72. The Vale of the White Horse-10.10.22

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2022 > 72. The Vale of the White Horse-10.10.22

A lovely autumn day found Andy and me out in the Vale of the White Horse on the Wiltshire/Oxfordshire border travelling in my trusty Combo van for a change. Before revisiting some of the spots that I frantically frequented whilst photographing HSTs just prior to GWML electrification we went to Swindon's Steam museum which was extremely good. A smashing day out doing what we enjoy!
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Images 1-23 of 23 displayed.

4073, on display, Steam Museum, Swindon As part of the national collection 4073 'Caerphilly Castle' would be expected to be found at York's NRM but it is far more at home just adjacent to the GWML in Swindon's Steam museum. The 2-6-0 Castle was the lead locomotive of this class entering service in 1924 after being exhibited at the British Empire Exhibition, which was held at Wembley Park. It saw thirty-seven years of service on the Great Western network before being handed over to the Science museum by, of all people Dr. Richard Beeching! Notice the walkway underneath the locomotive allowing visitors an interesting view of the workings that were being enjoyed by many school children on the day of our visit. Keywords: 4073 Steam Museum Swindon Caerphilly Castle Castle Class
9400, on display, Steam museum, Swindon Built on this spot, allocated to the adjacent depot for a number of years and then after withdrawal returning to the works to be prepared for preservation makes this a locomotive firmly rooted in Swindon! 9400 was a member of a sub-class of incredibly versatile and numerous locomotives collectively referred to as the Panniers after their water tank design that straddles the boiler. 9400 has not turned a wheel in steam since it was withdrawn and is unlikely to do so ever again but it remains a fine example of the class. Keywords: 9400 on display, Steam museum Swindon Pannier tank
Scammell Scarab tractor & trailer, on display, Steam museum, Swindon A fine example of Scammell Scarab tractor and trailer inside Swindon's Steam museum. Thousands of these versatile three-wheeler units were built between 1948 and 1967 with the railways being the recipients of many including, as is the case here, the GWR. However, this example is not quite authentic as this particular model was not introduced until post-nationalisation with the GWR operating Scammell Mechanical Horses that were a considerably older design. Keywords: Scammell tractor & trailer on display Steam museum Swindon Scarab
6000, on display, Steam museum, Swindon The King looks absolutely superb on display in Swindon's Steam museum. It has been there for a number of years but may possibly see some further use on preserved lines. However, use on the mainline (particularly the tracks of the Western Region) would be impossible without modifications to reduce the height of the chimney, the cab and the safety valve bonnets by about four inches. Notice the bell that is carried by 6000. This is in commemoration of its visit to the USA just three months after it was introduced but prior to it entering revenue earning service in 1927. Keywords: 6000 on display Steam museum Swindon
3717, on display, Steam museum, Swindon As 3440 'City of Truro' is well known as being the first locomotive to 'officially' break the one hundred miles per hour record on a decent of Wellington bank on 09.04.1904. However, there remains much debate as to the validity of the claim and I suspect the truth will never actually be known for sure! Wearing its later number of 3717 it is seen in Swindon's Steam museum now in what will probably be a permanent state of display rather than in steam due to major mechanical issues relating to its boiler. Maybe, at some time in the future, its fortunes will change and it will undergo a refurbishment to get it back in steam again. Keywords: 3717 on display Steam museum Swindon
Mural, Linslade Street, Swindon Regular readers of my website know my feelings on the graffiti that blights the railways and other parts of our society for that matter; however, I am mindful to make an exception in this case! The quality of the mural highlights the area's railway heritage. I am actually standing on land that would once have been inside the perimeter of the works in the Redbourne area of Swindon. Whenever I return to Swindon I always reflect on the fact that I almost settled in the town back in 1987 as I worked locally but secured better-paid employment in Northamptonshire and the rest they say is history. Keywords: Mural, Linslade Street, Swindon
66594, 10.00 Wentloog-London Gateway (4L32, 1L), South Marston SU193869 66594 'NYK Spirit of Kyoto' gets up to speed after being checked at Swindon leading the 4L32 10.00 Wentlog to London Gateway Freightliner. It is passing a new footbridge installed at South Marston as part of the GWML electrification that replaced two flat crossings that lay within a few hundred metres of each other. I photographed from both of the foot crossings back in 2014, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30021196103/x43163-11-55-cardiff-central-london Keywords: 66594 10.00 Wentloog-London Gateway 4L32 South Marston SU193869 Freightliner NYK Spirit of Kyoto
