'1Z34' from Poole to Bath and Bristol.Advertised as the 'Bath & Bristol Xmas Express' working is seen at Little Langford in the Wylye-Valley with 34067 'Tangmere' in the starring role..26 november 2009..

After info that 60073 was to be returned to Eastleigh DIT from Westbury this working'4O51' was the obvious choice.Viewed here with 66009 and tug-73 'inside' at Little Langford in the Wylye-Valley.Interestingly enough this is the 4th time '73' has been up and down this Valley in a week,3 times as a DIT Loco!!! ..26 november 2009..

The 08:30 Cardiff to Portsmouth motors through Little Langford in the Wylye- Valley.158958 being todays Unit..26 november 2009..

After picturing this working at Great-Elm and as it ,'6A13' was rolling quite slowly up the branch from Whatley-Quarry thought I would zip off and try for a 2nd picture at Berkley-Marsh.Worth the effort as UK traction on the local stone traffic is now particularly rare! So here is 60073 again, gathering speed now with in excess of 40 IIA's in tow heading for West-Drayton(Tues-Thurs only)..24 november 2009..

Sneaking back out of Whatley on the next available working! 60073 heads '6A13',the 'tues/thurs only' to West-Drayton barely 2 hours after arriving on '7C31' Good load 42 IIA's.Location is Great-Elm nr Frome..24 november 2009..

'If you go down to the woods today your sure for a big surprise because todays the day the Teddy-Bears used a 60!'-----60073 draws '7C31' from Theale slowly down the Whatley-Branch at Great-Elm.Nice to see a Brit-Loco on the quarry circuit again!..24 november 2009..

Now a rare happening,a Class-60 on stone duties around Westbury. Here is 60073 with '7C31' from Theale to Whatley (Tuesday-only).Rolling through Fairwood on the last leg towards the Quarries..24 november 2009..

Wearing standard RHTT Livery of Brown '3S13' runs away from Westbury heading for Cornwall.66116 and 'new' 66119 are operating the cannons..24 november 2009..

DBS's only Schenker-Shed 66152 heads up Upton-Bank passing Dilton-Marsh with '6O41',the regular Westbury to Eastleigh Engineers tripper.Heavy load again today,mainly loaded ballast wagons..24 november 2009..

Upon seeing from the 'Gen- Messages' this 'Bright Young Thing' was at Westbury after Engineering workings over the weekend though there was a good chance it would be on '6O41' from Westbury to Eastleigh on this Monday morning.Sure enough 66152 duly appeared on cue which is more than can be said for the light! Getting quite used to daylight 'night' photography.As usual 800asa saves the day! ..23 november 2009.

Good-Old 'Mr Reliable' Bullied 35028 swings through the Limpley-Stoke-Valley with 'The Merchant Venturer' from Waterloo to Bath, '1Z82' (via Salisbury).No headboard and all the better for it.As usual lighting was terrible necessitating use of 800asa,f2.2 @640th sec using my newest lens(35mm-f2).Shot would have been a no-no without it! ..21 november 2009..

Creeping through the woods at Great-Elm is '6A13' from Whatley going to West-Drayton.This section was cleared in the spring as it had become a 'Tunnel'. No shot ever possible here in the sun due to the lie of the land! ..20 november 2009..

66148 and 66116 sandwich the RHtt '3S13' as it returns from the Salisbury leg of its schedule.Still squirting even on the downgrade sections such as this one over the crest of the Upton-Scud Incline.Grip necessary for braking as well as accelerating! ..20 november 2009..

As the RHTT Season continues the two GM's assigned to the West get dirtier and dirtier! Here a barely identifiable 66116 and 66148 motor down through Witham-Friary after their daily visit to Salisbury via Westbury.Actual RHtt section of this train was swapped last week though you would hardly notice! ..19 november 2009..

Despite appearances this train is actually running through Princes-Risborough non-stop.After Banbury these W&S trains go straight through to Marylebone-London.67014 is heading the 11:27 departure from Wrexham with DVT 82304 on the rear sandwiching the remaining set of 'Cargo-D' blue/cream Mk3's..17 november 2009..

Still looking reasonably fit for duty but for now sidelined,Maroon liveried 960010 stands parked adjacent to Aylesbury Station along with four other Class 121 Bubble-Cars..17 november 2009..

Used last year for crew training in preperation for the start of 'Wrexham & Shropshire' services (As advertised on its flanks) 960014 now stands parked at Aylesbury Station in company with four other Class 121 units..17 november 2009..

