2. Railways

A flat day at Severn Tunnel Junction

The last day of my tour of South Wales and I return to a favourite location, Severn Tunnel Junction. After three days of good sunshine I was a little disappointed weather wise and this day turned out flat with no rain but little or no sun either. 4/8/2006
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  • Severn Tunnel Junction is the location on a day of flat light and overcast skies. 66541 runs through the deserted station with just seven containers hidden by the footbridge. This is 4V50 0500 Southampton to Wentloog Freightliner, a notoriously lightly loaded service.

    Severn Tunnel Junction is the location on a day of flat light and overcast skies. 66541 runs through the deserted station with just seven containers hidden by the footbridge. This is 4V50 0500 Southampton to Wentloog Freightliner, a notoriously lightly loaded service.

  • The first departure for South Wales from Paddington is booked (at the time) for a class 180 Adelante unit. 180114 forms 1C01 0543 Paddington to Cardiff.

    The first departure for South Wales from Paddington is booked (at the time) for a class 180 Adelante unit. 180114 forms 1C01 0543 Paddington to Cardiff.

  • The first of the day's seen EWS freight action approaches with 66117 hauling a rake of empty MBA bogie boxes. The working is 6Z71 0652 Margam to Washwood Heath empty scrap.

    The first of the day's seen EWS freight action approaches with 66117 hauling a rake of empty MBA bogie boxes. The working is 6Z71 0652 Margam to Washwood Heath empty scrap.

  • By 8.30am there are a few commuters waiting for their train as 66200 passes along the Down Relief road with 6V54 0530 Round Oak to Margam empty steel train.

    By 8.30am there are a few commuters waiting for their train as 66200 passes along the Down Relief road with 6V54 0530 Round Oak to Margam empty steel train.

  • After a night at the motel Del Astra (the car!) it's breakfast time, sausage and beans with potatoes and mushrooms washed down with a cup of coffee! Burup :-)

    After a night at the motel Del Astra (the car!) it's breakfast time, sausage and beans with potatoes and mushrooms washed down with a cup of coffee! Burup :-)

  • 150285 is a former ScotRail unit now employed in South Wales. Here it departs STJ heading back towards Newport having run in a few minutes previously. I'm guessing it is on a crew training run.

    150285 is a former ScotRail unit now employed in South Wales. Here it departs STJ heading back towards Newport having run in a few minutes previously. I'm guessing it is on a crew training run.

  • This is the shot of the day I reckon, certainly the working of the day.

    This is the shot of the day I reckon, certainly the working of the day.

  • The Internet was buzzing with news of 37417 working 6C01 0941 Newport ADJ to Bristol East Depot loaded steel on BEA flats, but I was NOT aware of the allocation. So I was very pleased when it appeared and I was the only person here to see it. The train was signalled for the tunnel route.

    The Internet was buzzing with news of 37417 working 6C01 0941 Newport ADJ to Bristol East Depot loaded steel on BEA flats, but I was NOT aware of the allocation. So I was very pleased when it appeared and I was the only person here to see it. The train was signalled for the tunnel route.

  • Even in 2006 class 37s were becoming a rarety so getting one is a real bonus. 37417 carries the name "Richard Trevithick" and has been seen a few times this last week.

    Even in 2006 class 37s were becoming a rarety so getting one is a real bonus. 37417 carries the name "Richard Trevithick" and has been seen a few times this last week.

  • The daily Robeston to Westerleigh loaded petroleum bogie tanks, 6B13 0533 from the refinery approaches and as usual a class 60 is at the front and 60021 is this day's rostered loco.

    The daily Robeston to Westerleigh loaded petroleum bogie tanks, 6B13 0533 from the refinery approaches and as usual a class 60 is at the front and 60021 is this day's rostered loco.

  • This a very heavy train and a single class 66 may not be powerful enough to haul it over the challenging road from Robeston.

    This a very heavy train and a single class 66 may not be powerful enough to haul it over the challenging road from Robeston.

  • 180114 takes the turnout for the Severn Tunnel heading back to London Paddington with 1L46 0955 from Paddington.

    180114 takes the turnout for the Severn Tunnel heading back to London Paddington with 1L46 0955 from Paddington.

