installed at the
was immediately followed by safety warnings as some connection to Springs Branch sidings declaring ‘electric
people deliberately climbed over barriers. trains no access to D.E.D. siding’.
Track Layouts. Aberdeen. Part of the line north Electrification. Kettering. Electrification on the Corby
towards Inverness, between 0m 74ch and 1m 13ch and route was still not far advanced in late August. Masts
between 1m 26ch and 6m 0ch, was doubled from 20th were in place for around half a mile through the middle
August, on time after 14 weeks’ effort, though the track section of the route, whilst bases were in place from
will not be commissioned until 2019 (see p.437, July the junction with the main line almost to Corby station.
RO). The new track is on the up side of the formation Steventon. The close proximity of a low bridge and a
and required 19,000 sleepers and 66,000t of ballast. level crossing has created a problem with the OLE here.
Because of this work, and in readiness for different The wire gradient required to get between extremely
signalling requirements anyway, certain signals that low (under the bridge) to very high (over the crossing)
were on the new track bed were moved from the right limits the safe speed of electric trains using it. NR’s
to the left of the line and repositioned as required. preferred solution is to remove and rebuild the bridge.
Bedwyn. Physical works to extend the reversing siding Campaigners argued amongst other reasons that such
(see p.77, February RO) began over the weekend 25th/ a move would have a detrimental impact on the
26th August with setting up a site compound. On 27th surrounding economy and on 2nd August vale of the
the footpath crossing closed and a start was made on White Horse council agreed that demolition was not
building a modular replacement and walkway linking justified and rejected the proposal. NR is considering
to the existing footpath on the south side of the line. an appeal. Meanwhile, trains must continue to run on
The new crossing arrangements opened to the public diesel power west of Didcot. The ATP system makes it
on 31st and the lengthened siding was officially impractical to impose speed restrictions on electric
brought into use from 04.55 the same day. traction only.
Craven Arms. It was noted in June that ground levelling Walsall. OLE neutral sections were brought into use on
was taking place north west of the station. It is 6th August on the Pleck curve (line BJW1) and
believed that this formed some of the preparation Darlaston line (WDJ). These lines were already
required for remodelling in October. From 8th October, electrified but now require some separation from the
trains heading for the Central Wales Line will do so from northbound wiring extension.
the usual southbound platform and then use a newly- finally. Joneses keeping up with the Yankees. In the
installed crossover. The crossover north of the station 1960s London Bridge was dismantled and rebuilt in
was removed and the connection onto the branch was Arizona. Aberystwyth, it seems, wants a share of the
moved south slightly. Naturally, there were associated action. Parts of about a third of the original London
signalling changes. Bridge station roof (16 columns, 14 beams and some
Lea Bridge. By early August, track laying for the new other elements) were donated to the vale of Rheidol
track to Meridian Water station was 80% complete. Railway, as the Thameslink project began, for use as a
Two Kirow 250t cranes installed the majority of track new museum shed. The victorian Society tried
over two weekends, supported by a volkerFitzpatrick unsuccessfully to have the South Eastern Railway’s
installation gang that accumulated 1,000 man-hours on office in nearby Tooley Street listed and incorporated
the job. The track was laid out with short rail lengths, into the development as it was in good condition and
which were then replaced by the final, longer lengths the last example of a commercial building designed by
when the alignment was correct. Charles Barry Jr. It too was demolished but some of the
Portbury. When the Portishead line partially re-opened decorative stonework has also made its way to
to serve the docks, a set of points was put in to Aberystwyth to integrate into the museum structure.
minimise construction disruption as and when the rest Thanks to Mike Addison, Bob Barby, Geoff Brockett,
of the line re-opened for passengers. After 17 years John Cashen, Paul Chancellor, Richard Giles, Stuart
sitting idle, the points were noted ‘plain lined’ in Hicks and Andrew Lait.
655
Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 656
TRACTION & ROLLING STOCK
LOCOMOTIVES – Changes to 31st August 2018
The empty power unit compartment of 56009 has been Dutch Cl.66, to be moved to EMD Longport for repairs.
measured internally to see how re-engineered New Pool Code.
equipment can be accommodated within the Cl.56 GBTG GBRf, Cl.60, PG
body shell. It has been reported that Freightliner is now using DFHJ
Dutch Cl.66 Captrain 6601 has been moved to EMD, for locomotives allocated for RHTT work.
