VOLUME 35 No.10 October 2007 - Intercity Railway Society

INTERCITY RAILWAY SOCIETY 

Monthly Magazine 

http: // icrs.org.uk 

ex Fragonset liveried 33103 ‘Swordfish’ and inspection coach 999506 ‘Amanda’ 

Peterborough 11 September 2007 

VOLUME 35 

No.10 October 2007

INTER CITY RAILWAY SOCIETY 

President: Dr. Pete Waterman O.B.E. 

The content of the magazine is the copyright of the Society 

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the copyright owner 

Vice President: Peter King 65 Long John Hill, Norwich NR1 2LX (01603 616298) 

Vice President: Jeff Hall – jeff@icrs.org.uk 

3 Ingham Grove, Hartlepool TS25 2LH (01429 421175) 

Chairman: Simon Mutten 

Coppercoin, Blofield Corner Road, Blofield, Norwich NR13 4RT (01603 715701) 

Secretary/Treasurer: Gary Mutten – gary.mutten@btopenworld.com 

1 Corner Cottage, Silfield Street, Silfield, Wymondham NR18 9NS (01953 

600445) 

Editorial Managers: Trevor Roots – editor@icrs.org.uk 

Mill of Botary, Cairnie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4UD (01466 760724) 

Peter Britcliffe – peterb@icrs.org.uk 

9 Voltigeur Drive, Hartlepool TS27 3BS (01429 234180) 

Editorial Assistants: 

Sightings: James Holloway – sightings@icrs.org.uk 

246 Longmore Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands. B90 3ES. 

Lincoln / Local Areas: John Barton – john@icrs.org.uk 

46, Arbor Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 7LD 

Wagons: Martin Hall – wagon.corner@icrs.org.uk 

5 Sunninghill Close, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbys. DE7 6LS. (0115 930 2775) 

European: Robert Brown – european@icrs.org.uk 

32 Spitalfields, Blyth, Worksop, Notts S81 8EA (01909 591504) 

Membership Sec/ Maurice Brown – membership@icrs.org.uk or publications@icrs.org.uk 

Publication Manager: 192 Alvechurch Road, West Heath, Birmingham B31 3PW (0121 624 8641) 

Pub. Assistants: 

European: Bryan King – eurocompiler@icrs.org.uk 

34 Anchor Street, Norwich NR3 1NR (01603 440432) 

Preserved: Martin Hall – wagon.corner@icrs.org.uk – address as above 

Wagons & Engineers: David Sharpe – wagon.compiler@icrs.org.uk 

25 Lynfield Road, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancs. BB6 7TS. (07944 718429) 

European: Chris James – eurobooks@icrs.org.uk 

UK: Carl Watson – ukbooks@icrs.org.uk 

USF: Mark Richards – mark@icrs.org.uk 

Web Site Manager: Mark Richards – mark@icrs.org.uk 

7 Parkside, Furzton, Milton Keynes, Bucks. MK4 1BX. (01908 520028) 

Visits Official: Peter Gregory 30 Winniffe Gardens, Lincoln. LN2 4RP (01522 8595410) 

East Anglia Branch: Simon Mutten – address as above 

European Branch: Robert Brown – european@icrs.org.uk 

32 Spitalfields, Blyth, Worksop, Notts S81 8EA (01909 591504) 

Contents: 

Officials Contact List ............................................. 2 

Society Notice Board ............................................ 3 

Current News/Sightings: 

Lincoln Sightings .............................................. 8 

Light Rail and Metro News ............................. 21 

Out and About – Sightings ............................ 4-7 

Railway Cuttings ............................................ 20 

Rolling Stock Changes .............................. 22-23 

Traffic and Traction News ......................... 11-12 

£1.25 post free 

Wagon Corner ........................................... 21 

Feature Articles: 

Engineers Track Machine Photo Spot ....... 22 

Days Out ............................................... 18-19 

Location ‘Spot’Light .............................. 13-17 

Preservation News ....................................... 9 

Railtour Photo Spot ...................................... 7 

Railway Globetrotters ................................ 10 

Where in the..? .......................................... 20 

Printed by Ords Group, Progress House, Usworth Road Industrial Estate, Hartlepool TS25 1PD

Society Notice Board 

Editor’s Comments: 

I can’t take it…having returned from a hot South-east, a very pleasant sunny and warm West Country 

(excepting one brief storm) and a reasonable stop-over in the Midlands, summer has finally arrived in the 

north of Scotland, the besst weather since April…not bad as it’s now October !! Apologies if the mag has 

arrived late, but difficult to stay indoors on computer…so had a few very late nights to catch up. This 

month has been made more difficult, though I must say pleasurable, as articles / photos have been 

submitted by several members…but that’s my fault for going away. Hopefully the trend will continue for 

more articles to be submitted of trips etc. Just bear with me on when they will appear, as I fit them in. 

Sorry Peter...Calais will appear eventually !! 

It appears TOCs are scrabbling for rolling stock and all HST power cars and ex-west coast hauled MkIIIs 

are now spoken for, as are any spare off-lease DMUs with the exception of FGWs Adelantes it doesn’t 

want. It was interesting to compare firsthand the new high backed seating in the refurbished FGW HSTs 

with the older comfy lower seating still in some GNER sets. I feel they have sacrificed the advantage of 

the view along the length of the HST MkIII on marginal safety grounds… ‘backside protection’. The loss 

of the forward view over the seating and with more rows of airline style seats makes for a more 

claustrophobic feel…apart from which when entering the carriage to spot that all important forward facing 

window seat, you can’t see which seats are occupied. I noticed holiday makers struggling with bags 

having to go backwards and forwards. It will be a shame if all MkIIIs end up so refurbished. 

Unfortunately from this month, colour will no longer be part of the magazine, Due to escalating costs, it 

has no longer become viable to justify the extra expense without raising the membership rate to cover it. 

Magazine: 

Any information / article on any railway related item will always be most welcome for inclusion in part or 

as a whole in the magazine. Your travel stories / anecdotes about far flung parts of the railway network, 

past or present can give pleasure to others or inform of places to visit. This railway hobby of ours is 

made all that more enjoyable by the sharing of information, so please consider sharing your knowledge 

and experiences. 

Please note that contributions for Out and About Sightings only should be sent to James Holloway, 

items for European News (and Sightings) to Robert Brown and for Wagon Corner and Light Rail & 

Metro News to Martin Hall. All other items should be sent to Trevor Roots / Peter Britcliffe. (All 

addresses are on Page 2) 

Neatly typed submissions are perfectly acceptable, but if you have a PC with Microsoft Word or Excel, 

then a document on CD is a bonus or better still e-mail them to the appropriate official. Good quality 

photographs are always welcome for inclusion in the magazine – colour or black and white clear prints of 

any railway subject will be considered but preferably digital photographs via e-mail. To credit members 

correctly please include your name with any submissions. Some items may be placed on our excellent 

website if we have insufficient space in the magazine, 

The latest date for articles / info for the next magazine is Friday 26 th October 2007. Items for Out and 

About Sightings should be sent in to James a few days earlier if possible please. 

Errata: Photos of 20119, page 9 and 47832, page 23 were incorrectly attributed to John Barton and 

should have been John Palin, apologies . 

ICRS Magazine Back Issues: A former member for 17 years, Tony Leone, has complete 

issues of the Society Magazine to dispose of, from Vol 4 No9 to Vol 28 No6. If any member would like 

them, then please contact Tony direct on 01603 867913 (Norwich). They can either be collected or 

posted, postage to be paid by member. 

Contributors: Thanks to John Palin, Mark Wallace, Dennis Dey, KE Allen, Mike Rumens, Brian 

Broughton, Paul Tarrant, Mike Pinder, Derek Sneddon, Nigel Hoskins, Michael Hillier, Keith Beanlands, 

Bryan King & Trevor Roots. We are sorry if anyone has been missed. We now post some contributions 

direct to our Web Site. All photos by Trevor Roots unless shown otherwise. 

Membership Matters: 

Membership Rates: Annual: £15.00 Five Year Rate: £70.00 (discounted during 2007) 

New Members: The following new members have joined this month: Eric Belton, Andrew Bull, Barry 

Cooper, Jeff Norton, John Tromans - A warm welcome to you all.

