Apr 2009 - Inter City Railway Society

Tracks
the monthly magazine of the
INTERCITY RAILWAY SOCIETY
websites: icrs.org.uk & icrs.fotopic.net
in association with HB Publications
with dwindling numbers left operating, I make no excuses for featuring another Cl.60 soldiering on
BD Schenker 60020 with the 6M22 Leeds-Tunstead empty JGA cement bogie wagons
Leeds, 16 February 2009
VOLUME 37
No.4 April 2009
INTERCITY RAILWAY SOCIETY
President: Dr. Pete Waterman O.B.E.
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 owner
Vice President:
Chairman:
Peter King
65 Long John Hill, Norwich NR1 2LX (01603 616298)
Simon Mutten
Coppercoin, Blofield Corner Road, Blofield, Norwich NR13 4RT (01603 715701)
Vice-Chairman:
Carl Watson
Secretary/Treasurer: Gary Mutten – secretary@icrs.org.uk or treasurer@icrs.org.uk
1 Corner Cottage, Silfield Street, Silfield, Wymondham NR18 9NS
(01953 600445)
Editor:
Trevor Roots – editor@icrs.org.uk
Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD (01466 760724)
Magazine Distribution: Peter Britcliffe - p.britcliffe10@hotmail.com
9 Voltigeur Drive, Hartlepool TS27 3BS (01429 234180)
Editorial Assistants:
Sightings: James Holloway – sightings@icrs.org.uk
246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 3ES.
Lincoln Area Sightings: John Barton – traffic.news@icrs.org.uk
46, Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham B37 7LD
Wagons & Trams: Martin Hall – wagon.corner@icrs.org.uk
5 Sunninghill Close, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbys. DE7 6LS (0115 930 2775)
European: Robert Brown – european@icrs.org.uk
32 Spitalfields, Blyth, Worksop, Notts. S81 8EA (01909 591504)
All Our Yesterdays Alan Gilmour – alanmgilmour@tesco.net
24 Norfolk Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 2HJ
Membership Sec/
Maurice Brown – membership@icrs.org.uk or publications@icrs.org.uk
Publications Manager: 192 Alvechurch Road, West Heath, Birmingham B31 3PW (0121 624 8641)
Pub. Compilers:
UK / Ultimate Sight File: Carl Watson – ukbooks@icrs.org.uk
Euro/Preserved/Trams: Martin Hall – wagon.corner@icrs.org.uk – details as above
Wagons & Engineers: David Sharpe – wagon.compiler@icrs.org.uk
25 Lynfield Road, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancs. BB6 7TS (07944 718429)
European: Bryan King
34 Anchor Street, Norwich NR3 1NR (01603 440432)
Chris James – eurobooks@icrs.org.uk
Web Site Manager:
Mark Richards – website.manager@icrs.org.uk
7 Parkside, Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1BX (01908 520028)
Contents:
Officials Contact List.........................................2
Society Notice Board .....................................3-4
Publications ....................................................28
Current News / Sightings:
Lincoln Sightings........................................14
Light Rail and Metro News.........................26
Out and About Sightings .........................8-10
Railway Cuttings ........................................11
Stock Changes.............................................7
Traffic and Traction News .........................6-7
Wagon Corner.......................................25-26
Feature Articles:
Diary of a Loco Spotter ......................... 12-13
ICRS/HB Publication Review.................... 4-5
Location ‘Spot’Light’.............................. 15-19
Location ‘Spot’Light’ Update ...................... 19
Open Days News....................................... 27
Preservation News – 1............................... 10
Preservation News – 2.......................... 23-24
Preservation Photo Spot............................ 11
Railway Globetrotters ........................... 20-22
Where in the…?......................................... 23
£1.25 post free
Printed by Ords Group, Progress House, Usworth Road Industrial Estate, Hartlepool TS25 1PD
2
Society Notice Board
Editor’s Comments:
With the economic recession biting, passenger operating companies are now also feeling the pinch.
Wrexham & Shropshire Railway are cutting some of their weekday services. SWT are to cut staff and it’s
highly likely that future ticket prices will be pegged or reduced in line with a falling or negative RPI. What
is interesting is that I’m finding it particular hard to find the same number of advance fares as before. Not
only is that discouraging travel but forcing the car back into the frame...is anyone else noticing this ?
Another worrying fact is the continued push on counter terrorism measures which is going to make
anyone seen just loitering with a camera in particular a potential suspect from police or CCTV. Ordinary
members of the public are now falling victim to spot checks on stations and in public places. Former Rail
Minister Tom Harris in the House of Commons however recently gave support for rail enthusiasts. What
concerns me is the news that ‘front line’ employees are being given training in spotting potential
terrorists. Whilst commendable, surely it’s creating another tier of potential ‘jobsworths’ who will
inadvertently subject more innocent people to unwarranted scrutiny. All I can see is that well meaning
public spirited individuals will retreat from innocent hobbies and generally being involved in the
community. Perhaps it’s time to start following the European rail scene !!
With the clocks going forward and the weather warming up, mind you it was snowing here again as I
write this, spending time by the line starts to become more feasible again. So as I have requested before
please send me info on unusual movements or the deployment of new stock around the network.
A report of the AGM held whilst this edition was in print will appear next month.
ICRS Website:
More contributions from members would be appreciated, especially photos for the Fotopic site or news
items. Event and exhibition details are always welcome as are details of railtours. Please contact Mark
Richards at website.manager@icrs.org.uk.
Addendum:
In Railway Globetrotters HSB Part 1 Feb issue, top of page 17, Ray Smith was unable to identify a
stored loco outside Germode station. Steve McNally has emailed to identify this loco as 199 010, which
he saw on a recent trip. If anyone is interested Steve has a photo p56934124 on his website at stevemcnally.fotopic.net. Thanks to Steve for supplying the info.
Readers Letters:
From a new member
“I have been meaning to join the society for a number of years, but never got round to it until now. After
reading your magazine, I find it gives me more than I can get from the main monthly publications. All the
best”
Martin Proctor
From a long time member
“I have been a member for many years. Enormous thanks to all who run a great society.”
Mike Boardman
Membership Matters:
Membership Rates: ICRS: Annual: £15.00 (five year rate: £75.00) Joint (with GBBG): £26.00
New Members: The following new members have joined this month:
Keith Bailey (County Durham), Steve Else (Manchester), L.A. Harper (Eastleigh), Keith Johnson
(Wolverhampton), Alec Ralph (Rochdale) - a warm welcome to you all.
Credit Card Renewals: Please note we are no longer offering renewals by credit card so please send a
cheque or postal order. However you can renew by PayPal via the website.
When communicating with the society or renewing by PayPal on the website - would members please
include their membership numbers as this helps with administration. Your number is clearly shown on
the address label with your copy of ‘Tracks’ each month. Thank you
3
Magazine Submissions:
Contributions to regular features should be sent to the appropriate officer. Any information / article on
any railway related item will always be most welcome for inclusion in the magazine. Your travel stories /
anecdotes about far flung parts of the railway network, past or present can give pleasure to others or
inform of places to visit. This railway hobby of ours is made all that more enjoyable by the sharing of
information, knowledge and experiences. Neatly hand written submissions are perfectly acceptable, but
if you have a PC, then a document on CD is a bonus or better still e-mail them to the appropriate official.
Good quality photographs are always welcome for inclusion in the magazine, prints or preferably high
resolution (3 million pixels minimum please) digital photographs via e-mail. Please include full contact
details with any submissions.
The latest date for articles / info for the next magazine is Friday 27th March 2009. Items for Out and
About Sightings should be sent in to James Holloway a few days earlier please.
Magazine Contributors:
Thanks to Kenneth Pryce, Paul Bright, Derek Sneddon, Nigel Hoskins, Paul Tarrant, Mike Rumens,
Bryan King, Eddie Rathmill, John Barton, James Holloway, John Palin, Ray Smith, Martin Hall &
Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has been missed. All photos by Trevor Roots unless shown
otherwise.
ICRS / HB Publications Review
by Trevor Roots
The following three books are due to the Herculean efforts of compiler Martin Hall. With little or no other
similar current publications on the market, these books fill a hole and provide a comprehensive record of
the relevant rolling stock covered. As basic reference material they deserve to be on the bookshelf of
any self respecting enthusiast.
Passenger Stock - A Numerical History
Volume 1 – BR First Generation
Diesel & Diesel Electric Multiple Units:
First published in April 2007. Price £6.99
The book covers all first generation diesel and diesel
electric multiple units, 4 wheel railbuses, GWR railcars
and lists all those used in departmental service and
now in preservation.
