Wolfhall
The end to another very 'hit and miss' couple of hours on the Berks & Hants with 59204 passing Wolfhall working 6A61 12:24 Whatley Quarry - West Drayton in a very lucky patch of sunshine, although the whole scene is not perfectly lit by the sun.
18 July 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
18 July 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
New Mill
An unexpected bonus in the form of 59101 Village of Whatley in its distinctive customer livery for Heidelberg Materials seen leading 7A40 08:40 Merehead - Hanwell Bridge Loop at New Mill, tucked inside is 66524.
18 July 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
18 July 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
New Mill
How the hell we managed to get this shot I still don't know! Literally a minute or two before the Class 60 came into view it was totally dull and then the sun finally started to appear almost as it came into view, but as the train crawled towards us on the climb to the summit at Savernake a Great Western IET passed heading west, resulting in this slightly cropped version as the next frame had the nose of the Class 800 to the right and within a single second the stone train was completely lost. This is DC Railfreights 60046 William Wilberforce passing New Mill working 6Z52 06:39 Tytherington - Qainton Railhead with more product for HS2 project.
18 July 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
18 July 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Pewsey
The distinctive Cappagh liveried 60028 sweeps through Pewsey working 6Z51 06:48 Tytherington - Appleford loaded stone train.
07 May 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
(K&F Concept 'True Colour' lens filter)
07 May 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
(K&F Concept 'True Colour' lens filter)
Pewsey
The first time the camera has been out since February and it was great to finally get a morning of fine weather. So, myself and Wetbag find ourselves once again heading to the B&H and to the attractive area around Pewsey. First up with booked double stamps on the jumbo 7A40 08:40 Merehead - Hanwell Bridge Loop as 66560 leads 66523 east of Pewsey station at Knowle.
07 May 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
(K&F Concept 'True Colour' lens filter)
07 May 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
(K&F Concept 'True Colour' lens filter)
Erlestoke
What a great way to finish the day and be home by 15:30 with two sunny tug shots 'in the can'. Of the four DCR Class 60s this was the one that had eluded me, until today. Passing Erlestoke is 60029 Ben Nevis in charge of 6Z60 09:44 Willesden - Merehead. This is an occasional flow, currently running once a week, but for how much longer?
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Erlestoke
All a bit rushed, I had just finished setting up the pole as 6A61 12:25 Whatley Quarry - West Drayton came into view in the distance, however I wasn't ready with the composition leading to this unbalanced view of 59204 passing Erlestoke. A return visit is on the cards.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
New Mill
Freightliner have apparently got the Mendip contract for another ten years, so until 2034 give or take, if that's correct. So, love them or loath them the 'green team' will be working along here for may years to come. Another view from Milton Lilbourne footpath crossing as 66536 passes working 6C52 09:40 West Drayton - Eask Usk and a smart set of new blue hoppers.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
New Mill
The view from Milton Lilbourne footpath crossing as 800001 passes working 1C77 10:35 Paddington - Exeter St Davids Great Western service.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
New Mill
Having been disappointed with my previous shots here a return visit was on the cards and with an orange Class 59 heading west there was no other location to consider. Here 59205 passes Cuckoo's Knob with 6C31 10:14 Theale - Whatley Quarry stone empties.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Pewsey
What is currently a daily weekday working is this DC Railfreight operated trip from Tytherington quarry in Gloucestershire, bringing the welcome sight of Class 60s along the Berks & Hants route. Once again Cappagh liveried 60028 with its smart un-graffitied wagons is on this working; 6Z52 06:50 Tytherington - Quainton Railhead, with more stone for HS2. Naturally this is only a temporary flow so any opportunity to capture it is taken, especially in weather as good as this. The 'tug' is seen here on the approach to Pewsey having been 'put away' at Woodborough loop for 1A76 to pass, the locomotive could certainly be heard before it was seen as it climbs up the gradient to Savernake summit.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Pewsey
Time to go a little wider , however as I suspected you start to loose sight of the impressive thatched cottage. Next up, 1A76 06:05 Penzance - Paddington GWR service operated with IET unit 800310. By the time the train has passed us here at Pewsey it is four hours and twenty minutes into its journey, with a booked arrival into London of 11:29.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Pewsey
Pioneer Class 59 No.59001 Yeoman Endeavour, with ceremonial bell-end leading, approaches Pewsey hauling 7A40 08:40 Merehead - Hanwell Bridge Loop 'jumbo', Hanson liveried 59104 Village of Great Elm is tucked inside the lead locomotive. This train is effectively two trains in one and upon arrival at Hanwell loop, which is near Southall, it divides, with one portion going forward to Harlow Mill and the other to Tolworth.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Pewsey
The start of a few great hours on the Berks & Hants line, and a location I've been meaning to come and take a look at for years. First up on this glorious cold winter's morning is GWR service 1J74 06:37 Plymouth - Paddington operated by 802006 as it slows for its station stop at Pewsey.
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
12 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Wolfhall
With the light constantly up and down due to the cloud it was a delight that it held on for 66506 Crewe Regeneration as it approaches Wolfhall hauling 6V18 13:38 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry with another train of empty stone wagons.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Wolfhall
It was good to bump into David Warwick here at Wolfhall as we capture 59204 powering 6A61 12:25 Whatley Quarry - West Drayton loaded stone.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
Wolfhall
GWR IET 800309 passes the site of the former Wolfhall Junction operating 1A82 09:10 Penzance - Paddington. A junction existed here until abolition in 1961 following closure of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway (M&SWJR) line from Marlborough to Grafton South Junction which had closed during 1959, although its final train was on 13 September 1958. Fast forward to 2024 when this view was captured and you can't help but wonder if the M&SWJR, which ran from Andoversford Junction near Cheltenham down to Red Post Junction near Andover, would have been popular considering the growth in population for places like Andover, Ludgershall / Tidworth, Marlborough and Swindon and the fact the line was double track from here at Wolfhall through to Andover it would have made a good diversionary route perhaps? Sadly we will never know.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
New Mill
I've broken my own rules when taking this shot by going way too high with the pole at 7m as I was already standing on high ground (in relation to the railway line), so a good excuse to come back and rectify this mistake in the near future. In the meantime here's 66554 passing Cuckoo's Knob with 6C52 10:04 West Drayton - East Usk stone empties.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
New Mill
Passing Cuckoo's Knob is 66539 working 6C31 10:14 Theale - Whatley Quarry stone empties as it passes over Milton Lilbourne public footpath crossing.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II)
Patney
The Met Office forecast was certainly right, a bright day with hazy sunshine and high cloud. With the light dipping slightly minutes before, DC Railfreight's distinctive Cappagh blue 60028 heads past Patney with 6Z52 06:50 Tytherington - Quainton Railhead and yet another load of stone for HS2.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Patney
Two weeks after my previous visit I wanted to return to Patney to photograph a couple of trains in the opposite direction. First up is 7A40 08:40 Merehead - Hanwell Bridge Loop 'jumbo' with 66551 leading 66593 3MG Merseyside Multimodal Gateway towards the site of the former Patney & Chirton station, which closed in 1966.
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
01 February 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Patney
A livery that I think suits the Class 60 is DC Rail's light grey, with three out of the four operational Class 60 locomotives they operate sporting this livery. Here 60046 William Wilberforce passes Patney hauling 6Z60 10:05 Willesden DCR - Merehead stone empties in glorious winter light. Once loaded at Merehead quarry the train will return loaded to Willesden. Unlike the other DCR operated flows from Tytherington, which moves product for the HS2 project, this train moves product from the Mendips to the Cappagh Group owned Express Concrete plant at Wembley - thanks to Dan Read for that snippet of info.
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Patney
A shot that really should have been taken an hour earlier to better include the moon, which can be seen at the top-centre of the frame, as 800301 hurries past Patney operating 1C80 12:03 Paddington - Penzance.
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Lydeway
A bit of an error with my camera's ISO setting but thankfully I was able to salvage this shot in post-processing, I think! Here Freightliner's 66536 passes Stoner Crossing at Lydeway with 6C52 10:04 West Drayton - East Usk Yard stone empties. The moon is just visible to the top centre-left.
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Lydeway
Its only taken something like thirteen year to get to this location since I first intended to take a look around 2010. This is Stoner Crossing at Lydeway, and vegetation clearance in 2020 is certainly back with a vengeance, so-much-so that it's a pole only shot, which is a real shame. Take a look at Ben Gibbs great shot from here just three years prior to my visit, click here to see the difference. Slowly making its way up the rising gradient from Great Cheverall to the summit at Savernake is 59004 Paul A Hammond with 7A60 10:50 Merehead - Colnbrook with another load of Mendip stone.
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Lydeway
GWR IET 802008 hurries past Stoner Crossing at Lydeway, near Devizes, operating 1A78 07:10 Penzance - Paddington. The leading vehicle carries a nameplate, as such, beneath the cabside window, reading RNLB Solomon Browne. More detail on this plate can be found here regarding this tragic 1981 lifeboat disaster.
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
19 January 2024
(6D Mk.II PL)
Crofton
A GWR IET unit passing Crofton alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal.
13 January 2023
(6D PL)
13 January 2023
(6D PL)
Crofton
6M78 07:07 Tytherington - Quainton Railhead past Crofton worked by 66133.
13 January 2023
(6D PL)
13 January 2023
(6D PL)
Crofton
66506 leads 59203 with 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard past Crofton.
13 January 2023
(6D PL)
13 January 2023
(6D PL)
Great Bedwyn
With Wetbag down near the trackside capturing a more bulk-standard image due to a dodgy pole set-up, this is the view from the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal as 60046 William Wilberforce passes Great Bedwyn working 6Z50 09:53 Willesden DCR to Machen Quarry. This working is reportedly going over to Freightliner by the end of October 2022, and if so it will be a sad loss on the Berks & Hants route, and along with 6B33 from Theale now going via the 'top road' the B&H will be devoid of any booked Class 60 workings.
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
Great Bedwyn
With graffiti covering the rear coach of 802010 it is seen from the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bedwyn working 1A77 10:47 Castle Cary - Paddington.
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
Great Bedwyn
Sweeping round towards Bedwyn station is 59204, still looking smart in its new Freightliner livery following its repaint at Toton during November 2021, working 6C31 10:08 Theale - Whatley Quarry stone empties.
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
Great Bedwyn
Leaning into the camber as it rounds the curve towards Bedwyn station is 800011 with 1Z76 10:04 Paddington - Castle Cary on a glorious autumn morning.
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
10 October 2022
(6D PL - RW 08/04/2024)
Sharcott
Another load of stone for HS2, with 66087 still sporting the now defunct EWS livery, working 6Z25 09:14 Westbury Yard - Acton Yard.
10 October 2022
(6D PL)
10 October 2022
(6D PL)
Sharcott
66556 leading 59203 make their ascent to Savernake hauling 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard on the approach to Pewsey.
10 October 2022
(6D PL)
10 October 2022
(6D PL)
Sharcott
As part of a twelve day possession between Castle Cary and Cogload Junction a shuttle service was effectively running as far west as Castle Cary, with any services further west to Devon and Cornwall running via Bristol. After a wet and dull start to the morning it quickly cleared into a fine autumn morning, and 800311 is seen on the approach to Pewsey operating 1J74 08:52 Castle Cary - Paddington.
10 October 2022
(6D PL)
10 October 2022
(6D PL)
Great Bedwyn
A couple of gents enjoy fishing the Kennet & Avon canal whilst 165123 arrives working 2K12 Reading - Bedwyn.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
Approaching the lunchtime lull in traffic along 'the desert', but one final freight to capture before calling it a day. A going-away shot of Freightliner orange 66413 Lest We Forget, as seen from the Kennet & Avon canal towpath at Bedwyn, hauling 6M20 10:38 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
Sounding great as it approaches Wansdyke Crossing at Great Bedwyn is 60028 working what has now become something of a regular working on a Tuesday; 6Z50 09:44 Willesden DCR to Machen via the Berks & Hants route. The matching livery of the loco and wagons certainly stands out against the field of rapeseed, and once that field is in full bloom should look even more impressive, a return visit is definitely on the cards.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
For a population of under 1,500 persons, according to Wiki, Great Bedwyn is a well served village with an hourly service to Newbury, Reading or Paddington. However, should you wish to travel west, to say Pewsey or Westbury, your options are very limited. On the approach to its destination is 1K08 10:07 Paddington - Bedwyn formed of 800006, a vast improvement for the travelling public compared to those smoky old DMU's from the British Rail era?
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
Just a fair few years too late, unfortunately, imagine if this had been a Class 47 or 50 hauled service? 1C77 10:35 Paddington - Exeter rushes towards Bedwyn operated by 802016, that field of rapeseed will look good in a couple of weeks time when its all in flower.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
The second Hanson of the morning, just 50 minutes after the 'jumbo' had passed. Now it was the turn of 59104 Village of Great Elm as it passes Great Bedwyn working 6A74 08:58 Whatley Quarry - Theale, a Hanson loco on a Hanson working appropriately enough. A search of Great Bedwyn reveals 'Great Bedwyn is an idyllic English village, positioned to the East of the town of Marlborough', more information about the village can be found on its community website here.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
A super spring morning once the early cloud had burnt off. Having just departed Bedwyn operating 1K13 10:41 Bedwyn - Paddington is 802004 which is just about to pass over Wansdyke User Worked Crossing (UWC).
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
I haven't visited this location since 2011, and back then it was a lot more overgrown, but lineside vegetation clearance in about 2019 (I think) has opened up more possibilities since that previous visit. Running almost signal-to-signal behind the 'jumbo' just eight minutes later comes the regular DB additional 6Z25 09:16 Westbury Yard - Acton Yard formed of Freightliner branded wagons, and nearly all sporting what has become 'the norm' - graffiti.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
Hopes were high for a "Hanson in the sun" on 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard, and I was not disappointed as 59103 Village of Mells came into view, and looking quite tidy too.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
I had hoped I might get a field of rapeseed in a shot today, but I didn't expect it here at my chosen location. Next up; 1J74 06:40 Plymouth - Paddington, formed of 802015 as it speeds through the Wiltshire countryside at Bedwyn.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Great Bedwyn
The start to a very productive, and enjoyable morning, as 165123 gets away from Bedwyn operating 2T11 09:24 Bedwyn - Newbury stopper.
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
26 April 2022
(6D, PL)
Heywood
Any decent (milky) light that there was was fading fast before the galleries very eyes. Now, in less than ideal conditions 66781 passes Church Lane at Heywood, between Trowbridge and Westbury, with 6Z77 15:05 Llanwern Exchange Sidings to Marchwood formed of steel wagons.
23 March 2022
23 March 2022
Heywood
With a friendly wave from the driver 67005 Queen's Messenger makes a fine sight with the Belmond Pullman at Church Lane at Heywood, between Trowbridge and Westbury, the train running in the Working Timetable (WTT) schedule 1O92 15:56 Bath Spa to London Victoria. The Belmond Pullman website stated this service was 'sold out' and it was noted as it passed that every table was taken.
23 March 2022
23 March 2022
Crofton
Still looking quite fresh is 59202 skirting the Kennet & Avon canal whilst leading 6C31 10:08 Theale - Whatley Quarry past Crofton Crossing. The old lifeboat seems to be a regular feature on this section of the canal, sadly lacking the character of a more traditional narrow boat.
