2. Railways

Besford to Merehead

Besford is near Pershore to the south of Birmingham on the line to Gloucester and the South West. It is a busy line and freight can be boundiful if the traffic demand is high. I think I hit it on a bad day combined with a bridge strike in the Bromsgrove area which had an adverse affect so I left early and headed for Kemble then Westbury with detour to Sapperton Tunnel on the derelict Thames and Severn Canal. Also included is a look at the freight only Merehead Branch in Somerset. 6-7/4/2006
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  • On a bright, sunny but slightly chilly morning, 170633 passes south at Besford, also known as Croome Perry, with a Central Trains working 1V08 0710 Nottingham to Cardiff Central. 6/4/2006

    On a bright, sunny but slightly chilly morning, 170633 passes south at Besford, also known as Croome Perry, with a Central Trains working 1V08 0710 Nottingham to Cardiff Central. 6/4/2006

  • Another Central Trains service comes north with a class 2 train, 158796 on 2G06 0835 Gloucester to Great Malvern.

    Another Central Trains service comes north with a class 2 train, 158796 on 2G06 0835 Gloucester to Great Malvern.

  • 170102 forms the 0745 Cardiff Central to Nottingham service, the headcode of which is 1M56.

    170102 forms the 0745 Cardiff Central to Nottingham service, the headcode of which is 1M56.

  • Virgin Cross Country and Central Trains provide the passenger trains of this section of the former Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, which became part of the Midland Railway. 220012 speeds south with 1V27 0616 York to Bristol Cross Country train.

    Virgin Cross Country and Central Trains provide the passenger trains of this section of the former Birmingham and Gloucester Railway, which became part of the Midland Railway. 220012 speeds south with 1V27 0616 York to Bristol Cross Country train.

  • There was not much freight running this day as 66086 works 6V05 0939 Round Oak to Margam empty steel. Marshalled behind the loco is a rake of BRA, BYA and other covered steel wagons.

    There was not much freight running this day as 66086 works 6V05 0939 Round Oak to Margam empty steel. Marshalled behind the loco is a rake of BRA, BYA and other covered steel wagons.

  • The morning sun is moving round and creating long shadows in front of northbound trains. 221124 heads north with 1S49 0622 Plymouth to Edinburgh Cross Country service.

    The morning sun is moving round and creating long shadows in front of northbound trains. 221124 heads north with 1S49 0622 Plymouth to Edinburgh Cross Country service.

  • Southbound trains are lit perfectly with 221118 being an example. This working is 1V29 0705 Leeds to Plymouth. Croombe Perry wood is in the background.

    Southbound trains are lit perfectly with 221118 being an example. This working is 1V29 0705 Leeds to Plymouth. Croombe Perry wood is in the background.

  • An unknown Voyager unit approaches the overbridge at Besford with 1E39 0640 Plymouth to Newcastle working.

    An unknown Voyager unit approaches the overbridge at Besford with 1E39 0640 Plymouth to Newcastle working.

  • This shade of green suits the turbostar units well and is bright when kept clean. 170638 forms 1V10 0800 Nottingham to Cardiff Central.

    This shade of green suits the turbostar units well and is bright when kept clean. 170638 forms 1V10 0800 Nottingham to Cardiff Central.

  • A northbound turbostar passes by, this set is a two coach unit. 170504 forms 1M58 0845 Cardiff Central to Nottingham.

    A northbound turbostar passes by, this set is a two coach unit. 170504 forms 1M58 0845 Cardiff Central to Nottingham.

  • This location is sometimes known as Croombe Perry after the woods in the background. 221138 comes south with an early morning Lancaster departure to Plymouth, 1V35 0809 off.

    This location is sometimes known as Croombe Perry after the woods in the background. 221138 comes south with an early morning Lancaster departure to Plymouth, 1V35 0809 off.

  • More of the day's freight action sees EWS's 66083 front 6V35 0050 Lackenby to Llanwern loaded steel slabs with a rake of BBA flats on the drawbar.