Longport for a major exam; it is likely that further HST Power Car Changes (continued from September
Captrain Cl.66s may follow. RO).
On 1st a Freightliner - Genesee & Wyoming Company It has been advised that 43003/31, 43142/52 were
flag was seen flying over Leeds Midland Road depot; reallocated to HA in May and 43026, 43125/8/41 in
the flag has the same logo as on recently reliveried June but note that four of these power cars were still
66413 (see picture opposite). at Brush, Loughborough on 20th August. As of early
82113/19001 started low speed running tests under its August 43140/5/9 were still allocated to EC. It is
own power in Bo’ness Yard on 1st, then ventured out thought that power cars reallocated to HAPC before
along the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway for further tests on April were allocated to EC while those transferred to
20th. HAPC more recently have been allocated to HA.
60095 started being used for GBRf Cl.60 training on Modification.
8th, running from Doncaster to Peterborough and 67014 has been fitted with modified Dellner couplers,
Whitemoor Yard; 60047 then went to Tyne Dock on compatible with the swing-head coupler fitted to most
10th and was used on biomass workings to Lynemouth Cls.66s and 67s.
power station, joined later in the month on these 92018/28 are the latest GBRf Cl.92s to be fitted with
workings by 60087, while 60085 went to Tuebrook Dellner couplers, 92023 was done in March and 92033
sidings on 14th. 60095 worked from Whitemoor Yard in June.
to Eastleigh Works on 31st; it is expected to become Named.
the first Cl.60 to receive GBRf livery. The remaining 43188 now has additional vinyls.
Colas Cl.60s, the ones with longer range fuel tanks, Geraint Thomas/Y Cymro Chwim/Enillydd y Tour de
have now been released to GBRf but not yet formally France 2018
handed over. Geraint Thomas/Flying Welshman/Winner of the Tour
The cabs from 66734, the Cl.66 which was cut-up on de France 2018
They have been appropriately fitted to one of GWR’s
site at Loch Treig, have been moved from EMD,
two Welsh Dragon branded HST power cars; the front
Longport to Eastleigh Works, where they are to be
of the dragon is now in yellow, to celebrate Geraint
converted into simulators.
Thomas winning the yellow jersey.
Network Rail test trains are operating from Nemesis Names Removed.
Rail, Burton-upon-Trent during the Derby blockade for 08874 Catherine.
remodelling the track layout. 20305 Gresty Bridge (before 66421 was named in
DB Operating Pools. Locomotive allocations (for details July).
of pool code definitions, see the Society’s website). 43139 Driver Stan Martin
Cl.59 WDAM 59201-6 25 June 1950 – 6 November 2004.
Cl.60 WCAT 60001/19/39/40/4/62/3/5/6, 60087 CLIC Sargent.
60100 Store.
WCBT 60007/10/5/20/54/9/91 Leeds Midland Road – 70002/11/5; 70011 later
Cl.67 WAAC 67002/3/5/6/8/12-6/8/ reinstated but not yet returned to service.
20/1/4/8 Returned to service – 40013, 47727, 47853, 60047/
WABC 67004/30 85/7/95, 66787.
WAWC 67010/20/9 56303 sustained cab and possibly frame damage when
Cl.90 WEAC 90024/35/7/40 it was collided with, while stabled, at Wembley Yard in
WEDC 90018-20/8/9/34/6/9 late May. While not officially stored, it has remained
Cl.92 WFBC 92011/5/9/36/41/2 there; it is expected to be removed to Eastleigh Works
Allocation Changes. for assessment.
Cl.37 Correction. In July RO, 37606 should have Movements.
been KM XHSS-XHNC. Castle Donington – 56018/81/98, 56104, 56301/12.
Cl.60 60047/76/85/7/95 Doncaster former Royal Mail terminal – 60002/21/
RU-PG COLO-GBRT 6/56/96; 60002/26/56/96 were subsequently moved
then PG GBRT-GBTG to Toton.
