Welcome to Taunton Trains

Welcome to Taunton Trains http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/ 23 rows en-gb 60 The Network Rail TRT &HOBC Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c1098740.html The TRT (Track Renewal Train) and HOBC (High Output Ballast Cleaner) will be in use at Taunton from the 25th September 2006 for nearly three years. This collection looks at workings in connection with these trains, operating in and out of Fairwater Yard, by many contributing people! Saturday 3 October 2009: The TRT (Track Renewal Train) and HOBC (High Output Ballast Cleaner) will be in use at Taunton from the 25th September 2006 for nearly three years. This collection looks at workings in connection with these trains, operating in and out of Fairwater Yard, by many contributing people!

25-09-06 66622 arrives into Faiwater Yard with the TRT from Reading West Jn Yard. (Photo: Jeff Treece)

25-09-06 66622 pilots 66604 through the village of Creech St Michael with the 6Z33 Reading West Yard Jn - Fairwater Yard TRT (Photo: Russell Ayre)

25-09-06 47811 rolls through Creech St Michael with the 6Z34 13:18 Westbury - Fairwater Yard with 10 loaded Autoballasters in tow (Photo: Russell Ayre)

25-09-06 66622 and 66604 can be seen in Fairwater Yard (Photo: Jeff Treece)

25-09-06 The evening Sunset view over Fairwater Yard on Freightliners first night at Taunton (Photo: Phil Izzard)

26-09-06 A General View of Fairwater Yard showing 66604 and 66622 stabled between duties (Photo: John White)

26-09-06 47811 takes the down relief arriving into Fairwater Yard with the 6Z34 13:18 Westbury - Fairwater trip of loaded Autoballasters (Photo: John White)

26-09-06 A general view of Fairwater Yard showing 47811, 66604 and 66622 complete with the split TRT train in the yard (Photo: John White)

26-07-06 66622 departs Fairwater Yard with the 6Y33 21:40 Fairwater - Highbridge TRT while, 47811 is sat in Platform 1 preparing to work 6A70

26-09-06 47811 waits to depart Taunton with the 6A70 Fairwater - Reading West Jn Yard, taking old Sleepers to be processed

02-10-06 66620 stands at the North end of Platform 2 with the 6Y33 21:40 Fairwater Yard - Highbridge working conveying the TRT ready for an overnight blockade (Photo: Mike Rowland)

26-09-06 47811 takes the down relief arriving into Fairwater Yard with the 6Z34 13:18 Westbury - Fairwater trip of loaded Autoballasters (Photo: Mike Rowland)

03-10-06 66561 prepares to depart from Taunton with the 6A70 22:05 Fairwater Yard - Reading West Jn Yard (Photo: John White)

12-10-06 66561 exits Fairwater Yard with the 6Z33 Fairwater - Westbury trip to replenish 10 Autoballaster wagons for the next trip to Highbirgde (Photo: Mike Rowland)

18-10-06 66952 'Five Door Fred' arrives into Taunton with the 6Z34 13:15 Westbury - Fairwater loaded Autoballaster trip (Photo: Jeff Treece)

02-11-06 66530 rounds the curve at Cogload Jn shortly after the 1V05 Midland Mainline HST passed over the train on the Cogload Flyover. The loco was working the 6A74 Fairwater - Westbury Autoballaster Trip. (Photo: Mike Rowland)

01-11-06 66619 arrives into Fairwater Yard returning from Westbury with the 6A75 12:30 Westbury - Fairwater Yard Autoballaster Trip (Photo: John White)

02-11-06 66530 departs Fairwater Yard working the 6A74 Fairwater - Westbury Autoballaster replenishment trip. (Photo: Jeff Treece)

20-11-06 66622 leads the TRT North at Chalrton with nearly 3000 sleepers in tow. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

20-11-06 Detailed Shots of the 'TRT' passing Cogload on route to an engineering blockade at Uphill Jn (Photo: Brian Garrett)

20-11-06 Detailed Shots of the 'TRT' passing Cogload on route to an engineering blockade at Uphill Jn (Photo: Brian Garrett)

20-11-06 Detailed Shots of the 'TRT' passing Cogload on route to an engineering blockade at Uphill Jn (Photo: Brian Garrett)

20-11-06 Detailed Shots of the 'TRT' passing Cogload on route to an engineering blockade at Uphill Jn (Photo: Brian Garrett)

28-11-06 66603 prepares to leave Fairwater Yard to deliver the first load of spent ballast to the West Somerser Railway at Norton Fitzwarren (Photo: Kevin Wills)

28-11-06 66611 can be seen at Norton Fitzwarren ready to unload onto the new Triangle Site (Photo: Kevin Wills)

28-11-06 66603 delivers ballast to Norton Fitzwarren for the helping with the construction of the new triangle project (Photo: Kevin Wills)

11-01-07 66581 and 66551 are seen in Fairwater Yard shunting various sections of the HOBC and TRT (Photo: Jeff Treece)

11-01-07 66604 leads 66613 (Rear) out of Taunton Station with the 6Y33 20:48 Fairwater - Heywood Jn (Photo: Jonty)

11-01-07 With 66604 sat at Obridge being signal checked, 66613 is pictured on the rear of the HOBC at Taunton (Photo: Jonty)

20-01-07 66530 leads 66529 and 66604 out of Fairwater Yard with the 6Z21 Fairwater - Reading Yard. The train was formed to take locos and the TRT to Reading in preperation for weekend engineering work near Didcot (Photo: Jonty)

25-01-07 66509 is seen in Fairwater Yard shunting wagons from the HOBC (Photo: Chris Perkins)

23-01-07 66616 & 66530 wait to cross back over the mainline into Fairwater Yard after dropping spent ballast at Norton Fizwarren on the West Somerset Railway. (Photo: Mike Rowland)

25-01-07 66510 exits Fairwater Yard while shuting wagons from the HOBC (Photo: Chris Perkins)

25-01-07 66510 uses the Fairwater Yard headshunt while a HST heads South towards Plymouth (Photo: Chris Perkins)

25-01-07 66510 leaves Taunton with 66605 in tow heading back to Kingsland Road (Photo: Chris Perkins)

26-01-07 66606 passes through Taunton Station with the 6A74 09:00 Fairwater Yard - Westbury HOBC Portion to be filled with fresh ballast. (Photo: Nathan Williamson)

26-01-07 Many light engine moves happen between Kingsland Road and Fairwater Yard, on the 26th of January 66551 leads 66556 66616 and 66509 into Fairwater Yard and is seen passing 40 Steps (Photo: Jeff Treece)

26-01-07 66551 is seen passing through Taunton Station with the 6A70 Fairwater Yard - Fairwater Yard via Westbury and Bristol. This move happens in order to turn the TRT ready for weekend track replacment near Bath (Photo: Jonty)

26-01-07 66551 and 66556 cross from the Norton Fitzwarren spur working back to Fairwater Yard with the 6A77 12:15 Bishops Lydeard - Fairwater spent ballast HOBC portion (Photo: Paul Rundle)

13-02-07 66610 pauses at the North end of Taunton Station while working the 6Y11 21:44 Fairwater Yard - Highbirgde HOBC (Photo: Brian Garrett)

Standard Ballast Hopper Wagon on the HOBC

07-03-07 66527 'Don Raider' arrives into Fairwater Yard with a freshly loaded rake of Autoballasters on the 6A81 from Westbury

16-03-07 66613 prepares to depart Fairwater Yard with the 6Z86 19:00 Fairwater Yard - Fairwater Yard via Westbury and Bristol Temple Meads. This move quite often occours on a Friday evening in order to turn the HOBC or TRT ready for weekend engineering work else where (Photo: Jeff Treece)

20-03-07 66605 arrives into Taunton running very late with the 6A81 14:25 Westbury - Fairwater at 19:11! (Photo: Steve Yarde)

20-03-07 66613 sits on the rear of the 6Y11 21:06 Fairwater - Heywood Road Jn before departing Taunton (Photo: Steve Yarde)

31-03-07 66619 leads the 6Y11 Fairwater Yard - Wooton Basset full HOBC move. 66525 was attached to the rear. It's thought this my be the first time this huge train has been seen moving on a Saturday in decent lighting since BST (Photo: Brian Garrett)

31-03-07 HOBC Passes Cogload Jn

31-03-07 HOBC Passes Cogload Jn

31-03-07 HOBC Passes Cogload Jn

31-03-07 66525 brings up the rear of the 6Y11 Fairwater Yard - Wooton Basset HOBC move. 66619 lead the train North before taking the Berks and Hants route East. This was one of the first times we've managed to capture this huge train in daylight since the begining of BST (Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sat Oct 3 2009 Fairwater Yd and Silk Mills Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c829236.html A selection of photos, showing views of Fairwater Yard/ Silk Mills area of Taunton. All photos of locomotives in Fairwater Yard have been taken with permisson or by qualified personnel. Fairwater Yard is operated by Network Rail and should not be entered without prior permission Saturday 4 April 2009: A selection of photos, showing views of Fairwater Yard/ Silk Mills area of Taunton. All photos of locomotives in Fairwater Yard have been taken with permisson or by qualified personnel. Fairwater Yard is operated by Network Rail and should not be entered without prior permission

02-04-06 66005 is seen arriving into Fairwater Yard from Taunton Station hauling the 6W20 Westbury - Taunton engineers. From here is was booked to head South to the Cullompton blockade.

02-04-06 66005 makes history as the first locomotive to work under the new Silk Mills Road Bridge. With the lifting cables still in place the loco powers the 6W20 engineers train slowly south to Cullompton (Photo: Nigel Farrow)

09-04-05 60094 is seen parked in Fairwater Yard on an engineers train which was booked to head South to Cullompton later in the day.

15-01-06 59002 'Alan J Day' is seen in Fairwater on a rare visit to Somerset. The locomotive was hired from Mendip Rail for weekend engineering work replacing the down mainline near Taunton School.

15-01-06 66081 is seen parked in Fairwater Yard ready to head South to Exeter Riverside Yard on the 6W23 empty ballast.

15-01-06 A view of Fairwater Yard from the new Silk Mills road bridge. From left to right: 66227, 66081, 59002)

15-01-06 66081 heads South to Exeter with the 6W23 Fairwater - Exeter Riverside passing 66227 parked on the up mainline on an empty spoil train during weekend engineering work. Note the single MTA wagon still parked in the headshunt

15-01-06 66081 departs from Fairwater Yard working the 6W23 Fairwater - Exeter Riverside empty ballast. Note the crossing barriers in the 'UP' position! The old road is now closed to mainstream traffic and the barriers had been left upright for contractors to remove the road surface which allowed cars to cross the railway.

15-01-06 A view of Fairwater Yard taken from Staplegrove Road Bridge with part of the down mainline removed.

04-03-06 This image shows Fairwater Yard with new track panels laid out ready to be welded and fixed into position (Photo: Anon)

04-03-06 This image shows Fairwater Yard with new track panels laid out ready to be welded and fixed into position (Photo: Anon)

04-03-06 This image shows Fairwater Yard with new track panels laid out ready to be welded and fixed into position (Photo: Anon)

21-11-06 66704 is seen in Fairwater Yard having arrived with the 4V11 Peterborough - Fairwater new sleepers trip (Photo: Nick Millington)

28-11-06 66603 prepares to lead 66611 on the 6A74 Fairwater Yard - Bishops Lydeard HOBC Spent ballast trip (Photo:Kevin Wills)

28-11-06 Part of the HOBC control unit can be seen detached from the main train in Fairwater Yard for servicing. (Photo: Kevin Wills)

20-01-07 73133 was deliverd to Fairwater Yard by low loader. The loco has spent it's last 6 months in Preservation on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. It's owned by a private individual and the loco has now been contracted to be the Fairwater Yard shunter for the next three years. (Photo: With permission and under supervison, please do not trespass on Network Rail Property)

20-01-07 73133 was deliverd to Fairwater Yard by low loader. The loco has spent it's last 6 months in Preservation on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. It's owned by a private individual and the loco has now been contracted to be the Fairwater Yard shunter for the next three years. (Photo: With permission and under supervison, please do not trespass on Network Rail Property)

15-03-07 The new inspection pit can ben seen being constructed on Road 7 (Photo: Jeff Treece)

15-03-07 The new inspection pit can ben seen being constructed on Road 7 (Photo: Jeff Treece)

15-03-07 The new inspection pit can ben seen being constructed on Road 7 (Photo: Jeff Treece)

15-03-07 The new inspection pit can ben seen being constructed on Road 7 (Photo: Jeff Treece)

66525 and 66619 prepare to depart back to Kingsland Road light enigne having arrived with the HOBC

66525 and 66619 prepare to depart back to Kingsland Road light enigne having arrived with the HOBC

66526 stabled between duties

73133 posing in good light at the South end of Fairwater Yard, moved becuase of the construction of an inspection pit in Road 7

11-04-07 The new Inspection Pit and Covered Canopy are under construction with Plasser Tamper DR77903 'Frank Jones' also on site (Photo: Jeff Treece)

11-04-07 66582 is seen on Yard Shunting Duties (Photo: Jeff Treece)

14-04-07 47853 'Rail Express' approches Silk Mills slowing to wait for access onto the West Somerset Railway with 'Compass Railtours' 1Z41 Preston - Minehead excursion. 47847 was on the rear of the train.

14-04-07 47847 brings up the rear of 'Compass Railtours' 1Z41 Preston - Minehead excursion at Silk Mills

14-04-07 47840 passes Fairwater Yard and Silk Mills with the 5Z72 Derby Litchurch Lane - Laira stock move, conveying more refurbished Mk3 coaches for First Great Western

14-04-07 73133 had been moved away from Road 7 to allow for work building the covered maintainance area. She is seen in a more photograhable position within the yard

14-04-07 erection of the new servicing facility in Fairwater Yard is now well underway with the covered canopy currently being constructed

14-04-07 erection of the new servicing facility in Fairwater Yard is now well underway with the covered canopy currently being constructed

24-07-07 73133 is seen parked on Fairwater Yard South headshunt adjacent to the yard entrance (Photo: Ben Wheeler)

04-08-07 66610 and 66620 are seen stabled at the South end of Fairwater Yard

04-08-07 66610 is seen stabled in Fairwater Yard next to one of the HOBC control vehicles

04-08-07 Fairwater Yard

04-08-07 66623 66531 66520 & 66625 are all seen stabled in Fairwater Yard

04-08-07 66615 is seen stabled at the North end of Fairwater Yard on a rake of new sleepers, while 66625 66520 66531 and 66623 are all stabled in the background

04-08-07 Fairwater Yard with 66610 and 66620 between duties

04-08-07 31454 passes 73133 while working the 1Z39 14:05 Bristol TM - Minehead service

04-08-07 73133 is now loacated at the South End Headshunt of Fairwater Yard

11-08-07 73133 stands at the South end of Fairwater Yard stabled on the Southern headshunt

11-08-07 A general view of Fairwater Yard from Silk Mills. 66560 66623 66625 and 66624 were all ocoupants of the yard on this date.

11-08-07 Valenta Fitted 43132 races South through Silk Mills with 43129 MTU trailing passing 73133 at the South end of Fairwater Yard

11-08-07 6024 'King Edward 1st' works 'The Torbay Express' South through Silk Mills having made it's scheduled pick up at Taunton, passing 73133 at the South end of Fairwater Yard

11-08-07 33202 worked the 0Z33 09:00 Bristol TM - Buckfastleigh (South Devon Railway) follwoing 6024 'King Edward 1st' on the Torbay Express' The loco is due to be repainted into BR Blue livery while under the care of the Devon Diesel Group

11-08-07 33202 worked the 0Z33 09:00 Bristol TM - Buckfastleigh (South Devon Railway) it's seen passing another Southern Reigon locomtive in the shape of 73133 stabled at the bottom end of Fairwater Yard

30-09-7 66725 stands at the North end of Fairwater Yard on a rare daylight appearance for the 4V11 Peterborough - Fairwater Yard sleeper service. The loco worked down to Taunton during the mid afternoon on Sunday the 30th September, it's seen here actually ready to depart back to Peterborough still complete with 1/2 it's load!

