Tracks the monthly magazine of the

Inter City Railway Society websites: icrs.org.uk & icrs.fotopic.net

DRS 47501’Craftsman’ with 57012 on the rear await the next departure south from Maryport on the temporary shuttle to Workington introduced following

the devastating Cumbrian floods on 20 November 2009, which washed away bridges, cutting Workington in two

10 February 2010

Volume 38 No.3 March 2010

Inter City Railway Society founded 1973

The content of the magazine is the copyright of the Society

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the copyright holder President: Simon Mutten (01603 715701) Coppercoin, 12 Blofield Corner Rd, Blofield, Norwich, Norfolk NR13 4RT Chairman: Carl Watson - chairman@icrs.org.uk 14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG Secretary: Gary Mutten - secretary@icrs.org.uk (01953 600445) 1 Corner Cottage, Silfield St. Silfield, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 9NS Treasurer: Gary Mutten - treasurer@icrs.org.uk details as above Membership Secretary: Trevor Roots - membership@icrs.org.uk (01466 760724) Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD Editorial Manager: Trevor Roots - editor@icrs.org.uk details as above Website Manager: Mark Richards - website.manager@icrs.org.uk (01908 520028) 7 Parkside, Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1BX Editorial Team: Sightings: James Holloway - sightings@icrs.org.uk (0121 744 2351) 246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3ES News: John Barton - traffic.news@icrs.org.uk (0121 770 2205) 46, Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham B37 7LD Wagons & Trams: Martin Hall - wagon.corner@icrs.org.uk (0115 930 2775) 5 Sunninghill Close, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 6LS All Our Yesterdays: Alan Gilmour - alanmgilmour@Tesco.net 24 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2HJ Europe (website): Robert Brown - european@icrs.org.uk (01909 591504) 32 Spitalfields, Blyth, Worksop, Notts. S81 8EA Magazine Distribution: Peter Britcliffe - p.britcliffe10@hotmail.com (01429 234180) 9 Voltigeur Drive, Hartlepool TS27 3BS Publications Team: UK Combine / Pocket Book: Carl Watson - ukbooks@icrs.org.uk details as above UK Wagons: Scott Yeates - wagon.compiler@icrs.org.uk Paul Eveleigh (contact via Scott) Name Directory: Eddie Rathmill Publications Distribution: Carl Watson - publications@icrs.org.uk details as above Website Assistant: vacant Contents: Officials Contact List.........................................2 Society Notice Board .....................................3-5 Publications ............................................. 6 & 28 Current News / Sightings: Gloucester / Stirling Sightings...............19-21 Light Rail and Metro News.........................22 Network News...........................................7-8 Open Day News...........................................5 Out and About Sightings .......................17-18 Stock Changes / Liveries ...........................27

Traffic and Traction News.....................11-12 Wagon Corner ......................................26-27 Feature Articles: Eastleigh Works Report ........................21-22 Preservation News....................................... 9 Preservation Photo Spot.............................. 6 Railway Globetrotters ...........................23-25 Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast.............13-16 The Rise & Fall of 66048 - Update ............ 10

£1.50 where sold separately (post free) Printed by Ords Group, Progress House, Usworth Road Industrial Estate, Hartlepool TS25 1PD

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Society Notice Board Editor’s Comments: 72 days on the ground and counting…and I’ve just dug myself out of another 1 foot plus of the white stuff. That’s enough of that as I’m sure others are equally sick of the hassle who have equally been dumped on at regular intervals by snow or now rain !! At least walls have dried out, fingers crossed with this latest lot, so I just need to fix everything now. Feeling worse now as just watched Villa just lost to Utd in cup final…with another snow shower outside. Got away south to GBBG AGM and saw green grass and even played golf at Keswick, no chance up here. Managed to swing by the Workington area to photograph the temporary shuttle (see article). I also called in at Carrbridge on my return north, luckily hours after 66048 had been lifted so able to give you an update on its situation, again see article. At least my railway luck seems to be holding this year with 92017 sitting in a photographable position in Mossend Yard, so now got the full set of Stobart liveries. It’s an interesting time at the moment with stock being temporarily transferred between companies and turning up all over the country. Various EMU classes in particular are now finding their way onto different routes in readiness for new stock, either now in service or due for delivery later in year. Please note AGM notice below, repeated from last month. I hope as many of you as possible will come along. We will have all our 3 new 2010 books for you to see, if you haven’t already bought one. AGM by Carl Watson: In a change to previous practice we've decided to move away from Crewe and hold our AGM somewhere we hope will attract more Members and provide something of interest worth visiting, rather than just the AGM itself. Saturday 17th April is the planned date and the location will be the Kidderminster Railway Museum at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway. There is access by road with free parking and by mainline rail services (see below) to Kidderminster, so access shouldn't be a problem. I hope you'll agree that this will give plenty of interest on the day for everyone. In order to ensure everyone can take advantage of the venue we are looking to make an 11.00 start to finish by 14.00. This will allow time for a full round trip of the line in the afternoon for those wishing to do so. (see timetable below).

The first service after finish of AGM leaves at 14.20 arriving back at 17.15. The next service to allow a full round trip is the 15.35 arriving back at 18.27. The start time will also allow time beforehand at Kidderminster. Personally, I've not visited the SVR but I've heard a lot of good reports about it so I think this will be a good day out for all. Can those intending to go to AGM please contact our Secretary, Gary Mutten, to whom apologies should also be sent.

Road Access: Kidderminster is 10 miles west of the M5. For those who use such things, the sat nav directions are, Kidderminster Station, Comberton Hill, DY10 1Q. Both stations are situated off the A448. Rail: Frequent services leave Birmingham Moor St (Snow Hill is 3 mins later) at the following times in the hour 44, 55, 01, 09, 29 & 39, with the journey taking 40 mins. Smethwick Galton Bridge is passed on the way 13 mins from BMS, where the connections can be made with the Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton line and the WCML at Stafford beyond. Times from Wolverhampton are 09/19/28 & 49 in the hour, the journey taking 15 mins. From BNS, the times are 01, 08, 24 & 38, the journey being just 8 mins. There are also direct services from Worcester in the south, though the permutations are varied dependent on whether you are coming via Shrub Hill or via Foregate Street, the latter may require a change at Droitwich Spa.

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Publications: Following on from the fast selling UK Wagons 2010, the UK Pocket Book 2010 arrived as Tracks went to press and by the time you read this, UK Combine 2010 will have also arrived. Copies can be ordered via the website or direct from Carl Watson, prices and address on page 6 and rear cover. A review of both new books will appear in the April issue but I can tell you that the UK Pocket Book is the most comprehensive day to day spotters Pocket Book on the market as it includes almost everything you are likely to see. Clearly the more people who buy this and the other books, then the more your club will directly benefit. We are now working on publishing books Nos.4-7 & 19 which should be out from early April. Membership Matters: Membership Rates: Annual: £16.00 Five year: £75.00 (saving £5.00) Joint (with GB Bus Group saving £3.00): £26.00 ICRS Membership gives you:

• a high quality monthly magazine ‘Tracks’ - covering all aspects of railways: UK past and present, wagons, preservation, European scene, trams and Location ‘Spot’lights – how to get there and what to see. (the photos can be viewed in colour through the Members Area on the website).

• an informative website, with access to previous editions of the magazine. • a 20% discount on all ICRS publications. • a 10% discount on lan Allan publications and first time magazine subscriptions

(not additional to discount for IA Subs Club members). Joint ICRS / GBBG Membership also entitles you to:

• GBBG magazine, ‘Trident’ & website gb-bg.co.uk • a 20% discount on all GBBG publications (see below)

NB. The 20% discount on books from HB Publications (HBP) has now ended, as GBBG has also severed all ties with HBP and is not lending its name to the existing series of books. However GBBG intend to produce their own books on which Joint members will still receive a 20% discount. A statement appears in ‘Trident’ and on their website gb-bg.co.uk Payment: If paying by cheque / postal order, please make payable to ICRS for all types of Membership. You can also renew or join quickly and easily online via the website, using our PayPal facility. In a few clicks you can be signed up for another year, or take advantage of the 5-year subscription, saving £5 on annual fee, or take a joint membership with GB Bus Group, saving £3 on the normal combined annual membership subscription rate. Select ‘Join ICRS’ from the menu on the homepage at icrs.org.uk Membership Cards: On membership cards generally, please remember on renewal, your new card will be sent out with the next issue of Tracks. Now this may mean that you might wait up to 5 weeks if you’ve just missed the end of month cut off when I send cards out for distribution. So there is no need to send a separate sae for card. The way I’m sending out renewal forms and issuing cards now means that assuming you renew at first request, your existing card will always be valid until new one arrives. Unfortunately I can’t speak for previous cards issued. But bear with me and in another 5 months everyone should be on this new system. Also many of you will have already received the new look card, which I hope you approve of. New Members: (* joint members with GBBG) The following new members have joined this month: Dave Baker (Birmingham), David Bareham* (Colchester), Chris Butler (Church Crookham), Nigel Cadby (Uxbridge), Kenneth Cottam (Minsterworth), David Elliott (Eastleigh), A Gouldstone (Broxbourne), Richard Hobbs* (Leicester), Graham Newnham (Cosham), Chris Smith (Hereford), Chris Watkinson (Sutton-in-Ashfield), Danny Westwood* (Cheadle), Victor Williams (Bristol) - a warm welcome to you all. Magazine Submissions: Contributions to regular features should be sent to the appropriate officer. Any information / article on any railway related item will always be most welcome for inclusion in the magazine. Your travel stories / anecdotes about far flung parts of the railway network, past or present can give pleasure to others or inform of places to visit. This railway hobby of ours is made all that more enjoyable by the sharing of information, knowledge and experiences. Neatly hand written submissions are perfectly acceptable, but ideally a typed document is preferable. Better still, If you have a PC and internet connection, then email