A recent arrival at Aylesbury's Turbo Depot is this 0-6-0DH RSSH type Rushton & Hornsby Shunter vintage 1963 (Works No 46803).Freshly refurbished at Eastleigh-Hants by 'Knights Rail Services'.Named after 'Lesley' the PA to the Boss of Chiltern Railways.It is to be used within the confines of the depot shunting stock as required.It actually has a 'TOPS' number 01509! Loco was originally built for the MOD.17 november 2009..

Taking a break from hauling stone out of the Mendips in Somerset 59204 comes off the Aylesbury line at Princes-Risborough with the empty '6A56' Binliner from Calvert back to Northolt.Wagons on this bin-train are a much brighter yellow than the more mundane green ones on the Bristol service..17 november 2009..

W&S-Rly liveried 67015 heads the 07:23 Wrexham to Marylebone service non-stop through Princes-Risborough.DVT 82303 bringing up the rear..17 november 2009..

121020 stands ready to leave Princes-Risborough going to Aylesbury with the 09:17 departure..17 november 2009..

The Chiltern-Lines RHTT '3J73' comes off the Thame branch having been stabled behind the old signal-box in the background.Train will commence the days 'Cannoning' with a trip along the single-line to Aylesbury.66101 and 66127 on the duty today..17 november 2009..

RHTT train'3J73' for the Chiltern-Lines stands behind the platforms at Princes-Risborough prior to starting the days work.66106 and 66127 are the workhorses.Note the fitters in the distance,66127 required remedial work as it was suffering from a brake system air leak..17 november 2009..

Class121'Bubble-car' 121020 formally W55020 departs Princes-Risborough with the 09:17 to Aylesbury.Although this 1st generation unit is now about 50 yrs old it has been fully modified to comply with H&S regs with such mods as central door locking etc.Even the bottom of each door has had a plate added to mask the original wooden footsteps to prevent anybody hanging onto the brass doorhandles!..17 november 2009..

Travelling in reverse formation to normal with 82301 leading and 67010 pushing is the 05:12 Wrexham service to London running about 45 minutes down on booked time..17 november 2009..

With the promise of a few scattered sunny periods decided to have another go at securing a decent shot of this new 'GE' loco prior to its commencing mainline training,this was to start this evening so today was the last chance for a picture of loco in unblemished clean condition(Trial was cancelled).After about 30 minutes or so hovering around the main-gate the long awaiting crack in the clouds appeared and I duly swooped in for a few quick shots.Sunny period lasted for just 2-3 minutes but that was enough.The dark clouds and blue patches combined to present a perfect skyward backdrop.Shot recorded at Stoke-Gifford FL Depot..16 november 2009..Footnote---Interestingly enough there is over 50 labels visible stuck on virtually every panel and door,in total over 100 on the entire loco.Surprised there is any room left for the Livery!.....

With the promise of a few scattered sunny periods decided to have another go at securing a decent shot of this new 'GE' loco prior to its commencing mainline training,this was to start this evening so today was the last chance for a picture of loco in unblemished clean condition(Trial was cancelled).After about 30 minutes or so hovering around the main-gate the long awaiting crack in the clouds appeared and I duly swooped in for a few quick shots.Sunny period lasted for just 2-3 minutes but that was enough.The dark clouds and blue patches combined to present a perfect skyward backdrop.Shot recorded at Stoke-Gifford FL Depot..16 november 2009..Footnote---Interestingly enough there is over 50 labels visible stuck on virtually every panel and door,in total over 100 on the entire loco.Surprised there is any room left for the Livery!.....

Front-end view of the new 70002 whilst parked up at Stoke-Gifford undergoing staff training prior to actually running on the mainline.Not quite such a Plug-Ugly piece of kit as initial pictures from the USA showed.The paint job certainly helps to mellow the rather boxy lines around the front-end....Almost a Yank copy of the now defunct 58's apart from the ugly area below the windshield! ..12 november 2009..

