Group Formed
Friday, 21st November, 2003
Group Description
Mailing list for all news and workings in the counties of Wiltshire and Avon.
Members can post news of workings and news related to the Wiltshire and Avon area. TOPS reports, Railtour timings, freight timings and details of forthcoming workings are very welcome. If any member lives outside the Wiltshire and Avon area, you may post details of workings, providing the working is due to pass through the Wiltshire and/or Avon area. All members are very welcome to make contributions to the group and you may post your own photos, post files and create links. Discussions are also welcome on this group providing they don't get out of hand.
Member's photos can be viewed at http://wag.fpic.co.uk
Members can post news of workings and news related to the Wiltshire and Avon area. TOPS reports, Railtour timings, freight timings and details of forthcoming workings are very welcome. If any member lives outside the Wiltshire and Avon area, you may post details of workings, providing the working is due to pass through the Wiltshire and/or Avon area. All members are very welcome to make contributions to the group and you may post your own photos, post files and create links. Discussions are also welcome on this group providing they don't get out of hand.
Member's photos can be viewed at http://wag.fpic.co.uk
Group Link
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Wiltshire and Avon Gen
Geographic Area Covered
Locations within group area
 | Location Name: TS517 - AshchurchLocation Notes: A railway station a mile to the east of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The station is 8 miles from Cheltenham to the south.Railway type and traffic A two track main line on the Virgin Cross Country route between Birmingham and Gloucester and the south west.Activity through the area include will often include: Locomotives: 47, 67, 37,20, DB Schenker and Freightliner 66s and the odd 57\3 Units: 143, 150, 156, 158, 170, 180, 220, 221 and HSTs. The mainline is two tracks with a loop on the end of the station. Which freights go in there every so often. A brilliant place to come. On the end of the platforms, there are some good photo advantage points, looking both ways. There is also a line which goes into Ashchurch MOD and a train goes in there when it is required. |
 | Location Name: TS793 - Ashchurch, Claydon BridgeLocation Notes: A bridge over the two track main line on the Virgin Cross Country route between Birmingham and Gloucester and the south west.Railway type and traffic Activity through the area include will often include:Locomotives: 47, 67, 37,20, EWS and Freightliner 66s and the odd 57\3 Units: 143, 150, 156, 158, 170, 180, 220, 221 and HSTs. |
 | Location Name: TS794 - Ashchurch, Homedowns Crossing, NattonLocation Notes: A crossing over the two track main line on the Virgin Cross Country route between Birmingham and Gloucester and the south west.Railway type and traffic Activity through the area include will often include:Locomotives: 47, 67, 37,20, EWS and Freightliner 66s and the odd 57\3 Units: 143, 150, 156, 158, 170, 180, 220, 221 and HSTs. |
 | Location Name: TS1059 - Awre Level Crossing, GloucestershireLocation Notes: Awre Level Crossing is on the main Gloucester to Newport line about 15 miles west of Gloucester. The crossing is an automatic barrier with good views of line.Railway type and traffic A typical few hours will see First Great Western DMUs pass on hourly Cardiff to Nottingham Services and Local Arriva service DMUs running between Cheltenham and Cardiff. Also FGW HSTs from London.Heavy DB Schenker class 66 freights pass mainly on steel and scrap trains; but also daily heavy class 60 tank trains pass on Westerleigh petroleum trains. These are routed via Gloucester if they are travelling from Wales as the only access into the Westerleigh branch is from the down line into Bristol |
 | Location Name: TS1080 - Bapton, Wylye ValleyLocation Notes: A farm crossing on a public bridleway close to the village of Wylye, Wiltshire. Situated on the line from Salisbury to Westbury, about twenty miles from Salisbury and likewise from Warminster.Railway type and traffic Most of the passenger services on this line are provided by First Great Western using Class 158 units, with a sprinkling of Class 150 and Class 153 units as well. The only other operator is South West Trains who run a handful of services using Class 159s each day.Freight is relatively sparse, mostly stone trains to/from the Mendip Quarries to/from Hamworthy, Fareham, Chichester and Eastleigh, with the occasional oil train from Fawley and regular engineers trains from Westbury to Eastleigh and vice versa. These are mostly in the hands of EWS Class 59s and 66s, with the very occasional Class 60. There are also occasional MOD workings to Warminster and STP movements from Eastleigh Works heading to Bristol/Gloucester of carriages, wagons or multiple units. However, if the lines around Basingstoke are blocked due to engineering works, this can yield diverted Freightliners (usually Saturdays) although these are mostly heading south so this location is not the best place to go for them. |