Cl.66 66507/22 LD DFIM-DFHJ Eastleigh Works – 66008.
66999 HQ GROG registered Ely – 43130/9.
Cl.70 70002/15 FD DFGI-DHLT Ely, on 31st July, then Brush Loughborough just over a
70011 FD DFGI-DHLT week later – 43150/64.
then FD DHLT-DFGI Goodman’s Yard, Wishaw – 08950.
66999 has been registered to allow Captrain 6601, a Laira – 43140/9, for a major exam.
656Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 657
Freightliner 66413 at Ipswich, in the newly-adopted Genesee & Wyoming Co. livery, on 20th August working 4M93 14.32MO
Felixstowe North-Lawley St. Keith Partlow
Leicester – 27059. Further to the report in September RO, interim LNER
Wabtec, Doncaster – 43040, 43153. stickers have been observed on the following HST
Wolsingham, Weardale Railway – 08874. power cars and Cl.91s to 31st August: 43208/39/57/90,
Locomotives Exported to france for use by 43300/7/9/11/3/6/8, 91113/6/29.
EuroCargoRail (continued from November 2016 RO) Your section editor has belatedly read a HST 40th
The most recent five Cl.66s to be exported to France Anniversary supplement which included a photograph
were moved through the Channel Tunnel in October of 43009 with Angel Trains branding at the press launch
2016; 66193, 66201/13 went through on 16th, whilst on 11th May 2005 for the first pair of HST power cars
66204/32 left on 30th. to receive MTU power units at Brush, Loughborough;
ECR Cl.66s are no longer returned to Toton for major this branding had been removed before the power car
exams. 66052 was the last one, returning to France on was delivered by road to St. Philip’s Marsh on 20th for
31st May 2017. testing. 43004, the second of the pair, was delivered
Cl.92s Exported to Romania (continued from August to St. Philip’s Marsh on 10th June. 43004/9 then
RO). received First ‘neon’ livery, the only two FGW power
In addition to 92005, which was previously reported, cars to get that livery which they carried for at least a
92002/12/24 have also moved to Croatia. 92001/39 year, then the stripes were removed. 43175, one of the
are still working in Romania, while 92003/26 are out of
next pair to receive MTU power units, also appeared in
use, possibly as sources for spares.
Angel Trains promotional branding, photographed on
freightliner Locomotives exported to Poland.
Correction. In August RO Polish numbers for 66525/7/ 6th July 2006, day before it was released to FGW. It
30 are 66016-8 respectively should have been 66527/ and subsequent re-engined power cars received the
30/5 are 66016-8 respectively. then standard FGW blue livery, which is still carried by
Locomotive Liveries. Changes reported are: those power cars which haven’t received the GWR
BR small logo blue – 31128; it was reported as green livery.
unbranded BR blue in November 2012 RO and was still WORKS REPORT
in that livery in April 2018, its nameplate now has a Brush Traction, Loughborough. Here on 20th August
black background instead of the previous red. were 73134, 73968, 92006/10/8/20/45/6, HST power
Colas name and logos removed, Railfreight retained – cars 43026/31, 43125/8/41/50/2/64, DMU sets
60047/76/85/7. 158795, 158865, 159009/10, EMU sets 319431/4/56
FGW branding removed – 43130/9/50/64. and barrier vehicles ADB 975864/7.
GBRf modified – 66787. Correction. The report in September RO was for 26th
Grey – 56103. July, not June.
GWR green – 43170/89. Thanks to www.wnxx.com, Phil Deaves, former 37890
ScotRail HST livery – 43140/9. Log Compiler Bob Wallen, Robert Warburton, our
TransPennine Express – 68020/4/32. Brush, Loughborough correspondent and one other.
657Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 658
COACHING STOCK
HAULED STOCK. Stock Alterations. The following were 23rd August: 07.39 Kings Cross-York and
reported during July and August: New: 11501/4, 26th August: 12.14 Nottingham-Ely and 15.03 return to
12701-3/10-2, 12801/4-HQ EAHQ, 15104/5, 15205/6, Leicester: all formed: 10729, 10734, 17167, 325, 3247, 3275,
3182, 3267, 1566, 3273, 3174, 92904 (17th and 20th only).