At last after all the hYpe I am able to see one of the new immigrant 70's for myself.This one 70002 is to remain here at Stoke-Gifford nr Bristol for Testing and Training.Loco has yet to venture out on to the mainline so this picture shows locomotive literally 'Brand-New'.Engine has a definite resemblance to the now defunct 58's apart from the rather ugly front end which has included in the design those awful looking serrated 'over-rider' crash zones probably inflicted on the design-team by good old H&S.Number-Range is interesting as well,strictly speaking this should be a Class 68 or 69.The 70 to 79 range on 'TOPS' was originally reserved for Electric DC Machines such as SR Electro-diesels etc.Still not much chance of any more of those being built is there? ..12 november 2009.. ---Footnote---Interestingly enough there is over 50 labels visible stuck on virtually every panel and door,in total over 100 on the entire loco.Surprised there is any room left for the Livery!.....

Freightliner Staff involved in training on the new Class-70 70002 have an impromptue 'Team-Brief' in the car-park at Stoke-Gifford during a lull in training.The fitter doing 'exams' on several 66's in the yard certainly picked the most inconvenient place to dump his vehicle.(Probably did it on purpose!)..12 november 2009..

Close-up detail of the cab design on these new Engines.Zoomed inspection shows rust already setting in around the footsteps and bottom of the door.Probably due to the long sea journey from the United-States to the United Kingdom! .Loco parked at Stoke-Gifford-Yard near Bristol for Initial training straight off the Ship at Newport Docks..12 november 2009..Footnote--Locomotive is American,Wagons are Polish,Coal in the wagons is South-American,Fitters-Van probably made in Germany.Dead Leaves on the floor are produced in the UK.No wonder we have a balance of payment deficit in this Country!20 years ago everything in this shot would have been sourced in the UK.Who wants to buy some Dead-Leaves?....

Class 60's are once again in decline,numbers in service have dropped back to about Ten again.Will reduce even more when the RHTT workings end shortly and about a dozen 66's are released back to general service....Here is '6B13' a pretty solid '60' duty even during lean times.60085 eases down the single line to Westerleigh with the daily fuel tankers running at full line speed 10mph!..12 november 2009..

Due to difficulties at the Bristol End these VSOE's now change from Steam to Diesel at Westbury.Here 67008 speeds through Bradford-on-Avon on the final leg of '1Z80' to Bath(Passengers get off there) and Bristol for stabling..11 november 2009..Footnote--I know this particular '67' was dumped at Toton for 2 years but this is the first time I can recall ever seeing it in this area since the 'RES-Postal' days just after they were originally introduced! Quite a rare one today......

Ever popular 'Clan-Line' 35028 freewheels down Upton-Scudamore Bank through Dilton-Marsh halt with'1Z80',the regular VSOE charter from London-Victoria to Bath & Bristol.Running bang on time this is probably one of the most reliable 'External Combustion' Locomotives currently running on the Network..11 november 2009..

With the number of 'reliveried' DBS engines back down to two this engine is pretty much the sole representitive in the Westbury area.Here a still quite smart 59206 drags'7C31' down through Clink heading for the Quarry at Merehead..11 november 2009..

Ex-NP Prototype 59201 drags away from Clink with '6M20',the Whatley to St-Pancras.Nice wagons on this duty,ex-Peak-Forest JGA's,a refreshing change from the local quarry hoppers..11 november 2009..

Due to the extreme dullness this shot was exposed at 400th@f4 400asa.Using an F2-35mm Canon AF on its first day out I am quite pleased with its performance.Particularly when used nearly wide-open..Here is 66063 restarting '6V62' from Westbury,today with 25 'TTAs' in tow.Next stop Bristol SFM then on down to Plymouth..10 november 2009..

The gathered hoard of Customers edge forward as their train,the 06:48 from Penzance to Paddington(43171 leading) rolls to a halt at Westbury.Beside it stands 59204 with '6z20' from Whatley to St-Pancras (Stone Terminal not CTRL Station!).Once the Hst cleared the station-area the freight quickly moved off the join it on the B&H towards London..10 november 2009..Footnote - 200th@f5 400asa on new lens '35mm-f2'......

Running as '6Y29' the 07:45 Cowley Bridge-Jn to Thingley-Junction Sidings passes Clink nr Frome with another batch of 'replaced' rails going there for processing.Train is formed up using 66624 and a 'Slinger',very useful for unloading rails at journeys end.Of interest is the locomotive 66624,apparantly this engine is destined for export to Poland along with 66623,66625 is already there.Once the '70s' are here in quantity expect quite a few UK GM's to go abroad as Freightliners business there is booming! ..08 november 2009..

Here '6B13' pauses for the signal at Yate in the northern outskirts of Bristol waiting for clearance to cross over on to the Branch down to the Murco-Terminal. 60011 was todays choice on this still virtually 100% Tug diagram..06 november 2009..

