Railway Photographs by Andrew Bannister http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/ 10 rows en-gb 60 Along the North and West Line (Digital Images) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1644588.html Various loco hauled trains and preserved steam along the Welsh Marches line from Newport to Shrewsbury and Chester Tuesday 27 January 2009: Various loco hauled trains and preserved steam along the Welsh Marches line from Newport to Shrewsbury and Chester

55022

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]]> Tue Jan 27 2009 Around the Central Wales Line (Digital Images) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1493040.html Various loco hauled trains on the Central Wales Line between Craven Arms and Llandovery. Monday 14 April 2008: Various loco hauled trains on the Central Wales Line between Craven Arms and Llandovery.

Making it's Class deut on the Central Wales Line, 55022 Hellfire thrash from 37417 and 37 401 as they pass Heyope on the 4 mile at 1 in 60 climb to Llangynllo summit with the 1Z70 05.15 Blackburn - Cardiff via the Central Wales Line (The Heart of Wales Explorer) on 12 April 2008. 37417 and 37401 climb the last few yards to Suagr Loaf Summit with the 1Z70 05.15 Blackburn - Cardiff via the Central Wales line (The Heart of Wales Explorer) on 12 April 2008. On 19th July 2008 the Central Wales weather was on fine form (full dull) for 55022's second visit. This time it was rostered for the Mid Wales Borderer from Blackpool to Cardiff, out via the Central Wales Line and back via Hereford. After a short stopover at Llandrindod Wells, the train is pictured leaving Suagr Loaf tunnel en route to Cardiff. 37670 & 37401 storm out of Knighton(Powys) and begin the climb to Llangunllo summit with 1Z51 - 07.13 Mossley Hill - Cardiff via the Central Wales Line on 2nd May 2009.

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]]> Mon Apr 14 2008 The Cambrian in the 1970's http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1444629.html A collection of archive scans of transparancies taken by the late Geoff Bannister. Sunday 20 January 2008: A collection of archive scans of transparancies taken by the late Geoff Bannister.

A further view of 25076 shunting at Towyn while working train 7J16, the 14.06 TThO Porthmadog - Shrewsbury (Coton Hill) freight on 25th August 1976 25076 shunting at Towyn while working train 7J16, the 14.06 TThO Porthmadog - Shrewsbury (Coton Hill) freight on 25th August 1976. 25076 shunting at Towyn while working train 7J16, the 14.06 TThO Porthmadog - Shrewsbury (Coton Hill) freight on 25th August 1976 25076 departs from Towyn with train 7J16, the 14.06 TThO Porthmadog - Shrewsbury (Coton Hill) freight on 25th August 1976. An unidentified pair of Class 24's pass the site of Breidden Station (closed 1960) with 1J24, the 09.40 (SO) Euston - Aberystwyth in July 1975. A brace of Class 24s storm up Middletown Bank, between Westbury and Welshpool in July 1975. The train is 1A46, the 10.07 (S0) Aberystwyth - Euston. 40004 leaves Shrewsbury past Meole Brace on 18th June 1978 with an railtour organised by F&W from Bristol to Porthmadog. D6951 tops the summit of the Cambrian Main line at Talerddig with the Manchester Piccadily - Aberystwyth / Barmouth service on 6th August 1966. The was the first year when diesels worked regular turns on the Cambrian, when EE Type 3's as they were then known diagrammed for this working. It was not until 19 years later in 1985, that 37's reappeared on regular Cambrian duties.

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]]> Sun Jan 20 2008 Cambrian Diesels (Colour) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1272973.html Cambrian Diesels (Colour) Sunday 6 May 2007: Cambrian Diesels (Colour)