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the appropriate official. Good quality photographs are always welcome for inclusion in the magazine, prints or preferably high resolution digital photographs via e-mail (not compressed please). Please include full contact details with any submissions, including your Christian name, it’s less impersonal than just initials. The latest date for articles / info for the next magazine is Friday 26sh March 2010. Items for Out and About Sightings should be sent in to James Holloway a few days earlier please. Magazine Contributors: Thanks to Mike Rumens, Dennis Dey, Ian McAlpine, Ken Ireson, Derek Sneddon, Nigel Hoskins, Alan Gilmour, Stephen Skewes, John Barton, James Holloway, Ray Smith, Martin Hall, Carl Watson & Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has been missed. All photos by Trevor Roots unless shown otherwise. ICRS Website: To access the members area of our website you need to request a username and password, just email Mark Richards website.manager@icrs.org.uk with your chosen username and password. Each can be a maximum of ten characters with no spaces though you can use hyphens or full stops (each counts as a character). Please include your ICRS membership number, especially when a new member. Confirmation will follow asap by email that your chosen username and password have been set up. ICRS Yahoo Group: We have our own Yahoo Group, established in March 2004, open to members and non-members alike to post sightings and observations, share comments and debate about the current railway scene. Web address is: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/intercityrailwaysociety/Please note also that more contributions from members would be appreciated, especially photos for the Fotopic site or news items. Event and exhibition details are always welcome as are details of railtours. To join please email Mark Richards at website.manager@icrs.org.uk

Open Day News by Trevor Roots

It is hoped that as details become known of forthcoming Open Days around the country then info concerning them will be notified to you. If anyone hears of any such events, please let me know. Wolverton Works Open Day, 14th & 15th August 2010: With details being finalised, an Open Day is definitely on at Wolverton Works in August. The same people who organised Eastleigh 100 are involved and the website to watch for further announcements is transportevent.co.uk. ICRS will be there with a stand to promote the society and to sell our books, more details as they become known. Carl Watson, Mark Richards and myself will be there. DRS Gresty Bridge Open Day, 10th July 2010: This is the same as last year, in that the tickets are chosen randomly from all applications after the closing date of 18th June. ‘Winners’ will be notified within 2 weeks. You can apply direct on their website directrailservices.com/openday or post an application to:

Direct Rail Services Ltd, Open Day 2010 Application, Gresty Bridge Depot, Gresty Road, Crewe Cheshire, CW2 5AA

Postal applications must state clearly the following details: Full name, full postal address, telephone contact number and either Single Ticket or Family Ticket. Family ticket must include all names of the family group. (Maximum of 2 adults and 2 children under 16). Failure to provide the above information in its entirety will void the application. As proceeds are to be donated to charity, a minimum donation of £2 will be levied at the gate.

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ICRS Publications All Members receive a 20% discount on ICRS books shown below

All books (except A6 Pocket Datafiles / Books)

are A5 spiral bound printed on 90gm paper with laminated card covers allowing them to be laid flat

Editions of ICRS A5 spiral bound titles shown below previously printed by HB Publications are no longer available. However new editions will re-emerge during 2010. (Orders via ICRS only)

Further details & orders via website: www.icrs.org.uk Pay online via PayPal or send a cheque to ICRS, 14 Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG

post & packing FREE to UK (cheques should be made payable to ICRS)

Book Title Price non-member member Available: UK Rail Series: (previous editions published as UK Datafiles) No.1 Pocket Book 2010 (updated to 1st January) £8.99 £7.19 No.2 UK Combine 2010 (updated to 1st January) £14.99 £11.99 No.3 UK Wagons 2010 (updated to 1st January) £11.99 £9.59 Loco Pocket Datafile - Eastleigh 100 Special 2009 £4.95 £3.95 Pocket Datafile 2009 £7.99 £6.39 Pocket Datafile 2008 £5.99 £4.79 (discounted from £6.99) Forthcoming: (in preparation) UK Rail Series: (previous editions published as UK Datafiles) No.4 UK Name Directory 2010 (updated to 1st March) TBC TBC No.5 UK Locomotives TBC TBC No.6 UK Diesel Units (updated to 1st January) TBC TBC No.7 UK Electric Units (updated to 1st January) TBC TBC No.19 Irish Railways (updated to 1st March) TBC TBC Proposed: (publication dates to be confirmed) UK Rail Series: (previous editions published as UK Datafiles) Nos.20 + Ultimate Sighting Files TBC TBC For those members wishing to know where to obtain titles not shown above but previously published by HB Publications, please refer to their website.

Preservation Photo Spot

one loco…two names for Llanberis Lake Rly 1’ 11½” 0-4-0ST No.2

‘Thomas Bach’ on left and ‘Wild Aster’ on right (as looking forward)

Llanberis, 16 September 2009

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Network News by Trevor Roots

Workington Shuttle: On the 20th November 2009 devastating floods swept away or forced condemnation of all the bridges over the River Derwent in the west of Cumbria around Workington, effectively cutting the town in two. The only bridge left standing was the rail bridge, which fortunately spanned the wider river mouth. The loss of the A597 bridge, on which tragically PC Bill Barker died and the A596 bridge, left anyone wishing to travel along the coast with a massive 20 mile detour to the next useable bridge, 6 miles inland at Great Broughton. It was even worse for local pedestrians, particularly school children who could see their destination on the other side of the river but had no access.

looking west to the coast, the remains of the coastal A597 road bridge, on which PC Bill Barker died can be seen from the A596

the rail bridge is just out of sight to the left beyond and around the bend in the river 10 February 2010

the shuttle departing north from Flimby with 47501 ‘Craftsman’ trailing

10 February 2010

the shuttle departing south from Flimby with 47501‘Craftsman’ leading

10 February 2010 With Workington station in the main ton centre on the south side, Network Rail built a temporary station to overcome the travel hardship on the north side of the river. Constructed largely of scaffolding, it came into operation within 10 days and is named Workington North. The temporary car park can hold about 150 cars and was well patronised on the day I visited, so clearly the station serves a need. It is accessed from an industrial estate just to the west of the A596. Tesco has also built an adjacent temporary store to compliment its main store on the south side of the river. The local operator Northern Rail, has bolstered its services with additional Cl.153 & 156 DMUs, the usual motive power on the route and DRS has been hired in to provide a shuttle between Workington and Maryport, 5½ miles to the north. The service between these towns, which also calls at Workington North and Flimby, is free. The shuttle consists of 4 coaches top and tailed by 2 DRS locos, normally a Cl.47 & 57 though Cl.37s were used initially. There are twelve return trips with a journey time of 15 mins between the two ‘termini’ with the first service departing Workington at 07.05 and the last arriving at Workington 19.30. The stock works to and from Kingmoor DRS depot at the start and end of each day. The strange thing was that whilst the temporary timetable was displayed at Maryport there was no sign at Flimby or more surprising at Workington North.

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NR 156484 passing the southbound shuttle with 47501 leading between Maryport and Flimby where there are ample places for

photography from the ‘beach’ 10 February 2010

the northbound shuttle arriving at Flimby behind 57012

note Voridian chemical works & wind turbines behind at Siddick north of Workington

10 February 2010

Workington North sign, 10 February 2010

Workington North banner, 10 February 2010

It is likely the shuttle will continue until the summer at least, by which time most DRS Cl.47s & 57s will have appeared on it. Gretna Green: Following on from my previous report (Aug 2008) of track doubling at Gretna Green, a new footbridge, not needed before, has been constructed to link the existing north side access / car park with the new south side platform. As space allowed, it incorporates step free access in the form of long ramps…very long. The structure totally dominates the station as can be seen below. In fact for a simple station, it’s a bit of a maze when leaving the platform as I found, (see right hand photo) as exit, steps and ramp all have their own gap in the fence !

looking west, 10 February 2010

looking east, 10 February 2010 8

Preservation News Severn Valley Railway by Stephen Skewes: In May 2010, the SVR celebrates it's 40th anniversary as a heritage railway. In the beginning, the goal was just to maintain a steam-hauled passenger service between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade in Shropshire, with a passing-place at Eardington. However, as funds and opportunities allowed, possession of the whole line was gained in stages, finally reaching Kidderminster in 1984. Some consider that it would be very difficult to launch such an undertaking nowadays, and certainly the view of those who run the railway is now much more professional than it was - it has to be. The SVR's Autumn Steam Gala took place over the last weekend in September 2009 and was attended by 13 locomotives from near and far, viz: GNR 0-6-2T 1744 (Great Central Rly) LMS 2-6-0 Ivatt 4 Mogul 43106 (SVR) LMS 2-6-2T Ivatt 41241 (Keighley & Worth Valley Rly GWR 2-6-2 large Prairie tank 5164 (SVR) LMS 2-6-0 Stanier Mogul 42968 (SVR) LMS 2-6-0 Ivatt 2 Mogul 46443 (SVR) GWR 0-6-2T 5643 (Llangollen) GWR 0-6-0ST 813 (SVR)