Whilst 60011 waits for its path on to the Branch for Westerleigh with '6B13' from Robeston the NMT(43014 leading),presumably '1Z12' heads north away from Bristol going to Birmingham and beyond.Quite a surprise this chance shot particularly with two of the more interesting pieces of traction in the same frame! Location is Yate Station nr Bristol..06 november 2009..

Drawing to a halt at Yate Station waiting for a path onto the Westerleigh Branch is seen 60011 with '6B13' the loaded inbound tanks from Robeston.Weather today was extreemly dull but shots of this loco are not to be missed.......A case of here-today gone-tomorrow with the way DBS treat the remaining 60's..06 november 2009..

The now rather careworn 'Squaddy' Tug 60040 emerges on to the mainline at Yate shortly after leaving the Westerleigh Branch.'6E41',destination Lindsey ..06 november 2009..

Yesterdays '6M67' ran into difficulties when one of the wagons developed a hot-box.After a speedy repair an extra, '6Z05' was arranged to retrieve it from Bridgewater.Here is 37059/37608 flying up through Yate north of Bristol with the repaired 'nuke'wagon(FNA550042) in tow heading for Crewe..05 november 2009..

Here we see the derelict remains of Charfield Station north of Bristol.All boarded up and canopies removed.Amazing it is still standing,obviously sold by Railtrack many years ago,hence they are powerless to remove it.Arriva 150267 is seen running through with a Bristol bound service..05 november 2009..

The Patch-Work Mainline Tug 60011 today was in charge of the early running '6B13' from Robeston to Westerleigh.Here she is at Charfield Loops in the northern outskirts of Bristol.Good job it was early,5 mins later was lights-out for rest of the day! ..05 november 2009..

Long-Long tele-shot of the Patch-Work Mainline Tug 60011 today in charge of the early running '6B13' from Robeston to Westerleigh.Here she is at Charfield Loops in the northern outskirts of Bristol.Good job it was early,5 mins later was lights-out for rest of the day! ..05 november 2009..

The Hither-Green to Whatley' empties '6V18' rolls into Westbury after completing it's journey down the B&H.59002 'Alan J Day' was todays chosen traction.Behind the train is the overbridge for traffic to the local trading-estates.From next week this will be closed to all vehicles except light-vans and cars due to it becoming weakened from extensive corrosion and total lack of maintenence (see how rusty and decayed it looks).Railtrack may spend multi-millions on probably non-essential masts and crap but fails to look after its existing assets.What a bunch?..04 november 2009..

A rather work-stained 150239 gets away from the Westbury stop with the 15:38 'All Stations' service from Warminster to Bristol-Parkway in an all too brief patch of late afternoon sunshine..04 november 2009..

Now a somewhat irregular runner so when it was reported through Oxford decided to gamble on a shot as a largish blue gap was appearing over Chippenham way.Naturally it failed to materialise over Thingley at the appropriate moment! Here was 66520 with '4V60' humming it's way towards Bristol,running pretty much to time..04 november 2009..

The local 'RHTT' ambles down through Frome on the Avoider with '3S13' heading back to St-Blazey for servicing.The grubby pairing 66116/66148 on the job today.Just scraped the shot before the light folded for the rest of the day! ..02 november 2009..

43022 speeds down the Frome avoider with the 08:18 from Paddington to Exeter.Regretfully the heavy rain and wind over the last few nights has done an excellent job of clearing the autumn colours off the trees! ..02 october 2009..

'3S13' Westbury to St-Blazey via Salisbury shown at Upton-Scudamore nr Warminster 'jetting' off the leaf-residue on the line.Loco's are 66116 and 66148,both now completely filthy from a mixture of ballest dirt and chemicals..02 november 2009..

Riviara's D1916/47812 took a turn on the Burton-Dollands Steel today.Despite the dire light (500th@1.8 800asa) this shot was attempted at Culman as '6Z48' sped through running pretty much to time.Just 10 wagons today and probably the last time I will see this working as is due to finish before Xmas..29 october 2009..

67022 draws the'Northern-Belle' across Newton-Meadows on the last mile or so before reaching its destination at Bath-Spa.Running as '1Z53' it departed from Manchester Victoria at 06:05,an early start! ..31 october 2009..