All side numbers of the cars are shown including
where they were re-numbered in relation to the
vehicle class. There is no correlation however to any
set numbers used particularly in later life.
New Publications:
Currently being produced is a series of books covering European wagons. The first set covering
Germany has been released. For up to date information on the remaining publications in the process of
compilation, please contact HB Publications.
4
Passenger Stock - A Numerical History
Volume 2 – BR First Generation
Electric Multiple Units:
First published in April 2007. Price £5.99
The book covers all first generation electric multiple
units and lists all those used in departmental service
and now in preservation.
All side numbers of the cars are shown including
where they were re-numbered in relation to the
vehicle class. There is no correlation however to set
numbers which for EMUs is more relevant as they
were commonly fixed.
An improvement that would make this book even
more useful would be to add set numbers …a future
edition Martin ?
Passenger Stock - A Numerical History
Volume 3 – All Loco Hauled & HST
Passenger Stock to Run on BR:
First published in April 2007. Price £10.99
The book covers all coaching stock run by British
Railways and beyond. It also includes re-numberings,
which are still ongoing particularly with HST sets and
refurbishing of loco hauled stock.
Publication Discounts:
Just a reminder to ICRS members regarding publication discounts. The 20% discount is only available to
members when they purchase books direct from HB Publications Ltd - NOT from the Ian Allan shops.
This also applies to any open days or shows where ICRS have a stand selling ICRS / GB-BG
publications. The 10% loyalty discount Ian Allan gives to members is only available on IAN ALLAN
publications.
Please also note that the 20% discount off the price of publications, generously given to members, is at
the discretion of HB Publications Ltd.
5
Traffic & Traction News
by John Barton
March 6 (cont)
59204 working the 06.26 Brentford-Bow Olympic
departed at 09.49 with box wagons 9801 9803
9802 9819 9806 9822 9817 9835 9815 9808
9826 4414 9814 9828 9825 9812 3255 3248
9832
March 7
43366, 43304 and set XC01 set headed north
towards Sheffield on 1S51Plymouth to Glasgow
at 16.42.
321404 now in FCC livery without branding seen
sat at north end of Hornsey TMD
March 8
According to recent reports it seems at least two
large track machines are now carrying a new
Volker Rail livery they are 75302 & 81601.
March 9
325001+ 325015+ 325003 were seen heading
south through Crewe at 20.07.
Track machines DR73105+DR73103+DR73110
+DR73805+DR73903 were all stabled at
Chester Station at 16.10.
March 1
70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ worked the 1Z70
London Paddington to Newport St David’s Day
Special.
66002 top & tailed with 60054 on the 6H26
15.18 Llanwern to Margam empty steel coils
departed Llanwern 30minutes early, and went
over the Bishton flyover at 14.51. The train
reversed at Severn Tunnel junction after it
arrived at 15.06, it departed at 15.21 with 60054
now leading the 6H26 Llanwern to Margam and
it passed Magor on the main at 15.24, 66002
was detached at Severn tunnel junction and
then went light engine to Llanwern passing
Magor on the relief at 15.27.
March 2
DR79262 to 79272 rail grinder headed north
towards Stafford through Tamworth at 13.34.
350239 worked the Tamworth to London Euston
service at 07.40
ATW liveried 158840 was seen heading north
through Derby at 06.54.
March 3
Track machine DR999801 was seen heading
north towards Stafford through Tamworth at
13.09
350240+350232+350238 departed Wolverton
bound for Euston at 07.26
March 4
43303, 43301 and set XC02 on 1E73 Plymouth
to Leeds headed north to Chesterfield at 21.55.
325004+325013+325006 passed through Tring
northbound at 17.10.
60031 hauling the 6B33 Theale to Robeston
empty Murco bogie tanks through Bishton at
16:51.
60091 stormed through Burton at 15.10 hauling
tanks eastwards towards Stenson Jnct.
ScotRail 90021 with a long rake of vans and half
a dozen engineers wagons on the back passed
Norton Bridge at 13.25 towards Stafford.
March 5
350245 arrived into Wembley this morning at
02.33
59203 worked the 7L56 Acton - Purfleet through
Stratford at 14.35
60010 was observed at Hothfield, whilst 60011
was seen working an Acton Yard-Brentford
stone.
90047 passed Stratford at 12.50 working a
Felixstowe - Crewe liner
March 6
158840 ECS working from Doncaster - Cardiff
Canton headed west through Burton at 14.48.
Track machines DR72206+DR73269 headed
west towards Tamworth at 10.25.
The following is a list of the whereabouts of the
remaining working Cl.60's as of 14.48:
60010 - On hand at Acton
60011 - On hand at Acton
60018 - On hand at Hope Stsl
60020 - Working 6H59 to Dowlow
60031 - Westerleigh allocated 6B47
60040 - Working 6F93 to Warrington
60044 - Working 6E41 to Lindsey
60049 - On hand at Acton
60054 - On hand at Margam
60063 - Working 6M87 from Ely
60068 - Working 6E82 to Lindsey
60087 - Working 6F78 from Warrington
60091 - Working 6D43 to Lindsey
March 10
139002 was on test again today at Stourbridge
Junction.
March 11
37688 & 37607 passed Rugby at 22.56 on 6K51
Willesden-Crewe flasks.
NR 158817 was noted heading north at 21.10
through Derby working a Nottingham – Sheffield
service.
43301, 43303 and set XC02 on 1S51 to
Glasgow Central headed north through Derby.
GBRf 66730+barrier 6376+377501+barrier 6377
was seen at Loughborough today with 5X78
09.45 Selhurst T&RSMD - Litchurch Lane
movement.
March 13
90035 passed Rugby at 22.24 on 1S25 Euston Inverness sleeper.
6
March 17 (cont)
Eurotunnel shuttle loco 9036 headed south
minus bogies on a low loader on the M1 at
Luton around 13.00, presumably ex Brush for
Folkestone Shuttle Terminal.
March 19
66703 left Mountsorrel southbound at 17.15 with
wagons 12978, 12995, 12953, 12977, 12983,
380318, 380157, 380155, 380159, 380019,
12950, 13003, 12955, 12921, 12922, 13004,
12946, 12961, 12982 & 12956
March 20
There was an interesting move today, consisting
of 20901+20905+37672+37412+37029 and 4
wagons on Barrow Hill to Long Marston 6Z37
passed Washwood Heath at 12.46 running
around 30 minutes late.
Track machines DR75407 and DR73920 passed
through Bristol Parkway at 14.00.
Stone blower DR80206 was seen heading east
towards Newport at 12.25.
March 21
60031 on the 6B13 Robeston to Westerleigh
loaded Murco bogie tanks passed through
Gatcombe at 10.37.
6M65 Bescot DS - Warrington Arpley produced
a mega convoy of locos at the helm, the train
passed Stafford at 12.28pm with 66112 hauling
66103, 92007 and 60061 with a mixed rake of
cargowaggons and liner wagons.
March 23
377208+377201 worked north out of St Albans
at 13.20 on a Bedford service.
March 14
66180+66065 and 66127 have all been about on
an engineering possession on the Merseyrail
Northern line today working various trains.
60007 Sir Nigel Gresley passed Park Drain
Level Crossing heading towards Finningley &
Doncaster at 17.13
March 15
Numerical coincidence at Exeter St David’s this
morning. Three trains lined up in Platform 3 on
engineering trains this morning. 6W42 in front
headed by 59204, 6W43 headed by 59104 and
6W44 behind headed by 59004 !!
The following locos were present at Booth’s
today 56011, 56057, 56025, 56082, 56064,
37196, 37238, 37058, 37046, 37221, 37717,
08919, 08775, 08509.
March 16
350247 was noted leaving Rugby at 20.19
working the Northampton - Birmingham New
Street.
The Stourbridge Town branch was back up and
running today, with refurbished 153354.
Obviously the Parry People Movers still aren't
ready!
Three Cl.378 units were seen at Derby today
378006 was parked in between the buildings on
London Road. 378011 was parked behind the
MGRs on Litchurch Lane and 378012 was
parked next to the test track.
March 17
20314+20308 on 6M67 Bridgewater - Crewe
flasks passed Bushbury Junction at 17.28.
Stock Changes
by Trevor Roots (observations)
In order to compile as accurate and up to date list as possible, can members please pass on their
observations, particularly name changes and multiple unit reformations to the editor, Trevor Roots.