15314/32/3/6-HQ ESHQ. Disposals: 125 Group, GCR 17th August: UK Railtours “Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo”
(N): 10202. charter 09.45 Kings Cross-Edinburgh and
Mk.5s: The ex-velim coaches were imported via 20th August: UK Railtours return charter 10.34 Edinburgh-
Immingham but then taken by road to Holyhead for rail Kings Cross: 17105, 3386, 3364, 1691, 3304, 3356, 3345,
9526.
transport to Manchester. 15008, 15105, 15206, 15314 27th August: 06.25 Crewe-Carmarthen BLS Rail Tour: 5419,
were moved from Tees Port to Polmadie on 12th July 5278, 99318, 4940, 99680, 99351 Sapphire, 99712, 99122.
with 15205, 15104, 15336/3/2 following the next day. HIGH SPEED TRAIN. Stock Alterations. The following
Mk.4s: DvTs 82200/1/6/7/10/2/4/6/8/22/3/8 now were reported during July and August: Allocations:
carry LNER branding. 82205/9/20/4-7 remain 41124/58, 42129, 42200/45/50/5-7/63, 42562, 44029/
unreported. 86-IS HAHQ. These are all stored at Ely.
Mk.3s: To correct the last RO, 82121 was moved to GWR: Sets 14 and 73 did not leave Laira in July as
Cardiff on 7th June, replacing 82152 which had expected, but sets 08 and 16 have disappeared except
returned to Norwich on 5th. 82118 returned from for their buffet cars which have turned up in other sets.
Cardiff to Norwich on 9th August. Two sets are reported to have left for Ely on 31st July
The generator coach which had been used to test Hong and 1st August.
Kong shunters built by Brush was moved from the GCR Set 14 finally left Laira early on 31st August, formed
at Leicester to Castle Donington on 7th June. 44039, 42287/5, 42350, 42578, 42296, 41144. Set 13
10506 is now stored at Long Marston, moved there on is next to go, but without the two buffets and 42581.
26th July. ECML: 40805 carries advert vinyls for Hull.
Mk.2s: 6355/8 was cut up at Booth, Rotherham on 2nd ScotRail: The first full set for ScotRail was noted at
August and 6354/9 on 6th. Wabtec, Doncaster on 30th July and finally went to
Liveries: Chocolate & cream: 1832. Scotland on 17th August.
Excursion Train formations: The following have been DIESEL. Stock Alterations. The following were reported
reported this month: during July and August: Allocations: 156475-NH,
22nd July: ECS Pengam-Arlington, Eastleigh: 3068, 3066, 166220-PM, 170459-61/72-4-NL EDHQ, 172002-TS
1671, 3123, 3121, 3149, 1651, 3146, 4949, 21269. EJHQ.
4th/5th August: Edinburgh-London victoria & ECS return. Cl.142: 073, which had been stored at Cardiff since 6th
Royal Scotsman private charter: 99969, 99968, 99964, June, is now used as a source of spares and was
99963, 99962, 99961, 99337, 99960, 99967, 99965.
11th August: 07.23 Kings Cross-Harrogate, reported withdrawn in August.
17th August: 08.38 Kings Cross-Edinburgh, Cl.143: 609/22 were outshopped from Long Marston
20th August: 10.48 Edinburgh-Kings Cross, on 31st July. 610/4 have not yet gone there.
Electric services finally commenced, approximately two years after the planned date, from Bromsgrove on Sunday
29th July when 323202 worked the 09.42 departure for Birmingham New St. Weekday services will see three
electric and one diesel train per hour and will for the first time for many years provide a service to intermediate
stations between Bromsgrove and New St. Paul Chancellor
586Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 659
Cl.150: 002 is now in GWR green and 112/24/41 in Wolverton to Brush, Loughborough on 31st August.
new Northern colours. Arriva vinyls are beginning to Cl.320: 308 was moved from Shields Road to Glasgow
be removed from units. Works on 25th August.