  • The question has to be asked, how viable is it to run a train between two freightliner terminals with just TWO containers being carried. 66541 is hardly taxed with this load of mainly "fresh air", 4O51 1002 from Wentloog to Southampton.

    The question has to be asked, how viable is it to run a train between two freightliner terminals with just TWO containers being carried. 66541 is hardly taxed with this load of mainly "fresh air", 4O51 1002 from Wentloog to Southampton.

  • Just a few minutes after the "Freshairliner" passed, 66053 emerged from the Severn Tunnel with 6B65 0915 Westbury Yard to Newport ADJ. This departmental working is a long train of continuous welded rail.

    Just a few minutes after the "Freshairliner" passed, 66053 emerged from the Severn Tunnel with 6B65 0915 Westbury Yard to Newport ADJ. This departmental working is a long train of continuous welded rail.

  • 66200 must have dropped off the wagons from its previous train at either Newport ADJ or Llanwern as it is now heading back north with 6M41 to Round Oak, 1034 off Llanwern.

    66200 must have dropped off the wagons from its previous train at either Newport ADJ or Llanwern as it is now heading back north with 6M41 to Round Oak, 1034 off Llanwern.

  • FGW are re-engining their powercars and one of the two first is 43004. Here it leads 43169 on 1L51 1055 Cardiff to Paddington. It has been reliveried into an "electric blue Barbie" colour scheme.

    FGW are re-engining their powercars and one of the two first is 43004. Here it leads 43169 on 1L51 1055 Cardiff to Paddington. It has been reliveried into an "electric blue Barbie" colour scheme.

  • Somewhat far from its liveried former area of operation, Trans Pennine branded 158763 slows for its STJ stop with 2C71 1100 from Cardiff to Taunton.

    Somewhat far from its liveried former area of operation, Trans Pennine branded 158763 slows for its STJ stop with 2C71 1100 from Cardiff to Taunton.

  • 66124 wheels its 18 empty HTA coal hoppers onto the Up Tunnel road and will dive below the Severn Estuary heading for Avonmouth Docks and another load of imported coal. The train is 4C55 0858 Aberthaw Power Station to Avonmouth Docks.

    66124 wheels its 18 empty HTA coal hoppers onto the Up Tunnel road and will dive below the Severn Estuary heading for Avonmouth Docks and another load of imported coal. The train is 4C55 0858 Aberthaw Power Station to Avonmouth Docks.

  • The other powercar turned out with 43004 is 43009 and it too was given the new livery. It fronts 1L54 1155 Cardiff to Paddington with 43091 at the rear.

    The other powercar turned out with 43004 is 43009 and it too was given the new livery. It fronts 1L54 1155 Cardiff to Paddington with 43091 at the rear.

  • I've heard these units called a "dog box" but I prefer bubble car. 153377 departs the station with 2B94 1105 Taunton to Cardiff.

    I've heard these units called a "dog box" but I prefer bubble car. 153377 departs the station with 2B94 1105 Taunton to Cardiff.

  • On Track Plant is often ignored but they form an integral part of the Network and have an important role to play. 73901 is a Plasser and Theurer 08-275 Switch and Crossing Tamper.

    On Track Plant is often ignored but they form an integral part of the Network and have an important role to play. 73901 is a Plasser and Theurer 08-275 Switch and Crossing Tamper.

  • More OTP and 73920 is another Plasser and Theurer product, a 08-16/4x4C80-RT tamper.

    More OTP and 73920 is another Plasser and Theurer product, a 08-16/4x4C80-RT tamper.

  • More empty coal hoppers head for Avonmouth for reloading with 66211 powering 4C58 1313 from East Usk Yard, Newport.

    More empty coal hoppers head for Avonmouth for reloading with 66211 powering 4C58 1313 from East Usk Yard, Newport.

  • Yet more OTP, this time heading away from the area. 73935 is a 08-4x4/4S-RT switch and crossing tamper and, like the others, is built by Plasser and Theurer.

    Yet more OTP, this time heading away from the area. 73935 is a 08-4x4/4S-RT switch and crossing tamper and, like the others, is built by Plasser and Theurer.

