18ef11cbf05d46c88cbd5d97e6960093

Toton Depot.

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 20:11:40 GMT

Toton Traction Maintenance Depot

Occasionally I get the opportunity to go over to Nottingham to visit Toton TMD, now famous for its line of decaying Class 60's sitting now for many years by the famous bank. I always get there first thing in the morning and this day was no different, Wednesday 25th August with a just after 5am arrival.

The infamous lines of Class 60's. there are plenty of lists out there outlining what is there, such a waste of locomotives, but then what do we know.

60067, 60032 & 60088 leading the line up, with the active locomotives sitting outside the depot behind, all the trees and foliage in front of the line up have been removed so it is much easier to see and photograph them all.

Two class 66's waiting to leave with a freight service 66027 at the front and 66103 hiding behind, more stored class 60's can clearly be seen behind.

60047 right outside the depot doors, looking nice and clean

66098 and 66121 are clearly visible, with 67006 to the left and another 66 on the far right.

66138 in the middle of two class 60's, the one on the left looking at little worse for wear.

66183 with some unidentified class 66's at the rear of the depot

67019 surrounded by class 66's and a class 60 on the left.

A wider view of the front side of the depot, so of course the question on your minds is what was there at the depot at the time of my visit, the list is below.

59 - 59202

60 - 60003 60008 60014 60029 60043 60047 60051 60058 60063 60074 60083 60088 60100 60500

66 - 66005 66027 66031 66032 66037 66043 66047 66067 60073 66076 66079 66098 66103 66112 66114 66121 66124 66135 66138 66182 66183 66205 66206 66765

67 - 67004 67006 67019 67025

195 - 195013

i did not note all the class 60's in the line up, so there would be more to note, I also did not go around the back of the depot as the last time I did, it took me over an hour to get round to the back entrance and only got one more class 66 to note. The front of the depot can be viewed off the bridge passing over the mainline to the right of the depot when standing on the bank, there is a layby that you can park in, then walk down the side of the dual carriageway and look over the bridge sides, however please be aware that the road has no right of way for pedestrians and if you are caught, you may be in trouble with the police. I guess the easy way would be to have a drone, but I would not like to speak about the legality of doing that.

During the time I was there, there were a few freight trains passing through, so it maybe worth sticking around for a while, the bank is an excellent place to get some great shots of them passing, I see posts about the need for a long lens, but to photograph the freight passing through or the depot it is not needed, just some decent editing software will provide excellent results, however you will need some binoculars to view locomotives at the far side of the depot.

Toton is a great place to see plenty of class 60's and 66's, with a few 67's thrown in too. More details on how to get to the bank that over looks the depot are in the locations guide.

Colwich Junction

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 18:59:33 GMT

Colwich Junction - 19th September 1986

The remains of 86429 sit at Crewe on the 4th July 1987, 86211 the other locomotive involved sits on a few meters away from it. Colwich junction sits between Rugeley and Stafford and is where the four track mainline splits into two routes. two tracks go to Manchester via Stoke on Trent and the other two lines go to Stafford and Crewe.

It was a high speed c ollision between two express trains, if it was not for the coaching stock being strong then there would have been many fatalities, the only death was the driver of the approaching train. I am not going to go into all the details of the crash and the consequences of it, or the lessons that should have been learnt from it, that would later come back to haunt. These are covered in other in depth articles in other places on the internet.

It was quite strange to see the locomotives at Crewe during the open day, just covered in tarpaulin to try and hide them, removed of their boogies and just there in plain view to be seen.

The remains of 86211 at Crewe sitting on some blocks. Lots of young children playing around it, trying to climb into the locomotive, I am sure that would not happen these days. I am actually pretty sure that they would not even be at an open day to be seen. The remain of both locomotives were cut up on site during September of the same year.

350105 & 350244

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 21:27:11 GMT

350105 & 350244 at Stafford

350105 & 350244 at Stafford 12/01/2019. One heading south and the other heading north. in the late 1980's when i used to go as a teenager, it was 304's that used to do the same routes. then 310's. Time passes by, the stations and the rolling stock my differ, still people travel the same routes. were the days of British Rail really that bad, have the railways improved with the different franchises. With the network creaking and Network Rail battling with the Victorian network, there are only so many sticking plasters you can put on it until it finally fails. I am sure the rail franchises do all they can to run a good service, no one deliberately sets out to cause delays and disruption. There are clearly issues with the current status quo on the railways. What is the answer? It seems everyone has an opinion, but who is right and who is wrong......

