February - Intercity Railway Society

Tracks 

the monthly magazine of the 

Inter City Railway Society 

Volume 40 No.2 

February 2012

Inter City Railway Society 

founded 1973 

www.icrs.org.uk 

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 (07403 040533) 

14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG 

Secretary: Gary Mutten - secretary@icrs.org.uk (01953 600445) 

11 Speedwell Road, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0XQ 

Treasurer: Gary Mutten - treasurer@icrs.org.uk details as above 

Membership Secretary: Trevor Roots - membership@icrs.org.uk (01466 760724) (07765 337700) 

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 

7 Parkside, Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1BX 

Publications Manager: Carl Watson - publications@icrs.org.uk details as above 

Editorial Team: Sightings: James Holloway - sightings@icrs.org.uk (0121 744 2351) 

246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3ES 

Traffic News: John Barton - traffic.news@icrs.org.uk (0121 770 2205) 

46, Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham B37 7LD 

Wagons & Trams: vacant 

Europe (website): vacant 

Publications Team: 

Combine / Pocket Book / Irish: Carl Watson - ukbooks@icrs.org.uk details as above 

Wagons: Scott Yeates - wagon.compiler@icrs.org.uk 

Name Directory: Eddie Rathmill / Trevor Roots 

USF: Scott Yeates / Carl Watson / Trevor Roots 

Contents: 

Officials Contact List .....................................2 

Society Notice Board ................................ 3-5 

Publications ................................................ 40 

GBBG Advert .............................................. 24 

Current News / Sightings: 

Gloucester / Stirling Sightings ......... 23-26 

Light Rail & Metro News ....................... 31 

Liveries ................................................. 31 

Open Day News ................................... 11 

Out and About Sightings ................. 16-17 

Stock Changes / Transfers ............. 37-39 

Traffic and Traction News ............... 12-15 

Freight Corner ................................. 32-35 

Feature Articles: 

Eastleigh Works Report ...................... 6-8 

Infrastructure News ................................ 5 

Network News ...................................... 17 

Preservation Photo Spot ...................... 26 

Preservation Scene ......................... 18-22 

Railway Globetrotters ...................... 27-31 

Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast.......... 9-11 

Front Cover Photo: 

On a cold, frosty but sunny 8 th January 2012, diverted 67006 ‘Royal Sovereign’ + 9804, 6704, 10680, 

1513, 10675 & 10526 passes Huntly signal box at 11.35 with the Caledonian Sleeper ecs from 

Aberdeen en route to Inverness (see Traffic & Traction News for more info). 

£1.50 where sold separately (post free) 

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

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Society Notice Board 

Editor’s Comments: 

On 10 th January the Government finally announced their intention to build HS2 and so herald the 

largest civil engineering project seen in a very long time. Irrespective of the nimby objectors who have 

and continue to put forward spurious reasons for rejecting the scheme, HS2 will be a major asset to 

the national rail network. It is an essential project planned to ease overcrowding and capacity 

restrictions for the future generations and thank goodness that a government has had the guts to not 

take the easy option and plan long term for once. The good of the nation must sometimes outweigh 

the sensitivities of the few. The fact we are in financial meltdown and skint means it was doubly 

important that the decision was made as it will eventually generate jobs and future growth, both 

desperately needed. The £32 billion total cost of the scheme, one fact being thrown back by objectors 

as a huge sum to pay for a 45 min saving on journey time to Birmingham overlooks the fact it is for the 

entire Y network to Manchester and Leeds and is to be funded annually as a follow on cost to 

Crossrail. The only shame about the scheme is that we have to wait that long and the amount of 

tunnelling proposed, to overcome some objections, so negating one of the joys of train travel...the 

view. Why is it that the passing of trains is seen to be worse than that of automobiles. Would we could 

put the endless drone of motorways in tunnels !! 

Unfortunately no one has yet come forward to help with Wagon News / Reviews etc, so yours truly has 

somehow found time to write an article. With wagons an important part of the railway, hopefully the 

Reviews will appear on a 2 or 3 month basis, but I really do need some help as I can’t do everything. 

I have now adopted an innovation on membership where I now email all those who are due for 

renewals/reminders, so saving on the high cost of postage to both the Society and you the members 

and which will hopefully keep the subs from rising. This also saves time in waiting for post to go out 

and come back and saves the ‘waste’ where members then renew online by PayPal, which more of 

you are helpfully doing. Those without email will still be sent forms by post as will those whose email 

does not appear to have been answered. So please, if you have changed your email since last 

renewing, are going to or have gained an email for the first time then please let me know. As those 

who have renewed in recent months have found, I now also acknowledge receipt by email where I 

can. Please be assured for those without computers I am not discriminating against you, just taking 

advantage of helpful technology to improve admin and hopefully a better service to members. 

Eastleigh Works Tour, Thur. 15 th March 2012: 

There is one place left but it is first come first served. Please ring Carl on 07403 040533 to apply. 

AGM, Sat. 21 st April 2012: 

We have moved away from a preserved venue back to the ‘real’ railway this year at Derby. We have 

booked a pod on the balcony inside the old Carriage Shop adjoining the Roundhouse, part of the 

original works and now known as Pride Park. Access is simple from the footbridge over Derby station, 

where I imagine all those going will congregate for a bit of spotting. Likely traffic through the station will 

be made available in either March or April issue of Tracks. The date is 21 st April, time 11.00-13.00. 

Tours will also be conducted around the buildings from 13.30 which last approx. 1 hour. Car parking is 

available and more details will be provided in the next issue. Can members attending or if you wish to 

record your apology for absence, please contact our Secretary, Gary Mutten. 

As you will be aware from last year’s AGM, Gary notified us that he intended stepping down from the 

AGM but we have excellent nominations for both the Treasurer and Secretary roles in Peter Britcliffe 

and Stuart Moore. Gary has been responsible for both posts for some time so whilst it is sad to lose 

Gary it is great that Pete has a new role to play and we have ‘fresh’ blood injected into the small hard 

working committee. Hopefully as many of you will attend as possible, to send Gary on his way with 

thanks and to welcome the ‘new’ boys. 

Errata: 

It has just been brought to my attention that on page 9 in the Nov. 2011 issue under Ramblings of a 

Rail Enthusiast the location for 46238 should be Crewe, an inadvertent typo I’m afraid, repeating 

Carlisle...even you missed that one Dave. 

4

In the Dec. 2011 issue under Stock Changes D2578 should read D2587. In Jan. 2012 issue under 

Stock Changes 47799 has been transferred to EDV not STR. 

New 2012 Books: 

For new members and those who missed the 

announcement last month two new 2012 books have 

been released and selling fast. The Wagon Book is 

updated to the 1 st October 2011 and has one new 

helpful feature in that wagons known to be stored are 

shown with the suffix (s). The Name Directory last 

published in 2010 is updated to the 10 th November 

and has been reworked to iron out the issues with 

advertising names and therefore better than ever. 

Duplicate numbers in Part 2 have also been removed. 

As it is the only such up to date book on the market it 

is an invaluable reference source and one used 

regularly by the editor. Full prices etc are shown on 

the rear cover. Order your copies now via PayPal or 

from Carl by post. 

As promised the eagerly awaited 2012 Combine is 

now available. Prices are £12.00 (members), £15.99 

(non-members). It is 264 pages long and updated to 

1 st January 2012. Order details on rear cover. 

The next new book will be the 2012 Pocket Book at 

the start of March. Prices are £7.00 (members), £9.50 

(non-members). 

Membership Matters: 

Subscriptions: Annual - £16.00, Five year - £75.00 (saving £5.00 & hedging against annual rise) 

ICRS Membership gives you: 

• a high quality full colour 40 page monthly magazine Tracks - covering all aspects of railways. 

• an informative website, with access to previous editions of the magazine. 

• up to 27% discount on all ICRS publications (8 published). 

• 10% discount on lan Allan books & first time mag subs (not additional to discount for IA Subs Club members). 

New Members: 

Paul Gieron (Barnt Green), Andi Hall (Wolverhampton), Derek Humphreys (Solihull), Robert Hyde 

(Minsterworth), David Martin (Northampton), Harry Millar (Dyce), Richard Moynihan (Wroughton), 

Michael Stock (Shepton Mallet), Stephen Sumners (Leyland), Kevin Wright (Wolverhampton) - a warm 

welcome to you all. 

Payment / Renewal: If paying by cheque / postal order, please make payable to ICRS. Please note 

we cannot accept credit card payments over the telephone, however you can pay by credit card 

through our online PayPal facility. In a few clicks you can be signed up for another year, or take 

advantage of the 5-year subscription, which not only saves you £5 but potentially beats any 

subscription rises in that time. Select ‘Join ICRS’ from the menu on the homepage at icrs.org.uk 

Please provide your first name whether joining or renewing and your email. If you renew at the very 

end of or in the first week of the month you may receive a renewal reminder form but do not worry as 

the admin process will naturally see things cross in the post. Please ignore the reminder if you have 

renewed. Please also note that cheques are not presented to the bank until usually the first week of 

the following month. Where possible please note that renewal / reminder forms will now be emailed. 

For those members without email, forms will still be posted but please return them promptly as it is 

costly to send reminders. All renewals whether online or by post will be acknowledged by email where 

possible. 

NB. When using PayPal, please remember to provide your home address and email via the comments 

box, but ONLY if different from the one used ie you may use your partners account or do it from work. 

Also use the comments box if buying or renewing a subscription for someone else. 

5

Membership Cards: Your membership is valid until the end of month as shown by the first two 

numbers. For those who joined from mid 2009, the second two numbers are the year. With the change 

in Tracks distribution, please note that cards will now be sent as soon as practicable following your 

renewal in a separate envelope. 

Website Matters: 

Members Area: Access requires a username and password. From the start of 2011 the username is 

now your 6 figure membership number and the password a random word provided by Mark Richards. 

For new members this will be in the welcome letter. For existing members, email a request to Mark at 

website.manager@icrs.org.uk Please remember to include your ICRS membership number. 

NB. The username / password is personal to you and should not be given to a non-member. 

Flickr Photo Gallery: As previously stated, Mark Richards has established our photo gallery on 

Flickr, so please have a look www.flickr.com/photos/intercity-railway-society. However the 

success of this site relies on your support, so please send Mark your photos. 

ICRS Yahoo Group: address is: finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/intercityrailwaysociety/ 

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. To 

join please email Mark Richards at website.manager@icrs.org.uk 

Facebook: For those of you who've become part of the social networking revolution online, ICRS now 

has a Facebook page. Search for ICRS and request us to be your friend and you'll be connected to 

what we do. We acknowledge that not all of our members have computers but if you can and want to 

get in touch then please do so and we'll see where it takes us. 