Out and About Sightings & News 

by James Holloway 

Brian Broughton: 

5 th September: 

Water Orton 11.38-15.50: 

56303, 57304, 60021/026/062/065/093 

66020/054/068/085/089/111/146/513/529 

66543/571/585/589/593, 67026 


Healey Mills Depot and Yard: 

08675, 37057/517/668/676/682/685/687/695 

37706/708/710/712/717, 47475, 56033/041 

56048/053/055/056/068/072/074/093/099 

56110/116/119/134 

Mike Rumens: 

10 th August: 

Nuneaton 16.55-18.15: 

66004/517/588, 90020, 158852, 170511 

221101/115, 350101, 390001/08/13/14/17/19 

390031/34-37/39/40/43/46/48 

14 th August: 

Nuneaton 15.25-17.20: 

57006, 60096, 66037/046/409/568/591/615/715 

86637, 153384, 158774/857, 170101/107/112 

170397/509/512/634, 221113, 390001/04/06/ 

12/18/21/22/25/29/31/34/36/45/47-49 

17 th August: 

Nuneaton 15.43-18.10: 

37609, 57601, 66043/408/573/577/586/589/619 

66715, 90042/045, 92039, 153385, 170101 

170113/117/501/516/518/639, 221110/113 

350102, 390001/03/07/11/13/15-17/22/25-27/29 

390030/37-40/43/44/46/49/53 

31 st August: 

Nuneaton 15.30-17.50: 

66046/076/415/533/534/573/575/720, 90036 

90042/048, 153356, 170108/112/113/503/511 

170633/634/637, 221139, 390001/06/08/09 

390015-20/28/29/35/36/38/41/41/45/48/50 

1 st September: 

Nuneaton 11.20-11.35: 

57302/306, 92019. 170399, 390019/28/51 

Saltley: 66057 

Lawley Street: 

66587/591/592 

New Street: 

170114/116/634, 220030, 221135, 323240 


Nuneaton 18.00-20.00: 

66137/402/417/510/540/556/558/568/587/619 

90044, 92005/011, 153371, 158847, 170112 

170631/635/638, 325002/006/007, 390003 

390008-11/13/16/23/25/26/30/34/35/38/39/42 

67012 on a return charter from St.Albans with 

21272+3120+3121+1679+3112+3140+3107 

+5009+4927+5040+5350 


Nuneaton 17.35-19.10: 

60500, 66504/510/547/591/593/609, 92026/42 

153371, 158858, 170113/633/635/638 

325005/008/011, 350107, 390006/08/10/11/21 

390022/27/28/32/35/38/40/42/44/46/48 


37602/606, 66035/067/539/552/568/603 

90018/048, 153365, 170103/502/506/510/631 

325005/008/011, 350124, 390001/06/12/15-17 

390021/23/25/29/32/36/39/40/43/45/49 


Nuneaton 17.15-19.00: 

66090/136/416/420/535/536/606/609/622 

67016, 90041, 153379, 158852, 170111/519 

170630/634, 221127/133, 325002/006/007 

350105, 390001-03/05/06/08/13/19/21/22/27/28 

390031/36/39/43-46/48/49/53 

Derek Sneddon: 

Carmuirs West Jnct. and Camelon Station: 

2 nd August: 66041 6A30 66401 4N72 

66404 4R77 66154 6N44 66403 4A66 

3 rd August: 66403 4R77 66408 4N72 

4 th August: 

47805+47843 1Z64 Preston-Dunblane 

66117 6S36 66186 0A30 66417 4A66 

5 th August: 66413 4A66 

6 th August: 66117 6N44 66415 4A66 

66417 4R77 66401 4N72 66416 4M30 

66611 6A65 

7 th August: 66105 4M67 66238 6A30 

66408 4M30 

8 th August: 66027 6S36 66117 6N44 

66415 4A66 66102 6D67 66404 4R77 

66618 6A65 

9 th August: 66027 6N44 66233 6A30 

66415 4R77 66027 6M34 66401 4N72 

66418 4M94 66105 4M67 66401 4M30 

66618 6H51 66117 6S36 66413 4A66 

10 th August: 66117 6N44 66409 4N72 

66413 4R77 66171 4M67 

11 th August: 66111 4S67 

37422+37410 0A30 Mossend-Aberdeen 

13 th August: 

37422+37410 0D83 Aberdeen-Mossend 

66117 6N44 66405 4N72 66419 4R77 

14 th August: 66102 6N44 66403 4N72 

66419 4A66 66106 0N35 66413 4R77 

66725 6S60 66211 6A30 66415 4M48 

15 th August: 66027 6A30 66416 4N72 

66419 4R77 66117 6N44 66417 4A66 

66611 6A65 

16 th August: 66106 4D67 66417 4R77 

66419 4A66 66405 4N72

17 th August: 66420 4A66 

47854 1H85 Edinburgh-Spean Bridge 

18 th August: 47804 1Z22 Polmont- 

Aviemore 

19 th August: 

37410+37422 1Z37 Edinburgh Park-Oban 

20 th August: 66102 4M67 66415 4M48 

66008 6K21 66106 6N44 66420 4R77 

66068 6D83 66413 4A66 66618 6A65 

33029+47854 1H88 Wemyss Bay-Edinburgh 

21 st August: 60039 6D67 66232 0A30 

66413 4R77 66020 6N44 66405 4N72 

22 nd August: 66020 6D18 66404 4N72 

66416 4A66 66106 6N44 66406 4R77 

66611 6A65 66111 0N35 

40145+57601 0Z40 Carnforth-Bo'ness 

23 rd August: 66020 6N44 66402 4N72 

66416 4R77 66059 6A30 66414 4A66 

66418 4S03 

24 th August: 66111 6D66 66406 4N72 

57601+40145 5Z40 Bo'ness-Carlisle 

66414 4R77 

25 th August: 66106 6N44 

26 th August: 57601 5Z45 Carlisle-Bo'ness 

27 th August: 66069+66083 6D83 

33029+47854 1H88 Wemyss Bay-Edinburgh 

47839+47832 1Z34 Preston-Aviemore 

66106 6N44 66413 4N72 66618 6465 

66405 4R77 66415 4A66 

28 th August: 66106 6S36 66405 4N72 

67011 6D83 66194 6N44 66415 4R77 

67020 0A30 

29 th August: 66050 6N44 66414 4R77 

66618 6A65 66407 4N72 

30 th August: 47245 5Z84 Carnforth-Bo'ness 

66075 6A30 66403 4N72 66618 6H51 

66106 6N44 66419 4R77 

31 st August: 66050 6N44 66402 4N72 

66406 4R77 

Paul Tarrant: 

3 rd September: 

Stratford 10.38-15.31: 

37602, 59001/204, 60096, 66081/121/122 

66147/418/532/587/589/714/726, 90016/041 

90043/048, 47847+47843 headed west at 

13.13 with 9526+5963+5986+6056+1250+3318 

+3331+1671+3358+3375, 999700+999701 went 

towards Tottenham Hale at 13.47 


Stratford 12.27-15.17: 

59005, 66122/128/136/150/206/418/532/539 

66590/714/716, 90041/045/048 

Mark Wallace: 


Ipswich 06.10: 

66572/579, 90036/041/047/048, 156422 

360101/108/113 

Reading 09.00-15.00: 

43002/003/009/010/012/015/016-018/021-027 

43029/030/032/033/035/036/041/042/069/071 

43079/098/125/127-129/131/133-135/137/139 

43141/145-149/151/154/155/158/161/163/164 

43168/169/170/172/174/175/177/179/180-182 

43185-188/190/195/197/198, 57315/316 

59103/203/204, 60055, 66173/224/610/620/709 

158883/886, 165101-103/105/107-110/112/113 

165117/120/121/127/130/135/137, 166202-204 

166206/207/210/212/215/217/220/221/222 

180101-04/06/08-09/11/12-14, 220002/005/007 

220008/019/025, 221103/107/118/123/129/131 

221132/142, 999700-701, DR73912 

Dennis Dey: 

1 st September: 

Dagenham Dock 11.55: 

47841, 66557/563/564 

Ford Motor Works [Opposite the above ]: 

66141, 67023 

Barking Station 14.35: 150123 


Brighton 07.45-08.15: 

09026, 377118/119/201/303/304/308-310 

377312-314/319/321/322/326/327/402/403 

377406/417/421/423/436/439/467 

Hove 08.20: 377102/113/410/463 

Barnham 08.50: 377311 

Chichester 09.00: 377471 

Northam Depot 09.45: 

444014/041, 450004/008/058/071/091 

Southampton Stn 09.45-11.35/13.10-14.20: 

66002/089/579, 158746/766/768/771/776/880 

158888, 159010/012, 220030, 221101/120 

221133/140, 377101/162/441, 444001/003 

444004/007/009-011/014/016/018/025/032 

444033/038/041/042/045, 450016/085/110 

Southampton Maritime 12.10: 66540/572 

158768/880, 221105, 444005/023/036 


Liverpool Street Station 12.30-14.40: 

90001/008/010/012/014, 170203/205/208 

315804/05/17/18/23/24/26/28/30/42/44/48/49/51 

315858, 317503/656/657/658/723/732/882/892 

321305/307/317/325/344/347/350/352/357 

360103/06/10/18/19/21 

Nigel Hoskins: 