 | Location Name: TS577 - Bath SpaLocation Notes: Bath Spa is the main railway station which serving the city. It is an ex-GWR station, the others being Bath Green Park (ex-Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway), which closed in 1966, the site of which is now occupied by a market, with the former trainshed being the car park for the adjacent Sainsburys supermarket and Oldfield Park on the west side of the city, which is a good place to see the Avon Bin liner pulling out from the council siding.Railway type and traffic The principal mainline trains are operated by First Great Western, using HSTs (Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads normally) with Alphaline operating local services to Cardiff Central (mostly class 158s).There are always opportunities to see freight trains, light engines (eg class 66) and there is an occasional steam special. |
 | Location Name: TS853 - Bedwyn StationLocation Notes: In the country of Wiltshire this is where the Thames Turbos from Paddington terminate and go into a siding before returning to London.Railway type and traffic Some First Great Western HST passenger trains. Also Turbos terminating and heading back to Paddington.Various stone trains from the Mendip Quarries. A couple of hours around lunchtime and early afternoon will usually allow half a dozen or so shots. |
 | Location Name: TS1071 - Berkley MarshLocation Notes: A rural location on the GWML between Westbury and Frome in Somerset.Railway type and traffic The line is quite busy with FGW HSTs, DMUs on the Bristol to Frome and Weymouth routeAll the Mendip stone traffic to and from both Whatley and Merehead passes here. Other freight includes the occasional Westbury to Moorswater cement working and ballast from Meldon Quarry to Westbury. Westbury is also a PW 'hub' and Berkley often sees engineers' trains heading to and from work sites in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. The line also sees its share of excursion traffic including loco-hauled extras for the Glastonbury Festival in June. With luck, Bristol to Weymouth peak summer Saturday loco-hauled trains will continue in future years. |
 | Location Name: TS1010 - BourtonLocation Notes: A rural over bridge over the London - Bristol main line to the east of Swindon.Railway type and traffic 4-5 FGW expresses per hour each way, both HST and Adelante powered.Fairly regular freight of various types, mostly 66 hauled, both DB Schenker and Freightliner. |
 | Location Name: TS1110 - Bradford Abbas, YeovilLocation Notes: A bridge over the Salisbury to Exeter line at Bradford Abbas, about 3 miles outside Yeovil.Railway type and traffic More or less only South West Trains Class 159s. But there are often have charters to and from London throughout the year. |
 | Location Name: TS1072 - Brent KnollLocation Notes: An over bridge taking a quiet cul-de-sac lane over the main line between Yatton and Highbridge, a few miles from Weston-Super-Mare. Railway type and traffic Brent Knoll is on the main line from Bristol to Taunton and the south west. It sees FGW HSTs on services from Paddington routed via Bristol, Cross Country services (currently both Voyagers and HSTs) and FGW local Cardiff-Bristol-Taunton services which, at the time of writing, include 'top and tail' class 67 operations.Freight is very limited but includes 6V62, the weekly fuel oil working from Fawley to Bristol and Plymouth and DRS nuclear waster traffic to Bridgwater. The line sees excursion traffic from north of Bristol to the West Country, including steam-hauled workings such as the 'Torbay Express' and specials to the West Somerset Railway. |
 | Location Name: TS112 - Bristol ParkwayLocation Notes: A station on the outskirts of Bristol where South Wales, Cross Country and other South-west services call or pass. The station is on a curve. The station is quite a modern building and you can't really see anything else apart from it.Bristol Parkway is a closed station. The only way onto the platforms is with a valid travel ticket. (PL). The station has now been expanded to three platfoms with one of the original platfoms becoming an island platform. Railway type and traffic Mainly passenger, but freight is quite frequent. |