Re-numbered HST:
43051 to
43251
Namings:
73141 David Gray one side and Ron Westwood on the other side
221144 Bombardier Voyager formerly carried by 220017 until transfer to XC (replaces Prince Madoc)
222003 Tornado
New Stock: (EMUs) in service
350247
350248
350249
New Stock: (EMUs) on test
395006
395007
395008
395009
395010
Transferred: from Southern To First Capital Connect
319217
319218
319219
319220
Transferred & Re-liveried: from Hull Trains to East Midlands Trains
222101
222102
Transfers & Re-liveried: from London Midland to First Capital Connect
321404
Temporary Transfers: from London Midland to Southern
350112
350113
350114
350117
350118
7
Out and About Sightings
by James Holloway
James Holloway:
9th March:
Water Orton 10.30-14.45:
31106, 43285/378/384, 57006, 66040/079/128
66135/162/304/523/534/547/557/569/580/594
66595, 97303/304, 170102/106-109/113/114
170116/397/398/520-522/637-639, 220009/021
220032, 221123
10th March:
Wolverhampton Steel Terminal 10.45:
66106
Stafford 11.20-15.10:
57303, 60040, 66057/085/419/517/542, 90036
90044/045, 92007, 220002/013/016/020/023
220030, 221101-103/106/107/111/112/115/124
221126/130/136/137/143/144, 350101/102/107
350108-112/115/119/120/126/231/232/241
390003/05/15/16/19/20/24/27/30-32/38-41/47
390044/50/52, DR73269/271, 999801
Bescot 17.00:
08907, 66044/565, 92009
Tyseley Carriage Sidings 18.20:
56311 stabled
13th March:
Water Orton 10.00-11.45:
43207/285, 60018, 66199/301/528/532/594/607
66610, 67028/030, 170101/104-106/108/112
170113/116/397/518/638, DR73910
Bescot 14.07:
08653/907, 66023/084, 92005/015
EMR Handsworth 15.25: 66158
Tyseley Carriage Sidings 15.45:
31233 stabled
Paul Tarrant:
9th March:
Wandsworth Road 10.57-13.50:
47712 0Z47 to Ashford, 73206+212 0Y68 w/b
59204+60049+60011 0V61 westbound
59002/005, 66054/058/152/568
Welling 14.39:
66139 Hoo-Eastleigh CCE
10th March:
Wandsworth Road 12.22-15.14:
59002, 66016/087/093/102/250/538/709, 92042
13th March:
Wandsworth Road 11.54-15.58:
59004, 90049, 66087/524/572/576/729
66008+66094+66139 eastbound on ballast
73206+73212 eastbound light engines
23rd March:
Wandsworth Road 11.38-15.24:
31465+9701 4Z03 Derby-Selhurst, 59005
66050/075/111/139/560/590, 92001, DR80202
66706+66707+73205+73209 westbound L/E
24th March:
Acton Main Line 10.50-14.32:
59002/102/202/204/205, 66096/585/619/712
25th March:
Angerstein Wharf 10.20: 66520 on Bardons
Stratford 11.00-13.30:
59103, 66018/047/141/434/610/726, 86612
90016/043/047/048
Paul Bright:
19th February:
Blackpool:
142096, 156425, 158756, 180106, 185149
Preston 10.45-14.20:
66098/424/513, 90018, 142057/091/096
150133/136/141/145/149/201/215/271, 153316
156421/423/425/455/497, 158758-760/907
180106/08, 185101/04/15/17/19/31/39/43/49
221104/110/111/115/117/118
390017/24/34/42/49/53
16th March:
Bescot: 66043
19th March:
Bournemouth 13.45-15.45:
220025, 221119/134, 444001/006/013/017/025
444026/027/031-033/039/044/045, 450096/117
26th March:
Blackpool:
150139, 156440, 158757, 185109
Preston 10.50-14.20:
57307, 66412/413/566, 86639, 142004/013
142014/021/035/042, 153360, 156426/428/429
156440/451/463/466/483, 158754/756/757/845
180106, 185109/11/12/17/18/22/29/30/32/35/48
185149, 221101/107/114/116-118
390005/08/19/25/35/41/44
Mike Rumens:
6th March:
Nuneaton 14.37-16.10:
47832, 66175/303/503/592/729, 92037, 153366
170111/112/116/397/518, 221107/110/115
350102/123/242, 390006/14/16/25/29/34/38
390043/46/51
13th March:
Nuneaton 15.02-16.17:
60053, 66011/428/569/571/724/731, 92030
153333, 170110/114/117/398/639, 221101
221117/142, 350236/241/244, 390001/03/04
390011/13/25/27/37/41/53
14th March:
Birmingham International: 66418
Birmingham New Street:
150005, 153354, 170104/507, 220002/018/024
221101, 323202/203/208/211/215/216/218/241
350103/109/115/127/243, 390010/13/24/29/31
390032
Bescot:
08538/907, 37893/895, 60027, 66043/185
323217/219/241, DR73413
8
9th March:
60044 6E41
66128 6V92
31106 4Z08
66074 6E20
66147 6E47
10th March:
60031 6B13
66304 4G09
66084 6V68
66510 4V61
66184 6V35
67005/028 1Z58
11th March:
12th March:
60031 6B13
66303 4G09
66039 7E10
66548 4V56
13th March:
66953 4V56
60031 6B13
66086 6V07
66184 6V81
67028/030 1Z58
14th March:
66953 4V46
15th March:
16th March:
66723 4V09
17th March:
60068 6E41
66030 6V42
60054 6V61
47810 0Z10
18th March:
66017 6E77
60031 6B13
Walsall:
66547/953, 153356, 170503, NR73906
60007 Sir Nigel Gresley on The Severn Valley
Ltd with
21096+99125+99121+99316+3136+3143
+3148+1860+4951+99327+6312
Kenneth Pryce:
20th March:
Crewe 10.30-14.25:
47848, 57304/305, 66155/194/412/429/537
66601/955, 86607/610/621, 90008, 150253
153302/327/355/385, 175001/002/005/009/105
175114, 221101/102/104-107/109-112/115-117
221143, 323224/226/230/233, 350101-103/105
350108/109/111/121/123/130/232/233/236
390001/06/11/14/19/21/26-28/32/40/41/46-48
390052
Nigel Hoskins:
Gloucester:
25th February:
66068 6M81
66227 6B36
60044 6E41
66303 4G20
66181 6B13
66013 6V92
66715 0Z89
57006 5Z50 with 6168+5958
26th February:
66181 6V92
66068 6M81
60044 6E41
66303 4G20
60054 6B13
57005 6Z63
57006 0F86/0F87
27th February:
60026 6M81
60044 6E41
66248 4B36
60054 6B13
47810 6Z50
66015 6V92
66302 4G09
66597 4V56
28th February:
60044 6E41
66018 6V35
66558 4V46
66181/137/072/157 0Z98 Margam-Bescot
2nd March:
66182 6M81
60054 6B13
60091 6E41
66120 6V92
66302 4G09
66162 6M41
57006 5Z77 with 6330+6348
3rd March:
66558 4V56
66238 6E47
66131 6V61
60091 6E41
60054 6B13
66302 4G09
66120 6V92
66086 6V07
66131 6M41
66149 6V52
66182 6E30
66514 4V61
66094 7M12
66035 6E10
66162 6V35
66726 4G19
66157 6E20
20308+37612 6M67
4th March:
66015 6E80
60054 6B13
66120 6V92
66131 6M98
47237 6Z50
43013/062
5th March:
66302 4G09
66047 6Z52
66157 6V07
47810/237 5Z80/5Z81
6th March:
66302 4G09
66182 6E20
66162 6E47
66040 6V35
60091 6E41
60054 6B13
66556 4V61
7th March:
66094 6V12
66726 4G80
66094 6V35
66040/074/204/157/069 0Z98
66304 4G09
66150 6V07
66166 6V69
66305 4G18
66565 4V56
60031 6B13
57006 6Z63
66120 6E30
66230 6V81
60068 6E41
66150 6V07
66097 6X52
66187 7M12
66065 6E20
60054 6V72
66030 6E47
66128 6E30
66039 7E10
66509 6M37
37607/604 6M67
67005/058 1Z58/1Z59
60068 6E41
66128 7M12
66077 6E20
66129 6X52
66089 6V92
66030 6E30
66953 4V46
57602 0Z70
66303 4G09
66302 4G18
66520 4V05
60054 6E20
60068 6E41
66192 6V92
66158 0V06
175116 2G74
60068 6E41
66128 6E30
60031 6B13
60068 6E41
60031 6B13
175117 2G56
66019 6B36
47818 6Z18
66304 4V09
66166 6M81
66183 6E50
60031 6B13
20314/308 6M67
66166 6V92
66043 6A36
66723 4V09
57006 6Z82
Derek Sneddon:
Carmuirs West Jnct and Camelon Station:
3rd February:
66013 6A30
66412 4H47
66423 4A13
66412 4H47
4th February:
5th February:
66423 4H47
66622 6H51
66427 4A13
6th February:
60054 6S36
66414 4S43
66433 4A13
7th February:
66425 4Z16
66433 4H47
8th February:
66039/201 1Z47 66428 4A13
9th February:
66184 6L49
10th February: 66429 4H47
66430 4A13
11th February:
66619 6A65
60054 6S36
66430 4H47
12th February: 60054 6S36
66412 4A13
66230 6A30
66426 4H47
66100 6A31
13th February: 66412/37688 4H47
60054 6S36
66427 4A13
66433 4S43
14th February: 66434 4Z43
66427 4H47
66428 4Z16
66414 4A13
16th February: 66112 6L49
66433 4A13
60054 6N44
66434 4H47
9
17th February:
66412 4A13
18th February:
66412 4H47
19th February:
66001 6A30
20th February:
66423 4A13
21st February:
66423 4H47
22nd February:
23rd February:
66428 4A13
24th February:
66431 4A13
25th February:
66619 6A65
26th February:
66429 4S43
27th February:
28th February:
66423 4S43
66433 4H47
66001 6A30
60054 6S36/6M34
66156 6S36
66614 6H51
66418 4A13
66426 4A13
66426 4H47
66114 6S36
66428 4S43
66414 4A13
66156 6S36
47375 5Z43
66412 4M30
66412 4Z16
66125 6L49
66429 4S43
66156 6S36
66428 4H47
66422 4H47
66425 4A13
66431 4H47
66114 6S36
66423 4S43
66192 6S36
66426 4Z16
66619 6H51
66098 6N44
66416 4H47
66177 6A30
66429 4S43
Where in the ….?