Magazine: 

Submissions: Any information / article on any railway related item will be most welcome for inclusion 

in the magazine. Your visits, travel stories or anecdotes about any part of the railway network, past or 

present, home or abroad can give pleasure to others or inform of places to visit. This railway hobby of 

ours is made all that more enjoyable by the sharing of information, knowledge and experiences. Neatly 

hand written submissions are perfectly acceptable, but ideally a typed document is preferable. Better 

still, if you have a PC and internet connection then send an email. Good quality photographs are 

always welcome, either prints or preferably high res digital photographs via e-mail (not compressed 

please). Please include full contact details with any submissions, including your first name. 

The latest date for articles / info for the next issue is Friday 24 th February 2012 

with delivery to members after Friday 9 th March 2012 

Magazine Distribution: Tracks is now distributed direct from the printers (as from Sep 2011) to 

members in a clear plastic wrapping with an address carrier sheet. If any member fails to receive their 

copy after one week from the above estimated delivery date then please contact the editor. 

Magazine Contributors: Thanks to John Sheppard, Mike Rumens, Brian Derricote, Ian McAlpine, 

Geoff Hope, Paul Bright, Roger Francis, Dave Spencer, Mark Richards, Derek Sneddon, Nigel 

Hoskins, John Barton, James Holloway, Carl Watson & Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has 

been missed. All photos by Trevor Roots unless shown otherwise. 

Infrastructure News 

St Albans South Signal Box by Mark Richards: 

Over the weekend of the 14 th / 15 th January I was in St Albans for the Model Railway Show and 

beforehand a visit to St Albans South Signal Box, the largest preserved Midland Railway box. If you 

have never been, it is well worth a visit. The box is immediately adjacent to the Midland Main Line, 

very close to St Albans (City) station. They have a wonderful collection of signalling memorabilia and 

are in the process of restoring the lever frame and can currently offer demonstrations of how the 

signalling works. Being close to the MML, it is an excellent vantage point to watch the trains go by and 

the grounds have been attractively landscaped with an eclectic collection of signals of varying vintage 

on display. 

6

Eastleigh Works Report 

by Carl Watson 

Miscellaneous Matters: 

New track is being laid at the south end of the site by Arlington Fleet Services with access to Bay 2 

now almost completed, Bay 1 to follow. 

NR Cl.57s and GLVs continue to come and go for maintenance. 

DBS had 66030 off the road in Eastleigh stone yard overnight on 15 th / 16 th with re-railing taking place 

on the afternoon of 16 th . On 19 th 57303 was despatched from the Works to haul 66030 from the yard to 

the depot. 

Locos: 

Preparation work has begun on 57310 for its repaint into NR yellow (as seen below with 47709). 

7

59101, 59102 and 59104 departed on 3 rd January following repairs/maintenance (as seen below). 

DRS 47853 has been rubbed down (see photo below) and entered the Paintshop. 

Repairs are underway to return 01508 (MOD 428, Ruston 466617) to operational condition. 

Colas 66846 was on site for a few hours only on 27 th January for an exam. 

The beginning of January was busy with NR Test Trains with 31602 on 3 rd , 31465 on 10 th and 73107, 

73138 and 73201 also on the 10 th . 

Kof 323 674-2 is now in regular use shunting around the Works. 

GBRf 66746 has arrived for repainting (see photo below left). 

The boiler for Schools Class 925 'Cheltenham' has arrived back from Ropley and will be refitted within 

days (see photo below right). 

8

Units: 

444026/015/010/036/007/006/014 have all received replacement bushes with Siemens now turning 

round two units per week. 

The unusual liveried and little seen LUL 4-TC set 76297, 71163, 70823, 76324 arrived for 

bogie/underframe overhaul on 18 th behind 66711 (see photo below with 76297 to the fore). 

London Underground / Isle of Wight: 

Ex-LU Standard Stock vehicles L135 and 2 (ex-IoW 485041) and A Stock vehicles 5010, 5011, 5226, 

5227, 6010, 6011, 6226 and 6227 have been disposed of. 

Coaching Stock: 

BFK 17159 now has replacement doors fitted and is being painted. 

Wagons / Track Machines: 

The Speno Rail Grinder DR79221-226 departed on 6 th after stabling over Christmas and New Year. 

Balfour Beatty GP Tramm MPV DR98217 (known as the Drain Train) (see photo above) arrived on 4 th 

with KFAs 4574 009-4 and 013-6 for overhaul and returned to collect them on 25 th . 

KFA 92616 has been overhauled and was ready to leave as of 31 st January. 

9 

all photos by Carl Watson

Ramblings of a Rail Enthusiast 

by David Spencer – 1964 Part 6 

I try to provide extra detail on the items of traction shown in photos, other than number, date and 

location as provided by Dave…so it’s my fault if errors creep in, ed. 

July (cont): On Sunday 5 th I began another week’s holiday, this time in Wales. I travelled again by 

DMU to Abergavenny where I walked back at Abergavenny Junction and down the 1 in 40 incline to 

Abergavenny (Brecon Road). Here the infrastructure was huge and mainly intact and the station still 

had name boards. The goods station and engine shed were all still standing and a great find but when 

I was back in town in July 2009, all trace of railway and station had disappeared. A took a bus to 

Beaufort where I began an LNWR day starting with an amazing half demolished viaduct then down the 

branch to Ebbw vale (High Level). I then returned to Beaufort and walked the MT&A line to Nantybwch 

then turned off down the Sirhowy Valley line through Tredegar where there was another engine shed 

and sizable station. I had never travelled on this line and it was all new as far as Bird In Hand Junction 

with seven stations and plenty of interest. Beyond Pontllanfraith I had travelled, but continued to Nine 

Mile Point where I decided to get a bus into Newport. I have commented before that me and stupidity 

are never far away and I let lots of buses to Cross Hands through before I realised too late that I 

needed to change bus and ended walking the last nine miles into Newport having walked over twenty 

five miles during the day. 

Collett 0-6-0PT 4620 (w/d 07/65) 

Cowbridge, 6 th July 1964 

Monday 6 th started with D1054 into Cardiff and a 

bus to Cowbridge with the intention of walking to 

Llantrisant, so imagine my delight to see 4620 

pottering about in the yard. Cowbridge was 

fascinating place with a both a terminal station 

and a separate through station built when the 

line was extended to Aberthaw. Having secured 

a lift in the brake van I took photos of the 

shunting and entered another branch in the 

book. 

Churchward 2-8-0T 4285 (w/d 04/65) 

Llantrisant, 6 th July 1964 

From Llantrisant I walked up to Tonteg Junction and got a bus onto Pontypridd and a train to Dinas. 

From there I was able to walk up to Penycraig and began to walk back towards Llantrisant down the 

Ely valley line where I met two trains. The first an English Electric type 3 on trial then nearer Coed Ely I 

saw 3617 being banked by 9778 with coal empties up to Cambrian Colliery. For reasons I cannot 

10

ecall I got a bus back for the last mile or two into Llantrisant then a DMU to Port Talbot and back to 

Pyle. From there I walked the Porthcawl line and got a bus to Bridgend and D1011 to Cardiff. I 

returned to Bridgend the following day with D1054 and continued to Tondu by DMU where I began 

walking again to Brynmenyn where the line splits three ways. I chose the Ogmore valley line to 

Nantymoel first and on reaching the terminus I faced a dilemma, do I walk all the way back or go over 

the top to the parallel Garw valley and decided the later. I made the same decision in Swansea and 

found a bog on the top of the hill and sure enough I had to squelch over the top again and as I 

descended I found myself in the middle of Blaengarw Colliery to find an engine called ‘Marion’, a name 

I was familiar with due to a girl I was quite fond of back home. 

above: NCB 0-6-0ST ‘Marion’ 

right: NCB Sentinel 0-4-0 ‘Invincible’ 

Blaengarw Colliery, 7 th July 1964 

I walked down the valley to Llangeinor 

Junction and went up the PTR line for a 

while before getting a bus back to 

Bridgend and train to Fishguard Harbour. 

From there I got the overnight Innisfallen 

ferry to Cork for my first and whirlwind 

figure of eight trip to Ireland in which time 

I got arrested and got someone else into 

trouble! ….that excitement is yet to come 

and will feature in a future Railway 

Globetrotters…ed. 

After arriving back at Fishguard Harbour, Brush type 4 D1732 was haulage direct to Cardiff and a 

DMU up to Porth and a bus on to Maerdy. Although it was a branch I had travelled many times I 

wanted to walk it to photo the detail of the intermediate stations. Back in Porth I got a train down to 

Pontypridd and up to Quakers Yard and set off to walk the RR and GW Joint line through the now 

11

infamous Aberfan to where it met the Hirwain line at Joint Line Junction. The line had closed in 

February 1951 due to the condition of the viaduct at Quakers Yard but there were substantial remains 

of the station at Aberfan, but less so at Abercanaid. I then walked up to the mouth of Merthyr Tunnel, 

then returned to Rhydycar Junction and waited for the afternoon freight to Vaynor Quarry up one of 

the remaining bits of the B&M. Haulage was 3706 and 3690 and I went in the brake van up to Vaynor 

and back to Merthyr. I caught a bus up to Dowlais for what was planned as freights all the way to 

Newport but as often happened it did not work as planned. First I got a lift in the brake van hauled by 

D6935 down the Taff Bargoed Valley to Nelson and Llancaiach. From there 5613 took me in another 

brake van to Aber Junction and it’s here it all went wrong. I was advised to go to Caerphilly station to 

catch the Newport train which was due to go via Machen a much desired piece of track but a 56XX 

came storming through with no prospect of stopping and another good scheme went wrong. 

Collett 0-6-2T 5613 (w/d 05/65), Nelson & Llancaiach, 10 th July 1964 

On Saturday 11 th I got 5692 as haulage up to Merthyr but the weather was awful and I bottled out and 

went home by DMU all the way. After the line closed and before the preservationists took over, the 

Severn Valley Line had deteriorated and so I decided to walk and see what was left. Between Bewdley 

to Aveley Colliery the line was still open for freight, but totally disused thereafter. As I continued up 

the now familiar bit to Bridgnorth and then went beyond, I had a lucky escape as I had just walked 

through Bridgnorth Tunnel when D3115 came down the line with a demolition train. A few minutes 

earlier and I would have been stuck inside… a bit scary! It was a long, long walk then to Linley Halt 

and J Coalport and just after track lifting had started so I decided that I had had enough and at 

Jackfield halt I found a bus stop to Wellington and home. 

all photos by David Spencer (to be cont) 

Open Day News 

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 the editor know. 

