56. GWML-30.11.16

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2016 > 56. GWML-30.11.16
On returning from another specialist neck treatment at Box, I paused for an hour os so to take some photographs on the GWML just eats of Swindon. Since my last visit a few weeks ago, there had been some progress with regard to the electrification
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Images 1-9 of 9 displayed.

Class 43, GW 13.00 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads (1C15), South Marston foot crossing SU196870 A newly painted class 43 HST power car leads the 13.00 Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads past South Marston just to the east of Swindon. Despite appearances, I not trespassing but am at a foot crossing that is just a short distance from the busy A420 road. I suspect that this crossing, and the one a short distance behind me will be firmly closed with the forthcoming electrification in-line with Network Rail's current policy. Keywords: Class 43,13.00 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads 1C15 South Marston foot crossing SU196870
43139 & 43023, GW 12.55 Cardiff Central-London Paddington (1L60), South Marston foot crossing SU196870 Catching the late afternoon sun 43139 'Driver Stan Martin 25 June 1950 - 6 November 2004' leads the 12.25 Cardiff Central to Paddington service with 43023 at the rear. Apart from the painting of some of the sets and power cars into their retro. green livery, this First Group livery is likely to be the final incarnation of the HSTs on the GWML before their withdrawal sometime over the coming eighteen months or so. There is absolutely no evidence of the forthcoming electrification at this location, a foot crossing over the line at South Marston near Swindon. Directly behind the train and the trees is the huge Honda car factory that remains rail connected but not served. Keywords: 43139 43023 12.55 Cardiff Central-London Paddington 1L60 South Marston foot crossing SU196870
DR76906 & DR76905 10.00 Swindon Transfer-Swindon Transfer (6H09), South Marston foot crossing SU196870 Seen passing one of South Marston's foot crossings is a pair of the Windhoff contraptions that have been specifically constructed to 'build' the OHLE on the GWML. Theses two units are DR76906 and DR76905 and are doing a massive round-robin trip as the 6H09 10.00 Swindon to Swindon via Chippenham, Westbury, the Berks. and Hants. line, Reading and back again; quite the purpose of this run I am not at all sure. However, these hugely expensive and purpose built units intended to mechanise and speed up the electrification process have not worked as intended so it could be linked to work to improve their reliability? Keywords: DR76906 DR76905 10.00 Swindon Transfer-Swindon Transfer 6H09 South Marston foot crossing SU196870
43138 & 43181,GW 13.30 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A19), Bourton SU228874 Last time I was at this spot just over a month ago, the scene was a little different.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/25853469204/x43186-43152-07-41-penzance-london .The masts have arrived as the process moves inexorably , if rather slowly, onwards! 43138 and 43181 power the 13.330 Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington past Bourton just east of Swindon. Keywords: 43138 43181 13.30 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington 1A19 Bourton SU228874
43079 & 43012, GW 13.30 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads (1C16), Bourton SU228874 Another spot that has changed dramatically from my last visit just over a month ago...... https://www.ontheupfast.com/v/photos/21936chg/25853468404/x43030-43153-11-30-london-paddington . 43079 and 43012 power the 13.30 Paddington to Temple Meads 1C16 service past Bourton. The challenges of photographing in electrified areas is something I am used to living next to the WCML but it's really nice not to have it! Keywords: 43079 43012 13.30 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads 1C16 Bourton SU228874
43148 & 43189, GW 12.27 Swansea-London Paddington (1L62), Bourton SU228874 43148 and 43189 accelerate away from Swindon near Bourton with the 12.27 Swansea to Paddington. The arrival of the electrification masts at this location has begun with them randomly placed rather than logically being inserted as the installation train heads westwards. Keywords: 43148 43189 12.27 Swansea-London Paddington 1L62 Bourton SU228874
43037 & 43029, GW 13.36 London Paddington-Cheltenham (1G38), Bourton SU228874 A picture that clearly illustrates the perils of photographing on electrified lines and this is with only a few masts erected! 43037 'Penydarren' leads the 13.36 Paddington to Cheltenham Spa with 43029 working at the rear. This once super photographic spot near the village of Bourton will never be the same again after being mast free for 175 years! Keywords: 43037 43029 13.36 London Paddington-Cheltenham 1G38 Bourton SU228874
43070 & 43153 GW 13.45 London Paddington-Swansea (1B40), Bourton SU228874 As the sun gets low in the sky a final look, a metaphor for the end of an era perhaps, at the view west from Bourton before it is taken over by masts. 43070 and 43153 work the 13.45 Paddington to Swansea. Keywords: 43070 43153 13.45 London Paddington-Swansea 1B40 Bourton SU228874
60019, 13.00 Theale-Robeston (6B33), Knighton SU278890 I had been tracking the progress of the daily 13.00 Theale to Robeston empty oil tanker on Real Times Trains and was wondering where I could manage to get it in full sun with no masts. As it happened, there is no evidence but for two lone and distant masts of electrification here at Knighton between Swindon and the Challow loops. Also, the line is raised on an embankment ensuring that it catches all of the late afternoon winter sunshine. 60019 'Port of Grimsby and Immingham' leads the train sedately along the GWML with HST drivers behind no doubt cursing its slow progress. Notice my shadow to the bottom right hand corner. Keywords: 60019 13.00 Theale-Robeston 6B33 Knighton SU278890

Images 1-9 of 9 displayed.