br2975

Brian, I think this photo of the Castle Works end of the pipeline confirms the 'not in use' assumptions ! On this occasion it was too wet to get out of the car. Brian PS. When you're visiting Penarth next, give me a ring - should you fancy refreshments at 'The Old A'.

Marc, Are these what you're looking for ? By comparing the loco (08951 in this case) you'll get an idea as to how high the pipeline is, even more so in the second shot which shows the towers and guy / stay wires. I believe this pipeline is no longer used, as it comes to an abrupt halt at the level crossing behind the EMR scrapyard. I showed my pipeline example to one of the boys (alright a know-all) at the club this week, and he passed comment about the location of any joints in the pipeline......... which I'll be posting on my thread soon. . Brian

Marc, . The approach I have adopted is to construct the required number of supports (i.e brackets off the sides of buildings, or the lattice towers) and fit a saddle on the top in which the pipe can rest. . Make sure your pipe run is cut to length and install the two outermost supports, and fix them in place. Then place the pipe run loosely on top of the two supports, and put the other supports in place using the piping to locate them at the correct height. . Leave the piping loose, so it can be lifted off to allow track cleaning and other access. . I use Plastruct/Evergreen tubing which are telescopic and use the next smaller diameter to my piping as reinforcing inside the joints. I'm also in a quandry over the towers (what our transatlantic colleagues would call a 'signature model'), which need to tall enough to carry the pipe about 30' above the ground. The Airfix/Dapol footbridge structure is too coarse for my eyes, whilst the Ratio hoist appears fine enough, but too low in height. I have some Hornby electricity pylon parts, but the batter is too sharp making the base too large. I can't remember why I discounted the Walthers conveyor supports. . One could always compromise and employ the simpler style made from 'I' sections. . As for "keef's" last post, I don't recall any brake vans in use after the arrival of 66s into Tidal. However, Allied Steel owned an ex-GWR Toad which was used for re-railing and also purchased two BR standrad 20ton vans with a view to using them for tours of the works. One was gutted by fire (NOT by certain Humberside modellers who had a penchant for such models). . There is now but one BR brake van in 'irregular' use in S.Wales for propelling movements between East Usk and Birdport on the East Usk/Uskmouth branch. It was in use last week on a Llanwern - East Usk - Birdport train of export steel. The last brakevan I rode was the East Usk 'Queen Mary' behind Cl.03 D2199 at Machen Quarry ! (I have the pics at home). Brian

"Two quid, you was robbed mate !" . The NBL worksplate from D6122 I found lying face down in Woodham's West Pond site, some distance from the loco. I then found the smaller piece of the plate still attached to the loco. As it was cast in some cheap alloy, the bods nearby just shrugged their shoulders, and anyway I think the 'statute of limitations' may have run out by now ? . Brian R