Gloucester: 

20 th August: 

47813 5Z44 Gloucester-Loughborough 

47703/828 5Z25 Gloucesters-East Ham with 

43020/152 

60071 6E41 60054 6B13 66004 6M81 

66161 6M41 66211 6E20 60045 6M96 

66162 6M98 66153 6V51 66120 6M38 

66584 4Z73 60045 6V93 66548 4Z84 

66214 4V48 66162 6V06 66037 6M46

21 st August: 20305/308 6V73 and 6M56 

66166 6V61 66548 4Z84 66233 6V51 

66004 6M81 66046 4V03 60054 6B13 

66162 6Z74 66075 6Z72 66085 6V54 

66019 7M12 66180 4V28 66037 6M46 

66047 6M72 66616 4Z73 66546 4Z84 

66710 5Z90 Laira-Derby returned as 5Z91 

24 th August: 

33202 5Z86 Landore-Gloucester with 43005 

+6721+6330. The stock was then worked to 

Loughborough by 47704/813 

30 th August: 60014 6V17 66173 6X52 

66021 4V28 66116 6V35 60045 6B47 

66109 6V07 66063 6Z87 66070 4V09 

60048 6V92 60095 6E41 66091 6V31 

66616 4Z84 66070 6M02 66242 6M46 

66511 4Z73 66039 6E20 66021 4V28 

47813 5Z93 Lougborough-Landore with 

43149+5679 returning with 43140+5679 as 

5Z80 to Gloucester 

1 st September: 66210 6W24 66151 6W27 

66616 4Z82 66166 6E41 60045 6B13 

66063 6W21 66116 6W22 66154 6W23 

66186 6W25 66077 6W26 

47813 5Z70 Gloucester-Old Oak Common 

with 43149+5679 returning with 5679 as 5Z80 

43047/057 1V29 43043/055 1V49 

43115/296 1E47 43102/367 1E46 

2 nd September: 

66116 6E47 60045 6E30 66162 6V49 

60074 6M42 47813 5Z85 Derby-Gloucester 

with 82128+82134+5710 

3 rd September: 37608/259 4Z10 

47813 4Z10 66545 4Z84 66511 4Z73 

66126 6M41 66067 6M71 66192 4V17 

60082 6E41 66183 6V16 66075 6E30 

66183 6M46 

47810 5Z46 Loughborough-Landore with 

43070+5710 returning with 43192+5710 as 

5Z80 to Gloucester 

4 th September: 66524 4Z84 

47810 5Z40 Glos-L’borough with 43192+5710 

5 th September: 66412 0Z73 60074 6V54 

66159 6E50 60026 6M96 60048 6B13 

66067 4V03 66242 6V16 66162 6V05 

66085 6V92 60041 6E41 66020 6V36 

66248 6A32 60041 6M71 66047 6M41 

47810 5Z82 Glos-Long Marston with 82128/134 


66412 6X73 66098 6V07 60018 6M41 

60054 6V36 66224 6V17 66183 4V81 

66129 4V17 60074 6V54 60048 6B13 

66085 6V92 66173 6V51 66128 6V45 

66173 6V52 20302/303 6M67 

66708 5Z91 Derby-Laira 

31452/454 5Z50 Bishops Lydeard-Gloucester 

with 6168+5866+1211+9497+5797+5906. 

This train then went to Barrow Hill hauled 

By 47813 also with 6117+6122+9525+6173 


66126 6V54 66151 6E50 66058 0M00 

60048 6B13 66079 6E09 66039 0Z98 

66039 4V81 60007 6E41 66183 6V16 

60029 6V92 66067 6M71 66065 6X52 

33202 0Z45 Bristol TM-Loughborough 


66068 6W21 66159 6W22 66151 6W23 

66132 6W26 66075 6W25 66130 6W26 

60048 6B13 60007 6E41 66182 4V20 

66180 6M80 66404/412 0Z66 

47810 5Z45 Loughborough-Landore with 

43086+5679. 67016/021 1Z95 London Vic- 

Worcester with 99545+99541+99539+99537+ 

99532+99535+99530+99531+99546+99543+ 

99536+6313 

43046/045 1V29 43056/314 1E46 

43074/043 1V49 43039/108 1E47 

9 th September: 43074/043 1E53 

60018 6E30 66013 6M42 66063 7E10 

60048 6M94 66075 6E47 66216 6W34 

10 th September: 66132 6E50 66157 6B36 

66024 6M41 60074 6V54 66199 6Z89 

66094 6M96 66067 4V81 60053 6B13 

60048 6V92 60095 6E41 

31454 0F80 Gloucester-Old Oak Common 

66404+66427+66423+66422 0Z67 for Carlisle 


66080 6M71 66085 6M41 66154 6M96 

66186 6V92 66075 6V36 60053 6B13 

66067 4V81 66024 6V05 66065 6X51 

66030 6M72 66709 5Z91 977968 5Z30 

31454 0Z45 Bristol TM-Gloucester and then 

to Bristol with 9506 as 5Z45 and on to 

Loughborough with 43191 added as 5Z46, 

returning to Gloucester with 43191+9506 

66412+66424+66425+66426 0Z67 for Carlisle 

12 th September: 20307/310 6V73/6M56 

66075 6M81 66248 6V54 60053 6B13 

66174 6X51 66242 6M38 66024 6E09 

66085 6V05 60020 6M96 60095 6E41 

66080 4V81 66157 6B36 60062 6M41 

977968 5Z30 31454 5Z86 and 0Z80 

13 th September: 66126 6Z97 66065 6X52 

60071 6M42 66066 4V28 66080 6M46 

66132 6E47 60018 6V61 66522 4Z73 

66180 6M02 

31602 5Z46 Loughborough-Gloucester 

with 43162+9506 

14 th September: 66126 6M98 60018 6M11 

66248 6M81 60071 6V54 66027 6E41 

66174 6X51 60053 6B13 66194 6M38 

66083 6V35 66553 4Z73 60076 6E20 

66198 6E47 66180 6M02 60053 6B13 

60018 0Z98 66194 4V28 66080 6M46 

15 th September: 60053 6B13 66180 4V20 

66556 4Z82 66126 6Z97 

67012 1Z50 with 21272+3122+80041+3140 

+3107+3098+1863+5009+5350

17 th September: 66232 4V17 66194 4V28 

66048 6X52 66605 4Z73 60062 6M42 

60020 6E30 66154 6E20 66125 6E47 

66162 4V48 66185 6M46 60035 6E41 

66178 6M96 66038 6M71 66068 6A32 

66127 6V92 66164 6V07 66098 6M41 

60053 6B13 

47815 5Z90 Landore-Derby with 6330+44033 

+42272+42271+41132+41131+42273+6338 

18 th September: 60053 6B47 66166 6A32 

60038 6E30 66061 4V28 66178 6M12 

66167 6V07 66098 6M41 60071 6V92 

66103 6Z87 60027 6X52 66146 6V36 

60054 6E47 60068 6Z68 66142 6M72 

66563 4Z84 66127 6E20 

19 th September: 47813 6Z80 Coalville-Glos 

66048 6X52 66154 6M41 60071 6V92 

66162 4V17 66134 4V28 66146 6V07 

66063 6V31 60048 6E30 60095 6E41 

66078 6M71 66199 6E20 60020 6E47 

66608 4Z84 66549 4Z73 47828 0Z74 

20310/311 6M56 31106/190 4Z08 

47828 5Z86 Landore-Glos with 43036+9506 

20 th September: 60071 6V92 66090 4Z28 

60038 6B13 66013 6A32 66248 6M41 

60066 6E41 60030 6V07 60049 6V36 

66074 6V97 66134 4V17 66176 6X52 

66098 6M42 60068 6E30 66564 4Z73 

66063 7E10 66068 6E20 66126 6M12 

66248 6V61 66507 4Z84 66413 0Z66 

47828 5Z86 Gloucester-Loughborough with 

43132+9506 and then as 5Z45 from 

Loughborough-Landore with 43132+9506 

47843 ‘Vulcan’ (leading) 

Hertfordshire Rail Tours - The Torbay & Dart 

Exeter St Davids, 22 September 2007 

Railtour Photo Spot 

21 st September: 31106/190 4Z08 

66126 6Z12 66185 6M46 60066 6E41 

66163 4V81 60071 6V92 66167 6E20 

60049 6V07 66238 6Z36 66178 6V01 

66526 4Z73 60034 6T94 60048 6X52 

66162 4V28 66063 6V31 60038 6B47 

66095 6E47 66561 4Z84 66167 6E20 

47828 5Z40 Landore-Loughborough with 

43032+9506 

22 nd September: 66126 6W11 66163 4V22 

66238 0V97 60066 6E41 66134 4Z17 

47813/818 1Z79 Glos-Brighton with 9493+3392 

+1657+3352+3326+3431+3395+3313+5669 

23 rd September: 