GWR 0-6-0PT 5764 (SVR) GWR 2-6-2 small Prairie tank 4566 (SVR)

GWR 4-6-0 ‘Bradley Manor’ 7802 (SVR) GWR 4-6-0 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ 7812 (SVR) GWR 4-6-0 ‘Kinlet Hall’ 4936 (Tyseley)

43106 the 'Flying Pig', had just recently been returned to running order after a 20-year restoration. However, only 24 hours after the gala, while returning to Bridgnorth with the last train of the day, the tender managed to derail itself, at very low speed, on the points just south of Hampton Loade station. Fortunately, no-one was hurt. RAIB soon established that the cause of the trouble was an incorrect spring on the tender together with a possible twist in the track. Two temporary replacement axles for the tender were kindly obtained from the Strathspey Railway, while new ones will evidently come from South Africa. The damaged points were temporarily replaced by straight track, allowing trains to run through to Bridgnorth using only a single platform at Hampton Loade (so no passing of trains there) with an abrupt change in the timetable. However, after the Christmas / New Year season, the affected track was lifted in order to investigate the foundation underneath and then to rebuild it more firmly. Since then, the usual SVR weekend services have been restricted to the southern half of the route between Kidderminster and Highley. New points have now (February 2010) been installed and normal services to Bridgnorth are expected to restart early in March. Had the derailment happened during the gala, the consequences would have been much more serious, with even greater loss of revenue to the railway. Another consequence is that the SVR will have to review some of it's documentation, even down to the servicing of coach slam-door locks, especially as a comprehensive visit from HMRI is anticipated this year. The SVR is regarded as helping to set an example for other heritage railways. In October last year, the station footbridge at Highley was erected in time for the long-delayed formal opening of the Engine House by the SVR's patron, HRH the Duke of Gloucester. One of the exhibits there, the SVR's GW 0-6-0PT 1501, has now been taken out for attention in the workshops at Bridgnorth. LMS Royal Saloon 798, built in 1941, has arrived on the SVR from Glasgow Museum of Transport, and is waiting to be shunted into the Engine House for display. At the end of October, in the schools' half-term week, the SVR was very pleased to receive a visit from BR A1 Pacific 60163 'Tornado'. This much-heralded locomotive drew large crowds to the railway. The SVR itself also has a new locomotive under construction - a Riddles class 3MT 2-6-2T 82045. The frames of this engine are now standing at Bridgnorth and progress is being made on fabricating or collecting other patterns and parts. The SVR has long needed a Wheel Drop to facilitate locomotive maintenance. Such equipment was obtained from Leicester Midland MPD and is now being installed in Bridgnorth MPD. This is expensive, of course, but is seen as an investment both for the SVR and for outside contract work. For further information, please visit the SVR website at www.svr.co.uk or telephone 01299 403816.

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The Rise & Fall of 66048 - update by Trevor Roots

66048 and the remaining wagons were finally moved overnight on the 13th / 14th February from where they had lain for 6 weeks. A 200 yd long compound was created between the railway line and the A9, where only light scrub needed to be removed. Access was via the lane passing under both to the north of the station (just beyond the platform ends), off which the station access also lead. A further access was constructed off the A9 at the south end of the compound, using steel sheets. This facilitated movement of large vehicles without needing to traverse narrow roads through Carrbridge. A heavy lifting crane was constructed opposite the loco at the north end of the compound. Only a few trees needed to be felled between 66048 and the station to allow a straight lift. The wagons and loco were then deposited in the compound from where the wagons have been moved south by road. The last box can be seen in the photo below to the right of the loco, which is completely shrouded in tarpaulins. The trackwork has been reinstated and work was underway to tidy up the crash site. The platforms had yet to be repaired. As far as I am aware, 66048 is still there as it couldn’t be moved south by road and was going to move north to Inverness, then south by rail on replacement bogies. The scene below as I write though is once again covered in deep snow with the A9 closed due to drifting.

66048 in compound with remaining box behind

Carrbridge 14 February 2010

access off A9 Carrbridge 14 February 2010

crane at north end of compound on west of line note fresh ballast in reinstated loop

Carrbridge 14 February 2010

66048s resting place showing more clearly how far it was below track level Carrbridge 14 February 2010

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Traffic & Traction News by John Barton

February 1

70001 passed through Kings Langley on 4M94 at 18.25. 08785 was seen on a low-loader in a southbound layby on the A1 near St Neots at 14.30, destination unknown.

February 2 37194 plus 12065+12139+12092+12063 passed very slowly through Water Orton at 13.38.

February 4 60163 with support coach 14007 passed through Bushbury junction at 20.30 heading south towards Bescot. 70001 worked the Felixstowe - Lawley Street up through Stratford at 16.31. 31454 + 9708 on 1Q06 Derby - OOC passed Acton Wells Jnct at 00.26, 94 minutes late.

February 5 87002+325014+325007+325002 headed south through Stafford at 20.25

February 6 Network Rail tamper DR 73111 was observed stabled in Taunton Fairwater yard. 67024 dragged 82212 and a dead 91115 south through Peterborough platform 2 at 14.20. 378009 stormed away from Acton Central at 13.33.

February 7 66024 was noted in West Drayton station at 20.00 waiting to lay ballast onto the newly laid up main at Airport junction. 43303 with 43366 working 08.50 XC03 Edinburgh - Plymouth headed south through Doncaster at 12.31.

February 8 66732 with barrier coaches 6379 and 6378 entered Litchurch Lane at 20.03. 390009 pulled down overhead wires whilst heading southbound. 390004 was sitting in Berkhamstead platform 3 stuck behind it. A good two and a half mile length of overhead wire was down with the pantograph on the floor and the wires hanging down at ground level.

February 9 60060 working 6E41 Westerleigh - Lindsey tank train passed kings Norton at 13.03 66089 headed south through Meadowhall at 06.20 with a mixed rake of EWS construction and ex-Cemex wagons.

February 10 70001 passed through Coleshill Parkway at 20.16 heading for Lawley Street.

February 11 66732 with barrier coaches 6378 & 6379 hauling unit 378021, left Derby at 18.27 heading south towards Willesden via MML.

February 11 (cont) 86702+325014+325007+325006 heading south passed through Northampton at 18.55. On hire to Northern Rail, SWT 158888 was seen in Carlisle with 158793.

On the second day of driver training using a Colas Cl.66, 66843 piloted DRS 57002, suitably branded on the 6J37 Carlisle – Chirk timber train. 66843 was removed at Warrington. (see photos below)

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February 11 (cont) The following succession of double headed freights passed through Carlisle between 12.30 and 17.00: 12.37 66098+66077+single FJA southbound, 13.10 66843+57002+KFAs southbound timber, 13.56 66612+66598+HHAs northbound coal, 15.20 66612+66547+HXas southbound coal, 16.54 86609+86613 southbound containers.

February 12 70003+70002 passed Washwood Heath at 16.25 heading for Stoke Gifford. 20301+20304 powered through Melton Mowbray at 12.48 on way to Crewe ex Stowmarket.

February 13 47804 top and tailed 47786 at East Goscote west of Melton Mowbray with 1Z35 06.12 Doncaster - Salisbury Valentine Special rail tour. 70004 left Latchford Sidings, Warrington at 13.20 with loaded coal hoppers to Fiddlers Ferry. 66048 James the Engine’, was finally craned out from the trees at Carrbridge overnight (see article). This was the last Saturday of operation using the Prentendolino set between London Euston – Birmingham New Street. Seen leaving on the 09.50 service, DVT 82126 leads 11048+11018+ 11007+10212+12138+12122+12133+12078+ 12011+90020 ‘Collingwood’ (see photos below)

February 14 37059 worked 0T61 Stowmarket - Whitemoor then 6T61 20.45 Whitemoor - Bescot.

February 14 (cont) The following were noted at Chester: DR73243 Track Machine, DRK 81624 Kirow Leipzig Railer Crane. 66728 worked the 4Z97 Fort William - Polmadie with 325008+325002 and duly negotiated the magnetic fields in the Alcan plant, before propelling out onto mainline and departed 12.03 (20 minutes early) heading south.

February 16 319384 passed through Harrow and Wealdstone at 15.48 heading for Wolverton.

February 17 37610+37611 headed northbound through Tring at 21.23. 86637+86605 passed Rugby at 16.49 with Ditton - Felixstowe.

February 18 67010 leading 3 x Virgin liveried coaches 12094, 12124 & 12054, blue grey 10257 and then Chiltern liveried 82302 was seen about to depart Bicester North southbound at 10.24 working Wrexham - Marylebone

February 19 35028 ‘Clan Line’ on the 1Z83 Shalford - London Victoria VSOE passed through East Croydon at 15.35. Still unbranded, 91111 departed Peterborough at 13.10 heading for the King’s Cross.