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sat Apr 4 2009 Creech St Michael 2005 Xmas Engineering http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c806396.html From late on Boxing Day 2005 Network Rail began a large week long closure of the mainline between Taunton Station and Cogload Jn. This gallery has been set up to record the activities and works taking place during the week long track replacement scheme! Monday 26 December 2005: From late on Boxing Day 2005 Network Rail began a large week long closure of the mainline between Taunton Station and Cogload Jn. This gallery has been set up to record the activities and works taking place during the week long track replacement scheme!

26-12-05 23:20 66188 is seen in Creech Village with the first works train to enter the site. The 6W51 19:51 Westbury - Cogload Jn is seen having it's three OBA wagons unloaded. The train is facing North ready to depart to Bristol once loaded with track.

26-12-05 66188 is seen from the ocupation bridge in Creech St Michael, with Taunton in the background

26-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 11:30pm

26-12-05 23:30. The view from home of the works site. To the left is Creech Village and to the right is towards Taunton

27-12-05 Creech looking towards Taunton at 10am

27-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 10am

27-12-05 59202 on the 6W52 Westbury - Cogload Jn is seen being loaded with spoil. It's 30 loaded JNA's will weigh around 2700 tons when full.

27-12-05 Workmen are seen securing track panels to Salmon wagons at Charlton on the 6W51 Westbury - Cogload Jn (66188). 59205 with 6W52 can be seen in the distance

27-12-05 66188 is seen waiting to leave the engineering blockade at Charlton, once it's load was secured and checked for being in guage the train was allowed to depart to Westbury via Bristol TM

27-12-05 66188 makes a quiet and un-noticable departure from Charlton with the 6W51 heading for Westbury via Bristol

27-12-05 59205 smokes it's way forward at Charlton ready to leave the engineering blockade and proceed to Westbury via Bridgwater following 66188

27-12-05 A view of a loaded JNA 'Falcon' loaded with spoil at Cogload Jn

27-12-05 59202 and it's train the 6W52 can be seen from the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal

27-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 3pm

27-12-05 Creech looking towards Taunton at 3pm

28-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 10:00am

28-12-05 Creech looking towards Taunton at 10:00am

28-12-05 66001 is seen in the distance on the 6W56 Fairwater Yard - Taunton (For Creech) engineers. A train consisting of Side Tipping Auto Ballasters. The train is seen in Creech tipping its remaining load around 2pm

28-12-05 66180 and 66210 arrive into Creech with the 6W57 12:08 Exeter Riverside - Taunton engineers. The train conveyed new sleepers to be set into place overnight.

28-12-05 66210 can be seen in the distance while the first sleepers are unloaded and set into position under the Creech road bridge

28-12-05 66210 is seen from the Creech road bridge, parked near the site of the old 'Creech Halt' Station!

28-12-05 A Flat wagon with new sleepers stacked ready to unload onto the new track bed

28-12-05 A Hydrex Caterpiller Slew unloads the first sleepers from the 6W57 12:08 Exeter Riverside - Taunton engineers. After this shot was taken the digger promptly failed with a hydraulic fault and a new thunderbird digger had to be found, while the digger pictured was driven into the undergrowth out of the way!

28-12-05 in the low winter light, 66180 stands just East of the Creech ocupation bridge with the 6W57 from Exeter

28-12-05 66180 sits idel, while a 'Thunderbird' digger passes after the original Hydrex Digger unloading sleepers failed!

28-12-05 Creech looking towards Taunton at 7:00pm

28-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 7:00pm

28-12-05 Shot of the works so far was 66210 on the rear of the 6W57 12:08 Exeter Riverside - Taunton engineers. 66180 was on the other end, they were in T&T formation. This shot was taken at 19:00 from the Creech Ocupation Bridge

29-12-05 Creech looking towards Taunton at 11:00am

29-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 11:00am

29-12-05 66038 works the 6W59 Westbury - Taunton 'Autoballaster' over the new line dropping new ballast

29-12-05 66038 works the 6W59 Westbury - Taunton 'Autoballaster' over the new line dropping new ballast

29-12-05 16:00 and the final top layer of ballast is dropped on top of the new line, it can be seen dispencing as 66038 pulls the train under the Creech ocupation bridge

29-12-05 Creech looking towards Bristol at 4:00pm

29-12-05 Creech looking towards Taunton at 4:00pm. At this point just 20hrs of tamping and stressing is required before handover on New Years Eve!

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Mon Dec 26 2005 The Somerset Levels Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c727009.html The Somerset Levels covers any photos taken between Langport and Cogload Jn on the Berks and Hants route to and from Westbury Friday 2 May 2008: The Somerset Levels covers any photos taken between Langport and Cogload Jn on the Berks and Hants route to and from Westbury

09-07-05 67028 powers the 1Z68 Paington - London Euston 'Eden Ex' back through Oath.

23-07-05 D1015 powers the 1Z52 London Paddington - Penzance tour through Oath

15-10-05 50031 Hood, and 50049 Defiance are seen passing Oath on the Somerset Levels with the 1Z84 Ashford - Paington excursion, 60009 'Union of South Aftrica' later returned the tour to Westbury where the 50's took over for the return trip to Ashford

28-08-06 40145 works the 1Z40 Ealing Broadway - Penzance charter for Pathfinder Tours, the tour was a bit of a flop and only had 7 coaches attached due to poor ticket sales. High ticket prices and a stupidly early departure time from London are thought to have been contributing factors!

23-11-06 43093 paints the picture of FGW's undecided livery policy while working the 07:35 Plymouth - Paddington through Oath

23-11-06 33029 from West Coast Railways is seen hauling 850 'Lord Nelson' through Oath. The 5Z46 from Bishops Lydeard was to move 850 to the East Lancashire Railway to enable the fitting of it's mainline electronics equipment such as OMTR and TPWS

23-11-06 221120 heads East working the Virgin Trains Plymouth - Glasgow service. The train was diverted over the Somerset Levels because of engineering work between Cogload Jn and Bristol

19-10-07 43125 leads 43024 East through Oath with an early morning Plymouth - Paddington service

20-08-08 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' heads the 1Z83 Exeter - London Victoria towards the Capital with 'The Cathedrals Express' seen passing Oath on the Somerset Levels

02-05-09 66602 heads a rake of JNA's East through Oath with an engineers returning to Westbury from Bridgwater

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Fri May 2 2008 Taunton Station Enhancements! http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c652511.html Plans have been unveiled detailing the latest round of improvements being made to Taunton Station's car parking layouts and bus interchange facilities. Taunton's growth as a commuter town has lead to the station parking facilities being inadequate for their intended use. It's also the intention of the council to use the station as a transport interchange/ hub. 70 new car parking spaces will be provided on the down side of the station together with a new access road. On the up side of the station a new through route will be created for buses from Killkenny Court together with improved access and walkways for pedestrians. Sunday 14 August 2005: Plans have been unveiled detailing the latest round of improvements being made to Taunton Station's car parking layouts and bus interchange facilities. Taunton's growth as a commuter town has lead to the station parking facilities being inadequate for their intended use. It's also the intention of the council to use the station as a transport interchange/ hub. 70 new car parking spaces will be provided on the down side of the station together with a new access road. On the up side of the station a new through route will be created for buses from Killkenny Court together with improved access and walkways for pedestrians.

Taunton Station (Down Side) Exisiting

Taunton Station (Down Side) Proposed

Taunton Station (Up Side) Exisiting

Taunton Station (Up Side) Proposed

30-09-05 Taunton Station with the new entrance and bus lane. However several design issues have already been spotted within the design and layut of the new road system. Namly the exit from the station is a bus lane. However it's not marked up as such therefore cars are using it as a through route! (Photo: Jeff Treece)

30-09-05 Taunton Station with the new entrance and bus lane. However several design issues have already been spotted within the design and layut of the new road system. Namly the exit from the station is a bus lane. However it's not marked up as such therefore cars are using it as a through route! (Photo: Jeff Treece)

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sun Aug 14 2005 Taunton 'Retro Gallery' http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c609983.html For many years now while running Taunton Trains I've collected many photos and images which have been sent to me by various people from all over the country. It's been decided 'The Retro Gallery' will include a large selection of these images all credited to those people who originally took the photographs. They feature trains in and around the Taunton area taken during any period before the year 2000. Should anyone wish to contribute to this gallery please Email me : b.garrett@tiscali.co.uk Tuesday 14 August 2007: For many years now while running Taunton Trains I've collected many photos and images which have been sent to me by various people from all over the country. It's been decided 'The Retro Gallery' will include a large selection of these images all credited to those people who originally took the photographs. They feature trains in and around the Taunton area taken during any period before the year 2000. Should anyone wish to contribute to this gallery please Email me : b.garrett@tiscali.co.uk

16-10-77 40081 and 40083 are seen returning the 'Deltic to Devon, Crompton to Cornwall' railtour through Taunton. The Deltic haulage for the tour didn't happen so two Class 40's were provided (Photo: Steve Awford)

05-03-78 55003 is seen passing Taunton with the re-run of the Deltic Ranger heading South at 40 Steps (Photo: Les Awford)

10-06-78 50031 passes Silk Mills near Taunton with the 1A03 13:45 Plymouth - Paddington (Photo: Steve Awford)

10-06-78 50036 races past Rockwell Green with the 1B44 0930 Padd to Penzance (Photo: Steve Awford)

10-06-78 50048 passes Rockwell Green (Photo: Steve Awford)

06-08-79 43026 and 43027 head the first of the Summer Services through Taunton working the 11:30 Paddington - Penzance running the standard 20 minutes late! (Photo: Steve Awford)

22-08-80 25301 and 25290 stand at Taunton working a Wolverhapton - Paignton service! (Photo: Terry Harper)

22-08-80 A BR Blue HST races through Taunton under the Semaphores, the rear powercar was 253030 (Photo: Terry Harper)

22-08-80 45066 approches Taunton under the signal gantry with a Plymouth - Manchester Piccadilly service (Photo: Terry Harper)

13-07-83 08491 is seen pusing 45052 back into Taunton Sation after it failed on a North bound service (Photo: Gary Parsons)

25-07-83 33115 passes Silk Mills Signal Box with the 6V77 Fawley - Plymouth oil. (Photo: Andy Hunt)

28-12-83 31307 and 31305 call at Taunton working the 3S05 Up Parcels (Photo: Rowlie)

18-05-84 43172 departs Taunton heading South with a Paddington - Plymouth service (Photo: Andy Hunt)

15th February 1985, 45037 is seen parked in the Bay Platform next to Railway Street, note the snow, somthing we don't tend to get so much of in the Winter any more! (Photo: Pete Rowland)

31288 is seen parked in the old 'Chard Bay' during the Summer of 1985 with a couple of redundant mail vans (Photo: Pete Rowland)

27-04-86 Driver Des Alderton shunts 08839 while Bill Longman stroles along the platform during a weekend engineering blockade (Photo: Steve Awford)

08-06-86 20011 and 20054 stand at Taunton working the original 'Chopper Topper' railtour. The 1Z36 from Wolverhampton operated by F&W Railtours (The precurser to Pathfinder) was booked to go to Penzance. The tour never made it because of the derailment of 37196 South of Truro. Instead the tour took in the Falmouth Branch using 37207. (Photo: Rowlie)

14-08-86 The clear up operation starts after an overnight cement train derails at Cogload Jn. 37304 is seen with the Exeter breakdown train (Photo: Paul Clarke)

19-08-86 37304 and 47144 are seen parked at Cogload Jn during the Cement Derailment of 1986 during the clear up operation (Photo: Andy Hunt)

31-08-86 20124+20094 arrive at Taunton with the 'Chopper Topper' Railtour in the days when Pathfinder were still in their infancy! (Photo: John Mills)

31-08-86 20124+20094 are seen working 'The Chopper Topper' railtour from Wolverhapton - Penzance through Creech St Michael on the 'Up Main' heading South! (Photo: Paul Clarke)

31406 is seen in Platform 6 ready to form the Taunton - Bristol stopping service. Maybe one day we will see Wessex Trains recreate this service! (Photo: Dave Jones)

It's not often that Taunton has been visited by Hastings 'Thumpers' over the years. But 1017 is seen here on a specail excursion can anyone confirm the date? (Photo: Dave Jones)

Many have seen this photo previously on Taunton Trains. A Classic view of a BR liveried HST departing Taunton under the gantrys at Obridge (Photo: Dave Jones)

A UID HST races north on the four track mainline at Cogload. Note the track workers complete with flat cap and no hi vis! (Photo: Ian Baikie)

31127+31275+08801! are seen at Cogload Jn on an engineering train. This rare shot of a Class 08 out on the mainline has to be one of the rarest I've seen! (Photo: Ian Baikie)

7th June 1988 37675 and 37674 are seen passing Charlton with the up evening Speedlink service (Photo: Derek Garrett)

May 1989, the Pioneer Class 37 D6700 (37350) is seen at Taunton ready to depart with the 13:00 Taunton - Bristol stopping service! (Photo: Kevin Copham)

12-08-89 31467+31426 stopped on the Up Main at Taunton on 1M37 the 08:40 Paignton - Manchester on Saturday12th August 1989. They were held here for another train to pass on the up relief (hauled by a 47). Both trains were booked to call at Taunton. (Photo: John Mills)

13-08-89 31467 and 31426 are seen at Taunton (Photo: Norman Richards)

31462+31464 on 28th August 1989, pull away from Taunton passing the bottom end of Fairwater Yard, working a 1V45 Man. Picc to Paignton summer relief service (Photo: Jeff Treece)

16-09-89 31417 is seen parked on Shed at Taunton (Photo: Darren Harris)

15-07-90 47543 passes Taunton on 1C90 the 14:20 Bristol - Plymouth vans (Photo: John Mills)

22-07-90 47463 heads the 1C90 the 14:20 Bristol - Plymouth vans. (Photo: John Mills)

12-08-90 47468 passes Taunton on the 1C90 the 14:20 Bristol - Plymouth vans (Photo: John Mills)

02-09-90 47549 passes Taunton on the 1C90 the 14:20 Bristol - Plymouth vans (Photo: John Mills)

09-09-90 47479 passes Taunton on the 1C90 the 14:20 Bristol - Plymouth vans (Photo: John Mills)

25-01-91 37054 and 37083 pass Taunton on a South Bound engineers train (Photo: Darren Harris)

13-09-91 and what a sight, 37372 tows D1062 and D1013 to the West Somerset Railway (Photo: Darren Harris)

14-09-91 47490 passes Taunton on a Plymouth - Liverpool service (Photo: John Mills)

29-04-94 37010 leads 31116, 50031,D212 and 55001 South through Cogload Jn heading for the Exeter Railfair (Photo: Andy Hunt)

30-04-94 37197 leads D120, 83012, and 85101 South through Cogload Jn heading to the Exeter Raifair (Photo: Andy Hunt)

A Classic BR Photo from Taunton, 45146 prepares to depart Taunton, note the semaphores still in place, and the West Signal Box! (Photo: Dave Jones)

50025 departs Taunton under the signal gantry (Photo: Dave Jones)

10th May 1975 D1034 Western Dragoon pases Silk Mills on the approch to Taunton on a North Bound Paddington service

50015 is seen passing Norton Fitwarren on a ballast train, probably originating from Meldon Quarry heading for Westbury, taken from the old footbridge at Norton (Photo: Dave Jones)

50032 again piloting 50042 on a Bristol East Yard - Exeter Riverside engineers through Norton Fitzwarren on 9th August 1990

September 1989 and 50027 'Lion' is seen about to roar away from Taunton while dragging the 07:52 Penzance - Paddington (Photo: Kevin Copham)

Another classic view of a 47 coming out of the North Yard at Taunton while a Class 50 departs on a passenger service for Paddington (Photo: Dave Jones)

45104 is seen paused at Taunton while heading South to Devon (Photo: Dave Jones)

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Tue Aug 14 2007 The Silk Mill's Bridge Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c458586.html Photo's charting the progress of the new bridge bring built at Silk Mills in Taunton over the Main Line. It's situated to the West of Taunton Station. The Silk Mills Road in recnent years has become somewhat of a car park at times. With traffic having to que for over a mile in each direction during busy train periods. This new scheme will provide not only an ease in congestion, but a new photgraph location! The 'Big Lift' is dur during the early part of April with the full bridge opening in August. Work on the bridge is ongoing 24hrs a day 7 days a week in order for it to keep on schedule. Photo's shown are by various contributors! Saturday 14 April 2007: Photo's charting the progress of the new bridge bring built at Silk Mills in Taunton over the Main Line. It's situated to the West of Taunton Station. The Silk Mills Road in recnent years has become somewhat of a car park at times. With traffic having to que for over a mile in each direction during busy train periods. This new scheme will provide not only an ease in congestion, but a new photgraph location! The 'Big Lift' is dur during the early part of April with the full bridge opening in August. Work on the bridge is ongoing 24hrs a day 7 days a week in order for it to keep on schedule. Photo's shown are by various contributors!