On 10 th / 11 th March 2012 London Transport Depot Museum, Acton is holding a open weekend. 

Location is 2 Museum Way, 118 – 120 Gunnersbury Lane, London, W3 9BQ. Opening times are 

1100-1700. Tickets are valid on both days and cost £10.00 for adults, £8.00 for senior citizens, £6.50 

concessions and £5.00 London Transport Museum Friends. Accompanied under 16’s go free. Nearest 

underground station is Acton Town (District / Piccadilly Lines), which is just across the road to the 

entrance. There is no car parking allowed in the area. 

12

Traffic & Traction News 

by John Barton 

January 4 

90028 on the Caledonian Sleepers from Euston 

– Inverness and Aberdeen was seen heading 

northbound through Milton Keynes at 22.06 + 

coaches 10523, 10706, 10526, 10675, 10513, 

10680, 6704, 9804, 10519, 10666, 10565, 

10551, 10607, 10650, 1210 & 9807. 

January 5 

66606 headed westbound through Newport at 

15.44 with a Stoke Gifford to Cardiff Pengam 

light engine movement to collect failed 66622. 

60074 looking very smart in its new livery was 

noted on the 6Z50 test run past Sandiacre then 

back into Toton at 14.26. 

January 6 

317710 + 317732 + 317723 departed Ipswich 

08.30 for London Liverpool Street. 

390055 took a trip to Oxley today to have some 

catering equipment fitted before entering traffic 

on Monday 9 th January. 

66606 + 66622 working 0Z25 departed Pengam 

Sidings at 16.17 heading to Basford Hall. 

January 7 

47818 t&t 47828 with 3174, 3273, 1566, 3267, 

3182, 3275, 3247, 325, 17167 & 10734 passed 

northbound through Milton Keynes at 20.51 

working Kensington Olympia - Manchester 

Victoria. 

66415 leading SRL95491 SRL95490 on 6Y70 

Bletchley CS - Hanslope Jnct passed Milton 

Keynes at 19.58 with severe wheel flats on 

95490. 

January 8 

66018 + 66012 + 66014 + 60096 passed 

Wilmslow at 16.55 on a Basford Hall to 

Doncaster Carr depot move. 

66250 working from Margam to Hartlepool was 

noted passing under the M4 at 15.30 heading 

up the Tondu branch. 

January 9 

86101 ‘Sir William A. Stanier FRS’ & 86701 

‘Orion’, on ice breaking duties, were seen 

stabled in Carlisle station at 11.00. 

January 9 (cont) 

The latest Cl.92 to receive DBS red, 92031 was 

seen in Carlisle Kingmoor Yard at 11.40. 

66746 working 4Y81 Southampton - Mountfield 

passed Basingstoke at 21.21. 

73107 t&t 73201 + 73138 passed Basingstoke 

at 19.43 heading for London on 1Q40 Eastleigh 

- Eastleigh. 

January 10 

The TEA tank wagons once used from 

Quidhampton and Burngullow are now working 

out of Aberdeen, These have replaced the 

French-registered ICA 87797 series, which are 

heading back to France. 

January 11 

66623 + 70017 + 4 HHA coal hoppers passed 

Stalybridge at 21.00 on 6E02 19.42 Basford 

Hall - Hunslet Yd / Midland Rd. 

20905 + 20901 t&t 20227 + 20142 on 7X09 Old 

Dalby - Amersham through Leamington Spa at 

20.47. 

January 12 

66746 + EMU 455849 passed through 

Strawberry Hill at 21.41. 

20309 + 37612 passed Coppull near Wigan at 

19.51 on Sellafield - Crewe flasks. 

January 13 

66507 + 66605 + 66554 passed Guide Bridge 

Station at 20.54 heading for Stalybridge and 

Huddersfield on Crewe Basford - Leeds 

Midland Road. 

January 14 

66002 departed Oxford at 22.32 heading 

southbound with the 5Z56 Oxford - Didcot Yard 

ecs. 

90046 passed through Birmingham 

International at 20.45 with the 4M41 Ipswich - 

Crewe liner. 

January 15 

57602 passed through Lostwithiel at 22.34 on 

Penzance - London Paddington via Cholsey. 

13

January 15 (cont) 

73212 + 73213 + Seacows + 66711 arrived at 

Tonbridge at 19.50. 

D5613 (31190) + 31601 in BAR livery passed 

through Walsall at 13.35 (photo below by 

James Holloway). 

found for 6K02, I waited at various other scenic 

locations until 15.00, slowly getting colder in the 

hard frost, which stayed all day out of the sun. 

The chance to see daylight 3 loco hauled 

movements on the largely single track 

Aberdeen – Inverness line was scuppered by 

poor organisation and a signalling failure at 

Keith which messed up the timings. The 3 

planned trains were all westbound and the 

following timings were for Huntly: 

66107 on 6K01 booked to arrive at 11.12 to be 

looped for a service train at 11.18, 67006 on 

5A25 Caledonian Sleeper ecs straight through 

at 11.42 and another Cl.66 on 6K02 at 12.26. 

Arriving at Huntly at 11.00 the preceding 10.49 

Aberdeen – Inverness service train with SPT 

liveried 170473 was still in the station heralding 

a problem. Still lucky for me as it was the only 

SPT Cl.170 I didn’t have a reasonable photo of. 

This was eventually released 23 mins late on its 

way at 11.12 to be followed by the sleeper at 

11.36 which now looped until 11.47 (see front 

cover) to allow 170420 on the by now late 

running 11.18 Inverness – Aberdeen to pass at 

11.45. 

Not wishing to risk going elsewhere for a better 

shot as by now the sun was not ideal I waited 

and 6K01 shortly turned up at 12.04, 56 mins 

down and passed through at speed (see photo 

below). Not knowing a driver had not been 

January 16 

92019 passed through Bescot Yard at 23.07 

with a Hams Hall - Mossend working. 

90039 on 6L48 Garston - Dagenham DK empty 

cartics passed Barking eastbound at 22.44. 

66711 + 455847 departed Clapham Jnct on a 

Wimbledon - Ilford move. 

January 17 

67019 and 67025 were seen in Dollands Moor 

number 7 road having had their A exam. 

57306 working 6Z25 Derby RTC - Tonbridge 

ran round at 19.10 in Derby station. 

January 18 

Ex-LMT 150002 headed westbound through 

Didcot at 17.58 on 5Z19 Reading Depot - 

Bristol Barton Hill. 

66108 passed southbound light engine through 

Carlisle at 16.31 on Carlisle Yard - Margam. 

January 19 

37038 + 37218 passed Coppull near Wigan at 

19.24 working Sellafield - Crewe flasks. 

66084 headed north through Carlisle at 15.36 

with a Shap - Carlisle Yard loaded ballast. 

January 20 

390055 was seen in platform 13 Euston at 

20.40 having arrived from Manchester. 

70002 + 66560 + hoppers + 66505 on the rear 

passed Wilmslow at 20.23 on a Crewe Basford 

Hall - Midland Road move. 

January 21 

66075 + 66044 dead in tow arrived in Carlisle at 

17.03 and departed at 17.05 heading north 

working Tees Yard - Carlisle yard light engine 

move. 

66302 + 57008 + 57007 passed Cotmanthorpe, 

south of York at 11.13 with 0Z37 Carlisle - 

Whitemoor working. 

January 23 

70013 passed Carlisle at 22.28 on Fiddlers 

Ferry - Killoch empty coal hoppers. 

67019 t&t 67025 top + 6 wagons departed 

Tonbridge at 20.53 on a Rye - Hoo Jnct 

working. 

14

January 24 

ex-DRS 66416 reversed its train of loaded 

Bardon JGAs westbound past Foxhall Junction 

and into Didcot DC siding (Milton Park) at 18.57 

on 6Z39 Avonmouth - Didcot DC. 

66847 departed Didcot platform 4 heading 

eastbound at 18.12 with the 6O78 Margam - 

Dollands Moor steels. 

January 25 

20905 + 20901 departed Dorridge at 20.15 with 

7X09 Old Dalby - Amersham working. 

January 26 

ex-DRS 66416 on 6L18 Bardon Hill - Harlow 

Mill loaded bogie hoppers departed Cambridge 

at 04.50. 

January 30 

70007 dispatched from Tilbury, came to the 

rescue of 4M87 Felixstowe - Trafford Park 

which had failed near Caledonian Road & 

Barnsbury on the North London Line. The train 

loco 86501 failed with smoke coming from the 

loco. The train got on the move two hours late. 

None date specific News: 

The latest DBS tender list has seen the remaining Cl.47 47799 and all the remaining 33 stored 56s 

sold, leaving no Cl.47s or 56s on the books with DBS. With 47799 going into preservation at Eden 

Valley Railway, both the ex-royal Cl.47/8 locos have now been saved. Most of the Cl.56s (27) have 

been bought by European Metal Recycling (EMR), so many will go for scrap, though no doubt some of 

the better ones may yet be resold. Of the others, 56018, 56115 & 56117 were bought by Europhoenix 

for use abroad though 56018 has since been swapped for 56101 (see associated report in 

Preservation News). Devon & Cornwall Railways has gained 56091 & 56103. The only Cl.56 loco 

fitted with GSMR, 56007 has been bought by Ed Stevenson for spot hire. 

Further to the photo in the October 2011 issue, ex-DBS Cl.37s (another class no longer with DBS) can 

still be seen lined up to the south of DRS Kingmoor Depot, Carlisle. Yet to arrive in September 2011 

and the last two to be transferred north from Stoke Marcroft and Margam respectively, 37410 and 

37426 are seen on 9 th January 2012. Behind 37410 are 37416, 37411, 20307 & 20303. 

With more new Cl.70s arriving for Freightliner, DRS is not to be outdone and has ordered 15 brand 

new diesel-electric Vossloh Espana Eurolight locos, fitted with train heating and these will arrive by the 

end of 2013. As a more flexible mixed traffic loco than the Cl.66s it will be interesting to see how these 

will be used and whether they will ultimately replace Cl.47s used for passenger work. 

15

In a much vaunted move, 60 of the 

64 Cl.460 Junipers are to be rebuilt 

by Alstom to strengthen Cl.458s for 

SWT. It will be done over the next 

two years with an additional car 

being added to the existing 30 x 4 

car sets and a further six 5 car sets 

created. It will mean that 12 of the 

16 driving cars will lose their 

distinctive nose. As the DMFLO 

driving cars will require more 

conversion work, it will be four of 

these that will remain spare. Most of 

the Cl.460s are now in store at 

Bournemouth and Stewarts Lane, 

with only two sets diagrammed for 

daily use with Southern alongside 

the older Cl.442 usurpers. 