67023 at Stafford

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 26 May 2020 20:48:14 GMT

67023 at Stafford 10/12/2019

The class 67 was designed as a direct replacement for the now ageing class 47, built by Alstom in Valencia, Spain between 1999 and 2000. Originally built for the English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) 30 were produced and were leased via Angel trains on a 15 year lease, for high speed Royal Mail and passenger trains. At the end of the 15 yuear lease they were transferred to DB Cargo UK. It is very similar in the power unit as the class 66, The traction motors are frame mounted rather than axle hung to reduce unsprung mass to allow higher speeds. The cab design has a central driving position. The highest speed achieved is 143mph by 67002 on the Madrid-Toledo high speed line. The first locomotive delivered was 67003, in October 1999. Issues with the loading gauge caused acceptance delays. All loco's had been delivered however by early 2000, modifications that were required were completed by June 2003. They have been used on many different routes and services, currently 28 are operated by DB Cargo UK & 2 by Colas Rail.

Class 26015

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 09 May 2020 21:51:09 GMT

26015.

26015 built at the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon works, Smethwick delivered 13/02/1959 as D5315. 47 of the calss were built. Worked in the London area for the first few years then moved to Scotland were they all remained until disposal. Renumber 26015 25/05/1974. Worked in Scotland until its withdrawal 23/06/1991. Arrived at Inverness 17/08/1992 for storage due to its general poor condition. It was broken up by MC Metals in September 1994. There is some good news, 13 of the class have been saved, although 7 of this are actually in storage. Their future is unknown.

37503

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:23:16 GMT

37503 At Bescot.

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Class 310's In the Midland's

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 05 May 2020 20:38:36 GMT

Class 310's In The Midland's.

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86217/86504 at Bescot

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Mon, 04 May 2020 21:23:54 GMT

86217/86504 at Bescot.

E3177 released to traffic 21/08/1965, spent most of its life running up and down the WCML. Renumbered to 86217 under the TOPS numbering system, renumbered 86504 1988, site here at Bescot 04/11/1988. Spent the final part of its life in the UK on the Anglia line. Withdrawn from stock April 2004. In February 2013 exported to Hungry and is now operated by Floyd ZRt and numbered 0450 006.

86217 carried several names during it life on British Rail

1980-1985 Comet

1985-1994 Halleys Comet

1994-2004 City University

Class 58012 at Saltley

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 03 May 2020 19:08:17 GMT

Class 58 at Saltley.

Saltley was always a good place to see Class 58's, usually 5 or 6 of the class would be sitting there over the weekend. 58012, built 31/03/1984, withdrawn from service 05/12/1999. However this locomotive is one of the five of the class that has been saved. Purchased in 2016 from Ron Hull scrapyard, it is now stored at The Battlefield Line awaiting restoration.

58017 the locomotive behind, which is obviously running judging by the smoke coming from the exhaust fans. was not so lucky. Delivered 31/10/1984, named Eastleigh Depot 26/04/1995. Withdrawn from stock 30/04/1999. Apparently sat around for 13 years before being broken up at Eastleigh in 2013.

Out of the 50 locomotives built 5 have been saved, 17 scrapped and a further 28 are currently stored in either Alizay in France or Albacerte in Spain, there futures unknown.

Bescot TMD

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:50:16 GMT

Bescot TMD Line Up.

Saturday's at Bescot were a great opportunity to see a wide variety of motive power. Here we can see a classic line up, only 3 different types of loco on this one.

58007, released from Doncaster works 09/12/1982, named Drakelow Power Station 25/08/1990. Transferred to France 14/10/2014, it is now stored in Alzay in France, with an uncertain future.

37352, released from the Vulcan foundry as D6708 10/02/1961, renumbered 37008 March 1974. wandered around the network for many years, renumbered again to 37352 17/06/1988. renumbered back to 37008 06/07/1989, unfortunately 37008 was involved in a collision with an empty freightliner rake at Seabrooks Sidings while working 4S83 1830 Tilbury - Coatbridge with 37225. After the accident 37352 awaited its fate at Stratford Depot, officially withdrwan from stock 24/02/1992, moved to Tinsley 31/01/1993. Finally taken to MRJ Phillips at Crewe 21/07/1996.