209 is now formed 57209+57212 and in use on Cl.321: 71949 arrived at Booth, Rotherham on 24th
Manchester area work, always coupled with a Cl.153 July.
to provide the toilet accommodation, noted with 316 404 has been reduced to three cars, 78098+
late August and 301 on 28th. 63066+77946, and renumbered 320404. 420 was
Cl.153: 318/68/72/82 are now in EMT livery. 305 moved from Ilford to Kilmarnock on 11th July for three-
remains white with GWR decals and 370/3/7/80 GWR car conversion.
livery. Cl.323: 202/4/9/12/3/20 are now in new West
Cl.155: 341 is now in new Northern colours. Midlands Railway colours.
Cl.158: 822 has been outshopped after refreshing Cl.331: The first Siemens/CAF Civity unit, 001
including upgraded disabled toilet and the fitting of (463001+464001+466001) has been delivered and is
retention tanks. 831 is next being done and, when the allocated to HQ EDHQ. It arrived at Portbury by road
fleet is complete, the Cambrian line will be the first on 23rd July and was moved on to Edge Hill that day.
where all regular trains are so fitted. 829 was back Cl.345: 024 was moved from Old Oak Common (OOC)
from accident repairs on 21st July whilst 827 was at to Plumstead on 22nd August – on 29th there were two
Wabtec, Doncaster for C4 overhaul from 12th to 30th units at the platforms at Abbey Wood and another in
July when it was replaced by 838 which was out- the siding to the east of the station. 026 was moved
shopped on 9th August. from OOC to Old Dalby on 7th August and 036 from
Cl.159: At Brush, Loughborough on 20th August were Plumstead to OOC on 1st. 044 moved from Crewe to
009/10, with 009 leaving in new SWR livery for Wembley on 30th July whilst 045 moved from Derby to
Salisbury on 29th. Old Dalby on 26th July, 047 on 3rd and 048 on 20th.
Cl.165: 119/29/31/2 were noted at St. Philip’s Marsh 046 moved from Old Dalby to Crewe on 30th July and
late in August. on to Wembley on 3rd August. 047 moved on to Crewe
Several levels of modernisation have become apparent. on 6th August and to Wembley and OOC on 10th. 048
124/8 have the full conversion of air cooling, new moved to Crewe on 14th August.
toilets, cycle rack (in the original DTS), luggage racks Cl.350: 250 was moved to Long Marston on 7th July,
and power sockets. 133 has all but the air cooling 232 on 14th, 267 on 21st, 233 on 28th, 238 on 4th
whilst 116/34/5 have toilet and air cooling but no August. 264 was moved back to Northampton from
luggage and cycle racks. 134 was outshopped from Long Marston on 7th July, 250 on 14th, 232 on 21st,
Wolverton to Reading on 16th August. All new fittings 267 on 28th and 233 on 4th August.
will be done retrospectively where required. Cl.360: 205 is no longer limited to the Heathrow staff
123/6 were delivered from Long Marston to Reading shuttle and is now with the rest of the fleet.
depot on 23rd August. Cl.365: 509/13/21/3/5/9/33/7 were noted in use
134/5/7 are in GWR green and refurbished. between Edinburgh and Glasgow early in August.
Cl.166: 211 was still at Reading late in August whilst 501/5 were moved from Northampton to Crewe on
218 was in Bristol. 21st August, 531/41 on 22nd and 507/15 on 23. Also
Cl.170: 273 was outshopped in Greater Anglia colours, on 23rd 503 was moved from Northampton to Ilford.
on 19th July. 513/9/21/3/33 are now in passenger traffic.
459/60 were moved from Haymarket to Low Fell Cl.378: 135 is named Daks Hamilton.
(where they failed) and returned to Heaton on 1st Cl.385: 006/7 are now allocated to HQ HAHQ. 003 and
August. 472/3 moved to LNwR Crewe on 2nd and 104 are now in traffic.
461/74 went to Neville Hill on 3rd. Cl.390: 002/43 have been outshopped in the new
477 was in service on a normally electric Doncaster- livery, leaving 002/46/7 still to be reported in new
Leeds service, still in Saltire livery on 14th August. livery. 001 has been renamed Bee Together having lost
its Virgin Pioneer name. 043 Virgin Explorer and 047
504/8/11/6 have now appeared in WMR colours CLIC Sargent have lost their names as well.