    More of the day's freight action sees EWS's 66083 front 6V35 0050 Lackenby to Llanwern loaded steel slabs with a rake of BBA flats on the drawbar.

  • The sun has moved round to the point where photography is possible from either side of the bridge. 221141 heads for Bristol Temple Meads with 1V43 0824 from Newcastle.

    The sun has moved round to the point where photography is possible from either side of the bridge. 221141 heads for Bristol Temple Meads with 1V43 0824 from Newcastle.

  • The two horses in the field behind 66017 are unconcerned at its passing with its train, 4Z72 0800 Rugely to Portbury empty coal hoppers.

    The two horses in the field behind 66017 are unconcerned at its passing with its train, 4Z72 0800 Rugely to Portbury empty coal hoppers.

  • The sun now favours the west side of the line with 221123 passing by heading for Glasgow Central from Penzance, 0730 off, 1S58.

    The sun now favours the west side of the line with 221123 passing by heading for Glasgow Central from Penzance, 0730 off, 1S58.

  • Transrail liveried 60084 comes north with a rake of empty steel flats as 6E35 1114 MX Llanwern to Lackenby empty steel. With EWS making inroads into the class 60 fleet and examples moving in and out of storage, it is always a bonus to see a pre EWS liveried loco.

    Transrail liveried 60084 comes north with a rake of empty steel flats as 6E35 1114 MX Llanwern to Lackenby empty steel. With EWS making inroads into the class 60 fleet and examples moving in and out of storage, it is always a bonus to see a pre EWS liveried loco.

  • Sprinter 158746 wears the livery of the long defunct company Alpha Line. It is rostered to a class 2 service, 2G14 1239 Gloucester to Great Malvern.

    Sprinter 158746 wears the livery of the long defunct company Alpha Line. It is rostered to a class 2 service, 2G14 1239 Gloucester to Great Malvern.

  • A move further south to Claydon, just south of Ashchurch and 220015 approaches the former level crossing, now replaced by a bridge, with 1E46 1258 Bristol Temple Meads to Newcastle.

    A move further south to Claydon, just south of Ashchurch and 220015 approaches the former level crossing, now replaced by a bridge, with 1E46 1258 Bristol Temple Meads to Newcastle.

  • Traffic was very sparse especially from the north with no trains for well over an hour. Meanwhile 170635 forms 1M66 1245 Cardiff Central to Nottingham.

    Traffic was very sparse especially from the north with no trains for well over an hour. Meanwhile 170635 forms 1M66 1245 Cardiff Central to Nottingham.

  • A very pleasant surprise as class 150 sprinter 950001 runs north with 2Z08 Network Rail Test Train. I found out that a bridge bash at Bromsgrove had stopped all traffic in the area. Time for a move again.

    A very pleasant surprise as class 150 sprinter 950001 runs north with 2Z08 Network Rail Test Train. I found out that a bridge bash at Bromsgrove had stopped all traffic in the area. Time for a move again.

  • I had moved away from the railway at Claydon and decided to take in part of a derelict canal. This is part of the Thames and Severn Canal near Coates, the section here is known as the King's Reach. It is essentially dry with just a small amount of water in the centre of the cut.

    I had moved away from the railway at Claydon and decided to take in part of a derelict canal. This is part of the Thames and Severn Canal near Coates, the section here is known as the King's Reach. It is essentially dry with just a small amount of water in the centre of the cut.

  • Tarlon Bridge carries a road over the canal. A dam below keeps the section beyond in water.

    Tarlon Bridge carries a road over the canal. A dam below keeps the section beyond in water.

  • This is Coates Portal at the eastern end of Sapperton Tunnel. The tunnel was opened on 28th April 1789 and is 3,817 yards long and at the time was the longest tunnel in the World. The canal here is 310 feet above sea level and the water is crystal clear and fed by springs which flow into the tunnel. The Cotswold Canals Trust run boat trips into the tunnel for a couple of hundred yards. Sadly through navigation is not possible due to several collapses at the western end. The canal was abandoned in the early 1920's.