Not quite "on this day in history" but historically significant at this time with the visit to the UK of Pope Benedict XVI. . On 2nd. June 1982 Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Coopers Field, Cardiff and attended a youth rally at Ninian Park. . Unfortunately I was required to work (from 2100hrs 1st. June until 1700hrs 2nd June - cue violins) so had to rely on friends sightings of the various specials in connection with these events. . If anyone can fill in the gaps, it would be appreciated. . Excursions and Special Trains to / from Cardiff Central in connection with the visit of H.H. Pope John Paul II 2nd. June, 1982. 47186 1Z49 20.40 ex Plymouth then 09.15 ex Barry Island – Bristol T.M. 45009 1Z52 22.30 ex Plymouth 47538 1Z99 ex Chester 50007 1Z29 ex Worcester 47543 1Z26 ex Paignton 47107 1Z60 ex Paddington 47202 1Z98 ex Llandudno Junction 47559 1Z56 ex Paignton 47530 1Z20 ex Exeter 47119 1Z40 ex Penzance 47477 1Z24 ex Bristol TM 47144 1Z61 ex Westbury 47478 1Z30 ex ? 37269 1Z41 ex Barry, then ECS to Gloucester to work; 1Z16 ex Gloucester 47106 1Z21 ex Stroud 47429 1Z55 ex Fishguard - Bristol, then to work 1Z55 ex Bristol TM 47459 1Z97 01.47 ex Crewe (10 Mk.1) 47098 1Z99 ex Barry, then ECS ? to Bristol Parkway to work; 1Z99 ex Bristol Pkwy, then to work 1Z99 ? 16.13 Cardiff - Llandudno Jcn 45076 1Z47 ex Crewe 47101 1Z38 ex Plymouth 47103 1Z19 ex Barry, then ECS to Chepstow, to work 1Z19 06.50 Chepstow - Milford Haven (06.50 to Swansea ?) 40148 1Z96 ex Hollinwood nr Oldham vice failed Cl.47 47015 1Z17 ex ?, ECS to Hereford, to work; 1Z17 ex Hereford 47233 1Z90 ex Llandudno Junction 47079 1Z35 ex Chepstow 47079 19.20 Cardiff - Penzance 47029 1Z83 ex Hereford, then to work 12.15 Cardiff - Portsmouth 45070 1Z22 ex Penzance 47177 1Z49 ex Bristol TM 47491 1Z63 ex Holyhead ? 47069 1Z35 ex Barry 47008 1Z91 ex Worcester 47561 1Z59 ex Weston-super-Mare, then to work 1Z66 11.45 to Crewe (ex Barry ?) 47196 1Z56 ex Chepstow 47121 ex Barry 45048 1Z77 47088 1Z09 47228 1Z94 ex Manchester 37302 1Z23 ex Bristol TM, then to work; 12.35 Cardiff – Barry Island and 1Z25 14.15 Barry Island – Bristol T.M. then to work; 17.22 Bristol-Cardiff 37090 08.20 Swansea (- Cardiff ?), then to work; 1Z40 15.10 Barry Island – Bristol T.M. 47361 1Z88 ex Portsmouth 47087 1Z66 ex Crewe 47428 1Z69 ex Rock Ferry 47279 1Z74, then 1Z63 to Holyhead 47105 1Z52 47105 1Z61 20.05 Cardiff Central - Paddington 47244 1Z46, then 1Z30 18.45 to Birmingham 37258 1Z97, ? then to work; 10.15 Bristol T.M. – Ninian Park 37258 1Z23 15.25 Gloucester - Milford Haven (16.59 ex Cardiff) 47142 16.15 Cardiff - Portsmouth 47487 1Z28 16.25 Cardiff - Paignton 47530 19.12 Cardiff - Basingstoke 37257 1Z17 14.55 Cardiff - Barry Island, then to work, 1Z22 16.30 Barry Island - Gloucester (or S.T.Jct. ?) or Bristol (17.07 ex Cardiff) 31139+31216 1Z83 1800 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour 47105 1Z61 20.05 Cardiff Central - Paddington 37256 13.45 Cardiff – Bristol T.M. 47229 19.30 Bristol T.M. – Fishguard Harbour 37295 20.05 Barry Island – Cheltenham Spa. I spent most of the day working in the company of the father of another subscriber to this forum, (Black Rat), attempting to prevent priests and nuns storming the papal dias, almost surreal when I look back.. . Brian R

I also have the following plates, all from the NBL locos shown...... . (1) D600 'Active' (2) D6354 (3) D600 'Ark Royal' (4) D600 'Ark Royal' . They may interest someone (hopefully). . Brian R

I don't know if this helps, this plate originates from the same era as the Cl.22s. . However, as the relevant loco was not a diesel-hydraulic I'm not sure about the lower lettering. . No prizes for identifying the loco from which I obtained the plate, or where it met its' eventual fate. . Brian R

"....... Thanks to Paul Bartlett, for his superb website on wagon types, and thanks to Brian R and Wayne C for their help and info - Brain really is a mine of useful info!........." . "....... Steelworks layouts seem to be gaining interest - 2 of the other local Cardiffians are also planning steelworks based layouts, (Wayne 37901, and Brian r) and I'm sure these will be great models. I've seen photos of Brian's progress, and it's looking really good!........." . . Do I owe you money Marc ? . I´m impressed by your ASW conversions of the ex-BR ´Plate´wagons. . I´ll leave you to do the ´Rod Mill´side of the modelling and I´ll stick to bars, sections, angles and flats but at the moment replacement windows, a dodgy pool pump and repairs to a leaky roof following the last "Gotta Frie" are taking precedence over my ´Cardiff Bar & Section Mill´ ........ but I´ll be back next Wednesday to take a break from the 35´C heat and crack on with ´the competition´ . Good Luck and keep it coming, see you at the end of the month. . Brian R