Following 170434 other Cl.170s are 

finally receiving the ScotRail Saltire 

livery. However 170425 the second 

to be so treated has blotted its 

copybook only weeks after leaving 

works. It is seen right on Inverness 

Depot with front end damage to 

79425 on 27 th January 2012. It is 

presumed this is due to hitting a 

tree, though I have not seen any 

report to verify this. 

With expenditure outstripping income it has been discussed that the Caledonian Sleepers could be in 

jeopardy. With the wish to reduce short haul internal fights and encourage more people from cars 

there is no logic in abandoning the sleepers. Fortunately Transport for Scotland is to match the DfTs 

offer of £50 million to either buy new coaches or upgrade existing stock, a more likely outcome. Good 

news, all Scotland needs now is a link to HS2 sooner rather than later. 

Another new loco hauled service along the Cumbrian coast has seen DRS begin a 6 week trial on the 

9 th January operating a Mon-Fri ‘work’ train for Sellafield workers. Hauled by a single electric train 

heated loco, the service leaves Carlisle at 06.15 with 4 coaches, of which 3 (TSOs 5929/6006/6042) 

are reserved between Carlisle and Sellafield, with the fourth coach (BSO 9527), available for public 

use. After arriving at Sellafield at 07.55, the service continues to Barrow with all coaches now in public 

use. After stabling it returns at 15.39 ecs to Sellafield, to form the 16.48 to Carlisle, arriving at 18.32. 

The first service was hauled by 37423 ‘Spirit of the Lakes’. 

390055 is now in service as a 9-car set and is easily recognisable along with 390054 being the only 

two Pendo’s without Virgin branding. The Pretendolino still gets its regular outing on a Friday to Crewe 

via Birmingham New Street. The Cl.90 drops off at Crewe and a Cl.57 brings the ECS back to 

Wembley. Interestingly there is a regular working on a Sunday with a Pendo dragged ECS from Oxley 

to Euston by a Cl.57, presumably to retain route and traction knowledge as there does not seem to be 

any other good reason for it to be dragged! The Cl.57 then runs back to Wembley. 

LOROL have been trialling traction changeovers for 378s on the move. For those not familiar, the 

overhead line runs to the south of North Pole Junction, from where third rail is in operation towards 

Clapham Junction. Currently, all trains formed of electric multiple unit stock are required to stop to 

change over from AC to DC heading towards Clapham Junction or DC to AC going towards Willesden. 

The Class 395s of Southeastern can change from AC to DC or DC to AC whilst on the move as can 

Class 92 locomotives. 

16

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 

Ian McAlpine: 

28 th December: 

Hooton: 508120/140 

Crewe: 

86401/24, 90044, 175116, 2221116, 350130 

Soho Depot: 08805 


Peterborough: 70007 

13 th January: 

Peterborough: 

66108/526/541/731, 91118, 158788, 170101 

Doncaster: 66018/142, 321902 

York: 47798, 57003 


Darlington: 43310/11, 142015 

York: 144004, 150206, 158757, 185108/25/39/41 


Darlington: 142094, 156444, DVT 82203 

York: 57003 

Peterborough: 66071/712, 91124 

21 st January: 

Whittlesea: 158774, 170206/519 

March: 66729 

Cambridge: 

170109/272, 317649/55/63, 365514/23 

Brian Derricote: 


Stourbridge-Marylebone and return: 

165012/38, 172101/104/211-213/341/342 

Willesden-Surrey Quays 10.45-13.15: 

172102, 378135/137/138/140-142/144-149/153 

378154/201/205-207/209/212/213/217/223/224 

378233/234/255-257 

Liverpool Street 13.45-14.00: 

315818, 317892, 379005/18 

St Pancras 16.00-18.15: 

43049/66, 37 3021/022/201/202/213/214/223/224 

395002/06/11/12/27/28 


Stafford: 

37602/3, 66096/097/184/432/505/537/554/555/562 

66598/602, 70007, 86609/14, 90024/45/49, 92016 

92019 

Mike Rumens: 

31 st December: 

Nuneaton 14.25-15.15: 

70002, 153356, 170518/22, 350256, 390024 

1st January: 

Rugby: 

66744/745/850, 390029, DR78730/77319/98307 

999801 

2 nd January: 

Nuneaton: DR73947/73948 

4 th January: 

Nuneaton: 

66011/414/571/593/702/849, 153356, 170105/115 

170397/521/523/638, 221103/04/09, 350105/117 

350243, 390005/10/12/22/42/47-49/54, DR73947 

6 th January: 

Nuneaton 09.14-10.40 & 14.20-16.05: 

66526/572/702/716/738, 90016/47/48, 153366 

170105/107/112/113/117/398/520/522, 221102/03 

221111/13/16, 350124/250/257/263, 390001/03 

390006-09/11/14-16/20/30/31/34/35/37/43/50/52 

390053, DR73901/936/948/77002/98010 

9 th January: 

Nuneaton 14.20-15.27: 

66057/525/591/711, 86607/28, 153375, 170102 

170397/521/523, 350119/129/260, 390002/06/12 

390021-23/27/31/34/35/42/49/53/55 


Nuneaton 14.20-15.27: 

66129/171/414/525/526/565/572/602/715, 90043 

153375, 170108/398/518/519/636, 221109/15/32 

221143, 350118/122/129/249, 390001/06/09-11/13 

390015/18/21/24-26/31/32/34/36/37/42/47/52/54 


Nuneaton 09.10-10.15: 

66541/594/702, 70011, 90043, 153354, 170101 

170105/08/12, 221103/07/13, 350103/15, 390016 

390018/22/31/34/39/42/50, DR73806/999800/801 


Nuneaton 09.58-10.45 & 14.08-15.50: 

66002/039/126/182/543/565/591/620/702/735/742 

86637/9, 70002, 153364, 170109/518-520/638/639 

221106/43, 350101/124/253/258, 390004/13/17/18 

390020/23/24/29/34/40/41/46/52, DR98009/10 


Nuneaton 09.00-10.15: 

66504/41, 70002, 90049, 153371, 170106/109 

170638, 221119, 350109/119/256 

Geoff Hope: 

1 st December: 

Crewe 08.45: 

47790, 153353, 221112/18, 323227, 350113/118 

350256, 390032 

Wolverhampton: 66197, 323206, 390013 

Soho: 08805, 323202, c.s. 6364/5 

Birmingham Moor Street 10.00-14.10: 

67015, 150106/9, 165008/17/19, 168002-004/106 

168112/113/214/217/219, 172211-221/332-335 

172337/338/340-342/344/345, DVT 82303 

c.s. 10230, 12059/117/145/173 

17

Tyseley: 66009/160 


Manchester Piccadilly 14.10-16.45: 

57302, 66145/562/593, 142004/07/13/20/32/35/37 

142040/44/45/48/52/54/61, 150103/115/139/144 

150147/149/150/223/228/270/272/275/277 

156427/40/60/68/72/91, 158773/774/777/788/799 

158856/862, 170301/8/9, 175005/006/105/109/113 

175115/116, 185104/05/07/09-13/16/17/24/26/34 

185136/37/42-44/48-50, 220006/14/18, 221119/20 

221126/41, 323224-38, 390001/03/04/06/12/13/19 

390028/40 


Bolton 09.15-09.31: 

150111/148/150/204/218, 153331 

Manchester Victoria: 

150139/269/277 


66020/564/571/589/741, 142005/07/13/32/33/37 

142038/41/48/52/58/61/63, 150111/112/119/140 

150143/147/204/206/215/228/270/275, 156424 

156429/41/64/66/72/83/88/91, 158773/777/785 

158799/840/846/847/854/857/862/863/866 

170301/4/6/8, 175002/004/007/008/107/109/111 

175113/115, 185102/03/07-10/12/14-16/18/20-22 

185124/26/28/29/33/35/39-43/45-51, 220008-10 

220018/20/22/31, 221128/40, 323224-31/33-36/38 

390001-04/10/19/23/24/26/27/34/38/54 



66542/572/741, 142007/11/13/28/34/36/41/44/45 

142052/53/55/56/60-62, 150111/118/119/133/140 

150201/204/210/211/214/218/225/228/270/274 

150275, 156427/55/59/64/66/87/89, 158774/785 

158788/847/857/863, 170301/3/4/7/9, 175001/011 

175105/108/114/116, 185102/03/06/-09/11/13-15 

185117/18/20/22/25/26/28/31/36/37/39/45/51 

220001/14/16, 221130/34, 323224/25/27-37 

390001/10/11/14/16/19/23/28/34/43 


East Midlands Parkway 09.15-09.35: 

66136, 158780 

Leicester 09.55-13.30: 

43043/045/046/048/049/054/055/058/064/075/076 

43082, 66021/124/545/554/622/741, 156410/70/98 

158812, 170103/106/110/113/116/519/523/637 

222001/02/05/06/10-17/21-23/102/103 

22 nd December: 

Doncaster 08.25-15.30: 

08853, 37601, 43206/208/238/239/251/257/272 

43277/295/296/299/300/302/305/310/313/315-317 

43319/320/367/423/467/468/484, 47237, 66013 

66018/118/121/130/131/137-139/416/511/529/557 

66565/566/703/715/719/722, 67021, 91101-08/10 

91113/14/16/18/20-22/24-27/32, 142011/26/95/96 

144002-04/06/09, 153302/32/63, 156410, 158792 

158793/842/845/861/905/907/909/910, 170305/9 

180101/03/05/09/10/12/14, 185115/18/21/29/39 

220004/06/07/11/15/17/23/30, 221121, 321902 

DVT 82200-04/07/08/10-12/14/16-19/22/24-29/31 

DR 73934/46, c.s. 6378/9, 10214/28 

James Holloway: 


Water Orton 12.54-15.32: 

60091, 66007/054/126/141/145/170/199/544/556 

66567, 170101/103/106/107/110/113-115/397 

170519-523/638/639, 220003/18, 221130/36 

950001 

21 st January: 

Walsall 13.35: 31601+D5613 

Bescot 13.45: 56091/115/117, 66016/053/056 

Paul Bright: 

22 nd December: 

Blackpool-Coventry: 

56311, 57309, 60039, 142019, 150113/50, 158754 

170505/632, 185112/13, 221102/36, 323218 

350110/111/234/256, 390013/17/42 


Coventry-Blackpool: 

66602, 142052, 150114/260, 156460, 220031 

323241, 350102/118/238, 390004/22/50 

Network News 

Peterborough Station: With work underway on enlarging Reading, Peterborough is now to set to 

follow with 3 more through platforms proposed. The southern bay platform 1 will be removed, 2 & 3 will 

be re-numbered to 1 & 2, a new platform 3 will be created on the un-faced western side of the current 

platform 3 and a new island platform 6 & 7 to be built to the west of existing 4 & 5. Together with a 

new freight loop line to the west all the existing through platforms are to be extended. 