    This is Coates Portal at the eastern end of Sapperton Tunnel. The tunnel was opened on 28th April 1789 and is 3,817 yards long and at the time was the longest tunnel in the World. The canal here is 310 feet above sea level and the water is crystal clear and fed by springs which flow into the tunnel. The Cotswold Canals Trust run boat trips into the tunnel for a couple of hundred yards. Sadly through navigation is not possible due to several collapses at the western end. The canal was abandoned in the early 1920's.

  • This over bridge carries a minor road and has been substantially rebuilt in brick rather than stone. A date stone is located two rows above the arch key stone and says 1997.

    This over bridge carries a minor road and has been substantially rebuilt in brick rather than stone. A date stone is located two rows above the arch key stone and says 1997.

  • Kemble is a new location for me and is situated between Swindon and Stroud on the Golden Valley route. 180107 pauses at the wonderful station with 1G47 1536 Paddington to Cheltenham.

    Kemble is a new location for me and is situated between Swindon and Stroud on the Golden Valley route. 180107 pauses at the wonderful station with 1G47 1536 Paddington to Cheltenham.

  • A class 150 sprinter unit slows for its Kemble stop passing the disused water tower. 150230 forms 1B61 1622 Gloucester to Swindon service.

    A class 150 sprinter unit slows for its Kemble stop passing the disused water tower. 150230 forms 1B61 1622 Gloucester to Swindon service.

  • The sprinter departs Kemble and will pass over the turnout into the short siding that was the branch to Cirencester. Beyond can be seen the 409 yard long Kemble tunnel which still has white paint on it which aided the sighting of the semaphore signal that used to stand there.

    The sprinter departs Kemble and will pass over the turnout into the short siding that was the branch to Cirencester. Beyond can be seen the 409 yard long Kemble tunnel which still has white paint on it which aided the sighting of the semaphore signal that used to stand there.

  • Another move and I am at the overbridge at Fairwood Junction, just west of Westbury. The lowering sun glints off 59202 as it runs back from either Merehead or Whatley quarry to Westbury shed for the night.

    Another move and I am at the overbridge at Fairwood Junction, just west of Westbury. The lowering sun glints off 59202 as it runs back from either Merehead or Whatley quarry to Westbury shed for the night.

  • A former Central Trains class 158 sprinter unit clatters over the pointwork of Fairwood Junction with the late running 2C60 1754 Bristol Filton Abbey Wood to Frome service. The setting sun lights the sky red behind the unit.

    A former Central Trains class 158 sprinter unit clatters over the pointwork of Fairwood Junction with the late running 2C60 1754 Bristol Filton Abbey Wood to Frome service. The setting sun lights the sky red behind the unit.

  • A short while later 158792 is seen again running back ECS towards Westbury and possibly onto Bristol for overnight stabling.

    A short while later 158792 is seen again running back ECS towards Westbury and possibly onto Bristol for overnight stabling.

  • Class 150 sprinter unit 150238 heads for Castle Cary with 2C92 1840 from Bristol Temple Meads. Network Rail have done a lot of work at Fairwood Junction and cleared a lot of trees and bushes and opened it up. 6/4/2006

    Class 150 sprinter unit 150238 heads for Castle Cary with 2C92 1840 from Bristol Temple Meads. Network Rail have done a lot of work at Fairwood Junction and cleared a lot of trees and bushes and opened it up. 6/4/2006

  • The sun sets on a mixed day which on the whole was a good one, not quite what I had planned but good none the less. Time to go home. 6/4/2006

    The sun sets on a mixed day which on the whole was a good one, not quite what I had planned but good none the less. Time to go home. 6/4/2006

  • The next day I head for Frome for a day on the Merehead quarry branch. Being a Friday I was aware that traffic would be light so the first train of the day or me comes into view. 7/4/2006

    The next day I head for Frome for a day on the Merehead quarry branch. Being a Friday I was aware that traffic would be light so the first train of the day or me comes into view. 7/4/2006

  • The driver of 59102 brings his train to a stand at milepost 2 from East Somerset Junction, to ask me if I had lost the dog that was running about in the cutting. I told him I had not but confirmed with him if his train was 7C31 0945 Theale to Merehead, 36 empty JHA bogie hoppers.