Silk Mills corssing in the 1980's (Photo: Dave Jones)

Silk Mills corssing in the 1980's (Photo: Dave Jones)

03-02-05 The First Bridge Stantion begins to take shape as it's shuttering is added for the casting of the concrete (Photo: Jeff Treece)

03-02-05 The First Bridge Stantion begins to take shape as it's shuttering is added for the casting of the concrete (Photo: Jeff Treece)

03-02-05 The First Bridge Stantion begins to take shape as it's shuttering is added for the casting of the concrete (Photo: Jeff Treece)

03-02-05 The First Bridge Stantion begins to take shape as it's shuttering is added for the casting of the concrete (Photo: Jeff Treece)

21-02-05 Casting more concrete next to the old war time pill box which has now been preserved (Photo: Jeff Treece)

21-02-05 the first stantion is more than evident at the crossing (Photo: Jeff Treece)

21-02-05 the first stantion is more than evident at the crossing (Photo: Jeff Treece)

21-02-05 Barriers down at the crossing (Photo: Jeff Treece)

22-03-05 The New birdge takes shape next to the Silk Mills Road (Photo: Jeff Treece)

22-03-05 Here the bridge is seen being welded together nexr to the crossing (Photo: Jeff Treece)

22-03-05 One of the two large piers constructed to take the weight of the new bridge (Photo: Jeff Treece)

22-03-05 Close up of the bridge (Photo: Jeff Treece)

26-03-05 A Virgin Voyager speeds past the queing traffic. This of course will be a thing of the past once the new bridge is operational in August! (Photo:The Creech Crusader)

26-03-05 The full sized bridge is now very apparent next to the main road! (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

26-03-05 The finished pier ready to take the bridge during the big lift in a few weeks time (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

26-03-05 Silk Mills Road has changed somewhat in recent weeks! (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

26-03-05 The War Time centery box found during the unearthing, this is now to be preserved (Photo:The Creech Crusader)

26-03-05 A Class 150 races over the crossing, with the new bridge being built in the background (Photo:The Creech Crusader)

02-04-05 This amazing image was captured by Jeff Treece as this American Cadilac returned from it's MOT with just 33000 miles on the clock, posting next to the Big Red Bridge (Photo: Jeff Treece)

01-04-05 The night before the BIG LIFT and the Crane is almost complete one site

01-04-05 The night before the lift. Tomorrow the bridge will be in position!

01-04-05 The night before the BIG LIFT and the Crane is almost complete one site

01-04-05 The night before the BIG LIFT and the Crane is almost complete one site

02-04-05 Staff on site prepare for the lift to begin (Photo: Nigel Farrow)

02-04-05 the Bridge is almost lifted into Position

02-04-05 9:40am and the big lift takes place. The bridge is seen ready to be dropped into place (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

02-04-05 'Take the Strain' the bridge is lifted from it's construction site by the 90m high crane (Photo: Nigel Farrow)

02-04-05 'Up Up and away' The new structure floats it's way slowly to it's new home. Seen hovering over the mainline (Photo: Nigel Farrow)

02-04-05 The new location for the new bridge. Perched high above the mainline and next to the current Silk Mills road (Photo: Nigel Farrow)

07-08-05 and what better way to view the work site that from the top of a London Routemaster!

07-08-05 and what better way to view the work site that from the top of a London Routemaster!

07-08-05 and what better way to view the work site that from the top of a London Routemaster!

07-08-05 and what better way to view the work site that from the top of a London Routemaster!

15-01-06 The completed bridge is seen now in place and in full operation, the main road which used to cross the railway is now closed and the crossing is decomissioned

15-01-06 The completed bridge is seen now in place and in full operation, the main road which used to cross the railway is now closed and the crossing is decomissioned

15-01-06 The old route over Silk Mills crossing is now closed and the barriers usually remain in the down position.

15-01-06 The now amusing photo......a lonley Gatso cut off from the road network no longer able to provide any use to the Police!

15-01-06 The completed bridge is seen now in place and in full operation, the main road which used to cross the railway is now closed and the crossing is decomissioned

15-01-06 The completed bridge is seen now in place and in full operation, the main road which used to cross the railway is now closed and the crossing is decomissioned

15-01-06 The completed bridge is seen now in place and in full operation, the main road which used to cross the railway is now closed and the crossing is decomissioned

14-04-07 The route of the old Silk Mills Road is now all but gone!

14-04-07 The route of the old Silk Mills Road is now all but gone!

14-04-07 The old Silk Mills railway crossing is still partially retained in order to allow Road Rail equipment to access the mainline

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sat Apr 14 2007 The 'Bathpool' Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c443580.html A selection of photos from the Bathpool and Broomhey areas of Taunton. Bathpool is situated on the A38 just next to Creech Castle Traffic Lights and the back of Hankridge Retail Park. It offers good views in the up and down directions, however the A38 is a VERY busy road and traffic may be a problem if you wish to use video. Sunday 16 July 2006: A selection of photos from the Bathpool and Broomhey areas of Taunton. Bathpool is situated on the A38 just next to Creech Castle Traffic Lights and the back of Hankridge Retail Park. It offers good views in the up and down directions, however the A38 is a VERY busy road and traffic may be a problem if you wish to use video.

06-02-05 66210 stands on procession at Bathpool with the 6W16 Westbury - Taunton engineers

06-02-05 66197 stands on procession at Hyde Crossing

20-02-05 66002 stands at Bathpool on the 6W31 Taunton - Exeter. 66020 is at the head of the Train

12-03-05 43189 passes Bathpool on the approch to Taunton

A 180 passes with an Exeter - Paddington service through Bathpool

12-03-05 6024 'King Edward 1st' passes Bathpool with the 1Z42 Chester - Minehead Special, with 50049 'Defiance' dead on the rear of the Train

28-05-05 D1015 roars past BAthpool with the 1A52 Kingswear - Paddington return railtour, also of note were the two made individuals stood on the bridge in their wedding suits photographing this beast!

12-03-05 50049 heads the 1Z50 Minehead - Watford charter back through Bathpool (Photo: Adam Hiscock)

16-07-06 6024 'King Edward 1st' passes Bathpool with the 1Z28 Kingswear - Bristol TM 'The Torbay Express'

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sun Jul 16 2006 The 'Banklands' Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c284984.html Banklands is a little known location to the north of Cogload Jn, it's only good for Down afternoon trains in general. As most trains use the Berks and Hants these days, it's easy to see why it's little visited! However from time to time, it's a nice location to use, and is good for down photos around 14:30 onwards most days. Altough being in a cutting shadows can often cause problems if your a fussy photter! Monday 25 May 2009: Banklands is a little known location to the north of Cogload Jn, it's only good for Down afternoon trains in general. As most trains use the Berks and Hants these days, it's easy to see why it's little visited! However from time to time, it's a nice location to use, and is good for down photos around 14:30 onwards most days. Altough being in a cutting shadows can often cause problems if your a fussy photter!

12/09/04 saw 4 Freightliner Class 47's enter the West Country in one day. Moving stored Midland Mainline HST's between Longsight (Manchester) and Laira (Plymouth) for use with First Great Western. 47150 is seen working the 5Z16 Longsight - Laira at Banklands with 43088+43180 in tow.

47812 was the second of the four Class 47's to be used. The Ex Virgin 47 is seen towing 43195+43196 through Banklands. With 153368 heading to Bristol

04-06-05 43157 and 43193 are seen working the 1V49 09:41 Newcastle - Newquay down though Banklands on a 'Summer Saturday' working

23-07-05 43080 (Complete with smashed headlight) pass Banklands with the 1V29 Manchester - Newquay extra HST service.

23-07-05 43117 (With modified light clusters) pass Banklands with the 1E33 Paington - Newcastle service

11-02-06 59206 can be seen in an engineering blockade at Banklands, with 59203 also parked behind. The down mainline was being replaced over several weekends.

15-04-06 43070 is seen leading Hornby Liveried 43087 South through Banklands with the 1Z27 08:00 Gloucester - Penzance tour run by Cotswold

15-04-06 43078 ad 43070 head South at Banklands with the 1Z27 08:00 Gloucster - Penzance Railtour

21-04-07 158766 in Northern Spirit colours heads North to Bristol Temple Meads from Taunton

21-04-07 A double Voyager set heads North through Banklands

21-04-07 67023 and 67026 double head the 1Z96 Hooton - Plymouth tour South through Banklands on the approach to Taunton

26-05-07 43052 leads 43066 South through Banklands with the 1V49 Newcastle - Newquay service for Virgin Trains during the first week of the Summer Saturday services

28-07-07 31454 races South with 31452 working the 1Z39 14:05 Bristol TM - Minehead 'Butlins Express' service through Banklands on the approch to Cogload Jn

28-07-07 43072 and 43075 in Midland Mainline colours work South with the 1V49 Manchester Picc - Newquay Summer Saturday Virgin Trains service

31-05-08 43007 leads 43184 South through Banklands with the 1V49 Manchester - Newquay for Cross Country Trains

04-06-08 60082 'Man Tor' (Named one side only) makes a rare appearance on the 6B99 St Blazey - Newport ADJ scrap/ clay service. Having just swapped crews at Taunton a Newport driver returns to Wales with his train. The service seen passing Banklands heading North.

10-08-08 After the cancellation of 5029 Nunny Castle and then 6024 King Edward 1st, 34067 Tangmere finally rolled up to work the 1Z27 Bristol TM - Kingswear 'Torbay Express'. It's seen here on the approch to Banklands heading South

02-01-09 January 2nd saw the start of the Firstgroup Class 67 loco hauled diagrams between Taunton and Cardiff after the Christmas and New Year Breaks.

16-05-09 150127 passes Banklands with a Bristol to Taunton stopping service

16-05-09 37670 leads 37401 North through Banklands with the 1Z74 Par - Crewe charter operated by Pathfinder Railtours. 'The Cornish Parker' took in the Parkandillack Branch earlier in the day before returning to Crewe.

25-05-09 67017 running slightly behind schedule belts South through Banklands with the 2C79 14:00 Caardiff - Taunton

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Mon May 25 2009 The Jeff Treece Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c266221.html Jeff is another more 'mature' member of the Taunton Railfan Community. He's also been photographing at Taunton long before I was in short trousers and has many a tale to tell of long evenings spent waiting for trains at the end of Platforms 2 and 5! I'll let his photo's tell the story! Sunday 28 January 2007: Jeff is another more 'mature' member of the Taunton Railfan Community. He's also been photographing at Taunton long before I was in short trousers and has many a tale to tell of long evenings spent waiting for trains at the end of Platforms 2 and 5! I'll let his photo's tell the story!

GWR 150 and 5051 leads 7029 way from Taunton passing Obridge. 01-09-85

An old time classic of a Class 45 on shed at Taunton (When we still had a shed!)

A Class 45 passes 40 Steps Taunton on a north bound parcels.

Another Class 45 posing in the light at Taunton, before the orange glow of new station lighting!

Wrong kind of Snow? Infact this wasn't snow it was pack ice, so thick they required mallets at Laira to get it off.

47665 on 02-05-87 working a 12:55 Exeter - Newcastle arriving at Taunton

13-02-88 50010 working another famous 'Taunton Stopper' tern, this time on 13-02-88

17-02-88 37055 A Typical 'Taunton' scene...Tractors and Cider!

05-03-88 50024 with a pruple sunset to compliment another Taunton - Bristol stopping train on 05-03-88

03-03-88 33027 using what used to be the Taunton 'Avoider' now acting as a head shunt for Fairwater Yard

50032 here is seen on an engineers exiting Fairwater Yard in it's Netwrok Southeast livery

A BR Blue Class 37 on the Exmouth Jn Coal (Possibly 37131) at Norton Fitzwarren

A Class 33 on the Bristol - Taunton stopper. Typical BR scene 'Driver with Cloth cap'!

50047 and a Class 31 posing at Taunton on a dull winters night

31-03-89 50020 works North at Cogload Jn with a ballast from Meldon heading for Westbury. Note also the lack of lineside vegitation!!

50008 passes 40 Steps from Fairwater Yard in April 1989. with a section of concrete manufactured at the Taunton Concrete Plant loacted to the East of Taunton Station

April 1989 50016 in April 1989 with some amazingly old looking vans waiting departure from Fairwater Yard

12-08-89 50004 50040 50037 are seen at the South end of Fairwater Yard. The locos were working a Bristol Bath Road - Laira light engine move, and were pulled over in Fairwater Yard to let 31434 and 31466 pass by with the Manchester - Paignton service.

50019 is seen passing Taunton with a single coach in tow and some cranks on board?

Another classic 50 shot 'Taunton by night' The bashers have been confirmed as:Les Cork(left), Andy Rowlands(middle), Jan Howlett(right). Many thanks to Andy Rowlands

50008 at the bottom end of Fairwater Yard shunting wagons in the days Fairwater was acutally used to shunt wagons and not just store them!

18-03-90 50033 pulls away from a crew change at Taunton working a Paddington - Plymouth Sunday afternoon ECS

14-04-90 50015 arrives into Fairwater Yard with rake of ballast box wagons in tow. Note the loco is fitted with snow ploughs at the time.

02-06-90 50024 'Vanguard' passes Cogload Jn with a Summer Saturday holiday train from London Paddington

11-02-91 47813 in Intercity colours arrives from Bridgwater into Fairwater Yard with a selection of wagons. After shunting the loco formed the 14:00 Taunton - Bescot 'Speedlink' service at 14:25.