FGW 150219 scuttles across Newton-Meadows as it approaches Bath-Spa with the 10:25 from Bristol-Parkway to Westbury.Was here for the 'Northern-Belle' that was running just 10 mins behind this service.Note the threatening sky,this duly carried out its threat 2 mins before arrival of the Belle! ..31 october 2009..

'1Z12' with 31459 leading runs back down through Didcot-North after a quick trip up to Kennington-Junction nr Oxford..29 october 2009..

Pushing its way over Foxhall-Junction taking the route north up the Oxford line is the Radio-Survey Train'1Z12' with Black 31459 doing the shoving.DBSO-9701 leading..29 october 2009..

After a trip to Theale '1Z12' was then routed to Swindon,here it is passing Steventon Level-Crossing heading west.31459 now owned by RVEL looks very dour in the plain dull black livery it now carries,on the brighter side the nameplates (Cerberus) are still in place..29 october 2009..

'1Z12' seen rolling away from Didcot PW at the commencement of the days survey work is 31459 the ex-fragonset loco now devoid of the red-stripe and decals of that now defunct concern..29 october 2009..

Straining up past Bratton old Station-Site is '7a17' unusually hauled by a DBS shed! instead of the booked '59'. Due to the current reduced loadings on this train 66130 can just about cope with 18 loaded hoppers on the B&H..28 october 2009..

The Fawley to Bristol-SFM then Plymouth Fuel Train '6V62' gathers speed shortly after leaving Westbury as it heads for the 1st 'drop-off point' on its delivery round at Bristol.Loco in charge today is the Prototype GM-Shed 66001 now 10 years old.Over 550 examples of this type are now in service around the World (Mainly in Europe) so I suppose this engine now has a degree of pedigree about it! ..27 october 2009..Footnote----This loco and 66002 are officially classed as 66/0,one of the differences is these two are the only DBS-Sheds not fitted with buckeye couplers which somewhat restricts their usefulness!

1&1/2 Class 158's now numbered 158957 rattles into Westbury with the 10:30 service from Cardiff bound for Portsmouth.Spent best part of 3 hours waiting for the '31' powered test-train but regretfully the 'Ped' failed at Bath and went no further! ..27 october 2009..

Freightliner now has a firm hold on the ballast workings that supply the VQ here at Westbury.Here re-geared 66607 draws out of the 'up' yard as it commences the journey to Stud-Farm for a refill.Report number for this working is '6M22' ..27 october 2009..

With the final few Autumnal Horse-Chestnut leaves hanging to the trees 66130 draws away from Westbury with '7C63',the Q Tues-only working to Avonmouth..27 october 2009..

Having been to Reading from Cardiff this working'5Z65' returned to Bristol PW,here approaching Coalpit-Heath.67005 with 82101 leading now,67006 on the rear.Interestingly large logo sticker on side of DVT,seems to have appeared overnight? ..26 october 2009..Footnote-----These 'WR' logo stickers are meant to depict ficticious TOC'Welsh Railways' as part of the Film-Plot of the Production for Channel S4C.......

'6B24' the daily MOD from Didcot to Wentloog passes Farleaze headed by GM 66134 with a matching set of containers..26 october 2009..

The daily Wentloog to Southampton FL working motors through Farleaze with 66536 doing the honours,rather a light load today on this duty..26 october 2009..

Going-away shot of '5Z65' simply to show the DVT 86101 that was part of this trains consist.Lead loco was 67006 with its partner 67005 bringing up the rear.Working was from Cardiff to Reading then back to Bristol PW then to Cardiff via Reading! In connection with 'on-board' filming for a forthcoming feature film.Pictured at Farleaze east of Badminton..26 october 2009..

'Royal' 67006 with its nice rake of 'Cargo-D' Mk2 & Mk3 stock runs through the Farleaze area/east of Badminton.Tagged on to the rear are DVT-86101 ? and the other 'Royal' 67005.Working was in assoc with an Entertainment Company making a feature-film for Television Channel S4C..26 october 2009..

Regular NMT working '1Z19' with 43014/43013 flies round the Crofton Bends running slightly ahead of booked time,note P/C's now sport red buffers beams..23 october 2009..

Still wearing the 2nd style of the now obsolescent FY-livery 59002 approaches Crofton on the B&H with '7A17' past yet another Notwork-Rail Junk-Pile! ..23 october 2009..

'The Red Baron' in the striking red of DBS approaches Crofton on the B&H with '6M20' bound for St-Pancras from Whatley.RMC wagons still predominate on this working giving considerable variations of wagon and loco combinations on this route..23 october 2009..