66238 6E47 60030 6E30 60071 6M94 

47813/818 5Z79 Gloucester-East Ham 

K E Allen: 


Doncaster 08.40-16.45: 

08493/514/529/594/682/819, 37038, 43006 

43039/053/056/077/099/102/105/107/108/111 

43112/115/119/290/296/306/309/314/318/320 

43367, 47528, 56302, 60017/028, 66002/020 

66023/067/070/081/103/116/132/199/235/531 

66547/548/566/571/712/719/724, 67028 

91101-107/109-112/115/116/118-122/126/129 

91130-132, 142031/049/079/092, 144002-004 

144007/010, 153321/324/334/356, 158756 

158757/790/791/795/820/848/850/860/905/909 

185110/113/121/123/124/148/151 

220002/008/010/012/017/020/022-024/031 

221101/126/144, 222101/102/104, 321901/903 

47847 (trailing) 

Hertfordshire Rail Tours - The Torbay & Dart 

Exeter St Davids, 22 September 2007

12/8 

14.17 60038 6J07 DR-LN 

17.25 66160 6J06 LN-DR 

18.35 66204 6J08 DR-LN 

22.20 60024 6J09 TO-LN 

22.25 60038 6J07 DR-LN 

22.28 66204 6J08 DR-LN 

13/8 

14.52 66713 6J10 LN-DR 

21.55 60024 6J12 DR-LN 

23.05 60038 6J13 DR-LN 

22.30 66701 6J11 WR-LN 

14/8 

17.55 66701 6J11 WR-LN 

19.20 66129 6J14 DR-LN 

21.20 60053 6J15 DR-LN 

15/8 

22.00 60053 6J16 DR-LN 

16/8 

16.28 66204 6J17 LN-DR 

17.54 60053 6J19 DR-LN 

18.00 66129 6J18 DR-LN 

21.50 66129 6J18 DR-LN 

Location Codes: 

AW Aberthaw 

BH Bedworth 

CK Colnbrook 

CM Cottam 

CW Colwick 

CY Corby 

DP Didcot PS 

Lincolnshire Sightings 

by John Palin 

DR Doncaster 

DX Drax 

EB Eggborough 

EU East Usk 

FN Foxton 

HM Healey Mills 

HR Humber 

17/8 

18.35 60053 6J19 DR-LN 

19.05 66189 6J20 DR-LN 

19.30 66129 6J21 DR-LN 

23.00 60029 6J22 DR-LN 

22/8 

08.00 60029 6J28 LN-DR 

16.00 60029 7J29 DR-LN 

23/8 

08.00 66128 6J30 LN-DR 

08.30 66189 6J31 DR-LN 

11.05 66235 6J32 DR-LN 

24/8 

10.00 66704 6J33 LN-DR 

10.37 60026 6J34 DR-LN 

10/9 

05.26 60030 6M11 LR-CK 

08.36 60071 6M57 LR-KY 

12.00 66074 6B65 IM-WB 

12.45 66622 6M00 HR-KY 

13.42 66139 4R17 WP-IM 

14.10 66617 6E54 KY-HR 

IM Immingham 

KN Ketton 

KY Kingsbury 

LN Lincoln 

LY Lindsey 

NC Norwich 

NT Newport 

PB Peterborough 

RE Ratcliffe 

RP Rugeley PS 

RY Rugby 

SA Swansea 

SB Swinderby 

SN Spondon 

11/9 

05.07 60035 6M11 LR-CK 

08.35 60017 6E46 KY-LR 

08.42 60065 6M57 LR-KY 

12.00 66074 6B65 IM-WB 

13.45 66070 4R17 CM-IM 

14.04 66617 6E54 KY-HR 

12/9 

05.03 66039 6M11 LR-CK 

08.25 60038 6E46 IM-TO 

09.35 60041 6M57 LR-KY 

12.50 66148 6M86 IM-TO 

13.50 66070 4R17 CM-IM 

14.10 66617 6E54 KY-HR 

13/9 

05.05 60026 6M11 LR-KY 

08.22 60068 6E46 KY-LR 

08.37 60030 6M57 LR-KY 

13.40 66070 4R17 CM-IM 

13.48 66617 6E54 KY-HR 

14.10 66620 6M88 IM-KN 

TO Toton 

WB West Burton 

WD Washwood H 

WH Westerleigh 

WJ Watford Jnct 

WN Welton 

WP Worksop 

Jubilee 4-6-0 

‘Leander’ 

Bury Bolton Street, 

East Lancs Railway 

2 June 2007 

Bryan King

Preservation News 

Severn Valley Railway - Friday 14 Sep. 2007: (by Stephen Skewes) 

Spotted on SVR was VSOE Pullman train with EWS 67012 and D1015 'Western Champion' at either end 

of the 11-coach train. It was on charter ('Phil's 50th Birthday Bash' said the sign on the front of 67012) 

Having travelled from London Victoria via Salisbury, Bristol and Worcester, the train then reversed off the 

main line at Kidderminster onto the SVR, and headed for Bewdley where the passengers alighted at 

about 3.40pm. Later, the empty train came into Kidderminster Town station on the SVR for watering, 

then reversed yet again to Bewdley, and finally left there at about 6.00pm with many of the original 

passengers. Having rejoined the main line at Kidderminster, it continued on to Birmingham (Snow Hill, I 

expect), and returned to London via Banbury and High Wycombe, so I was told. 

Severn Valley Railway - Autumn Steam Gala: (by Stephen Skewes) 

The SVR's Autumn Steam Gala took place from Fri 21st to Sun 23rd September 2007. The weather was 

mostly dry and the public turned up, as we had hoped. 

There were 3 visiting locomotives - Great Western 4-6-0's no's 4936 'Kinlet Hall' and 4953 'Pitchford 

Hall', both on loan from Tyseley Museum in Birmingham, and LNER 2-6-2 no. 4771 'Green Arrow', 

immaculate in apple-green livery, on loan from the National Collection at York. These engines, and some 

of the SVR's resident fleet, provided a frequent service over the 3½ miles between Kidderminster and 

Bewdley, from early morning until nearly midnight, with no fewer than 33 trains in each direction on 

Friday and Saturday. Various combinations and changes of motive power were arranged, with some 

intricate shunting which exploited much of the SVR's layout and signalling on the short length of line, and 

this pleased the usual army of lineside photographers. It was satisfying to see a complete LNER train, 

with 'Green Arrow' at the head of the SVR's set of Gresley teak coaches, and one of the 'Halls' leading 

the SVR's antique Great Western coach-set. A fourth intended visitor, GW 4-6-0 no 4965 'Rood Ashton 

Hall', unfortunately failed with tube-trouble at Tyseley, and never appeared. 

However, the highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the steam-hauled excursion between 

Birmingham Snow Hill and the SVR, with the 7-coach train provided by Vintage Trains Ltd, also based at 

Tyseley. This set contained mostly Mark 2 vehicles with one Pullman coach, all in GW colours, and ran 

from Snow Hill to Kidderminster (mainline) in less than an hour. After shunting onto the SVR, turning the 

locomotive at Kidderminster, and running round at Bewdley, the train then returned directly from Bewdley 

to Snow Hill, avoiding the SVR's Kidderminster Town terminus. It ran twice in each direction on both 

Saturday and Sunday, being hauled alternately by one of the 2 'Halls' from Tyseley. The train made a 

fine sight as it stormed along in open country towards Snow Hill. Gossip has it that this excursion was a 

very worthwhile innovation, drawing extra interest and revenue to the SVR. Presently, the railway cannot 

run north of Bewdley while urgent repairs are being carried out further up the line, following the storms of 

June and July. Thanks are due for the huge effort made by the SVR, Network Rail, and Tyseley Museum 

who, between them, made the excursion possible. 

At Bridgnorth there were also many entertainments of interest to railway enthusiasts, including short 

steam-hauled runs into and out of the station, demonstrations of the SVR's 45-ton Cowans & Sheldon 

steam crane, and tours of the MPD where GW 4-6-0 no. 7812 'Erlestoke Manor' has passed it's static 

boiler test and is nearly ready for the road (see www.svr-vlo.co.uk). 

Bicton Woodland Railway, East Budleigh - 16 Sep. 2007: (by Mike Pinder) 

This an 18” gauge railway, the locos seen being: 

‘Sir Walter Raleigh’ 0-4-0 DH built 2000 

‘Clinton’ 4wDM built 1941 Hunslet Eng 

‘Bicton’ 4wDM built 1942 Ruston & Hornsby 

Extensive maintenance work being carried out and the railway is running on a restricted basis until 

repairs completed. Even at this time of the year the gardens and the Museum (which houses all kinds of 

farming equipment as well as 3 steam traction engines and a horse/hand drawn fire engine) are well 

worth a visit. This is what you call getting away with blue murder, keeping the ladies happy with all the 

plants etc. whilst unbeknown to them just around the corner…though you might have to endure their 

wrath… "I might as well have b****y well known there was an ulterior motive in bringing me here" !!!