 | Location Name: TS168 - Bristol, South Liberty LaneLocation Notes: A footbridge on the outskirts of Bristol. It crosses the Bristol to Exeter mainline and has an industrial estate on one side, and open country on the other.Railway type and traffic Main Line between Bristol and Exeter. Cross Country trains, Local services, fair bit of freight including DRS flask trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays, (depending on timetable). |
 | Location Name: TS890 - Broughton Gifford, MelkshamLocation Notes: A small road over bridge, near the village of Broughton Gifford, Melksham is the nearest town. The bridge is over the single line between Chippenham and Westbury.Railway type and traffic This line is little used and has a sparse passenger service. The Glastonbury Festival creates interesting additional shuttle services between Swindon and Castle Cary. Freight can be diverted this way when engineering works on surrounding main lines closes them. |
 | Location Name: TS1048 - Cam and DursleyLocation Notes: A halt on the Bristol-Birmingham main line, south of Gloucester.Railway type and traffic North East to South West Cross Country Voyagers, and FGW 150s/158s form most of the passenger traffic.Some freight from Avonmouth to the Midlands, plus the Westerleigh-Robeston tanks. Note: Traffic that is diverted via Gloucester when the Severn Tunnel is closed does not generally pass here, taking the Golden Valley line to Swindon instead. |
 | Location Name: TS167 - CroftonLocation Notes: Part of the 'Berks & Hants' section of the Great Western Main line between Newbury and Westbury.This section of line follows the Kennet & Avon Canal. A walk along the canal in both (Saveranke or Bedwyn) directions will usually reveal other picture taking possibilities. On nice days you will almost certainly bump into other railway photographers. Railway type and traffic Some First Great Western HST passenger trains. Various stone trains from the Mendip Quarries.A couple of hours around lunchtime and early afternoon will usually allow half a dozen or so shots. |
 | Location Name: TS130 - Curtis Lane, BristolLocation Notes: A track at the end of a country lane approx half a mile from Bristol Parkway station.Update Feb 2006 This location has became a some what dangerous place to visit of late, the owner of the scrap yard at the end of the lane does not like pepole with cameras any where near his yard. He will tell you this in no uncertain terms. Railway type and traffic The location overlooks the main London - South West and Wales mainline.Frequent passenger traffic of all types plus freight, particularly coal trains to Didcot Power Station. |
 | Location Name: TS589 - Dorchester SouthLocation Notes: Dorchester, an historic market town, is the county town of Dorset. The Station is on the main line from London Waterloo to Weymouth. The nearest large town is Bournemouth.Railway type and traffic The main trains that travel through Dorchester South are South West trains, classes 450 and 442 EMU service.The Freightliner sand train, runs on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at approximately 3.00pm. It bring in trucks, pushes them into a siding, un-couples a few and takes them into the station and will run round the train. The same operation will happen again when the train returns a couple of hours later. The 66 returns light engine. Steam tours travel through the station every couple of months, which are mostly directed by FM Rail but sometimes by EWS. Every 2 to 3 months a Balfour Beatty track cleaner comes down from Eastleigh and parks in the sidings for later use. |
 | Location Name: TS1006 - FreshfordLocation Notes: Freshford is the first station south of Bath on the line to Westbury. It is a small village in a green and rural setting close to the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Railway type and traffic The line sees frequent FGW DMU services comprising classes 143, 150, 153 and 158 plus SWT class 159 sets.Freight includes coal from South Wales to Westbury cement works, engineer's workings, fuel tanks to St Phillip's Marsh and a few stone workings. At weekends when the Badminton and/or Box routes are closed for engineering work, the line may also see diverted HSTs and additional freight including coal from Portbury to Didcot power station and 'Murco' bogie fuel tankers from Theale to South Wales. Regular motive power comprises classes 66, 59 and 60. Voyagers also use the line on diversion when the main line south of Bristol is closed. |
 | Location Name: TS729 - Gloucester StationLocation Notes: This is currently Gloucester's only station and is right on the edge of the city centre. From here you have good views of all 4 platforms and the old yard at Horton road which is coming back to life thanks to Cotswold Rail.Railway type and traffic FGW passenger services, HSTs, 158s, 150s, 153s, occasional Pacer.