14-02-91 47481 exits Fairwater Yard with the 14:00 Fairwater - Bescot 'Speedlink' service while a UID Class 47 heads North on a Cross Country Plymuth - Manchester service (13:56 Ex Taunton) (Photo: Jeff Treece)

11-02-91 08849 is seen shunting a selection of wagons into Fairwater Yard passing under 40 Steps

26-02-91 This very rare image could have been taken in Scotland, but it's actually Taunton East. On the 26th Feb 1991 a Scotrail liveried Intercity Class 47 (47492) is seen exceptionally off teritory, towing Railfreight Petroleum 37359 South through Taunton on thedown mainline. At the time of this image 47492 was named 'The Enterprising Scot'.

26-02-91 Newly registered 60008 arrives into Taunton on test with a rake of Yeoman PGA hoppers bound for Fairwater Yard. The loco later ended up in Platform 1 (See the Platform 1 Gallery)

17-03-91 D1010 'Western Campainger' pulls away from Crowcombe Heathfield on the West Somerset Railway (but running as D1035 'Western Yeoman') during a WSR Diesel Weekend

02-05-93 37010 passes Norton Fitwarren with a ballast train/ engineers from Meldon Quarry. This image was taken from the old footbridge which doesn't exist any more

31-05-93 56076 works through Taunton with the 6B19 Exeter City Basin - Cardiff Tidal scrap train

November 1993, 56060 pilots a UID Class 37 (Possibly 263 or 254?) on the 6B19 Exeter City Basin - Cardiff Tidal scrap

03-04-94 37521 leads the Pathfinder Tour ' The Pixie' South through Taunton passing Staplegrove Road Bridge. The 1Z37 09:10 Bristol - Sandplace visited the Gunnislake Branch, and Moorswater Branch. Saldy 37521 failed at Plymouth after arriving back from Calstock and the Moorswater branch was not complete. 37688 hauled the train back North from Plymouth with 521 Dead in tow. A re-run was organized for the 23rd October 94

09-04-94 60033 (Pre British Steel and Corus Livery) works North through Taunton with the 6B22 Heathfeild - Waterston TEA Oil Tanks in tow.

10-04-94 37010 powers up as it leaves Fairwater Yard with a loaded ballast train. Probably heading for Westbury

03-03-95 With a splattering of snow on the ground 43023 leads 43130 into Taunton on a Paddington - Plymouth service

05-03-95 33116 departs Taunton with an 'Ocean Liner Express' railtour working from London Waterloo to Minehead

Triple Tractors at Cogload Jn 37674 leads two others in full sun!

04-02-98 37883 leads 37884 through 40 Steps, Taunton with the 7C28 Exeter Riverside - Merehead stone empties

47004 toes a UID Class 37 through 40 Steps

King of sums things up in 2003 47/7's are reduced to stock moves, seen passing 40 steps.

58020 also known as 'Pet Bone' to a certain Kernow Kid is seen on it's last ever working before withdrawl from service

Another Classic and long gone photo Triple Royal Mail 47's on the down 12:50 to Plymouth.

60004 this time 'Pet Tug' is seen passing 40 Steps Taunton with the 6V70 Cliffe Vale - St Blazey

73096 15-03-03 and a stunning glint shot from Bathpool looing towards Taunton.

09-10-03 56's are were rare in Taunton but one or two did creap down when the points failed at Bridgwater. 09-10-03 and 56103 makes a smoking departure from 40 Steps

18-03-90 47628 passes Taunton on the down main working the Sunday afternoon 1C90 Bristol - Plymouth vans. 47628 was previously painted in GWR 150 Green and named 'Sir Daniel Gooch'. Sadley when it was repainted into Mainline Intercity the nameplates were removed. 47628 was also an authentic Western Reigon Class 47, and was only cut up in March 2006!

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sun Jan 28 2007 Platform 1 (Taunton Station) http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c260727.html I HAVE SET UP THIS SECTION TO LOOK AT THE MANY VARIED VISITORS WHICH HAVE TAKEN UP RESIDENCE IN PLATFORM 1 AT TAUNTON OVER THE YEARS. NOW FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NO IDEA OF WHERE PLATFORM 1 IS AT THE STATION, OR OF IT'S SIGNIFICANCE THEN HERE IS A SHORT EXPLANATION. PLATFORM 1 IS SITUATED AT THE SOUTHERN END OF PLATFORM 2 AND IS A BAY PLATFORM ON THE DOWN SIDE OF THE STATION. IT GIVES ACCESS TO FAIRWATER YARD AND THE MAIN LINE TO EXETER AND IN YEARS GONE BY WAS ALSO USED TO STABLE TRAINS READY TO DEPART TO BARNSTAPLE AND MINEHEAD! BELOW ARE MANY OF THE PHOTO'S TAKEN FROM MANY DIFFERENT CONTRIBUTORS (MY THANKS TO YOU ALL KEEP THEM COMING!!!!) IF YOU HAVE ANY I DON'T HAVE, OR INDEED ANY SIGHTINGS OF LOCOS/TAMPERS OR EVEN UNITS WHICH HAVE USED THIS PLATFORM OVER THE YEARS THEN PLEASE EMAIL ME BELOW! PLEASE HAVE A LOOK BACK THROUGH YOUR OLD SPOTTING BOOKS AND PHOTO'S. CAN WE GET ANY STEAM LOCO'S WHICH HAVE BEEN IN THIS PLATFORM? Friday 9 October 2009: I HAVE SET UP THIS SECTION TO LOOK AT THE MANY VARIED VISITORS WHICH HAVE TAKEN UP RESIDENCE IN PLATFORM 1 AT TAUNTON OVER THE YEARS. NOW FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NO IDEA OF WHERE PLATFORM 1 IS AT THE STATION, OR OF IT'S SIGNIFICANCE THEN HERE IS A SHORT EXPLANATION. PLATFORM 1 IS SITUATED AT THE SOUTHERN END OF PLATFORM 2 AND IS A BAY PLATFORM ON THE DOWN SIDE OF THE STATION. IT GIVES ACCESS TO FAIRWATER YARD AND THE MAIN LINE TO EXETER AND IN YEARS GONE BY WAS ALSO USED TO STABLE TRAINS READY TO DEPART TO BARNSTAPLE AND MINEHEAD! BELOW ARE MANY OF THE PHOTO'S TAKEN FROM MANY DIFFERENT CONTRIBUTORS (MY THANKS TO YOU ALL KEEP THEM COMING!!!!) IF YOU HAVE ANY I DON'T HAVE, OR INDEED ANY SIGHTINGS OF LOCOS/TAMPERS OR EVEN UNITS WHICH HAVE USED THIS PLATFORM OVER THE YEARS THEN PLEASE EMAIL ME BELOW! PLEASE HAVE A LOOK BACK THROUGH YOUR OLD SPOTTING BOOKS AND PHOTO'S. CAN WE GET ANY STEAM LOCO'S WHICH HAVE BEEN IN THIS PLATFORM?

No date for this one, but 08756 is the front 08954 (Photo Jeff Treece)

08801 ??-??-?? no date for this one as yet. But would imagine it was some time in the late 80's! (Photo Jeff Treece)

08801 ??-??-?? no date for this one as yet. But would imagine it was some time in the late 80's! (Photo Jeff Treece)

08839+08945 together back to back in the bay, both sporting BR Blue liveried with 945 having a red buffer beam! (Photo RCA)

08955 in the bay this time. No Date. (Photo Jeff Treece)

08XXX 20-08-88 shows an unidentified Class 08 and a Mk.1 coach. The Mk.1 is

08953 22-05-91 in a grubby condition (Photo: Magic)

17-11-1985, 47309 and 08840. The Class 47 had failed with a coolant leak. and had been removed by 08840. (Photo Jeff Treece)

31171+08???, now have a date 15-01-87. On a very cold Winters night again why were these two here was the 31 dead and had been put there but the 08? (Photo Jeff Treece)

31171+08???, now have a date 15-01-87. On a very cold Winters night again why were these two here was the 31 dead and had been put there but the 08? (Photo Jeff Treece)

31171+08???, now have a date 15-01-87. On a very cold Winters night again why were these two here was the 31 dead and had been put there but the 08? (Photo: Darren Harris)

31280+31???. No date again, why was 280 here with it's little friend? Was this the Taunton Twins? (Photo Jeff Treece)

Less than 15 days later 30-01-87 and 31285 has appeared as well as the sun! (Photo: Darren Harris)

31xxx (No Date) sat in the bay with two coaches, but when? (Photo Ian Baikie)

We have steam!! 0-6-0 Collet 3205 from the West Somerset sits in the bay at some point in 1992. This was for the Taunton 150, which ended in a cavalcade of loco's on the WSR�the two coach's contained a small exhibition depicting the WSR. 3205 stayed for a few days before returning to the WSR to join the cavalcade of loco's (Photo Brian Aston)

We have steam!! 0-6-0 Collet 3205 from the West Somerset sits in the bay at some point in 1992. This was for the Taunton 150, which ended in a cavalcade of loco's on the WSR�the two coach's contained a small exhibition depicting the WSR. 3205 stayed for a few days before returning to the WSR to join the cavalcade of loco's (Photo: Andy Dunnett)

37051+37074. In the bay in December 1998! (Photo: Rowlie)

23-09-95 37213+37254 on a dark Septembers night sit in the Platform, but why can anyone help? (Photo Jeff Treece)

45xxx (No Date) but semaphores still in place!! End of Platform 1 (Photo Ian Baikie)

47066+47236. Not date for this pair. Can anyone help? (Photo Rowlie)

47079+08576+08954, Confirmed as 10/4/1988. One Class 47 and Two 08's (Could the 08's be 839+945 as pictured above? Or another pair maybe? Can you help with this little puzzle? (Photo Jeff Treece)

47240 dated 01-09-85 on it's own right up against the buffer stops of the down bay. (Photo Darren Harris)

47725 20-05-02, the loco ended up in here after working a charter bound for Minehead on the 18-05-02. However in the Highbridge area it caught fire!. It was towed to Taunton by the Newton Abbot thunderbird 47??? and dumped in the bay platform where it stayed for over a week! It slips my mind what came to pick it up. More details when known (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

47725 20-05-02, the loco ended up in here after working a charter bound for Minehead on the 18-05-02. However in the Highbridge area it caught fire!. It was towed to Taunton by the Newton Abbot thunderbird 47??? and dumped in the bay platform where it stayed for over a week! It slips my mind what came to pick it up. More details when known (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

47725 (Dire photo I know, poor light) 30-08-02. 725 paused for less than 1 minute this time, again on a T&V run from Exeter (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

47744 (2002) paused in the platform after a T&V run from Exeter? No date as yet! (Photo: Paul Finnimore)

47744 (2002) paused in the platform after a T&V run from Exeter? No date as yet! (Photo: Paul Finnimore)

47756 in the bay 20-08-02 after running up from Exeter on a T&V run, the loco stayed for about an hour while the drive and crew went and had a bite to eat and drink, before heading back to Exeter. (Photo: Paul Finnimore)

47775 2/11/96 with a tail lamp was in the bay after having brake problems while working the Paddington - Plymouth vans. (Photo Jeff Treece)

50013 7-2-1986 stands in Platform 1 (Photo: Rowlie)

Massive collection 50015 'Valiant', 50046 'Ajax' or 'Log' and 50037 'Illustrious' + 08??? in the bay all at the same time!!!!!

50020 in the bay,Possibly during 1990? (Photos: Rowlie)

50020 in the bay,Possibly during 1990? (Photo: Darren Harris)

50021 'Rodney' stands in Platform 1 on the 27th April 1985! (Photo:Garry Stone)

Massive collection 50015 'Valiant', 50046 'Ajax' or 'Log' and 50037 'Illustrious' + 08??? in the bay all at the same time!!!!!

50049 'Defiance' in Ex Works condition, sat in the bay 26-9-86. (Photo: Rowlie)

50050 'Fearless' was in the bay on 6/7/85 after a swan flew into the second mans window on the approaches to Taunton. The loco was taken off it's train and put into the bay platform. (Photo: Rowlie)

50050 'Fearless' was in the bay on 6/7/85 after a swan flew into the second mans window on the approaches to Taunton. The loco was taken off it's train and put into the bay platform. (Photo: Rowlie)

Track Machine 73806 occupied Platform 1 on 26-11-02 (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

D9009 50015 and D444 all stayed in the Platform after visiting the WSR for a gala, they were there for nearly a week. 02/10/98 (Photo Jeff Treece)

Track Machine 'Puma' was in Platform 1 on 25-09-02 ready for engineering work that evening. The Railtrack Stoneblower was also near the sorting office at the time this shot was taken. (Photo: The Creech Crusader)

21-06-79 08668 stands in Platform 1 with two mail vans (Photo: Paul Clarke)

01-03-86 BR Blue liveried 47009 is captured in the now Platform 1 at Taunton between duties. Although corporate BR Blue was applied to pretty much all locomotives, some livery embellishments did creep in over the years.After being transferred South from Scotland, 47009 still carries it's Scottie Dog on the side. It would soon loose this though having been allocated to Stratford where their Class 47's would be adorned with the Cockney Sparrow! (Photo: Alan Randle)

08576 15-06-86 sits in the bay platform this time with two parcels coaches! (Photo RCA)

08584 in 1990 and drums at Platfrom 1 (Photo: Dave Jones)

07-02-91 60008 is seen stabled in Platform 1 in it's 'Railfreight Metals' livery shortly after being delivered to BR. The loco has been working some tests with wagons between Taunton and Westbury, for some unknown reason the loco ended up in Platform 1. The train in the background is a test train being hauled by 47974 (Photo: Jeff Treece)

05-01-94 47975 another very rare visitor stands in Platform 1 with 08953 at Taunton (Photo: Daryl Hector)

05-01-94 47975 another very rare visitor stands in Platform 1 with 08953 at Taunton (Photo: Daryl Hector)

08481 02-08-94 sits in the bay platform between shunting duties (Photo: Mike Rowland....aged 15 and a bit!)

14-07-98 A rare addition to the Platform 1 Gallery is this ZDA 'Civil Link' van DC200333 (Photo: John Mills)

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Fri Oct 9 2009 The Cogload Jn Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c196439.html Cogload Jn is where the GWML to Bristol splits and the Berks and Hants line to Westbury diverges. Cogload has long been a focal point for Taunton photograhy due to it's 'classic' flyover. However in recent years the complete disragard by Network Rail for lineside vegiation growth has lead to this shot only being possible in the late evening for trains heading for Taunton from the Westbury direction! Never the less it's a plesant walk along the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal for a few shots in the evening. Sunday 26 July 2009: Cogload Jn is where the GWML to Bristol splits and the Berks and Hants line to Westbury diverges. Cogload has long been a focal point for Taunton photograhy due to it's 'classic' flyover. However in recent years the complete disragard by Network Rail for lineside vegiation growth has lead to this shot only being possible in the late evening for trains heading for Taunton from the Westbury direction! Never the less it's a plesant walk along the Taunton and Bridgwater Canal for a few shots in the evening.

01-09-01 66116 passes Cogload Jn with a Letchworth - Minehead charter service, run by Hertfordshire Railtours

01-09-01 47816 rounds the curve under the famous viaduct at Cogload Jn working a Paddington - Penzance motor rail service

01-09-01 47826 approaches Cogload Jn with a Paignton - Manchester service

01-06-04 66601 'The Hope Valley' passes with the 6M37 Moorswater - Earles cement empties. Running early and with a reduced load of PCA's

01-06-04 66016 passes with the 6V70 Cliffe Vale - St Blazey taking the flyover from Bristol

01-06-04 a Random Voyager follows 66016 to Taunton

01-06-04 43037+43129 join the GWML from the Berks and Hants working the 'Golden Hind' from Paddington - Plymouth

11-06-04 Railtrack Weed Killer DR98910 passes working from Bristol on a positioning move

11-06-04 47197 working the 0Z17 Kingsland Road - Totnes in time for the SDR Diesel Gala

11-06-04 Going away shot of 47197. Not the differing headcode boxes. Black one end, yellow the other!