Railway Globetrotters 

by Martin Hall 

The Baltic Explorer 

I’m sorry there was no wagon corner in the September magazine but I was away in August on the ‘Baltic 

Explorer’. I left Derby for St Pancras International and on arrival saw that it was almost ready for action. 

It looks great and it nice that they have kept the old feel of St Pancras on the outside. I then made my 

way to Waterloo to catch my Eurostar, which as usual left fairly slowly until we reached the new section 

of line, when you could feel the acceleration. We finally arrived in Brussels-Midi where we changed trains 

to continue by Thalys to Cologne. From Cologne we boarded an inter-city train for Wuppertal. 

The next day before we left we had to have a look at the famous ‘dangle bahn’ a monorail system. From 

Wuppertal we boarded another inter-city train and after changing at Hamburg we arrived at the ferry port 

of Puttgarden an important route between Germany and Denmark. The train drove straight on to the 

ferry and later arrived in Copenhagen where I spent a couple of days with the railway station right next to 

the hotel, very convenient! 

The next leg was from Copenhagen to Malmo in Sweden where we joined the X2000 high-speed service 

to Stockholm where I spent another couple of days and surprise-surprise the hotel was next to the 

station again, brilliant, but my wife was getting a little suspicious. From Stockholm we boarded an 

overnight ferry to Finland and arrived in Helsinki the next morning and booked into the hotel not far from 

the railway station (what a coincidence). We spent a few days here sight seeing and spotting of course, 

very pleasant. 

Next we took a ferry to Estonia and arrived in Tallin after a very rough crossing. I noticed a change in the 

general feel of the country and although there were plenty of trams I nearly did not find the railway 

station. We returned to Helsinki on the ferry after a few days and went straight to the railway station (for 

a bit of spotting) and then boarded a train for Russia. As soon as we had crossed into Russia the border 

guards came on and took our passports away and asked us to fill in forms so we could enter the country 

and also eventually leave it. After a while we got our passports and forms returned. We arrived in St 

Petersburg our final destination. Russia was an eye-opener, there seemed to be wealth and deprivation, 

the traffic in the city was crazy, with traffic jams whatever time of day it was, the underground was manic 

and the train stations (of course) were very busy. On one day my wife went on a sight-seeing boat trip 

but I decided to look at the stations with another train spotter and when we arrived at the station we 

recorded numbers, well wrote down what we saw as they use the Cyrillic alphabet. We also wanted to 

take photographs so we walked off the end of the platform to get better shots, no problem, health and 

safety does not seem to be high on their agenda in Russia. 

TT 102-169 

Ufhayr Railway Museum, St Petersburg 

22 August 2007 Martin Hall 

LV 18002 

Ufhayr Railway Museum, St Petersburg 

22 August 2007 Martin Hall 

We finally left St Petersburg by plane and arrived at Heathrow only to be told that there was no one to 

move the disembarkation tube to the aircraft so we could get out, so we stayed there for 15-20mins 

before we could get off. This made us late into St Pancras for my connection to Derby, which meant we 

arrived home rather late. A good holiday, tired but lots of lovely numbers to sort out.

Traffic & Traction News 

by John Barton 

August 31 

New Javelin 395001 was observed at stabled at Clapham Junction this morning, coupled to 67017. 

September 3 

318254 derailed on its ecs move from SECC to Anderson today, resulting in one of its coaches ending 

up on its side and 2 rail staff needing hospital treatment. This was the same unit, about 10 years ago, 

that ran through Largs Station, which resulted in 77244 being rebuilt. 

37510 has been despatched to Shields to pick up an emergency coupling to haul 318254 back to 

Shields Depot. 

67016 + 37410 & 37417 on Avonmouth-Wembley past Brentry at 16:15 heading for Bristol Parkway 

September 4 

1497 failed this morning, nothing to replace it, so service recommenced at 13:29 ex Brockenhurst with 

73109 at the London end propelling 1497. 

66708 worked the 5Z90 Laira to Derby stock move through Bristol TM 09:38 consisting of 7 HST 

coaches and a FGW green barrier coach at each end. 

September 5 

67012 arrived at Oxley sidings at 15:40 with ecs comprising 1272+3120+3121+1679+3112+3140+3107+ 

1863+ 5009+4927+5040+5350. 

DRS 37605 & 37606 seen top & tailing Serco test train at Sevington, south of Ashford. 

5 September 2007 Ian Feather 

September 7 

66708 plus 2 coaches & barriers were observed heading west through Slough at 16:24 en route to Laira. 

37069 passed Water Orton at 18.30 with 37607 on the rear heading towards Derby. 

September 9 

57601 with 47804 dead in train passed Cossington 14:50 on 5Z69 Trent Loop to Carnforth ECS. 

September 10 

New DRS 66422/423/427 were noted passing Bushbury at 19:11 tonight. 

47802 passed through Crewe taking 507003 and 507017 back to Merseyrail. 

September 13 

Cl.442 2424 and 73204 passed through East Croydon at 13.29. 

67026 top and tailed the Northern Belle with 67029 seen passing Shrewley at 12:29. 

September 14 

Western D1015 hammered past Dog Bridge at Norton near Worcester at 14:53.

September 15 

40145 'East Lancashire Railway' passed Sandal and Agbrigg station at 14:12 with 37248 'Loch Arkaig' 

dead on the rear. 

September 16 

60042 and 60079 have been moved out from Immingham for exams and repairs, 60042 to Warrington, 

60079 to Margam, with a view to being returned to use. 60046 went from Toton to Bescot on the 8th for 

a B exam being returned to Toton in convoy on the 14th with 66222, which was on its way back to Toton 

from France. 

September 19 

57310 and 87028 double headed two 325s on 1M44 through Carlisle at 18:18. 

September 20 

47727 and 47749 being handed over to their new users and unveiled to the press at Eastleigh today 

have been reinstated to COLO, a new pool for Colas (Seco-Rail) Locomotives. They have been named 

‘Rebecca’ and ‘Demelza’ respectively. 47727 and 47749 are due out on test tomorrow with a run from 

Eastleigh to Bristol and back. 

September 21 

The ship MV Stellanova with 66428, 66429 & 66430 on board is due to dock at Newport today at 23:59 

92016 was observed Leading 37417 and 37410 east through Birmingham International at 15:45 With 

6A42 Bescot-Wembley cargowagons and empty car carriers. 

There was a couple of interesting movement today, instead of the loco from Arpley collecting any stock 

for Marcrofts from Basford South Yard, CE or Crewe Works as is usual, 92010 brought a rake of 

intermodal flats from CE to the station. (92010 is one of the SNCF locos that SNCF want back). So it 

looked like a little test run. 

66132 went to Marcrofts and brought back a Caledonian Sleeper, a green bogie tank and a couple of 

open NR wagons. 

66702 was noted heading west through Slough at 14:22 with long rake of HST stock plus barriers, en 

route from Ilford to Laira. 

September 22 

66707 was at Datchet station at 19:00 on the down line with a train of Parr wagons carrying new 

concrete sleepers, plus an OBA and an OCA. The train was being unloaded and the sleepers placed on 

the formation of the up line. Train is presumed to be 6G11 and was already two and a half hours late 

starting with more unloading to be undertaken before it could begin the journey to Hoo Junction. 

37410+37417 worked a charter to Aberystwyth today, seen passing Wolverhampton at 09:05. 

September 23 

Grand Central Power Car 43067 was noted on the move earlier today, departed Devonport and started 

the journey north on the back of a low loader. 

September 24 

DRS 66428-30 were seen heading east through Newport behind 66413 at 12:49. 

heading east, new DRS 66430, 66429, 66428+ 66413 leading, passing Arriva Wales 158838 

Newport, 24 September 2007

Location ‘Spot’light 

by Trevor Roots 

This feature is intended as a guide to various popular spotting locations, stations depots & yards around 

the country and will include how to get there, what rolling stock you might see and the quality of 

photography possible in an interesting and constantly changing railway scene. 

If anyone can provide similar details on other locations please let me know, or if you want a particular 

location reviewed in future editions. To keep up-to-date, please let me know if any details are wrong or 

change. Contact editor@icrs.org.uk 

BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET STATION 

Location: OS Map Ref: SP070 867 

New Street is in the centre of the city, being the largest of three fairly adjacent stations, the others being 

Snow Hill and Moor Street which lie just to the east on a separate line and at right angles to the axis of 

New Street. Originally built as two separate stations with a dividing driveway, New Street was rebuilt as 

one station during the electrification in the 1960's. It forms the main crossing place, as it has for most of 

its history, for railway passengers travelling from London to Scotland or north-east to south-west. 