Following the exchange of single line tokens, the 15.30 (WO) Abeystwyth - Stanlow empty oil tanks accelerates away from Dovey Junction behind 25300 and 25315 on 27 March 1985. Inspite of their replacement by Cardiff based Class 37's on the dated summer Saturday Cambrian services, Class 25's continued to work weekly oil tanker train to Aberystwyth, the last remaining freight service on the Cambrian until their demise in March 1987. 37430 climbs Talerddig Bank at Bell's Bridge with the 15.30 Aberystwyth - Stanlow empty oil tanks on 19th May 1992. 37427 and 37411 lead a Burton-upon-Trent to Barmouth excursion along the Dyfi estuary at Frongoch on 19th May 1989. This shot was actually taken from the top of an oak tree, this shot but is longer possible (like may others on the Cambrian) due to the luxuriant and unchecked vegetation growth over the last 20 years or more. 37430 prepares to depart from Aberystwyth with the 07.14 to Euston - The Up Cambrian Coast Express. 25059 climbs the Friog incline with a Pwllheli - Aberystwyth weedkiller workin on 7th July 1986. 37676 and 37015 pass Glandyfi with the 06.20 (SO) Birmingham - Aberystwyth service on 2nd July 1988. 37427 37427 is prepared at Machynlleth to work empty stock to Aberystwyth to form the 15.20 Sun only Aberystwyth - Euston. Following the cl;osure of Aberystwyth train crew depot, Class 37s stabled at the old Machynlleth steam shed became a common sight. 10 April 1990. The classic shot at Bell's Bridge, Talerddig - 37427 After many years without loco haulage on the Cambrian, 37042 and 37114 make a welcome return with the Mid Cheshire ail User's Association's charter from Altringham to Aberystwyth on 10th May 2003. The pair are pictured leaving Talerddig Loop on the outward leg. 37114 and 37042 climb Talerddig Bank returning from Aberystwyth to Altringham with a special chartered by the Mid Cheshire Rail User's Association. 37430 approaches Talerddig Summit with the 07.15 Aberystwyth - Euston. A stranger on the Cambrian - 33204 climbs Westbury Bank near Plas-y-Court with pullman stock of the Orient Express which was a return working of a train charter by the Development Board for Rural Wales which had worked to Newtown from London Victoria. At this time (September 1984) Class 33s were not permitted beyond Newtown. 37213 climbs talerrdig Bank at Bells Bridge with the 7F79 WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow working. This was the first occasion this train had been worked by a 37. This turn and the loaded working from Stanlow was a regular turn for a pair of Class 20's at this time. A few weeks after this picture was taken, 37's took over this working completely. 13 April 1988. 25191 crosses the Afon Clettwr between Dovey Junction and Borth with a very late running 6J28, the 01.00 (WO) Stanlow - Aberystwyth on 17th October 1986. 37220 and 37227 cross the Afon Leri at Ynyslas with 1J24, the 07.35 (SO) Euston - Aberystwyth on 17th August 1985. On 19 June 1988 37428 37298 and 37158 run downhill between Llanbrynmair and Commins Coch with the 07.35 (SO) Euston - Pwllheli on 21 May 1988. On the morning of 21 May 1988, 37427 disturbs the peace and tranquility at Llanbrynmair as it thrashes up Talerddig bank with the up Cambrian Coast Express - the 07.15 Aberystwyth - Euston On 21 May 1988 37429 rounds the curve at Commins Coch with the 08.00 (SO) Pwllheli - Euston During 1988, the 0620 (SO) Birmingham - Aberyswyth and the 10.10 SO Aberystwyth - Euston workings were diagrammed for a pair of Tinsley based Class 37s. on 21 May 1988, the first Saturday of the summer timetable, 37682 and 37683 round the curve at Commins Coch with the 10.10 ex Aberystwyth. 37230 and 37427 speed down from Wern towards Balck Rock, between Porthmadog and Criccieth with the 07.30 (SO) Euston - Pwllheli on 25 July 1987 37431 hammers up the bank towards Llanbrynmair with the 08.00 (SO) Pwlheli - Euston on 28 May 1989. The sun sets on the Aber tanks.... 37418 storms away from Welshpool past Cefn with train 7F79, the 15.30 WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow oil empties on 31st March 1993. At this time, this working only had another month to run, and 37418 again did the honours with the final workin on 28 April 1993. This was the very last picture I took of this working, which had been my favourite photographic subject on the Cambrian. In those days, there was little reliable gen and this particular train was well known for running early, late or sometimes not at all! This made getting a picture of it in sun even more satisfying on the occasions I managed it. 37418 crosses the marshland alongside the Dyfi estuary, at Ynyshir near Glandyfi with 7F79, the 15.30 WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow petroleum empties on 31 March 1993. At this point, the contract from transportation of petroleum products from the Stanlow refinery to Aberystwyth had already been terminated and the train only had a month to run.