'6Z48' The Burton-on-Trent to Dollands- Moor empty steel-carriers ran again today.Only 4 wagons so two Class-47's a bit of an overkill,no doubt a pair being used due to their habit of going 'POP' lately! Here is seen reliable-regular 47805 'Talisman' with newcomer Ex-Virgin 47769 'Resolve' at the helm.Location is of coarse Hinksey nr Oxford,one of the very few places this time of the year a shadowless shot is possible if it sun deems to show itself! Clocks alter next weekend back to GMT so this was a last chance at this working south of Banbury in daylight.Been informed it is due to finish within 2 weeks so 'It was nice whilst it lasted' ..22 october 2009..

Drawing into Hinksey Yard-Oxford is '6V29'-Engineers from Eastleigh.An extremly filthy 66159 being the train engine with a dud 60051 tucked in behind.This 60 had been at Didcot earlier in the day but went for a ride to Eastleigh and back apparantly heading for Toton for repair,perhaps a good clean of the 66 is in order as well! ..22 october 2009..

With a freshly re-painted front-end (DBS equivilant of an 'F' exam) 60063 exits the loop at Steventon just west of Didcot with the empty-tanks from Theale back to Robeston (6B33)..22 october 2009..

Risking 'Life&Limb' stretching over the spiky-fence 66134 was recorded with an RHTT and is seen in Didcot-Depot probably getting a water refill for the Cannon-Bowsers..22 october 2009..

Having seen 60051 arriving at Didcot from Hinksey less then 30 mins previously was quite a surprise to see it DIT with filthy 66159 in charge of the '7O26' to Eastleigh when it passed Moreton.Nice long consist of CWR units in tow..22 october 2009..

Despite looking and sounding fine at this time 60051 here seen passing Didcot-North with '7O26' from Hinksey to Eastleigh Engineers was failed at Didcot and continued onward to Eastleigh DIT with Shed 66159 in charge..22 october 2009..

The one remaining 'As built' Tug 60054 rolls into Westerleigh Oil Terminal with '6B13' from West-Wales.Missed the earlier shot up the road because it was running early and got stuffed on 60011 with '6B33' running via Chippenham at Thingley-----------That's it for a week! Off to Turkey for a late holiday---Sod the 60's for a while! ..10 october 2009..

The one remaining 'As built' Tug 60054 rolls into Westerleigh Oil Terminal with '6B13' from West-Wales.Missed the earlier shot up the road because it was running early and got stuffed on 60011 with '6B33' running via Chippenham at Thingley-----------That's it for a week! Off to Turkey for a late holiday---Sod the 60's for a while! ..10 october 2009..

My first encounter with the only member of the Class-66 to so far get a coat of 'Schenker-Red' 66152,still looking smart after a visit to the Cornish China-Clay Circuit for some publicity-shots.Tonight captured in failing light passing Culham with '4L40',the cars (Mini's) from Cowley to Purley,being conveyed in the 'Blue Sausage'..08 october 2009..

Southampton to Bescot Car-Train '6X58' speeds north through Dunsomer Hill nr Didcot just catching the sunlight in the shadow laden cutting there.66124 looking remarkably clean did the honours..08 october 2009..

Sat idling away with the running-light on in Didcot-Yard with '6M65' (The MOD stores to Carlisle via Wembley) is 60045,now these machines are a bit more plentiful some are hauling other workings than Tank-Trains.Train departed at booked time(1800) under the inevitable cloud-cover..08 october 2009..

'4Z07' Test Train this time with 31106 doing the pulling passes Dunsomer-Hill nr Didcot returning there after a refueling run to the Turbo-Depot at Reading.Naturally light failed at the crucial moment! ..08 october 2009..

'6O41' from Burton-on-Trent to Southampton,a DBS Inter-Model drifts past South-Moreton lightly loaded with containers.66141 being the loco in charge..08 october 2009..

Off to Trafford-Park from Southampton is '4O61' with 66568 in charge.Seen passing Dunsomer-Hill.Note the red tints in the hedgerows,one good wet and windy night and it will be all gone!..08 october 2009..

Red-Tug 60096 passes Milton with Didcot-PS in the background.This train is of coarse everybodys favourite '6B33'.Luck was with us today and working came on the 'fast'.A much more satisfying shot than down the slow,sometimes gamble's do pay off!..08 october 2009..