CrossCountry 170s and ATW services also with units.A good place to see specials for rugby matches and other events at the Millenium Stadium. Services between Swindon/Bristol and Cheltenham/Worcester reverse here, except for the CrossCountry Voyagers which pass by on the main line. Cotswold Rail sidings are at the station, so 43s, 47s, 57s, 31s can all be seen. Freight is generally from the North East to South Wales steel or tanks to Westerleigh, 66s and 60s. |
 | Location Name: TS1039 - Grange CourtLocation Notes: Grange Court is a hamlet on the Gloucester - Severn Tunnel Junction line.There was formerly a station here, and the junction for the line to Hereford via Ross-on-Wye. There are still up and down freight loops, but judging by the rust on the rails these are extremely rarely used now. There is a good history and photos of the location on the Grange Court Junction website. Railway type and traffic DMU traffic from South Wales to Gloucester, ATW 158s and 150s, and also CrossCountry 170s working between Cardiff and Nottingham.Some freight, mostly steel, plus the Westerleigh-Robeston 'Murco' tanks. 60s and 66s common, but can be long gaps between workings. Also if the Severn Tunnel is closed, all traffic will be diverted along this route, so weekends can throw up HSTs and other traffic that normally uses the tunnel. |
 | Location Name: TS728 - HaresfieldLocation Notes: This is a country location just outside the hamlet of Haresfield about 5 miles south of Gloucester on the Bristol to Birmingham line with high speed running.Railway type and traffic Passenger traffic consists mainly of HSTs, Voyagers, Adelantes and Sprinters.There is some freight going to and from Bristol and the south west plus the DRS flasks from Berkeley. Some of the freight traffic use the up and down passing loops. The Murco tanks with a 60 can often be 'looped' here to let DMUs, HSTs and Voyagers pass. But its case of being in the right place at the right time. The timings of the tanks are difficult to predict and often do not run to their set timetables. |
 | Location Name: TS1035 - Hungerford CommonLocation Notes: Just to the East of Hungerford Station in Berkshire, on the Berks and Hants line.When approaching the common from the station a wonderful view from high up is awarded of the valley, ideal for scenic photography. Walking across and down the common you can get to within a few feet of the tracks where the fence line is generally clear. Walking a few hundred yards to East is a small occupation bridge which allows access to the other side of the track ideal for photography as you can move with the sunlight. Railway type and traffic The line is a double track mainline mainly Turbo units and HST West of England services, from teatime traffic is mostly commuter traffic.Freight traffic is mainly stone to and from the Mendip quarries. |
 | Location Name: TS1037 - Keenes CrossingLocation Notes: An occupation crossing over the Gloucester - Severn Tunnel Junction line on the outskirts of the city of Gloucester.Railway type and traffic CrossCountry and Arriva passenger services worked by 170s, 150s and 158s.Steel trains to/from South Wales in the hands of 60s or 66s. A good place to see the Robeston - Westerleigh Murco tanks at around 10:30 and 18:00 on weekdays. These are usually 60 hauled. With the Cotswold Rail base close by, there are light engine movements, although these can be rather ad-hoc. |
 | Location Name: TS1094 - KembleLocation Notes: A small station on the Swindon to Gloucester line. Railway type and traffic The service is formed of mainly from HSTs, with 158s and 165/166 units thrown in as well! |
 | Location Name: TS1092 - Langley BurrellLocation Notes: A concrete footbridge over the Wootton Bassett to Bristol line near Chippenham. A pleasant rural location on the site of a former level crossing.Railway type and traffic Mostly FGW HSTs on Paddington - Bristol via Bath services. Some DMUs between Swindon and Westbury, plus a small amount of freight. |
 | Location Name: TS244 - Lockleaze FootbridgeLocation Notes: A footbridge crossing the main line between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway.Railway type and traffic The main line north out of Bristol. Traffic includes cross-country Voyagers, Wessex Trains 150s & 143s, Alphaline and Central Trains liveried 158s.It is also possible to see a variety of freight including MGR and automotive trains from Portbury. |