  • Train 2C77 is the 1400 departure from Cardiff to Taunton, the train is made up of 150243, 143620 and 153382 all in advertising liveries.

    Train 2C77 is the 1400 departure from Cardiff to Taunton, the train is made up of 150243, 143620 and 153382 all in advertising liveries.

  • 66053 is recorded for the second time, this working is a class 7, 45mph departmental train consisting of sea cow ballast hoppers and a shark ballast plough van. The working is 7C41 Newport East Usk to Westbury.

    66053 is recorded for the second time, this working is a class 7, 45mph departmental train consisting of sea cow ballast hoppers and a shark ballast plough van. The working is 7C41 Newport East Usk to Westbury.

  • A down HST powered by 43135 and 43040 climbs out of the hole in the ground that is the Severn Tunnel. The train is 1B35 1245 Paddington to Swansea.

    A down HST powered by 43135 and 43040 climbs out of the hole in the ground that is the Severn Tunnel. The train is 1B35 1245 Paddington to Swansea.

  • 158842 is branded with the name of a local newspaper, The Western Mail. The set gets away from STJ station whilst working 2L59 1358 Gloucester to Maesteg.

    158842 is branded with the name of a local newspaper, The Western Mail. The set gets away from STJ station whilst working 2L59 1358 Gloucester to Maesteg.

  • 37417 reaches the top of the three mile climb from the lowest point in the Severn Tunnel, 1 in 90 all the way.

    37417 reaches the top of the three mile climb from the lowest point in the Severn Tunnel, 1 in 90 all the way.

  • When 37417 headed out to Bristol I was the only person at STJ, about 5 other people were present to record it returning on 6C02 1406 Bristol East Depot to Newport ADJ with its empty steel wagons.

    When 37417 headed out to Bristol I was the only person at STJ, about 5 other people were present to record it returning on 6C02 1406 Bristol East Depot to Newport ADJ with its empty steel wagons.

  • The driver looks back towards the gallery on the overbridge. After it had gone the other photographers all went away leaving me on my own again.

    The driver looks back towards the gallery on the overbridge. After it had gone the other photographers all went away leaving me on my own again.

  • The type 3 has an easier time with the empty wagons returning to Newport.

    The type 3 has an easier time with the empty wagons returning to Newport.

  • The sun has made a brief appearance as 66208 passes amongst the weeds beside the Down Relief line with 6V05 0939 Round Oak to Margam empty steel. The consist is the usual mixture of BYA and JSA wagons with a couple of foreign ones thrown in for good measure.

    The sun has made a brief appearance as 66208 passes amongst the weeds beside the Down Relief line with 6V05 0939 Round Oak to Margam empty steel. The consist is the usual mixture of BYA and JSA wagons with a couple of foreign ones thrown in for good measure.

  • 43128 leads a down working reaching the top of the climb out of the tunnel. The train is 1B42 1415 Paddington to Cardiff.

    43128 leads a down working reaching the top of the climb out of the tunnel. The train is 1B42 1415 Paddington to Cardiff.

  • Albino turbostar 170398 carries a plain white livery with Central Trains branding and forms 1M73 1545 Cardiff to Nottingham service.

    Albino turbostar 170398 carries a plain white livery with Central Trains branding and forms 1M73 1545 Cardiff to Nottingham service.

  • A pair of contrastingly liveried class 153 units form 2B79 1505 Taunton to Cardiff Central. The units are 153380 and 153329, nice. The driver has just washed his windscreen.

    A pair of contrastingly liveried class 153 units form 2B79 1505 Taunton to Cardiff Central. The units are 153380 and 153329, nice. The driver has just washed his windscreen.

  • 66620 takes the Up Tunnel line with 6Z33 FO 1800 Wentloog to Reading Departmental running about 2 hours early.

    66620 takes the Up Tunnel line with 6Z33 FO 1800 Wentloog to Reading Departmental running about 2 hours early.

  • 66617 shut down on the rear so it can return the train once the job is finished.

    66617 shut down on the rear so it can return the train once the job is finished.