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]]> Sun May 6 2007 Lines to Blaenau Ffestiniog (Colour) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1272239.html Colour images taken on the Conwy Valley and Trawsfynydd lines in the period 1986 to 1995, covering the last Class 25 working, D200 working service trains and Class 31s on the nuclear power sattion decomissioning trains in 1994 and 1995. Sunday 6 May 2007: Colour images taken on the Conwy Valley and Trawsfynydd lines in the period 1986 to 1995, covering the last Class 25 working, D200 working service trains and Class 31s on the nuclear power sattion decomissioning trains in 1994 and 1995.

A pair of Class 31s return along the Trawsfynydd Branch near Teigl with a loaded nuclear waste train from Trawsfynydd. November 1994. A pair of Class 31s pass Roman Bridge on a nuclear waste train. November 1994. A pair of Class 31s propel a nuclear waste train along the Trawsfynydd branch near Manod. June 1995 31327 climbs away from the site of Teigl Halt with the 31327 leads a railtour back down the Lleddr valley near Dolwyddallan. August 1994. 31201 and 37107 approach Blaenau Ffestiniog in May 1995 witha loaded nuclear waste train from Trawsfynydd. 37107 and 31201 climb towards Ffestiniog tunnel at Blaenau Dolwyddelan with a nuclear waste train for Trawsfynydd power station. The 37 was a very unusual visitor at this time and was deputising for a failed Class 31. May 1995 40122 / D200 climbs away from Dolwyddellan on the 14.40 Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestioniog in September 1986 A pair of Class 31s on a nuclear waste train approaches Dolwyddellan in May 1995 As the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds, 37417 and 37401 climb towards Ffestiniog tunnel with 1Z37 - Kingfisher Railtours 37401 and 37417 climb out of Blaenau Ffestiniog past the slate waste tips of the Oakley Quarry with the return leg of Kingfisher Railtours

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]]> Sun May 6 2007 Around the Central Wales Line (monchrome images) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1266106.html Around the Central Wales Line (monchrome images) Saturday 28 April 2007: Around the Central Wales Line (monchrome images)

25083 and 25245 were diagrammed for a Derby to Tenby adverised day excursion on 23 April 1984. The 25's worked the train from Shrewsbury to Llanelli via the Central Wales Line and were the first recorded pair of Class 25's to work a passenger train over this line. The pair are pictured coming up past Bucknell Wood, between Craven Arms and Knighton. 37180 passes Bucknell with a day excursion from Batley to Llandrindod Wells on 29 July 1975. Although the double line between Craven Arms and Knighton has been singled some 10 years earlier, the splendid ex LNWR signal box was retained for the protection of the level crossing here (thus preventing Grandads in Reliant Robins driving into passing trains) until it was converted to an open crossing in 1977. 37189 passes Bucknell Wood with a day excursion from Stroud to Shrewsbury, returning via the Central Wales Line on 8 April 1985 37190 stands in the loop at Llanwrtyd Wells with the stock of a Leeds to Llanwrtyd weekend excursion on 18 June 1977. The locomotive has run round the train prior to taking the stock to Llandrindod Wells for stabling overnight. At this time, all loco hauled workinings were generally in the hands of headlight fitted Class 37s working from Pantyffynnon to meet the Light railway conditions under whihc the Central Wales Line is operated. 37266 approaches Knucklas Halt with a Llanelli - Blackpool charter October 1984 372999 and 37296 emerging from Penybont Tunnel on an Ealing Broadway - Llandrindod Wells charter, 3 May 1984 37426 passes Cheney Longville near Craven Arms with the 09.35 Swansea - Crewe on 18 November 1989. This service was loco hauled on this occasion due to the normal DMU set being required for additional services in the Cardiff area for a Wales v All Blacks Rugby fixture 37426 arrives at Llanwrtyd Wells with the 09.35 Swansea - Crewe on 18 November 1989. This service was loco hauled on this occasion due to the normal DMU set being required for additional services in the Cardiff area for a Wales v All Blacks Rugby fixture. 37299 and 37266 pass Stowe between Craven Arms and Knighton with a charter from Ealing Broadway to Llandrindod Wells on 3 May 1984 Swansea - Shrewsbury DMU approaching Sugar Loaf Tunnel. May 1987 37301 approach Knucklas Halt with a Llanelli - Llandudno charter. 2 July 1983