Last months location was the Great Central Railway at Loughborough.
Preservation News - 1
Severn Valley Railway: by Stephen Skewes
It is pleasing to report that, since the resumption of services over the full length of the line a year ago, the
Severn Valley Railway has gone from strength to strength. Passenger numbers, and revenues in almost
all departments, have shown healthy increases. In November, amongst other honours, the SVR received
the Peter Manisty Award from the Heritage Railway Association in recognition of the railway's recovery.
(the late Peter Manisty was a long-serving chairman of the Association of Railway Preservation
Societies, the forerunner of the present HRA).
However, in autumn 2008 the railway was closed at the southern end for 6 weeks, as planned, to allow
essential repairs to be carried out on the masonry bridge over the Worcester Road (A449) in
Kidderminster. Happily, this work was completed on schedule, in time for the Christmas services, and
the SVR now looks forward to a full season packed with all the usual special events, and a few new
ones.
At the beginning of March, the SVR put on a 3-day 'Festival of Steam' with 4 visiting main-line
locomotives - LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley', BR No. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell', BR No.
71000 'Duke of Gloucester', and GWR No. 5029 'Nunney Castle'. The A4 holds the post-war steam
speed record of 112 mph, achieved in May 1959, and the massive 'Duke' was a particular source of
interest to those who had not seen its Caprotti valve gear before. Some say the 'Castle' has a reputation
for breaking fish-plates; on this occasion, it's steam-heating failed so that passengers on the SVR's GW
chocolate-and-cream carriage-set were unfortunately left in the cold.
A week after the festival, 'Sir Nigel Gresley' hauled a 10-coach excursion, organized in conjunction with
The Railway Touring Co and West Coast Railways, from Bridgnorth via Kidderminster to Lincoln and
Doncaster. The complicated route passed through Walsall, skirting Birmingham and continued through
Tamworth (high-level), Burton-upon-Trent, Clay Mills junction (for a water-stop), Trent, Nottingham, and
Newark. The A4 and its support-coach came off at Doncaster, to return to York and the NYMR and the
train was brought home by a WCR cl.47 diesel. The homeward route skirted Sheffield but passed
through Chesterfield, Toton, Trent, Burton, and Tamworth, stopping at Birmingham New St, Stourbridge
Junction and finally Kidderminster. The remaining passengers alighted here and walked across to the
SVR station to catch the last (steam) train of the day back to Bridgnorth. The WCR BR Mk 1 Maroon
coach-set was stabled on the SVR over the weekend.
Current projects on the SVR include a new footbridge at Highley, badly needed for the Engine House
there, new end-doors on the MPD shed at Bridgnorth, and the completion of the 4th (short) platform at
Kidderminster to service the SVR's kitchen and dining coaches.
For further information, please visit the SVR website at www.svr.co.uk or contact the SVR on 01299403816.
10
Preservation Photo Spot
Cl.01 SECR 0-6-0 No.65, Sheffield Park, Bluebell Railway, 18 January 2009
Railway Cuttings
Wales: by Michael Hillier
Travelling on Arriva Trains Wales is "uncomfortable", the firm's boss admitted - and blamed the problem
on a lack of trains. Managing director Tim Bell appeared before a committee of MPs yesterday to answer
questions about overcrowding, cancellations and late-running services. "If we had more trains to use, we
would use them," Mr. Bell said. "We are aware of the overcrowding problems we have." Asked if the
company, which runs services across Wales, had enough trains, Mr. Bell replied: "No, we don't have".
He added: "1 think it's an uncomfortable way to travel and we would hope to do something about that."
Mr. Bell said services on the Valley Lines were on time in 95.5% of cases, the best record for a small
operator in the UK. "We have shown that over the last three to four years we have been very successful
in improving our performance in general," he said.
"I think there is still much more for us to do there are some areas where we do need to spend more time
in improving our performance."
First Great Western also admitted that its London to South Wales trains were not performing as well as
those in other parts of the UK. Mark Hopwood, deputy managing director of First Great Western, said:
"Since April 1, across the whole of the First Great Western network, we have delivered a level of
punctuality in excess of 90%. "I'm certainly not happy with just exceeding 90%, but pleased we have
made some improvements. If we look at the services from London, specifically that serve South Wales
on the high speed network, its true those services are not yet running at the level of punctuality that the
rest of the network is at."
Only 84.3% of South Wales services were on time within 10 minutes of timetable, Mr. Hopwood said,
although during October this had risen to 88%.
Alun Michael, MP for Cardiff. South and Penarth, said: "The experience of our constituents is that the
service remains poor. It compares badly to the experience if you go on comparable areas. "The statistics
seem to reflect a situation that's better than that experienced by most of us."
11
Diary of A Loco Spotter
by Eddie Rathmill - 1995
The long awaited day arrived and I boarded the 07.17 Brighton train at Manchester Piccadilly, which
allowed me a two-hour stop over on Reading Station. Then it was my first ride on a Cl.159, which was to
take me to my destination. Arriving at Eastleigh at 13.50, I immediately set off for the Works noticing that
there were hardly any vehicles around the station area. The scene was pretty much the same at the
shed and at the front of the Works and I suddenly realised that all the old units must have gone for scrap.
I hurried down the path behind the houses until I came to the gate of the car park at the back of the yard
and viewed the scene - there were about a dozen EMU cars dotted around, some freshly painted and
some ready for cutting up. I took my binoculars out and surveyed the area, no sign of my last unit. I
walked into the car park to get a better view and saw two or three more numbers in the distance and
then I realised that there was one vehicle which was partially hidden from view - I walked a little further
and approached the forlorn looking EMU trailer which was daubed in paint and as I got nearer I made
out the number - 7099# - the last part being completely wiped out! It just had to be the one I wanted
though - but I needed to be certain. I carried on walking between the cars until I gained a vantage point
where I could see the number on the far end of the other side of the vehicle. I reached for my binoculars
and camera... and heard a voice. Turning round I saw an orange-coated official walking towards me.
Two minutes later I was being escorted out of the car park, but not before I'd confirmed through the
binoculars that the last digit on the far side of the EMU was a 5.
a forlorn 70995 awaits its final journey, Eastleigh Works, 8 February 1995
The search was over.
THE END
EPILOGUE: (written 20th March 2009)
It is now over ten years since I walked out of that car park at Eastleigh but it seems like only yesterday.
The majority of Cl.47s and 86s plus all the Cl.56s, 58s, and 87s have gone as working locos (on
scheduled services in this country, anyway) and the Cl.60s are now being put in store (and taken out
again) on a regular basis, with only 14 currently in traffic – even some Cl.66s have gone abroad!