Pushing away from Didcot past the dereliction that was once South-Moreton Yard is 31106 with '4Z07',off the Reading for a quick refuel and return..08 october 2009..

With DBSO-9702 and 31106 doing the back-scuttling,'4Z07' hurries? away from Didcot on its trip to Reading for a fuel top-up..08 october 2009..

'The Big Red-One' 59206 today was in charge of a rather small '7A09' comprising just 15 hoppers! Here Driver-Rogers eases past Crofton Pumping Station Crossing as he makes his way to Acton..08 october 2009..

59206 and a Mini-Jumbo comprising just 15 wagons draws past the remains of Patney-Station dodging the early morning shadows,you could almost say '7A09' is a shadow of its former-self! ..08 october 2009..

Whenever these 'rescue' type stock moves of yet another failed Sleeper occur light is invariably crap around my locality.However this time since rescue traction was a 'Virgin' a shot had to be done whatever the light!.Here in 500asa conditions (500th@f2.5) 57308 'Tin-Tin' drags errant 57604 plus stock up the Frome Avoider heading from Long-Rock up to OOC.Reporting number was '5Z70'Needless to say 20 minutes later the whole of Frome was under a large patch of blue-sky!..03 october 2009..

Running as '0Z77' doyen of the class 43002 with 43177 playing 'push-me-pull-you' passes Gt-Cheverill heading for Laira from OOC.This working had some how gained an hour! despite the fact it left London r/t.Very slack timings! ..02 10 2009..

As is the norm with this type of move '5Z67' had gained over 30 minutes on its schedule.Here it is seen passing Thingley nr Chippenham.34067 with support coach 551802 heading for Bristol-Barton-Hill from Southall in readiness for the tour on the weekend,headboard for which is already in place.Nice bit of coal-smoke as fireman had just fired it as working appeared under the bridge in the background! ..02 10 2009.. Footnote---Regretfully this tour never happened! 1st leg of the journey from Poole in Dorset to Bristol where 34067 was to take over failed at Salisbury with a defective 47760 being the culprit.No reserve traction was to be had in the area so 'That was That' !!!--

Regeared Fred 66607 will certainly be making use of the extra tractive-effort of the return journey to Fairwater-Yard Taunton from Westbury-VQ as this appears to be quite a heavy load.Here is '6C72' running over Fairwood-Junction on the approach to Westbury.This is my first visit to the 'Junction' since the old-git at the fish lakes got funny about 'terrorists' on the bridge with their IED-Cars.Happily no confrontations today as was only there about 10 mins!..02 october 2009..

Doubleheaded and Sheded '6V29' Eastleigh to Hinksey-VQ seen arriving at its destination winding slowly through to its selected siding.GM's 66124/66192 on point..01 october 2009..

Today was the first day of my retirement from working after 44 years and one month,and boy does it feel good! However no such luck for 47839 'Pegasus' seen here running down past Hinksey-Yard with '6Z48' from Burton to Dollands-Moor with the steel-import empties.This Loco now in its 45th year and still going strong,long may it last..01 october 2009..

Turdo-combo 166206/165124 speeds past the just visable lake at Hinksey-Oxford with the 15:01 from Oxford to Paddington working,,01 october 2009..

Palindromic 66066 busies itself with a spot of shunting at Hinksey-Yard Oxford whilst fellow American-Interloper 66141 looks on..01 october 2009..

Northbound DBS Intermodel pauses in the loop at Hinksey before continuing northwards with 66151 in charge,working un-identified..01 october 2009..

'The West Countryman' (1Z75) seen returning to Paddington after its three-day tour around Devon and Cornwall.Same Loco as the down train 66041 here speeding up the Frome Cut-off running to perfect time.Is this the start of regular use of Class-66's on rail tours or was this a one-off due to traction shortages?..27 september 2009..

Not knowing the area too well much footslogging was needed to find a suitable spot to record the returning '1Z50' tour from Swanage to Crewe.Here is 37516 and 37706 running over Furzebrook Common near to a foot-crossing there with the colours of these rather drab liveried engines looking reasonable for a change,due to the quite low angle of the sun.After another 30 mins even this location would have been in shadow..26 september 2009..

With an early evening departure back to Crewe booked to leave Swanage at 16:30 a decent shot was still possible on the old Furzebrook line between Motola and Worgret-Junction.Here now with 37516 leading and 37706 behind '1Z50' moves slowly along the branch passing over the common heathland near Furzebrook..26 september 2009..