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]]> Sat Apr 28 2007 Blodwell Quarry Ballast Workings (Monochrome images) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1266087.html A collection of photographs taken during the last few years of operation. This line incorporated the former GWR Gobowen-Oswestry Branch, the last remains of Cambrian main line through Oswestry and surviving remains of the Porthywaen and Tanat Valley branches. Saturday 28 April 2007: A collection of photographs taken during the last few years of operation. This line incorporated the former GWR Gobowen-Oswestry Branch, the last remains of Cambrian main line through Oswestry and surviving remains of the Porthywaen and Tanat Valley branches.

25037 passes thorugh the sad remains of Oswestry Station, once the headquarters of the Cambrian in June 1986 25037 passes Porthywaen School crossing with the 7J02 10.12 Bescot - Blodwell departmental working on 23 July 1986. 25089 ticks over in the loop at Blodwell Junction with empty ballsat wagons from Bescot. 25 March 1985. 25279 leaves Porthywaen 25 June 1985 25279 crosses the A495 at Porthywaen. 25 June 1985 25279 crosses the A495 at Porthywaen, 25 June 1985 25279 approaches Porthywean School crossing with the 15.28 Blodwell Quarry - Bescot loaded ballast. 25 June 1985

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]]> Sat Apr 28 2007 Lines to Blaenau Ffestiniog (monchrome) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1266086.html A collection of photographs taken on the former L&NWs Conway Valley Route, together with the freight only former GWR line from Bala, which was retained for nuclear waste traffic from Trawsfynnyd Power station. This is an area of dramatic scenery and was possible to photograph Class 25 on freight and Class 40s & 47 on passenger as an everyday occurance. Saturday 28 April 2007: A collection of photographs taken on the former L&NWs Conway Valley Route, together with the freight only former GWR line from Bala, which was retained for nuclear waste traffic from Trawsfynnyd Power station. This is an area of dramatic scenery and was possible to photograph Class 25 on freight and Class 40s & 47 on passenger as an everyday occurance.

25201 passes Maentwrog Road station on Trip 91 returning from Trawsfynydd CEGB siding to Llandudno Junction. 1 October 1986 25278 returns along the former GWR Bala-Blaenau Ffestiniog branch near Teigl with 7T91, conveying explosives from the factory at Penrhyndeudreath, which has been loaded at Maentwrog Road. 25 September 1986. 25910 crosses the Afon Conwy near Llanwrst with a nuclear waste train from Trawsfynydd CEGB siding. 18 February 1987 With a dusting of snow on the Moelwyn mountains, 25910 squeals round the tight curves at Tan-Y-Manod on the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog with loaded nuclear flask from Trawsfynydd CEGB Siding. 18 February 1987 During the last weeks of Class 25 operation in North Wales, 25912 25912 approaches Blaenau Ffestiniog with a trip freight from Maentwrog Road. 3 March 25912 25912 approaches Fronlas Crossing near Manod, on the Trawsfynydd branch with a trip freight from Maentwrog Road. 3 March 1987 25910 runs along the Conwy estuary near tal-y-Cafn with a single nuclear flask from Trawsfynydd CEGB siding. 18 February 1987 25912 passes Tanymanod on the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog with 7T91 conveying a single van of explosives from Maentwrog Road to Llandudno unction. 3 March 1987. 40122 / D200 runs into Dolwyddelan with the 13.30 Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestiniog service on 13 September 1985 40192 and 50007 47529 heads up the steeply graded section of the Conwy Valley line near Dolwyddelan with the 14.40 Llandudno Jct - Blaenau Ffestiniog service on 13 September 1985 With the Snowdon range prominant in the background, an undientified Class 47 passes Roman Bridge with an engineer's train following re-ballasting activity earlier in the day. 11 September 1989. A Sunday DMU working from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Maentwrog Road nears the site of Teigl Halt on 3 September 1989. A 2 car DMU set traverses the horseshoe bend near site of Teigl Halt with a Baleanau Ffestiniog - Maentwrog Road Sunday shuttle service on 3 September 1989. This was one of the fist passenger trains over the remains of the GWR Bala branch since 1961.