Life is as hectic as ever though. There are Cl.66s everywhere, new stock in the form of Cl.67s,
Voyagers, Meridians, Desiros and Pendolinos plus masses of new names, even on track machines. The
hobby goes from strength to strength.
On the EMU front, the numerous new arrivals on the Southern Region over recent years rekindled my
interest in Clapham Junction and London Bridge and, even though I have now retired from work and no
longer have any business trips, I still make the monthly pilgrimage to the capital.
Basford Hall, when the farmers land isn’t a quagmire, is visited regularly. In fact I’m on first name terms
with several of the cows in the field now. (I’ll talk to anybody!)
12
My football team, Bury, have been moving around three divisions of the Football league and last season
made an extreme effort to get into the Conference, but they have always been thwarted by a few teams
playing even worse than they were! However with Alan Knil now in charge, we are on the way up.
Renumbering of several Cl.158s has become commonplace with units changing their formations from 2
to 3 car and back again on a monthly basis, or so it seems. This causes all sorts of problems and I now
keep records of sightings of side numbers with different front numbers! The names on the units can also
be a problem with some carrying them on opposite sides of end cars, some on opposite sides of middle
cars, some on both sides of one car and some, such as the Cl.375s, swapping them about within the unit
(and changing the case from upper to lower at the same time!). For a time, Bristol Temple Meads station
became my ‘local’ gym. The Wessex Cl.150s carry their names on one side of each car (on opposite
sides of the set) and when a unit arrives at the platform the task is to view one nameplate, record the car
number, and then make a quick dash under the subway to the next platform to view the details on the
other named car before it went out. This usually resulted in everybody on the station staring at me in
disbelief, but it certainly helped to keep me fit.
I never did get all the coaching stock, as it proved impossible due to my policy of only booking down
actual numbers seen. Preservation sites can be very frustrating when an unnumbered, battered old
vehicle turns out to be a mark one coach that would be a cop! However, Martin Hall produced an
excellent, comprehensive publication in 2005, updated in 2009, which lists all vehicles still in existence
and, after creating a new ‘wanted’ list, I have already started off around the country searching for all the
ex BR coaches (to start with). Whether or not I’ll progress to Pre-grouping and Grouping is another
question.
Several years ago, upon retirement, I moved house and now live by the side of the Calder Valley Line.
This gives me the opportunity to vary my route and instead of always catching a local unit into
Manchester and then going onward directly to Derby, Doncaster, Birmingham, London or Scotland, I now
have the alternative option of going to most places via Leeds.
I can honestly say that my enthusiasm has not waned since 1976 and I am making nearly as many
journeys as I did 30 years ago. I go everywhere by train and now have a senior railcard which allows me
to get to London on many occasions for around £20 return from my local station, a terrific bargain when
you consider that I can leave the house at 07.30 and arrive in the Capital just after 11.00, returning on
the 20.00 from Euston.
I go everywhere by train and have recently obtained a senior railcard which allows me to get to London
for £20 return from my local station, a terrific bargain when you consider that I leave the house at 06.00
and arrive in the Capital at 10.08, returning on the 20.05 from Euston.
All new sightings are recorded after each trip and my books show that I have now visited several places
over 50 times – the most frequent destinations over the 30 years since 1978 being:
Glasgow - 65
Derby - 90
Doncaster - 118
Crewe - 143
London - 331
Bristol, Cardiff and Edinburgh have also been visited over 35 times each and none of the places
mentioned include the journeys where I have just passed through or changed trains.
The ‘spotting’ and travelling, however, are now only part of the hobby as maintaining information on the
pc is just as enjoyable. Compilations of re/re-numberings, numbers used twice and, of course, new
names are updated regularly with details acquired from personal sightings, recognized websites,
magazines and forums. I manage my own records in a database which currently holds over 144,000
entries and new cops are input religiously into Howie Milburns ‘PC Tops’ on a regular basis. The wagon
database within this system is used for all unit front numbers, departmental vehicles and track machines,
it’s very adaptable software!
This year I have also started up a fotopic website which shows a summary of each trip month by month.
A separate gallery is kept for photos of nameplates and a short narrative is also given. The website is
thegreensquirrel.fotopic.net - that’s if anyone wants to keep up with my ramblings.
Thanks to Eddie for an enjoyable series of articles, which I’m sure has brought back memories of similar
forays around the country for many members…ed.
13
Lincolnshire Sightings
by John Palin
16/2
06:32 66130 6F25
08:20 66526 6D89
08:36 66728 4Z15
08:57 66150 6M57
09:15 66027 4D34
12:20 66175 6B11
12:47 66615 6M00
17/2
06:40 66130 6F25
08:21 66121 6E46
08.30 66175 4D34
08.36 66419 4Z15
08:50 66077 6M57
12:12 66066 6B11
13:40 66130 4R17
14.06 66603 6E54
18/2
06:34 66027 6F25
08:22 66121 6E46
08:25 66556 6D89
08:29 66066 4D34
08:55 66067 6M57
12:45 66090 6B11
13:07 66617 6M00
13:36 66027 4R17
14:26 66605 6E54
19/2
05:42 66027 6F25
08:23 66121 6E46
08:28 66104 4D34
08:43 66067 6M57
12.17 66105 6F89
13:40 66027 4R17
13.58 66238 6B11
25/2
13:58 66617 6E54
14:15 66531 6Z15
14:33 66017 4R17
15:10 66180 6E82
17:30 60044 6E41
18.50 66182 6M24
21:35 66304 4Z30
22:03 66147 6E38
23:02 66206 6V70
Location Codes:
AW Aberthaw
BH Bedworth
CK Colnbrook
CM Cottam
CW Colwick
CY Corby
DP Didcot PS
DR Doncaster
DX Drax
IM-CM
IM-FB
CH-IM
LR-KY
WP-IM
IM-WB
HR-KY
IM-CM
KY-LR
WP-IM
CH-IM
LR-KY
IM-WB
WB-IM
KY-HR
IM-CM
KY-LR
IM-FB
WP-IM
LR-KY
IM-WB
HR-KY
WB-IM
KY-HR
IM-CM
KY-LR
WP-IM
LR-KY
IM-CM
WB-IM
IM-WB
KY-HR
IM-DR
WB-IM
CW-LR
WL-LR
LR-KY
CH-IM
CB-LR
LR-CB
EB
EU
FN
HM
HR
IM
KN
KY
LN
26/2
14:12 66605 6E54
KY-HR
14:32 66019 6E11
RY-IM
15:09 66134 6E82
CW-LR
15:12 66175 4R17
WB-IM
17:38 60044 6E41
WL-LR
20:05 66147 6E59
KY-LR
20:32 66206 6E38
CB-LR
21:40 66728 4Z30
CH-IM
21:45 66019 6M86 IM-RY
23.00 60068 6E81
CW-LR
27/2
14:12 66617 6E54
KY-HR
15:10 66077 6E82
CW-LR
17:32 60044 6E41
WL-LR
18:40 60091 6M24 LR-KY
20:02 66060 6E59
KY-LR
20:10 66079 6E55
TH-LR
21:15 66305 4Z30
CH-IM
21.44 66019 6E11
RY-IM
23:40 66605 6E68
KY-HR
28/2
14:30 66168 6E82
CW-LR
15:10 66606 6E54
KY-HR
15:13 66019 6M86 IM-RY
16:08 60044 6E41
WL-LR
20:15 66134 6E38
CB-LR
22:50 66147+66615 6T66
1/3
DR-MH
17.45 66021 7T65
MM-DR
18.40 66237 6T67
DR-MM
22.00 66304 4Z30
CH-IM
22.45 60091 6V98
LR-WL
2/3
13.40 66151 4R17
WP-IM
15.15 66107 6E82
CK-LR
15.17 66301 6Z15
IM-IB
16.42 60091 6E41
WL-LR
18.37 66178 6M24 LR-KY
20.08 66105 6E55
TH-LR
21.28 60068 6E59
KY-LR
21.50 66134 6E38
CK-LR
23.54 66107 6V70
LR-CB
3/3
13.45 66605 6E54
KY-HR
13.50 66183 6B11
IM-WB
LY
NC
NT
PB
RE
RP
RY
SA
SB
Eggborough
East Usk
Foxton
Healey Mills
Humber
Immingham
Ketton
Kingsbury
Lincoln
14
Lindsey
Norwich
Newport
Peterborough
Ratcliffe
Rugeley PS
Rugby
Swansea
Swinderby
3/3 (cont)
14.30 66161 6E11
15.07 66105 6E82
15.33 66726 6Z15
17.33 60091 6E41
20.10 66012 6E59
22.10 66161 6M86
23.10 66020 6Z94
6/3
05.45 66170 6F25
06.23 66035 6K26
08.50 66138 6M57
12.15 66197 6B11
12.53 66605 6M00
13.42 66170 4R17
14.08 66618 6E54
7/3
05.28 66511 6Z92
08.28 66065 6E46
8/3
16.08 66154 7G04
9/3
08.40 66115 6M57
08.50 66035 6B07
12.14 66082 6B11
12.45 66302 4Z32
12.50 66605 6M00
13.51 66618 6E54
10/3
08.22 66181 6E46
08.34 66082 4R11
08.41 66138 6M57
12.48 66611 6M00
13.10 66082 6B11
14.10 66618 6E54
11/3
08.40 66020 6M57
12.12 66066 6B11
12.50 66612 6M00
14.05 66611 6E54
12/3
07.50 66035 4K97
08.25 66106 6E46
08.30 66066 4R11
12.20 66066 6B11
14.07 66611 6E54
RY-IM
CW-LR
IM-DR
WL-LR
KY-LR
IM-RY
LR-AT
IM-CM
WP-IM
LR-KY
IM-WB
HR-KY
CM-IM
KY-HR
DX-IM
KY-LR
LN-DR
LR-KY
IM-WB
IM-WB
CH-IM
HR-KY
KY-HR
KY-LR
WB-IM
LR-KY
HR-KY
IM-WB
KY-HR
LR-KY
IM-WB
HR-KY
KY-HR
WP-IM
KY-LR
WB-IM
IM-WB
KY-HR
SN Spondon
TO Toton
WB West Burton
WD Washwood H
WH Westerleigh
WJ Watford Jnct
WN Welton
WP Worksop
Location ‘Spot’light
by Trevor Roots
This feature is intended as a guide to various popular spotting locations around the country and will
include how to get there and what rolling stock you might see in a constantly changing railway scene.