February 20 4965 ‘Rood Ashton Hall’ + 5043 ‘Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’ left Gloucester Yard at 17.53 after being watered for the last leg of the "Great Western Incursion" tour back to Tyseley Hammersmith to Aldgate was closed today and engineering work was being done around Royal Oak station and there were 11 (yes ELEVEN) battery locos visible from any train entering Paddington: 17/19/23/29/32/44/45/46/48/52/54.

February 21 47760 leading with 'Scarborough Spa' 47826 on the back passed Castleford at 13.36, 74 mins late on 5Z38 Hull - Carnforth ecs.

February 22 57008 with Fastline FEA's was observed at Kingsbury Jnct at 16.33 waiting to head north.

February 23 Shunter 08417 has now been re-liveried into red and grey Serco livery. 37087 passed through Milton Keynes at 15.43 heading southbound with a stone blower in tow.

February 24 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' on 1Z82 London Victoria - Hastings - London Victoria passed through Mays Hill Road, Bromley at 11.14. 66559+70001 worked the 4L69 Lawley St - Felixstowe, but 70001 failed at Hanslope junction.

February 25 ATW Blue 57316 was observed stabled at Preston at 08.10 on thunderbird duties.

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Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast by David Spencer - 1963 Part 1

Sunday 13th January and with two others I returned to London and did Kentish Town and Feltham depots. I recorded no cops and only D1002 as outward haulage. The next Sunday I travelled to Eastleigh where out of 112 on shed, I managed 3 cops, two Southern and one standard. Westerns again appeared for haulage with D1035 to Reading, D1040 from Banbury and DMUs from Reading to Eastleigh and return but the highlight was Castle 5093 from Reading to Oxford. On Sunday 27th we went on a north east midlands shed bash for the first time going from Birmingham via Derby to sheds at Lincoln, both GN and GC at Retford returning via Doncaster and Sheffield. No haulage was recorded and I managed two cops, an 04 and a B1. On Tuesday 29th for the first and only time in my life I threw a 'sicky' at work as the Chasewater to Newquay line was closing and it was my only chance to visit. Black 5 45290 hauled me to Bristol and Warship D832 to Truro. Being the morning commute I well remember at Trewerry and Trerice a couple were strolling towards the halt even though the train was in and waiting, the driver and guard being quite happy to wait for their regulars, the other passengers all grumbled that they should hurry and that the bus driver would not wait for them on a Monday ! The return DMU took me to Par where I came across an STD telephone for the first time and telephoned the office direct to report in sick which cost me one shilling (5p to the youngsters). St Blazey produced one cop, 4564 before Warship D817 whisked me back to Bristol and an unrecorded Peak onto Birmingham. I also collected railway tickets and often spent time searching stations and several half days were spent in that pursuit. On the 15th I covered stations from Hockley to Cradley Heath, on the 23rd Shirley, Claverdon and Stratford and on the 2nd February Bewdley and Hartlebury. February continued where January left off, when on the 3rd three of us went northwest to Stafford behind 45079, then an electric to Crewe. Then behind Patriot 45529 to Manchester, diverted via Middlewich, a rare treat even in those days. We did not anticipate a B1 61229 from Victoria to Bolton but it was very welcome. There my haulage notes disappear but we did visit Horwich Works and Bolton shed. The next Sunday, two of us covered the Great Central south with Black 5 haulage to Derby behind 44943 and 45444 from Nottingham Victoria to Woodford Halse, where we visited the shed. There were with 55 engines including 3 Western Cl.28xx and the rest an equal Midland and Eastern split. With steam haulage still quite common we did not see the need to go with steam to Marylebone, so took the once daily DMU slow train via Grendon Underwood and Ashenden Junctions to High Wycombe where Western D1036 took us home. Variety was the spice of life and on 16th a small group of us visited Wolverhampton Gas Works and Courtaulds to see the industrials on shed at both locations. The following day it was the turn of Great Central north when a DMU took us to Manchester Piccadilly. EM2 27003 took us across the Woodhead route and B1 61044 on to Nottingham Victoria from whence we returned to Birmingham via Derby with unrecorded haulage. In the pre computer/mobile age there was no hot line news so if you saw anything unusual it was by chance as happened on my half day on 20th February….that’s how it should be, the joy of not knowing what you might see, ed. I got a train to Blackwell and proceeded to walk down the Lickey Bank to find suitable photo locations when a voice asked me "when is it due ?” It turned out D1500, the first Brush type 4 (Cl.47) was on trial. It came up with 19 coaches including a standing start with the usual 9F banker 92079 trailing some hundred yards behind as insurance. For those readers who did not know the Lickey in steam days, every northbound train had to stop at Bromsgrove to pick up a banker, which on this day consisted of a mixture of Jinty’s and 94XX panniers plus the 9F. Big Bertha was for many years the big banker but that was before my time. Up to four bankers could be used depending on the train. This system continued into the diesel era with Cl.35 Hymeks and Cl.37s on freight trains in particular, but was soon dropped when it was found the bankers could not keep up with the Peaks ! This together with the closure of the wagon repair works signaled the closure of Bromsgrove depot although the stabling point for bankers remained. February finished with another shed bash around Newcastle, travelling up to behind Peak D34 to York, an A4 60018 thereafter. Sheds at Gateshead, Sunderland, Tyne Dock and Blyth North and South were duly visited and we were treated to more rare track with a diversion over the Tyneside Riverside branch which only had workmen’s services at start and close of each shift and almost impossible to fit in during a normal day. Gateshead was mostly diesels, Cls.03, 08, 24, 25, 26, 40, 45 and 46. Steam consisted of just four A4s and two A1s whilst elsewhere steam reigned supreme. Peak D102 returned us to York and an unrecorded Peak onwards to Birmingham.

13

March came and up until now it had been the coldest Winter since 1947 with snow country wide, so with the advent of better weather a pal and I decided to do something different. We went to Shrewsbury and them by Midland Red to Minsterley a place I had never heard of before or since but it was the terminus of a joint GW and LM branch from Hanwood on the Welshpool line. Our purpose was to walk the line and photograph the stations.

At Pontesbury we also explored the lower end of the Snailbeach Light Railway, a place I was to return to later in the year. In those days, pre-grouping cast iron signs were everywhere and I have photos of ‘LM&S and GW Joint Lines’, ‘ GW & LNW Joint Railways, and Great Western and London and North Western Railways Joint Lines’ signs but never did discover why GW led on the pre-grouping signs but not the pre-nationalisation ones !

sign at Minsterley, 3 March 1963

At Hanwood we actually saw a loco, 7800 on a pw train, the only one we recorded. Just beyond Hanwood, the Shropshire and Montgomeryshire Railway crossed the main line so we walked north to find the remains of Edgwold station and then walked along to the next at Hanwood, much derelict but absolutely fascinating, where we also got a SMR sign. This line was very much a rural byway of the Col. Stephens era and was latterly run by the military until closure. We both agreed it was by far and away the best weekend of the year so far.

Maunsell 2-6-0 31875 (08/64) Exmouth Jnct, 10 March 1963

Bulleid WC 4-6-2 34106 ‘Lydford’ (04/64) Exmouth Jnct, 10 March 1963

The next Sunday it was back to shed bashing with a trip to Plymouth, haulage was by 44854 to Bristol, D863 to Plymouth, D820 to Exeter, D1004 to Taunton and D811 back to Bristol. Numbers were well down from the previous year Just 24 steam at Laira, I have no diesels listed so we might have been kicked out I can't remember now ! Frairy and Exeter 12 each, Exmouth Junction managed 70 and included three cops. Taunton had 28 on and for St Philips Marsh my record is missing. On 14th just out of interest I went to see the Beatles for the first time, they were a support act in those days ! Three of us went down to London on 17th with D1000 out and D1038 back for haulage. My detailed shed lists ended the previous week so I rely now on photos and my diary but we visited Old Oak Common, Willesden, Camden, Kings Cross, Stratford, Southall, Feltham and Nine Elms and a good day as I managed 5 cops and took lots of photographs. Being young and bowing to peer pressure, I was not allowed to photo diesels, something I greatly regret now, but I did sneak in one of a baby deltic on Stratford !

14

Churchward 47xx 2-8-0 4706 (02/64) Southall, 17 March 1963

Collett 57xx 0-6-0PT 9700 (wd 10/63) note condensing apparatus (one of 11 so fitted)

Old Oak Common, 17 March 1963

Fowler 4P 2-6-4T 42350 (wd 02/65) Willesden, 17 March 1963

BR Std 3MT 2-6-2T 82011 (wd 08/64) Nine Elms, 17 March 1963

Wordsell J15 0-6-0 65469 (wd 08/62) Stratford, 17 March 1963

D5909 and other classmates (wd 03/71) Stratford, 17 March 1963

On the following Wednesday I went to Tamworth and walked a fair way to Alders Paper Mills, it had become legendary as the home of ex-Alexander Docks and Railway 0-4-OST 1340 ‘Trojan’ now preserved at Didcot. I was made welcome and had a cab ride in the yard. Amazingly although it was sold into industry as long ago as 1932 it still had its GWR number plate attached. At the back end of 2007 it was operating the steam shuttle at Didcot so I had it for haulage some 44 years after my cab trip. They also had a small Barclay saddle tank as the spare engine. Sunday brought another walking trip, this time three of us visited the ex-Midland branches from Stonehouse to Stroud and Nailsworth. It was another brilliant day, both lines were still open for freight and the infrastructure was intact apart from Dudbrook Junction Signal box, which was there but horizontal, still lying where it fell !