05-08-04 6M37 and 66563 worked the 6M37 northbound to Earles Sidings through Cogload Jn

14-08-04 67002 'Special Delivery' passes Cogload Jn with the 5A15 Goodrington - Old Oak Common ECS Move. These Virgin/EWS specials were part of the farcile operation for extra Summer Saturday services for 2004. These trains spent more time empty than actually transporting passengers!

05-03-05 5051 'Earl BAthurst' rounds the curve fromt he B&H heading to Minehead with the late running 1Z27 07:12 Paddington - Minehead Excursion

05-03-05 5051 'Earl BAthurst' rounds the curve fromt he B&H heading to Minehead with the late running 1Z27 07:12 Paddington - Minehead Excursion

07-08-05 43124 powers away from a signal check heading for London and the last of the evening light!

07-08-05 6024 'King Edward 1st' heads the 1Z32 'Torbay Express' through Cogload Jn returning from Kingswear

13-06-03 37372 and 37425 stand at Cogload Jn working the 6V62 Fawley - Tavistcok Jn fuel waiting for a down Voyager to pass

13-06-03 37372 and 37425 round the corner passing under the Cogload Jn flyover working the 6V62 Fawley - Tavistock Jn fuel

23-07-08 66602 passes the cows in the adjacent field working the 6C17 18:20 Westbury - Moorswater cement.

25-07-09 National Express 43295 leads 43296 North past Cogload Jn with the 1M70 Newquay - Manchester for Arriva Cross Country

25-07-09 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' passes Cogload Jn with the 1Z73 Plymouth - Birmingham International 'The Devonian'

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sun Jul 26 2009 The Victory Crossing Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c194260.html Victory Crossing, just to the West of Norton Fitzwarren can offer some good views for photographing+Video, and from the Public Footpath which runs through an adjacent field. It's not a place I offten frequent, but as and when I do, more shots will appear! Sunday 9 August 2009: Victory Crossing, just to the West of Norton Fitzwarren can offer some good views for photographing+Video, and from the Public Footpath which runs through an adjacent field. It's not a place I offten frequent, but as and when I do, more shots will appear!

31-05-04 220025 races towards Taunton with a north bound service

67030 ambles past with the 1z27 Ealing Broadway - Penzance 'The Cornubian 2'

47316+47200 pass with the 1Z77 Chester - Par Excursion. on 14/08/04

Royal 67005 is seen on pesent duty, working the 1M89 Paignton - Preston, holiday relief train for Virgn on 14-08-04

67026 is seen passing with the 1Z80 Tonbridge - Par 'Eden Ex' running one hour late on 14-08-04

60009 'Union of South Africa' passes Victory with on 29-08-04 with the 1Z28 'Torbay Express' to Kingswear

26-03-05 5051 'Earl Bathurst' hauls the 1Z27 Paddington - Plymouth through Allerford. The loco had been attached at Taunton after 67005 had bought the train down from London

26-03-05 60010 rolls through Victory with the 6W86 Taunton - Exeter, having spent the night parked in Platform 3 at Taunton

20-11-06 The 20th November saw Virgin Trains switch their MML 'Hire In' diagram. 43178 is seen leading 43166 on the 1V29 Leeds - Plymouth service. It's thought after Christmas the set will work Birmingham - Edinburgh trips and will not be used in the South West

25-04-09 67030 hauls the VSOE South through Victory Crossing with the 1Z28 13:50 Taunton - Plymouth luncoen special.

09-08-09 60163 'Tornado' powers with 'The Tamar Tornado' West through Victory Crossing on route to Plymouth. The loco was added at Bristol, with the tour originating from Birmingham International hauled by DBS 67003.

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sun Aug 9 2009 The Norton Fitzwarren Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c175717.html Norton Fitzwarren was once an important junction on the mainline to the South of Taunton. Years ago it had it's own station, and was also where lines from Minehead and Barnstaple used to meet. The Barnstaple Branch has long since gone, but the Minehead line exists as part of the West Somerset Railway, passing through the old site of Taunton Cider (Now disused) and onto the 22 mile preserved railway. Trains still visit the WSR from the mainline and although Norton doesn't offer as many photographic locations as it used to, it's still used by many and a popular vantange point to watch, film and photograph trains! Tuesday 15 September 2009: Norton Fitzwarren was once an important junction on the mainline to the South of Taunton. Years ago it had it's own station, and was also where lines from Minehead and Barnstaple used to meet. The Barnstaple Branch has long since gone, but the Minehead line exists as part of the West Somerset Railway, passing through the old site of Taunton Cider (Now disused) and onto the 22 mile preserved railway. Trains still visit the WSR from the mainline and although Norton doesn't offer as many photographic locations as it used to, it's still used by many and a popular vantange point to watch, film and photograph trains!

67006 29-03-03 arrives onto WSR metals with the 1Z27 Finsbury Park - Minehead charter

66100 08-05-04 passes with the 6W17 Westbury -Cowley Bridge Jn 09-05-04

37197 08-05-04 works the 1Z35 up from Kingswear - Bristol on 09-05-04

66033 08-05-04 follows down with the 6W18 Westbury - Cowley Bridge 09-05-04

60004 16-10-04 'Pet Tug' passes Norton Fitzwarren with the 6W21 10:00 Westbury - Posandane 'Autoballasters'

One of the Wessex Twins, 158745 passes Norton Fitzwarren!

16-10-04 1001 'Hastings Unit' arrives onto WSR metals from Hastings!

Full yellow end first 1001 arrives at Norton Fitzwarren!

The other end of the Hastings Unit, and the two power units can bee seen along with the quater warning panel.

66217+66228 pass Norton Fitzwarren with the 7W20 Wesbury - Roskear Jn engineers.

18-05-1996 47776 pulls back through Taunton Cider with the 'Sparkle Express' having spent the day on the WSR

27-02-05 221115 races towards Taunton

27-02-05 220018 catches the late afternoon glint as it approches Taunton

16-09-05 66616 returns North through Norton Fitzwarren with the 6Z43 12:30 Burngullow - Swindon Transfer gritstone empties. FLHH now have three contracts in the South West resulting in far more Green activity through Taunton

20-11-06 31454 (Note a light body repaint) and 31602 arrive onto the WSR with the 5Z34 11:08 Salisbury - Bishops Lydeard. The pair of locos had been sent to collect the 'Green Train' from Bishops Lydeard. Note the pair working over the freshly replaced track at Norton Fitzwarren and the old spur leading to the cider works, now cut off from the mainline network

20-11-06 31602 and 31454 exit the WSR with the 5Z35 15:53 Bishops Lydeard - Salisbury. The locos hauled the Green charter rake from the branch on the newly renewed track recently completed by Network Rail

10-03-07 47839 leads 47847 back onto the mainline as the 0Z48 15:35 Bishops Lydeard - Derby. The locos had just dropped off a rake of Mk1 SRPS coaches to the WSR in preperation for their Spring Steam Gala

10-03-07 47839 leads 47847 back onto the mainline as the 0Z48 15:35 Bishops Lydeard - Derby. The locos had just dropped off a rake of Mk1 SRPS coaches to the WSR in preperation for their Spring Steam Gala. Note the track replacement which has recently been carried out by Network Rail's HOBC/TRT based at Fairwater Yard

31-03-07 220004 'Cumbrian Voyager' heads South through Norton Fitzwarren and onto the newly relayed section of line recently completed by Network Rail's TRT based at Fairwater Yard

31-03-07 43176 and 43031 were bought to a stand at Norton Fitzwarren after setting off the Hot Axel Box Detectors at Dainton and Nynehead while working the 1A85 Penzance - Paddington. After a chat on the phone and a visual inspection the train was allowed to contine to Taunton where passengers were transfered to the following Adalante Service

31-03-07 43176 and 43031 were bought to a stand at Norton Fitzwarren after setting off the Hot Axel Box Detectors at Dainton and Nynehead while working the 1A85 Penzance - Paddington. After a chat on the phone and a visual inspection the train was allowed to contine to Taunton where passengers were transfered to the following Adalante Service

31-03-07 43176 and 43031 were bought to a stand at Norton Fitzwarren after setting off the Hot Axel Box Detectors at Dainton and Nynehead while working the 1A85 Penzance - Paddington. After a chat on the phone and a visual inspection the train was allowed to contine to Taunton where passengers were transfered to the following Adalante Service (This can be seen in the background of this shot waiting at Victory Crossing

31-03-07 180114 is cautioned on the approch to Taunton after the preceeding train was stopped after setting off the Hot Axel Box Detector (HABD) at Dainton and Nynehead. As a result a full load of HST passengers were detrained at Taunton onto this Adalante which was already full.

31-03-07 47815 'Great Western' and 47812 operated the 1z47 05:20 North Walsham - Minehead charter for Nenta Railtours. The BR Two Tone Green locomotives were the second railtour of the day to visit the WSR after 67020 had worked onto the line earlier in the morning. Note the removal of the old fence which used to enclose the Taunton Cider compound

31-03-07 47815 'Great Western' and 47812 operated the 1z47 05:20 North Walsham - Minehead charter for Nenta Railtours. The BR Two Tone Green locomotives were the second railtour of the day to visit the WSR after 67020 had worked onto the line earlier in the morning.

10-07-07 37069 and 37607 are seen passing Norton Fitzwarren heading South with the 4Z10 20:00 Taunton - Didcot via Exeter 'Serco Test Train'. This was a very rare appearance of such a low numbered Class 37 in the South West!

10-07-07 66121 passes Norton Fitzwarren with the 6M72 St Blazey - Cliffe Vale China Clay braking on the approch to Taunton

21-07-07 37248 'Loch Arkaig' leads the 1Z92 Minehead - London Victoria charter off the West Somerset Railway and into Taunton

21-07-07 34067 'Tangmere' heads the 1Z92 Minehead - London Victoria South through Norton Fitzwarren storming away from Taunton

04-08-07 43314 & 43117 belt past 31452&31454 at Norton Fitzwarren complete with basher, working the 1E47 Newquay - Newcaslte service for Virgin Trains

04-08-07 A slightly different view taken at Norton Fitzwarren from the 1Z35 Minehead - Bristol TM servcie waiting for a Virgin Voyager service to pass by before crossing the mainlines to head into Taunton

11-08-07 43107 storms through Norton Fitzwarren leading 43300 North with the 1E46 10:32 Paignton - Newcastle service for Virgin Trains

11-08-07 43180 and 43034 work North through Norton Fitzwarren with a Penzance - Paddington service

11-08-07 31452 and 31454 pass through Norton Fitzwarren with the 1Z35 11:10 Minehead - Bristol TM 'Butlins Express' on time

11-08-07 31452 and 31454 pass through Norton Fitzwarren with the 1Z35 11:10 Minehead - Bristol TM 'Butlins Express' on time

11-08-07 43102 leads 43099 North through Norton Fitzwarren with the late running 1E47 to Newcastle. The train had earlier been unable to make the climb from St Blazey through to Newquay. As a result the train was held at Tiverton Parkway while passengers from Newquay were bussed up the A30 and M5 to meet the train!

08-12-07 Photograph the Adalantes while you can, it's now been confirmed that they will be leaving FGW soon! 180108 passes through Norton Fitzwarren with an Exeter - Paddington service in the rain

08-12-07 60010 heads South through Norton Fitzwarren with the 6W41 Westbury - Laira engineers train after a short pause in Fairwater Yard

08-12-07 60010 is seen working South with the 6W41 to Laira passing a Northbound HST heading for London Paddington

08-12-07 I don't think many even knew this locomotive still existed, but 47773 was used by Vintage Trains to work the 1Z78 10:00 Tyseley - Minehead in conjunction with the 'Dunster By Candlelight' event. 33029 from West Coast Railways was also attached to the rear. The Two Tone Green locomotive is seen passing through Norton Fitzwarren on route to Minehead

08-04-08 An unknown Voyager heads South at Norton Fitzwarren

08-04-08 66162 heads South through Norton Fitzwarren with the 6V62 13:18 Fawley - Tavistock Jn fuel 7 bitumen, while 31601 waits to pass over onto the WSR at Silk Mills

08-04-08 31601 leads 31233 onto the West Somerset Railway working the 4Z08 17:15 Taunton - Taunton via Minehead track recording run. The train is seen at Norton Fiztwarren

08-04-08 66531 works North through Norton Fitzwarren with the 6C66 16:30 Moorswater - Westbury Cement

24-04-08 66531 rolls through Norton Fitzwarren with the 6Z66 Burngullow - Angersteign Wharf loaded sand/gritstone

25-04-08 47375 from Advenza Freight operates the 0Z33 Castle Hill Jn - Totnes conveying 33202 and 47309 to the South Devon Railway Diesel weekend.

05-07-09 43147 and 43017 catch the evening glint at Norton adjacent to the former Railway Hotel heading for London Paddington

05-07-09 60163 'Tornado' powers through Norton Fitzwarren with the return of the 1Z28 17:17 Kingswear - Bristol TM 'Torbay Express'

30-07-09 66041 passes Norton Fitzwarren with the 6V77 Cliffe Cale - St Blazey with a healthy load of 13 wagons in tow.

25-08-09 As two Hot Air Balloons take off over Taunton, 43041 and 43133 head South with a Paddington - Exeter service for FGW

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Tue Sep 15 2009 The Dave Jones Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c171961.html Dave has been a Taunton regular for many years now, more than I can remember and more than I'm sure he cares to also! This gallery is a chance to see what we all missed in and around Taunton all those years ago when we were not even a twinkle in the milkmans eye! Monday 22 May 2006: Dave has been a Taunton regular for many years now, more than I can remember and more than I'm sure he cares to also! This gallery is a chance to see what we all missed in and around Taunton all those years ago when we were not even a twinkle in the milkmans eye!

A BR Blue HST passes under the gantrys at Obridge in the late 80's

31405 stands at Taunton Platform 6 waiting to depart with a stopping train to Bristol TM

A Class 45 pilots a Class 50 around the avoider at Taunton, this could possibly be one of the last trains to use this section fo track before it was ripped up?

16-09-79 and 40079 works a Swansea - Paignton sea side special through 40 steps.

33202+33208 at Bishops Lydeard in 1996!

43174+176 passing Taunton in th snows of 1985! (I was 4!)

47507 passing Obridge with a real length train!

NOT A DIGITAL REPRODUCTION!

Who remembers the Cadbury Twins? 47807+47817....one of the seen passing Taunton on a Plymouth - Liverpool service

Great North Eastern Railway on the GWR? It's all happened

Gartosh on route to Exeter from Merehead with stone....these days a GM working!

If your lucky a pair would work the Exeter stone, again these days it's a Class66 turn!

Need I say any more.....why did they have to change it!

Yes a GM....but the 59/0's do have something the 66's don't!

Exeter 'Virtual Quarry' trains always turned up ratable traction in 1998! 37051 is seen at Victory Crossing

May 98, and a Yellow Fronted Virgin HST passes Norton Fitzwarren

47783 passes Victory in September 1998 with a down Postal

47344 works the Monday's only 6O92 Exeter Riverside - Dollands Moor....ooh what we would give for a pair of 47's now!

Taunton Station Platform 5 can give some stunning results for glint photo's, and odd ball HST moves!

Not something you see every day at Cogload Jn, but Midland Mainline HST were used in the late 90's on Summer Saturday trains to Newquay

Monday's only Dollands Moor again, the engines were wrecks but they kept on running.

Not every day you get this Combo at Taunton! D9009 50015 and a 47 returning from the West Somerset Railway Gala!