47306, released from Brush Locomotive works as D1787 26/11/1964. One of 512 built, renumbered 47306 in April 1974. One of the lucky ones, it is currently undergoing refurbishment at the Bodmin Heritage Center, dispite having a fire in the wiring system, should be running under its own power once more, if it is not already doing so.

37285, released from English Electric Vulcan Foundry as D6985, Based at Canton. Renumbered to 37285 in March 1974. As with most other locos, moved around the network until 1993, stored serviceable 27/01/1993. returned to traffic at Tinsley, 31/03/1993. until stored unserviceable 15/08/1994. Renumbered to 37335 02/09/1994 and returned to Immingham as a stored Locomotive and components striped. Condemned 30/07/1999 and then cut up by Raxstar at Immigham MPD.

More information on Class 37's can be found by clicking on the link below.

https://www.class37.co.uk/default.aspx

Class 115 - 51899

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:58:56 GMT

Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit 51899.

27th December 1988, class 115 51899 sits at Aylesbury in between duties. The full set number are 51899-59761-51886, with the first named Aylesbury College, the only DMU car to carry a name plate. released into service in 1960 until there replacement in 1992 by the new Class 165's. They spent most of their time running the Chiltern line into London Marylebone. The Tyseley units survived a little longer until 1994. However this set was saved and is now in BR green and lives on the Buckinghamshire railway Center.

37428 at Birmingham New Street

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 22:19:14 GMT

37428 at Birmingham New Street.

37428, running The Norfolkman Railtour. Built 12/05/1965 as D6981, renumbered 37281 May 1974. Converted to 37428 October 1975. This growler had a long life and was not withdrawn until December 2009. Unfortunatley left lying around for a number of years until being cut up by CF Booth's of Rotherham, December 2013.

More information of the life of 37428 can be found by clicking the link below,

https://www.class37.co.uk/fleet.aspx?strnumber=37428

Class 85 At Birmingham New Street

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:59:13 GMT

85 at Birmingham New Street.

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50008 at Saltley

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 19:01:07 GMT

50008 at Saltley.

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90016 At Birmingham New Street

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 21:51:52 GMT

90016 at Birmingham New Street.

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26004 at Ayr

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 21:07:42 GMT

26004 at Ayr.

26004 at Ayr 25/08/1989, Originally D5304, built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Works between 1958-1959, 47 were built and as far as I am aware 26004 is stored at Nemesis Rail at Burton Upon Trent. There are a total of 13 that are still in existence, I say that as some are stored, with their fate not quite certain, only time will tell.

20213 at Ayr

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 20:04:34 GMT

20213 at Ayr.

20213 at Ayr yard 25/08/1989, the days of this locomotive are numbered as soon it will be broken up. The class 20 is an unusual design for British Rail, just the cab at one end, there are many sites that discuss this and the reasons for it, so I will not go into that here, English Electric built 228 'choppers' between 1957-1968. 20213 was born as D8313, renumbered under the TOPS system in the mid 1970's. In my research for this post, there is not much history to be had surrounding the individual locomotives of the class. With the demise of Berry's in Leicester, another scrapyard was required to dispose of the ever mounting number of loco's, units and stock. MC metals rose to that and sometime between the late 1980's and mid 1990's 20213 met its end in Glasgow. On a brighter note there are 20 of the class.... rather apt i thought, 20 20's are in preservation, I always loved the sound of 20's, so distinct, the almost whistling they make as they pass.

37175 & 26010 at Perth

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 19:05:59 GMT

37175 & 26010 at Perth.

37175 & 26010 at Perth, 27/08/1989. Released from the English Electric Vulcan Foundry 20/09/1963 as D6875 to Cardiff Canton, renumbered 37175 sometime in March 1974. Rattled around the network for 50 odd years, repainted into Colas livery 26/04/2014. As far as I am aware, it is still running. For more detailed information about this 37, visit the Class 37 Website following the link below.

