6. Avoncliff-18.06.77

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-1977 > 6. Avoncliff-18.06.77

A weekend of GWML diversions found all up and down Paddington workings being routed along the Avon Valley via Bradford-on-Avon. The nearest station to my home was the diminutive halt of Avoncliff. I nipped down to capture some of the diverted workings.

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253004, unidentified diverted London Paddington working, Avoncliff station
Passing under the Kennet and Avon canal aqueduct at Avoncliff 253004 weaves its way along the Avon Valley on its way towards London. For the passengers, this delightful bit of railway would make a welcome (if not a little inconvenient in terms of timings!) change from the usual route along Brunel's billiard table route.The diversion was caused by the GWML being closed at Challow due to a freight derailment with all trains going via the Berks and Hants route. Notice that this power car has one of its plastic covers missing from the lights. This was a common problem some year or so after their introduction and many were seen suffering from this affliction. Thanks to Kevin Daniel for this information.

31293, unidentified Portsmouth Harbour-Bristol TM working, Avoncliff Station
31293 was a regular performer on this line. It's seen here passing the tiny halt of Avoncliff in the Avon Valley between Bradford-on-Avon and Bath. This was typical formation for this working as was the 0000 headcode display prior to the panels being plated over and marker lights installed.

253005, unidentified diverted London Paddington working, Avoncliff station
253005 HST passes Avoncliff halt in the Avon Valley between Bath Spa and Bradford-on-Avon on a working to London Paddington. It's using this route due to a freight derailment closing the GWML at Challow. Trains ran up and down the Avon Valley, around the rarely used Westbury East Loop and then on the Berks and Hants route to and from Paddington. Notice the missing plastic cover from the running lights, a common feature of these class 43s just a year or so into their service. Thanks to Kevin Daniel for this information.

Images 1-3 of 3 displayed.