11 February 2022
(PL)
11 February 2022
(PL)
Crofton
The fourth freight coming up the Berks & Hants in just under an hour, this time operated by DB-Cargo, with 66165 in charge of 6Z25 09:16 Westbury Yard - Acton Yard as it passes the site of Grafton East Junction.
11 February 2022
(PL)
11 February 2022
(PL)
Crofton
No time to move as the third stone train in 16 minutes comes around the curve at Crofton, now with a 'Hanson in the sun' as 59104 Village of Great Elm is seen leading 6A74 08:58 Whatley Quarry - Theale. With the railway ever changing these days its interesting to see that this Hanson livery has now out-lived just about every other livery, be it freight or passenger, and has been around since about 1999 after the small fleet of just four Class 59/1's were repainted from their striking mustard colour, with ARC branding.
11 February 2022
(PL)
11 February 2022
(PL)
Crofton
With Freightliner now the principal haulier for Mendip stone traffic its no surprise that their fleet would work alongside the Class 59 fleet, and 66604 works 6A60 08:32 Whatley Quarry - Oxford Banbury Road round the curve at Crofton, just eight minutes behind 59204, and seven minutes in front of 59104. The Class 66/6 sub-class consists of 25 locomotives, introduced in 2000 with a lower gear-ratio for hauling heavier trains, such as these loaded stone trains from the Mendip quarries, although operating at a lower maximum speed of 65mph, compared to 75mph for a standard Class 66.
11 February 2022
(PL)
11 February 2022
(PL)
Crofton
The main target of the day did not fail to disappoint, that being 59204, which is seen rounding the curve at Crofton working 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard in its striking new Freightliner livery.
11 February 2022
(PL)
11 February 2022
(PL)
Heywood
Another wasted trip, with the sun dipping at the wrong moment as 60029 is captured from the public footpath crossing at Heywood, near Westbury, working 6Z24 15:43 Bristol FLT - Willesden DCR, the tail-end beyond the bridge can be seen "in the sun".
23 June 2021
(RW 07/04/2024)
23 June 2021
(RW 07/04/2024)
Trowbridge
Very threatening storm clouds on the horizon, and coming ever closer, meant a fairly tense wait at Dursley Road bridge in Trowbridge for 1Z22 08:20 Tyseley - Weymouth - Bristol High Level Siding test train, lead by 67027 Charlotte, to the rear is 67023 Stella.
19 May 2021
19 May 2021
Bradford-on-Avon
Still sporting the now obsolete First Great Western blue livery 166215 leads 165135 towards Bradford-on-Avon station working 1F13 10:30 Cardiff - Portsmouth.
19 May 2021
19 May 2021
Bradford-on-Avon
A long overdue visit to this location at Bradford-on-Avon, which I last visited during 1987 when Class 33s were working the Portsmouth to Bristol services. The traction may have changed since then, but the location is as wonderful as ever, as 166220 passes through 'the Avenue' on the approach to Bradford-on-Avon operating 2C12 08:55 Worcester Foregate Street - Westbury, a rail journey of some 97 miles.
19 May 2021
19 May 2021
Salisbury
Passing the gallery, well myself and Wetbag, as it creeps up to SY40 signal at Salisbury is one of GB Railfreight's recent acquisitions; 66791, leading Colas Railfreight's 70812 dead-in-tow, with 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard formed of a lengthy set of MRA 'side tippers'. Painted in a plain blue livery 66791 is one of GB Railfreight's recent acquisition's to its ever expanding Class 66 fleet, and previously operated in Sweden with Hector Rail, numbered as T66404. Following its acquisition by GB Railfreight it arrived in the UK on 18 July 2019, and following modifications at EMD in Longport to bring it up to British standards the locomotive entered service during November 2020. A full repaint into standard GBRf livery is surely the next, and final step to completion?
07 May 2021
07 May 2021
Upton Scudamore
With Arn Hill Down in the distance 59201 passes Upton Scudamore working 7V12 15:38 Woking - Merehead stone empties. Surely it's only a matter of time before all six for these former DB liveried Class 59/2's are repainted in the distinctive new Freightliner orange livery?
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
Upton Scudamore
Great Western service 2E74 17:30 Warminster - Gloucester gets under way from Warminster operated by 166208 as it passes Upton Scudamore in ever improving light.
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
New Mill
Rubbing shoulders here with some fine photographers, namely; Mark Finch, Dave Smith, John Turner and Tony Allen. Sweeping round past the gallery at New Mill, just east of Pewsey, is Freightliner's 66565 with 11:45 6C58 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry stone empties. I kind of felt like the odd-one-out as everyone else opted for a pole shot, but I rather like this ground level view.
22 April 2021
22 April 2021
New Mill
802101 heads west at New Mill operating 1C81 12:34 Paddington - Exeter S.D.
22 April 2021
22 April 2021
Burbage Wharf
With Martinsell Hill in the distance 66568 brings 6M20 10:38 Whatley Quarry - Churchyard Sidings past Burbage Wharf.
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
Burbage Wharf
802007 passes Burbage Wharf operating Great Western's 1A78 07:10 Penzance - Paddington.
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
DB's 66020 with 6M15 07:07 Tytherington - Calvert makes its way towards Wootton Rivers.
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
On the approach to Wootton Rivers is 1A73 04:58 Penzance - Paddington formed of 802017.
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
First shot of what was to become a fine days photography sees 59205 pass "the pond" at Wootton Rivers with 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton 'jumbo', the Kennet & Avon canal can just be seen to the right of the loco.
22 April 2021
(PL)
22 April 2021
(PL)
Great Cheverell
1C86 14:37 Paddington - Penzance heads west past Great Cheverell.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
Great Cheverell
In ever improving light the final freight in quick succession is 6V18 11:20 Allington - Whatley Quarry hauled by 66601 The Hope Valley which passes Great Cheverell. Like the GWR green livery, Freightliner green can be challenging in settings such as this.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
Great Cheverell
The bodyside graphics declare DB's 60054 is Powered By HVO - Reducing our carbon footprint as it passes Great Cheverell working 6B33 13:35 Theale - Robeston discharged fuel tanks. HVO is an anacronym for Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil - more details can be found here. DB are trialling several locomotives on this alternative fuel, which is described as "one of the worlds purest and greenest fuels".
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
Great Cheverell
A GWR IET operating 1A85 Exeter SD - Paddington heads past Great Cheverell at speed.
30 March 2021
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(RW 19/02/2023)
Great Cheverell
Hanson liveried 59103 Village of Mells is seen leading 7C77 12:41 Acton Yard - Merehead past Great Cheverell.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
Great Cheverell
An unplanned second stab at Freightliner's 66525 on 6C58 11:45 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley which had been put away in Woodborough loop, here it passes Great Cheverell.
30 March 2021
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(RW 19/02/2023)
New Mill
A great view from Cuckoo's Knob as Freightliner's 66525 works 6C58 11:45 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley westwards towards Pewsey.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
New Mill
Next up, and in poor light, is 59002 Alan J Day with 7A74 08:58 Whatley - Theale at New Mill.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
New Mill
Not quite the same as a HST, but this is as good as it gets these days, as 802110 operating 1A76 06:04 Penzance - Paddington passes New Mill. Now if these stylish looking units were in an LNER type of livery they'd be far more photogenic.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
New Mill
With the sun strength just starting to improve through the un-forecast cloud cover DB's 66020 passes New Mill, to the east of Pewsey, working 6M15 07:07 Tytherington - Calvert.
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
30 March 2021
(PL)
(RW 19/02/2023)
Fairwood Junction
With a late running 7A74 08:58 Whatley Quarry - Theale 59001 Yeoman Endeavour hurries towards Fairwood Junction.
29 September 2020
29 September 2020
Fairwood Junction
Due to the ever increasing cloud cover, the suns strength wasn't quite strong enough to fully illuminate this scene at Masters Crossing near Fairwood Junction. Passing over the crossing is South Western Railways 159017 operating 1O40 10:56 Yeovil Pen Mill - Waterloo (via Frome).
29 September 2020
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29 September 2020
(PL)
Fairwood Junction
1A80 08:40 Plymouth - Paddington (via Yeovil Junction) formed of 802106 on the approach to Fairwood Junction.
29 September 2020
(PL)
29 September 2020
(PL)
Fairwood Junction
Formed of 800308 1C78 11:04 Paddington - Plymouth (via Yeovil Junction) is seen from Masters Crossing near Fairwood Junction.
29 September 2020
(PL)
29 September 2020
(PL)
South Newton
The final shot, in what was an excellent day overall, despite a few disappointments, sees Colas Class 70 No.70802 passing South Newton with an RDT set running as 6Z19 16:22 Eastleigh Yard - Bescot Engineers Sidings just six minutes behind the Woking stone empties.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
South Newton
With the wind absolutely howling it was going to be incredibly difficult to control the pole, and get the shot as I had hoped for, but thankfully somehow I was able to achieve it....just. In some stunning light 59002 Alan J Day passes myself and Wetbag at South Newton working 7V12 15:38 Woking Yard - Merehead Quarry empty stone wagons.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Upton Lovell
This is a lovely little spot in the Wylye Valley, dare I suggest one of my favourite spots at the moment, and the inclusion of a couple of old lineside huts adds to the appeal. In some fine light GWR turbo unit 165129 leads 1F22 14:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff Central past Upton Lovell bang on time at 15:56.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Upton Lovell
A busy afternoon for freight through the Wylye Valley, and the second of four in the space of two hours. This is the regular Friday afternoon loaded stone working 7O40 13:35 Merehaed - Eastleigh passing Upton Lovell worked by 59102 Village of Chantry. Unfortunately my luck was starting to run out, and the following Freightliner working 4O57 13:29 Wentloog - Southampton Maritime seven minutes later passed by in the dull.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Upton Lovell
Freightliner's 66549 passes Upton Lovell with returning empty wagons for the Mendips, this being 6V62 13:21 Southampton Up Yard - Whatley Quarry.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Edington
Incredibly lucky to capture this scene in the sun with so much cloud coverage, and with high winds the clouds were being blown along pretty quickly. Fortunately 59101 Village of Whatley is captured during a sunny interval passing the site of the former Edington & Bratton station with 7A17 10:24 Merehead - Colnbrook loaded stone train. I thought I'd do a bit of an Ivo Peters and include my car in the shot, although not quite a Bentley, my silver Mazda CX-5 is parked in the foreground.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Edington
802010 hurries past Edington operating 1A78 07:10 Penzance - Paddington.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Bratton
Freightliner Heavy Haul Class 66 No.66619 Derek W. Johnson MBE works 6A27 06:35 East Usk Yard - Hayes & Harlington Tarmac Sidings past the partially dismantled cement works at Westbury as it begins its journey along the Berks & Hants route between Westbury and Reading.
25 September 2020
(PL)
25 September 2020
(PL)
Little Langford
GBRf's retro British Railways green 66779 Evening Star passes Little Langford hauling a Balfour Beatty crane with the daily
engineers working 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
24 September 2020
(PL)
engineers working 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
24 September 2020
(PL)
Little Langford
1F09 08:27 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour passes Little Langford formed of 166204 Norman Topsom MBE (leading) and 165134.
24 September 2020
24 September 2020
Little Langford
A fine sight at Little Langford as 47593 Galloway Princess leads 47805 / D1935 Roger Hosking MA 1925-2013 with The Dorset Coast Statesman 1Z30 06:15 Crewe - Weymouth.
16 September 2020
(PL)
16 September 2020
(PL)
Little Langford
With a long rake of JNA wagons in tow GB Railfreight's 66770 passes the idyllic location of Little Langford with the daily enginerres trip 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
16 September 2020
(PL)
16 September 2020
(PL)
Little Langford
Whilst it might have been a bright morning, the conditions were far from ideal with hazy milky sun, and poor clarity for any landscape type of shots. So, it was a case of sticking with the tried and tested conventional shots as FGW blue 166201 leads GWR green 165137 past Little Langford operating 1F09 08:27 Cardiff - Portsmouth Harbour.
16 September 2020
(PL)
16 September 2020
(PL)
Fairwood / Westbury
Not quite what I had in mind, but a record shot of the autumn 2019 RHTT for the South West. A grubby 66023 leads 3J13 08:50 Westbury Yard - St Blazey (via Salisbury and Westbury) down towards Fairwood Junction near Westbury, to the rear is a clean, yet smokey 66012 which had recently replaced 66168.
7 November 2019
7 November 2019
Little Langford
One of GB Railfreights distinctive customer liveries adorns 66709 Sorrento seen here at Little Langford working 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh in stunning, but short lived, autumnal light.
7 November 2019
7 November 2019
Upton Scudamore
It was certainly a day for bumping into other photographers, and in all honesty we didn't expect to find four others already set-up here. With 'pole arma' it was old school with the the ladder up against a tree, frustratingly not high enough to clear the whispy grass. So, a record shot of 59205 is captured at Upton Scudamore working 7V12 15:38 Woking - Merehead in the great company of Ian Ball, John Catterson, Nic Joynson, Dan Read and Steve Clark.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Upton Lovell
Following the departmental tripper, just 13 minutes later, is this additional DB operated stone working. From the same vantage point at Upton Lovell 7Z52 14:52 Southampton Up Yard - Whatley Quarry passes hauled by recently repainted 66065. Yet more photters about as Mark Finch and Wetbag also turned up here.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Upton Lovell
GB Railfreight's 66711 Sence leads Colas Railfreight's 66849 Wylam Dilly and 66850 David Maidment OBE past Upton Lovell with a single yellow JNA wagon operating departmental trip 6V41 14:45 Eastleigh East Yard - Westbury in stunning autumn light.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Woodborough
In the company of Steve Clark and Steve King 59005 Kenneth J Painter is captured with 7C77 12:41 Acton Yard - Merehead approaching Woodborough on a fine autumn afternoon.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Manningford Bruce
Passing the somewhat barren landscape at Manningford Bruce 59201 is seen leading 6C58 11:45 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Crofton
Stood beneath John Turner's towering pole for this shot, on what would become quite the day for bumping into other photographers, another well know name Steve Madden was also present. Such is the length of the train that it can be seen in the distance, and disappearing out of site beyond the vegetation, as 59001 Yeoman Endeavour sweeps round past the gallery at the site of the now removed occupation bridge at the former Grafton East Junction, near Crofton, with 7A17 10:28 Merehead - Colnbrook.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Crofton
Not quite what I had in mind for this working; 6C31 09:20 Theale - Whatley Quarry stone empties, hauled by 59104 Village of Great Elm, so under the circumstances this record shot will have to do.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Crofton
From the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal between Crofton and Bedwyn is 59103 Village of Mells accelerating away from TR839 signal, having been held for 1K13 09:41 Bedwyn - Paddington to shunt from the siding, and then depart in passenger service. The Class 59 is operating the morning 'jumbo' 7A09 07:17 Merehead - Acton Yard, running 12 minutes early over Savernake, hence being held to time at the signal (which is behind the third wagon back). Note the moon towards the top right edge of the frame.
18 September 2019
18 September 2019
Fairwood
Class 60 driver training continues at Westbury using 60001 as the static and practical based training loco. The regular test run for the practical training seems to be 7B12 11:23 Merehead - Wootton Bassett, and its corresponding back working; 7C66 17:50 Wootton Bassett - Merehead. Here the Class 60 is seen at Fairwood footpath crossing, on the approach to Westbury, with the outward working.
24 May 2019
24 May 2019
Fairwood Junction
Glorious weather at Masters Crossing, near Fairwood Junction, as 66003 passes by working 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras.