26010, built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company in 1958, entering service as D5310 in January 1959. renumbered to its TOPS number 26010 in the mid 1970's. It was withdrawn in December 1992 after a Turboblower fire. 1995 saw it go to the Northampton & Lamport railway where its engine was started again in July of the same year. After refurbishment it arrived at the Llangollen Railway in 2009 where it now resides. More information can be found on the Great Central Railway website, listed second below. The Llangollen website listed third.

https://www.class37.co.uk/fleet.aspx?strnumber=37175

https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/the-railway/locomotives/class-27-d5310/

http://www.llangollen-railway.org.uk/dloco5310.html

47711 At Aberdeen

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 20:54:03 GMT

47711 At Aberdeen

47711 at Aberdeen 27/08/1989, released to service in June 1966 as D1941. renumbered under the TOPS system, 47498 May 1973. then 47711 November 1979. The locomotive moved from Scotland towards the end of the 1980's and moved south, even ending up in Network South East Livery, withdrawn and cut up at Toton September 2004. More information can be found at the Class 47 website, the link is below

http://www.class47.co.uk/c47_numbers.php?s_loco=47711

LMS 45596 (5596) Bahamas

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 20:37:40 GMT

LMS Jubilee Class 45596 (5596) Bahamas.

London Midland, Scottish Jubilee Class 45596 Bahamas sitting quietly at Carlisle Upperby on 25th August 1989. I could give the full history of the locomotive, but there are plenty of places that will do a much better job than I can. I will just say the locomotive is now in full working order. Good news I am sure you will agree.

Class 37413

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:22:17 GMT

37413

37413 chilling after a hard days work, now I am unsure of the location as I saw this 37 at 2 different locations in one day, Fort William and then later on in Polmadie, 26th August 1989. So prevalent on the Highland lines for so long.

Released from the English Electric Vulcan Foundry 15/04/1965 as D6976 and first allocated to Cardiff Canton, renumbered to 37276 in March 1974, transferred to Eastfield in 20/01/1985 then entered works to be converted to a 37/4 15/02/1985, renumbered to 37413. sadly this locomotive is no more and was broken up by CF Booth in Rotherham 04/04/2017, for a full listing of this locomotives commings and going please visit

https://www.class37.co.uk/fleet.aspx?strnumber=37413

Class 101 At Perth

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 21:36:01 GMT

Class 101's at Perth Yard.

27th August 1989 is the date of this line up of DMU's at Perth, at this point the days of these units is numbered and many will find themselves in breakers yards over the next few years. The line up includes, 101315/310/393, for many years I took these units for granted, my days on Birmingham New Street, watching them travel back and forth in and out, along the Cross City line. Not really giving them a second glance, many times not even recording the numbers of the variations that I saw chugging along. To few made it into preservation, many lying rotting for years at the back of a depot somewhere, a sad site indeed. I did not spend enough time up in Scotland to see all of the units here, however, I did get to see quite a few. Good times.

Class 37401

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 20:33:31 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

37401 sighted, I think at Fort William on 26th August 1989, looking great in Inter City livery. The image is a little grainy, first delivered 17th February 1965 and was first allocated to Darnall. In February 1974 renumbered to 37268. 37268 continued to traverse the network and travelled from Scotland, to Wales and most of England too, then on 28th June 1985 emerged as 37401. Then spent most of her time on the Highland line, although a few visits further south were recorded. August 1988 saw the application of the Mainline Intercity livery as seen above. To this day, it has meandered around the network, being stored a few times along the way, but is still in service now. To find out more about the history of this locomotive click the link below

https://www.class37.co.uk/fleet.aspx?strnumber=37401

Class 71001 At Bescot Open Day

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 18:00:33 GMT

Class 71001/E5001 At Bescot Open Day

The British Rail Class 71, built in 1958 in Doncaster and were unlike other classes, could not operate away from the third rail system. 24 of the class were built for the Kent Coast main lines. Some however had a pantograph for use in yards and depots where it was deemed to dangerous to operate the third rail system, however, later in life these were removed. I could go into long details about power and the use of the electric system, but that is explained in great technical detail on other dedicated sites. The 71 was quite over powered for the size of the locomotive and acceleration has been described as astonishing. It ran many of the famous prestigious services of the era, the 'Night Ferry', 'Golden Arrow' and later in life 'The Pullman'. However the fact the class relied on the third rail system alone proved its downfall, DEMU's became more flexible and engineering works meant the class could not run, most freight is run at night as congestion is reduced, engineering work is also done at night. With the electric system shut down, the class can not run, or would have to take significant detours to run the service. It was also restricted on inter regional work, this was ultimately the classes downfall, as the 71 can not operate with out 'juice'. Therefore in the late 1960's ten fully working locomotives were withdrawn, the other 14 locomotives were renumbered under the new TOPS system 71001-71014. The class continued on until the last day of 1977 when all were withdrawn at the same time, 71001 however was saved by the National Railway Museum and is to this day still in working order,