National Express East Anglia (NExEA): The NExEA franchise comes to an end at the close of 

service on Saturday 4 th February to be replaced by Greater Anglia. On commencement of the new 

franchise, 9 Cl.317 units are to be handed back. The new franchise will run for 39 months. 

18

Preservation Scene 

A complete class 107 3 car DMU is back together at the Tanat Valley Railway (TAN), Nantmawr 

Quarry with recently arrived centre trailer 59791 joining driving cars 52031 & 52005 previously moved 

from the Nene Valley Railway. In the photo below taken by Roger Thomas on the 22 nd January 2012 

the cab of ex-Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway 52012 can also be seen coupled to 52031. With 51993 

also at TAN this means there are now 5 out of the 11 extant Cl.107 DMUs present at TAN. 

Former DMU Cl.101 driving trailer 54356 used as a loco hauled observation car on the Kyle of 

Lochalsh line from 1984 - 1994, has moved from the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway (GWR) to the 

Nottingham Heritage Centre, Ruddington (NHC) where it is to be restored as an observation car. 

Stored since 1996 it is still in the green & white Hebridean 

coaching livery and numbered 6300, 

as seen on 17 th April 2011 at Winchcombe, GWR. 

19

With the preserved status of many items of 

rolling stock constantly changing these days, 

56101 is the latest to lose its preservation status 

having been bought by Europhoenix for an 

intended future abroad. Initially it has moved to 

Burton and just days before its move it is seen at 

Barrow Hill late on Sunday 8 th January in the 

company of 89001. 

Happily 56018, originally earmarked for life 

abroad, has entered preservation in place of 

56101. 56018 has been stored in Warrington 

Arpley yard since 2009 as seen here right on 

16 th July 2009. 

56006 the first Cl.56 to be 

accepted into service by BR in 1976 

has been bought off the latest DBS tender list by 

European Metal Recycling (EMR) and is in danger of being 

scrapped. Formerly part of the EWS heritage fleet, 56006 has been 

stored at Barrow Hill for 9 years, as seen here on 8 th January 2012 and It may 

yet still have a future if a fund raising effort to buy the loco from EMR is successful. 

20

Following the successful first move under its own power on 29 th November 2011, Stanier 4-6-2 46233 

‘Duchess of Sutherland’ is undergoing final fitting out at its home West Shed at Swanwick, MRB where 

it is seen on 8 th January 2012. The chalked message where the worksplate should be, reads “Plates 

being painted...don’t panic !!” 

Following poor usage, Weardale Railway ceased its commuter operation 

using Cl.141 DMUs 141103 & 141113 between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope on the 

31 st December 2011. It is to concentrate on running more heritage services 

as asked for by passengers. 141103 is seen manoeuvring 

back into the Stanhope following the running round of a 

steam service on Saturday 22 nd October 2011. 

21

On 8 th January 2012 on the Midland Railway Butterley, 08590 ‘Red Lion’ 

was called into action to rescue the service DMU of 51591 + 59609 + 

51625 on. Due a baffling brake failure on the DMU, the 08 was 

summoned after the DMU failed at Swanwick. It is seen on the 

first service back to Butterley passing the DMU shed at 13.15. 

Cl.117 DMU DMBS cars 51341 & 51398 are to be stripped to provide spares for other needy projects 

around the country. These two cars along with seven others were originally bought by Dorset CC to 

provide a commuter service on the Swanage Railway. That never materialised and alongside with four 

other cars they were moved to the Midland Railway Butterley where they have suffered severe 

damage from vandalism, these two being the worst of the stored vehicles. Both still in NSE livery, 

51341 is seen below outside the DMU shed on 8 th January 2012 at Butterley after being brought up 

from storage alongside the running line at Swanwick. I presume 51398 was inside the shed as I never 

saw this vehicle anywhere at MRB on the day I visited. 

22

After 4 years open storage at Swanwick on the Midland Railway Butterley, the former BR and LT 

Cl.491 4-TC set is now undergoing restoration work. Formed of cars from various units (former sets in 

brackets), 76298 (415), 70855 (413), 70824 (412) & 76322 (427) are notionally numbered as set 413. 

With 76298 leading the set is seen at Swanwick outside the carriage repair shed and alongside the 

running line on the 8 th January 2012. 

Not reported before, newly refurbished and reliveried 

33035 finally entered passenger service 

on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway over the 

weekend of 22 nd / 23 rd October 2011. Here it is 

after recently arriving from Barrow Hill looking all 

sparkly in its new BR blue livery at the 

Wirksworth base on 14 th August 2011. It was 

formerly painted in NSE livery, one of only two 

Cl.33s to be so treated. 

Following a notice to quit, the two Cl.502 EMU cars stored at Tebay are to move to safe undercover 

storage in an industrial unit at Burscough which belongs to the Merseyside Transport Trust. 

After all the troubles suffered by the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway it is a pleasure to report a 

success with the opening of a passing loop at Gotherington at the very point where the first landslip 

occurred. This means trains can now operate simultaneously from Cheltenham Racecourse and 

Winchcombe. The first trains passed on the 4 th December 2011. 

23

Gloucestershire Sightings 

by Nigel Hoskins 

The following sightings are mostly from Gloucester Station, but also include workings on the avoiding 

line southeast of the station between Barnwood and Gloucester Yard Jncts. Only freight and notable 

loco hauled workings are shown with the diagram code, time (if known) plus origin and destination 

(see location codes). 

20 th December 

09.05 66847 6Z50 GL-Teigngrace 

66510 4V47 RG-SG 

66423/303 6M67 BR-CE 

60091 6E41 WH-LY 

66419 6V05 RO-MG 

66185 4E66 MG-RA 

66105 6V06 KY-CT 

66065 4V32 TO-ON 

21 st December 

03.40 66717 6Z31 CT-HD 

04.15 66201 6V11 IM-CF 

04.15 66192 6V62 HL-MG 

09.19 DR77903 6U16 LD-GL 

10.59 66165 6A36 AH-DT 

11.10 66124 4E66 MR-RA 

13.13 66097 6E31 MG-HL 

70002 4V61 RG-SG 

60054 6B47 WH-RN 

66717 6Z30 HD-CT 

22 nd December 

11.06 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

13.02 66112 6V67 RA-MG 

14.58 66510 4V47 RG-SG 

16.06 66717 6Z31 CT-HD 

20.38 70002 4V61 RG-SG 

60091 6E41 WH-LY 

23 rd December 

07.03 66012 6B16 RN-WH 

08.40 DR77903/73114 6U12 

LD-GL 

11.01 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.19 66003 4E66 MG-RA 

13.03 66054 4Z32 RC-MG 

13.39 66012 6B25 WH-RN 

16.03 66717 6Z31 HD-CT 

22.35 66108 6V66 RA-MG 


60091 6E41 WH-LY 

66622 4V20 FF-SG 


150121/122/128/247, 

153373/77 at GL 


04.34 60071 6B16 RN-WH 

11.18 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.27 66114 4E66 MG-RA 

12.08 60071 6B25 WH-RN 

19.00 60054 6B47 WH-RN 

19.03 66705 6Z97 BN-CT 


00.45 66066 6E49 CT-RM 

01.01 66125 6E39 CT-SC 

10.57 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

12.30 60091 6E41 WH-LY 

29 th December (cont) 

12.58 66585 4V06 RG-SG 

13.50 57007/11 6M67 BR-CE 

19.07 66705 6Z97 BN-CT 

19.10 66139 6Z44 AW-LY 

20.15 66050 6E30 MG-HL 

22.21 66201 6V35 RM-CT 

22.33 66019 6V29 LC-CT 


19.55 66018 6E11 CF-IM 

60091 6E41 WH-LY 

66585 4V06 RG-SG 


11.10 60091 6E41 WH-LY 

11.55 66618 4V06 RG-SG 

14.45 66595 4V46 RG-PG 

15.25 66846/9 0Z66 RY-EH 

18.25 66515 4V56 RG-SG 

19.56 66094/193 6V35 RM-CT 

20.10 66069 4Z33 RC-AV 

66133 4Z32 RC-AV 

2 nd January 

16.10 66005 6V55 BD-RN 

19.50 70010 4V61 RG-SG 

60049 6E41 WH-LY 

66183 6V67 RA-MG 

3 rd January 

13.20 66847 6Z50 

ChIrk-Teignbridge 

15.59 66054 6M41 MG-RO 

19.00 66050 6V07 RO-MG 

19.15 66127 6V69 BS-AD 

66849 0Z67 LL-RY 

60049 6E41 WH-LY 

66011 6V92 CY-MG 

66122 6V66 RA-MG 

70011 4V47 RG-SG 

66183 4E66 MG-RA 

66197 6V05 RO-MG 

4 th January 

14.00 70011 4V47 RG-SG 

16.00 70006 4V22 FF-SG 

60054 6B25 WH-RN 

60071 6B13 RN-WH 

66122 4E66 MG-RA 

66109 6M96 MG-CY 

66011 6V92 CY-MG 

66705 6Z97 BN-CT 

66164 6M41 MG-RO 

5 th January 

05.45 66197 6M81 MG-RO 

09.04 66054 6M96 MG-CY 

12.19 60091 6E41 WH-LY 

12.52 66122 6V67 RA-MG 

15.06 70011 4V47 RG-SG 

5 th January (cont) 