47XXX passing Cogload Jn with a rare Res 47 hauling the Merehead - Minehead 'Sea Defence Stone'

Now how mad! A 14XX on the mainline....It had come from the West Somerset Railway and I assume was heading for the South Devon or the Dawlish Donkey Season?

A rare shot of 47710 out on a service train at Cogload Jn in sun!

British Steel Class 60 (Before it became Corus) working the Sliver Bullets to Scotland.

A Load Haul Class60 60059 passes Cogload Jn with the Scrap!

37669 working a Mixed Freight on 6M72 at Victory Corssing

They still happen today, 43084 at Victory Crossing in 07-98

47628 and another livery variation, painted for the launch of the new sweet 'Celebrations' the loco then had the advertising removed leaving it like this!

How Rare! 47976 normally a test 'Serco' loco out on a passenger move passing 40 Steps in 1998

58007 poses at Taunton 07-98 with the Merehead - Exeter stone

58009 passes Cogload Jn with the Exeter Stone.

50019 and 50015 pass Taunton on a north bound Railtour in 1990

37131 races through Norton Fitzwarren with the coal empties from Exmouth Jn in 1990

33035 and 33XXX work a ballast from Meldon Quarry through Norton Fizwarren in 1990

33110+33114 pass Norton Fitzwarren in 1990 in BR Blue from Meldon

Another BR Blue soldier 47472 is seen storming Norton in 1990

1990 and 50037 passes Norton Fitzwarren with an engineers train

Another rare loco 47341 out for an Inspection Saloon jaunt.

BZ Boyz 37674+37670 stand at Taunton with the Burngullow - Irvine 'Silver Bullets' when they were silver in 1990

Rough as a bag of old rust nails, but 50032 soldiers on with glint at Norton Fitzwarren in 1990

37131 again with more coal empties from Exmouth Jn in 1990

Two UID 33's in BR Blue heading north with a rake of Sea Cows through Norton Fitwarren in 1990

50015 with snow ploughs races throug Norton Fitzwarren with dust blowing off it's train in 1990

50091 makes a fine sight passing Norton Fitzwarren with a short engineers from Meldon

50032 again piloting 50042 on a Bristol East Yard - Exeter Riverside engineers through Norton Fitzwarren on 9th August 1990

Check out this beast, 37220 in freshly painted Petroleum livery! Passing Norton Fitzwarren with the heathfield oil in 1990

Still going strong 50032 heads the Tow Tor Tourer through Norton Fitzwarren on 16-09-90

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Mon May 22 2006 The Whiteball Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c64974.html Situated on the Somerset/Devon border, Whiteball is the steepest incline in the area. Shots can be taken from both sides of the tunnel and is always popular with photographers and people with Video Cameras. Marlands on the Taunton side of the tunnel, now offers some extensive and open views of trains, after a Network Rail cut back over the Winter of 2004/2005. (Comparing how it used to look!) Whiteball on the Exeter side is now getting very grown up with vegitation but is still a popular location for Steam Enthusiasts in the South West to see a loco hard at work. Thursday 30 July 2009: Situated on the Somerset/Devon border, Whiteball is the steepest incline in the area. Shots can be taken from both sides of the tunnel and is always popular with photographers and people with Video Cameras. Marlands on the Taunton side of the tunnel, now offers some extensive and open views of trains, after a Network Rail cut back over the Winter of 2004/2005. (Comparing how it used to look!) Whiteball on the Exeter side is now getting very grown up with vegitation but is still a popular location for Steam Enthusiasts in the South West to see a loco hard at work.

15-02-03 5029 'Nunny Castle' makes one of the most spectacular assaults of Whiteball I've ever seen!

06-09-03 220004 races northwards to Whiteball Tunnel

09-04-04 A Plymouth bound HST coasts down the easy bit of Whiteball

09-04-04 43062+43014 cross the Devon Border with the 1C00 Paddington - Plymouth test train.

09-04-04 Welsh 150280 works the return Exeter - Cardiff diagram for Arriva Trains Wales! Climbing the bank to Whiteball Tunnel

09-04-04 60049 coasts down from Whiteball Tunnel, working the 6V62 Fawley - Tavistock Jn fuel

43153+43098 pass Whiteball with the 1Z31 Leeds - Paignton. 03-07-04.

14-08-04 A pair of Voyagers emerge from Whiteball Tunnel at Marlands heading for the North.

14-08-04 66192 works a 6Z06 St Blazey - Newport spoil train over the summet

14-08-04 GNER HST working the 1E34 Newquay - Edinburgh 'Summer Saturday' service for Virgin works north with 43114+43006

12-10-04 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' rounds the curve at Marlands on the approch to Whiteball Tunnel

19-03-05 43079 comes out of the fog heading up Whiteballs grade

19-03-05 D1015 works the 1Z52 Ealing Broadway - Plymouth down through Marlands

30-05-05 66187 is seen climbing Whiteball with the MO 6O92 Tavistock Jn - Dollands Moor 'China Clay'

30-05-05 67019 worked the first of the 'Rover Longbridge' specials to Paignton. 67019 is seen exiting Whiteball Tunnel on the run down to Tiverton

09-07-05 67028 worked the 1Z67 Euston - Paignton 'Pride of the Nation' stock over Whiteball heading for Devon!

09-07-05 in direct contrast to a previous shot taken one year ago in the same spot, 220010 221140 form a service from Penzance seen heading down Whiteball towards Taunton

09-07-05 In direct contrast to the last year and the photo I took of 43114 in the same spot at Whiteball, 43107 leads the 1E33 Paington - Newcastle over Whiteball heading towards Taunton

09-07-05 150265 passes Marlands with a Paington - Cardiff service

06-08-05 43069+43089 climb to Whiteball Tunnel with the 1M28 Newquay - Manchester service for Virgin Trains

06-08-05 67024 and 67016 climb to Whiteball Tunell with the 1Z32 Par - Milton Keynes speical, 67018 had earlier been removed from the train at Plymouth with low fuel and for use as a Thunderbird loco for the dollowig days 'Torbay Express'

22-04-06 45112 is seen heading Down Whiteball bank at Beam Bridge. This is an entirly new shot which has been recently cleared by Network Rail. The 45 was working the return 1Z56 Kingswear - Derby 'Pathfinder Tours Charter'

28-06-03 47756 tops 46035 (due to a TPWS Fault) having just exited Whiteball Tunnel with the 1Z46 Birmingham - Penzance

05-05-06 66047 is seen heading up Whiteball Bank on route to Tavistock Jn with the 6V62 Fawley - Tavistock Jn fuel

05-05-06 158793 (Ex Wessex Trains and before that Ex Central Trains but still sporting Central Trains Livery) is seen climbing Whiteball with the Portsmouth Hbr - Penzance operated by Firstgroup

04-06-06 GBRf 66715 and 66703 climb Whiteball with the 6G50 Westbury - St Blazey rail rail.

15-07-06 GNER liveried 43039 leads 43118 into Devon working the 1C02 07:35 Bristol TM - Paignton service for Virgin Trains during the busy Summer Saturday season

15-07-06 43009(MTU Engine) and 43015 exit Whiteball Tunnel working the 07:35 Paddington - Newquay

15-0706 67015 exits Whiteball Tunnel into Devon with the 1Z55 Manchester Victoria - Par 'Northern VSOE'

15-07-06 43030 and 43126 brace Whiteball at speed working the 09:40 Paignton - Paddington

15-07-06 153318 and 155373 form the 08:55 Cardiff - Paignton service

15-07-06 43048 and 43044 in Midland Mainline colours work the 1V29 Manchester - Newquay service South having just emerged from Whiteball Tunnel

15-07-06 43118 and 43039 head up Whiteball with the 1E46 10:32 Paington - Newcastle service for Virgin Trains

15-07-06 150238 climbs Whiteball from the Devon side on route to Cardiff from Paington

15-07-06 43081 and 43054 head North at Whiteball with the 1E47 09:40 Newquay - Newcastle service for Virgin Trains

03-04-07 66619 climbs over Whiteball with the 6Z39 Jersey Marine - Tavistock Jn 'Gritstone'

21-04-07 67026 and 67023 race Down Whiteball with the 1Z90 Plymouth - Hooton charter. Note the Anglia DBSO behind the locos!

21-04-07 43023 leads 43170 South 'Up' Whiteball seen passing through Beam Bridge

01-04-08 221121 heads South through Beambridge with a Glasgow - Penzance service for Cross Country Trains

01-04-08 66053 heads South with a huge 21 wagons in tow working the 6V62 13:18 Fawley - Tavistock Jn fuel

12-04-08 43168 races out of Whiteball Tunnel with 43016 on the rear heading East with the 08:03 Penzance - Paddington at Marlands

12-04-08 220031 Cross Country Voyager heads South through Marlands climbing Whiteball with a Manchester - Plymouth service

12-04-08 67024 exits Whiteball Tunnel at Marlands with the late running 1Z69 Plymouth - Taunton VSOE during it's annual weekend visit to the South West

12-04-08 67024 exits Whiteball Tunnel at Marlands with the late running 1Z69 Plymouth - Taunton VSOE during it's annual weekend visit to the South West

12-04-08 67024 exits Whiteball Tunnel at Marlands with the late running 1Z69 Plymouth - Taunton VSOE during it's annual weekend visit to the South West

12-04-08 221117 climbs the South side of Whiteball with a Plymouth - Glasgow service for Cross Country Trains

12-04-08 43125 leads 43138 up Whiteball with the 10:58 Penzance - Paddington

12-04-08 After running round it's train at Taunton, 67024 leads the VSOE South through Whiteball with the 1Z69 13:50 Taunton - Plymouth

23-04-08 60052 makes a very rare appearance in the South West working the 6B99 St Blazey - Cardiff Tidal scrap. Having collected additional wagons at Exeter Riverside yard, 60052 rolls down Whiteball at Beambridge heading North

31-05-08 National Express liveried 43312 leads 43312 North over Whiteball operating the 1E46 10:32 Paington - Newcastle service for Cross Country Trains

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Thu Jul 30 2009 The WSR Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c60126.html The WSR is the local Preserved Railway as as such provides 22 miles of Steam and Diesel traction which rivals any other in the country. There is always somthing going on at this Preservation Centre, and over the years hunderds of photo's have been taken from various events and normal service days! 2005 will also see a regular diesel diagram operating on peak summer services to help cope with the extra loadings. Regular Diesel Running Days / Galas also help the WSR to appeal to a broad range of Enthusiasts Photo's in this gallery are plentyful from the years I've been photographing on the line! Monday 26 October 2009: The WSR is the local Preserved Railway as as such provides 22 miles of Steam and Diesel traction which rivals any other in the country. There is always somthing going on at this Preservation Centre, and over the years hunderds of photo's have been taken from various events and normal service days! 2005 will also see a regular diesel diagram operating on peak summer services to help cope with the extra loadings. Regular Diesel Running Days / Galas also help the WSR to appeal to a broad range of Enthusiasts Photo's in this gallery are plentyful from the years I've been photographing on the line!

D9526+50149 both in states of overhaul/repair at Williton

Remember this? D7017 and a 'What could have been' at Williton. Well done to the DEPG for this one!

D9526 stands at Minehead may moons ago before it's overhaul and when 53808 was operational!

The old WSR Cravens DMU seen at Blue Anchor.

10-03-96 44422+34039 run around their train during the WSR 'S&D Weekend'

I don't do to many B&W shots, but here is 7820 capturing the steam sprit passing Ceder Falls on route to Crowcombe

18-05-96 7828 'Odney Manor' and 7820 'Dinmore Manor' haul the 'Sparkle Express' from Minehead - Bishops Lydeard before 47776 took the train back onto the Main Line

06-07-96 Dinmore Manor is seen gleeming at Minehead Shed

06-07-96 7820 'Dinmore Manor' having had a speical clean ready for her Shareholders Speical on 22-07-96

23-07-96 7820 arrives at Crowcombe with it's 'Shareholders Speical'

24-08-96 D7523 tops 33208+33208 on the Qunatock Crompton Railtour. Seeing arriving at Crowcombe

24-08-96 33208+33202 arrive at Bishops Lydeard with the 'Quantock Crompton'

15-09-96 EX ROF Brigdwater shuner poses in it's new paintwork in 1996 at Dunster

15-09-96 1450 stands at Crowcombe with it's Autocoach. Look out in 2004/2005 for this to be repeated!

15-09-96 4277 arrives at Dunster bunker first while on loan to the WSR

05-10-96 50149+50117 arrive at Williton complete with headboard

06-10-96 D120 arrives in the wet at Crowcombe

3205 when it was operated by the WSR. Combinded with D7018 when it still worked! Both giving guardsvan rides to Norton and back!

4561 on another unknown date, working a test run to Blue Anchor and back!

71000 Soon to re appear on the mainline. Seen here in the siding at Bishops Lyeard on an unknown date

D120 spent a very long time on the WSR prior to it's departure for pastures new! It's seen here during a Deisel Gala at Minehead

7828 having seen better days passes Williton on a service train

22-03-97 43018+43139 visited Minehead from London Paddington, the unusual sight of a 125mph HST is seen at Crowcombe

22-03-97 50149 stands at Williton with short term resident D5222. The 'Rat' arrived for a little while before being taken away to another railway for further restoration

22-03-97 4920 'Dumplton Hall' passes Castle Hill tender first

23-03-97 7760 arrives at Crowcombe with it's train heading for Bishops Lydeard during the Spring Steam Galal

23-03-97 6024 arrives at Crowcombe in stark contrast to 7760 having just gone the other way!

17-05-97 D1010 departs Williton in special 'Dirty' livery during the Maybach Music Weekend

17-05-97 D832 'Greyhound' departs Crowcombe heading for Minehead during the Maybach Weekend

18-05-97 D7076 from the East Lancs stars in the Maybach Music Weekend. Seen at Crowcombe

18-05-97 D821+D832 pass Castle Hill with a double headed service from Minehead during the Maybach Weekend

Another 'Oldie' D821 stands between duties at a WSR Diesel Gala

06-10-97 50149 leads dead 50117 (017) Royal Oak through Williton, this was in the days before the DEPG fell out with Project Defiance!

Ahhh The Days when 50's were the staple diet. 50017 at Williton having it's cosmetic restoration! Just think what could have been!

A dip into the Archive, No Date, 53808 departs Williton with a train to Bishops Lydeard

Another 'Oldie' 50149 stands at Minehead waiting to depart to Bishops Lydeard

27-09-98 50015 arrives at Dunster during one of the WSR's last 'PROPER' Diesel Galas

27-09-98 33048 pauses at Blue Anchor in a semi finished state with the Crimson DMU in tow

27-09-98 with the WSR showing more 'quality traction' 50044+50031 stand at Crowcombe. How long until we see one of these back on WSR Metals!

27-09-98 The WSR Crimson and Cream DMU stands at Bishops Lydeard

29-09-98 D7623(25173) stands at Bishops Lydeard with the 'Williton Traction Group' headboard

50149+40145 combind to haul the 'Peperami Special' (A Bit of an Animal!) During a brilliant WSR Diesel Gala!