Western At Bescot Open Day 1988

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 21:56:10 GMT

Class 52 Western Prince At Bescot Open Day 1988

The Class 52, The Westerns, are a classy Locomotive, alas I never saw any in service and only in preservation. One of the 7 preserved out of a fleet of 74, built at Crewe works on the 10th of October 1962. The Class had a very short life on the network and was withdrawn in February 1974. just over 14 years in service. It was one of the first locomotives purchased by the Bury group, now the East Lancashire Railway. This being said, D1041 has had massive issues since 2004 and is now going a major refurbishment to bring the locomotive back full running order.

If you wish to be part of the rebuilding work then please visit the ELR Diesel Group website below,

http://www.elrdiesel.info/index.php

For all things Class 52, click the link below for the Western Locomotive Association

https://www.westernlocomotives.co.uk/

Class 25211

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 07 Mar 2020 22:40:32 GMT

Class 25211, at Bescot Open Day 9th October 1988

Open days used to be a very common affair in the 1980's and early 1990's, they seemed to die off after privatisation. They were a chance for the depots to open their doors, not just to railway enthusiasts, but to the local community also. They were a good chance to show local children how dangerous the railways can be. The open days were always a relaxed affair and generally the whole depot was open for viewing, usually many of the workers from the depot were also there to talk to and inform people about the railways and their day to day jobs. For me as a 16 year old it taught me how to sneak into depots to get the numbers of the locos hidden in the lines of wagons. In fact my BR hi viz came from this open day. I am not however condoning trespassing on the railways at all. I think the times are different now and depots tolerated people walking around as long as they followed the rules and did not damage anything. In fact most depots would let you go round as long as you let them know when you were leaving. On a few occasions i had tours given to me by bored staff when I arrived.

The picture of a very shiny 25211, it was however withdrawn from service at this point and was painted just for the open day. It was also the last class 25 to be broken up. A full list of the locomotives history can be found using the link below

https://www.derbysulzers.com/25211.html

The list of Motive power on this day is listed below,

Diesel

D4, D7018, 9019, D1041

02003

08603, 08901, 08672, 08765, 087590, 08466

20132, 20141, 20181

25211, 25194, 25259, 25235, 25205, 25206

31451, 31121, 31178, 31438, 31417, 31143, 31135, 31430

33008

37298, 37903, 37892, 37139, 37353

45106

47328, 47213, 47235

55016

56030, 56018

58050, 58001, 58003, 58014

Steam

44932, 53809

Electric

27000, E5001

Other

97204, ADM 40321, KDM 395698, DR9007, DX 68702, DX 73254,

ADM 41 (6t manual crane), DRB 78113, DRP 81529, ADB 965307,

ADB 965189 (Tender mounted snowplough)

66588 At Stafford

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 18:44:19 GMT

Class 66588 At Stafford

Class 66588 passing through Stafford on 29th November 2019. The 66 which replaced most of the older Locomotives on the network. As sad as that is it was inevitable, the ageing fleet which was left behind with the privatisation of British Rail, was becoming more unreliable and costly to run. It was only a matter of time for the demise of the classics on the network. As the 66 came onto the network, older fleets were withdrawn and scrapped, many never to be seen again. Sad times but one of the biggest upgrades in the fleet since the end of steam was taking place. Many times over the years fleets of classes were withdrawn and lost. The Deltics on the ECML, Class 25's. 26's and 27's obliterated in the late 1980's to name a few in my lifetime. The replacement of units and coaches will carry on into the future.

Class 170

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Thu, 06 Feb 2020 23:26:00 GMT

Cross Country Class 170

Cross Country Class 170 at Cardiff Central, awaiting its next journey. They were built between 1998 and 2005, 139 two car units were produced, 9 have been converted into Class 168, 11 into Class 171. As seems to be all to common with the current generation of DMU's they are not able to be paired with other units except the 150xxx Sprinters and empty with 14xxx Pacers. Of course they can work in multiple with their own class. The 170 is scattered around the network as you can see from the different liveries below. I know they are from models but the liveries are correct. With all the different operators

Below are some other images of the liveries currently in service, thanks to the authors on Wikipedia for them.