Just two lines diverge immediately west of the platforms, one heading south-west via Suffolk Street 

Tunnel towards Bromsgrove. The other heading north-west via New Street North Tunnel to 

Wolverhampton and ultimately the WCML (north) at Stafford. To the east all lines pass through New 

Street Tunnels where they then split into four routes at Proof Hose and Grand Junctions. These go north 

to Lichfield and Walsall via Aston, the main north-east route via Water Orton, east via B’ham 

International to Coventry and ultimately the WCML (south) at Rugby and south-east via Tyseley joining 

the Moor Street / Snow Hill line. 

Central Trains 158806 

exiting Suffolk Street Tunnel 

as seen from platform 4c, B’ham New Street 

25 September 2007 

Central Trains (Centro) 150227 

exiting New Street North Tunnel 

as seen from platform 4c, B’ham New Street 


Access: 

Rail: New Street has regular direct services to most of the UK. Long distance services are currently 

provided by Virgin XC, Virgin West Coast, Central Trains and Arriva Trains Wales. Local commuter 

services are provided by Central Trains under the auspices of Centro, West Midlands Passenger 

Transport Executive. Both Virgin XC and Central franchises are to change from November 2007 so 

operators, liveries and routes will change. 

Bus: All major centres in the West Midlands have direct services to Birmingham city centre. Coaches 

travelling from the rest of the UK arrive at Digbeth coach station, which is about 1/2 mile south-east of 

New Street. There is a very useful free bus service called 'Station Link' which connects New Street, Moor 

Street and Snow Hill railway stations and Digbeth coach station.

Virgin WC 390036 approaching platform 5 

from New Street Tunnel (north side) 

as seen from eastern end of platform 6/7 

B’ham New Street, 25 September 2007 

Virgin XC 220008 approaching platform 10 

from New Street Tunnel (south side) 

as seen from eastern end of platform 8/9 


Road: Birmingham City Centre is easily accessible, as it is, encircled by the M5, M6 and M42 

motorways. The M6 passes within 3 miles to the north-east and this is the shortest and most direct route 

into the city centre from Junction 6, ‘Spaghetti’ Junction via the A38(M) Aston Expressway. There is no 

long stay parking at the station but there are plenty of car parks in the area for shoppers, however this 

can be quite expensive. 


approaching platform 8 

from footbridge above western end 


Central Trains 350125 

heading west from platform bay 4c 

under Navigation Street road bridge 

B’ham New Street, 25 September 2007

Station Layout: 

The station lies on an east / west alignment beneath the Pallisades shopping centre, which is connected 

to the Bull Ring shopping centre. Only the ends of platforms are exposed to varying degrees with tunnels 

on both approaches, with road bridges also crossing above the western approaches between station and 

tunnels. It therefore has the claustrophobic atmosphere of an underground station, overshadowed on all 

sides by the surrounding city centre and the centres of the platforms being fairly gloomy. The ambience 

of the platforms is very stark and dreary as no buffet facilities are present. Access to all platforms is from 

above, the main level entrance concourse and short stay car park being off Queensway. Pedestrian 

access is also from the shopping centre above. There is an additional new footbridge giving access to 

the western ends of platforms 2-11, the stairs of which are enclosed with glazing. This connects onto 

Navigation Street. The station operates ticket barriers. 

There are 12 platforms, numbered from north to south, of which numbers 1-11 are through platforms. 

Platforms 1-5 are fairly straight with 6-12 becoming progressively more curved away from the main east / 

west alignment. The west end of platform 4 has been extended to accommodate a five car bay which is 

designated 4c for trains terminating from Wolverhampton / Liverpool, usually Cl.350s. South of and at 

either end of platform 12 there are two very short non-designated bays, one facing west, the other east. 

All platforms are divided into a and b, this means they can and regularly do hold two separate trains, only 

Pendolinos require the use of both parts owing to their length. Trains on the south-west route can use 

platforms 5-12, while those on the north-west route have all available. Trains from the east can access 

all platforms. As mentioned, access is from above, via stairs split into two flights, with an up escalator 

only from platforms 2-11. 

The government announced in July 2007 that New Street is to receive investment to improve facilities. 

Stabling: Multiple units use all 3 bay platforms. There are three through lines with no access to 

platforms between platforms 5/6, 7/8 and 9/10. These are also used for stabling units, particularly 

Voyagers and a Class 57/3. 

Virgin Thunderbird 57313 ‘Tracey Island’ 

between western ends of platforms 6/5 

looking west from platform 5 

B’ham New Street, 30 November 2006 

note footbridge above in both photos 

Virgin XC 221105 stabled between 

Central Trains 170632 & Virgin XC 220021 

at platforms 5 & 6 respec. 

looking east from platform 6 


Passenger Traffic: 

New Street is extremely busy and congested, being the hub of Virgin XC services providing Cl.220 and 

221 Voyagers in abundance, but this franchise is to be changed and largely taken over by Arriva from 

November 2007. Direct services to the extremities of Britain will be curtailed or replaced by other 

operators and different rolling stock. Virgin West Coast handle the services to Euston and northern 

destinations on the WCML, Cl.390 Pendolinos being the preferred haulage with tilting Cl.221 Voyagers 

also to be used from November. In the event that a Pendolino is not available, a Cl.90 and a DVT are 

used, at present one set per day on the Euston services. A Class 57/3 usually stands by on Thunderbird 

duties. Central Trains provides all local services in West Midlands concurrent with several long distance 

services. Cl.158 and 170 DMUs are used on services to Cardiff, Nottingham, Hereford, Shrewsbury and 

Stansted Airport, whilst Cl.150 are used on the Stafford service via Rugeley. Cls.153 / 156 are 

occasionally seen on these services. To allow Virgin WC faster timings on the WCML, Central Trains

operate Cl.350 EMUs, shared with Silverlink County, on stopping services to Liverpool and Northampton. 

Cl.323 EMUs are preferred on trains to Birmingham International, Walsall, Wolverhampton and the cross 

city line from Lichfield TV to Redditch. Central Trains is also to disappear in November, the services 

being split largely between two new franchises, West Midlands and East Midlands. Silverlink County will 

be absorbed into the West Midlands franchise. Arriva Trains Wales is the only other TOC to be seen, 

with a two hourly service to Aberystwyth, usually Class 158 hauled, although Cls.150 and 153 have been 

used. Silverlink County Cl.321 EMUs can also be seen. 

Freight Traffic: There are no regular diagrammed workings during the day. 

Central Trains 170107 & (Centro) 323219 & Arriva Wales 158825 across the entire western throat 

from end of platform 4c, B’ham New Street, 25 September 2007 

Best Spotting/Photography Sites: 

Though New Street is busy, the variety of rolling stock is now very limited. Spotting is possible from the 

end of every platform but no one position allows views of the entire station. Trains terminate in many of 

the platforms and return from the direction they came, so much walking up and down and changing 

platforms has to be done and keen attention is needed to avoid missing anything. The curve of the 

higher numbered platforms makes it difficult to see from one end to the other, as does the dark nature of 

the centre of the station. Binoculars are essential. At the eastern end, the lower numbered platforms are 

best, which allow some through views of the western end of the station. By moving about on the higher 

numbered platforms some views through to the west can be had but are hampered by the curvature. All 

movements at this end can be seen from any platform. At the western end the higher numbered 

platforms are shorter and have restricted views even of platforms 1-4. The best platform is the extended 

4c, which also gives fairly unobstructed photo opportunities of the entire throat. It also has the advantage 

of being under cover of a road bridge above, though this means it is in the shade. 

Photography is both challenging and interesting owing to the great contrast in light, the platform ends 

may be bathed in sunshine criss-crossed by overhead roadways and the centre is very gloomy. 

Photographs can be taken from all platform ends with varying degrees of obstruction and shadows from 

catenary gantries, signals and signs. The glass encased footbridge at the west end has possibilities if the

weather is particularly inclement. Depending on the platform, trains can be photographed approaching 

through all the tunnels. Views can also be had down onto the eastern throat from the entrance access 

road bridge and St Martins Circus above New Street Tunnels…as long as you are not too short !! 

It is very much a case of personal choice as to where you view or photograph from and depends on the 

weather and if certain types of rolling stock only are wanted. For instance Arriva Trains Wales services 

only terminate at the western end. All other operators either run straight through or terminate at either 

end with some leaving as soon as they have arrived. One fact is fairly certain, it is almost impossible to 

record everything, far better to stay in one place then move to another. The longer the stay, then most 

services can be covered. 

New Street operates a signing in book for photographers. 