24 May 2019
(PL)
24 May 2019
(PL)
Fairwood Junction
2V88 08:53 Weymouth - Gloucester on the approach to Fairwood Junction worked by 165132.
24 May 2019
24 May 2019
Wolfhall
The third and final freight in half an hour sees 59005 Kenneth J Painter on its way back from Theale after a quick turn around of just two hours to unload its product. Passing Wolfhall is 7C74 15:35 Theale - Merehead on a fine spring afternoon.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Wolfhall
No time to move as six minutes later 59205 passes with 7C76 14:39 Acton Yard - Whatley Quarry formed of EWS ex-coal hoppers. It looks like these Class 59/2's may be moving away from the Westbury area, and the Mendip stone trains, perhaps by the end of 2019, so any shots are certainly worth getting.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Wolfhall
The first of three freights in quick succession, and this time the sun was 'on the nose' for 59204 working 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead, running 112 minutes late.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Wolfhall
Sadly it's not quite the same as a 'Western', or a Class 47....or a Class 50 loco-hauled service, but this is progress and we're stuck with it. Sweeping round over what was once Wolfhall Junction is 802108 operating 1C86 15:03 Paddingto - Penzance.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Wolfhall
Just four days to go before long-distance HST services finish on Great Western, with the planned final day being Friday 18 May 2019. Quite possibly my final shot of an HST on a long distance service train on Great Western is of 43093 Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018 sweeping round past Wolfhall leading 1A87 12:55 Plymouth - Paddington, to the rear is power-car 43171.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Wolfhall
802112 passing Wolfhall operating 1C84 14:03 Paddington - Penzance.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Wolfhall
A lovely walk along the Kennet & Avon canal to the next location; Wolfhall. Sadly this once classic B&H location is heavily overgrown, and options are somewhat limited now. Another late runner meant yet another shot with the sun 'off the front' as 59001 Yeoman Endeavour passes Wolfhall with the second loaded stone train for Theale within a couple of hours; 7A77 11:49 Merehead - Theale, running 42 minutes late.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Crofton
With a couple of horses having appeared in the field opposite, and in the hope the sun might just illuminate the front of the loco, we moved along the curve a little more. Unfortunately the horses moved, and the sun was still off the front. Next up just 14 minutes behind 7A74 is EWS liveried 66174 with 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras running 59 minutes late, again a knock-on affect to the failure of 7A09 at Savernake.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Crofton
Myself, Sparky and Wetbag, were all convinced the sun would just be scraping the front here on Crofton curve, but the front of the Class 59 / 66 design is pretty unforgiving, and it wasn't. Here 59005 Kenneth J Painter sweeps round towards Crofton with 7A74 09:22 Whatley Quarry - Theale loaded stone train, running 88 minutes late due to the knock-on affect of the failure of 7A09 at Savernake.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Crofton
In this light the GWR green livery is never going to look its best as 802112 sweeps round past Crofton operating 1A81 07:41 Penzance - Paddington.
14 May 2019
14 May 2019
Crofton
News had already filtered through via the jungle telegraph that 7A09 07:18 Merehead - Acton Yard, hauled by 59004 Paul A Hammond, had failed around Savernake, and that 60001 was being sent up from Westbury to assist. Close scrutiny of the publicly available track maps revealed 1Z99 was at Woodborough, and about to go onto the rear to assist the failed train. What next though? Within minutes of the GBRf trip passing us 7A09 was noted on the move from Savernake, just a couple of miles to the west of out location, it was obvious the tug would be on the rear so a going-away shot would be the obvious choice. So here is 60001 pushing a very heavy, and lengthy, 7A09 07:18 Merehead - Acton Yard past Crofton and up towards Bedwyn a good couple of hours late, the train loco is well out of sight. The train would be put away at Theale to allow the Class 60 to run-round and be put on the front of the train so as to continue onward to Acton Yard.
14 May 2019
14 May 2019
Crofton
By now it was obvious that 'the jumbo' had failed in the Savernake area and nothing would be moving on the up line for a couple of hours, however the down line was still open to traffic so a quick relocate to Bridge 99. On the approach to Crofton is 66724 Drax Power Station working 6V42 07:50 Wellingborough - Whatley Quarry alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal at Beech Grove Lock.
14 May 2019
14 May 2019
Crofton
So there we were, all set up and happy with our frames, waiting for 'the jumbo'. Up in front of it though is The Golden Hind 1A75 05:05 Penzance - Paddington with 802106, which is captured passing the timeless location of Crofton. This would be my intended shot for the following stone train.
14 May 2019
(PL)
14 May 2019
(PL)
Hanging Langford
The fourth freight through the Wylye Valley in just two hours, it's never felt so busy! This time it's GB Railfreight's 59003 Yeoman Highlander with Colas Railfreight's 66846 'dead in tow' approaching Wylye with 6V40 14:05 Eastleigh East Yard - Westbury Yard (via Chandlers Ford) with the RDT set it had taken down on 6O41 for turning passing myself, Wetbag and Finchy on the approach to Wylye.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Bapton
A new flow for Freightliner Heavy Haul? This is 66618 Railways Illustrated Annual Photographic Awards - Alan Barnes passing the gallery at Middle Road crossing at Bapton, in the Wylye Valley, hauling 6V44 13:25 Southampton Up Yard - Bristol East Depot stone empties just 11 minutes behind the Marchwood trip.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Bapton
GB Railfreight's 66740 Sarah passes Middle Road crossing at Bapton with 6M46 12:18 Marchwood - Bicester.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Bapton
159101 working 1V33 12:20 Waterloo - Bristol Temple Meads passes Bapton.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Bapton
166210 passing Bapton operating 2M98 12:27 Southampton - Great Malvern.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Bapton
Great Western's 158958 passing Bapton operating 1F13 11:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour. To the centre-left is Bapton Manor, which is a Grade II Listed country Manor House, boasting 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms and parking for 6 vehicles, all set within 7.3 acres.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Bapton
The oil seed rape is starting to come into flower early this year, and on my drive up to the Wylye Valley I passed several fields just north of Wimborne on the B3078 that were already in full bloom. This field is still not quite there, but it won't be long with all the mild weather we're having. Passing by is Hanson liveried 59101 Village of Whatley working back to the Mendips with 7V17 11:59 Fareham - Whatley Quarry stone empties.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Little Langford
The new order for the Westbury to Eastleigh departmental trip workings. From 1 April 2019 there were quite a few changes with freight operators chopping-and-changing, and perhaps more significantly was GB Railfreight taking over the operation of Eastleigh Yard from DB. What was a DB operated trip working out-and-back from Westbury, now transfers to GB Railfreight, and on the first day of operation 59003 Yeoman Highlander passes Little Langford with 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard hauling six Coalfish and an RDT set for turning. The evening trip, which was Colas operated, is now operated by GB Railfreight as well.
1 April 2019
1 April 2019
Crofton
The second freight, just seven minutes later, is 6C31 09:28 Theale - Whatley Quarry worked by 59202 Alan Meddows Taylor MD Mendip Rail Limited.
28 January 2019
28 January 2019
Crofton
66101 sweeps round past Crofton with 6V33 07:27 Wembley Yard - Whatley Quarry on a glorious winters morning.
28 January 2019
(PL)
28 January 2019
(PL)
Crofton
Incredibly its been just over eight years since I last stood here to take a shot like this, and like eight years ago it was just as cold. Thankfully the view is as spectacular as ever looking towards the pumping station at Crofton, and hasn't really changed a great deal. Passing by is 59001 Yeoman Endeavour hauling the morning jumbo 7A09 07:16 Merehead - Acton Yard with the Class 59 just about to create a nice glint off the low morning winter sun.
28 January 2019
28 January 2019
Crofton
All on the verge of becoming history here at Crofton, with the remaining HST sets soon to be cascaded elsewhere. In the meantime power-car 43023 SQN LDR HAROLD STARR - ONE OF THE FEW leads 'The Golden Hind' 1A75 05:05 Penzance - Paddington past the still waters of the Kennet & Avon canal, out of sight to the rear is 43024.
28 January 2019
28 January 2019
Great Cheverell
With ever increasing shadows, and in bitterly cold weather, it was time to call "time" at Great Cheverell as 59205 passes on 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry.
17 January 2019
17 January 2019
Great Cheverell
A pair of Class 802 units sweep round past Great Cheverell operating 1A83 11:32 Paignton - Paddington.
17 January 2019
17 January 2019
Great Cheverell
43024 leads 1C82 13:03 Paddington - Plymouth past Great Cheverell, out of site to the rear is power-car 43023 SQN LDR HAROLD STARR - ONE OF THE FEW . Note the moon to the top-left.
17 January 2019
17 January 2019
Great Cheverell
With only about four months left on Great Western before full-length HST are finally withdrawn the sets are becoming ever more scarce. Most are concentrated on South-West services, and one such service; 1C81 12:33 Paddington - Taunton, sweeps round past Great Cheverell lead by GWR green liveried power-car 43153. Power-car 43161 trails to the rear.
17 January 2019
17 January 2019
Great Cheverell
Can't do much about the land owner planting trees on their land, but photographically it's all a bit of a pain in the.......especially as Network Rail have recently cleared the lineside. Anyhow, one of Great Western's few remaining full length HST sets passes Great Cheverell operating 1A82 09:00 Penzance - Paddington formed of 43197 (right) and 43025 (left), the train at this point running 48 minutes late due to a fatality at Starcross.
17 January 2019
17 January 2019
Great Cheverell
Running an hour late works to my advantage as the sun angle is now spot-on for 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras as it approaches Great Cheverell hauled by 66207 with the usual RMC "rust buckets".
17 January 2019
(PL)
17 January 2019
(PL)
Great Cheverell
The only main line registered diesel locomotive with an operational steam-heat boiler in 2019 is privately owned, but on long-term hire to Colas Railfreight, 37025 Inverness TMD. Here it is seen working 3Z23 09:49 Exeter Riverside Yard - Ferme Park test train towards Great Cheverell in stunning winter light. After something like three years of trying I was finally able to get a shot of this locomotive that I was happy with, job done.
17 January 2019
(PL)
17 January 2019
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
The second "Brucie bonus" of the morning was this STP working; 6Z20 09:37 Whatley Quarry - Acton Yard, hauled by 66199. However, with no time to relocate a backlit shot near Wootton Rivers was as good as it was going to get, although i rather like it.
17 January 2019
(PL)
17 January 2019
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
Being slightly backlit actually shows the GWR green livery off a little better, a livery that is in general very difficult to get right, the low winter light also working to our advantage. On the approcah to Wootton Rivers is 802021 leading 802001 working 'The Golden Hind' 1A77 05:41 Penzance - Paddington.
17 January 2019
(PL)
17 January 2019
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
Passing Wootton Rivers is 1C74 09:03 Paddington - Plymouth worked by 43193 (leading) and 43191 (trailing out of sight to the rear).
17 January 2019
17 January 2019
Wootton Rivers
It might not look it but it was bitterly cold stood here, so-much-so that it was painful, my thumbs having gone almost numb. In ever improving winter light 59005 Kenneth J Painter sweeps round towards Wootton Rivers with 'the jumbo' 7A09 07:17 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard. With news that Freightliner will be taking over some, or all, of the Mendip traffic from the end of 2019 it will be interesting to see what becomes of workings such as this?
17 January 2019
(PL)
17 January 2019
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
The first "Brucie bonus" of a bitterly cold Thursday morning sees Colas Railfreight's 70806 approach Wootton Rivers hauling a diverted 6M50 07:55 Westbury Yard - Bescot Engineers Sidings, the train running late, and off-route, due to a points failure at Westbury.
17 January 2019
(PL)
17 January 2019
(PL)
Great Cheverell
There's no denying that the light and weather conditions in the autumn, along with some of the magnificent colours in the trees and bushes, makes it a great time for photography, regardless of your subject matter. And the view of 66112 with 6C58 11:55 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry stone empties is no exception as it passes Great Cheverell in all the right conditions.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
6L21 13:23 Whatley Quarry - Dagenhham Docks loaded stone train hauled by 59005 Kenneth J. Painter is seen near Great Cheverell on a wonderful autumn afternoon.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
A great afternoon photographing the soon to be replaced HST sets on long distance services on Great Western. One of the repainted power-cars, sporting the new GWR green livery, is 43016 seen here near Great Cheverell working 1C82 13:03 Paddington - Plymouth, 43086 brings up the rear.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
FGW blue power-car 43193 leads 43192 with 1A85 10:00 Penzance - Paddington towards Great Cheverell. For now most services to the South West are formed of HST sets, although this is likely to change soon as more Hitachi built units are introduced.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
A stunning afternoon, but the clouds are creeping ever closer from the east, as 43088 speeds west past Great Cheverell working 1C81 12:33 Paddington - Taunton, with 43015 at the other end.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
Is this really progress? We hear about over-crowding all the time these days on Britain's Railways, yet here is a brand-new five-car Class 802, with something like 326 seats replacing a 40-year old eight-car HST set, with something like 566 seats, on a 302 mile journey from London to Penzance. One of the Hitachi Rail Class 802 units, built in Italy, No.802008 works 1C80 12:03 Paddington - Penzance westwards towards Westbury running 43 minutes late. That's progress!
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
Its only 13:43hrs but already the lengthening shadows of autumn are a potential issue. Picked out in a welcome patch of sunshine is HST power-car 43009 leading 1A83 11:32 Paignton - Paddington towards Great Cheverell, to the rear is power-car 43079.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Great Cheverell
Running off-route via the Berks & Hants route is 6M40 11:56 Westbury - Stud Farm hauled by 66707 Sir Sam Fay - Great Central Railway as it leans into the long sweeping curve at Great Cheverell round towards Lavington.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Edington
Running about an hour late 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras loaded stone train passes Edington hauled by 66174, and formed of the usual orange RMC rust buckets.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Edington
1C78 11:03 Paddington - Plymouth with 43194 leading passes Edington on time, 43010 trails to the rear.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Edington
In glorious weather Great Western green power-car 43189 is seen leading 43071 past Edington working 1C77 10:33 Paddington - Paignton.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Edington
Caught off-guard, and totally unexpected, Colas Railfreight's 70809 hauls a very late running 6M50 07:55 Westbury Yard - Bescot Yard past Edingon in an unfortunate moment where the sun is partially obscured by a cloud. Just visible to the rear, beyond the bridge, is Freightliners's 66519, making this a quite unusual working. The train is usually booked out of Westbury via Melksham and up to Swindon, then along the Great Western Main Line to Didcot and on towards Hinksey Yard, but on this particular morning was off-route and via the Berks & Hants route from Westbury towards Newbury and Reading, then back towards its booked route at Didcot.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Edington
Next up, 43086? leading with 1A79 06:47 Penzance - Paddington, with 43016 at the rear, as they pass Edington, and on towards the capital.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Edington
Soon to be a thing of the past, so an opportunity to capture a few more HST shots was not to be missed as 1C76 10:03 Paddington - Penzance passes Edington lead by 43025, whilst 43053 University of Worcester trails to the rear.
29 October 2018
29 October 2018
Upton Scudamore
In gorgeous autumnal light 60062 Stainless Pioneer passes Upton Scudamore working 7O40 13:35 Merehead - Eastleigh loaded stone.
19 October 2018
19 October 2018
Wylye
Triple sheds on "the Wetbag"; 6V40 14:05 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard (via Chandlers Ford), formed of an RDT set, on the approach to Wyle. Worked by original DB red 66152 Derek Holmes - Railway Operator (leading) with EWS liveried 66119 sandwiched in the middle, and a slightly revised DB red 66055 Alain Thauvette to the rear of the trio.