800009, GW 11.48 London Paddington-Swansea (1B13, 6L), South Marston SU193869 800009 'Sir Gareth Edwards/John Charles' makes a fine sight in some superb autumn weather as it approaches Swindon at South Marston working the 11.48 Paddington to Swansea service. I have to question if a five-car EMU is acceptable for a long-distance express service such as the 1B13. These units replaced HSTs with much greater capacity that themselves replaced locomotive-hauled trains of up to twelve coaches. Keywords: 800009 11.48 London Paddington-Swansea 1B13 South Marston SU193869 GWR IET Sir Gareth Edwards / John Charles
70813, 11.42 Westbury Down TC-Cliffe Hill Stud Farm (6M40, 100E), South Marston SU193869 The last time that I saw and photographed 70813 I was also with Andy but rather than here in Wiltshire we were in Nottinghamshire, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30024737870/x70813-10-21-doncaster-chs-bescot . The Colas locomotive is seen passing South Marston just east of Swindon leading the 6M40 11.42 Westbury Yard to Cliffe Hill (Leicestershire). The photograph is taken from a new footbridge installed as part of the GWML electrification that I have passed many times eyeing it from the nearby A420 but with limited parking, I have never actually been able to stop and visit it. Keywords: 70813 11.42 Westbury Down TC-Cliffe Hill Stud Farm 6M40 South Marston SU193869 Colas Rail
800320, GW 12.00 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A19, RT), South Marston SU193869 800320 working the 12.00 Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington GWR service passes a new footbridge installed at South Marston just west of Swindon. The bridge is just over seventy-four miles from Paddington and is curiously numbered MLN 1. Behind the trees in the background lies the remains of the huge Honda car factory that closed in 2020 that has all but been cleared and is destined to become a large-scale logistics hub that may well make use of the rail link installed to serve the Honda plant back in the 1990s. Keywords: 800320 12.00 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington 1A19 South Marston SU193869 GWR IET
66114, 09.33 Northolt-Severnside (6C03, 39E), South Marston SU193869 66114 leads the 09.33 Northolt to Severnside binliner train past South Marston on the approach to Swindon. As per usual, the passing of this train was accompanied by the usual whiff of the contents composed of London's rubbish! The day is one of those brilliant autumn examples with clear blue skies and while there was a little chill there was also some warmth from the sun. Keywords: 66114 09.33 Northolt-Severnside 6C03 South Marston SU193869 binliner
800019, GW 12.18 London Paddington-Cardiff Central (1B14, RT), Bourton SU232875 Prior to electrification, this spot down a lane and bridleway in the west Oxfordshire village of Bourton was a favourite of mine. With its wide-open views of the line and uncluttered embankments, it was a joy to sit and watch trains and take some photographs, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/27762389604/x43158-13-30-london-paddington-bristol . However, since the arrival of the wires, it has changed dramatically and on my first visit back it has lost a little of its magic. 800019 'Johnny Johnson/Joy Lofthouse' heads west working the 1B14 12.18 Paddington to Cardiff GWR service. Keywords: 800019 12.18 London Paddington-Cardiff Central 1B14 Bourton SU232875 GWR IET Johnny Johnson Joy Lofthouse
800028, GW 11.59 Cheltenham Spa-London Paddington (1L74, 3L), Bourton SU232875 800028 works the 11.59 Cheltenham to Paddington 1L74 service past Bourton between Swindon and Didcot. This used to be an easy bridge from which to take photographs in either direction but Network Rail has fitted some huge parapet extensions (anti-suicide barriers) and the brambles are really going rampant climbing the fencing at either end. So, my small step ladder was needed to get this position; it used to be so easy! Keywords: 800028 11.59 Cheltenham Spa-London Paddington 1L74 Bourton SU232875 GWR IET
800321, GW 09.10 Penzance-London Paddington (1H32, RT), Uffington SU306904 800321 passes Uffington working the 1H32 09.10 Penzance to Paddington (Via Bristol) GWR service. The IET still wears its COVID facemask applied back in June 2020 during the darkest months of the pandemic. Notice in this scene the red kite (milvus milvus) soaring above the train on the warm early afternoon thermals. Keywords: 800321 09.10 Penzance-London Paddington 1H32 Uffington SU306904
66607, 12.49 Appleford-Whatley Quarry (6C48, 2E), Uffington SU306904 Having sat in the Challow loop about five miles east of this spot for nearly an hour 66607 gets the 12.49 Appleford to Whateley Quarry empty stone working up to speed again. Running a Class 6 means that 6C48 will have a maximum speed of sixty miles per hour. which should be enough to keep out of the way of IET services until Swindon or even Thingley Junction (Chippenham) where it will leave the GWML. Along with March and April, I find the quality of light with the sightly lower angle of the sun particularly good at this time of year with a slightly warmer hue evident in many photographs with this one being a good example. I hope that Andy's photograph was as pleasing as this one; he was standing on the large and new footbridge in the background. Keywords: 66607 12.49 Appleford-Whatley Quarry 6C48 Uffington SU306904 Freightliner