Facilities: 

No food outlets are to be found on the platforms, only vending machines. However numerous outlets are 

situated on the connecting concourse area above, inside and outside of the ticket barriers. Additionally 

the Pallisades and Bull Ring Shopping Centres are near at hand as is the Market two minutes from the 

forecourt. 


heading east from platform 6 

with the landmark Rotunda tower above 



waiting to head east from platform 1, from 

platform 4 showing Pallisades above 


An article on the other Birmingham stations, Moor Street and Snow Hill will follow. 

RAILWAY CRIME REPORTING 

To help the reputation of genuine enthusiasts may we remind Members of the following dedicated 

British Transport Police telephone contact nos. for the reporting of Crime and Incidents: 

Graffiti/Vandalism via Crimestoppers (annonymous)………. 0800 555111 

Anti-Terrorist (confidential)……… 0800 789321 

Non-Emergency Railway Crime………. 0800 405040 

graffiti can also be reported on-line at graffiticrime@btp.pnn.police.uk

Days Out 

over 50s cheap travel with Central Trains 

by Mike Rumens 

I don’t how many other members took advantage of the offer, but the cheap tickets, £5 / £10, offered by 

Central Trains between 25 June – 14 September enticed member Mike Rumens to travel to numerous 

destinations. The following is an account of two of his Days Out. 

CARDIFF - 9 August 2007: 

I decided it was time I went to the Cardiff area to try and see a couple of elusive shunters that I required. 

I had no set timetable apart from not being able to use my ticket before 09.00. 

I set out from B’ham International at 08.34 travelling on the Edinburgh bound voyager, 221107 

B’ham New Street: 57307, 158822, 170519/632/633, 220019/024, 221125, 323201/03/07-11/15/41 

350109/13, 390014 

My next train was the 09.30 CT service to Cardiff with unit 170509, a quiet uncrowded journey with only 

3 stops. 

Noted en-route: Gloucester: 47200/810, 60100, 158836 Newport: 43098/133 175104 

Alexandria Dock Jnct (ADJ): 66186/231 

Cardiff: 11.30-11.55 

43034/146/169/180, 142002/74/80/85, 143605/07/23, 150230/36/51/52, 158776/818/830/841/870 

175006/112 

I next caught the 11.53 train to Barry Island, 150259, alighting at the docks. Using information contained 

in the Shunterspot web site I walked towards the docks and using binoculars, I noted one of my required 

shunters, 09001. Also seen, was 66180. Returning to Cardiff in unit 142083, I just had time to get a 

sandwich etc / buy my next ticket and wait for the 13.50 to Port Talbot (hoping to see any shunters in 

Margam) 

Cardiff: 43094/195, 142006/76/77, 150230/56/59/69/81/85, 158748/815/829832/841, 175109/111 

Noted en-route: 43027, 150241, 175105 Cardiff Canton: 50049 Margam: 66211 + 1 unidentified 

EWS shunter Margam Yard: 66142 

Port Talbot: 43017+43189/43004+43174, 158839 

My next destination was Newport and noted en-route were: 60074, 66180, 150251/264,158829. 

ADJ: 09017/9105, 66005/231 

Newport: 15.50-16.25 

43165+43063/43135+43024/43198+43015, 60054/500, 66186, 153370, 158798/824/830/871 

170111/117/635, 175117 

I left Newport at 16.25 bound for Gloucester in 158836. Noted en-route: DR80302, 66047/135 

Gloucester: 17.18-17.47 

Station: 143620, 153382, 158767 

Cotswold Rail: DR80202, 45112, 47810 + a Fragonset 47xxx, 08936, Stock - 5710/5700 + 2 others in 

GW green livery, 9506/9525 + 2 others in Wessex Rail pink, 11029/11033 in Cotswold rail colours. 

The penultimate leg of my trip was in unit 170502 back to Birmingham. Very quiet at New Street where I 

saw: 150122, 350114/17/20, 323202/08. I then boarded the 19.00 London train hauled by 90039+stock 

12078+12133+12011+12138+10217+11048+11027+11079+82126, alighting at B’ham International at 

19.10, the end of a long and interesting day out.

NORWICH - 7 September 2007: 

At last I managed to get my trip to Norwich. The intention was to photograph ‘One’ liveried trains etc, see 

some of the refurbished RFMs (104xx) and the 17027xs. I also planned to spend time at Peterborough to 

get my last GBRF 66 and 91 and to see renumbered PCs and refurbished GNER stock. 

Nuneaton: 08.10-8.23 

66579/720, 170638 

As I could not use the CT ticket before 09.00, I had to travel to Leicester on the first stage of my trip. Unit 

170637 formed the 08.23 BNS - Leicester train. During my time spent waiting at Leicester I noted 

222007/014/022, DR77901, 43007/082 

My next train was the late running BNS - Stansted service, unit 170633. Seen en-route were: 170113 at 

Melton Mowbray, 66727 (my last blue one) on the GBRF depot, 66096 in the eng sidings and 66016 on 

the EWS depot. In Potters complex at Ely, was 60097. At Ely station I saw 153314, 158773, 170113 DR 

73945. The last stage of my outward journey was on board the 11.20 train to Norwich, unit 170115 

Nothing seen until Crown Point, where I noted Cotswold Rail shunter 08871 stock 10223/12056 and 

56201 from unit 170201. Arrival at Norwich was on time. 

Norwich: 12.12-13.40 

66037, 90001/07/08/14, 156409/12/16/18, 170271/273, Stored in the station sdg was RES vehicle 94320 

One 90008 

on 13.00 service 

to Liverpool Street 

Norwich 


Mike Rumens 

The start of my return journey was on the 13.40 unit to Cambridge, 170271. Ely was reached at 14.40, 

here I saw 153314 again, 170512 and 365512. I left Ely at 14.52 bound for Peterborough on 170504 

heading for Liverpool. Nothing was seen during this part of the trip. 

Peterborough: 15.23-18.50 

43039/56/099/102/108/110/112/300/306/309/314/367, 66016/27/136/188/553/716, 91107/11/15/18/21 

91122/24/25/28/29/32, 153314/379/385, 158812/856, 170111/116/399/501/512/521/637, 317340/43/47 

365501/08/14/23/24/30/33/35/36/38-40 

At approximately 16.10 the flow of GNER services ceased due to a train failing in Stoke tunnel. London 

bound passengers had to use the slow services from Peterborough. I had planned to get the 17.47 train 

to Birmingham but it was cancelled due to a Central Trains operating problem - must be a new way of 

saying no crew available. I eventually left for home on the 18.40 Manchester service, 170519. 

For the price I paid, £14.90 which includes the cost of the Nuneaton – Leicester ticket, I know I had a 

very pleasant and successful day out. 

Mike’s last Day Out to Liverpool / Manchester will appear next month.

Railway Cuttings 

Wales: (by Michael Hillier) 

Article 1: A Cardiff MP says poor planning of rail services for rugby fans visiting the city threatens to 

damage the capital's reputation as a sporting destination. Jenny Willott's comments came as it emerged 

no trains are planned after a vital Rugby World Cup tie on October 6. Transport Minister Leuan Wyn 

Jones said assembly officials were asking First Great Western about extra trains. The train operator 

blamed engineering works, but Network Rail said it hoped to be able to "work something out". 

Cardiff's Millennium Stadium is hosting four games of the 2007 rugby tournament, including a quarterfinal 

on Saturday, October 6. 

Concerns have been raised about the arrangements for the international supporters travelling home after 

the game, as the last train to London leaves Cardiff half an hour after the match kicks off. 

Ms Willott, MP for Cardiff Central, said she would also be writing to the organizations over an apparent 

serious and inexplicable breakdown in communication between them. 

John Pockett, the First Great Western Manager for Wales, said: "Network Rail has a major programme 

of engineering works between Bristol and Paddington. Entry to Paddington is restricted so, unfortunately, 

it's not possible to do anything." 

Article 2: Arriva Trains Wales don't seem to be getting a good press of late, which is hardly surprising 

considering the appalling way in which the Valley line services are run. 

Upon boarding the 8.23am train from Treforest to Cardiff Central recently I had never seen such a 

blatant disregard for health and safety. We were literally crammed in like sardines with some passengers 

practically being pushed through the doors on the other side of the carriage. A busy morning service like 

this should have at least four carriages apparently, but two is hardly adequate for the number of 

passengers. 

Leeds Area: (by Keith Beanlands) 

New carriages could soon bring relief to commuters using crowded peak time trains in Wharfedale, 

Aireborough and Horsforth. The Wharfedale, Airedale and Harrogate lines have been identified by the DfT 

as being in need of extra passenger capacity. West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and 

Authority, Metro has welcomed the DfT announcement that of the proposed 1300 ‘new’ carriages, 60-90 are 

to be provided for the commuter lines around Leeds. Though overcrowding was alleviated when the Cl.333 

were introduced, the extra capacity has since been taken up. With new stations planned and an increase in 

house building, rail passengers will increase yet further so putting pressure on the existing services and the 

need for extra carriages. 