09 October 2018
09 October 2018
Wylye
Standing room only on 1F19 12:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour formed of 150126 near Wyle, fellow Dorset based photographer Mark V. Pike happened to be travelling on this service, describing it as "wedged".
09 October 2018
09 October 2018
Wylye
'Lost in the landscape'. The new GWR green livery is nothing but challenging in locations such as this one near Wylye. Passing by is 158798 working 1F20 13:23 Portsmouth Harbour. Whilst not obvious, one of two Hercules planes can be seen towards the top-right, both had been flying around over Salisbury Plain for some time, along with Apache helicopters flying over our position, a shame they weren't better placed in the shot.
09 October 2018
09 October 2018
Wylye
A new DB operated freight flow has commenced through the Wylye Valley from Whatley Quarry to Southampton for L & S Aggregates. Running out and back in the pathway of the Hamworthy stone, and on the second day of operation, 66035 Resourceful approaches Wyle with the returning empties running as 7Z52 14:13 Southampton Up Yard - Whatley Quarry (via Chandlers Ford).
09 October 2018
09 October 2018
Wylye
South Western Railways 159102 approaching Wylye as 1V33 13:52 Salisbury - Bristol Temple Meads.
09 October 2018
09 October 2018
Avoncliff
What a time to have an unexpected problem with the camera?! Not quite the angle I was planning on, but it will have to do! Looking rather smart in its new DCR livery is 56103 working 6X73 12:39 Westbury Up Yard - Cardiff Sidings with a Railvac machine at Avoncliff. This is now the third variation on the DCR livery which has included dark green, then dark grey, and now this light grey livery.
7 October 2018
(PL)
7 October 2018
(PL)
Avoncliff
Having just passed under the Kennet & Avon canal aqueduct 166204 departs Avoncliff working 2C92 11:40 Frome - Bristol Temple Meads stopper, to the right the canal passes over the River Avon via an elegant stone aqueduct.
7 October 2018
(PL)
7 October 2018
(PL)
Crofton
Recently named The Paviour on the 14th September 2018 at Radlett Tarmac, 66758 The Paviour runs alongside the Kennet & Avon canal towards Crofton with the infrequent 6V42 07:50 Wellingborough - Whatley Quarry stone empties.
01 October 2018
01 October 2018
Crofton
Running 42 minutes late 43009 heads 1C76 10:03 Paddington - Penzance towards Crofton at Beech Grove lock with 43063 out of sight to the rear.
01 October 2018
01 October 2018
Wootton Rivers
The sun is barely scraping on the front of 59204 as it works 7A74 09:22 Whatley Quarry - Theale towards Wootton Rivers. With such a heavy load the Class 59 could be heard well before it got to Pewsey as it slowly makes its ascent towards the summit at Savernake.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Wootton Rivers
An unexpected bonus in the shape of the only black power-car No. 43172 Harry Patch - The Last Survivor of the Trenches which is seen leading 43189 1A77 05:41 Penzance - Paddington alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal at Wootton Rivers, power-car No. 43189 trails to the rear.
27 September 2018
(PL)
27 September 2018
(PL)
Wootton Rivers
After a very foggy start to the morning the sun finally starts to break through with what would become a very fine day. First up, 59001 Yeoman Endeavour which is working hard with 7A09 07:16 Merehead - Acton towards Wootton Rivers.
27 September 2018
27 September 2018
Crofton
1A79 06:47 Penzance - Paddington lead by power car 43030 as seen from Beech Grove Lock.
21 September 2018
21 September 2018
Crofton
7C31 09:59 Theale - Whatley Quarry is seen at Beech Grove Lock No.63 on the Kennet & Avon canal near Crofton worked by 59201. Sadly the forecasted good weather didn't last.
21 September 2018
21 September 2018
Crofton
1A12 07:48 Paignton - Paddington heads eastwards towards Bedwyn with power cars 43056 leading (out of sight beyond the trees) and 43131 at the rear.
21 September 2018
21 September 2018
Crofton
The view from Bridge 99 "the bridge to nowhere" which has recently been rebuilt and refurbished. FGW blue HST power car No. 43176 leads GWR green power car 43005 (out of sight to the rear) on 1C76 10:03 Paddington - Penzance hurries towards Crofton.
21 September 2018
21 September 2018
Crofton
A lucky shot, but not the intended angle due to being surrounded by so many people trying to pull a boat back to the canal side due to it drifting out into the centre of the canal after its mooring had come loose. Because of multiple axle-counter failures between Challow and Uffington many services were diverted away from Swindon and onto the Berks & Hants route. One such diverted working, 4L31 09:03 Bristol FLT - Felixstowe, passes Crofton hauled by 66952, making this a rare eastbound Freightliner working along the Berks & Hants.
21 September 2018
21 September 2018
Crofton
Rather frustratingly this orange cargo ship lifeboat had come away from its mooring on the bank of the Kennet & Avon canal by Beech Grove Lock and was starting to drift towards the centre of the canal. With a fellow canal boat user trying to pull it back towards the bank, so they could pass on their more traditional narrow boat, 43137 Newton Abbot 150 hurries past working 1A77 05:41 Penzance - Paddington, out of sight at the rear is power-car 43190.
21 September 2018
21 September 2018
Sherrington
47813 Sherrington 6O86 09:00 Long Marston - Eastleigh Works.
24 July 2018
24 July 2018
Heywood
66741 Swanage Railway top & tail with 47727 Edinburgh Castle / Caisteal Dhún Éideann at Heywood 5Z57 13:59 Pengam Sidings - Eastleigh Works at Heywood public footpath crossing.
22 July 2018
22 July 2018
Heywood
5Z89 13:22 Paddington - Laira ECS move 43024 (NAME) 43131 rear Heywood.
22 July 2018
22 July 2018
Heywood
66111 Heywood 6W08 12:08 Barry - Westbury Yard.
22 July 2018
22 July 2018
Heywood
43172 Harry Patch and 43190 Heywood 1C85 13:27 Paddington - Plymouth.
22 July 2018
22 July 2018
Sherrington
After days-and-days of hot weather and blue cloudless skies it was only inevitable that the cloud would eventually start to roll in. Surrounded by blue skies, although looking north at all the high level milky squiff, you wouldn't think so, GB Railfreight's 66728 Institution of Railway Operators passes Sherrington working 6Z83 15:21 Warminster Beechgrove Sidings - Pengam Sidings loaded with military vehicles.
10 July 2018
(PL)
10 July 2018
(PL)
Sherrington
Having deposited all the rich passengers in Bath for the morning for a few hours, the Belmond Royal Scotsman now continues its five-day Grand Tour of the country, this time running as 1Z82 13:30 Bath Spa - Didcot Parkway. Now in top & tail formation, lead by 66743 (again) with 66746 trailing to the rear, the train passes Sherrington in the Wyle Valley between Warminster and Salisbury.
10 July 2018
(PL)
10 July 2018
(PL)
Avoncliff
Another shot not going "quite to plan". After relocating from North Brewham to Avoncliff for the Colas Railfreight operated cement working from Westbury to Aberthaw, it transpired that this was cancelled following the failure of the locomotive on the inward working, something i wasn't fully aware of. So again another consolation shot of "what might have been" as GWR's 150249 skirts the River Avon at Avoncliff operating 1F11 10:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour, although the service would be terminated at Westbury.
10 July 2018
(PL)
10 July 2018
(PL)
Upton Lovell
Approaching Upton Lovell AHB crossing is 59004 Paul A Hammond hauling 7V07 12:41 Chichester - Merehead Quarry stone empties.
28 June 2018
(PL)
28 June 2018
(PL)
Upton Lovell
Nice to see a reminder of the past still on the lineside, albeit in a redundant state, as 158960 passes this old lineside wooden hut at Upton Lovell working 1F20 13:23 Portsmouth Harbour Bristol Parkway. With the Severn Tunnel closed for engineering works all Portsmouth services were diverted to Bristol Parkway, instead of their normal destination of Cardiff Central.
28 June 2018
(PL)
28 June 2018
(PL)
Sherrington
Finally, after four attempts today, a shot of this test train that i'm happy with. In glorious sunshine 67027 Charlotte leads 1Q23 05:41 Reading Triangle Sidings - Salisbury (via Exeter) around the sweeping 'S' bend at Sherrington, class mate 67023 Stella to the rear of the four coach formation. The loco and coaches formation replacing the more usual HST formed New Measurement Train (aka NMT) which was under-going maintenance.
28 June 2018
28 June 2018
Sherrington
The rosebay willowherb is just stating to come out in flower at Sherrington, as 158952 passes by working 1F17 13:01 Bristol Parkway - Portsmouth Harbour.
28 June 2018
28 June 2018
Bapton
All a bit of a mad rush to achieve this shot, and with the light dipping slightly by a cloud, 1Q23 05:41 Reading Triangle Sidings - Salisbury (via Exeter) passes Bapton - on the Salisbury to Warminster line - lead by 67023 Stella.
28 June 2018
(PL)
28 June 2018
(PL)
Heywood
With the sun barely scraping on the front of 70802 it passes Heywood, between Trowbridge and Westbury, with 6C46 15:48 Chipping Sodbury - Westbury (via Swindon) formed of a long rake of red lobster wagons conveying spoil.
26 June 2018
26 June 2018
Heywood
A bit of a nightmare all round for the passengers, Network Rail and GWR, but an unexpected bonus for myself and Mr Curtis. 1C88 16:03 Paddington - Penzance was booked to run via the Westbury avoiding line, however due to extreme high temperatures Network Rail had closed the avoiding line between Heywood Road Junction and Fairwood Junction. However, a points failure at Westbury meant that the train then had to reverse and run via Bristol and Bridgwater before regaining its booked route at Cogload Junction, this resulting in an hours late running for the remainder of the journey between Taunton and Penzance. Here power-car 43029 leads 1C88 past Heywood, between Westbury and Trowbridge, with power-car 43091 trailing to the rear.
26 June 2018
26 June 2018
Heywood
158798 passing Heywood working 1F26 15:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Bristol Parkway.
26 June 2018
26 June 2018
Heywood
GWR green 153370 leads FGW blue 153361 past Church Road operating 2C20 14:41 Gloucester - Westbury.
26 June 2018
26 June 2018
Fairwood Junction
Although in typical fashion the light dipped at the crucial moment, a burst of colour from the oilseed rape and cow parsley sets this scene for 59204, running over two hours late with 7C31 08:53 Theale - Merehead Quarry empties down towards Fairwood Junction.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Fairwood Junction
For the second time this week, and not by design, I find myself photographing the same locomotive, on the same train, at the same location. This is 59101 Village of Whatley hauling 7V16 11:47 Fareham - Whatley Quarry stone empties over the footpath crossing at Fairwood near Westbury.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Hawkeridge Junction
Sweeping round towards Hawkeridge Junction is 1C78 10:35 Paddington - Plymouth, diverted via Melksham due to engineering works on the Berks & Hants route. Power-car 43087 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment Royal Logistic Corps leads the mixed livery set with 43098 trailing out-of-sight to the rear.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Hawkeridge Junction
The lovely display of cow parsley was too good not to be included in any shots here at Hawkeridge Junction as 66736 Wolverhampton Wanderers passes by having just got under way with 6M40 11:56 Westbury Yard - Stud Farm.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Hawkeridge Junction
A great display from the blackthorn lining the railway here as 150126 working 2F97 08:50 Great Malvern - Westbury approaches its destination.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Hawkeridge Junction
A livery destined to become history over the course of time is the Stagecoach South West Trains livery now that the franchise has been taken over by First / MTR and operating as South Western Railway, although they don't seem to be in any great hurry to re-livery the trains, in fact they've only recently been re-branding the sets with South Western Railway stickers slapped over the old South West Trains logo. Sporting the revised South West Trains livery 159102 departs Westbury with 1V22 09:20 Waterloo - Bristol Temple Meads South Western Railway service away from Hawkeridge Junction.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Hawkeridge Junction
One of the main targets for the day; Colas Railfreight's 66849 Wylam Dilly with five auto-hoppers. Passing in some great light, and a fine display of blossom, 66849 Wylam Dilly works 6C46 01:16 Westbury Yard - Westbury Yard via Worcester past Hawkeridge Junction.
17 May 2018
17 May 2018
Trowbridge
66014 works hard with 6C76 14:04 Acton Yard - Whatley Quarry south of Trowbridge.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
Trowbridge
Something of a nightmare livery to photograph, the green of GWR. 150263 rattles past the White Horse Business Park near Trowbridge working 2E26 15:56 Yeovil Pen Mill - Gloucester.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Trowbridge
Off its booked route due to engineering works on the Berks & Hants route, as part of the on-going electrification works, 1C86 14:34 Paddington - Penzance via Melksham passes the footpath crossing at the White Horse Business Park with power-cars 43191 (leading) and 43131 trailing.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Trowbridge
Still performing the job they were originally intended for 32 years ago, and still doing it very well, the General Motors Class 59. The first of the initial batch of five locomotives for Foster Yeoman was introduced in 1986, and the first locomotive from that batch No.59001 Yeoman Endeavour is seen with 7C77 12:38 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry passing between Trowbridge and Westbury at the White Horse Business Park on a glorious May afternoon.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Trowbridge
Unlike many other of the other Class 166 'Thames turbo' units which are now in GWR green livery 166211 still sports the First Great Western blue livery as it operates 2O90 12:51 Great Malvern - Dorchester West service south of Trowbridge. Due to heavily over-running track renewals at Monkton, a mile south of Dorchester, all services were unable to go through to Weymouth and were stopping short at Wareham or Dorchester West / Yeovil Pen Mill, with onward road transport provided.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
66127 viewed from Fairwood Road bridge on 6C48 11:55 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry empties.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
Three railway photographers look on from Fairwood Road as 59203 passes heading towards Westbury working 6L21 13:30 Whatley Quarry - Dagenham Docks loaded stone train. From left to right; Mark Few, Dave Greenland, Ian Ball.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
59203 with 6L21 13:30 Whatley Quarry - Dagenham Docks loaded stone working.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
59101 Village of Whatley works 7V16 11:47 Fareham - Whatley Quarry away from Westbury.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
150248 working 2C09 13:32 Westbury - Castle Cary away from Westbury past the impressive field of yellow oilseed rape.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
Not a great shot, but I couldn't resist getting the tractor and gulls in the shot as the field is ploughed for the first time in many years, whilst 150263 passes working 2O89 10:42 Gloucester - Yeovil Pen Mill.
14 May 2018
14 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
The final moment of sunlight before full-cloud coverage, which unfortunately meant the white horse on Westbury Hill was in shadow, sees Inter-City liveried HST power-car No.43185 Great Western leading 1C78 11:03 Paddington - Plymouth down towards Fairwood Junction past the magnificent field of rapeseed, power-car No.43186 trails to the rear.
1 May 2018
(PL)
1 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
With so much cloud it was down to luck that 59205 passes in sunlight working 7A77 11:48 Merehead Quarry - Theale F.Y. Sidings. Clearly there was a huge demand for aggregate at Theale as this was something like the third trip there today, and this particular 'jumbo' working was made of three portions.