 | Location Name: TS428 - Lovington, SomersetLocation Notes: A road under bridge approximately 3 miles west of Castle Cary on the Berks and Hants main line.Railway type and traffic Regular First Great Western HSTs and since December 2004 also Class 180 Adelantes.A little freight, notably the 6O92 Exeter - Dollands Moor on Monday morning and the 6V62 Fawley to Tavistock Yard oil on Tuesday and Friday evenings. Occasionally used by daytime engineers trains to / from Westbury. The line is also used by many railtours, and the daily Penzance - Portsmouth Wessex Class 158 doing an out and back working. |
 | Location Name: TS180 - Mud Lane CrossingLocation Notes: This is a farmers crossing half way between Nailsea and Yatton.Railway type and traffic The main line between Bristol and the Southwest. Plenty of HSTs, Voyagers, 143s, 158s, 150s etc. Some freight. |
 | Location Name: TS731 - Naas Lane, GloucesterLocation Notes: Naas lane, Quedgeley is a public foot crossing situated next to the former Dow Mac Concrete sleeper works(which is now a car import company) and situated on the main Gloucester - Standish junction line.Update March 2010 A travellers camp has appeared just dowm the road from this location. On occasions travellers have been known to hastle and threaten photographers claiming the public crossing is part of their camp! Keep your Wits about you!! Railway type and traffic A usual day at Naas Lane sees:First Great Western: 143, 150, 158, 180 and HSTs Virgin: 220 and 221 voyagers Freight usually consists of class 60s on oil trains to and from Westerleigh. 66's on coal trains to and from Avonmouth/Portbury Docks. DRS traffic runs on an as required basis to the rail heads at Berkeley and Bridgewater usually in the care of class 20s and 37s. Freightliner's twice weekly Cement trains to Cornwall pass through here although run late at night sometimes due to pathing issues run in daylight hours. Cotswold rail loco's can be seen here working out of their base at Gloucester. Weekends in the summer months often see charter trains and diverted traffic due to Severn tunnel being closed. Charters are usually in the hands of class 47 or 67. |
 | Location Name: TS107 - Narroways Junction, BristolLocation Notes: About 2 miles north of Bristol Temple Meads between Stapleton Road and Filton Abbey Wood stations. On the mainline south bound to South West, northbound to London via Bristol Parkway and Wales.Railway type and traffic Cross country, local services and a reasonable amount of freight. Also local workings from the Severn Beach line join the mainline at this location. |
 | Location Name: TS1014 - Newton MeadowsLocation Notes: A scenic, rural, location just west of Bath and only a short walk from the Newton St Loe.Railway type and traffic This busy main line carries FGW HSTs on the Bristol-Paddington route plus the same company's class 143, 150, 153 and 158 diesel units plying between Bristol and Westbury and points south.Freight traffic sees classes 59, 60 and 66 and includes the weekday 'Binliner', coal for Westbury cement works, stone from Machen Quarry and weekly fuel oil trains to St Phillip's Marsh depot. Weekend diversions can produce class 60-hauled bogie fuel tanks (6B33) and Avonmouth-Didcot MGR coal flows. Other attractions include a healthy diet of charters to Georgian Bath, most notably the attractive VSOE en-route to Bristol for stabling. |
 | Location Name: TS1011 - Newton St. LoeLocation Notes: The location is an over bridge carrying a green lane over the Bath to Bristol line a short distance from the western portal of Twerton Tunnel. The spot is about 2 miles from the centre of Bath. Railway type and traffic Traffic is mainly HSTs on the Bristol Temple Meads to Paddington route and class 143, 150, 153 and 158 diesel units on the route to Westbury and other points south.The line carries a good number of loco-hauled charter services to Bath, including the atractive VSOE, en-route to and from Bristol for stabling. Regular freight includes the weekday Bath and Bristol 'Binliner', coal to Westbury cement works, weekly fuel oil to St Philip's Marsh depot and ballast from Machen quarry to Westbury. Other freight is often diverted this way at weekends (including 6B33, the 'Murco' tanks from Theale and Didcot coal). |