Class 45 At Brmingham New Street

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 18:55:20 GMT

Class 45 At Birmingham New Street

On A warm summer's day there is a Class 45 at Birmingham New Street, now coming to the end of their lives and are being seen less and less around the network. A few more months and they will all be gone. I believe that this is 45110 on the 28th May 1988. A thriving station in the 1980's with all sorts of motive power visiting. Although the same could be said to many large and small stations across the network. 45110 sits on the end of a service from the North, I believe it went onto Poole, but I could be mistaken. If you look to the left, you can see a HST hiding in the darkness.

Class 185 DMU

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 22:15:25 GMT

Class 185 Trans Pennine Express

Class 185112 leaving Manchester Piccadilly on the 20th December 2019, heading to Manchester Airport. Introduced in late 2005 as replacement for 158 units. Designed with an improved capacity to deal with the hill sections they are running on. They have already had their first full refurbishments and these were started in June 2017. It appears that these units are not that popular with passengers, although I would imagine this is due more to the chronic overcrowding on most routes.

The above diagram is used with permission below

Agent Squash [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

37421

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 23:07:38 GMT

37421

Colas Rail Freight 37421 at Cardiff on the 2nd January 2020, running with a set of 4 Mark 2 coaches. Colas have been running on the rails since 2006 and mostly move aggregates, owned by a French company and are more famous for road repairs. Colas have operated many different locomotives since 2006, Classes 37, 47, 56, 66, 67, 70, 73 and of course 86701, which ended up in Bulgaria. Beginning with 3 Class 47's in 2006 the fleet has soon ballooned in to 46 locomotives. 37421 is 1 of 12 37's that are currently operated. Colas also operate a multitude of Plant machinery too.

37421 was released into traffic as D6967 on the 13th February 1965, first allocated to Darnell. Then rattled around the network, travelling far and wide, being seen in Derby, Stratford and Euston. Entered works and had twin tanks fitted and emerged on the 5th December 1985 as 37421. Then spent many years running the highland line as many of the 37/4's did. In the early 1990's moved to running the North Wales route, often popping up in Birmingham New Street. Put in to storage on the 20th September 2007 and then officially withdrawn from stock on the 13th March 2009. Reinstated to stock on 9th January 2014 and then purchased by Colas rail on the 20th January 2014. Then it seems to have been withdrawn again then reinstated and since the 15th July 2019 has been running between Cardiff Central and Rhymney everyday. I wonder how long this will continue....

Thanks to the Class 37 website for the dates, link to thier fantastic site below

www.class37.co.uk

Evening Star 66779

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 21:26:21 GMT

66779 Evening Star

Class 66 in the same livery as a classic Locomotive from the steam days, also carrying the same name. 92220 Evening Star is a Class 9F 2-10-0 which was the final British Railways steam locomotive built, is just like the 66, it is also the last of the class to be built. So they have more in common than you may initially think. Same name, built to rattle around the network for years and also to be donated to the national collection...... once its days are at an end. I am sure you will agree it is a handsome looking locomotive in BR green.

Seen here at Doncaster 28th January 2020

92220 image thanks to google images

North Star

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 21:25:07 GMT

North Star Class 47

D1661, entered service in 13th February 1965. then in February 1974 renumbered to 47077. again renumbered in May 1984 to 47613 and again in October 1989 to 47840, seen above as 47613 at Birmingham New Street in the late 1980's. North Star rattled around the network for over 40 years, luckily it has been preserved and will be around for many more years to come

37709

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 23:12:08 GMT

37709

Many depots have faded into history now, I am not going to start naming as we all know where they are. 37709 is sitting in depot having a pedicure before being released back into the system. I am unsure of the date, but it is around the early 1990's, the depot, i am not sure if it is Stratford or Eastleigh. I am sure someone would be able to tell me. In the late 1980's and early 1990's i spend most weekends in some location around the country.

Originally number D6714, then given the TOPS numbering 37014, again renumbered 37709 on the 26th March 1988 , at this time assigned to the Petroleum sector and was changed afterwards in to Mainline livery. Withdrawn from stock on 13th January 2011 and finally cut up on 8th September 2011. For more information on the Class 37 visit the site below

https://www.class37.co.uk/

37709 shortly before being cut, image courtesy of google.

Pacer........

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 22:16:10 GMT

Pacers.....