1 May 2018
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1 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
Nothing like my intended shot for this working - 6X04 05:05 Honeybourne North Junction - Fairwater Yard - but it had crept up a bit quicker than expected, so a hastily grabbed shot from the footpath crossing near Westbury South Junction was as good as it was going to get. Having been involved with track renewals on the Long Marston branch at Honeybourne, 66526 Driver Steve Dunn (George) leads the train away under threatening skies with 66543 trailing to the rear, heading back to the High Output Ballast Cleaning Yard at Taunton.
1 May 2018
1 May 2018
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Fairwood Junction
Running some half-an-hour late due to congestion at the quarry, 66118 with its load of EWS branded former coal hoppers passes Fairood Farm, as it approaches Masters Crossing near Fairwood Junction, with 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras loaded stone train.
1 May 2018
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1 May 2018
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East Grimstead
A rare visitor to the Romsey to Salisbury route in the form of GB Railfreight Class 73/9's with Colas Railfreight operated 1Q66 08:42 Woking to Woking via Fawley and Ludgershall, with 73965 heading the four-coach Network Rail test train past East Grimstead, whilst classmate 73961 Alison trails at the rear. The train had already visited Fawley and was now heading for Ludgershall, then finally back to Woking.
18 April 2018
(PL)
(RW 03/03/2023)
18 April 2018
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(RW 03/03/2023)
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East Grimstead
With another very friendly toot from the driver (cheers Dan) GWR green 158952 1F18 12:32 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff Central rattles past East Grimstead.
18 April 2018
(PL)
(RW 03/03/2023)
18 April 2018
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(RW 03/03/2023)
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East Grimstead
Sporting the livery of the new franchise responsible for the former South West Trains services, now known as South Western Railway, is 158890 as it works 2S31 12:07 Romsey - Salisbury past East Grimstead with a friendly toot from the driver (cheers Jon).
18 April 2018
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18 April 2018
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East Grimstead
158954 with 2M98 12:27 Southampton - Great Malvern at East Grimstead.
18 April 2018
18 April 2018
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East Grimstead
After a long hard winter spring has finally sprung, and in some great light 59002 Alan J Day hauls 7V16 11:47 Fareham - Whatley Quarry past East Grimstead.
18 April 2018
(PL)
(RW 03/03/2023)
18 April 2018
(PL)
(RW 03/03/2023)
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East Grimstead
The weather's back to normal, and so is the forecasting, as 66727 Maritime One passes the gallery, well myself and Wetbag, at East Grimstead - on the Romsey to Salisbury route - working 6M46 12:13 Marchwood - Bicester.
22 February 2018
22 February 2018
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Fairwood Junction
Final shot before heading off to do the school run, and before the clouds roll in, sees 158763 hammer towards Fairwood Junction working 2V90 11:10 Weymouth - Bristol Temple Meads.
23 November 2017
23 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
150127 approaches Masters Crossing at Fairwood Junction working 2O89 10:42 Gloucester - Weymouth.
23 November 2017
23 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
The uniquely liveried power car 43172 Harry Patch-The last survivor of the trenches leads 1A81 08:44 Penzance - Paddington towards Fairwood Junction with 43152 trailing in some superb light, which shows off the black livery of the power car well. To fully appreciate the power car and its significance click here for a side-on view.
23 November 2017
23 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
Next up behind 6V42 ten minutes later is 1C79 11:06 Paddington - Plymouth running about seven minutes late led by 43174 with 43154 trailing to the rear.
23 November 2017
23 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
A quick leap (for me) from Somerset into Wiltshire as GBRf operated 6V42 08:13 Wellingborough Up Yard - Whatley Quarry gets away from Fairwood Junction near Westbury worked by 66732 GBRf The First Decade 1999-2009 John Smith-MD.
23 November 2017
23 November 2017
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Avoncliff
Reflected in the calm waters of the River Avon between Avoncliff and Freshford 70806 passes with a full load of 19 PCA cement wagons forming 6C36 12:37 Westbury Lafarge - Aberthaw Cement Works.
17 November 2017
17 November 2017
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Hullavington
With a hint of frost still in the shadows 66060 passes Hullavington working 6B49 06:46 Llanwern - Swindon steel train on a fine, but fresh, morning.
17 November 2017
17 November 2017
Hullavington
A lovely glint off the newly installed overhead wires at Hullavington as a Paddington bound HST passes by.
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Hullavington
A Paddington bound HST passing Hullavington on a fine, but fresh, morning.
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
17 November 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Wylye
An SWT 159 dodging the clouds at Wylye.
6 November 2017
6 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
43128 approaches Masters Crossing leading 1C79 11:06 Paddington - Plymouth a few minutes down.
6 November 2017
6 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
Next up, 59002 Alan J Day hauling 7B12 11:35 Merehead Quarry - Wootton Bassett on the approach to Fairwood Junction.
6 November 2017
(PL)
6 November 2017
(PL)
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Fairwood Junction
A tense moment between the clouds as 59203 working 7C31 09:55 Theale - Whatley Quarry stone empties passes Fairwood Junction.
6 November 2017
(PL)
6 November 2017
(PL)
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Fairwood Junction
A view across the field at Fairwood as 1A78 06:45 Penzance - Paddington lead by 43129 slows for the booked Westbury stop.
6 November 2017
(PL)
6 November 2017
(PL)
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Fairwood Junction
A late running 6A15 08:45 Whatley Quarry - Appleford hauled by 59004 Paul A Hammond storms up the Westbury new line at Fairwood.
6 November 2017
(PL)
6 November 2017
(PL)
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Fairwood Junction
South Western Railway hire-in to Great Western 158881 approaches Westbury working 2V88 08:53 Weymouth - Bristol Temple Meads.
6 November 2017
6 November 2017
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Fairwood Junction
43169 The National Trust on the approach to Westbury working 1A82 11:32 Paignton - Paddington with 43012 Exeter Panel Signal Box 21st Anniversary 2009 trailing.
30 October 2017
30 October 2017
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Fairwood Junction
43137 gets away from Westbury and down towards Fairwood Junction leading 1C81 11:34 Paddington - Exeter St Davids, 43041 is on the rear.
30 October 2017
30 October 2017
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Fairwood Junction
Nice to see a friendly wave from the driver on 43018 as he takes 1C79 11:06 Paddington - Plymouth down towards Fairwood Junction with 43022 at the opposite end.
30 October 2017
(PL)
30 October 2017
(PL)
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Fairwood Junction
1A78 06:45 Penzance - Paddington comes over Fairwood Junction near Westbury lead by GWR green power car 43188, complete with its Y Cymro / The Welshman dragon insignia. Out of sight to the rear is power car 43127 Sir Peter Parker 1924-2002 Cotswold Line 150 carrying the more standard First Great Western blue livery which is in keeping with the rest of the set.
30 October 2017
30 October 2017
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Fairwood Junction
A slight mis-calculation on the sun angle here, I thought it would be just scraping the front. Anyway the first shot of the morning sees 66155 come over Fairwood Junction and routed via Westbury station hauling 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St. Pancras.
30 October 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
30 October 2017
(RW 11/04/2023)
Fairwood
Returning 'jumbo' 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry, worked by 59203, passes Fairwood. Some sheep in the field would have been nice!
18 April 2017
18 April 2017
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Fairwood
SouthWest Trains 159013 passes Fairwood working 1V35 12:50 Waterloo - Yeovil Pen Mill.
18 April 2017
18 April 2017
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Fairwood
2C18 12:42 Gloucester - Frome, worked by 150938, passes Fairwood in some fine spring sunshine.
18 April 2017
18 April 2017
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Fairwood
Network Rail's contractors had been out the very same morning clearing the vegetation here at Heywood, and it looks all the better for it. However, works like this is not done for the benefit of photographers, but for the benefit of those that use the crossing in the distance, and to maintain signal sighting. Here 59205 passes over the footpath crossing at Fairwood, located towards the middle of the train, working 6C58 12:05 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry.
18 April 2017
18 April 2017
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Penleigh
Having just departed from Westbury Yard, and over the avoiding-line flyover, recently painted 66041 eases 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard up towards Dilton Marsh past Penleigh.
18 April 2017
(PL)
18 April 2017
(PL)
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East Grimstead
Freightliner's 66540 Ruby passes East Grimstead - between Dunbridge and Dean - with 4M68 14:14 Southampton Maritime - Garston Freightliner Terminal.
27 March 2017
(PL)
27 March 2017
(PL)
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Crofton
Members of staff from The Canal & River Trust look on as 66092 sweeps round past Crofton with 6V33 11:05 Wembley Yard - Whatley Quarry.
27 March 2017
27 March 2017
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Crofton
Great Western green liveried power-car No.43041 Meningitis Trust - Support for Life passes Crofton leading 1A81 08:44 Penzance - Paddington.
27 March 2017
27 March 2017
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Fairwood Jn
Just about catching the last bit of sunshine of the day 59204 approaches Westbury working 6L21 13:30 Whatley Quarry - Dagenham Dock.
21 March 2017
(PL)
21 March 2017
(PL)
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Fairwood Jn
A lucky break in the cloud as recently repainted 66009 sporting the latest DB Cargo livery approaches Fairwood Junction working 7V16 11:47 Fareham - Whatley Quarry empties.
21 March 2017
(PL)
21 March 2017
(PL)
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Avoncliff
It might not look it but it's bitterly cold, so much so that it felt like i was starting to get frostbite in my fingers and thumbs, but it was worth the pain. In stunning winter light, and just six minutes behind the Freightliner working, is Colas Railfreight Class 70. No. 70802 sweeping round past Avoncliff with 19 PGA type four-wheel cement wagons running in what has become a regular Friday working; 6C36 12:20 Westbury LaFarge Sidings - Aberthaw LaFarge Sidings.
20 January 2017
(PL)
20 January 2017
(PL)
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Avoncliff
With a brand new HOBC set in tow 66520 heads towards Freshford working 6C73 12:22 Westbury Yard - Fairwater Yard (via Bristol). Normally routed direct to Taunton via Castle Cary, this is a regular move on a Friday via Bristol, or as required by engineering requirements for the train to get it facing 'the right way'.
20 January 2017
(PL)
20 January 2017
(PL)
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Avoncliff
With the old Pill Box in the foreground, and Avoncliff Aqueduct in the distance, 158961 passes the idyllic location of Avoncliff, working 1F14 10:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff Central.
20 January 2017
(PL)
20 January 2017
(PL)
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Avoncliff
On the approach to Avoncliff Halt 150238 prepares for the station stop working 2O89 10:42 Gloucester - Weymouth. Immediately behind the row of trees behind the train is the Kennet & Avon Canal.
20 January 2017
(PL)
20 January 2017
(PL)
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Avoncliff
My one and only visit to Avoncliff was back in the summer of 1987 having been inspired by the book Railway Elegance by Ivo Peters. For anyone keen on railway photography in the landscape this is an essential book to own. Getting close to nearly 30 years later and I finally make a return visit to Avoncliff, although there won't be such a huge gap the next time I come here. First up was the welcome sighting of GWR green liveried 158957 heading towards Freshford working a late running 1V94 08:59 Brighton - Great Malvern.
20 January 2017
(PL)
20 January 2017
(PL)
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Little Langford
After a spot of motoring drama...or should that be 'arma'...at home which required fitting a new battery in the wife's car I was finally able to set off later than planned to Avoncliff. A brief detour en-route to capture 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh which the day before had run with S&C point carriers, and the day before that was worked by a Class 60 (No. 60054), proved not so fruit-fall as 66155 passes the Christmas card setting of Little Langford with a mere three wagons, the temperature being a balmy -2.5c. This had not been my first location choice but with time against me it was here or nowhere.
20 January 2017
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20 January 2017
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Codford
A rare visit to the Wylye Valley see's GBRf duo 73962 Dick Mabbutt and 73965 top-and-tail 1Q66 10:07 Woking - Westbury - Basingstoke - Eastleigh - Woking, a journey of some 219-miles. Here 73962 Dick Mabbutt leads the return working from Westbury past Codford heading back towards Salisbury.
2 November 2016
(PL)
(RW 22/04/2024)
2 November 2016
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Little Langford
A late running 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard passes Little Langford hauled by EWS liveried Class 66 No.66067.
2 November 2016
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2 November 2016
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Little Langford
One of the ever increasing Class 150 units sporting the Great Western green livery is freshly painted 150234, seen here in stunning autumnal conditions at Little Langford, operating 2O05 11:11 Westbury - Southampton Central 'stopper'.
2 November 2016
(RW 22/04/2024)
2 November 2016
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Little Langford
1F09 09:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour with 158955 in charge passes Little Langford.
2 November 2016
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2 November 2016
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Wylye
Overlooking the stunning Wylye Valley as Freightliner's 66545 (left) leads 6Y19 10:03 Sevington (Ashford Kent) - Fairwater Yard high - output train, a working of 250 miles and booked to take nine hours. To the rear (right) is classmate 66564. This was the first of two such workings through the Wylye Valley within three hours of each other, unfortunately the second one with ex-DRS blue 66419 was booked to pass at dusk.
3 October 2016
(RW 25/04/2024)
3 October 2016
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Wylye
158958 approaching Wylye working 1F20 13:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Bristol Parkway.
3 October 2016
3 October 2016
Wylye
New SouthWest Trains service 1V35 12:50 Waterloo - Yeovil Pen Mill via Warminster is seen approaching Wylye worked by 159020.
3 October 2016
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3 October 2016
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Wylye
Somewhat "lost in the landscape" is GWR green liveried 158956 operating 1F17 13:02 Bristol Parkway - Portsmouth Harbour.
3 October 2016
3 October 2016
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Fairwood Junction
With the local permanent-way gang now moving back onto the track after 1A82 11:32 Paignton - Paddington passes them at Masters Crossing the HST prepares to take the Up Main at Fairwood Junction on its approach to Westbury.
3 October 2016
3 October 2016
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Fairwood Junction
Still looking good for 40 years old, but sadly the days of the High Speed Train (aka HST) on the Great Western are soon to change forever with the eventual introduction of the heavily delayed electrification from London to Bristol / South Wales, bringing with it new trains.
Here 43069 with set OC52, and rear power car 43180, working 1C81 11:33 Paddington - Exeter St Davids approaches Fairwood Junction at Westbury.
3 October 2016
Here 43069 with set OC52, and rear power car 43180, working 1C81 11:33 Paddington - Exeter St Davids approaches Fairwood Junction at Westbury.
3 October 2016
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Fairwood Junction
A slight bit of late running works to our advanatge as 59202 Alan Meddows Taylor - MD, Mendip Rail Limited powers away from Westbury and down to Fairwood Junction hauling 7C31 09:55 Theale - Merehead.
3 October 2016
(RW 25/04/2024)
3 October 2016
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Fairwood Junction
150130 with 2O89 10:42 Gloucester - Weymouth at Fairwood Junction.
3 October 2016
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3 October 2016
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Great Cheverell
Passing Great Cheverell is 66207 with 6M20 10:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras loaded stone working.
3 October 2016
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3 October 2016
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Great Cheverell
43164 leads 1A78 06:45 Penzance - Paddington round past Great Cheverell, although out of sight the rear power car is 43191.
3 October 2016
3 October 2016
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Wootton Rivers
A wonderful location slowly getting choked to death by the ever encroaching vegetation. Passing Wootton Rivers is 1A77 05:41 Penzance - Paddington led by 43197, whilst 43144 brings up the rear. Just to the right of the driving cab is the Kennet & Avon Canal.