From the previous post, it appears we were out in force in 1972 !!!! . Brian R . . Saturday 26th. August, 1972 - a day trip by several Cardiff based ‘spotters’ to the annual Derby Works Open Day. The large number of ‘spotters’ attending would mean that ‘bunking’ Toton would be nigh on impossible, so we decided to retrace our steps and ‘bunk’ Bescot and saltley instead. With hindsight some of the highlights of the day would include (a) the prototype HST and APT-E alongside each other, (B) Departmental Cl.28 Metrovick S15705 on the works. © 2-Bil 2037 outside the Derby Research Centre. (d) Two Cl.11 shunters lurking inside the steam shed at Bescot. (e) My first sighting of TOPS numbered locos 83012 & 84008 at Bescot. (f) 1200 ‘Falcon’ was still a regular sight at Ebbw Jct. (g) The variety in mis-formed Tyseley DMU sets, for those who can still differentiate the various types from their numbers they will know what I mean. Canton 86A Cl.08:- 3748, Cl.25:- 5179, Cl.35:- 7095 Cl.37:- 6875, 6954 Cl.47:- 1593, 1595, 1632, 1653, 1818, 1911, 1914, 1920 Cl.52:- 1046, 1060 Cardiff General Cl.08:- 3748, 3263 Cl.35:- 7098 Cl.37:- 6601, 6896, 6986, 6995+6997 Cl.45:- 21, 63 Cl.47:- 1632, 1644, 1926 Cl.52:- 1043, 1060 50084+59373+50126, 50855+59363+50908, 50896+59355+50843, 50309+59120+50327. Ebbw Jct. 86B Cl.08:- 4016 Cl.25:- 5182, 7514, Cl.37:- 6910, 6925, 6948 Cl.53:- 1200 Newport High St. Cl.08:- 3990 Cl.37:-6923 East Usk Cl.25:- 7510+7519 BSC Llanwern Cl.25:- 5180+7675. 86E Severn Tunnel Jct. Cl.08:- 4001, 4162, 4170, 4175, Cl.25:- 7511, 7516, 7569, 7676, 7677, Cl.31:- 5562, Cl.47:- 1687, Gloucester Cl.08:- 3114, 3255, 3797, 3992, 3993, 4173 Cl.25:- 5230 Cl.31:- 5827 Cl.45:- 131 Cl.47:- 1561, 1616 Other:- PWM654 Bromsgrove Cl.35:- 7055 King’s Norton Cl.25:- 7563 Cl.45:- 16 Birmingham New St. Cl.45:- 86 Cl.47:- 1880 Electric:- E3047, E3188 EMU:- 038, 057, 059 Saltley 2E Cl.08:- 3167, 4149 Cl.25:- 7558, 7620, 7623, 7651, 7671 Cl.33:- 6510+6552 Cl.45:- 107 Cl.47:- 1539, 1711, 1719 Wichnor Jct. Cl.20:- 8139 Burton 16F Cl.08:- 3059, 3790 Cl.20:- 8070, 8073, 8081, 8174, 8181, 8189, Cl.25:- 7604, Cl.31:- 5592, Derby (Midland) Cl.03:- 2130 Cl.08:- 3186, 3351, 3569, 3572, 3577, 3771, 3792 Cl.20:- 8072 Cl.25:- 5232, 5241, 5282, Cl.31:- 5570, 5618 Cl.37:- 6869 Cl.45:- 33, 67, 91, 96, 104, 151, 169 Cl.47:- 1755, 1942, DMU:- 50447+59151+50496, 50669+59274+50744 Derby Works (Open Day) & Etches