15.09 37612/08 6M67 BR-CE 

15.14 66106 6V92 CY-MG 

16.16 66164 6M41 MG-RO 

19.10 66194 6Z44 AW-LY 

66847 6Z50 Chirk-GL 

60071 6B13 RN-WH 

60011 6V05 RO-MG 

6 th January 

03.15 66616 0Z66 EA-FR 

11.05 60071 6B47 WH-RN 

14.05 66186 0V07 RO-MG 

20.14 66011 6V55 BD-RN 

20.35 66705 6Z97 BN-CT 

22.20 66097 6V61 RO-MG 

66075 4E66 MG-RA 

66197 6V05 RO-MG 

66106 6M96 MG-CY 

66122 6V92 CY-MG 

70006 4V47 RG-SG 

66137 6E11 CF-IM 

66193 6Z88 CT-SN 

7 th January 

13.07 70011 4V20 FF-PG 

14.25 66108 4E66 AV-SC 

19.26 66053 6V35 RM-CT 

60049 6E41 WH-LY 

66555 4V56 RG-SG 

66122 6V05 RO-MG 

8 th January 

66250 6E30 MG-HL 

66197 6E47 LL-TS 

9 th January 

09.11 66169 6M96 MG-CY 

10.10 37606/7 5Z17 DY-EX 

11.05 66100 6V05 RO-MG 

11.58 66009 0A36 AH-DT 

12.30 60091 6E41 WH-LY 

12.56 66034 6V67 RA-MG 

14.00 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

14.58 66419 4V47 RG-SG 

15.11 66122 6V92 CY-MG 

19.05 66506 4V57 RG-SG 

20.53 60054 6B47 WH-RN 

21.56 66087 6V66 RA-MG 

10 th January 

07.15 66169 6M81 MG-RO 

09.05 66847 6Z50 GL-Teignbridge 

11.08 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.27 66005 4E66 MG-RA 

12.03 66063 6V05 RO-MG 

12.28 60091 6E41 WH-LY 

12.50 66162 6V67 RA-MG 

12.55 66009 6A36 AH-DT 

15.05 66034 6V92 CY-MG 

24


16.02 66506 4V47 RG-SG 

19.06 66122 6V06 HD-CT 

20.02 66735 6E11 CF-LY 

20.21 66063/187 6E30 MG-HL 

22.38 66006 6E09 SS-IM 

23.03 66015 6E47 LL-TS 

66186 6M41 MG-RO 

11 th January 

10.11 66186 6M96 MG-CY 

66506 4V47 RG-SG 

66169 6E31 MG-HL 

66197 6M81 MG-RO 

66005 6V67 RA-MG 

60054 6B13 RN-WH 

66087 6V05 RO-MG 

66100 4E66 MG-RA 

66034 6V92 CY-MG 

12 th January 

06.38 66140 6M81 MG-RO 

11.10 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.30 66005 4E66 MG-RA 

19.18 66847 6Z50 Chirk-GL 

60091 6E41 WH-LY 

66506 4V47 RG-SG 

66034 6V92 CY-MG 

66186 6M41 MG-RO 

66197 6V05 RO-MG 

66169 6V64 HL-MG 

13 th January 

09.11 66050 6M96 LL-CY 

10.33 66161 6Z55 BS-AD 

11.01 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.18 47727/49 0Z47 WW-WY 

11.26 66041 4E66 MG-RA 

12.07 66063 6V05 RO-MG 

12.53 66005 6V67 RA-MG 

13.59 66161 6Z56 AD-BS 

15.15 60071 6V92 CY-MG 

15.58 66132 6M41 LL-RO 

17.15 66121 6O42 Halewood-SO 

19.01 66158 6Z44 AW-LY 

19.37 66705 6Z30 HD-CT 

20.06 66031 6V55 BD-RN 

66011 7X36 DT-AH 

66558 4V47 RG-SG 

14 th January 

66617 6Y27 Hackney-AH 

66506 4V06 RG-SG 

60091 6E41 WH-LY 

66054 4E66 MG-SC 

66005 6V05 RO-MG 

66059 4Z33 TO-AV 

66558 4V46 RG-PG 


66100 6V02 HL-LL 

66132 6V07 RO-LL 

66847 0Z49 GL-EH 

15 th January 

14.20 47727/49 0Z47 WY-WW 

66100 6M75 MG-CL 

66186 6E30 MG-HL 

66106 6E47 LL-TS 

16 th January 

07.30 66618 6Z25 FR-RY 

07.30 66075 6M81 MG-RO 

09.11 66050 6M96 MG-CY 

11.00 60071 6V05 RO-MG 

12.52 60049 6E41 WH-LY 

12.52 66116 6V67 RA-MG 

14.00 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

15.02 66087 6V92 CY-MG 

17.00 66525 4V47 RG-SG 

17.03 66162 6M41 MG-RO 

19.01 66075 6V07 RO-MG 

19.07 66705 6Z97 BN-CT 

19.45 66519 4V57 RG-SG 

20.22 66136 6E11 CF-IM 

20.30 66169 6E30 MG-HL 

21.35 60054 6B47 WH-RN 

21.55 66197 6V66 RA-MG 

23.45 66132 6W51 WY-GL 

17 th January 

09.05 66847 6Z50 GL-Teignbridge 

11.03 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.27 66075 6V05 RO-MG 

11.29 66197 4E66 MG-RA 

13.00 66952 4V06 RG-SG 

13.15 37606/20309 6M67 BR-CE 

13.15 66004 6V67 SC-MG 

14.55 66525 4V47 RG-SG 

15.00 66087 6V92 CY-MG 

67029 0Z63 GL-CF 

18 th January 

21.22 66109 4E93 AW-MF 

22.00 66187 6V66 RA-MG 

66095 6E47 LL-TS 

66004 6V07 RO-MG 

66087 6M94 MG-CY 

66114 6E11 CF-IM 

66075 4E66 MG-RA 

66169 6V92 CY-MG 

66152 6M81 MG-RO 

60054 6B13 RN-WH 

66525 4V47 RG-SG 

66705 6Z30 HD-CT 

66100 6V55 BD-RN 

66116 6E30 MG-HL 

19 th January 

60049 6E41 WH-LY 

66525 4V47 RG-SG 

66087 6V92 CY-MG 

66051 4E66 MG-RA 

66096 6V67 RA-MG 

60054 6B13 RN-WH 

66197 6V05 RO-MG 

66847 6Z50 Chirk-GL 

67002 0Z63 CF-GL 

66016 6V81 RM-CT 

66197 6E30 MG-HL 

66098 0F63 TO-AV 

20 th January 

05.35 66169 6M81 MG-RO 

09.08 66096 6M96 MG-RO 

10.20 66068 6Z55 BS-AD 

11.01 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.10 66078 6V05 RO-MG 

11.26 66113 4E66 MG-RA 

12.57 66051 6V67 RA-MG 

14.57 66525 4V47 RG-SG 

15.58 66162 6M41 MG-RO 

17.00 66111 6O42 Halewood-SO 

18.35 66705 6Z30 HD-CT 

19.00 66169 6V07 RO-MG 

21.45 66092 6V66 RA-MG 

66068+67029 0Z55 AD-BS 

66598 0Z26 SG-RY 

21 st January 

11.45 60091 6E41 WH-LY 

12.35 66618 4V06 RG-SG 

13.35 66523 4V22 FF-SG 

15.28 66419 4V46 RG-PG 

21.40 66618 6Y27 

Hackney-Stoke Works 

22 nd January 

12.59 66040 4E68 East Usk-SC 

23 rd January 

06.52 66085 6W40 Bridgend-BS 

09.04 66114 6M96 MG-CY 

09.56 66016/118 0W40 BS-AD 

10.20 66847 0Z69 GL-LL 

10.53 DR77901 6J88 WS-ST 

11.35 60054 6B13 RN-WH 

11.52 31285 1Z06 DY-AD 

12.11 DR73935 6J42 

Port Talbot-RY 

13.27 97301 1Q13 DY-TY 

14.55 66548 4V47 RG-SG 

66051 6M81 MG-RO 

66003 6M41 MG-RO 

66100 6V92 CY-MG 

Advertisement – GB Bus Group (GBBG) 

Belonging to ICRS tells us you have an interest in vehicles involved in travel, whether it is to do with 

their design or simply number-crunching. That being the case, have you also got an interest in buses 

in the UK ? GBBG may already be known to you from its link with ICRS in the past, but if you haven’t 

thought about joining us before, why not reconsider? Our annual membership subscription has now 

been reduced to a modest £13.60, so why not visit our website www.gb-bg.co.uk or write to our 

Secretary, Hazel Roberts, at 37 Abbey Place, Crewe CW1 4JR for further information? It could well be 

of benefit to you as a fellow transport enthusiast. 

25

Stirlingshire Sightings 

by Derek Sneddon 

The following sightings are from Camelon Station & nearby Carmuirs Junction with an occasional 

sighting from Falkirk. Only freight and notable loco hauled workings are shown together with the 

diagram code, time, origin and destination (see location codes) 

. 


05.45 66433 4H47 MN-IS 

13.00 66429 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66107 6S36 DS-GM 


02.30 66101 6Z48 MN-IS 

05.45 66433 4H47 MN-IS 

10.05 66185 6A32 MN-AB 

10.35 66530 6G05 RV-LT 

11.20 66429/421 4M16 GM-DV 

13.00 66431 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66144 6S36 DS-GM 

14.07 47802/832 1Z17 ED-PH 


13.00 66431 4A13 GM-AB 


05.45 66433 4H47 MN-IS 

10.30 66304 4N66 GM-ML 

10.35 66530 6G05 RV-LT 


05.45 66421 4H47 MN-IS 

06.00 66152 6A31 GM-AB 

07.00 66431 4R75 GM-EE 

10.35 66530 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66305 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66107 6S36 DS-GM 

18.15 66101 6N44 PW-GM 


05.45 66421 4H47 MN-IS 

07.00 66429 4R75 GM-EE 

08.30 66518 6A65 OX-AB 

10.35 66530 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66305 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66101 6S36 DS-GM 

22 nd December 

05.45 66421 4H47 MN-IS 

06.00 66107 6A32 MN-AB 

07.00 66433 4R75 GM-EE 

10.35 66530 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66302 4A13 GM-AB 

23 rd December 

05.45 66426 4H47 MN-IS 

07.00 66302 4R75 GM-EE 

10.35 66530 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66142 6S36 DS-GM 

18.15 66107 6N44 PW-GM 


05.45 66426 4H47 MN-IS 

09.30 66432 4A66 GM-AB 

10.05 66002 6A32 MN-AB 


05.45 66426 4H47 MN-IS 

13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 


05.45 66426 4H47 MN-IS 

13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 


05.45 66426 4H47 GM-IS 

06.00 66009 6A32 MN-AB 

13.00 66433 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66165 6S36 DS-GM 


05.45 66426 4H47 MN-IS 

06.15 66121 6S04 MN-AB 

13.00 66424 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66165 6S36 DS-GM 


02.30 66110 6Z48 MN-IS 

05.45 66304 4H47 MN-IS 

09.30 66301 4A66 GM-AB 

10.05 66107 6A32 MN-AB 

13.30 66174 6S36 DS-GM 

1 st January 

09.40 66009 6K01 DL-MN 

11.20 66152 6K02 DL-MN 

2 nd January 

12.10 66110 6Z50 IS-MN 

13.00 66301 4A13 GM-AB 

3r January 

05.45 66304 4H47 MN-IS 

4 th January 

05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 

07.00 66421 4R75 GM-EE 

10.30 66432 4N66 GM-ML 

13.00 66302 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66174 6S36 DS-GM 