15

Avonside 0-4-0ST ’Trojan’ Alders Paper Mills Tamworth, 20 March 1963

Barclay 0-6-0ST Alders Paper Mills Tamworth, 20 March 1963

Both Gloucester sheds were also seen and on Barnwood was S&D 2-8-0 53807, a pleasant surprise. Then came horror of horrors, Wednesday 27th March. I have written “Beeching Report came out today, 2300 stations and 5000 route miles to close”. The rest as they say is history and whilst I deplore the wholesale carnage, I cannot blame Beeching personally as he was given a job to do and he did it ruthlessly, it was the politicians or Ernest Marples I hold responsible. On the Saturday I went to Southam Road and Harbury, not a lot of people did that !, it was impossible to go there on any other day due to the very sparse service.

Johnson 3F 0-6-0 43645 (wd 10/62) Gloucester Barnwood, 24 March 1963

Fowler 7F 2-8-0 53807 (wd 10/64) Gloucester Barnwood, 24 March 1963

Sunday we did another first, preservation was in its infancy and for the first time a steam hauled special was booked from Victoria through to Sheffield Park on the Bluebell Line. Haulage to and from London was not recorded but we did have time to do Old Oak Common where I got a rare GW cop 8436. Standard tank 80084 took us to Haywards Heath on the ‘Blue Belle’ and 473 and 488 down the branch and along the Bluebell itself. Sadly it was not an enjoyable day so we went for a walk along the closed section to Newick and Chailey station to kill time.

Preserved Adams 0415 4-4-2T 488 (07/61)

+ Billington E4 0-6-2T 473 ‘Birch Grove’ (11/62) with BR Std 4MT 2-6-4T 80084 (wd 06/65)

Haywards Heath, 31 March 1963 to be continued

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Out & About by James Holloway

To be more helpful for those interested in where stock was exactly, can I ask all contributors who list trip sightings en masse, particularly over long distances, to please add more detail when submitting to James…ed Mike Rumens: 20th January: Nuneaton 09.40-10.02: 153325, 170107/636, 350109, 390035/41/43 21st January: Nuneaton 13.45-15.20: 66027, 90016/39, 92022, 153325, 170111/112 170114/398/519/637, 350118/121/122/259 390002/05/07/08/17/22/28/29/31/32/34/36/38 390039/45/51 30th January: Nuneaton 14.05-15.15: 66130/502/844, 153334/56, 170113/114/519 170512/636, 220107/18/44, 350119/127/129 390004/05/18/23/26/31/32/37/41/48 Trevor Roots: 10th February: Mossend: 67004, 86605/12/14/37 Carlisle Kingmoor Yard: 08922 Carlisle Kingmoor DRS: 47790, 57003 Flimby: 156441/48 Workington North: 47501+11044+11054+11019+9493+57012 156464/84 Flimby: 153317, 156443

NR 156464 showing the single platform layout at Maryport (looking north), 10 February 2010

11th February: Penrith 09.45-10.30: 66613, 92012, 221110, 390041/43 Carlisle 10.45-17.30: 47790, 57002, 66077/098/110/250/514/544/547 66556/581/598/606/612/843, 86609/13, 142070 156432/33/48/79/80/84/93, 158842/793/859/888 185108/12/16/32/33/40/47, 221107/10/13-15/16 222118/43, 325001/02/08, 390008/19/22/38/41

DRS 47790 ‘Galloway Princess’ Carlisle, 10 February 2010

13th February: Bescot 08.45: 66074 Tame Bridge Parkway 09.00-09.20: 67014+12117+12145+12127+10208+DVT 82305, 153354, 170509/512 Soho: 08805, 158825 (passing), 323208 Birmingham New Street 09.40-10.45: 90020, 150125, 170104/112/521/523/636/637, 158824/31/39, 220014/17/18, 221119/131/134/135/144, 323202/03/06/10-12/15/16/19/21/41-43, 350108/112/242/256/259, 390002/07/17/44, DVT 82126 Duddeston: 323214 Aston: 323212 Tame Bridge Parkway: 323220, DVT 82302 14th February: Mossend: 67009, 66548, 90035, 92017 Carrbridge: 66048 Dennis Dey: 22nd January: Hassocks: 375505/519 New Cross Gate: 378140/141/146 plus 5 or 6 others St Pancras 10.40: 395001/011 Euston 10.55-11.04: 57304, 350122/245, 378013 Camden Sidings: 350116/235/246/251/257/266 Willesden: 378012/015/017/018 with 66556/591 passing Wembley Yard: 08904, 66047, 92007/09/41/42 St Pancras: 377502, 395012 New Cross Gate: 377511

17

London Bridge 15.10-15.12: 377505/508/510/519 Approaching East Croydon: 35028 ‘Clan Line’ 29th January: Hassocks: 377502/507/517/518 Blackfriars: 377505/519 St Pancras 10.30: 395007/014/028 Euston 10.40-11.05: 57307, 221114/17, 350115/116/123/235/237 350238/243/263/264, 378005, 390025/36/48/51 Camden Sidings: 350109/231/243/244/246/259/260/262 Willesden: 86702, 378003/08/10-12 with 66503 passing Willesden PRDC: 66704, 86701 Wembley Yard: 66207, 92022/31 Harrow & Wealdstone 11.20-11.37: 66571/576, 221115, 350127/128/234/250 Stonebridge Park: 66717, 90024 Euston 12.10: 350263, 390011/27/32 St Pancras 12.30: 377509/517, 395028/029 Farringdon: 377505/519 City Thames Link: 377501 New Cross Gate: 378137/139/140/142-145/148 London Bridge 15.15 & 16.10: 377508/509/513/516 Purley Yard: 66163 Ken Ireson: 1st February: Cheltenham-Bristol Parkway-Temple Meads: 43002/017/024-026/063/086/087/125/127/133 43141/152/171/172/181/197/201/203/304/366 57309/316, 66511/534/558, 67016/17, 70004 143611/18/19, 150244/46/48/59/61/66, 153369 158763/767/769/841/850/951/958/959, 170523 DR80206 2nd February: Cheltenham-Newport-Cardiff: 43024/026/027/030/034/035/122/125/127/131 43133/137/146/150/151/171/176/179/187/197 57005/309/311/312/316, 66001/005/025/091 66093/118/157/173/207, 67016/17, 142002/10 142019/60/72-77/80-82, 143603/06-10/14/22 143623/25, 150121/208/213/227/230/231/236 150247/248/250/253/254/256/262/264/280/283 150284, 153303/305, 158818/840/854/858/881 158950/951/953/954/957, 170101/103/105/108 170110/112, 175004/005/008/009/101/102/112 175116 3rd February: Oxford-Didcot and return: 43005/005/015-017/021/023/031/035/054/077 43078/087/133/135/136/141/143/148/150/154 43159/165/171/177/188, 66005/088/098/143 66166/505/591, 165103/105/113/114/116/118 166201-05/08/12/15/20

5th February: 11.28 Oxford-Paddington & return at 17.31: 43002-004/006/009/012/016/018/020/021/025 43026/029-031/033/034/036/037/040/042/053 43069/070/105/126/128/130/131/133/135/136 43140/143-145/147/148/151/152/159/162/168 43171/174/179/181/182/186/187/192/193/196 43201, 59001/101/103/202/206, 66002/012/047 66087/098/132/183/232/611, 165102/103/105 165106/107/110-112/114/116/117/119/121/125 165128/129/132/135, 166202-07/16/17/19/20 166221, 332001/03-06/11/12/14, 360202/04/05 Ian McAlpine: 29th January: Peterborough-Newark and return: 66083/144/701/706/713, 91103/20, 153310/21 156413, 170639, 365523, DVTs 82203/27 30th January: Peterborough-Newark and return: 66006/078/099/103/705/713/718/726-728 91106/11/16, 153310/76/84/85, 158785 170113/208, 365505/27 DVTs 82205/09/31 5th February: Peterborough-Darlington: 08648/754/762/871, 43251/277/296/306/312 43319, 47813/28, 66099/100/181/401/618/720 66727, 67018/27, 91111/12/16/25/28-30 142020, 144005, 150270/77, 153383, 156406 158783/846/853, 170397/636, 185110/19 365524 DVTs 82201/04/07/14/18/31 6th February: Darlington-York and return: 91114/16/31/32, 142012/95, 150268, 155341 158794/845/901, 221141 DVTs 82214/16/23 7th February: Darlington-Peterborough: 43277/296, 66040, 91118, 142050, 150205/208 158755/97/185141, 221140 DVT 82224 12th February: Peterborough-Clapham Junction and return: 43075, 91101/20, 159003/16, 222013/102 317339, 365510/14/28, 37 3005/019/106/222 395004/19, 442402/19, 444005/13/25/33/36/43 444044, 450003/04/19/23/74/80/90/99/105/111 450118/120/121/547/551, 455709/714/727/740 455742/851/853/859/872/910/917/919/920 DVTs 82203/06 19th February: Peterborough-Blackpool: 08648/754/871, 43295/305, 47727/813/828 57310, 66054/070/119/147/173/237/527/707 66711/726/727, 91116/17, 142033/79, 150215 153381, 155342/43, 156488, 158757/759/799 158854, 170301/306/638, 185121/122, 365511 DVT 82215 20th February: Blackpool-Peterborough: 57310, 91132, 150274, 156427/491, 158905 185126/49, 321403 DVT 82202