Park. Cl.03:- 2381, 2386, 2388, Cl.08:- 3052, 3082, 3246, 3530, 3570, 3764, 3773, 3779, 3840, 3910 , 3914, Cl.20:- 8180, Cl.24:- 5013, 5021, 5027, 5035, 5072 (5029 cabs only) Cl.25:- 5162, 5257, 5258, 5270, 5294, 7506, 7513, 7534, 7537, 7538, 7547, 7617, 7635, 7636, 7639, 7647, Cl.31:- 5826, Cl.44:- 4, 7 Cl.45:- 34, 39, 42, 44, 64, 76, 82, 93, 95, 100, 115, 125, 144, 147, 148, 153, 177, 178, 185, 192, Cl.47:- 1635, 1960, Other:- S15705, HST power car 41001, APT-E 2Bil:- 2037 DMU:- 50697+59301+50692, 50209+?+?, 50650, 50657, 50670, 50684, 50685, 50696, 50709, 50717, 50725, 50731, 59258, 59263, 59272, 59287, 51144+59441+51131, 79151 Derby (Midland) Cl.20:- 8047, 8179 Cl.45:- 117, 139 (our loco to B’ham) Cl.47:- 1727 Burton 16F Cl.08:- 3050, 3059, 3790, Cl.20:- 8070, 8076, 8083, 8139, Cl.25:- 7604 Cl.31:- 5831, Water Orton Cl.25:- 7602+7644 Saltley 2E Cl.25:- 5237, 7623, 7651 Cl.47:- 1539 Birmingham New St. Cl.45:- 56, 163 Cl.47:- 1676, 1734 Electric:- E3151, E3156, E3174 EMU:- 013, 015, 064, 084, 092 DMU:- 50067+59010+50093, E50161+?, New St. – Bescot Cl.08:- 3168, 3951, 3973, Cl.45:- 50, Electric:- E3114, E3155 Great Barr EMU:- 043 Bescot 2F and adjacent yards. Cl.08:- 3088, 3106, 3108, 3111, 3115, 3116, 3191, 3752, 3781, 3871, 3977, 3978, Cl.11:- 12056, 12087. Cl.20:- 8165+8191, 8143, 8169+8173, 8197, Cl.24:- 5086, 5143 Cl.25:- 7630, 7631, 7633, 7641, 7644, Cl.31:- 5849, Cl.40:- 284, Cl.45:- 92, Cl.47:- 1540, 1727, 1742, 1746, 1763, 1814, 1815, 1852, 1918, Cl.83:- 83012 Cl.84:- 84008 Vauxhall & Duddeston Cl.08:- 4150 Saltley 2E Cl.08:- 3167, 3250, 3974, 4006, 4138, 4149, Cl.20:- 8006, 8037, 8158, 8171, Cl.25:- 5225, 5237, 7558, 7563, 7610, 7620, 7643, 7651, 7671, Cl.31:- 5570, 5826, Cl.45:- 36, 46, 57, 107, Cl.47:- 1539, 1676, 1719, 1731, 1754, 1848, Vauxhall & Duddeston Cl.25:- 7644 Cl.47:- 1816 Electric:- E3174 DMU:- 50069+59007+50099 (TY407), 51129+59439+51142 (TY533) Birmingham New St. Cl.08:- 3908 Cl.45:- 12, 32, 112 (our loco to Cardiff),122, 149, 165, Cl.47:- 1656, 1731 Electric:- E3016, E3106, E3167, E3174, E3176, E3195, E3198 EMU:- 025, 036, 038, 046, 058, 061, 062, 079, 092, DMU:- E50160+E59527+E50258, E50364+E56094, 50052+59341+50914, 50064+59019+50115, 50061+59000+55004, 50085+59338+50127 (TY529), 50074+59016+50110, 55012 Bromsgrove Cl.35:- 7055, 7100 Chltenham Spa Cl.45:- 60 Cl.25:- 5227 towing DMU set 51360+59512+51402 DMU:- 50081+59031+50123 (C306).