 | Location Name: TS605 - Pilning StationLocation Notes: Situated on the main line from South Wales to England, just to the East of the Severn Tunnel.Railway type and traffic Passenger traffic is handled by HSTs, classes 143, 150 & 158, 180 and, at the weekend, Voyagers.Freight is mostly EWS class 66 on coal, engineers and a steel trains. Freightliner send a Monday to Friday Freightliner through in the morning. Also, 60s on petroleum trains to West Wales. |
 | Location Name: TS472 - PurtonLocation Notes: Located on the banks of the river Severn in Gloucestershire nearest towns are Chepstow and Gloucester.Railway type and traffic This is the main line from Newport - Gloucester and carries local DMU traffic, HSTs and 60s on steel trains. It is also a diversionary route when the severn railway tunnel is closed. |
 | Location Name: TS1100 - Railway Cottages, Chipping SodburyLocation Notes: A bridge over the Great Western Main Line on the outskirts of Chipping Sodbury in South Gloucestershire, around half a mile west of Sodbury Tunnel.Railway type and traffic Mostly HSTs on Paddington - Bristol/South Wales services. Great for the HSTs as linespeed is 120mph here.Some freight to and from Avonmouth and Newport/Cardiff. There is an upside freight loop and on-track plant siding. |
 | Location Name: TS604 - Ram Hill FootbridgeLocation Notes: A footbridge in a quiet countryside location on the main line between Bristol Parkway and Westerleigh Junction.Railway type and traffic Passenger traffic consists of HSTs, Voyagers and classes 143, 150, 158.Freight traffic. A Freightliner each way Mondays to Fridays. Plenty of coal trains to and from Avonmouth / Portbury. 60s on the petroleum trains to South Wales. Engineering trains. Mostly EWS with a few Freightliner 66 turns. |
 | Location Name: TS463 - Salisbury StationLocation Notes: Located in the Cathedral city of Salisbury, the station is on the junction of the Waterloo - Exeter and Bristol - Portsmouth main lines.Railway type and traffic Passenger services include regular South West Trains and Wessex Trains services operated by classes 150/153/158/159/170. SWT depot adjacent to the station provides many empty stock moves. Also regular steam or diesel hauled charters.Freight services are usually hauled by classes 59/60/66 in a variety of liveries. These are fairly frequent and include stone, LPG, freightliner and engineers traffic. |
 | Location Name: TS1082 - Sherrington, Wylye ValleyLocation Notes: A bridge close to the village of Sherrington, Wiltshire. Situated on the line from Salisbury to Westbury, about fifteen miles east from Warminster.Railway type and traffic Most of the passenger services on this line are provided by First Great Western using Class 158 units, with a sprinkling of Class 150 and Class 153 units as well. The only other operator is South West Trains who run a handful of services using Class 159s each day.Freight is relatively sparse, mostly stone trains to/from the Mendip Quarries to/from Hamworthy, Fareham, Chichester and Eastleigh, with the occasional oil train from Fawley and regular engineers trains from Westbury to Eastleigh and vice versa. These are mostly in the hands of EWS Class 59s and 66s, with the very occasional Class 60. There are also occasional MOD workings to Warminster and STP movements from Eastleigh Works heading to Bristol/Gloucester of carriages, wagons or multiple units. However, if the lines around Basingstoke are blocked due to engineering works, this can yield diverted Freightliners (usually Saturdays). |
 | Location Name: TS129 - St Andrews Road, BristolLocation Notes: In Avonmouth, approx 3 miles from Bristol city centre on the Severn Beach line.Railway type and traffic There are local passenger services to Severn Beach (when running,). The freight side of things is mainly Class 66 hauled DB Schenker coal trains to Didcot Power Station but other freight passes too. |