5 th January 

05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 

06.30 66110 6A32 MN-AB 

07.00 66302 4R75 GM-EE 

13.00 66432 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66099 6S36 DS-GM 

18.15 66107 6N44 PW-GM 

6 th January 

05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 

13.00 66429 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66107 6S36 DS-GM 

7 th January 

02.30 66113 6Z48 MN-IS 

05.45 66421 4H47 MN-IS 

10.05 66116 6A32 MN-AB 

10.35 66512 6G05 Killoch-LT 

11.20 66429 4M16 GM-DV 

13.00 66423 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66152 6S36 DS-GM 

14.05 66107 6K08 MN-Carnoustie 

18.10 66110 6K01 MN-NL 

18.40 66112 6K02 MN-NL 

20.05 66152+66002 6K03 MN-NL 

9 th January 

05.45 66421 4H47 MN-IS 

07.00 66423 4R75 GM-EE 

10.35 66524 6G05 RV-LT 

11.20 66301 4N66 GM-ML 

13.00 66433 4A13 GM-AB 

10 th January 

05.45 66421 4H47 MN-IS 

10.35 66524 6G05 RV-LT 

13.30 66113 6S36 DS-GM 

18.15 66152 6N44 PW-GM 

11 th January 

07.00 66423 4R75 GM-EE 

08.30 66615 6A65 OX-AB 

10.35 66524 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66432 4A13 GM-AB 

12 th January 

05.45 66431 4H47 NM-IS 

06.30 66113 6A32 MN-AB 

06.30 66601 6H51 OX-IS 

07.00 66432 4R75 GM-EE 

10.35 66524 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66421 4A13 GM-AB 

13.30 66110 6S36 DS-AB 

13 th January 

05.45 66431 4H47 MN-IS 

07.00 66432 4R75 GM-EE 

10.35 66524 6G05 RV-LT 

13.00 66426 4A13 GM-AB 

Stirlingshire & Gloucestershire Sightings Location Codes: 

AB Aberdeen 

AC Achnasheen 

AD Alexander Dock 

Jnct 

AE Attercliffe 

AH Ashchurch 

AJ Awre Junction 

AL Alston 

AN Acton 

AP Appleford 

AR Abercynon 

AT Abbotswood Jnct 

AV Avonmouth 

AW Aberthaw 

AY Ayr 

BA Blair Atholl 

BD Bedworth 

BE Berkeley 

BH Brierley Hill 

BI Burntisland 

BL Bristol 

BN Beeston 

BO Bo’ness 

BP Bath 

26 

BR Bridgwater 

BS Bescot 

BT Barton Hill 

BW Barrow 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

CQ Croft Quarry 

CR Cadder 

CS Cheltenham 

CT Cardiff Tidal 

CV Cliff Vale 

CY Corby 

DC Dyce 

DL Dalmeny 

DM Dollands Moor 

DR Doncaster 

DS Dalston 

DT Didcot 

DV Daventry 

DY Derby 

DU Dundee 

EA Earles Sidings 

ED Edinburgh 

EE Elderslie 

EH Eastleigh 

EL Elgin 

EU Euston 

EV Evesham 

EX Exeter 

FB Ferrybridge 

FF Fiddlers Ferry 

FG Fishguard 

FO Forres 

FR Fairwater 

GC Glasgow Central 

GL Gloucester 

GM Grangemouth 

GR Grange Sidings 

GS Gleneagles 

GY Grimsby 

HA Hayes 

HD Handsworth 

HF Hereford 

HH Holyhead 

HL Hartlepool 

HR Harwich 

HS Hunslet 

HT Hastings 

HV Haverfordwest 

HW Heywood Jnct 

HY Hinksey 

IM Immingham 

IB Ironbridge 

IS Inverness 

JM Jersey Marine 

KB Kittybrewster 

KC Kirkcaldy 

KK Kilmarnock 

KL Kyle of Lochalsh 

KN Kennethmont 

KS Kingsland Road 

KY Kingsbury 

LA Laira 

LB Ladybank 

LC Lincoln 

LD Lydney 

LG Lairg 

LH Leith 

LI Linlithgow 

LK Lackenby 

LL Llanwern 

LM Long Marston 

LN Laurencekirk 

LO Longsight 

LS Leeds 

LT Longannet 

LW Linkswood 

LY Lindsey 

MC Machen 

ME Montrose 

MF Milford 

MG Margam 

MH Millerhill 

MN Mossend 

ML Motherwell 

MO Moreton 

MS Maesteg 

MT Mountsorrel 

MV Manchester Vic 

MW Moorswater 

NA Nairn 

NE Neath 

NG Nottingham 

NH Newton Heath 

NJ Norton Jnct 

NL Newtonhill 

NT Newport 

NV Neville Hill 

NW Nantwich 

OB Oban 

ON Onllwyn 

OO Old Oak Common 

OX Oxwellmains 

OY Oxley 

PA Paisley 

PC Port Clarence 

PF Peak Forest 

PG Pengham 

PH Perth 

PM St Philips Marsh 

PN Paddington 

PO Polmadie 

PR Preston 

PT Paignton 

PW Prestwick 

PY Portbury 

PZ Penzance 

RA Redcar 

RC Ratcliffe 

RD Reading 

RE Redmire 

RG Rugeley 

RM Rotherham 

RN Robeston 

RO Round Oak 

RR Rowley Regis 

RV Ravenstruther 

RY Rugby 

SA Saltley 

SB Stourbridge 

SC Scunthorpe 

SD Standish Jnct 

SG Stoke Gifford 

SH Slough 

SI Stirling 

SK Shirebrook 

SN Stockton 

SO Southampton 

SP Spetchley 

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 

TR Trishington 

TS Tees Yard 

TY Tyseley 

VA Victoria 

WB Wembley 

WH Westerleigh 

WP Worksop 

WR Warrington 

WS Worcester 

WV Wolverhampton 

WW Washwood Heath 

WY Westbury 

YT Yate 

YK York 

Preservation Photo Spot 

Continental Traction in the UK 

There are many preserved railways in the UK with continental rolling stock, none more so than the 

Nene Valley Railway (NVR). On the 22 nd November NVR took delivery of Swedish Y7 railcar 1212. It 

was based on the railway from 1984-89 but has been on Tweedle Farm, Fleggburgh in County 

Durham for the past 6 years. It is hoped to have it in service by Easter. It is seen at Wansford on 20 th 

December 2012. 

27

Railway Globetrotters 

by John Sheppard 

Havana, Cuba 24 th May 2010: 

On a visit to Cuba, just under 2 years ago, I was wandering around Havana and happened to pass 

what appeared to be a scrapyard full of rusting old steam trains. As a very keen photographer I was 

eager to get a closer look. 

looking eastwards with 1502 to the fore and a tender numbered 1707, 

El Capitolio can be seen towering above across Industria 

I gave the guard on the gate a couple of pounds and was then free to wander around at my leisure. I 

was told that the trains were mostly Russian due to the close ties between the then USSR and Cuba 

and that there was a restoration project underway to save the best of them. 

four locos facing the northern boundary of the compound including 1358, left foreground 

28

numbered 10 marked on the cabsibe and possibly 2342 on the dome nearest the cab, this loco 

is with others lined up against the northern boundary of the compound 

a closer view of the loco tucked in behind the blue cab in the first photo with a smokebox plate that 

reads ‘The Baldwin Locomotive Works Philadelphia USA’ 

29

A freshly painted loco E1334 sat at the top of the yard on an isolated set of rails and appeared to be 

setup as a tourist spectacle as seen in the photo below. 

1358 with CAI PEPITO TEY marked on the cabside, the tender appears to be numbered 1164 

As you can see from the photographs most of them are in a very dilapidated state and beyond any 

hope of ever breathing again. There were a large number of locos, tenders and some carriages from 

an extensive period of the stream era and it was delightful to see them, even if they were old and 

toothless. 

30

a closer view of locos on the extreme left in the first photo with 1351 behind a tender 

numbered 1708 

1413 1326 

31

The site is in Centro Habana on the north side of Dragones between Amistad to the west and Industria 

to the east and is also close to Chinatown. Amazingly it is right next to one of the most imposing 

building in Havana, Le Capitolio (National Capital Building), the dome of which can be seen in some of 

the photos. Built in 1929, this was the seat of government until the 1959 Cuban Revolution when it lost 

its prominence and is now the home of the Cuban Academy of Sciences. The site is not that far 

northwest of the main Central Railway station, La Coubra...ed. 

Light Rail, Metro & Tram News 

all photos by John Sheppard 

Edinburgh: Following the first trial runs using car 277 at Gogar depot test track on 12 th December 

2011, the depot was officially handed over to Edinburgh City Council. It was also accompanied by a 

revised plan for opening of various phases with March 2013 being the proposed timetable for the 

Airport – Gogar section...time will tell !! 

Tyne & wear Metro: The second refurbished and re-liveried car 4072 returned to South Gosforth 

depot in November. 

Blackpool: Flexity2 tram 002 arrived on 16 th December after its journey from Saxony. 

Manchester Metrolink: Car 1003 has been re-liveried in yellow & silver, the first of the T68 trams to 

be so treated. 

Track laying has started at the new East Didsbury terminus. 

Revised Liveries 

British American Railway Services owned 56303 with DCR (Devon & Cornwall) branding 

Barrow Hill Roundhouse, 8 th January 2012 

32

Freight Corner 

WAGON UPDATES by Scott Yeates (to UKRS No.3 UK Wagons 2012): 

To allow members to keep their copy as up to date as possible, it is intended to provide changes via 

this spot every month. 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. 

Scrapped: (assumed) 

The following stored OTAs have all been removed from Elgin Yard on or shortly after 19 th January: 

112161/178/183/207/255/310/329/341/391/396/399, 200675/736/930/933/934/945, 210144 plus an 

unidentified 112xxx 

FREIGHT NEWS 

The 8 mile freight line has been re-opened to enable DBS to haul coal from the Unity drift mine at 

Cwmgrach, near Neath to Aberthaw Power Station. Three trains a week are initially planned. 

Europorte’s 11 operational Cl.92, have like DBS been given clearance to work along HS1 and intend 

to operate from Calais Fréthun through to Barking. 

WAGON REVIEW by Trevor Roots: 

With the start of a new flow of timber traffic I thought it was appropriate to look at timber wagons with 

this issue concentrating on the OTA conversions. 