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]]> Sat Apr 28 2007 Cambrian Images (Monchrome) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1266081.html A collection of photographs taken around the Cambrian Lines during the period 1973 - 88. This was a period of many changes in motive power and infrastructure, with the Class 24's being replaced by Class 25's who were then ousted from Cambrian front line duties by the more powerful Class 37's from 1985 onwards. Saturday 28 April 2007: A collection of photographs taken around the Cambrian Lines during the period 1973 - 88. This was a period of many changes in motive power and infrastructure, with the Class 24's being replaced by Class 25's who were then ousted from Cambrian front line duties by the more powerful Class 37's from 1985 onwards.

Class 40s were regular visitors to the Cambrian lines in the 1970's, often being utilised as the motive power for day excursions originating from the North West and Yorkshire to Aberystwyth and Barmouth. In this view, 212 (later 40012) storms up the 1 in 53 gradient of Middletown bank, between Welshpool and Westbury with a return charter train from Welshpool to Euston on 17 June 1973 (photograph the late Geoff Bannister) Class 24 5142 arrives at Towyn with 7J16, the 14.06 MWFO Porthmadog - Shrewsbury (Coton Hill) goods on 10 May 1973. (photograph by the late Geoff Bannister) 25058 and 25078 thrash out of Talerddig loop with an LNER Society Charter from Euston to Aberystwyth on 5 May 1985. The Swindon DMU is forming the 10.07 Aberystwyth to Wolverhampton service. Members of the Although Class 37's had ousted Class 25's from Cambrian front line passenger duties in 1985, they still made regular appearances on the weekly Stanlow - Aberystwyth petroleum trains until March 1987, when the last survivors were withdrawn. In this view, 25059 passes Talerddig loop in August 1986 with train 7F79, the 15.30WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow empty tanks working. The driver of 25229 and 25181 prepares to exchange the token at Cemmes Road, with 1A46, the 10.07 SO Aberystwyth - Euston on 13 August 1983. Shortly afterwards 25181 expired on the climb to Talerddig. 25191 passes Cefn with a Crewe- Aberystwyth engineers saloon on 17th March 1987 - the very last Class 25 to work on the Cambrian 25211 climbs past the site of Middletown station (closed 1960) with the 10.07 SO Aberystwyth - Euston on 2 July 1983. The other loco of the pair (25154) had failed near Aberystwyth and 25211 had worked the 9 coach train back to Shrewsbury on it's own and was running some 40 minutes late at this point. 25211, hauling inspection saloon M45026 is signalled into the loop at Caersws to cross a westbound passeneger train. May 1986. 25265 passes Caerhowel between Abermule ands Montgomery on 1st May 1986 with a high speed track recording train from machynlleth to Shrewsbury 25265 waits in the loop at Welshpool to cross a westbound DMU on 1st May 1986 with a high speed track recording train from Machynlleth to Shrewsbury 25265 passes passes Westbury on 1st May 1986 with a high speed track recording train from machynlleth to Shrewsbury 25300 and 25315 pass Dovey Junction with 7F79, the 15.30 WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow on 27 March 1985. 25276 and 25284 attack the climb to Talerddig at Commins Coch with the 2J76 14.00 Aberystwyth - Wolverhampton service on 13 August 1983. The 10.07 SO Aberystwyth Euston rounds the curve at Commins Coch on 21 July 1984 behind 25279 and 25313. 25285 and 25286 double head the IJ24 10.10 SO Euston - Aberystwyth on the eastbound climb to Talerddig near Carno on 1 September 1984. The train was running some 3 and a half hours late at this point due to the complete failure of 25192 and 178 between Welshpool and Newtown. An Aberystwyth - Machynleth permanent way train composed of three bogie flat wagons apporaches Dovey Junction on 26 September 1987 behind 37224 37227 and 37220 power the 07.40 SO Euston - Aberystwyth service thorugh Ynyslas on 17 August 1985 37257 and 37235 accelarate away from Dovey Junction past the derelict station of Glandyfi with the 07.35 SO Aberystwyth - Euston on 10 August 1985 (the late Geoff Bannister) 37427 37428 Class 24 5133 climbs Talerddig Bank with the 1E24 18.30 Aberystwyth - York mails on 10 May 1973. (photogrpah by the late Geoff Bannister) Class 24 No 5142 stands in Porthmadog with the 7J16 14.06 MWFO Porthmadog - Shreswbury Cotin Hill freight on 10 May 1973 (photograph by the late Geoff Bannister) 20135 and 20006 pass Glandyfi on the approach to Dovey Junction with train 7F79, the 15.30 WO Aberystwyth-Stanlow on 23 March 1988 20151 and 20097 pass Newtown on 7F79, the 15.30 WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow on 5 August 1987 20168 and 20016 were the last pair of Class 20's booked for the weekly Stanlow - Aberystwyth tanks working. They are pictured climbing Talerddig bank at Bells Bridge on 11 May 1988. 20151 and 20097 cross the Afon Leri at Ynyslas, between Dovey Junction and Borth with train 6J28, the 0100 WO Stanlow - Aberystwyth on 5 August 1987 25211 leads inspection saloon M45025 round the curve at Commins Coch during a signalling inspection visit. May 1986 25278 and 25259 draw the stock of the Royal Train into the up refuge siding at Tywyn on the 25th November 1982. This is believed to be the last occasions that the Royal Train was diagrammed for Class 25 motive power. The Prince and Princess of Wales had travelled overnight from Euston to Aberdyfi on 24 November, arriving there on the morning of the 25th. The train then ran ECS to Tywyn (pictured here) and then returned to Shrewsbury later that day and arrived at Wrexham, after ovenight recess on 26th November. For the record, the stock was BFK 12163,2909, 2912, 2901, 2904, 2905 & SLS2503 (photograph by the late Geoff Bannister) 25154 passess Westbury with the 15.30 WO Aberystwyth - Stanlow on 1 September 1986. 37427 passes Westbury in June 1987 with the 08.00 SO Pwllheli - Euston 25154 and 25209 double head the 17.05 return leg of a Swindon - Aberystwyth charter at Bell's Bridge, Talerddig which was run in connection with the Vale of Rheidol Gala day, 7 May 1984