Cardiff & Avonside Railway Society Midlands area coach trip, Sunday 19th. August, 1973. TOPS renumbering was getting underway, initially effecting Cl.45 and the AC electrics. Eight of the Cl.44s were at Toton. Note the number of Cl.20s, once the D16 area staple, where did Stourbridge Jct. Westhouses, Mantle Lane all go ???????. Where possible the DMU cars are shown in the sets they were formed as. Where locos are shown thus "5226+5268" it indicates they were coupled together eg double-heading and "(passing)" indicates a loco passing the depot whilst we were going around. Birmingham New St. (0545) Cl.45:- 40 Cl.20:- 5228, 7570 Cl.47/Cl.85:- 1873 + E3092 Stourbridge Jct. Cl.47:- 1708 Cl.08:- 3111, 3867, 3995 Cl.25:- 7614, 7623, 7628, 7641 DMU:- 50058+59006+50112, 50068+59005+50103, 50107+59???+50833, 51307+59474+51322, 55003 Wolverhampton Cl.08:- 3088, 3982 Cl.25:- 7627 Cl.81:- 81003 Cl.82:- E3050, Cl.85:- E3077, E3093, Cl.86:- E3110, E3116, E3137, E3159, E3181, Bescot 2F Cl.47:- 1540, 1547, 1627, 1641, 1678, 1709, 1742 Cl.08:- 3108, 3115, 3116, 3191, 3364, 3397, 3752, 3757, 3780, 3781, 3925, 3977, 3979, 3980 Cl.24:- 5062, Cl.25:- 5295, 7538, 7603, 7631, 7647, Bescot Yard Cl.47:- 1725, Cl.08:- 3974, Cl.24:- 5064, 5091, Cl.25:- 5169, 5183, 5229, 5239, 5243, 5251, 5291, 7609, 7616, 7622,7630, 7644 Cl.20:- 8068+8088 Cl.81:- 81012 Cl.86:- E3189 Vauxhall & Duddeston Cl.08:- 3700 Saltley 2E Cl.45/46:- 23, 72, 143, 161, 171 Cl.47:- 1556, 1582, 1601 (passing), 1621, 1683, 1733, 1755, 1815, 1837, 1904, 1981, Cl.08:- 3167, 3975, 4150, Cl.25:- 5226+5268 (passing) 5240, 5292, 5299, 5276, 5293, 7536, 7560, 7612, Cl.31:- 5682, Cl.37:- 6778 Cl.20:- 8015+8115, Tyseley Steam:- 1247, 5428 Cl.47:- 1701, 1746, 1944 Cl.08:- 3582, 3908, 3952 Cl.25:- 7537, 7561, 7621, DMU:- 50055+59023+50116, 50056+59018+50098, 50057+59001+50097, 50085+59338+50127, 50306+59125+50326, 50314+59117+50332, 56295+59014, 56296 Burton Wagon Works Cl.08:- 3790 Burton 16F Cl.08:- 3050, 3059, Cl.37:- 6821 Cl.20:- 8003+8165, 8035+8147, 8062+8157, 8135+8153, 8151+8176, 8158+8192, Derby RTC Cl.42:- 832 APT-E Cl.08:- 3570 Cl.23:- 5901 Cl.28:- S15705 DB975010 DB975018+DB975019 DB975086 2038 (2-Bil) Derby Etches Park Cl.45/46:- 28, 100 Cl.47:- 1622, 1802, Cl.03:- 2397, 2399, Cl.08:- 3082, 3090, 3246, 3351, 3426, 3577, 3578, 3782, 3910, 4138, Cl.24:- 5049, 5055, 5059, 5060, Cl.25:- 5145, 5218, Cl.20:- 8039, 8071, 8196, DMU:- M56237 Westhouses S.P. Cl.47:- 1808, 1809, Cl.08:- 3505 Cl.20:- 8011, 8013, 8043, 8063, 8073, 8077, 8111, 8122, 8150, 8152, 8155, 8160, 8161, 8163, 8175, 8188, 8189, 8195, Toton Cl.44:- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, Cl.45/46:- 36, 37, 45, 50, 62, 75, 83, 90, 95, 102, 108, 114, 117, 119, 126, 128, 131, 45104, 45109 Cl.47:- 1565, 1803, 1804, 1807, 1811, 1812, 1834, 1851, 1852, Cl.08:- 3029, 3039, 3044, 3056, 3345, 3362, 3363, 3514, 3788, 3789, 3852, 3997, Cl.31:- 5852, Cl.25:- 7595, Cl.20:- 8002, 8008, 8009, 8036, 8038, 8044, 8045, 8064, 8067, 8075, 8081, 8114, 8134, 8137, 8138, 8140, 8142, 8144, 8145, 8146, 8148, 8149, 8154, 8156, 8170, 8172, 8173, 8180, 8186, 8187, 8190, 8193, 8194, Nottingham Cl.45/46:- 44, 67, 75+126, 122, 148, 153 Cl.47:- 1806, 1810, Cl.08:- 3404, 3909 Cl.25:- 5235, 5241, 5244, 5246, 7617 Cl.31:- 5567, Cl.20:- 8001, 8006, 8016, 8037, 8040, 8047, 8066, 8070, 8076, 8139, 8141, 8143, 8162, 8164, 8166, 8168, 8171, 8177, 8178, 8199 Coalville (Mantle Lane). Cl.08:- 3025 Cl.20:- 8012, 8014, 8042, 8069, 8072, 8087, 8136, 8167, 8181, 8182, 8183, 8198, Nuneaton Cl.08:- 3020, 3576 Cl..25:- 5164, 5248, Cl.85:- E3086, Cl.86:- E3126 Gloucester 85B Cl.45/46:- 30 Cl.08:- 3010, 3114, 3173, 3601, 3964, 3993, 4025, 4175 Cl.37:- 6879 Cl.25:- 7504, 7508