Pacer's, love them or hate them, for the passengers they are probably not the nicest experience these days, but then most are spoilt now with new rolling stock across the network. Pacers have been around in one form or another since the start of the 1980's, supposed to have a life of around 20 years, fast forward to 2020, they are still chugging around areas of the network. Designed from the Leyland National bus, so basically a bus on bogies. They were a cheap alternative to the better designed Sprinter units. British Rail needed a replacement for the ageing first generations of DMU's built in the late 1950's and early 1960's. All 141's were withdrawn from service by 1997, slimmer than the Class 142 and 143, the 141 was limited to bus style seating. The later 142 onwards had a wider body to allow more seating. The use of cheaper style boogies resulted in a rather uncomfortable ride. The Pacers have now logged millions of miles on the network and are probably deserving of a rest, although there will be no relaxed retirement, but a place at a scrap merchants and broken into thousands of pieces.

Above a Class 142 and 143 together at Cardiff Central on 02/01/2020. Soon all the pacers will be withdrawn. New units should be arriving soon, the operator is even telling every passengers they are not good enough anymore. Below the operator is basically admitting that pacers are now crap. That said, it is another era of British Railways that will pass into history.

Class 85 At Crewe

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:51:23 GMT

Class 85 At Crewe

Crewe has been an interesting place for Motive Power for decades. From the age of steam to the advent of the domination of the Class 66 on everything. But enough of that, lets just sit back and enjoy a Class 85 zooming through Crewe.

56010 At Bescot

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 22:25:26 GMT

56010 At Bescot

Saturday morning at Bescot, 56010 in British Rail Blue sitting with a first Generation Rail freight Livery. Most were quickly painted after this point. Class 56's were not all that common at Bescot, usually, the same one would be seen for weeks before disappearing and then another taking its place, they were more common at Saltley.

Class 47's at Saltley TMD

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 21:10:52 GMT

Class 47's At Saltley TMD

Saltley TMD was a small refuelling and stabling point for locomotives working local freights and from passenger services running into Birmingham New Street. A similar mix of locomotives to what used to be at Bescot. A 15 minute walk from Duddeston railway station, formally know as Vauxhall and opened in 1837, was the temporary terminus of the Grand Junction Railway Company which ran to Warrington. In 1839 the permanent terminus opened at Curzon Street and Vauxhall became a goods only station. Large sheds were located on both sides of the 4 track line and the station was re opened in 1869 by the LNWR as Vauxhall & Duddeston. The old station was hit by a bomb in 1941 and destroyed, it was finally rebuilt in 1974 and renamed Duddeston.

Saltley TMD was located near the Saltley station that closed in 1968 and is located on the line between Birmingham New Street and Water Orton, it was mainly an inspection depot and refuelling site with room to store locomotives between duties. There is also offices on site and they are still used to this day, the depot closed in 2005 with the last train leaving the stabling point in 2008. I have not been there for a while but I believe the siding are still there to this day but derelict.

Two Class 47's looking sharp in their brand new Intercity Swallow livery arriving at Saltley on Saturday morning. Not sure which two they are, but they were not there that long, a swift visit and then off on their next duty.

Saturday Morning Bescot TMD

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 23:13:54 GMT

Eclectic Mix At Bescot TMD

Saturday morning's in the late 1980's was a trip here to see the vast array of motive power parked up, 4 different classes seen here, An 86 on the left, two 47's in the middle, behind them a line of Class 20's and on the far right a class 58. There were always others here too. 08, 25, 31, 37, 40, 45, 56, 81, 82, 82 and sometimes an 87. Although the 25's and 40's disappeared quite quickly as they faced the cutter's torch. Always busy although not much freight operating at the weekend so it allowed us to wander along the side of the yard to get good photographs. Tolerated by the staff there as long as we stayed away from the mainline. These days that would never happen.

During the week a lot of freight passed through, although I am not aware if that is still the same, that said I am sure there is not the same amount of variety of locomotives anymore. A plethora of 66's i am sure, but not the same as the list above. However i am sure some would say this is progress. I guess it the same as the demise of steam to the diesel in the 1960's, but now it is the demise of the diesel to the multiple unit and the new generation of high speed trains. The rise of the Pendolino and the Azuma.