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Stirlingshire Sightings by Derek Sneddon

16th January 10.30 66597 6G05 RV-LT 11.15 66432 4M16 GM-DV 13.30 66152 6S36 DS-GM 21.43 66612 4J11 LT-MN 18th January 05.00 66110 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66622 6A65 OX-AB 14.15 66430 4Z50 IS-CB 18.15 66171 6N44 PW-GM 18.20 66108 6D68 GM-MN 19th January 05.00 66101 4H47 MN-IS 06.00 66178 6A31 MN-AB 13.30 66171 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66420 4Z50 IS-CB 20th January 05.00 66108 4H47 MN-IS 06.00 66117 6A31 MN-AB 10.30 66622 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66425 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66171 6G05 RV-LT 14.15 66420 4Z50 IS-CB 21st January 05.00 66178 4H47 MN-IS 06.00 66154 6A31 MN-AB 10.03 66622 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66430 4A13 MG-AB 22nd January 05.00 66117 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66428+37218 4A13 GM-AB 14.15 66420 4Z50 ISCB 23rd January 05.00 66108 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 11.15 66433 4M16 GM-DV 25th January 05.00 66108 4H47 MN-IS 08.30 66614 6A65 OX-AB 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66418 4A13 GM-AB 14.15 66420 4Z50 IS-CB 15.45 66117 6N35 MN-GM 18.15 66103 6N44 PW-GM 19.00 66547 6G10 RV-LT 26th January 05.00 66108 4H47 MN-IS 06.00 66050 6A31 MN-AB 07.00 66418 4Z77 GM-EE 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66419 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 15.45 66065 6N35 MN-GM 27th January 06.00 66169 6A31 MN-AB

27th January (cont) 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66411 4A13 GM-AB 14.15 66413 4Z50 IS-CB 28th January 05.00 66065 4H47 MN-IS 06.00 66113 6A31 NM-AB 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66430 4A13 GM-AB 29th January 05.00 66106 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66422 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66110 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66413 4Z50 IS-CB 15.45 66011 6N35 NM-GM 18.15 66117 6N44 PW-GM 30th January 05.00 66113 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 11.15 66433 4M16 GM-DV 13.30 66117 6S36 DS-GM 16.35 66556 6G08 RV-LT 1st February 06.00 66114 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66422 4A13 GM-AB 14.15 66428 4Z50 IS-CB 18.15 66106 6N44 PW-GM 2nd February 06.00 66114 4H47 MN-IS 06.15 66106 6A31 MN-AB 10.30 66547 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66432 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66018 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66428 4Z50 IS-CB 23.40 66951 4C12 LT-RV 3rd February 06.00 66114 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66951 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66018 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66428 4Z50 IS-CB 22.00 66053 6M34 GM-DS 4th February 06.00 66106 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66512 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66053 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66428 4Z50 IS-CB 15.45 66107 6N35 MN-GM 18.15 66113 6N44 PW-GM 21.30 66512 6G10 RV-LT 5th February 06.00 66053 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66512 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66418 4A13 GM-AB

5th February (cont) 13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66428 4Z50 IS-CB 15.45 66037 6N35 MN-GM 18.15 66106 6N44 PW-GM 23.30 66174 6D84 AB-MN 6th February 05.30 66418 4M16 GM-DV 06.00 66107 4H47 MN-IS 13.00 66420 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66106 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66425 4Z50 IS-CB 7th February 13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 8th February 06.00 66090 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66548 6G05 RV-LT 14.15 66425 4Z50 IS-CB 9th February 06.00 66090 4H47 MN-IS 10.30 66548 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66422 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66050 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66425 4Z50 IS-CB 10th February 06.00 66090 4H47 MN-IS 07.00 66420 4Z77 GM-EE 08.30 66621 6A65 OX-AB 10.30 66548 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66422 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66050 6S36 DS-GM 14.15 66419 4Z50 IS-CB 18.15 66016 6N44 PW-GM 11th February 06.00 66108 4N47 MN-IS 06.30 66050 6A31 MN-AB 10.30 66548 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66430 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66016 6S36 GM-AB 14.15 66419 4Z50 IS-CB 18.15 66107 6N44 PW-GM 23.30 66621 6H51 OX-IS 12th February 06.00 66108 4H47 MN-IS 07.00 66430 4Z77 GM-EE 10.30 66548 6G05 RV-LT 13.00 66412 4A13 GM-AB 13.30 66107 6S36 DS-GM 1415. 66419 4Z50 IS-CB 15.45 66147 6N35 MN-GM 18.15 66092 6N44 PW-GM 21.30 66548 6G10 RV-LT 13th February 06.00 66113 4H47 MN-IS 14.15 66419 4Z50 IS-CB

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Gloucestershire Sightings by Nigel Hoskins

20th January 07.17 66069 4Z41 FB-AV 09.37 66204 6M96 MG-CY 11.03 66084/175 6B13 RN-WH 11.26 66094 6V05 RO-MG 11.50 60074 6E41 WH-LY 16.00 66204 6M41 MG-RO 16.12 66194 6V92 CY-MG 18.18 66069 6Z40 NT-FB 18.30 66175/084 6B47 WH-MG 21st January 04.15 60074 6V98 LY-WH 05.40 66087 6M81 MG-RO 07.14 66069 4Z41 FB-NT 09.15 66126 6M96 MG-CY 09.30 66001 7X36 DT-AH 11.10 66084/175 6B13 RN-WH 11.26 66094 6V05 RO-MG 16.09 66087 6V07 RO-MG 18.17 66069 6Z40 NT-FB 18.57 66139 6X52 PY-MN 21.29 66070 6E09 SS-IM 23.06 66182 6E47 AD-TY 22nd January 09.15 66075 6M96 MG-CY 09.55 66415 0Z68 CE-CT 11.02 66084/175 6B13 RN-WH 12.15 60074 6E41 WH-LY 14.35 66068 6V92 CY-MG 16.06 66415 6Z68 CT-SN 18.40 66084/175 6B47 WH-MG 20.28 66002 6V55 BD-MG 23.45 66180 6V81 RM-CT 23rd January 03.20 66120 6V19 IM-MG 05.25 60074 6V98 LY-WH 06.25 66096 4Z41 FB-AV 07.10 66199 6M81 MG-RO 11.47 60074 6E41 WH-LY 13.58 70006 4V20 FF-SG 16.37 66199 6V07 RO-MG

23rd January (cont) 18.30 66207 6V06 HD-GR 24th January 12.50 66171 6W32 HW-BS 13.00 66527 0Y27 BS-SG 20.25 66199 6E30 MG-HL 25th January 05.55 66238 6M81 MG-RO 07.15 66087 6V54 RO-LL 08.09 66060 6M96 MG-CY 09.50 66232 6B36 DT-AH 11.05 66194/207 6B13 RN-WH 12.23 66054 6E41 WH-LY 15.09 66181 6V92 CY-MG 16.12 66238 6V07 RO-MG 18.28 66069 6Z40 NT-FB 19.18 66147 6V06 HD-CT 22.40 66412 6Z68 CT-SY 23.21 66189 6V81 RM-CT 26th January 11.00 66194/207 6B13 RN-WH 12.17 66059 6E41 WH-LY 14.20 37059/611 6M67 BR-CE 27th January 12.22 66066 6E77 WH-PC 12.09 66232 6A36 AH-DT 12.33 70006 4Z70 RG-SG 15.02 66116 6V92 CY-MG 16.00 66067 6M41 MG-RO 28th January 06.00 66025 4Z41 FB-NT 11.35 60009 6E41 WH-LY 12.05 66140/194 6B13 RN-WH 15.56 66199 6V07 RO-MG 16.30 66185 6M41 MG-RO 18.10 66025 6Z40 NT-FB 19.02 66111 6X52 PY-MN 19.04 66140/194 6B47 WH-MG 19.05 66623 4V56 RG-SG 19.40 66090 6V06 KY-CT