Please let me know If you can provide similar details on other locations or if you want a particular
location reviewed in future editions. Please also let me know if any details are wrong or if you can
provide up to date information. Contact editor@icrs.org.uk
MANCHESTER PICCADILLY STATION
Location: OS Map Ref: SJ 848 978
Manchester Piccadilly, renamed as such in 1960, lying on the south side is the largest of five city centre
railway stations in Manchester/Salford. Manchester is the largest conurbation in the northwest of
England lying between Liverpool on the west coast and the Peak District National Park to the east.
Ardwick Junction diverges to the east, ½ mile southeast of Piccadilly with Longsight Depot 1 mile further
on. Stockport, the next major town on the main line is 5 miles to the south of Piccadilly. To the west, the
next station is Manchester Oxford Road ½ mile away.
VWC 390014 entering platform 6
with NR cl.150 and TPE 185 in platforms 13 and 9 respectively on the left (from platform 8/9)
showing the four terminus train shed spans, Manchester Piccadilly, 4 July 2008
NR 323235 heading
west through island
platform 14 showing
the tracks alongside
platform 9 from which
access is gained to
platforms 10-12
(note the different livery
cab front application to
that of 323227 below)
Manchester Piccadilly
4 July 2008
15
Access:
Rail: There are frequent services, both local and long distance from the south, north, east and west.
Tram: The Metrolink terminates at Manchester Piccadilly, with frequent services out to Bury, Eccles and
Altrincham.
Bus: Numerous services nearby in the city centre.
Road: Manchester is encircled by the M60 box through the centre of which runs the A6 from southeast
to northwest right past the station, at which point it is London Road. Fairfield Road (B6469) crosses the
A6, then runs beneath the island platform past the south side of the station and is the main car park and
taxi access.
Cls.142, 220 Voyager, 185 & 175 from four different operators on the multitracked, gantry ‘encased’
southeastern approach to Manchester Piccadilly (from platform 8/9), 16 March 2007
Station Layout:
The smart clean 2002 refurbished station is split between 12 platforms forming the main terminus and a
through island platform 13/14 lying on the south side. The varying 6-8 main line tracks approach from the
southeast into the terminal platforms with the two Oxford Road lines turning west then southwest. The
station is above the surrounding streets and all the approach tracks cross the straight Fairfield Road,
which is then re-crossed by the island platform as it curves round to cross over the A6 London Road.
NR 142022 & 142060 at the bufferstops of platforms 10 & 9, showing the double columns supporting
adjoining spans 2 and 3 of the train shed, Manchester Piccadilly, 7 July 2008
16
All the terminal platforms are of differing lengths, the longest being 5 which is single sided, once
extended beyond the shorter platform 4. The next longest is platform 8/9, with the shortest platforms 1012 tucked in the ‘v’ between this platform and the through island platform 13/14. The tracks to the latter
diverge from the track to platform 9. The trainshed covering the terminal platforms is composed of four
spans. The two northern longest spans are the widest and of equal length, covering platforms 1-8.
Canopies then extend equally out from the southeastern end to further partially cover platforms 4/5 (4
completely), 6/7 and 8/9. With a double row of supporting columns, the next adjoining slightly narrower
and shorter span then covers platforms 9 and 10 with the final still shorter span covering platforms 1112. Platforms 10 and 11 are widely separated to accommodate a travelator. This links the main
concourse, running the full width of platforms 1-12, to the upper concourse above and to the
southeastern end of platforms 11 and 12. From this upper concourse there are two sets of covered stairs
down to the island platform 13/14 and a footbridge extending inside of the main spans across platforms
9-1. From this footbridge, 6 sets of stairs descend, facing the concourse, to the platforms including an
escalator to platform 8/9
EMT 158810 heading west through platform 14
the long island platform with platform 13
Fairfield Road can be seen passing below to the
right, Manchester Piccadilly, 4 July 2008
NR 323227 heading east through platform 1
Fairfield Road can be seen passing below to the
right, Manchester Piccadilly, 7 July 2008
Passenger Traffic:
Six train operators serve Manchester Piccadilly:
• Northern Rail (NR) using Cls.142, 150 & 156 DMUs with Cl.323 EMUs.
• Arriva Train Wales (ATW) using Cls.158 & 175 DMUs.
• East Midland Trains (EMT) using Cl.158 DMUs.
• First Transpennine Express (TPE) using predominantly Cl.185 with Cl.170 DMUs on the Hull
service.
• Cross Country (XC) using Cl.220/221 Voyagers.
• Virgin West Coast VWC) using Cl.390 Pendolinos to Euston.
All services using platforms 13 and 14 stop, with these platforms being constantly in use.
ATW 175006 in platform 8
Manchester Piccadilly, 16 March 2007
a comparison of front ends between
NR 150141 & 150205 in platforms 12 & 11
Manchester Piccadilly, 7 July 2008
17
Freight Traffic:
With Trafford Park FLT only about 2½ miles to the west, there are about 30 intermodal/freightliner
services that pass through platforms 13/14 during a weekday. However only about 8 are timed between
06.00 and 20.00. They are in the hands of classes 66 & 92 from DB Schenker and 66 & 90 from
Freightliner. In addition, there is an early morning loaded bogie cement freight, usually a Cl.60, from
Tunstead – Pendleton. There are no booked services on the weekend.
DB Schenker 92013 on a intermodal working
heading southeast through platform 13
Manchester Piccadilly, 16 March 2007
Freightliner 90042 on a freightliner working
heading southeast through platform 13
Manchester Piccadilly, 16 March 2007
Best Spotting/Photography Sites:
The best spotting location is the southeastern end of platform 8/9, extending further than all the others
bar platform 5. The only issue is that it is a long way back to the stairs to cross between platforms. This
location is also good for photography of services using platforms 5-14. As mentioned, single faced
platform 5 is also OK, where if it starts raining you can drop back to the canopy at the end of the shorter
platform 4 and this still allows reasonable photography, particularly of services using platforms 1-4.
TPE 170306 arriving into platform 3
Manchester Piccadilly, 7 July 2008
TPE 185104 departing from platform 1
Manchester Piccadilly, 17 May 2008
TPE 185105 arriving into platform 4
note the extended barriered single face of
platform 5, Manchester Piccadilly, 7 July 2008
XC 220008 arriving into platform 7
from platform 5, note the extended single face
Manchester Piccadilly, 7 July 2008
18
Facilities:
There are numerous retail outlets around the concourse area.
METROLINK STATION
At street level, but two levels below the
concourse of the Network Rail station, is the
Metrolink station, which is the current terminus
for all services to Bury, Eccles and Altrincham.