 | Location Name: TS506 - Stainswick Lane, ShrivenhamLocation Notes: On the GWML between Didcot Parkway and Swindon.Railway type and traffic First Great Western express services between London, Bristol, South Wales and Cheltenham, 4-5 per hour each way, operated by HSTs and 180s.Freight traffic; power station coal from Avonmouth to Didcot, a daily lunchtime freightliner from Wentloog to Southampton, a daily Binliner from Bath/Bristol to Calvert, there are also Enterprise services and a scrap train from Swindon in the evening but this is not the best location for these evening trains. Non-daily workings include MOD workings from Didcot, empty oil from Theale, various stone trains. Tuesdays and Thursdays are generally the better days for a variety of traffic but there are long gaps between freight workings. |
 | Location Name: TS1101 - Standish JunctionLocation Notes: A rural over bridge crossing the point where the Swindon line splits from the main Bristol-Birmingham route.Railway type and traffic The main Bristol - Birmingham line sees FGW 150s, 158s and Pacers, Cross Country Voyagers and HSTs. There is some reasonably regular freight including coal trains from Avonmouth and the Robeston - Westerleigh 'Murco' tanks.Freight is sparse on the Swindon line, but you will see FGW units and HSTs. |
 | Location Name: TS1070 - Strap Lane, Upton NobleLocation Notes: A rural location mid-way between Witham Friary and Bruton on the Westbury to Taunton line. Strap Lane is the name of a former halt which once served the nearby village of Upton Noble and is near the summit of Brewham Bank, with gradients of 1 in 81 from the west, and 1 in 107 from the east.Railway type and traffic The location sees a regular diet of FGW HSTs on the 'direct' route from Reading to Taunton, plus DMUs (and top-and-tail 67s on Summer Saturdays) on the services to and from Weymouth.Regular daylight freight is now very limited - just ballast from Meldon Quarry to Westbury and PW traffic. Note that the location is west of East Somerset Junction and thus does not see any Mendip stone traffic. The line does, however, get it's fair share of excursion traffic, including loco-hauled extras in connection with the Glastonbury Festival in June. |
 | Location Name: TS427 - Taunton, 40 StepsLocation Notes: A metal footbridge spanning the main Taunton to Exeter line close to Taunton town centre and station.Railway type and traffic During the day a steady procession of First Great Western HSTs, Class 180s and Voyagers. Some Wessex trains Class 150 and Class 158 and a few Arriva Trains Wales Class 150/153/158.Fairly sparse freight traffic concentrated in the early evening, almost all DB Schenker Class 66 hauled. A freightliner cement working passes through running north on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A significant share of weekend railtours, especially to Minehead and the Eden Project. |
 | Location Name: TS688 - Taunton, Allerford Level CrossingLocation Notes: An automatic half-barrier level crossing in a countryside setting - the line is located on the Great Western Main Line near Taunton.Railway type and traffic Frequent Traffic passes this level crossing, mainly HSTs, Virgin Voyagers, Class 158s and Class 57s.The location is a prime spot for Freight workings (around 2 - 3 services per hour during weekdays). A mix of traffic includes Class 66s, 67s, 60s and more! |
 | Location Name: TS1050 - The Bushes, Whitham FriaryLocation Notes: A field entrance next to the GW main line running between Westbury and Taunton. The junction from the Mendip Quarry of Merehead is a mile or so to the west.Railway type and traffic A busy location on the GW main line with a staple diet of cross country DMU services as well as First Great Western HSTs and sometimes loco-hauled services.The main freight flow is the stone trains to and from the Mendip quarry at Merehead. These are hauled by classes 59, 60 and 66. |
 | Location Name: TS474 - ThingleyLocation Notes: This location is west of Chippenham Wiltshire and is the second road bridge west of the disused cord of Thingley Junction.Railway type and traffic This is the Great Western main line from Paddington to the Wales and the West. Plenty of HSTs and freight with a sprinkling of DMUs. |
 | Location Name: TS1009 - Tredington Level CrossingLocation Notes: An automatic level crossing on the Birmingham-Bristol main line north of Cheltenham.