Whilst skulking around looking for locations for the returning 'Purbeck Growler' 37-tour came across the yards at Furzebrook where the famous LPG-Trains to Hallen-Marsh used to be loaded.Still perfectly intact but now very rusty after no use whatsoever since last tank-train ran on 22-july-2005.Main-line past Motola is now 'bright' again as is used by traffic such as Rail-Tours etc to Swanage.Until the link to the Swanage Railway was restored only trains since 2005 have been Weedkiller workings as technically line is still part of the National-Network.Notwork-Rail have even renewed various signs along the line extolling the fact you are 'Leaving a Legally Protected Environmental Worksite'....What a load of un-necessary twaddle our lifestyle has become saddled with due to the twats regretfully now in control! ..26 september 2009..

About to cross the country road north of Norden station is '5Z49' the ECS from the 'Purbeck-Growler' visiting tour.Being taken to Motola(Eldon sidings) for afternoon parking..26 september 2009..

After '1Z49' had arrived at Swanage the ECS was dragged back to Norden and beyond just to get it out of the way for the duration of the tour visit.Here is 33111 with '5Z49' approaching Harmons Cross passing over the farm crossing off the Valley Road..26 september 2009..

The 'WC-Rly'Pair 37706/37516 amble across Corfe-Common on the final leg of the journey from Crewe to Swanage.Running as '1Z49'..26 september 2009..

The 'WC-Rly'Pair 37706/37516 amble across Corfe-Common on the final leg of the journey from Crewe to Swanage.Running as '1Z49'..26 september 2009..

After a long wait here at Wareham Station under crystal skies a certain amount of cloud cover bubbled up as 'train-time' approached.However just about scraped an acceptable shot of the 'Purbeck-Growler',the 06:04 from Crewe to Swanage hauled by 37706 and 37516,West-Coast having supplied also a nearly matching set of coaches.Traffic over the flyover here was intense! Just imagine the jams if the old crossing gates were still here!..26 september 2009..

'Metal-Tube' 444009 runs into Wareham past the remains of the sidings there with the 10:48 Waterloo to Weymouth service..26 september 2009..

Returning the 'HOBC' to Taunton's Fairwater-yard,seen at Witham-Friary with re-geared 66606 doing the business.Now fully loaded ready to go after a visit to Westbury VQ..25 september 2009..

Billed as 67 haulage,but as it turned out 66041 did the honours.'The West Countryman' 1Z41 eases down the Frome byline running exactly to schedule.This initial part of tour was bound for Kingswear.Coaching stock was made up completely of Mk-1 stock. ..25 september 2009..

Whilst stationed at Cardiff for a while 50049 was used sometimes for ECS movements,here it is passing Pilning with some 'Arriva' stock heading for the Welsh-Capital,unsure from where?..23 february 2006..

Dropping down the bank back to Temple-Meads(Bristol) is '1Z13' with 37608 on the test train,37607 on the rear.In the background is FL-Celeb 66522 doing the shunt of the Calvert Binliner into Barrow Road.Location is Laurence Hill..22 september 2009..

'Shanks' 66522 take a turn on the Bristol-Barrow Road Bin-Liner from Calvert(4V60).Seen here at Laurence-Hill backing down the short branch to the depot about 250yds round the corner.Typically the 'Lime' end was on the back..22 september 2009..

Limey 66522 approaches journeys-end at Laurence-Hill with the empty containers for the rubbish-depot at Barrow Road in Bristol.Train will go forward another 300 yards then reverse down the siding on the right into the Depot..22 september 2009..

Skip No-1 rolls by on the rear of '2C79' from Cardiff to Taunton,seen here at Laurence-Hill in the suburbs of Northern Bristol,what a dump!,imagine Baghdad looks something like this area and we felt just about as safe as if we were really there!..22 september 2009..

Out for a cruise around 47787 'Windsor Castle' heads an Inspection-Saloon with a trip from Tyseley to Bristol TM (2Z01) and return.Here it is passing Pixash-Lane nr Keynsham running about 30 mins early..22 september 2009..

'1Z13' powers away from Dr Days-Junction Bristol,37607 leading with this machine 37608 doing the pushing,going to S-Wales for the day and a spot of Radio-Surveying for Serco.43378,an Arriva XC coming the other way nearly fouled the whole scenerio up but in the end probably added a bit of extra interest..22 september 2009..