3 October 2016
(PL)
(RW 25/04/2024)
3 October 2016
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New Mill
For once it would have been preferable to have been on time, because as we walked away it was "full f8 light". Running some 15 minutes early after its booked recess at Woodborough Loop, 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton Yard passes New Mill - to the east of Pewsey - hauled by 59103 Village of Mells.
3 October 2016
(PL)
(RW 25/04/2024)
3 October 2016
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(RW 25/04/2024)
New Mill
First shot of the day in ever improving light sees 'The Golden Hind' 1A76 05:05 Penzance - Paddington hurry past New Mill worked by 43022 (leading) and 43168 (trailing).
3 October 2016
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(RW 25/04/2024)
3 October 2016
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Sherrington
Sadly the prospect of five freights this afternoon through the Wylye Valley in good weather amounted to a disappointing: two in the dull, one running very early as a light engine, one cancelled, and the final one i didn't bother waiting for due to increasing cloud from the north.
Just prior to the second disappointment of the afternoon - 59201 on 7O40 13:35 Merehead to Eastleigh passing in the dull - 158959 passes Sherrington working 1F19 13:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour.
13 May 2016
Just prior to the second disappointment of the afternoon - 59201 on 7O40 13:35 Merehead to Eastleigh passing in the dull - 158959 passes Sherrington working 1F19 13:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour.
13 May 2016
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Bapton
Approaching Middle Road User Worked Crossing at Bapton is 159014 working 1V33 13:52 Salisbury - Bristol Temple Meads.
13 May 2016
13 May 2016
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Bapton
SouthWest Trains Class 159 No. 159102 sporting the revised SWT livery passes Bapton working 1O48 12:49 Bristol Temple Meads - Salisbury. This service then forms the front portion of 1L48 12:25 Exeter St Davids - Waterloo from Salisbury.
13 May 2016
13 May 2016
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Wylye
An unexpected turn-up was Class 60 No. 60007 The Spirit of Tom Kendell seen here passing the Wiltshire village of Wylye working 7V16 12:50 Fareham - Westbury Yard stone empties.
4 May 2016
(PL)
4 May 2016
(PL)
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Wylye
South West Trains 159021 passes Wylye with 1V33 13:52 Salisbury - Bristol Temple Meads.
4 May 2016
(PL)
4 May 2016
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Westbury
The now dormant chimney of the Lafarge cement works at Westbury dominates the local landscape, but is due for demolition towards the end of May 2016. Here 66129 passes working 6A26 10:33 Whatley Quarry - Hayes & Harlington loaded stone train.
04 May 2016
(RW 24/04/2024)
04 May 2016
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Bratton
A glorious morning in Wiltshire "between school runs" stood under the White Horse as 66003 is seen between Bratton and Westbury working 6V33 07:15 Wembley Yard - Whatley Quarry.
4 May 2016
(RW 24/04/2024)
4 May 2016
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Bapton
Not quite the BBC forecast which was checked only two hours earlier, as 66077 passes Bapton - between Warminster and Salisbury - in half-baked milky sun with 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard.
7 March 2016
(PL)
(RW 25/04/2024)
7 March 2016
(PL)
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Wylye
Managing to avoid the clouds 59002 Alan J Day passes Wylye hauling 7V16 12:45 Fareham - Westbury Yard stone empties.
20 October 2015
20 October 2015
Wylye
SouthWest Trains 159011 working 1V33 13:52 Salisbury - Bristol T.M. passing Wylye, just as the light started to dip behind a cloud. This is a portion off of 1L33 12:20 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids which divides at Salisbury, with one portion going forward to Exeter, and the other to Bristol.
20 October 2015
20 October 2015
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Wylye
158960 passes the Wiltshire village of Wylye working 1O98 10:50 Great Malvern - Brighton.
20 October 2015
20 October 2015
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Little Langford
Well, this was a major disappointment regarding the consist. Passing the classic location of Little Langford is 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard worked by 66050 hauling a single bogie bolster wagon.
7 September 2015
7 September 2015
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Blatchbridge Junction
From the public footpath crossing that straddles Blatchbridge Junction, Hanson liveried 59103 Village of Mells heads south working 7C64 15:22 Acton Yard - Merehead in some fantastic evening light.
31 July 2015
31 July 2015
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Upton Scudamore
Well this must have looked comical to not only the driver, but the farm hands working in the field (off frame to the right), when myself and my good chum Steve Clark tipped up here only to find the grass and cow parsley far higher than anticipated. So it ended up with both of us perched precariously up one 7-step ladder trying to shoot over the vegetation, and a high risk of loosing our balance and ending up in a bed of nettles.
With one hand on the camera, and the other trying to hold on to the ladder, and Mr Clark's arse in my face, a grab shot is taken of 59001 Yeoman Endeavour passing Upton Scudamore working 6V12 15:38 Woking - Merehead stone empties.
Perhaps it's time to think about upgrading to a pole? Or perhaps just go back and try again?
31 July 2015
With one hand on the camera, and the other trying to hold on to the ladder, and Mr Clark's arse in my face, a grab shot is taken of 59001 Yeoman Endeavour passing Upton Scudamore working 6V12 15:38 Woking - Merehead stone empties.
Perhaps it's time to think about upgrading to a pole? Or perhaps just go back and try again?
31 July 2015
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Upton Scudamore
A poor consolation prize for just missing an early running Woking stone, as 150131 passes Upton Scudamore working 2E27 17:28 Warminster - Great Malvern.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Codford
Heading through the Wylye Valley near Codford - between Salisbury and Warminster - is 66206 working 6V41 14:47 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Codford
158960 passes Codford with a Portsmouth to Cardiff service.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Bapton
The weather had started off really minty first thing this morning, but come the afternoon the usual haze was starting to become more noticeable, as is usual for this time of year.
With acres of rapeseed throughout the Wylye Valley it certainly makes for a very colourful scene at this time of year. Passing one such field 59001 Yeoman Endeavour heads past Bapton working 7V07 12:41 Chichester - Merehead returning stone empties.
21 April 2015
With acres of rapeseed throughout the Wylye Valley it certainly makes for a very colourful scene at this time of year. Passing one such field 59001 Yeoman Endeavour heads past Bapton working 7V07 12:41 Chichester - Merehead returning stone empties.
21 April 2015
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Bapton
The first of three stone trains through the Wylye Valley this afternoon as 59205 passes Bapton with 7V16 12:47 Fareham - Westbury Yard.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Bapton
SouthWest Trains 159108 heads past Bapton working 1V33 13:52 Salisbury - Bristol T.M.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Crofton
A bit of "human interest" as a couple of volunteers from the Kennett & Avon Canal Trust prepare to open the lock gates at Freewarren Lock for a narrow boat heading down the canal, sadly they exited some sixty seconds after 66143 passed by hauling 6M20 08:14 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Crofton
Running some half an hour early 7C31 09:55 Theale FY - Merehead sweeps round past Crofton with 59203 in charge heading towards Savernake.
21 April 2015
21 April 2015
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Crofton
A long overdue return to Crofton, just over four years since my previous visit, and nice to see some things haven't changed.
Sweeping round past Crofton and heading west towards Savernake working 1C77 10:06 Paddington - Penzance is 43132 We Save the Children - Will you?, with 43140 trailing to the rear.
21 April 2015
Sweeping round past Crofton and heading west towards Savernake working 1C77 10:06 Paddington - Penzance is 43132 We Save the Children - Will you?, with 43140 trailing to the rear.
21 April 2015
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Old Dilton
Stunning weather as one of Colas Railfreight's small fleet of just five Class 66's No. 66850 David Maidment OBE passes Old Dilton.
This Colas operated working forms the second of two daily engineers services to run along the Wylye Valley, the train running as 6O31 17:34 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard.
Note the Balfour Beatty crane and support vehicles forming part of the consist.
14 April 2015
This Colas operated working forms the second of two daily engineers services to run along the Wylye Valley, the train running as 6O31 17:34 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard.
Note the Balfour Beatty crane and support vehicles forming part of the consist.
14 April 2015
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Old Dilton
158766 climbs past Old Dilton working 2F96 17:11 Westbury - Warminster.
14 April 2015
14 April 2015
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Codford
DBS operated 7V41 14:47 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard passes Codford - between Salisbury and Warminster - with 66135 in charge.
There are two regular services between these two important yards, the first being this DBS operated one, and a Colas operated one a bit later in the afternoon. Both run out and back having originated at Westbury.
14 April 2015
There are two regular services between these two important yards, the first being this DBS operated one, and a Colas operated one a bit later in the afternoon. Both run out and back having originated at Westbury.
14 April 2015
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Codford
A First Great Western 158 unit near Codford with a Portsmouth to Cardiff service.
14 April 2015
14 April 2015
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Fairwood Junction
Another early runner, this time only 14 minutes early, is 7B12 11:35 Merehead - Wootton Bassett worked by 59101 Village of Whatley passing over the footpath crossing at Fairwood, on the approach to Westbury South Junction.
27 February 2015
27 February 2015
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Fairwood Junction
Running about 73 minutes early 59002 Alan J Day approaches Fairwood Junction working 7C31 09:12 Theale - Merehead.
Note the EWS liveried ex-coal hoppers, a result in the down turn of coal trains since the closure of several power stations, including the likes of Didcot 'A', now used for aggregate traffic.
27 February 2015
Note the EWS liveried ex-coal hoppers, a result in the down turn of coal trains since the closure of several power stations, including the likes of Didcot 'A', now used for aggregate traffic.
27 February 2015
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Bapton
DB Schenker red liveried 66101 leads EWS liveried 66037 past Bapton working 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard in some fine winter sunshine.
27 February 2015
27 February 2015
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Wilton Junction
Not quite the location I had in mind for this working, but home-life dictated my departure time from home.
A quick detour via Wilton Junction with a few minutes to spare captures this last minute working - 6O14 09:10 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard - hauled by 66716 Locomotive & Carriage Institution Centenary 1911-2011. The working is an extension of 6V14 22:33 Stud Farm - Westbury Yard and formed of Network Rail yellow IOA wagons loaded with ballast.
27 February 2015
A quick detour via Wilton Junction with a few minutes to spare captures this last minute working - 6O14 09:10 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard - hauled by 66716 Locomotive & Carriage Institution Centenary 1911-2011. The working is an extension of 6V14 22:33 Stud Farm - Westbury Yard and formed of Network Rail yellow IOA wagons loaded with ballast.
27 February 2015
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Melksham
153380 approaches Dunch Lane at Melksham working 2M11 15:14 Swindon - Westbury. Network Rail and its contractors have done some fantastic vegetation management here, click here to see how it looked prior to the clearance works. With two footpath crossings across the railway here it was obvious something needed to be done to maintain safety, not only for crossing users, but those working on the track side.
24 February 2015
(RW 16/06/2024)
24 February 2015
(RW 16/06/2024)
Melksham
One of the small fleet of six Class 59/2 locomotives No. 59202 Alan Meadows Taylor - MD Mendip Rail Limited approaching Melksham working 6C48 13:30 Appleford - Whatley Quarry. Although allocated to Toton depot, the small fleet are out-based at Westbury, working stone trains to / from the Mendip quarries alongside the local Class 59's.
24 February 2015
(RW 16/06/2024)
24 February 2015
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Woodborough
Saturday's Theale to Margam tanks are creating a bit of interest at the start of 2015 as they are currently booked to run via the Berks & Hants route, instead of the more usual route via Didcot and Swindon to South Wales. Approaching Woodborough loop is 60054 with 6B33 11:27 Theale - Margam via Newbury, Trowbridge, Bath Spa, Filton.
24 January 2015
(RW 16/06/2024)
24 January 2015
(RW 16/06/2024)
Fairwood Junction
The winter sun catches a passing First Great Western HST at Fairwood.
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
3 December 2014
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Fairwood Junction
The winter sun catches a passing First Great Western HST at Fairwood.
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
3 December 2014
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Fairwood Junction
Approaching Fairwood Junction is 66952 hauling 6C73 12:12 Westbury Yard - Fairwater Yard bang on time with a HOBC set in tow.
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
3 December 2014
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Fairwood Junction
Thanks to a spot of vegetation clearance a slightly higher view can now be afforded looking west towards the footpath crossing at Fairwood. On the approach to Westbury Class 59/0 No. 59005 Kenneth J Painter passes over Fairwood footpath crossing with 7Z12 11:35 Merehead - Wootton Bassett loaded stone train.
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
Fairwood Junction
One of Colas Railfreight's relatively new Class 70's approaching Westbury with a uniform rake of yellow JNA type wagons in tow, hauled by 70802 seen here passing Fairwood working 6C30 10:31 Exeter Riverside Yard - Westbury Yard, running some 33 minutes late.
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
Little Langford
A location I never tire of. The daily DBS operated engineers; 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard, passes Little Langford with 66154 in charge.
3 December 2014
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3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
Little Langford
Stunning weather as a First Great Western Class 158 passes through the Wylye Valley at Little Langford heading for Portsmouth.
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
3 December 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
Fairwood Junction
A brief respite in the showers and heavy cloud meant a brief burst of sunshine over Westbury as a First Great Western HST approaches Fairwood Junction heading west.
4 November 2014
(RW 15/06/2024)
4 November 2014
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Fairwood Junction
Running an hour late is 7C31 08:40 Theale Foster Yeoman Sidings - Merehead Quarry, with 59205 in charge, as it approaches Fairwood Junction. With the downturn in coal traffic, due to the closure of such power stations as Didcot and Uskmouth, and the recent upturn in stone traffic from the Mendip quarries, the train is made up almost entirely of former HTA coal wagons.
4 November 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
4 November 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
Great Cheverell
Lets just say I was less than impressed with the weather conditions, so a record shot of 60001 working 6M20 Merehead - St Pancras rounding the sweeping curve at Great Cheverell.
4 November 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
4 November 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
Trowbridge
Working 6C54 13:06 Oxford Banbury Road - Whatley Quarry 59201 passes the White Horse Business Park between Trowbridge and Westbury.
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
8 September 2014
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Trowbridge
A hastily composed shot having been caught out by some early running as 59205 passes some 27 minutes early with 6A83 13:26 Avonmouth - West Drayton.
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
Chippenham
GB Railfreight's 66722 Sir Edward Watkin passes Chippenham working 6M40 11:56 Westbury Yard - Stud Farm.
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
8 September 2014
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Chippenham
Power-car 43056 The Royal British Legion leads a First Great Western HST set away from Chippenham seen here passing Cocklebury Lane.
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
8 September 2014
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Thingley
66556 certainly isn't hanging about as it passes Thingley working 4L32 11:00 Bristol FLT - Tilbury loaded Freightliner service. With the advent of overhead electrification here the scene will almost certainly change, making photography here and at most other locations along the GWML very challanging.
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
8 September 2014
(RW 13/06/2024)
Thingley
1A14 11:00 Bristol Temple Meads - London Paddington speeds past Thingley lead by HST power-car 43138.
8 September 2014
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8 September 2014
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Fairwood Junction
The footpath over the style into the field leads to 'Dilton Marsh 10 Footpath Crossing' which 59206 John F. Yeoman Rail Pioneer rumbles over heading westwards towards Fairwood Junction on 7C31 Theale - Whatley Quarry.
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
Fairwood Junction
Eight minutes behind the HOBC and a change in light conditions as London Transport liveried 20189 leads BR blue classmate 20142 past Fairwood Junction, on the western approach to Westbury, hauling 47375, 31459 and 47769 running as 0Z20 07:45 Okehampton - Derby Gas Tank Sidings.