We all had to start somewhere..........................

As a devout Cardiff City supporter for the last forty years, I must report the passing of the greatest player the club has seen in my lifetime so far. . . Legendary Cardiff City striker Brian Clark has died, aged 67. Clark will always be remembered for scoring the Bluebirds' goal in a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in the 1971 European Cup Winners Cup quarter-final first leg at Ninian Park. He signed for Cardiff in 1968 when then manager Jimmy Scoular paid Huddersfield Town £8,000 for his services. Clark went on to form a lethal partnership with John Toshack and was the club's top scorer for three consecutive seasons before being sold to Bournemouth for £100,000. The Bristol-born marksman returned to Ninian Park for a second spell with the Bluebirds in 1975, helping them win promotion to the old Division Two. Clark had been unwell for some time. Brian R cardiff

Here's another shot, taken on the same day as the parcels unit at Reading. . L708 arriving at Didcot, brings up the rear of two units on a working from Paddington. . Brian R

At last I have found it. . Taken at Reading in the summer of 1974 (I believe), with a DPU, wired GUV,Cl.116 DMS and a SR PMV ? . Brian R

Simon, . IIRC 09013 arrived at Canton from the SR in the late 80s, and in March, 1989 was still in standard BR blue. It was repainted grey in the early early 90s and was definitely in grey livery by Oct. 1999, whilst at Margam.(IIRC RailEx magazine 'may' have covered the livery in one of their 'Retrospectrum' series, which would have the actual repaint date). . The BR(SR) high level brake piping was removed from this loco by Nov. 2003, and by which time it had been spruced up, with what appeared to be a new coat of grey, and a dark grey bonnet and cab roof. It had also lost the Canton depot plaques and acquired gold coloured EWS 'beasties' logos on the cab and bonnet sides. From 2003 until at least 2007 the loco was used in the South West, around Plymouth mainly. . The loco once carried the name 'Val' for some time, after Val Newman, a fitter at Canton. . Brian R. . PS Good Luck Leon.

Do these WR examples form 1979, mid way through your quoted period help ? . SET.....DMB.....TF......TF..............TS......TS......TS......TS......DMB.....Date 253007 43014 41015 41016 40007 42090 42021 42022 42023 43120 02/05/1979 253010 43020 41021 41022 40010 42093 42030 42031 42032 43021 15/05/1979 253013 43027 41051 41052 40309 42076 42075 42077 42108 43026 02/05/1979 253014 43029 41029 41030 40014 42097 42042 42043 42044 43028 01/09/1979 253015 43127 41031 41032 40304 42098 42045 42046 42047 43031 28/08/1979 253017 43120 41036 41035 40305 42053 42052 42051 42100 43035 15/05/1979 253020 43040 41041 41042 40017 42103 42061 42060 42062 43041 01/09/1979 253022 43016 41017 41018 40303 42091 42024 42025 42026 43017 01/09/1979 253023 43120 41048 41047 40308 42070 42071 42106 42069 43046 01/09/1979 253024 43048 41050 41049 40004 42074 42072 42107 42073 43049 15/05/1979 253027 43030 41056 41055 40323 42110 42082 42083 42081 43019 28/08/1979 253028 43125 41122 41121 40322 42253 42251 42252 42254 43126 18/08/1979 . Brian R

I can understand, you've had 'things on your plate' - I can't remember that far back (being newly married) - or perhaps I don't want to ! . Yes, we still meet once a month, at 'The Plough' Whitchurch, if you're interesetd, I'll copy you in on the next date. . Brian

Welcome back Leon ........ some of the local RMWeb members were thinking of 'phoning Llanishen Police Station to report you missing ! . Brian R

The two London area Cl.116 power cars that were used for parcels/mail services were 50819 and 50872. . IIRC they were plain blue and branded "Rail Express Parcels" mid way along the vehicle (I stand to be corrected here). . They were generally used singly, each with one of the Cl.128 DPU's and regularly had at least one, may be two vans in tow. I have a photo somewhere of such a combo at Reading circa 1974/75. . Another parcels conversion was the "Railair Parcels" unit which was formed of two Cl.116 power cars and two through wired GUV vans, formed thus:- 51137+86174+86572+51150. . I recall seeing the unit working off Bristol, St. Phillip's Marsh/Marsh Jct. but it had also worked from the London area. . The Cl.123 'Inter City' units did work in mixed green/blue-grey liveries for a time. I believe there's photo evidence of such a blend. ALSO I recall seeing some, if not all five of, the Cl.123 buffet trailers 59828 - 59832 stabled after withdrawl alongside Barry Dock station. I do not know their ultimate fate, ie were they cut by Woodhams nearby, or did they go elsewhere ? . I have yet to see reported here the original set numbers for the Cl.119 units, which at the turn of the 70s worked mainly in the 'B' Bristol and 'P' Plymouth districts. These units were eventually allocated set numbers in the 571-585 (or 586 ?) series with a 'B' or 'P' prefix as appropriate. . However I recorded 51054+59413+51082 as set "BL522" on Marsh Jct. 22/02/71; this set was renumbered B572 by 13/11/71 AND I recorded 51056+59415+51084 as B524 on 13/03/71, yet was renumbered B574 by 23/10/71. . Similarly, on 24/04/71 51072+59431+51085 were running as "P593" which appears out of sequence.. . Moving on, my spotting notes for the early 1970s show the following "C" Cardiff area 2-car Cl.120 units, ostensibly reduced for use on the central Wales line (now re-marketed as the Heart of Wales !). C600 50664 + 50702 recorded 31/05/1971 C601 50672 + 50722 recorded 21/06/1971 C602 50649 + 50698 recorded 04/07/1971 C603 50673 + 50724 recorded 31/05/1971 C604 50681 + 50701 recorded 01/05/1971 C605 50686 + 50733 recorded ? As I remarked previously, I found all this interesting - I wonder what other less enlightened members of society would make of it ? . Brian R