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]]> Sat Apr 28 2007 Around the Cambrian (Digital Images) http://andrewsphotos.fotopic.net/c1263465.html A selection of digital images taken on the former Cambrian lines from 2007 onwards, covering the occasional railtours, charters and locomotive hauled infrastructure trains. All other workings on the line are the ubiquitous Class 158 units and images of these will not be appearing on this site..... Thursday 19 April 2007: A selection of digital images taken on the former Cambrian lines from 2007 onwards, covering the occasional railtours, charters and locomotive hauled infrastructure trains. All other workings on the line are the ubiquitous Class 158 units and images of these will not be appearing on this site.....

In lovely evening light 37406 makes a wonderful sight and sound as it passess Yockleton on the climb to Westbury summit with the 6W55 17.14 Bescot - Pwllheli autoballasters on 19 April 2007 A quick 55022 As storm clouds gather in the upper Severn Valley, 55022 During January 2009, EWS (now DBS) had no serviceable Class 37s available for relyaing work on the Cambrian Coast, so traction was hired from Direct Rail Services. A very clean 37259 passes Forden with the 6W91 09.05 Basford Hall - Tywyn on 25 January 2009. This location will become the end of the dynamic loop, soon to be installed between Welshpool and Fron and the new turnout can be seen alongside the running line in the distance. With the Breidden Hills in the background, 97301 and 37676 “Loch Rannoch” pass Buttington on Spitfire Tours’ 1Z50 05.26 Bristol Temple Meads to Aberystwyth “The Cambrian Mountaineer” with D444 “Exeter” on the rear of the train. 9th May 2009 97301 and 37676 “Loch Rannoch” climb Fron Bank near Forden on Spitfire Tours’ 1Z50 05.26 Bristol Temple Meads to Aberystwyth “The Cambrian Mountaineer” with D444 “Exeter” on the rear of the train. 9th May 2009 By the time the tour returned from Aberystwyth, the weather had deteriorated somewhat. D444 “Exeter” slogs up Talerddig bank returning with Spitfire Tours’ 1Z51 16.13 Aberystwyth to Bristol Temple Meads “The Cambrian Mountaineer”. However, all is not what is seems as the 50 was low on coolant and is receiving rear end assistance from 97301 and 37676 “Loch Rannoch”.

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