29th January 08.00 37038/059 6V73 CE-BE 09.10 66171 6B36 DT-AH 11.02 66068/111 6B13 RN-WH 11.26 66140 6V05 RO-MG 11.35 60009 6E41 WH-LY 12.05 66171 6A36 AH-DT 12.08 70006 4Z70 RG-SG 13.05 37038/059 6M56 BE-CE 13.25 66412 6Z67 SY-CT 19.05 66616 4V56 RG-SG 19.08 66068/111 6B47 WH-MG 20.23 66194 6E30 MG-HL 20.35 66061 6V55 BD-RN 30th January 02.17 66139 6Z52 RE-MG 03.47 60009 6V98 LY-WH 04.07 66189 6V49 TY-AD 04.11 66087 6M11 MG-RO 05.53 66025 4Z41 FB-AV 06.40 66158 6M81 MG-RO 07.52 31105 4Z07 KS-DY with 6262+999605+9702 07.58 66131 6M60 EX-BS 10.33 66068/111 6B13 RN-WH 10.53 60009 6E41 WH-LY 11.07 66087 6V05 RO-MG 13.07 66506 4V20 FF-SG 16.05 66158 6V07 RO-MG 19.15 66585 4V56 RG-SG 19.55 66147 6V68 BN-CT 21.05 66194 HL-MG 31st January 10.00 66175 6W10 AH-WY 16.22 66044 6M41 MG-RO 16.47 66193 6E47 LL-TY 20.25 66126 6E30 MG-HL 21.07 66189 6M42 LL-RO

Sightings Location Codes: AB Aberdeen AC Achnasheen AD Alexander Dock Jnct AN Acton AE Attercliffe AH Ashchurch AJ Awre Junction AR Abercynon

AV Avonmouth AW Aberthaw AY Ayr BA Blair Atholl BD Bedworth BE Berkeley BH Brierley Hill BL Bristol BN Beeston

BP Bath BR Bridgwater BS Bescot BT Barton Hill BZ St Blazey BY Barry CA Calvert CB Coatbridge CE Crewe

CD Charfield CF Cardiff CH Chaddesden CL Carlisle CM Chalmerston CN Carnforth CP Chepstow CS Cheltenham CT Cardiff Tidal

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CV Cliff Vale CY Corby DC Dyce DM Dollands Moor DR Doncaster DS Dalston DT Didcot DV Daventry DY Derby EA Earles Sidings ED Edinburgh EE Elderslie EH Eastleigh EL Elgin EX Exeter FB Ferrybridge FF Fiddlers Ferry FR Fairwater GL Gloucester GM Grangemouth GR Grange Sidings GS Gleneagles HA Hayes HD Handsworth HL Hartlepool HS Hunslet HT Hastings HV Haverfordwest HW Heywood Jnct

HY Hinksey IM Immingham IS Inverness JM Jersey Marine KK Kilmarnock KL Kyle of Lochalsh KN Kennethmont KS Kingsland Road KY Kingsbury LA Laira LC Lincoln LD Lydney LG Lairg LI Linlithgow LK Lackenby LL Llanwern LM Long Marston LN Laurencekirk LT Longannet LW Linkswood LY Lindsey MC Machen ME Montrose MG Margam MH Millerhill MN Mossend MO Moreton MV Manchester Vic MW Moorswater

NH Neath NJ Norton Jnct NL Newtonhill NT Newport NW Nantwich OB Oban ON Onllwyn OO Old Oak Common OX Oxwellmains OY Oxley PA Paisley PC Port Clarence PF Peak Forest PG Pengham PH Perth PN Paddington PW Prestwick PY Portbury PZ Penzance RD Reading RE Redmire RG Rugeley RM Rotherham RN Robeston RO Round Oak RR Rowley Regis RV Ravenstruther RY Rugby

SA Saltley SC Scunthorpe SG Stoke Gifford SH Slough SN Stockton SR Stourton SS Swansea ST Severn Tunnel Jnct SV Stevenage SW Swindon SY Shipley TD Tyne Dock TE Trostre TH Theale TK Tavistock Jnct TL Tilbury TN Taunton TO Toton TY Tees Yard VA Victoria WB Wembley WH Westerleigh WP Worksop WN Warrington WS Worcester WW Washwood Heath WY Westbury YK York

Eastleigh Works Report by Carl Watson

The following was the situation as at 5th February. Locomotives: DRS 47841 is finished and awaiting acceptance by DRS to return to traffic. Virgin 57301's engine repairs are completed and the loco is ready for departure. 66843 has been re-painted into full Colas Rail livery and returned to traffic. DRS stored locos: 20302 / 03 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15, 37261 / 605 / 612, 47709. 73119 and 73136 continue to be used for shunting as well as the resident 07007. 59002 and 59103 visited for minor repairs / modifications over Christmas / New Year. 57303, 57315 and 57316 were stabled at the Works over Christmas / New Year. Progress on Preserved D6515 ‘Stan Symes’ (33012) is noticeable with Power Unit, Fuel Tank, Traction Motors and one Bogie frame already overhauled and ready to be refitted.

NR GLV 68505 Eastleigh Works, 2 February 2010

stored DRS locos Eastleigh Works, 9 January 2010

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EMUs / DMUs: Siemens repaired 450031 and 450032 following damage sustained in the severe weather in January. GLVs 68501 and 68504 have returned to traffic following attention. 68505 did return to traffic briefly but returned to the Works with problems. 68508 is stored. ex-Silverlink 508302 and 508303 returned from their wasted trip to Warrington as Mersey Rail don't need them at the moment. 508301 remained here. Nine Class 321s are now stored here; 321407 / 408 / 409 / 418 / 419 / 420 / 431 / 432 / 433. Class 421 (4-CIG) vehicles 76767 and 76838 (both from 1884) have been scrapped in January. Preserved Class 421 unit 1881 has been sold to the Brighton Belle Project and will yield essential parts to get the 5-BEL unit back on the mainline. What will happen to the bodies of the four CIG vehicles is unknown. Preserved Class 421 (4-CIG) 76818 from Pontypool is progressing well with it's bodywork repairs. Preserved Class 108 DMU vehicles 51933 and 54504 have arrived from Swanage for repainting. Class 423 (4-VEP) 3417 'Gordon Pettitt' remains under cover in secure storage. Carriages: Six ex-First Great Western HST Buffet Cars have arrived for storage; 40208 / 209 / 228 / 717 / 731 / 747. Barrier vehicles ADB975976 and ADB975977 have been scrapped during January. DRS vehicles 1657, 17159 and 80042 remain stored. Off lease Mk 2s remain stored: 1207 / 1221 / 5908 / 5933 / 5940 / 5943 / 5949 / 5957 / 5969 / 5977 / 5978 / 5980 / 6009 / 6012 / 6016 / 6021 / 6028 / 6029 / 6031 / 6037 / 6050 / 6101 / 6136 / 6150 / 6153 / 6175 / 6179 / 9704 / 9705 / 9707 / 9709 / 9710. Wagons: Overhauls of JNA wagons continue with 4404 leaving and 4408 and 4411 arriving. Freightliner KFAs have started arriving for overhaul. TDA bogie tank wagons have arrived for storage: 78201 / 08 / 09 / 12 / 16 / 19 / 25 / 28 / 32 / 33 / 34 / 36 / 38 / 39 / 40 / 41 / 45 / 46 / 48 / 52

stored TDA 78246 Eastleigh Works, 26 February 2010

preserved Cl.421 76818 from set 1399 Eastleigh Works, 2 February 2010

All photos by Carl Watson. More photos can be found at http: / / carl-watson.fotopic.net /

Light Rail and Metro News by Martin Hall

Bristol: No trams for Bristol as it has been decided right or wrongly, that the plan is to have a rapid transit bus scheme from Hengrove in the south of the city. Newcastle: It has been announced that DB Regio is to take over the running of the Tyne & Wear Metro. Liverpool: Finance is needed by March, otherwise the Merseytram project may be dropped.

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Railway Globetrotters by Ray Smith

Around Jenbach, Austria: Jenbach, in the Austrian Tirol (it can also be spelt Tyrol) is a good location for train observations. It is 20 minutes east of Innsbruck and it has more freight activity. Not only is it on the east-west main line, it is also on the German – Italian freight corridor which bypasses Innsbruck. It is a busy station and is also the termini for two narrow gauge railways. At the southern side is the Zillertahlbahn line to Mayrhofen and on the northern side is the Achenseebahn to Seespitz (see below). It is the only place in Austria where three different gauges can be found at the same location. The station only has 3 platforms with only 2 and 3 in use for passenger trains. On platform 1, there is a small buffet/bar with tables on the platform. However, my preference is another buffet/bar near to the Achenseebahn platforms that has outside tables and is a wonderful place to sit on a sunny day (with a beer) watching the trains. Apart from all of the Austrian trains German, Italian and some private locomotives can also be seen.