Class 20's Idling

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 21:33:49 GMT

Class 20, 20105 idling

Class 20's in the late 1980's were a common site chugging around in their usual pairs. A very distinctive and familiar sounding diesel engine whistling as they passed or idled. I do not think I ever encountered anyone that did not like them. A very unusual design for BR, a very simple design and they were the only single cab ended locomotive used for freight trains. They were also very under powered and could not hail heavy loads alone. So generally, 20's were coupled nose to nose which ended the issues of restricted viewing for the driver and also provided more power to pull heavier loads.

Every of my age remembers the summer trains to skegness operated by Class 20's. It was very rare to see these loco's operating on passenger trains, except in Scotland they were used in conjunction for a while with Class 27's, these versions were fitted with a through pipe to give heating for coaches.

There are a few of them still around today, usually again operating in pairs, although single operations are more common now than they were in the 1970's and 1980's. These have a camera fitted into the end of the nose to assist with the restricted view.

The Chopper still has a few knocking about and luckily many have gone into preservation.

86401 at Crewe

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 21:56:57 GMT

The Heyday Of The 86

The heyday times of the Class 86, through the 1980's and 90's. The main stay of the West Coast Mainline. They spent their years running up and down from Scotland to London, starting in blue, then onto Intercity livery, one like above even dabbled in Network South East colours. With the Class 81, 82 and 85 phasing out and the Class 87 replacing those withdrawn, every train was drawn by these classes. Mark 1 stock passes on to Mark 2, Gangwayed Brake Vans gave way to Driving Van Trailer's. The cycle of changes continues. The introduction of the Class 90 moves some of the 86's onto freight duties and into Railfreight liveries. With some still hanging around today, their days are truly numbered.

86622 & 86609 on a Freightliner passing through Stafford on 29/11/2019. Although the days of these are slowly coming to an end.

Split Head Code Class 37

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 18:34:47 GMT

Class 37 At Bescot.

The late 1980's was a changing place on the railways, in the last years before privatisation and the age of the diesel is coming to an end. At this point many classes have gone, Deltics, Warships and Westerns to name a few. Some others are also coming to the end, namely class 25's, 44's and 45's are coming to an end. The majority of Class 40's have already gone. Of course the new Class 58 has arrived and also the Class 90 & 91.

However there is still a vast amount of locomotives that give us pleasure to see, the heyday of the 86 & 87's on the West Coast mainline, 50's in the South West, 37's on freight with the 20's and others. The MGR trains flowing around the network. New units are replacing the old DMU's banging around the system, the much vaunted Pacer unit, the saviour of the shortfall in the North, still banging around today. Although looking a little worse for wear. The new 150's, 156 & 158's are appearing onto the system. Mark 1 stock disappearing, the Newspaper vans are going and Post Office vans are now appearing in bright Red.

All change it seems, but there is still a wide variety of Locomotives and units are still around, the slam door stock in London is still going strong before the axe finally falls on them. The old EMU's are still going strong and a few have fallen by the wayside, but the majority are still in service. 302's, 303's & the lower numbered classes are still in service, although they are really starting to show their age. It will be a few years until the new units appear.

Well after that quick round up, the picture above shows a split head coded 37 at rest on a misty winters day at Bescot. A 47 with its dinky ploughs on also rests, and on the far left just in the shot is a long line of various Locomotives. The days of multiple locomotives being stabled here at the weekend are gone. Now there are 2 single 08's and usually many Class 66's. On a Saturday morning there would be several lines parked up waiting to go back to work on Monday morning. usually, 20's, 25's, 31's, 37's, 45's, 47's, 56's, 58,s and a few electrics, 81's, 85's and the odd 86 or 87. The odd class 304 or 310 rattling along delivering passengers along the line to Walsall.

Virgin No More

183:809506068 (Jonathan Tebbutt) — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 20:44:17 GMT

Goodbye Virgin Pendolino's

Virgin finally has left the rail business, although there are rumours of a return... Who knows what will happen with the enigmatic Sir Richard Branson, he does have a tendency to surprise. So now its handed over to Avanti West Coast. Although they have re branded at your local railway station, they seem to be a little slow at doing the same to the rolling stock. The majority of the Pendolino's and Voyager's that are now operated by Avanti are either, stripped down to the grey. In the Voyager's case the original livery is still there with just the Virgin Branding removed, however I have seen voyager's with the virgin Branding still in places, the bits they missed or not bothered to take off.

It is a shame Virgin have gone, many people were quite sad, but i am sure the Avanti will just carry on, as to be honest they do not really have much work to do. Except maybe painting the trains.