I recall the Park Royal Cl.103 units working in South Wales, but not their actual duties. . One summer evening I was leaving the home of my (then) current sweetheart when one set rumbled past on the SWML toward Cardiff (between St.fagans and Ely). . I found it difficult to keep my cool, and retain any form of street cred ! . Last I heard Janet had moved to the Worcester area ! Brian R

Just to show there is the exception to almost every rule....... . As I mentioned above, during the early 1970s it was found that the timekeeping of the Cl.120 Swindon Cross Country units employed on the cardiff - Crewe service via the 'North & West' route was poor, due to the power to weight ratio of the units involved. . The problem was alleviated by attaching a Canton 'bubble car' to the Cl.120 sets to act as a 'booster'. generally the 'bubble car' was locked and marked as being out of use, due to the lack of toilet facilities. . As there wasn't always a 'bubble car' available Cl.116 cars 50090 & 50132 were also used as 'booster' cars, and were given set numbers in the 1xx series also, 50090 and 50132 were in use as a 'twin unit' at Swansea on 02/09/71 but the set was disbanded soon after with 50090 being"Set 101" on 23/10/71 and by 07/11/71 was "Set 104". . Some of my North & West sightings are; 50132 50648 59296 50706 20/03/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 55026 50660 59266 50729 05/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 50132 50693 59299 50738 05/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 55023 50679 59291 50723 12/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 50660 59266 50729 55024 50674 59278 50723 13/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 50132 50683 59294 50735 13/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 55026 50693 59299 50738 16/04/1971 Crewe - Cardiff 55026 50648 59296 50706 16/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 55025 50693 59299 50738 50647 59265 50705 24/04/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 55025 50705 59265 50647 50132 01/05/1971 Cardiff - Crewe 55026 50729 59266 50660 01/05/1971 Cardiff - Crewe In addition, the Cl.103 Park Royal units that were transferred to the WR were allocated set numbers in the 2xx series, but I don't recall them being displayed when I saw the units (again notes to be checked). . In later years (1980s), the set to monitor was always C309 which, ostensibly a Cl.116 unit, lost its' centre trailer during Sprinterisation in South Wales, when the Cl.116 units that were retained were reduced to 'power'twins' in an effort to keep up with Sprinter (150/2) timings. C309 would be reformed almost at will, with Cl.101 or 108 centre cars and was a bit of a local celebrity. . Like Chris, I too find it interesting. . Brian R