A light-hearted look 

at the current railway 

scene around Britain, 

to see if you can spot 

the location. 

Where in the…..? 

the end of the line…153382 awaiting its next duty, 19 September 2007

TRAM NEWS: 

Light Rail and Metro News 


Edinburgh: Even though work has started there still seems to be problems with funding and one 

consequence of this is that the air-port link has been axed. 

Stourbridge: As Govia has won the Midlands Rail franchise it has promised that the Parry People 

Mover would have a permanent service at Stourbridge and so two more PPM 60 railcars are to be built. 

Nottingham: NET is getting ready to start work on its new extensions. 

Luton: The guided bus way for Luton will start in 2008 and be completed by 2010. 

Manchester: Network Rail is hoping to place an order for a tram-train and use it on trials in Manchester 

and Weymouth to see if they are a viable alternative for public transport. 

Sheffield: South Yorkshire Supertram services were badly affected by the floods this summer and the 

Meadow Hall service was closed for a week. 

WAGON NEWS: 

Wagon Corner 


DB has now taken over EWS and Transfesa, which will enable DB to close important gaps in its 

European freight network. 

EWS has ordered 34 more HIA bogie hoppers to supplement its existing fleet. 

The first JPA cement tanker VTG12401 arrived in the UK on a lorry and was taken to RTC Derby for type 

testing. It was fitted with its bogies and taken on test runs with Test Car No2 (ADB975397) being pulled 

by 47816. The order is for 48 vehicles numbered VTG12401-12448. 

The Eddie Stobart Group is hoping to start a new company called Stobart Rail, as they see a big move to 

rail based freight which I see is a step in the right direction. 

National Power has sold its locomotives 59201-59206 and all its hopper wagons to EWS. 

More KVA vans are being converted to timber carriers at the W H Davis works. 

Wagon Re-numbering: 

It was noted by John Collins after observing a Tilbury-Avonmouth service that RIV wagons formally 

numbered in the 80 2929 xxx series had been renumbered in the 80 2829 xxx series. 

Condemned wagons – Aug/Sep: 

Air-Braked: 

350254/350607/350749/350784/350809/350876/350946/350980/351020/351090/351154/351199 

351290/351363/351871/352211/352324/352530/352568/352888/352902/352928/353422/353669 

353678/353856/353963/354020/354098/354221/354235/354465/354487/354756/355241/355440 

355444/355721/355869/355930/356092/356214/356307/356350/356353/356386/356626/356730 

357072/357606/368021/368046/368066/368075/368177/368266/368280/368306/368329/368350 

368359/368360 

Private Owner: 

PR14300/TCS14407/14411/14415/14428/PR26505/26521/CAIB4800/51954/TRL51958/CAIB51959 

CAIB51960/TRL51961-51963/CAIB51968/55053/55054/BRT57682/57687/5768857697/57705/57716 

BRT57723/57731/PR58245/58601/58608/58612/58728/70068/70069/70071-70078/70081/70082/70084 

70086-70088/70090-70092/70095-70097/70119/70124/70125/700127/BRT70521/CAIB70720 

TRL78800/78801/PR82745/VTG83595/83693/83792/83861/BRT84014/VTG84900/84910/84915/85021 

85024/85969/87181/87482/87570/87782/87787BRT92600/92601/PR92691-92702 

Departmental Stock: 

LDRP96504/96508/96512-96514/DB972722/DB975248 

RIV Wagons: 

23 70 4424 004/005,33 68 4909 658, 43 87 4333 009/013/038/043/059/072

Engineers Track Machine Photo Spot 

New Depot & Sector Codes: 

ATZZ Alstom – Locos for Disposal 

COLO Colas Rail 

FAMT Private Owner 

MBED Private Owner Class 73 

RCZH Railcare – Springburn (ex-ARZH) 

RCZN Railcare – Wolverton (ex-ARZN) 

Eurailscout Inspection Unit 999700+999701 

Willesden Jnct High Level, 19 June 2007 

Rolling Stock Changes 

by Ken Pitt 

1 st – 30 th September 2007 

New / Renumbered Locos & Stock Registered / Re-instated to TOPS: 

08411 HQ MBDL 

08460 HQ MBDL 

08881 HQ MBDL 

08896 HQ MBDL 

TTLS Traditional Traction Locos 

EFBV First GW Barrier Vehicles – LA 

EFTH First GW HST Trailers – LA (HD) 

EFTL First GW HST Trailers – LA (LD) 

MBCS Private Owner LHCS 

TM Tyseley Railway Museum 

87031 TM MBEL 

87035 CQ MBEL 

89001 BH ACAC 

Locos & Stock Withdrawn / Removed from TOPS: 

09004 09025 37216 37372 37505 37674 37705 47298 

Reallocations - Locomotives: 

08568 ZH RCZH 

08611 AT ATLO 

08629 ZN RCZN 

08649 ZN RCZN 

08730 ZH RCZH 

08887 AT ATZZ 

08896 HQ MBDL 

08915 HQ MBDL 

08929 HQ BDL 

20035 HQ BDL 

20063 HQ MBDL 

20137 HQ MBDL 

20139 HQ BDL 

20228 HQ BDL 

20306 KM XHNC 

37423 KM HHP 

43160 LA EFPC 

47145 KM XHHP 

47200 GL CREL 

47714 GL CREL 

47715 GL CREL 

47727 HQ COLO 

47749 HQ COLO 

57011 KM XHNC 

73129 HQ MBDL 

86101 CP ACAC

HQ TTLS: 

08411 08441 08460 08484 08511 08683 08881 08896 08915 0892720035 20063 20139 20228 47484 

TO WNTS: 

37419 37425 

TO WNXX: 

37042 37056 37058 37077 37196 37203 37221 37238 37250 37293 37377 37402 37416 37418 37421 

37427 37503 37516 37517 37521 37670 37671 37675 37684 37685 37689 37692 37693 37695 37696 

37698 37701 37706 37707 37709 37710 37712 37717 37719 37796 37798 37886 37890 37891 37892 

37893 37894 38895 37896 56006 56056 56062 56070 56072 56088 56107 56114 56119 

Reallocations – Hauled Stock:: 

5639 LA EFBV 

5737 LA EFBV 

5740 LA EFBV 

6721 LA EFBV 

9481 LA EFBV 

9490 LA EFBV 

21245 HQ MBCS 

40716 LA EFTL 

Reallocations / Reformations – Units: 

158782 R/N 158884 SA 

158814 R/N 158890 SA 

Namings – Locos: 

43095 Perth 

43099 LEEDS-LONDON 

66724 Drax Power Station 

66725 SUNDERLAND 

Names Removed: 

43149 43179 47303 47826 47832 50033 

150253 153362 319008 319009 

Livery Changes: 

Advertising: 156417 156484 

Arriva Wales: 153320 153327 

Blue: 08484 

Blue LL: 40145 

Blue & Grey: 10588 11031 11065 

DRS: 47501 57011 

11019 11030 11044 11046 

11054 17159 

DRS 57011, Ipswich Lower Yard 

15 September 2007 Bryan King 

40721 LA EFTL 

41168 LA EFTH 

41183 LA EFTH 

42314 LA EFTH 

42315 LA EFTH 

42316 LA EFTH 

44090 LA EFTH 

44093 LA EFTH 

First CC: 313037 313041 313046 313049 

313063 319427 319428 

365504 365529 365537 

First GW: 43030 43040 43069 43091 

43126 43127 43131 43139 

43140 43159 43182 43186 

43194 43195 

First ScotRail: 1210 1220 10544 10675 

158721 

Northern: 142023 142041 

158753 158756 158758 158789 

158791 158793 158794 158795 

S.E. Trains: 465153 465159 465163 465196 

508205 

Southern: 456021 

SW Trains: 158883 158884 158887 158888 

158890 

Virgin WC: 390029 

Transfer of Ownership: 

Avon Valley Rly: 10555 

Storage Locations: 

Caerwent: 92198 

Locos & Stock Cut Up (or being Cut Up): 

Rotherham-Booth: 1981 9458 80356 80358 

80378 80380 80417 80423 

Margam – Raxstar: 94312 94314 94324 94337 

Departmentals & Miscellaneous: 

Sold: 

Dartmoor Rly: 977335 

Scrapped: 

Rotherham-Booth: 975554 975555 975721

Centro 150001 passing signals east of Worcester Foregate Street, 25 September 2007 

Liskeard, down platform 1, 18 Sep 2007 

Semaphores 

Hastings, down platform 2, 16 June 2007

VOLUME 35 No.10 October 2007 - Intercity Railway Society

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