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
25 February 2014
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Fairwood Junction
The daily Freightliner trip passes Fairwood Junction at Westbury running 70 minutes late with 66617 in charge of 6C72 08:20 Fairwater Yard - Westbury Yard HOBC. Sadly the fine weather didn't last for the main attraction which was following.
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
25 February 2014
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Fairwood Junction
Exeter to Aberdeen on this thing, not for me thank you. A poor substitute for a locomotive and coaches - which is what you'd expect to get in any other country for a journey of such distance, and with full catering facilities as well. Here Cross-Country service 1S45 09:23 Exeter St Davids - Aberdeen passes Fairwood Junction worked by 221138. If the sea wall at Dawlish wasn't breached this service would have started from Plymouth making the journey even longer. What does make this working slightly interesting is that it is off its normal route due to flooding in the Bridgwater area and diverted via Westbury.
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
Fairwood Junction
150101 approaching Westbury working 2V88 08:53 Weymouth - Bristol Temple Meads.
25 February 2014
(RW 20/04/2024)
25 February 2014
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Sherrington
The final shot of 2013 and it's of a SouthWest Trains Class 159, not quite as exotic as certain other classes but the location and weather makes up for it. Here SouthWest Trains Class 159 No.159020 passes Sherrington with 1O48 12:51 Bristol Temple Meads - Salisbury.
30 December 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
30 December 2013
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Sherrington
Hard to imagine that there was once a signalbox here with Up and Down Goods Loops to Codford (in the distance towards the rear of the train). In fact there were two signalboxes built in the same spot (on this side behind the photographer) both probably due to the onset of war and a need to provide additional capacity. The first box, a GWR Type 27C opened 30 December 1914 and closed 21 February 1923. However with the advent of the Second World War the GWR built a Type 13 box in the same place as previous opening on 27 May 1943, it was to close on 21 December 1958. Sporting the new Freightliner 'Powerhaul' livery 66504 storms past Sherrington just eleven minutes behind the Tilbury hauling 4O51 09:58 Wentloog - Southampton MCT with 66569 trailing to the rear.
30 December 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
30 December 2013
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Sherrington
With Reading closed over the Christmas and New Year period for engineering works all freight traffic through there was diverted off its normal route. Passing Sherrington is 4L32 11:30 Bristol FLT - Tilbury R.C.T. with 66537 in charge, whilst at the rear is 66564. The train reversing at Swindon then running via Melksham, Warminster, Andover and Woking before picking up its original route again from Willesden.
30 December 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
30 December 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
Heytesbury
Passing two tractors undertaking flailing of Network Rail's lineside jungle, which is obviously encroaching into the adjacent fields, 59005 Kenneth J. Painter passes Heytesbury hauling 6V12 15:38 Woking - Merehead. On the previous day, the duty was entrusted to a much rarer locomotive, click here for the same train from the same location.
20 September 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
20 September 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
Sherrington
Talk about a close shave. Running just under two hours early, I had to make a hasty decision on where to shoot this working as I would not quite have made it to my intended location. With the vegetation, shadows and clouds all adding to the pressure, it was here or never. Looking and sounding fantastic a gleaming 56312 Jeremiah Dixon-Son of County Durham -Surveyor of the Mason-Dixon Line U.S.A. passes Sherrington, between Warminster and Salisbury, hauling 6Z56 12:50 Long Marston - Totton Yard. The wagons were being moved to the Southampton area in connection with a new DCR contract on the Wessex Route of Network Rail for use with the Railvac machine.
20 September 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
20 September 2013
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Dean
Is it in Hampshire or is it in Wiltshire? Practically straddling the county border is 60045 The Permanent Way Institution passing Dean - between Romsey and Salisbury - with a short load of just two flat wagons loaded with track panels in the daily afternoon engineer's path of 6V41 14:45 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard.
4 September 2013
(RW 22/04/2024)
4 September 2013
(RW 22/04/2024)
Bapton
Summer may be great for a day on the beach, but for railway photography it can be rather challenging - especially in high summer and at the height of the day. A rare outing for 60065 Spirit of Jaguar away from its shunting duties at Westbury saw it do a trip to Fareham and is passing Bapton - between Salisbury and Warminster - with the returning empties running as 7V16 12:47 Fareham - Whatley Quarry. This is about the only location where there is any chance of sun on at least one front panel, however the exceptionally high sunburnt grass, high summer sun and, of course, the bubbling up cloud makes the shot actually quite challenging; roll on autumn.
1 August 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
1 August 2013
(RW 12/06/2024)
Heytesbury
66168 trundles through the lovely Wylye Valley with 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard engineers train.
1 August 2013
1 August 2013
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Upton Scudamore
A First Great Western Class 150 No. 150249 passes Upton Scudamore working 2E27 17:28 Warminster - Great Malvern.
Sadly, the sun did not last as by the time 60059 passed eight minutes later, it was 'lights out'.
Naturally, the 40-mile drive home was in full sun all the way.
30 April 2013
Sadly, the sun did not last as by the time 60059 passed eight minutes later, it was 'lights out'.
Naturally, the 40-mile drive home was in full sun all the way.
30 April 2013
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Upton Scudamore
Turn the clock back 35 years ago and this locomotive looked like this.
A rare outing for Network Rail's 57305 (ex D1758 / 47164 / 47571 / 47822) seen here climbing the bank at Upton Scudamore with the Freightliner-operated 6Z30 17:23 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
Due to engineering works between Castle Cary and Cogload Junction, Freightliner was obviously short of traction - hence the use of this locomotive.
This was not my originally intended location but as the farmer was covering the next field up with ankle-deep cow slurry and crap I decided perhaps to stay put. However, Mark Few chanced it and his shot in the shit can be seen here.
30 April 2013
A rare outing for Network Rail's 57305 (ex D1758 / 47164 / 47571 / 47822) seen here climbing the bank at Upton Scudamore with the Freightliner-operated 6Z30 17:23 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
Due to engineering works between Castle Cary and Cogload Junction, Freightliner was obviously short of traction - hence the use of this locomotive.
This was not my originally intended location but as the farmer was covering the next field up with ankle-deep cow slurry and crap I decided perhaps to stay put. However, Mark Few chanced it and his shot in the shit can be seen here.
30 April 2013
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Upton Scudamore
It was always going to be 'all or nothing' here with the the prospect of three freights in quick succession and from both directions.
First up is 66080 passing Upton Scudamore hauling a nice uniform rake of yellow JNAs loaded with ballast - presumably for the Castle Cary to Cogload Junction possession - running as 6Z58 14:45 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard.
30 April 2013
First up is 66080 passing Upton Scudamore hauling a nice uniform rake of yellow JNAs loaded with ballast - presumably for the Castle Cary to Cogload Junction possession - running as 6Z58 14:45 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard.
30 April 2013
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Little Langford
66107 passing Little Langford with 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard.
29 April 2013
29 April 2013
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Bapton
As part of the Easter blockade of Reading station - due to the station redevelopment works there - many First Great Western services were altered and operated over diversionary routes.
A near hourly service between Devon and Cornwall and London Waterloo
was operated over one such diversionary route.
Operating over the booked route as far as Westbury, services would reverse then run via Salisbury, Andover, Woking, Clapham Junction and finally into Waterloo - instead of Paddington.
Here, 43168 leads HST set LA64 with power car 43040 to the rear past Bapton - between Salisbury and Warminster - working Good Friday's 1V36 10:07 Waterloo - Plymouth.
29 March 2013
A near hourly service between Devon and Cornwall and London Waterloo
was operated over one such diversionary route.
Operating over the booked route as far as Westbury, services would reverse then run via Salisbury, Andover, Woking, Clapham Junction and finally into Waterloo - instead of Paddington.
Here, 43168 leads HST set LA64 with power car 43040 to the rear past Bapton - between Salisbury and Warminster - working Good Friday's 1V36 10:07 Waterloo - Plymouth.
29 March 2013
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Bapton
All photographers moan about a lack of sunshine, myself included, and here is one occassion when some sun would have made all the difference.
With quite a load in tow, Westbury driver Steve Rogers takes the diverted 6M48 09:56 Southampton Eastern Docks - Halewood car train past Bapton worked by 66112.
29 March 2013
With quite a load in tow, Westbury driver Steve Rogers takes the diverted 6M48 09:56 Southampton Eastern Docks - Halewood car train past Bapton worked by 66112.
29 March 2013
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Bapton
The sunny spells did not last and, for once, BBC Weather was sort of right with its forecast.
Here, 150261 leads 158950 past Bapton operating 1F12 09:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff Central.
29 March 2013
Here, 150261 leads 158950 past Bapton operating 1F12 09:23 Portsmouth Harbour - Cardiff Central.
29 March 2013
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Bapton
The daily engineer's train working through the Wylye Valley is 6O41 10:22 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh East Yard led by 66020 through Bapton.
29 March 2013
29 March 2013
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Bapton
Passing Bapton - between Salisbury and Warminster - is this First Great Western HST service diverted away from its normal route, due to engineering works at Reading, over the Easter weekend.
29 March 2013
29 March 2013
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Bapton
1V31 09:07 Waterloo - Plymouth passes through through the lovely Wylye Valley.
29 March 2013
29 March 2013
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Little Langford
One of several freights diverted off their normal route due to the Reading station blockade was 6O15 17:30 Mossend Down Yard - Eastleigh East Yard seen here passing Little Langford with 66088 in charge of just a handful of wagons.
29 March 2013
29 March 2013
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Little Langford
Good Friday of the Easter weekend and 1O38 07:00 Plymouth - Waterloo passes Little Langford on the Westbury to Salisbury route.
29 March 2013
29 March 2013
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Little Langford
For the first time in a very long time, Freightliners were diverted during daylight hours via the Wylye Valley.
With a grey and moody sky beyond, 5541 powers past Little Langford in a nice burst of sunshine hauling 4O22 01:47 Trafford Park - Southampton Maritime MCT.
29 March 2013
With a grey and moody sky beyond, 5541 powers past Little Langford in a nice burst of sunshine hauling 4O22 01:47 Trafford Park - Southampton Maritime MCT.
29 March 2013
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Hanging Langford
With a consist of just five JNAs, 60010 passes Hanging Langford - in less than perfect weather conditions - with 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
07 February 2013
07 February 2013
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Woodborough
With bell end leading, 59201 heads 59204 and finally 59004 Paul A Hammond on 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead past Woodborough in less than ideal weather.
06 November 2012
06 November 2012
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Little Langford
A location I never tire of - the idyllic Little Langford in the Wylye Valley between Salisbury and Warminster.
Here, 66193 leads 66137 with their long welded rail train running as
6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
27 September 2012
Here, 66193 leads 66137 with their long welded rail train running as
6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard.
27 September 2012
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Norton Bavant
A locomotive that seldom ventures out on the main line.
Following a few rain showers, it seemed like I was on target for a damp dull record shot. Well, Lady Luck was smiling down on me for a change.
In a fortuitous piece of luck, the sun shone moments before 47812 appeared hauling 5Z47 13:35 Bristol T.M - Eastleigh T&RSMD.
Formed of the Torbay Express stock and going back to Eastleigh for storage, 47812 is seen here storming past Norton Bavant; not bad for a loco that does nothing all year and is knocking on for 50 years old.
25 September 2012
Following a few rain showers, it seemed like I was on target for a damp dull record shot. Well, Lady Luck was smiling down on me for a change.
In a fortuitous piece of luck, the sun shone moments before 47812 appeared hauling 5Z47 13:35 Bristol T.M - Eastleigh T&RSMD.
Formed of the Torbay Express stock and going back to Eastleigh for storage, 47812 is seen here storming past Norton Bavant; not bad for a loco that does nothing all year and is knocking on for 50 years old.
25 September 2012
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Bapton
What a difference 24 hours makes.
Same forecast for two consecutive days but how different the weather actually turned out to be. Yesterday, clear azure blue sky all day and today, well, not what I'd hoped for.
Passing the Middle Road crossing at Bapton, in the Wylye Valley, 67016 leads 1Z85 11:00 Chichester - Westbury VSOE.
To the rear is silver-liveried 67026 Diamond Jubilee.
06 September 2012
Same forecast for two consecutive days but how different the weather actually turned out to be. Yesterday, clear azure blue sky all day and today, well, not what I'd hoped for.
Passing the Middle Road crossing at Bapton, in the Wylye Valley, 67016 leads 1Z85 11:00 Chichester - Westbury VSOE.
To the rear is silver-liveried 67026 Diamond Jubilee.
06 September 2012
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Great Cheverell
A mere 441 minutes (or 7 hours 35 minutes) late and passing Great Cheverell is 66618 Railways Illustrated Annual Photographic Awards - Alan Barnes with 6V14 22:38 Stud Farm - Westbury Yard making this a rare daylight working.
03 February 2012
03 February 2012
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Little Langford
Well, this was an unexpected pleasure!
DBS red 59206 John F. Yeoman - Rail Pioneer passes Little Langford with a mixed bag of wagons on 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard engineer's train in stunning winter light.
03 February 2012
DBS red 59206 John F. Yeoman - Rail Pioneer passes Little Langford with a mixed bag of wagons on 6O41 10:14 Westbury Yard - Eastleigh Yard engineer's train in stunning winter light.
03 February 2012
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Shrivenham
A vibrant mix of blues and yellows as a First Great Western HST passes the rape seed fields at Shrivenham heading towards Swindon (to the left).
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Shrivenham
A vibrant mix of blues and yellows as a First Great Western HST passes the rape seed fields off Claypit Lane near Shrivenham heading towards Swindon (to the left).
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Compton Beauchamp
Half full or half empty? 66588 takes its partially loaded 4L32 11:00 Bristol FLT - Tilbury past Compton Beauchamp.
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Compton Beauchamp
Just a four minutes after the previous HST another one passes Compton Beauchamp heading east for London.
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Compton Beauchamp
A near constant procession of HSTs but all will be consigned to history one day. Still looking good for now, and going well since 1976, a London-bound service passes Compton Beauchamp.
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Compton Beauchamp
It won't be long before scenes like this will be lost completely on the GWML. Overhead wires - and almost certainly new fencing - will change the scene as 66567 passes Ruffinswick Farm at Compton Beauchamp hauling 4O51 10:00 Wentloog - Southampton MCT.
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
08 April 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Warminster
Surrounded by 'the Westbury Mafia' on Granada Bridge near Warminster as Network Rail NMT passes working 1Q16 14:06 Salisbury - Old Oak Common (via Westbury).
The power cars are 43013 and 43014.
24 March 2011
The power cars are 43013 and 43014.
24 March 2011
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Crofton
60013 Robert Boyle leans into the camber of the Crofton curve with 6A74 09:22 Whatley Quarry - Theale; nice.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
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Crofton
59001 Yeoman Endeavour sweeps round past the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton with the 'jumbo train' 7A09 07:12 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
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Crofton
59001 Yeoman Endeavour sweeps round past the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton with the 'jumbo train' 7A09 07:12 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
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Bedwyn
Target 'A' for my Bedwyn stop was 59005 Kenneth J. Painter seen approaching Wansdyke UWC near Bedwyn on 7V82 05:02 Crawley - Merehead Quarry.
08 March 2011
08 March 2011
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Bedwyn
A lovely fresh morning to be out on the Berks & Hants.
The driver of 166209 turbo unit slows for the Bedwyn stop; probably wondering what on earth someone is doing up a ladder on a chilly March morning photting his train.