  • More Tug action as 60003 lifts its 23 empty TEA and TDA bogie tanks out of the Severn Tunnel heading back to Robeston from Theale, 6B33 TThFO 1221 off the depot situated on the Berks and Hants route.

    More Tug action as 60003 lifts its 23 empty TEA and TDA bogie tanks out of the Severn Tunnel heading back to Robeston from Theale, 6B33 TThFO 1221 off the depot situated on the Berks and Hants route.

  • In a sea of undergrowth which really does need to be cut back comes 60044.

    In a sea of undergrowth which really does need to be cut back comes 60044.

  • My last Tug of the week and Mainline blue 60044, complete with a large EWS sticker over the Mainline logo, eases along with 6V36 0817 Lackenby to Margam loaded steel slabs on 25 BDA wagons.

    My last Tug of the week and Mainline blue 60044, complete with a large EWS sticker over the Mainline logo, eases along with 6V36 0817 Lackenby to Margam loaded steel slabs on 25 BDA wagons.

  • 66124 is seen again with a loaded coal train and the late running 6B85 1450 Avonmouth Docks to Aberthaw Power Station.

    66124 is seen again with a loaded coal train and the late running 6B85 1450 Avonmouth Docks to Aberthaw Power Station.

  • The pair of bubblecars seen earlier now form 2C85 1800 Cardiff to Taunton train, 153329 and 153380 in different promotional liveries. The pair slow for their STJ stop.

    The pair of bubblecars seen earlier now form 2C85 1800 Cardiff to Taunton train, 153329 and 153380 in different promotional liveries. The pair slow for their STJ stop.

  • 66125 has been rostered to this train for several days now. 6M17 is the 1639 Newport ADJ to Wembley enterprise and today is running about 2 hours late. It is well loaded with 6 FCAs with 5 loaded with containers, 2 FKAs with one loaded, 3 TTA tanks, 2 Cargo vans and 4 foreign vehicles.

    66125 has been rostered to this train for several days now. 6M17 is the 1639 Newport ADJ to Wembley enterprise and today is running about 2 hours late. It is well loaded with 6 FCAs with 5 loaded with containers, 2 FKAs with one loaded, 3 TTA tanks, 2 Cargo vans and 4 foreign vehicles.

  • Central Trains 170501 heads towards the Midlands with 1M79 1845 Cardiff to Nottingham.

    Central Trains 170501 heads towards the Midlands with 1M79 1845 Cardiff to Nottingham.

  • A rare patch of sunlight breaks through the cloud as 43005 with 43188 passes with 1B69 1745 Paddington to Cardiff.

    A rare patch of sunlight breaks through the cloud as 43005 with 43188 passes with 1B69 1745 Paddington to Cardiff.

  • The sun makes another very brief appearance and paints the pylons but not all of them.

    The sun makes another very brief appearance and paints the pylons but not all of them.

  • It also lights up the new Severn Crossing against a darker sky.

    It also lights up the new Severn Crossing against a darker sky.

  • Virgin Cross Country service 1V67 1421 Newcastle to Cardiff is formed by 220006 and is routed via Bristol and the Severn Tunnel.

    Virgin Cross Country service 1V67 1421 Newcastle to Cardiff is formed by 220006 and is routed via Bristol and the Severn Tunnel.

  • And finally Pacer 142082 departs STJ station with 2L69 1858 Gloucester to Maesteg. Now it's time to head off back to Wareham for the weekend and to rest and catch up with friends and family.

    And finally Pacer 142082 departs STJ station with 2L69 1858 Gloucester to Maesteg. Now it's time to head off back to Wareham for the weekend and to rest and catch up with friends and family.

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    The question has to be asked, how viable is it to run a train between two freightliner terminals with just TWO containers being carried. 66541 is hardly taxed with this load of mainly "fresh air", 4O51 1002 from Wentloog to Southampton.
    Just a few minutes after the "Freshairliner" passed, 66053 emerged from the Severn Tunnel with 6B65 0915 Westbury Yard to Newport ADJ. This departmental working is a long train of continuous welded rail.
    66200 must have dropped off the wagons from its previous train at either Newport ADJ or Llanwern as it is now heading back north with 6M41 to Round Oak, 1034 off Llanwern.