26-07-00 4160 comes off it's train at Bishops Lydead having arrived from Minehead

26-07-00 4144 prepares to depart for Minehead

17-04-01 D2133 at Minehead

23-03-02 92212 9F makes a fine sight departing Williton during the Spring Steam Gala

24-03-02 5051 'Earl Bathurst' double heads with 7820 'Dinmore Manor' pausing at Crowcombe in nice lighting during the Spring Steam Gala

24-03-02 92212 graces Washford Bank on arrival into Washford Station

07-09-02 5553 arrives at Dunster with the mixed goods to begin it's shunting demo

07-09-02 4160 arrives at the Wlliton home signal on route to Minehead

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Mon Oct 26 2009 The Bradford on Tone Collection (Updated 09-07-05) http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c60102.html Bradford on Tone is situated between Taunton and Wellington and has an overbridge and crossing from which photos can be obtained. The roadbridge is a popular cut through for local traffic and care must be taken on this narrow bridge. However it does offer a couple of reasonable vantage points to photograph trains from. Sunday 12 October 2003: Bradford on Tone is situated between Taunton and Wellington and has an overbridge and crossing from which photos can be obtained. The roadbridge is a popular cut through for local traffic and care must be taken on this narrow bridge. However it does offer a couple of reasonable vantage points to photograph trains from.

02-05-02 47799 pilots the Royal Train towards Taunton during the Jubilee celebrations

09-07-05 43196 and 43070 work a full MML liveried train North on the 1E34 Newcastle - Newquay 'Summer Service' HST Extra

09-07-05 43196 and 43070 work a full MML liveried train North on the 1E34 Newcastle - Newquay 'Summer Service' HST Extra

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sun Oct 12 2003 Taunton Deane Services and M5!!! http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c55531.html Now the Taunton Deane Motorway Services, or the M5 in general wouldn't be the first location on everyone's list when they think about going out to photograph a train! BUT it can happen, many railway companies use lorries to move their locos and coaching stock around the UK for repair and storage every year. Over the years I've been very lucky to have photographed just a few of the mad locomotive movements on the M5 through Taunton and surrounding area. This gallery is dedicated to just that! Friday 17 October 2008: Now the Taunton Deane Motorway Services, or the M5 in general wouldn't be the first location on everyone's list when they think about going out to photograph a train! BUT it can happen, many railway companies use lorries to move their locos and coaching stock around the UK for repair and storage every year. Over the years I've been very lucky to have photographed just a few of the mad locomotive movements on the M5 through Taunton and surrounding area. This gallery is dedicated to just that!

23-09-03 43178 is seen returing up the M5 at Taunton on route to Derby!

Photo: Jeff Treece

01-09-03 With a Henor Lorry from Haulage 37142 stands at Taunton Deane Services. M5 Southbound. The Locomotive had been preserved and was on route to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. The loco/lorry spent the night at the services before continuing next day to Cornwall

02-06-05 43014 is seen passing Jn27 on the M5 heading South to Devonport for attention after failing the previous day up north.

02-06-05 43014 is seen passing Jn27 on the M5 heading South to Devonport for attention after failing the previous day up north.

01-09-03 With a Henor Lorry from Haulage 37142 stands at Taunton Deane Services. M5 Southbound. The Locomotive had been preserved and was on route to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. The loco/lorry spent the night at the services before continuing next day to Cornwall

07-01-04 Shunter 09016 is seen in one of the most odd ball locations yet! Taunton Market Car Park of all places. The shunter was on route to Tavistock Jn where it was due to be swapped with another shunter. This shot was taken at 07:20 in the morning, just 5 minutes after I left the lorry had left and was on the M5 heading South!

The 10th February 2008 saw the delivery of the new Minehead Turntable to the West Somerset Railway from the Midlands. Having travelled South by low loader the Lorry recessed at Hankridge Retail Park before working through the streets of Taunton and onwards to Minehead

The 10th February 2008 saw the delivery of the new Minehead Turntable to the West Somerset Railway from the Midlands. Having travelled South by low loader the Lorry recessed at Hankridge Retail Park before working through the streets of Taunton and onwards to Minehead

The 10th February 2008 saw the delivery of the new Minehead Turntable to the West Somerset Railway from the Midlands. Having travelled South by low loader the Lorry recessed at Hankridge Retail Park before working through the streets of Taunton and onwards to Minehead

The 10th February 2008 saw the delivery of the new Minehead Turntable to the West Somerset Railway from the Midlands. Having travelled South by low loader the Lorry recessed at Hankridge Retail Park before working through the streets of Taunton and onwards to Minehead

The 10th February 2008 saw the delivery of the new Minehead Turntable to the West Somerset Railway from the Midlands. Having travelled South by low loader the Lorry recessed at Hankridge Retail Park before working through the streets of Taunton and onwards to Minehead

It's not very often you come across Traction Engines out operating on the UK roads, but heres one at Beam Bridge on the A38 heading down the grade from Whiteball!

It's not very often you come across Traction Engines out operating on the UK roads, but heres one at Beam Bridge on the A38 heading down the grade from Whiteball!

17-10-08 Camping Coach 9880 is seen at Grahams Cafe - North Petherton on route to the West Somerset Railway. Quite how it ended up here after travelling up from the South Devon Railway we will neve know. A slight overshoot from Jn25, or the draw of a good cooked breakfast perhaps?!

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Fri Oct 17 2008 The Charlton Bridge Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c54411.html Charlton Bridge was once a fantastic location to photograph and watch trains. Off the beaten tracks in the counrtyside it's situated just to the South of Cogload Jn. However as with the whole railway network, neglect by Network Rail with regards to lineside vegitation has now meant that photos in certain locations at Chalrton are now nearly blocked by trees! Charlton however has provided some brilliant photos over the years and still get used on occasions for recording train movements for Taunton Trains Monday 6 July 2009: Charlton Bridge was once a fantastic location to photograph and watch trains. Off the beaten tracks in the counrtyside it's situated just to the South of Cogload Jn. However as with the whole railway network, neglect by Network Rail with regards to lineside vegitation has now meant that photos in certain locations at Chalrton are now nearly blocked by trees! Charlton however has provided some brilliant photos over the years and still get used on occasions for recording train movements for Taunton Trains

29-05-94 Double Headed 37's head South with the Stoke (Cliffe Vale) - St Blazey China Clay

02-05-94 37896+37796+37799 Tripple Headed 37's pass through Charlton with a special in connection with the Exeter Railfair

21-07-97 47201 and 47125 heads north with the 6O92 Exeter Riverside - Dollands Moor

28-08-01 47813 pilots 47709 north through Charlton with a Penzance - Paddington service

01-09-01 47760 passes with the Exeter - Bristol TM VSOE Lunchoen Speical

20-10-01 60068 passes Charlton with the 6B19 Exeter Basin - Cardiff Tidal scrap

09-01-02 47703 heads South hauling a Liverpool - Plymouth service for Virgin Trains at Charlton

19-01-02 60038 is seen at Charlton on end engineering train waiting to enter a blockage at Cogload Jn working the 6W23 Taunton - Cogload Jn

02-03-02 after 47817 died on the 1M56 Penzance - Manchester, 67021 hauls the train north.

02-03-02 66187 is seen at Taunton Station having run round with the 8W20 Westbury - Bridgwater via Taunton engineers train.

09-03-02 60044 heads north with the 6B19 Exeter City Basin - Cardiff Tidal Scrap

10-03-02 66038 passes Charlton working the 6W25 Lostwithiel - Westbury return empty engineers

10-03-02 58025 passes with the 6W50 Bridgwater - Westbury via Taunton engineers train

17-03-02 60047 leads 66032 South at Charlton with the 6W25 Westbury - Bridgwater via Taunton in T&T formation

29-03-02 47289 hauls a Virgin HST set for storage through Charlton as the 5Z55 10:08 Laira - Derby passing at 11:42 with 43157 and 43090 for store!

06-04-02 47750 'Atlas' leads the 1M56 Penzance - Manchester north through Charlton

06-04-02 66189 heads North with the 6M68 Burngullow - Irvine 'Silver Bullets'

06-04-02 recently named 47818 'Institution of Mechanical Engineer's (A name previously worn by 47841) heads the 1V45 Liverpool - Plymouth South through Charlton

06-04-02 47826 heads north with the 1M40 Plymouth - Liverpool

13-04-02 47829 painted in the unique POLICE livery pases with the 1M56 Penzance - Manchester

16-04-02 57601 leads the 1C56 Paddington - Exeter service South for First Great Western

21-04-02 when the Voyagers were still being introduced to the UK, one diagram they used to work on a regular basis was the Sunday nights Newcastle - Exeter as a double pair. 220034 and 220032 are seen heading South at Charlton in belting light.

11-05-02 60057 heads 60007 on the 7W25 Westbury - Dawlish engineers train

26-05-02 66055 and 66245 in T&T formation head North with the 6W20 Exeter St Thomas - Westbury engineers

28-05-02 67006 passes Chalrton with the 5V65 Bristol P'way - Plymouth empty van move

28-05-02 143621-150254-153380 approch Chalrton with the evening Cardiff - Exeter service. A working often bound to turn up a multitue of unit combos!

30-05-02 67019 races South with the 1V33 Willesden - Plymouth mail

30-05-02 66160 works North through Chalrton with the 6M72 St Blazey - Cliffe Vale China Clay

30-05-02 58080 passes towing 43101 and 43122 on an 0Z43 Laira - St Phillips Marsh stock move

03-06-02 59004 leads 59103 South through Charlton with the Bristol - Par via Westbury (Mendip Rail Excursion)

04-06-02 47853 works North on the Virign Trans 1M40 Plymouth - Liverpool service

19-06-02 60074 works North in fading light with the 6M72 St Blazey - Cliffe Vale 'China Clay' in tow. Note the new compressor fitted behind the leading wheelset

19-06-02 67008 races North with the 1E41 Plymouth - Low Fell mail

24-06-02 47749 works the 1M65 Plymouth - Willesden mail Northbound to Bristol

24-06-02 47784 crawls through with the 1V33 Willesden - Plymouth

24-06-02 47791 works North through Charlton with the 1E41 Plymouth - Low Fell mail

26-06-02 57601 when it worked for First Great Western, on the 1C53 Paddington - Plymouth service.

26-06-02 47749+47789 work in T&T formation on the Glastonbury Festival extra train services

26-06-02 67021 passes in superb light with the 1V33 Willesden - Plymouth mail

60002 passes Charlton with the 6B19 Exeter City Basin - Cardiff Tidal scrap train

New Years Day, 2003 47847 heads North with the 1M56 Penzance - Manchester

05-01-03 43133 and 43144 pass heading to Plymouth

05-01-03 43170 speeds north to London with 43012 on the rear of it's train

18-01-03 66087 rolls northwards on a rake of clean Silver Bullets!

09-03-03 60081 passes North through Charlton with the 6W43 Bridgwater - Westbury via Taunton engineers

16-03-03 60071 hauls a rake of engineers wagons south from Highbridge to Taunton, this loco later ended up in Platform 1

16-03-03 43151+43170 pass by in a mini formation working a Laira - St Phillips Marsh stock move

05-04-03 Ex Works 150234 works South to Exeter having just been released from overhaul at Cardiff

16-04-03 47784 and 47772 work north in Multiple on the 1E41 Plymouth - Low Fell

28-06-03 66065 passes Charlton with the 6M68 09:40 Burngullow - Irvine 'Silver Bullets'

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Mon Jul 6 2009 The 40 Steps Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c54382.html 40 Steps bridge is situated just to the South of Taunton at Chip Lane near Staplegrove Road. The bridge spans the entire width if the line, and offers good photographic vantage points for most of the day on all up and down trains. It's a popular spot with locals for railtours and steam excursions and can get very busy. Saturday 10 October 2009: 40 Steps bridge is situated just to the South of Taunton at Chip Lane near Staplegrove Road. The bridge spans the entire width if the line, and offers good photographic vantage points for most of the day on all up and down trains. It's a popular spot with locals for railtours and steam excursions and can get very busy.

29-04-01 A UID 47 passes 40 Steps on a UID working.

29-04-01 47816 'Bristol Bath Road' passes 40 Steps on a Northbound First Great Western service

30-05-01 50031 'Hood' leads 50049 'Defiance' round the curve at 40 Steps returnin north on a Railtour

30-05-01 47849 arrives back through 40 Steps working north from Plymouth

10-06-01 57601 is seen arriving in Ex works condition on a test run from Laira to Taunton

10-06-01 57601 departs Taunton light engine and heads back to Plymouth on a test run

27-07-02 67019 heads a Plymouth - Norwich Charter nothbound through 40 Steps complete with Anglia Stock!

14-09-02 66132 rolls onto the down relief in order to access the West Somerset Railway at Norton Fitzwarren

14-09-02 4472 makes the 'Old and New' photo at 40 Steps in Taunton, working the 1Z82 Victoria - Plymouth chater

14-09-02 47703 takes the down relief with the 1C23 Paddington - Paignton 'Summer Saturday' service

26-10-02 43080+43091 work northbound with as a shortened 'Challenger'Virgin HST service

26-10-02 A Super Voyager passes some 'Super Steam' at Taunton

29-03-03 47734 emerges from the mist with the 1Z29 Hove - Par 'Eden Ex'

17-04-03 221109+220023 team up due to the Bristol Guards Strike

17-04-03 66179 passes witht he 7W85 Westbury - Truro

17-04-03 670156 passes with the 1C06 Plymouth - Bristol mail

28-06-03 47756 pilots 46035 through 40 Steps on a return Railtour from Penzance.

28-06-03 47756 pilots 46035 through 40 Steps on a return Railtour from Penzance.

09-08-03 D1015 returns north to Paddington from Penzance on another excursion to the South West

19-08-03 60019 worked the 0Z15 Westbury - Fairwater Yard to remove some wagons. However due to problems with the points within Fairwater Yard the Class 60 was unable to complete it's diagram and was sent back to Westbury light engine.

19-08-03 43019+43163 pass Taunton in the evening light

19-08-03 67018 passes with the 1V33 Willesden - Plymouth mail

14-09-03 67010 rolls the VSOE 'Orient Express' northbound through Taunton from Truro - Victoria

17-04-04 43029+43176 pass 40 Steps with the new almost universal 'Frist Purple' livery

17-04-04 153382+153370 change platforms at Taunton

17-04-04 37047+37057 take the down relief in order to access the West Somerset Railway at Norton Fitzwarren. The tour came from Milton Keynes and worked to Minehead

17-04-04 37057+37047 round the curve and head back to Milton Keynes after a day out in Minehead!

08-08-04 60009 'Union of South Africa' departs Taunton with one of the many 'Torbay Express' tours run during August 2004

24-10-04 and a Class 59/2 visited Fariwater Yard working the 6W23 North Somerset Jn - Westbury via Taunton! The rare sight of a 59/2 is captured at 40 Steps

20-02-05 60001 departs Taunton with a loaded spoil train heading for Exeter

20-02-05 Ex Scotrail 150283 departs Taunton with the 11:30 to Exeter. This Ex Scottish Unit is now operated by Wessex Trains

20-02-05 221132 arrives at Taunton with a South West shuttle due to an Engineering blockade to the North of Taunton

20-02-05 66210+66140 depart Taunton in multiple on the 6W31 Taunton - Exeter engineers

27-02-05 66114 departs Taunton with a 1000 ton train of spoil in tow!

01-10-05 60058 and 60062 arrive in T&T formation into Fairwatr Yard for a change of direction with the 6W04 08:15 Westbury - North Somerset Jn via Taunton

01-10-05 67016 passes with the 1Z49 Tonbridge - Par 'Eden Flyer' run by Past Time Rail

01-10-05 60062 departs Fairwater Yard with the 6W04 08:15 Westbury - North Somerset Jn via Taunton engineers with 60058 on the rear

01-10-05 and some would say a lucky shot from 40 Steps?!

01-10-05 47316 and 47714 from Cotswold Rail pass Taunton at speed working a Charter from Codsall to Penzance. Note the 'GWOT ON TOUR' Headboard!