    The driver of 59102 brings his train to a stand at milepost 2 from East Somerset Junction, to ask me if I had lost the dog that was running about in the cutting. I told him I had not but confirmed with him if his train was 7C31 0945 Theale to Merehead, 36 empty JHA bogie hoppers.

  • The location is near Wanstrow on the Merehead branch and 59203 passes slowly by with another empty train heading back to the quarry. This is 7C67 1108 Wootton Bassett to Merehead, 19 empty JHA Foster Yeoman liveried bogie hoppers.

    The location is near Wanstrow on the Merehead branch and 59203 passes slowly by with another empty train heading back to the quarry. This is 7C67 1108 Wootton Bassett to Merehead, 19 empty JHA Foster Yeoman liveried bogie hoppers.

  • The going away shot from the farm track over bridge.

    The going away shot from the farm track over bridge.

  • After some 40 minutes after the train had gone into the quarry complex, 59203 returns running light back to Westbury as 0C67.

    After some 40 minutes after the train had gone into the quarry complex, 59203 returns running light back to Westbury as 0C67.

  • This location is Merehead Quarry Junction and I had waited between 3 - 4 hours for another movement. 59101 and its train, 6C77 1247 Acton Yard to Merehead empty bogie hoppers approaches.

    This location is Merehead Quarry Junction and I had waited between 3 - 4 hours for another movement. 59101 and its train, 6C77 1247 Acton Yard to Merehead empty bogie hoppers approaches.

  • The train crosses over the junction to enter the quarry sidings. The line on the right of the shot is the exit road from the quarry.

    The train crosses over the junction to enter the quarry sidings. The line on the right of the shot is the exit road from the quarry.

  • The train twists its way down towards the quarry which is located away to the right well out of shot.

    The train twists its way down towards the quarry which is located away to the right well out of shot.

  • After another long wait and more inbound traffic approaches the junction. 59201 fronts 6V07 1121 MX Chichester to Merehead empty bogie boxes.

    After another long wait and more inbound traffic approaches the junction. 59201 fronts 6V07 1121 MX Chichester to Merehead empty bogie boxes.

  • EWS bought 59201-6 from National Power who had introduced them for their lime and coal trains to the Vale of York power stations. 59201 carries a bell above the cab at the No1 end.

    EWS bought 59201-6 from National Power who had introduced them for their lime and coal trains to the Vale of York power stations. 59201 carries a bell above the cab at the No1 end.

  • 59201 and its rake of 12 empty JNA MRL bogie boxes snakes its way down the twisting, descending track into the reception sidings.

    59201 and its rake of 12 empty JNA MRL bogie boxes snakes its way down the twisting, descending track into the reception sidings.

  • 45 minutes later 59201 reappears running light back to Westbury. The Foster Yeoman locos remain at the quarry for servicing etc. Note the loco has turned on the triangle within the quarry complex. The left track continues and makes an end on junction with the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. Time to repair back to Wareham. 7/4/2006

    45 minutes later 59201 reappears running light back to Westbury. The Foster Yeoman locos remain at the quarry for servicing etc. Note the loco has turned on the triangle within the quarry complex. The left track continues and makes an end on junction with the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. Time to repair back to Wareham. 7/4/2006

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    This location is sometimes known as Croombe Perry after the woods in the background. 221138 comes south with an early morning Lancaster departure to Plymouth, 1V35 0809 off.
    More of the day's freight action sees EWS's 66083 front 6V35 0050 Lackenby to Llanwern loaded steel slabs with a rake of BBA flats on the drawbar.
    The sun has moved round to the point where photography is possible from either side of the bridge. 221141 heads for Bristol Temple Meads with 1V43 0824 from Newcastle.