There are two platforms just off London Road,
one for arrivals from where the trams then
proceed into the tunnel to reverse into the
boarding platform. The tram tracks are parallel
to the main line tracks above then turn right onto
London Road.
with London Road visible beyond, Metrolink
tram 1006 is about to depart from the boarding
platform, the arrival platform is to the right of the
separating wall.
Manchester Piccadilly, 16 March 2007
Access: Pedestrian access is from either the main line station above or from Fairfield Road.
Location ‘Spot’light Update
by Trevor Roots
Particularly for those new members, the following list is a record of all 27 locations featured since the
series started in Jan 2007 (except those marked * compiled by James Holloway, all others compiled by
Trevor roots):
Year Month Location
2008 Apr
Glasgow Queen’s Street Station
May
Tamworth Station
Jun
Milford Junction, Monk Fryston
Jul
Toton TMD & Yards
Aug
Preston Station
Sep
Southampton Central Station
Oct
Dawlish Sea Wall
Exeter St David’s Station & Depot
Nov
Newport Station, Wales
Dec
Eastleigh Station, Works & Depot
Year Month Location
2007 Jan
Nuneaton *
Feb
n/a
Mar
Carlisle Station, DRS Kingmoor
MPD & Kingmoor Yard
Apr
n/a
May
Water Orton Station *
Jun
n/a
Jul
Peak Forest Sidings
Aug
Ayr TMD & Falkland Yard
Sep
Peterborough Station
Oct
Birmingham New Street
Nov
Birmingham Moor Street
Dec
Barnetby Station
2008
Jan
Feb
Mar
2009
Jan
Feb
Mar
Birmingham Snow Hill
Mossend Yard, Glasgow
Reading Station
Glasgow Central Station
Apr
19
Ipswich Station & SP
Wandsworth Road Station,
London
Acton Main Line Station & Acton
Yard, London
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Railway Globetrotters
by Ray Smith
BELGIUM REVISITED (A fifteen year comparison) Part 1:
OK the title is not quite accurate, but it looks good. In April 2009 I am doing a Belgian bash. With friends
we plan to visit most of the main depots as well as locations in the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
I had spent a holiday in the Ardennes in 1993 and saw a small amount of Belgian locomotives and units.
My first impression of the locomotives was the wonderful large body-side numbers they carried enabling
me cop them from a greater distance. (I always carry binoculars which are very useful, but unlike on TV
where the viewed image is clear, I have yet to succeed in picking up images when on a train at speed)!
I saw an advert for Along Different Lines which was doing a South-East Belgian Depot tour on March
19th 1994. These tours arranged by Richard Pegler and Dirk Faes were becoming well known for the
way they ran. On this occasion it was by overnight ferry from Ramsgate to Oostend, and train to Liege,
where we joined our charter. This was preserved single railcar 4601. We travelled some freight only lines
and visited Bertrix, Stockem and Kinkenpois depots. The format at the depots was everyone out, take
numbers and photos and return to the train when the whistle sounded. A good atmosphere and a lot of
cops. So good that I booked on a Grand Belgian Depot Tour three months later on June 11th 1994. As
well as the rare track, unusual haulage and large depots the tours also had a buffet area with French
bread ham or cheese sandwiches and a wonderful selection of trapist beers (very strong).
This time we joined at Gent and the tour visited some of the larger depots (100+ on shed) and stabling
points. The main depots were Merelbeke, Kortrijk, Monceau, the wonderful Antwerp Dam and
Schaarbeek. This tour was hauled by preserved Bo-Bo 5917. Well over 500 cops this tour.
I went on to do more Depot tours with ADL and for part 1 of this article I want to describe the depots and
stock seen. In part 2, I intend to compare what fifteen years of change has done. Although I have passed
through Belgium many times I have not done a depot bash like this since the mid 90s.
Depots:
FNDM, Antwerpen Dam:
The shed for the docks. During the week this
shed would be quite empty but on a Saturday
afternoon and Sunday morning, all of the dock
shunters returned and along with the main line
diesel and electric locomotives the shed would
contain around 130, including many now extinct
classes, such as locomotive Cl.51 and many
shunting classes such as 70, 71, 75, 84, 85 and
92s. The shed is now closed and a new shed at
Antwerpen Noord (FNND) was built as a
replacement.
preserved 3 car DMU 4006
Antwerpen Dam, 7 January 1995
shunter 7003
Antwerpen Dam, 7 January 1993
downgraded from cl.65 to shunter 7503
Antwerpen Dam, 11 June 1994
20
LNC, Monceau (Charleroi):
This large shed would contain the usual selection of locomotives and also had the entire allocation of
Cl.83 shunters. The Cl.were all withdrawn between 1987 and 1994 and were dumped around the depot,
some overgrown with vegetation until they were cut up in 1995. The depot closed and was replaced by
Charleroi Sud Quay (GCE).
w/d 8315
Monceau (Charleroi) 11 June 1994
212 144 (6244) with 6288 behind
Monceau (Charleroi) 11 June 1994
NK, Kinkempois (Liege):
The depot looked after passenger locomotives as well as the shunters and freight locomotives for the
near-by yard. Still an active player.
FKR, Merelbeke (Gent):
This was, and still is a shed with a good selection of locomotives. I did this shed about three years ago
and the only change was the Cl.41 dmus that had taken over some passenger workings. Like other
depots, older classes were gone.
When downgraded electrics 2801 and 2802 were reduced to station pilot work at Brussels Midi, 2803
was stored in Mechelen works for spares. I had not seen it and when 2801/2 were withdrawn (and now
preserved) it was said to be taken to Merelbeke, minus bogies, on a low loader. I did this shed March
1999, at 5am on a snow covered freezing morning. Permission was granted and 2803 was not found. I
asked the foreman if it was there and he showed me, on a map of the depot where it was. It was well
away from the shed, but he virtually told me to go back and sure enough I saw it. Would this happen in
the UK?
5132
Merelbeke (Gent), 11 June 1994
Nohab 5401
Ronet, 11 June 1994
FEO, Ronet (Namur):
Thank goodness for this yard as I would have far less of many classes. The shed was not very big.
However, the yard contained a good selection of long withdrawn locomotives and diesel railcars from the
nearby Salzinnes works. There were Cl.59s most withdrawn by 1988 although some were reinstated for
departmental use. Cl.60, all withdrawn by 1988 (apart from 6005 which was rebuilt in 1982 and
withdrawn in 1989, its engine being re-used in a boat)! Cl.61, the last being withdrawn in 1985. I believe
now that all have been cut. Well hidden in the undergrowth were two steam tank locomotives that had
apparently been there for years.
21
w/d unidentified steamer
Ronet, 11 June 1994
w/d 4332 railcar heads a line up of classmates
Ronet, 11 June 1994
5925 & 6079 (w/d 12 & 31 December 1987
respectively), Ronet, 11 June 1994
6115 (w/d 1 August 1985)
Ronet, 11 June 1994
FHS, Hassalt:
A medium size shed with a diesel allocation of Cl.51 and 62. Still in use although the 51s have gone and
like many places now has a unit allocation.
FSR and FSRE, Schaarbeek (Brussels): diesel and electric depots.
Busy depots then and still today.
MKM, Stockem (Arlon):
A large but almost empty building. In the yard were many railcars and locomotives of classes 52, 53 and
54. These were the main diesel classes for the area but today they have been downgraded to hauling
engineers construction trains. I heard long after the visit that the 1992 withdrawn electric locomotive,
2020 was under a tarpaulin inside the shed. It was the only member of the class I had not seen yet. If it
had been there it would have been difficult to miss !
In this part I have deliberately
used photographs of withdrawn
and old locomotives.
In part 2, I hope to describe the
sheds and the stock as I find
them after my April tour.
1805 (at the time it held the
Belgium electric speed record of
218kmp)
Koln Hbf, 18 March 1993
All photos by Ray Smith
22
Preservation News - 2
by Bryan King
Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway - 50th Anniversary of Closure,
North Norfolk Railway.
A significant date in the railway calendar passed
by over the weekend of Sat 28th February /
Sunday 1st March with the 50th anniversary of
the closure of the M&GNJR. A significant part of
which could be found in Norfolk. There is in fact
part of the M&GN still in use by Network Rail,
this being the route north from the site of the
former Antingham Junction, just north of North
Walsham to Cromer (mile posts showing N&S
the original Norfolk & Suffolk Railway) then
reversing upon itself with the connection to
Sheringham (the mileage posts showing
M&GN).
visiting BR Std 4-6-2 76079, Weybourne
28 February 2009
Across the main high street from the now Network Rail halt at Sheringham is the former M&GN station of
the North Norfolk Railway (The Poppy Line). Over the weekends of 28th Feb – 1st March and 7th & 8th
March there were special commemorative services entitled “That’s yer lot !” as chalked upon some of the
original locomotives that worked the line on what was considered as the last day of service back in 1959.