Cl.172: 342 was in new WMR colours by 31st July. Cl.442: 2401/7/12/21 are still at Ely.
Cl.180: 103 is now in Grand Central livery outshopped Cl.444: 63819 (019) was moved to Kilmarnock in
to Old Oak Common on 9th July. 106 replaced it at August for repairs after a collision with 63273 (450073)
Eastleigh on 10th. 114 is at Old Dalby for the testing of in Bournemouth depot on 10th May.
ETCS equipment. Cl.455: 5845 was outshopped from Wolverton to
Cl.195: The first three-car unit, 103, arrived at Edge Hill Stewarts Lane on 28th July with 5814 replacing it at
on 9th August. Wolverton. 5829 was outshopped to Stewarts Lane on
Cl.221: 116 was noted without a nameplate on 12th 24th August with 5819 replacing it. 5837 was
August. outshopped to Stewarts Lane on 28th.
ELECTRIC. Cl.319: 431/4/56 were still at Brush, Cl.465: 243 was still at Doncaster on 21st July. 242 was
Loughborough on 20th August. 385 entered Northern noted still outside Wabtec, Doncaster on 31st. 243 was
service on 30th July. 372 and 446 are in service still in finally outshopped from Doncaster on 10th August.
unbranded Thameslink livery. Cl.489: 68501/4 have now been outshopped from
215 is now back in passenger traffic whilst 006 is stored Arlington, Eastleigh Works as translator vehicles in
at Wolverton Works. 424 was outshopped from Arlington’s livery.
659Final October RO ex DB with pix_Railway Observer 26/09/2018 11:04 Page 660
Cl.700: 060 is now in traffic. June: 21421/2. 3rd: 21103/4. 6th: 21003/4. 8th: 21487/
Cl.710: 102/10/1 are new to HQ EKHQ and 262-7 to 8. 10th: 21037/8. 13th; 21553/4. 15th: 21111/2. 17th:
WN EKHQ. 21555/6. 22nd: 21527/8. Also reported are 28th July:
Deliveries from Derby to Willesden have been 10th 21355/6. 13th August: 21323/4, 17th: 21341/2. 25th:
July: 262, 16th: 263, 19th: 265, 24th: 266, 25th: 261, 21105/6. 29th: 21349/50.
and 27th: 267. Moves from Derby to Old Dalby were: A Stock: The last train to be disposed of was from
28th June: 110, 29th: 111, 5th July: 102, 6th: 264. Ealing Common to Booth, Rotherham by road: 17th
Cl.717: 005/7-9 are new to HQ ETHQ. July: cars 5234, 6234. 18th: 5235, 6235.
Cl.769: A completed unit was due to emerge from 1960 Stock: Car 3907 was moved from Ruislip to Acton
Brush, Loughborough on 25th August. Works for a motor change on 4th June and was
Cl.800: 105/9 are new to HQ HBHQ and 314/5 are new outshopped on 17th July.
to NP EFHQ. 105/9 were noted alongside Doncaster 1972 Stock: Train 22, units 3242, 3442 was outshopped
Carr IET depot on 9th August. 003/4, 309/10/3 have from Acton Works after life extension work on 6th June
now entered service. and train 23, units 3231, 3460 on 3rd July. Train 24,
313 was moved from Newton Aycliffe to Doncaster Carr units 3240, 3440 went to Acton Works for life extension
on 6th July, 314 on 20th and 315 on 3rd August. 026 is on 7th June and train 25, 3243, 3435 on 4th July.
named Don Cameron MBE on the no.1 car only. The Unit 3229 went from Aldwych to Northfields for
GWR units are understood to be going to receive maintenance on 20th June and was outshopped back
replacement seat covers as the present grey colour is to Aldwych on 4th July.
tending to look dirty rather quickly. 1996 Stock: Mid-life refurbishing train 21, units
201/2, both plain white, remain on ECML test in 96006/23, was outshopped from Stratford Market on
August. 309 was back in use on 28th July. 310 had 10th May, train 22, 96069/80 on 31st and train 23,
96031/40 on 13th June.