802018, GW 12.59 Cheltenham Spa-London Paddington (1L76, 3L), Uffington SU307904 In lovely soft afternoon sunshine, GWR IET 802018 'Preston de Mendonça/Jeremy Doyle' heads towards the capital with the 12.59 Cheltenham Spa to Paddington service. The train is seen at line speed passing Uffington in west Oxfordshire some seventy miles from its destination. Keywords: 802018 12.59 Cheltenham Spa-London Paddington 1L76 Uffington SU307904 GWR IET Preston de Mendonça/Jeremy Doyle
802109, GW 14.01 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A23, 3L), Baulking 802109 passes Baulking working the 14.01 Bristol to Paddington service. This was another of the spots that I visited prior to electrification with the masts and wires now putting a very different perspective on things from six years ago, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/27837769204/x43037-13-30-bristol-temple-meads Keywords: 802109 14.01 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington 1A23 Baulking
800312, GW 14.02 London Paddington-Paignton (1C17, 2L), Baulking A scene at Baulking between Didcot and Swindon that the installation of the electrification has not absolutely ruined for the railway photographer. Even back in 2015 the location was tricky due to the signal gantry just in front of the overbridge, see... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/27837770204/class-43-14-00-london-paddington . 800312 heads westwards working the 1C17 14.02 Paddington to Paignton service that travels via the GWML rather than the more usual Berks. and Hants. route. Keywords: 800312 14.02 London Paddington-Paignton 1C17 Baulking GWR IET
800030, GW 13.59 Cheltenham Spa-London Paddington (1L78, 4L), Grove foot crossing SU393911 What a difference a bit of sunshine makes! With the sun having dived behind some afternoon cloud 800030 'Lincoln Callaghan and Henry Cleary' speeds towards the capital working the 13.59 Cheltenham to Paddington service. The photograph is taken from a foot/bridleway crossing near to Grove a few miles west of distance from Didcot. Keywords: Lincoln Callaghan and Henry Cleary 800030 13.59 Cheltenham Spa-London Paddington 1L78 Grove foot crossing SU393911
800028, 14.28 London Paddington-Cheltenham Spa (1G19, 2L), Grove foot crossing SU393911 Knowing that Andy and I were going to visit one of the last few remaining open flat crossings on the GWML I packed my trusty but tragically underused 80-200 zoom lens attached to my Canon full-frame camera. Utilising its capabilities at Grove on the Challow loops 800028 is seen at line speed (125 miles per hour) working the 1G19 14.28 Paddington to Cheltenham Spa service. Keywords: 800028 14.28 London Paddington-Cheltenham Spa 1G19 Grove foot crossing SU393911 GWR IET
802104 14.32 London Paddington-Weston-Super-Mare (1C18, RT), Grove foot crossing SU393911 Reverting back to my standard mid-range zoom on the Canon full-frame presents a more conventional photograph at Grove. A few minutes after the previous IET headed westwards 802104 approaches the foot crossing near Grove on Oxfordshire. Standing in this position looks as though I may be exposed but I was in a safe position inside a timber corral that would cause no concern to the driver on the fast-approaching train. Keywords: 802104 14.32 London Paddington-Weston-Super-Mare 1C18 Grove foot crossing SU393911 GWR IET
Andy & 800024 & 800021, GW 14.30 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington (1A24, RT), Grove foot crossing SU393911 Andy takes in the scene at Grove a few miles west of Didcot watching 800024 and 800021 work the 14.30 Bristol to Paddington express service. He is in the safety of a corral at one of the last few remaining flat foot crossings on the GWML. It is a rare treat to be able to stand in such an unrestricted position so close to trains passing at up to one hundred and twenty-five miles per hour but for how long this will remain one wonders? Keywords: Andy 800024 800021 14.30 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington 1A24 Grove foot crossing SU393911 GWR IET
800309, GW 14.37 London Paddington-Penzance (1H86, 14L), Grove foot crossing SU393911 Reverting back to my 24-105 zoom on the Canon full frame I have managed a more conventional image of 800039 working the 1H86 14.37 Paddington to Penzance service (via Bristol) past Grove (Oxfordshire). Unfortunately, as it approached at line speed the sun just went behind a cloud putting the front in half shadow but with the rear of the train still in full sun. If I had stuck with the 80-200 zoom I would probably have got the whole train in the sun! I am in a safe position at a foot crossing inside a timber corral so as not to expose myself to any possible danger or to spook the driver. Keywords: 800309 14.37 London Paddington-Penzance 1H86 Grove foot crossing SU393911 GWR IET

Images 1-23 of 23 displayed.