01-10-05 50031 leads 50049 through 40 Steps with the 0Z29 Bristol TM - Kingswear. They would layer work back with the diesel leg of the 1Z30 Kingswear - Nortampton Tour. (The downward leg of which through Taunton was hauled by 60009 'Union of South Aftrica')

01-10-05 60009 'Union of South Africa' belts through Taunton with the 1Z49 Norhtmapton - Kingswear charter, 50031+50049 would later return the tour north while the Steam loco remained on the P&DSR

01-10-05 60013 'Robert Boyle' arrives into Fairwater Yard with 66082 on the rear of it's train working the 6W05 10:15 Westbury - North Somerset Jn via Taunton engineers train

15-01-06 66100 is seen on a Top and Tail engineers train with 66139 (Out of Sight) using the Fairwater Yard head shunt (Ex Taunton Station Avoider). Parked outside the Royal Mail sorting office it's thought this is the furthest any train has travelled up the line in many years!

15-01-06 66100 is seen on a Top and Tail engineers train with 66139 (Out of Sight) using the Fairwater Yard head shunt (Ex Taunton Station Avoider). Parked outside the Royal Mail sorting office it's thought this is the furthest any train has travelled up the line in many years!

05-02-06 59101 in Hanson Livery is seen passing 40 Steps having just departed an engineering blockade at Whiteball Tunnel. The working is the late running 6W15 08:00 Cogload Jn - Westbury.

05-02-06 66124 is seen arriving onto the down relief under 40 Steps with the 6W19 13:53 Westbury - Taunton 'Autoballaster'

02-06-06 66611 is seen passing 40 Steps with the 6M37 Moorswater - Earles empty cement PCA tanks running nearly two hours early!

16-07-06 a UID Voyager arrives in Taunton and is seen passing 40 Steps on route North

16-07-06 6024 'King Edward 1st' arrives back into Taunton with the 1Z28 Kingswear - Bristol TM 'Torbay Express'

A Black and White version:30-07-06 6024 departs Taunton in style working The Torbay Express hauling the 1Z27 Bristol TM - Kingswear

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Sat Oct 10 2009 Taunton Station Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c53248.html Taunton Station has changed a lot over the years, but has always provided a good location in order to record various workings passing through or stopping at the station. It's also one of the most conveniante places to visit for many of the nocternal services that run during the hours of darkness. Taunton therefore has an extensive gallery of various trains over the past few years. Friday 20 November 2009: Taunton Station has changed a lot over the years, but has always provided a good location in order to record various workings passing through or stopping at the station. It's also one of the most conveniante places to visit for many of the nocternal services that run during the hours of darkness. Taunton therefore has an extensive gallery of various trains over the past few years.

20-08-02 43184 catches the sun as it departs Taunton on a late evening Virgin service to Plymouth

August 1995 37185 'Lea and Perins' is seen at Taunton on a Ballast train from Meldon

14-04-01 47725 'The Railway Mission' stands at Taunton with an 'EdenEx' heading back to the North of England

27-10-01 67026 and 59203 are seen at Taunton heading 'The Tone Bone' railtour run by Pathfinder Railtours

16-11-01 and an Ex Works 47847 stands at Taunton, to think it's now 2004 and she's still running around the UK now operated by Freightliner Heavy Haul!

16-03-02 47812 'Totnes Castle' makes one of it's last workings in the South West prior to withdrawl and conversion into a Class 57! on the 1M40 Penzance - Manchester

17-03-02 47810 is seen at Taunton while working a Plymouth - Leeds service for Virgin Trains

17-03-02 47830 calls at Taunton on a Paddington - Plymouth service for Firstgroup

17-03-02 47853 is seen at Taunton having failed with a main generator flashover while working the 1E32 Penzance - York. The 47 was later rescued by a pair of Class 37's

17-03-02: 47853 suffered a 'Main Generator Flashover' at Taunton one Sunday afternoon while working a Northbound Virgin service. 37047+37042 were the only two locos avalible at Eastleigh and were sent to rescue the now empty passenger train!

29-04-02 47846 'Thor' pauses at Taunton on a Virgin Train HST drag working the 1V62 Newcastle - Plymouth at Taunton

05-05-02 5051 'Earl Bathurast' makes a fine site stood at Taunton station

05-05-02 5051 'Earl Bathurast' makes a fine site stood at Taunton station

20-05-02 47733 pauses at Taunton while hauling a dead HST on the 1V65 Newcastle - Plymouth

02-06-02 47832 pilots 47812 after it broke down on the centre road at Dawlish Warren. Working the 1M87 Penzance - Manchester 47832 prepares to depart Taunton

03-06-02 59103 and 59004 pause at Taunton after returning from Par with the Mendip Rail 'Annual Day Out Tour'

10-06-02 60071 rounds the curve at the South end of Taunton Station working the 6M72 St Blazey - Cliffe Vale

11-06-02 In very poor light, 47635 makes a very rare appearance on the 6M72 St Blazey - Cliffe Vale 'China Clay' and is seen heading north at Taunton Station

21-06-02 66092 is seen hauling a failed 43197 and 43122 on the 1V51 Newcaslte - Plymouth at Taunton. The loco had been on local trespass and vandal runs in the area and was called upon to rescue the stricken Virgin HST!

18-07-02 47840 'North Star' pauses at Taunton on the late running 1V50 Glasgow - Penzance

04-08-02 47851 was never a star performer for the South West lens! It's captured here on a Sunday afternoon working to Newcastle

28-08-02 43193 stands at Taunton in the evening sunlight, redy to depart with the Newcastle - Plymouth City of Discovery service.

31-08-02 47760 'Ribblehead Viaduct' pauses at Taunton with one of the popular and frequent 'Eden Ex' trains

26-10-02 the day it all went wrong for 6024 'King Edward 1st' It failed at Taunton with poor coal and as a result 47756 was attached for a drag to Bristol TM from Taunton

No date: But 66244 leads 66001 and 58050 on an Engineers Train heading from Westbury - Exeter Riverside yard! A truly rare appearance of a Bone at Taunton had to be recorded!

12-12-02 66113 appears from the mist hauling one of those trains we are not allowed to talk about or know about! So how come I have a photo of it....!

19-12-03 57603 is captured at Taunton working the overnight 1A99 Penzance - Paddington 'Sleeper' service

01-03-03 60081 stands at Taunton with the 6W14 Westbury - Crediton 'Long Welded Rail' train, awaiting a path to the South

10-03-03 150254 worked the Bristol - Taunton stopping service, one it's first day in it's new livery after release from Cardiff after it's mid life overhaul.

07-04-03 31452+31459 make a short pause at Taunton. Having been to Meldon Quarry to drop off some Mk2 coaches the pair return north to Westbury

24-04-03 Having failed while working the Manchester - Penzance service with another 158. 158820 was removed at Taunton and plonked (for want of a better word!) in Platform 6. It's seen here having fitters attention in the Bay

05-05-03 43121 stands at Taunton on a north bound Virgin Trains service

05-05-03 47815 makes a welcome appearance at Taunton working the 1C70 Plymouth - Paddington service

26-05-03 Wessex Trains have two Central Trains Class 153's operating for them. They are both in Reigonal Railways colours. 369 is seen here at Taunton

26-05-03 180114+180101 make a rare appearance at Taunton. The pair had been on a test run from Exeter - Plymouth and back to London Paddington, this was the first time a 180 had worked West of Exeter. Only 180114 was in use for passengers

17-08-03 5051 'Earl Bathurst' turns back the clock when working one of the many Summer 'Torbay Express' trains

20-09-03 Once every two weeks you should see this train appear. 43014+43062 are part of the Network Rail 'NMT' which travels all over the UK taking recordings of track and other rail related defects!

20-09-03 31601+31128 stop at Taunton while working the 'Ultrasonic Test Train' the pair of Class 31's were in T&T formation and would work from Taunton as the 7Z08 Taunton - Plymouth

20-09-03 31601+31128 stop at Taunton while working the 'Ultrasonic Test Train' the pair of Class 31's were in T&T formation and would work from Taunton as the 7Z08 Taunton - Plymouth

20-09-03 31601+31128 stop at Taunton while working the 'Ultrasonic Test Train' the pair of Class 31's were in T&T formation and would work from Taunton as the 7Z08 Taunton - Plymouth

20-09-03 31601+31128 stop at Taunton while working the 'Ultrasonic Test Train' the pair of Class 31's were in T&T formation and would work from Taunton as the 7Z08 Taunton - Plymouth

15-11-03 47734 prepares to depart Taunton with the 1Z27 Taunton - Paddington sepcial charter

15-11-03 early morning and 158867 former 'Pet Unit' is seen arriving at Taunton with a service from Cardiff

29-11-03 pause at Tautnon on their regular two weekly Saturday diagram. 1C00 12:30 Swindon - Taunton, and 1B01 14:46 Taunton - Swindon

60072+60079 take part in snyconised uncloupling demos at Taunton, during more mass engineering work!

10-01-04 47813 is seen at Taunton Station at 01:55 in the morning working the 1A99 Penzance - Paddington 'Sleeper' service

05-03-04 47815 works the 1C65 17:33 Paddington - Plymouth standing in for the booked HST

5029+5051 arrive with the 1Z31 Plymouth - Reading for Water on the 21/08/04

A UID HST cathes the glint upon departure from Platfrom 2

16-10-04 saw the 'Hastings THUMPER' visit Taunton on a trip from Hastings to Bishops Lydeard and return!

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

]]> Fri Nov 20 2009 The Creech Collection http://TauntonTrains.fotopic.net/c52020.html Creech St Michael offers some good photography locations and really came into it's own during the 'foot and mouth' epedemic when places such as Cogload, Charlton and Victory were not able to be utilised. Creech however has along with everything else become overgrown to the stage where there is now a chesnut tree growing in the middle of the down morning shot. However this said, some stunning lighting effect and trains have been recorded in Creech over the years and this gallery details just a small selection of those! Saturday 3 October 2009: Creech St Michael offers some good photography locations and really came into it's own during the 'foot and mouth' epedemic when places such as Cogload, Charlton and Victory were not able to be utilised. Creech however has along with everything else become overgrown to the stage where there is now a chesnut tree growing in the middle of the down morning shot. However this said, some stunning lighting effect and trains have been recorded in Creech over the years and this gallery details just a small selection of those!

05-05-01 220003 works through in 'Pre Voyager Service' days on a test run from Exeter - Bristol

30-05-01 4472 'Flying Scotsman' passes through with it's pathetic whistle heading for Plymouth

07-07-01 47805 works a northbound Virgin serivce through the village

07-07-01 Tatty 47787 works a VSOE trip through Creech

07-07-01 47847 working the 1V45 Liverpool - Plymouth before it's repaint into BR Blue passes with a UID service to Plymouth

08-08-01 66053 passes Creech St Michael with the Devonport bound Flasks, complete with EWS inspection saloon

37415+37419 roar through Creech with a loaded Ballast train, having been out on Engineering works near Cowley Bridge overnight

07-12-01 37418 and 37408 pass through Creech St Michael with the 6G99 Meldon - Westbury stone.

07-12-01 Class 56's are not Common at Taunton, 56119 is seen heading South on a charter to the West Somerset Railway in connection with 'Dunster by Candlelright' while 37418+37408 head the 6G99 Meldon - Westbury ballast North in the background

15-05-02 47831 works the 1V35 Derby - Plymouth through Creech

15-06-02 47853 heads North through the village withthe 1S66 Paignton - Edinburgh service for Virgin Trains

15-06-02 47829 rounds the curve at Creech with the 1V37 Preston - Paignton

14-07-02 47810 races South with the late running 1V84 Glasgow - Penzance on a Sunday evening

28-07-02 37197 speeds the empty stock from the Torbay Express back to Exeter

28-08-02 47756 worked the 1V33 Willesden - Plymouth through Creech

14-09-02 47815 rounds the curve with a rare visit to the South West, working the 1V45 Manchester - Plymouth Mk3 DVT set

19-10-02 6201 passes with near perfect steam, working the 1Z27 Paddington - Plymouth steam charter

26-10-02 47750 still in Virgin colours passes Creech with the 1Z47 Letchworth - Par 'Eden Ex'

26-10-02 A UID 221 passes in the Autumn Light

26-10-02 66189 passes with the 6M68 Bunrgullow - Warrington 'Silver Bullets'

26-10-02 D1015 'Western Champion' works the 1Z52 Paddington - Plymouth through Creech

15-02-03 46035 rounds the curve after a heavy frost and low light with the 1Z66 Crewe - Newton Abbot

23-02-03 66046 passes with a Bridgwater - Westbury via Taunton engineers

23-02-03 43103 wisks 43090 thorugh Creech on route to Plymouth

01-03-03 47778 races through Creech with another 'Eden Ex' from Ashford International

15-03-03 158841+158825 pull away from a signal check in Creech, working a Penzance - Camarthen Service. The pairing of 'Double Ginsters 158s' is very rare indeed!

15-03-03 D1015 'Western Chamption passes Creech with the 1Z45 Crewe - Okehampton railtour

15-03-03 47773 passes Creech with the 1Z27 Milton Keynes - Par 'Eden Ex'

04-05-03 47815 passes Creech working the 1C17 Paddington - Paignton service for Firstgroup

26-05-03 43068 forms a 'GTI HST' with 43068 working a Laira - Lonsight stock move, making quite an amsuing sight!

31-05-03 47832 'Tamar' roll through the village with the 1C22 Paddington - Penzance

13-06-03 Welsh liveried 150267 passes with the 1C81 Pembroke Dock - Exeter service

15-06-03 An Ex Works 158830 along with 158819 pass through Creech St Michael with a Manchester - Penzance service

15-06-03 47841 was summond from Rugby to haul 43158+43101 from Bristol to Plymouth on the 1V59 Edinburgh - Paignton, it's seen passing Creech St Michael

17-06-03 Another rare pairing, 47758 hauls 60018 on the 6V70 Cliffe Vale - St Blazey

28-06-03 66051+66023 work in T&T formation on the Westbury - Penzance passing Creech

01-07-03 66143 passes Creech St Michael with 66023 on the rear working the 7W95 Westbury - St Budeaus Ferrys Rd Jn engineers

01-07-03 43092 leads 43160 through the Village on route to Plymouth

09-07-03 66165 passes with the 6V70 Cliffe Vale - St Blazey China Clay

09-08-03 43014+43062 round the curve with the Network Rail NMT

24-09-03 D9016 (Yes a Deltic!) hauls 50002 'Superb' (Yes a 50!) working the 0Z55 Barrow Hill - Totnes, where 50002 would be returned to the care of the South Devon Railway

27-09-03 43092+43160 work the last Virgin Trains HST operated 1V49 Dundee - Penzance through Creech St Michael

29-09-03 43154 and 43157 work the last ever Virgin Trains HST 1S77 Penzance - Glasgow service through Creech

15-11-03 43062 leads 43013 up through Creech with the 1B01 Taunton - Swindon test train

17-01-04 221134 rounds the bend at Creech with superb results and lighting!

06-02-04 67028 passes Creech St Michael with the Ipswich - Par 'Eden Ex' with the Pride of the Nation stock in tow

47812 passes Creech St Michael with the 4Z21 Eastleigh - Laira. At 18:50 taken at ISO1600!

27-04-04 66220 rolls past the rape seed in Creech, working the 6F92 Cardiff Tidal - Tavistock Jn

29-05-04 67005 passes on 29-05-04 with a Birmingham - Par 'Eden Ex'

12-07-04 57604 hauls 43135 as the 5Z74 St Phillips Marsh - Laira Stock move.

Published in Welcome to Taunton Trains

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