Railway type and traffic Passenger services in the hands of Cross Country Voyagers, 170s and 158s, plus the occasional 150.Freight consists of DB Schenker coal services from Avonmouth to Midlands power stations, North East - South Wales steel services, fuel tanks, etc. Also some military traffic, and DRS nuclear flask workings. A good day might see several class DBS 60s, and a FL70, breaking the Shed monopoly. |
 | Location Name: TS702 - Upwey StationLocation Notes: Upwey is a small station, on the steep climb out of Weymouth, is on the northern out-skirts of Weymouth.Railway type and traffic Upwey sees South West Train class 442s, (Going off lease in January to February 2007) 450s and the occasional 444. First Great Western mostly operate 150s to Weymouth. They sometimes have five coach trains which consist of a 158, 150 and a 153.There are frequent steam charters to Weymouth and Upwey is a good place to see them working hard. The climb out of Weymouth is one of the more long and steep grades in the UK. All main line steam to Weymouth is serviced at Yeovil Junction. There is no booked freight traffic to the town. |
 | Location Name: TS116 - Westbury StationLocation Notes: Westbury station is just off the main line from London to Exeter via Reading and Taunton. There are avoiding lines so a lot of passenger and freight traffic passes to the south of the station out of view.Railway type and traffic Westbury is a busy junction with a staple diet of cross country DMU services as well as First Great Western HSTs and sometimes loco-hauled services.There is a reasonable amount of freight to and from the yards to the south west of the station. The main freight flows are stone trains to and from the large quarries in the area. These are hauled by classes 59, 60 and 66. |
 | Location Name: TS1020 - Wickwar southLocation Notes: About 2 miles south of the village of Wickwar in Gloucestershire, on the former Midland route between Bristol and Gloucester.
Railway type and traffic Passenger traffic consists of Cross Country class 220 and 221 (Voyager) sets and FGW class 143, 150, 153 and 158 DMUs on local services.Freight includes Class 66-hauled coal from Portbury to the Midlands and Class 60s on 'Murco' bogie fuel tanks for the nearby Westerleigh terminal. When the Severn Tunnel is closed for maintenance, FGW HSTs on London-South Wales services use this route to cross the Severn at Gloucester. Steel traffic may also be seen on weekend diversions. |
 | Location Name: TS639 - Yeovil Junction StationLocation Notes: A station in the village of Stoford, on the London to Exeter line, situated outside the town of Yeovil.Railway type and traffic Passenger services are in the hands of South West Trains, classes 170 and 159. There are also occasional classes 66 or 67 on excursions.Generally, all main line steam down to Exeter and Weymouth are serviced at Yeovil Junction. Freight wise GBRF have made an appearance before and route learners are also frequent. EWS 66 and Fragonset classes 31 and 33 are used on route learners. When diversions happen all traffic is diverted through Yeovil Junction, which consist of First Great Western HSTs and Freight traffic as well. The station can see Network Rail machines stabled in the sidings and South West Train units as well. There is a railway centre at the station which operates brake van rides along part of the old Clifton May Bank branch. The centre has four locos consisting of three diesels and one steam locomotive. Special events are listed on the Yeovil Railway centre's website. |
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The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavor to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window.
Please enjoy this guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.
The information on these pages is supplied for the benefit of railway enthusiasts who carry out a harmless hobby, and through the medium of photography and video, actually promote the railway industry. Railway enthusiasts can also act as eyes and ears against railway vandalism, and as such should surely be encouraged to do so by the supply of adequate information such as is found on this website.
This site has been created to assist railway photographers in their travels around the country. It is based on the personal knowledge and experience. No liability can be held against the web site or its contributions for incorrect information. Trainspots will endeavor to check all information and corrections will be accepted and posted accordingly.
Advice as to the locations general environment is given as a guide on each page. This information is a GUIDE only. ALWAYS be careful with your equipment, Trainspots can not be held responsible for your personal security. Avoid leaving your property on display for all to see, be aware of your surroundings at all times. There are, sadly, people who will not think twice about trying to steal your equipment.
Trainspots DOES NOT condone trespass and none of the information on this site should be taken as a right to trespass. To the best of our knowledge all locations are publicly accessible areas, where they are not contact information will be given to the appropriate authority for permission to be obtained.
The content of this site is created and intended for all age ranges but the content of sites linked from this site are not subject to the same intentions. Trainspots will attempt to check links for validity but as time passes and the site grows this will not always be possible. Broken, or indeed updates to, links should be submitted to the editor for inclusion in the updates. All links external to the Trainspots site are opened in a new browser window.
Please enjoy this guide to UK Railway Photographic Locations.