Many guest locomotives were brought in for the
advent, including LNER B1 1306, BR Standards
76079, 78019, L&YR 1300 and former LMS 4F
No 44422. These being used on a very intense
timetable over both weekends as well as NNR
based engines J15 65462, N7 69621 and former
Hellenic Railways WD Austerity 2-10-0 which
carries the fictitious number 90775. Coaching
stock used were two sets of Mk1 coaches with a
third set formed of the “Quad-Art” set and a
newly restored original M&GNJR coach No.129.
What a pity that 4MT 43106 of the Severn Valley
Railway is still under restoration and therefore
was unavailable for this significant event, the
locomotive, being a former stalwart of the line.
M&GN compartment No.129
Sheringham, 7 March 2009
One person to mention was the former
Eastern & Southern region shed-master
R.H.N. (Dick) Hardy seen on the platform at
Weybourne,
reminiscing
with
former
railwaymen and passing on his memories and
experience
Next project for the line will be the
reinstatement of the level crossing and
reconnection to the national network.
Although given the go ahead by the
appropriate authorities, one major problem
will be the lowering of a power cable to
enable this to be done. The price quoted for
this by a local power supply firm for the task
being quite mind blowing !
GER N7 69621, Sheringham, 7 March 2009
23
Whitwell & Reepham Railway (Norfolk’s newest preservation Society):
Another event, being of equal importance took place over the same weekends of 28th Feb / 1st March
and 7th & 8th March 2009. This was the opening of the former M&GNJR station at Whitwell and
Reepham in Norfolk as a preservation site. This is being restored from a derelict abandoned state along
with its former goods shed and yard.
The site is approximately 15 miles
from Norwich and was the first
passing point on the otherwise
single
track
mainline
from
Norwich ‘City’ station to the
M&GN’s
base
at
Melton
Constable, most of which now
forms
the
public
footpath
’Marriot’s Way’. Being in the
extreme early stages, track has
been lightly laid on the former
goods yard extending for a few
hundred yards running parallel to
the original course of the
mainline. The ambition of the
owner Mike Urry is to restore the
site to as original as possible.
Whitwell & Reepham station, 8 March 2009
On site at present are 2 locomotives, one industrial diesel and a saddle tank steam locomotive. Stock
includes Mk1 BSK S34712, SR PMV No S272 (both ex-GCR(N)) and former Class 411 EMU trailer No
70527.
visiting 0-6-0ST giving rides
8 March 2009
visiting traction engine BH 7651
8 March 2009
Also on show, were a selection of wagon plates, signal arms and original photographs of the station
during its heyday.
Refreshments were provided in the former station buildings including ‘Real Ales’ (all named with a
railway theme) also available as part of a beer festival taking place over the weekend.
Membership is available with four types on offer. Adults at £15, Joint (2x Adults at same address) at £25,
Junior at £9 and Family (2x adult & 2x children) at £36 per year. Adult lifetime membership is also
available at £300. For more details you can log on to the website www.whitwellstation.com.
This project is in its infancy and any help will be gratefully received, either with muscle, knowledge or
memorabilia. Let’s hope that this piece of railway history can be rebuilt to its former glory and succeed as
an unique piece of preservation.
all photos by Bryan King
24
Wagon Corner
by Martin Hall
WAGON NEWS:
It has been announced by DB Schenker that freight flows are down by 20% and many locos, especially
Cl.60s and wagons, a ¼ of its fleet, will be stored.
New IOA-E 102t box wagons have arrived in the UK for Network Rail and they are numbered
31.70.5992.001 – 120. These wagons also have the UIC vehicle code letters Ealnos to identify the
vehicle types and a full breakdown of this code can be found in our new series of books, which will cover
all mainland European wagons. Germany 80 is already available.
The former National Power JMA hoppers NP19601-19685 are to be recoded HKA and renumbered
300601-300685.
Disposals (February):
Air Braked Stock: 210153/237/241/259/389, 460528/591/639, 950197/259/294/733
Departmental Stock: DB972208/606, DB996476
Privately Owned Stock: PR10012/015/016/106/107/109/112/121/122/124/130/131/134/568/569,
PR14202/205, TCS14424, PR14706, 27002, CAIB55052, PR58511/526, VTG83690/767/860,
BFL92725/739/785/786/789/793-795/797/799/800/803/804/806/807/810/811/813-815/818/820-823/826
828-831/833/835/836/839/840/847-849/851/852/844/847/848/860-862/864/866-868/871/874
RIV Stock: 34.70.7899.000
WAGON REVIEW:
Former SPA Flat now ZXR Engineering Wagon
This is an interesting purpose built vehicle for the Research and Development section at Derby. It was
built from the first British Railways SPA flat wagon 460000 and is now an optical structure-gauging
vehicle and is used to measure clearance profiles like tunnels. It is painted in black livery and is operated
by Network Rail and numbered DC460000. When in operation it is formed between two departmental
coaches DB975280 and DB975081 and can be seen around the Derby area or at the Railway Technical
Centre in Derby.
Number Range: DC460000 (460000)
BR ZXQ DC460000, Derby, 20 June 1987
Martin Hall
25
20 years on and little has changed externally
Network Rail ZXR DC460000 with coaches DB975280 and DB975081 (above and below)
Derby, 19 September 2008
Martin Hall
26
Light Rail and Metro News
by Martin Hall
Manchester: The new trams for the Metrolink are taking shape in Bombardier’s plant in Vienna and the
first one should arrive in the UK in late summer. The new vehicles will be numbered 3001-3040.
London: The Docklands new extension to Woolwich Arsenal is now officially open.
Edinburgh: Phase 1B of the Edinburgh Tram system is finally underway following the dispute between
builders and operators.
Birmingham: Ideas for an underground railway for Birmingham have again been put forward due to the
congestion in the city centre.
Open Days News
by Trevor Roots
It is hoped that as details become known of forthcoming Open Days around the country then info
concerning them will be notified to you. If anyone hears of any such events, please let me know so
details can be passed on.
Eastleigh Works Centenary Open Weekend, 23-25 May 2009: Organised by Knights Rail Services
with Railway Magazine, to celebrate 100 years of Eastleigh Works, it promises to be worthwhile
attending. There are numerous celebrity locos lined up already, including 10 steamers and a couple of
rail tours are planned to arrive on the Saturday. For tickets and up-to-date info visit their website
eastleigh100.com. Normal opening times are 10.00-17.00, though early bird and night shoots are
available. Advanced tickets are cheaper as is readership of Railway Magazine. There is no car parking
on site, except for disabled, so it is advised to travel by public transport, obviously rail is fairly easy.
Public car parks in the town will be signposted and there is a map on the website.
Long Marston Open Weekend: Sat. & Sun. 6th & 7th June 2009: For details and to download a ticket
application form, visit the website longmarstonopenday.co.uk or send an A5 SAE asking for a form to:
Long Marston Open Weekend
Long Marston Storage Site
Campden Road
Stratford on Avon
Warwickshire, CV37 8QR
It is an advance ticket only event, the deadline being 1st May. Gates are open at 10.00 with last entry at
15.30. A one day ticket is £15.00, 2 days is £25.00, children under 14 go free. All profits will go to the
‘Help for Heroes’ charity. There is onsite car parking and vintage shuttle buses from Stratford on Avon
and Honeybourne stations.
DRS – Carlisle Kingmoor Open Day: Sat. 11th July 2009, 10.00-16.00: This is the same as last years
Gresty Bridge ‘Open Day’ in that the tickets are chosen randomly from all applications after the closing
date of 12th June. ‘Winners’ will be notified within 2 weeks. For those like myself, travelling a long way,
these types of Open Day are useless, as no forward planning can be made or cheap travel arranged.
You can apply direct on their website directrailservices.co.uk or post an application to:
Direct Rail Services Ltd
Open Day 2009 Application
Kingmoor Depot
Etterby Road
Carlisle
Cumbria, CA3 9NZ
Postal applications must state clearly the following details: Full name, full postal address, telephone
contact number and either Single Ticket or Family Ticket. Family ticket must include all names of the
family group. (Maximum of 2 adults and 2 children under 16).
Failure to provide the above information in its entirety will void the application.
27
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28