2043 057, a class on its way out, at Jenbach 31 January 2006

to shunt the timber traffic, 2068 034 stands at Jenbach, 31 January 2007

The Achenseebahn: (railway to lake Achen) was opened in 1889. It is meter gauge. The lake, which is the largest and deepest in the Tirol, 9.4 km long and 1km (at its widest point) and 133m deep was already a tourist attraction with the first steamship operating in 1887. Today the circular boat tour takes 2 hours. The water in the lake is almost drinking quality. The lake is 929 metres above sea level. In 1889 a second steamboat entered service. The line from Jenback to Seespitz is 6.36km long and the journey time up is 45 minutes and 40 minutes down. In 1916 the line was extended to the boat station bringing its current length to 6.76km. The line is rack from Jenback to Eben, which is its highest point at 970 metres above sea level. It is then adhesion into Seespitz. The locomotives push the train up and haul it down. On the uphill journey the locomotive runs to the front of the train to haul it into Seespitz. The locomotives, numbers 1, 2 and 3, named Eben am Achensee, Jenbach and Achenkirch were built in 1888/9 in Florisdorf and are the world’s oldest cog-wheel steam locomotives in service. They use the Riggenbach rack system. At the height of the season all 3 locomotives are in action so it was decided to construct another using some spare components and many new parts. Completed in 2004, number 4 was completed in time for the 2005 season. Sadly, in 2008 a fire seriously damaged number 1 so the company still has only 3 active locomotives. In 1995 it was decided to add a diesel shunter to the fleet. This was to save steaming a locomotive up for yard shunting and maintenance work. This became D1. The railway does not operate in the winter. There are two reasons. The water level in the lake becomes very low. This is due to the water being used to generate electricity in the hydro-electric power stations and also prevents the boats coming anywhere near some jetty’s. Seespitz can be completely dry! The lake needs the spring thaw to fill it up again. Also the snow blocks the line. This is a good time for maintenance.

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No. 3 is ready to propel the 10.55 to Seespitz. Note, the bar in the background

(see notes above) 1 May 2004

Nos. 1 and 2 stand at Seespitz boat station 26 May 2004

The railway has a nice ceremony in the autumn when the locomotives are put to bed for the winter. A family occasion with bands, dancing, bratwurst (sausage) and beer, then one by one the 3 locomotives take their lines in the shed, the doors are closed and they prepare to hibernate for the winter. An interesting tale but not quite true! Before the hangovers have gone away they are hauled back across the traverser into the workshops where they are stripped down and overhauled for the next years work. The Zillertalbahn: is a 760mm system that runs through the Ziller valley to Mayrhofen, a 31.7km journey. It was opened on 31st July 1902. It is single line with passing loops, although there are plans to double some sections to give a more frequent timetable. It has a regular local service run by diesel units and sometimes these can be diesel hauled. There are also timetabled steam hauled trains with one each way in the winter and up to 3 each way in the summer. The outward journey is 56 minutes and the return is 61 minutes (steam outward is 78 minutes and return is 76 minutes). The line is open all year.

1930 built 0-6-2T No.5 ‘Gerlos’ Jenbach, 25 May 2004

The line has 4 active steam locomotives, all built in the early 1900s. It also had a 10 year lease of an ex JZ 0-8-2 locomotive which was more powerful and saved double heading of the original locomotives. This lease has now expired. Two B and two D shunters represent the diesels. The Bs are remote control. They also have five B-B main line locomotives as well as the railcars.

diesel railcar VT4 ‘Raimund Rainer’ waiting to depart for Mayrhofen. Jenbach, 2 May 2004

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Apart from the local service, the southern terminus at Mayrhofn allows tourists to ride the 2 cable cars up the Penkenbahn (high and scary) and the Ahornbahn. You can also transfer to a bus to the Hintertux glacier. Another bus will take you to Krimml station (via Krimml waterfall, which at 1250 feet is the highest in Europe) to catch an OBB narrow gauge train to Zell Am Zee, where there is also a depot. The commercial side of the line is the timber trains and these use 760mm transporter wagons to carry standard gauge wagons to the Jenbach exchange sidings. In 2004 a new diesels were built for timber traffic and passenger use. These diesels are gauge convertible in case it is decided to put dual gauge track from Jenbach to the timber yards.

2004 built D13 for timber traffic and passenger use

Jenbach, 30 March 2005

Built in 1916 for use in the Bohler steelworks, Kapfenberg, this 0-4-0T was acquired in 1972 by the railway. No. 6 is used for tourism and

public driving lessons. I have seen it many times in the shed at Mayrhofen.

Jenbach, 27 May 2004

One of two second hand shunters bought from Germany. Built in 1969, they entered service on

the Zillertalbahn in 1995. Both are fitted for remote control. Numbered D11 and D12.

Here D12 is working in Jenbach 27 May 2004

In 1967 2 diesels, D8 and D9 were built new for the line, both D wheel arrangements

D8 is seen at Jenbach, 25 May 2004

1902 built 0-6-2T No.3 ‘Tirol’ prepares to depart for Mayrhofen

Jenbach, 29 December 2006

All photos taken by Ray Smith.

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Wagon Corner by Martin Hall & Scott Yeates

WAGON NEWS: WH Davis has completed the first conversion of 21 IIA bogie hoppers to carry biomass from Immingham Dock to Drax Power Station. The wagon being 37 70 6955 273-7, which has had an automatic canopy roof fitted. FEAs 643001-24 previously operated by Fastline Freight are now in the hands of DRS, having moved to Daventry. Two new ‘Super Tench’ wagons have been converted from ‘Parr’ sleeper carrying wagons. Still coded YQA they are DC967560 and DC967608 and now sport 3 x 20ft mesh modules on the underframe. WAGON REVIEW: 25T ‘Queen Mary’ bogie Southern Region Brake Van The first SR bogie brake vans were converted from redundant LB&SCR bogie motor coaches for the electrification project in 1934. They had large sand boxes on the veranda ends, two droplights with ventilator bonnets and self contained buffers (S56261-S56281). The later vehicles (S56282-S56306) were purpose built for express trains, but were constructed with horizontally planked wooden bodies measuring 36ft 6in long with an 8ft wheelbase. The palatial style of these vans gave them the nick name ‘Queen Mary’. They had excellent riding qualities and due to their long life, many entered departmental service and could be found all over the network.

ZYV SR 25T ‘Queen Mary’ bogie brake van DS56305 in olive green livery Derby, 28 September 2005

Martin Hall WAGON UPDATES to UK Rail Series No.3 UK Wagons 2010: Now released, it is intended to provide changes via this spot every month. In this way members can keep their copy as up to date as possible until the 2011 edition….nothing like planning ahead. It is known that various wagons reportedly withdrawn or missing from previous editions are still in service so if any member can provide information please let Scott know, contact details on page 2. For those eagle eyed amongst you who have bought the book and reported the following, we thank you and apologise for some typos and number transpositions…had to happen I suppose: Page 20 out of sequence 56010 & 56015 Page 26 out of sequence 89013 & 89014 Page 37 mistype 300310 should be 300610 Page 99 mistype 33 87 2707 008-0 should be 33 80 2707 008-0 Page 106 compiling error 24 80 7390 415-9 Page 136 out of sequence DR73805 & DR73806 should be on page 137 after DR73804

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It is known Switch & Rail Grinder DR79275 is stored out of sight at Eastleigh as it was gutted by fire in August 2009. It’s normal partner DR79265 was recently seen paired with DR79261 whilst it’s normal partner DR79271 was being refurbished, now finished. Disposals: Scrapped / for Scrapping: EMR Kingsbury: 14269/722, 14449, 58266, 83669/671, 82518/738 Deleted: DB979002 from Tees yard 17718, DB996496 from Old Oak Common 83184, DB996882 from Axiom, Stoke 3272/77/97, 3310 from Whatley 82682, 83181/683 from Long Marston ADB901018 from Stewarts Lane (was internal 083668)

356360 from Allerton 84060 from ? DR76216 from Guide Bridge DRP81516 from Hitchin LDRC81533 from Willesden F sidings DRC81537 from Doncaster Wood yard

DR76300/01/05/12/16, DR77312/402, DRP81506/10/12/20, DRC81535/38/40/44/46 from York Recoded: YEA to YSA DB979109/112/121 FCA to FYA 610023/024/039/040/114/115/211/212/243/244/347/348/369/370/377/378/399/400 Renumbered: 43.87.4384 000-3 to 23.87.4384 000-7 43.87.4384 001-1 to 23.87.4384 001-5

43.87.4384 004-5 to 23.87.4384 004-9

Stock Changes by Trevor Roots (observations)

In order to compile as accurate and up to date list as possible, can members please pass on their observations, particularly name changes and multiple unit reformations to the editor, Trevor Roots. Temporary Reformations: with 57890 under repair from 159018, 159012 has been reformed as follows 159018 52890 with 58729 57884 from 159012 158889 52808 57808 with 58735 from 159018 Naming: 92017 Bart the Engine

‘Bart the Engine’ (92017)

Revised Livery

DBS 92017 ‘Bart the Engine’ specially liveried for Stobart Tesco service awaiting it’s next service south from Mossend Yard, 14 February 2010

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ICRS Publications – UK Rail Series

Now Out (all updated to 1st January)

No.1 Pocket Book 2010 (240 pages) – the most comprehensive on the market No.2 UK Combine 2010 (268 pages) No.3 UK Wagons 2010 (160 pages)

In Preparation (Nos. 5 – 7 updated to 1st Jan, Nos.4 & 19 to 1st Mar)

No.4 UK Name Directory No.5 UK Locomotives

No.6 UK DMUs No.7 UK EMUs

No.19 Irish Railways

order your copy now

either online via PayPal or from

ICRS, 14 Partridge Gardens Waterlooville, Hampshire

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for further information refer to page 6

or visit the website icrs.org.uk

Nos.2 - 7, 19 are A5 size, spiral bound

printed on 90gm paper with laminated card covers allowing them to be laid flat.

No.1 is A6 size, stitched & glue bound (normal spine)

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