been noted as ready for traffic on 27th June prior to its
delivery on 27th July and it was in service by 20th Miscellaneous stock: SB class soil and ballast wagons
August, and 313 by 15th. 316/7/9 were noted at were moved by road to Arlington Fleet Services,
Newton Aycliffe on 14th whilst 315 was delivered to Eastleigh as follows: SB249 on 11th May, SB243/75 on
14th, SB241 on 15th, SB254 on 16th, SB247 on 25th,
North Pole on 5th but on ECML test on 20th. 314 was
SB281 on 31st, SB250/74/84 on 4th June, SB273 on 7th,
delivered to North Pole on 20th.
SB276/90 on 11th, SB248 on 12th, SB242 on 15th,
Cl.801: 201 was on test on the ECML between SB252 on 18th, SB256 on 19th, SB286 on 20th and
Doncaster Carr and Kings Cross on 20th-22nd August. SB244 on 12th July. Outshopped from Arlington have
Cl.802: 003/5 and 006/7 entered service between been SB245 on 10th May, SB275 on 14th, SB253 on
Paddington and Plymouth/Penzance on 20th August 15th, SB269 on 16th, SB265 on 17th, SB264 on 18th,
and, by the end of August, 003/7 and 005/6 were SB246 on 22nd, SB257 on 25th, SB267 on 30th, SB261/
paired. 015/6 were delivered from Dollands Moor to 74 on 4th June, SB243 on 5th, SB262 on 8th, SB282 on
North Pole on 28th August. 12th, SB283 on 15th, SB263 on 18th, SB279 on 21st,
LONDON UNDERGROUND SB241 on 25th, SB277 on 26th, SB288 on 28th, SB268
S Stock: Moved from Ruislip to Bombardier, Derby for on 29th, SB249 on 3rd July, SB260 on 12th, SB271 on
ATC mods: Correction: 21111/2 went on 30th May not 13th and SB284 on 20th.
25th. Trains 97-104 are 1st June: 21555/6. 4th: Redundant SB233 was broken up by Raxstar at Eastleigh
21527/8. 6th: 21309/10. 8th: 21303/4. 11th: 21561/2. Works on 29th May, SB236 on 30th and SB231 on 31st.
13th:21029/30. 15th: 21035/6. 22nd: 21451/2. Also SB232/8 were moved by road from Eastleigh to Norton,
reported are 11th August: 21327/8. 29th: 21345/6. Southampton for scrap on 11th June and SB234/7 on
Returned to Ruislip ex-mods: Trains 91/2, 84, 93-8: 1st 12th.
N AT I O N A L N E T W O R K O P E R AT I O N S
SOUTHERN
SOUTH EAST below). These were exchanged for 73964/5 and on 4th
NR Test Trains. On 31st July a UTU with 37607 arrived it departed as 09.08 to Woking Up Yard covering the
at Hither Green PAD as 21.13 (30th) from Burton-on- Marshlink, East Coastway to Eastbourne and Tonbridge-
Trent, Wetmore sidings via the ECML. Overnight on Hastings lines. It returned on 10th as 17.44 (9th)
1st/2nd August it worked a 22.00 circuit covering the Woking Up Yard-Hither Green PAD covering a large part
North Downs line and the Seaford branch. On 2nd it of south and south east London and parts of Surrey and
worked 08.57 to Hoo Jct. and 11.54 return, for fuel, Kent. On 11th it worked 09.00 to Woking Up Yard
then overnight a 21.31 circuit covering the Mole valley covering Tonbridge-Ashford and overnight on 13th/
and Arun valley lines including both Bognor Regis and 14th worked a 23.13 to Tonbridge West Yard via a tour
Littlehampton branches finally departing on 3rd as the of the south and south east London suburban system.
23.06 to Burton-on-Trent via the ECML. Overnight on 14th/15th it worked 17.48 to London
In the early hours of 3rd August a track recording train Bridge covering the Oxted lines. On 15th it worked
with 73961/73962 arrived from Eastleigh Works (see 01.17 to Tonbridge West Yard via a tour of the south
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