OTA Timber Wagons: 

With an upsurge in timber moving from the Scottish highlands to processing plants south of the 

border, BR began converting redundant 45t open goods wagons coded OBA & OCA in 1985 from the 

following batches. 

Number Code Lot No Design Code Built Manufacturer 

100001-110500 OBA 3909 1977-79 Ashford Works 

110501-110800 OBA 3930 OB001C/E 1978-79 Shildon Works 

112000-112399 OCA 4014 OC001A 1981-82 Shildon Works 

The OBAs/OCAs have a 20’9” wheelbase, FAT 7 / Brunninghaus leaf springs (the original 15 leaf 

springs of the first batch being modified) and SKF roller bearings. Some OCAs had Timken roller 

bearings but from photographic evidence the OTAs seem to have only been converted from those 

wagons with SKF bearings. The OBAs had wooden side doors whilst the OCAs were all steel. Both 

had steel ends but one difference is that OBAs had angled bottoms to the corner stanchions whereas 

the heavy longer OCA stanchions were square, clearly seen in the left hand photo on page 34. In 

addition to adding side stanchions and straps to retain the load, the OBAs/OCAs simply had their 

sides and drop hangers removed and the ends extended upwards. Numbers are generally carried on 

the solebars though some had them also on the ends. 

OTAs 112318, 112387, 112302 & 210170 showing the various differences 

in ends and stanchions, Elgin Yard, 23 rd January 2012 

33

The first examples had a short square cornered section end section added, roughly 2ft in height. This 

design appears not to have been used on that many and altered to the much widely used second 

design of extension. This was roughly 4ft in height, depending on whether it was an OBA or OCA 

which had different height ends, but the top corners were angled. Interestingly there are some odd 

examples where the shorter OCA extension has been used on an OBA, possibly as a repair so the 

total height is shorter. This is more striking with the livery variation as can be seen with 112387 in the 

photo above. 

110208 an example of an OBA conversion from lot 3909 

but with the later style of tapered stanchions, Elgin Yard, 23 rd January 2012 

112341 an example of an OCA conversion from lot 4014 in blue livery showing the 

wooden floor and square style stanchions, Elgin Yard, 3 rd August 2011 

All the conversions feature removable stanchions of two designs which retained either 3 or 4 stacks of 

timber. The original square hollow style fit into pockets welded to and protrude above the floor edge. 

34

They have hooks on the top to enable them to be lifted out easily. Though only 9 stanchions were 

provided for each wagon there were between 9 and 13 pockets fitted to allow the 9 stanchions to be 

moved to suit the load. The second type of stanchion is a tapered and fluted design painted red and 

appears to have been provided for the later VDA conversions though earlier OBA/OCA conversions 

also have them. These stanchions fit into a double set of pockets welded to the solebar so once 

removed leave nothing protruding above floor level. Confusingly and I have knowledge of why or 

whether wagons were retrospectively altered but there are therefore several permutations of wagon 

type and stanchion. 

examples of lot 4014 OCA worksplates 

no worksplates appear to be visible on OBA wagons built to lots 3909 or 3930 

The photos above show the variations discussed earlier between wagon type and stanchion type. 

In the left hand photo the tapered style of stanchion is fitted to ex-OBA 110208 whilst the square style 

stanchion sporting the top hook is fitted to ex-OCA 112389. Note also the different end stanchions and 

varying heights between the two different lots 3909 and 4014. The right hand photo again shows the 

square section stanchions fitted to similar ex-OCA (lot 4014) wagons 112384 and 112371 and also 

shows the pockets and web strapping reels in more detail. 

One other variation is the floors, which are either wooden as built or adapted to chequer plate. 

35

Liveries over the years have varied, with BR Railfreight red used initially for the majority but either blue 

or light green for those wagons diagrammed for Thames Board traffic. When sectorisation came in 

they were all allocated to Transrail but retained their original liveries. Some have received EWS 

maroon livery. 

With the increased traffic brought about by the hurricane of 1987 more conversions were carried out 

using redundant 45t VDA vans from the following batches. 

Number Code Lot No Design Code Built Manufacturer 

200550-200999 VDA 3855 VD001A 1976 Ashford Works 

210100-210399 VDA 3908 1977-78 Shildon Works 

As with the OBAs/OCAs it was a simple conversion involving removing the roof and sides. This left the 

rounded end profile as seen below and a similar height to the extended OBAs/OCAs. 

200975 & 112241 showing the different profiles of the VDA (left) and OCA (right) 

conversions, Elgin Yard, 23 rd January 2012 

examples of the two different VDA lots, 3855 (left) and 2908 (right) 

As with the OBAs/OCAs both stanchion types were used within the same batch with no apparent 

reason. I can only reason this was due to conversion at different works, does anyone know ? 

36

The VDA conversions either carried EWS maroon or Kronospan blue. Unlike the OBA/OCA 

conversions, data panels and numbers were carried on the ends. Numbers also carried in various 

places on the floor edge or solebar depending type of stanchion pocket fitted. 

200731 showing the tapered stanchion 

and EWS maroon livery 

Elgin Yard, 3 rd August 2011 

both these photos show VDA conversions from lot 3855 (above) and 3908 (below) 

210144 showing the square section stanchion 

and faded Kronospan blue livery 

Elgin Yard, 3 rd August 2011 

In total there were 171 conversions and were all eventually put in store at various locations, if not 

having been scrapped earlier, when the KFA conversions came into use in 2007. 

Hopefully I’ve done justice to these wagon types, if not let me know and I’ll pass it on. A future Wagon 

Review will feature the later KFA Ferrywagon conversions and the latest Rover cube conversions, the 

latter though I have yet to see. 

37

Stock Changes 

It is hoped that all major changes recorded below will help you keep the Combine, Pocket Book and 

Name Directory up to date, (numerous pool code changes will not be recorded). 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 

Locos returned from abroad: (DBS - France) 

66045 

New: 

70017 70018 

DVTs Re-numbered: 

82144 to 82306 

DMUs disbanded & re-formed: 

ex-LMT 3 car units reverted to 2 car 

150012 to 150112 150015 to 150115 

150018 to 150118 150019 to 150119 

150206 from 150012 & 150015 

150220 from 150018 & 150019 

Namings: (* previous names re-applied) 

319008 Cheriton* 

319009 Coquelles* 

Locos Transferred: (* into preservation) 

D4195 GWR to SDH 

08393 EMR Kingsbury to LHG 

25265 GCR to BU D6737 NNR to SDR 

D6737 Weybourne, NNR 2 nd October 2011 

37227 BAT to BU 37275 GCR to BH 

47799 * to EDV (correction from last month) 

56018 * Warrington Arpley Yd to ? 

56302 MNR to BU 

Units Transferred: 

54356 (6300) GWR to NHC (ex- Kyle of 

Lochalsh line loco hauled observation car) 

51909/54271 LM to SDH 

51363 /51405/59510 MHR to GWR 

3CIG 1496 (part) – 76747/62385 PON to DMR 

Cl.421 1498 SWR to EOR 

Locos for Scrapping: 

Booths, Rotherham 08909, 09203 

EMR Kingsbury 56046, 56073, 56112 

56133 

25265 Quorn, GCR 1 st May 2011 

New Stock 

having arrived for driver training 70016 is seen stabled in Wapping Sidings south of Carlisle station 

on 9 th January 2012. With 70017 yet to arrive, this still had 2 days to enjoy as 

the newest loco in the UK 

38

More Loco Transfers 

03180 seen (above) on 8 th January 2012 has now transferred to the Heritage Shunters Trust, 

Rowsley South from the Battlefield Line and long term storage at Market Bosworth, 

where it was seen (below) on 1 st May 2011 in the sorry state in which it arrived minus engine 

having been saved from the cutters torch....but only just !! 

39

transferred from the Heritage Shunters Trust at Rowsley South, 07013 and D2587 

now reside at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, 8 th January 2012 

the loss of these two means that HST no longer has a full set of BR shunters 

with no examples of Cl.05, Cl.07 or Cl.06 as 

06003, the sole survivor, has also moved from HST to the Manchester Museum of Science 

40

ICRS Publications 

The 2012 UK Combine has recently been released and follows on from the 2012 versions of UK Wagons and UK 

Name Directory. The latter has been reworked to be even more comprehensive than before and is the only such 

book currently on the market. It is also a small print run as are the current 2011 editions of UK Locomotives, Diesel 

Units, Electric Units and Irish Railways, so if you don’t want to miss out, order yours now. The individual books 

have additional carriage number to unit number cross ref tables, not found in the Combine and are very useful. As for 

future titles, an eagerly awaited updated Ultimate Sighting File is in preparation for release during 2012 and will 

combine all locos into one book rather than the 3 previously published. 

Books can be ordered online via PayPal at www.icrs.org.uk or by post from Carl Watson, ICRS Publications, 

14, Partridge Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XG (please made cheque / PO payable to ICRS). 

All books, except A6 Pocket Datafiles, are A5 wire bound printed on 90gm paper with laminated card covers allowing 

them to be laid flat. 

Book Titles (all Members receive a 20% discount on 2010/11 & up to 27% discount on 2012 ICRS books) 

non-member member 

New: (2012 – red) 

Price 

UKRS02A UK Combine 2012 (264 pages) (updated to 1 st Jan12) £15.99 £12.00 

UKRS03 UK Wagons 2012 (164 pages) (updated to 1 st Oct11) £12.99 £9.50 

UKRS04 UK Name Directory 2012 (172 pages) (updated to 10 th Nov11) £12.99 £9.50 

Current: (2011 – blue) 

UKRS01 Pocket Book 2011 (240 pages) (updated to 1 st Jan11) £8.99 £7.19 

UKRS05 UK Locomotives 2011 (81 pages) (updated to 1 st May11) £7.99 £6.39 

UKRS06 UK Diesel Units 2011 (64 pages) (updated to 1 st May11) £7.99 £6.39 

UKRS07 UK Electric Units 2011 (116 pages) (updated to 1 st May11) £8.99 £7.19 

UKRS19 Irish Railways 2011 (53 pages) (updated to 1 st May11) £7.99 £6.39 

Previous 2008-11: check online for availability as some are now SOLD OUT 

In Preparation: (due early March 2012) 

UKRS01 Pocket Book 2012 (240 pages) (updated to 1 st Jan12) £9.50 £7.00 

In Preparation: (publication date to be confirmed) 

UKRS21 Ultimate Sighting Files - Locomotives TBC TBC 

Proposed: 

UKRS22 Ultimate Sighting Files – Diesel Units TBC TBC 

UKRS23 Ultimate Sighting Files – Electric Units TBC TBC 

41

February - Intercity Railway Society

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