08 March 2011
The driver of 166209 turbo unit slows for the Bedwyn stop; probably wondering what on earth someone is doing up a ladder on a chilly March morning photting his train.
08 March 2011
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New Mill
The ancient Martinsell Hillfort dominates the skyline as 59001 Yeoman Endeavour passes with 6A83 Avonmouth - West Drayton.
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
New Mill
5910? New Mill.
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
New Mill
A bitterly cold afternoon saw me stood at New Mill but in great conditions as a HST heads westwards towards Pewsey.
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
New Mill
'Inspired by Ivo' was how I once thought of this image of an FGW HST passing New Mill near Pewsey and for anyone who has a copy of Railway Elegance by Ivo Peters then perhaps you'll see why.
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
New Mill
'Inspired by Ivo' was how I once thought of this image of an FGW HST passing New Mill near Pewsey and for anyone who has a copy of Railway Elegance by Ivo Peters then perhaps you'll see why.
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
02 March 2011
(RW 12/03/2024)
Norton Bavant
Not a working you'd normally see through the Wylye Valley and not something a Freightliner Class 66 would haul. These steel-carrying wagons are going for storage and running as 6Z21 08:46 Llanwern Exchange Sidings - Eastleigh Works hauled by 66953 seen passing Norton Bavant just south of Warminster
20 January 2011
(RW 24/03/2024)
20 January 2011
(RW 24/03/2024)
Fairwood Junction
A crispy morning for this very rare working as 56312 (56003) hauls Colas Rail track machines DR92377, DR92400, DR76601 and tail gunner 47739 Robin of Templecombe past Fairwood Junction running as 6Z76 07:35 Tavistock Junction - West Ealing.
20 January 2011
(RW 24/03/2024)
20 January 2011
(RW 24/03/2024)
Norton Bavant
Scratchbury Hill dominates the backdrop at Norton Bavant as 66206 passes by hauling the Tuesdays only 6V62 09:18 Fawley - Tavistock Junction.
18 January 2011
18 January 2011
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Norton Bavant
Scratchbury Hill overlooks a First Great Western 158 unit as it heads towards Warminster in stunning winter light.
18 January 2011
18 January 2011
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Westbury
An unexpected surprise.
Class 59s No. 59104 Village of Great Elm leads 59002 Alan J Day as they accelerate past the now dormant Lafarge cement works at Westbury on 7A17 10:31 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard.
18 January 2011
Class 59s No. 59104 Village of Great Elm leads 59002 Alan J Day as they accelerate past the now dormant Lafarge cement works at Westbury on 7A17 10:31 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard.
18 January 2011
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Westbury
66021 passes Westbury cement works on 6M20 Whatley - St Pancras with its distinctive ex-RMC orange liveried wagons.
18 January 2011
18 January 2011
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Westbury
A First Great Wesren HST passing the dormant Westbury cement works.
18 January 2011
18 January 2011
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Fairwood Junction
No mistaking where this is really as 59004 Paul A Hammond gets away from Westbury and heads down towards Fairwood Junction is the final rays of winter light.
11 January 2011
11 January 2011
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Fairwood Junction
A nice winter glint on a Paddington bound HST as it approaches Westbury.
11 January 2011
11 January 2011
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Crofton
Now a rare breed on the national network, and even more so in southern England; a Class 60.
Passing Wilton Water and the pumping station at Crofton is 60074 Teenage Spirit in its unique livery hauling 7C31 09:45 Theale - Merehead Quarry.
10 November 2010
Passing Wilton Water and the pumping station at Crofton is 60074 Teenage Spirit in its unique livery hauling 7C31 09:45 Theale - Merehead Quarry.
10 November 2010
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Crofton
An incredibly cold wait in very crispy conditions but all good things come to those who wait.
59102 Village of Chantry rumbles past the pumping station at Crofton on 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton.
10 November 2010
59102 Village of Chantry rumbles past the pumping station at Crofton on 7A09 07:12 Merehead - Acton.
10 November 2010
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Wootton Rivers
Passing Wootton Rivers is 66015 on 6V18 12:46 Hither Green - Whatley Quarry.
11 October 2010
11 October 2010
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Brimslade Farm
A very unusual combination: 59004 Paul A Hammond heads 7C77 12:40 Acton Yard - Merehead Quarry with 60074 Teenage Spirit and 59203 Vale of Pickering tucked inside passing Brimslade Farm.
11 October 2010
11 October 2010
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Crofton
Sun almost off the nose and time for one final shot at Crofton before moving to a new location.
6M20 11:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras passes with 66131 in charge.
11 October 2010
6M20 11:37 Whatley Quarry - St Pancras passes with 66131 in charge.
11 October 2010
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Crofton
This was the site of Grafton East Junction - and the branch line to Ludgershall and Andover (leading off to the centre left) - as a First Great Western HST works its way on up to London.
11 October 2010
11 October 2010
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Crofton
Bell end leading, 59201 Vale of York leads 59001 Yeoman Endeavour at Crofton heading 7A17 10:31 Merehead Quarry - Acton Yard.
11 October 2010
11 October 2010
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Crofton
The classic location of Crofton on the Berks & Hants route as a Paddington-bound HST sweeps round the curve close to the pumping station.
11 October 2010
11 October 2010
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Wilton Junction
59005 Kenneth J Painter clatters over Wilton Junction and onto the Up Westbury line hauling 6V12 15:38 Woking - Merehead empties.
This train no longer runs directly from and to the quarry to Woking and is now tripped via Acton Yard.
05 July 2010
This train no longer runs directly from and to the quarry to Woking and is now tripped via Acton Yard.
05 July 2010
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Wilton Junction
A nice bit of vegetation clearance to the cess side embankments at Wilton Junction by Network Rail allows long-lost angles to once again be 'on'.
However, it doesn't take long for nature to take hold again and since this shot was taken the bankside vegetation has again shot up (September 2011).
59104 Village of Great Elm on 7O48 09:22 Whatley Quarry - Hamworthy creeps round the corner on the Down Westbury in ideal conditions.
4 May 2010
(RW)
However, it doesn't take long for nature to take hold again and since this shot was taken the bankside vegetation has again shot up (September 2011).
59104 Village of Great Elm on 7O48 09:22 Whatley Quarry - Hamworthy creeps round the corner on the Down Westbury in ideal conditions.
4 May 2010
(RW)
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Wilton Junction
A Waterloo bound service formed of 159013 passes Wilton Junction heading towards Salisbury.
4 May 2010
(RW)
4 May 2010
(RW)
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Wilton Junction
4 May 2010
(RW)
(RW)
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Norton Bavant
With Battlesbury Hill in the distance, 66154 passes Norton Bavant on
5Z71 12:01 Swindon Cocklebury Sidings - Eastleigh T&RSMD.
18 April 2010
(RW 12/03/2024)
5Z71 12:01 Swindon Cocklebury Sidings - Eastleigh T&RSMD.
18 April 2010
(RW 12/03/2024)
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Norton Bavant
150232 passing Norton Bavant heading towards Salisbury.
18 April 2010
(RW)
18 April 2010
(RW)
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Hanging Langford
The returning empty stock off Pathfinder Tours / DTG The Western Rocks tour from Bristol to Buxton - running as 5Z85 16:08 Bristol East Depot to Eastleigh T&RSMD - is seen here passing Hanging Langford with D1015 Western Champion not hanging around.
Shame the same could not be said about the sun which dipped just as the Wizzo came into view!
21 March 2010
Shame the same could not be said about the sun which dipped just as the Wizzo came into view!
21 March 2010
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Sherrington
Talk about a lucky patch of sun when all around was cloudy.
The superb Peppercorn A1 No. 60163 Tornado passes Sherrington, in the Wylye Valley, hauling Steam Dreams 'Valentines Day Special' 1Z92 10:06 Paddington - Salisbury.
14 February 2010
(RW)
The superb Peppercorn A1 No. 60163 Tornado passes Sherrington, in the Wylye Valley, hauling Steam Dreams 'Valentines Day Special' 1Z92 10:06 Paddington - Salisbury.
14 February 2010
(RW)
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Little Langford
A First Great Western Class 158 passes Little Langford in some fine weather, combined with a covering of recent snow, makes for a real Christmas card setting.
9 January 2010
(RW)
9 January 2010
(RW)
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Little Langford
A winter wonderland in the Wylye Valley as a 2-car Class 150 hurries past Little Langford.
9 January 2010
(RW)
9 January 2010
(RW)
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Westbury
A First Great Western HST passing the dormant Lafarge cement works at Westbury.
14 October 2009
(RD)
14 October 2009
(RD)
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Westbury
An eastbound stone train passing the Lafarge cement works at Westbury.
14 October 2009
(RD)
14 October 2009
(RD)
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Westbury
White Horse Hill at Westbury as a Hercules C-130 does low-flying training out of the nearby RAF Keevil whilst passing the dormant Lafarge cement works is 59004 Paul A. Hammond on 7C77 12:40 Acton - Merehead.
14 October 2009
14 October 2009
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Heywood Road Junction
More luck than judgement in capturing these two stone trains passing over Heywood Road Junction as seen from White Horse Hill.
To the left, 59204 Vale of Glamorgan heads 6C74 13:15 Theale - Whatley Quarry and to the right 59101 Village of Whatley on 6L21 13:30 Whatley Quarry - Dagenham Docks; both running early.
14 October 2009
To the left, 59204 Vale of Glamorgan heads 6C74 13:15 Theale - Whatley Quarry and to the right 59101 Village of Whatley on 6L21 13:30 Whatley Quarry - Dagenham Docks; both running early.
14 October 2009
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Crookwood
In the Vale of Pewsey, 59102 Village of Chantry makes its way past Crookwood with 7A17 10:31 Merehead - Acton Yard.
14 October 2009
14 October 2009
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Coulston
A First Great Western HST sweeps round past Coulston on the approach to Westbury with a service from Paddington .
14 October 2009
(RD)
14 October 2009
(RD)
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Wylye
Looking a bit lost, a 'tin rocket' potters through the Wylye Valley heading towards Warminster.
The leaves are a great blend of colours with autumn setting in.
13 October 2009
The leaves are a great blend of colours with autumn setting in.
13 October 2009
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Hanging Langford
Unlike the green livery of Freightliner - which tends to blend in to the surroundings - the new red livery of DBS stands out well in the surrounding countryside.
Sole DBS-liveried Class 66 No. 66152 is seen here on the Tuesday only 6V62 08:48 Fawley - Tavistock Junction at Hanging Langford.
13 October 2009
Sole DBS-liveried Class 66 No. 66152 is seen here on the Tuesday only 6V62 08:48 Fawley - Tavistock Junction at Hanging Langford.
13 October 2009
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Hanging Langford
With a uniform rake of yellow JNA wagons in tow 66130 heads past Hanging Langford with the daily engineers from Westbury to Eastleigh in some stunning light.
13 October 2009
(RD)
13 October 2009
(RD)
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Hanging Langford
Some lovely autumn colours just slowly starting to creep in at Hanging Langford in the Wylye Valley, between Salisbury and Warminster, as a Portsmouth-bound 158 passes by.
13 October 2009
13 October 2009
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Fairwood Junction
It might be the middle of summer but it's as gloomy as anything as 40145 East Lancashire Railway approaches Fairwood Junction hauling Pathfinder Tours 'Cornish Explorer' 1Z38 05:47 Portsmouth Harbour - Penzance.
The train had been worked up from Portsmouth to Westbury by a single Class 37 No. 37401, with the Class 40 - sporting a non-authentic (for the class) large-logo livery - working forward to Penzance.
27 June 2009
(RD)
The train had been worked up from Portsmouth to Westbury by a single Class 37 No. 37401, with the Class 40 - sporting a non-authentic (for the class) large-logo livery - working forward to Penzance.
27 June 2009
(RD)
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Dean
An unlikely combination near Dean as D1015 Western Champion hauls a Colas (stone blower) track machine for export running as 8Z52 09:00 Bristol Marsh Junction - Southampton Eastern Docks approaching Dean.
08 April 2009
08 April 2009
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Bapton
A First Great Western three-car 158 passing through the Wylye Valley at Bapton.
30 March 2009
30 March 2009
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Salisbury
Another freight flow consigned to history, this is the clay working from Quidhampton, between Salisbury and Wilton. With a suitably adorned home-made headboard reading 'Quidhampton 1972 - 2009' and black taped 'Last Quid' the final 6Y27 10:12 Quidhampton - Eastleigh East Yard is seen here leaving Salisbury with 66193 taking the honours.
30 March 2009
(RD)
(RW 06/10/2023)
30 March 2009
(RD)
(RW 06/10/2023)
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Little Langford
A SouthWest Trains Class 159 passes the idyllic location of Little Langford, in the Wylye Valley, with a service from Salisbury to Bristol.
19 March 2009
19 March 2009
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Stockton
A nice day for it!
66146 ambles on by Stockton out in the lovely Wylye Valley on 7V41 14:45 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard.
Just out of view to the left is a GSM-R mast. Now a common sight on the national rail network, and what ever your thoughts are about these masts, they're here to stay.
Thankfully, at this location you can 'work around it'; just.
19 March 2009
66146 ambles on by Stockton out in the lovely Wylye Valley on 7V41 14:45 Eastleigh Yard - Westbury Yard.
Just out of view to the left is a GSM-R mast. Now a common sight on the national rail network, and what ever your thoughts are about these masts, they're here to stay.
Thankfully, at this location you can 'work around it'; just.
19 March 2009
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Little Langford
Rare enough to see a Riviera Class 47 out but three in one hit and the second loco-hauled (passenger stock) train through the Wylye Valley in less than an hour; all or nothing as usual.
Dark blue 47843 Vulcan leads light blue 47853 Rail Express past Little Langford with 5Z72 08:30 Crewe Works - Eastleigh Depot, ex-Virgin Trains liveried 47769 Resolve brings up the rear.
19 March 2009
Dark blue 47843 Vulcan leads light blue 47853 Rail Express past Little Langford with 5Z72 08:30 Crewe Works - Eastleigh Depot, ex-Virgin Trains liveried 47769 Resolve brings up the rear.
19 March 2009
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Little Langford
Running some three hours late turned out to be to my advantage.
The sun was now suitably round far enough and crisping up the back of my neck nicely for 66707 Sir Sam Fay - Great Central Railway as it passes Little Langford with 5V60 10:20 Eastleigh Depot - Bishops Lydeard stock positioning move.
19 March 2009
The sun was now suitably round far enough and crisping up the back of my neck nicely for 66707 Sir Sam Fay - Great Central Railway as it passes Little Langford with 5V60 10:20 Eastleigh Depot - Bishops Lydeard stock positioning move.
19 March 2009
Little Langford
A Portsmouth-bound First Great Western Class 158 passes Little Langford.
19 March 2009
19 March 2009
Hanging Langford
The delightful Wylye Valley, between Salisbury and Westbury, is the setting for 67006 Royal Sovereign with 1Z80 09:39 Victoria - Bath Spa as it passes Hanging Langford in perfect weather.
24 January 2009
(RW 24/04/2024)
24 January 2009
(RW 24/04/2024)
Barford St Martin
BR green 31190 - and its two coach test train - passes Barford St Martin undertaking tests on the West of England route, the train running as 1Q12 07:59 Eastleigh Works - Exeter Riverside.
11 November 2008
11 November 2008
Barford St Martin
Great weather at Barford St Martin as a pair of 159s pass by.
11 November 2008
11 November 2008
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