From my variety of notes, the original WR Cl.116 sets were allegedly formed as; ORIGINAL SET FORMATIONS MBS TC/TS MS TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50050 59000 50092 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50051 59001 50093 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50052 59002 50094 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50053 59003 50095 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50054 59004 50096 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50055 59005 50097 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50056 59006 50098 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50057 59007 50099 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50058 59008 50100 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50059 59009 50101 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50060 59010 50102 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50061 59011 50103 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50062 59012 50104 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50063 59013 50105 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50064 59014 50106 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50065 59015 50107 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50066 59016 50108 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50067 59017 50109 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50068 59018 50110 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50069 59019 50111 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50070 59020 50112 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50071 59021 50113 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50072 59022 50114 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50073 59023 50115 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50074 59024 50116 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50075 59025 50117 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50076 59026 50118 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50077 59027 50119 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50078 59028 50120 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50079 59029 50121 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50080 59030 50122 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50081 59031 50123 TC- Birmingham area set (later) 50082 59032 50124 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50083 59033 50125 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50084 59034 50126 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50085 59035 50127 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50086 59036 50128 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50087 59037 50129 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50088 59038 50130 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50089 59039 50131 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50090 59040 50132 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50091 59041 50133 TS - Cardiff Valleys set 50818 59326 50871 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50819 59327 50872 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50820 59328 50873 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50821 59329 50874 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50822 59330 50875 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50823 59331 50876 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50824 59332 50877 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50825 59333 50878 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50826 59334 50879 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50827 59335 50880 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50828 59336 50881 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50829 59337 50882 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50830 59338 50883 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50831 59339 50884 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50832 59340 50885 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50833 59341 50886 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50834 59342 50887 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50835 59343 50888 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50836 59344 50889 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50837 59345 50890 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50838 59346 50891 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50839 59347 50892 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50840 59348 50893 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50841 59349 50894 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50842 59350 50895 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50843 59351 50896 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50844 59352 50897 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50845 59353 50898 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50846 59354 50899 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50847 59355 50900 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50848 59356 50901 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50849 59357 50902 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50850 59358 50903 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50851 59359 50904 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50852 59360 50905 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50853 59361 50906 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50854 59362 50907 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50855 59363 50908 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50856 59364 50909 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50857 59365 50910 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50858 59366 50911 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50859 59367 50912 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50860 59368 50913 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50861 59369 50914 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50862 59370 50915 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50863 59371 50916 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50864 59372 50917 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50865 59373 50918 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50866 59374 50919 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50867 59375 50920 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50868 59376 50921 TC-Birmingham/Cardiff Valleys set 50869 n/a 50922 2x car Cardiff Valleys set 50870 n/a 50923 2x car Cardiff Valleys set 51128 59438 51141 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51129 59439 51142 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51130 59440 51143 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51131 59441 51144 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51132 59442 51145 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51133 59443 51146 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51134 59444 51147 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51135 59445 51148 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51136 59446 51149 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51137 59447 51150 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51138 59448 51151 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51139 59449 51152 TC - Cardiff Valleys set 51140 59450 51153 TC - Cardiff Valleys set ............................. Later, they began to be reformed, for a variety of reasons, and also 'set' numbers were introduced as an aid to operating procedures. CV = Cardiff Valeys, PLY = 'that's a hard one ?' SET MBS TS / TC* MS REMARKS CV303 50080 59030* 50122 CV306 50081 59031* 50123 CV344 50082 50083 50125 CV3xx 50084 59373* 50126 50085 59338* 50127 CV308 50086 59036 50128 CV317 50087 59037 50129 CV314 50088 59362* 50130 CV318 50089 59373* 50131 CV3xx 50090 50132 CV310 50091 59041 50133 CV307 50820 50083 CV321 50834 59038 50887 CV337 50836 59344* 50889 CV319 50839 59347* 50892 CV328 50842 59350* 50895 CV323 50843 59355* 50896 CV329 50844 59335* 50897 CV315 50845 59353* 50898 CV313 50847 59040* 50900 CV314 50848 59356* 50901 CV331 50851 59359* 50904 CV302 50855 59363* 50908 CV338 50856 59364* 50909 CV305 50857 59368* 50910 CV346 50858 59366* 50911 CV313 50863 59371* 50916 CV351 50864 59369* 50917 CV327 50866 59374* 50919 CV316 50867 59375* 50920 59375 to TS by 1970 at latest PLY357 50868 59365* 50918 CV309 50869 59035 50922 CV330 51128 59357* 51141 51129 59439* 51142 to Birmingham area @ 1971 51130 59440* 50108 to Birmingham area @ 1971 51131 59441* 51144 to Birmingham area @ 1971 CV311 51132 59034 51145 51133 59443* 51146 to Birmingham area @ 1971 CV304 51134 59444* 51147 59444 still officially TC 1978 CV300 51135 59445* 51148 59445 still officially TC 1978 CV301 51136 59446* 51149 59446 still officially TC 1978 51137 51150 Railair Parcels with 86174+86572 CV353 51138 59448* 51151 CV312 51139 59033 51152 CV304 51140 59032 51153

I noted a seven car London area 117 set at Newton Abbot shed Sunday 22/08/71 . (51335+59487+59543+51377)+(51414+59479+51372) . This included one of the Met-Cam trailers. . 20th. March, 1971 I recorded the following at Cardiff General. . Cl.120 50668+59275+50721, Cl.116 50836+59344+50889, 50842+59350+50895, 50843+59355+50896, 51135+59445+51148 Cl.119 51052+59292+51080, 51062+59421+51090, Cl.118 51303+59470+51318, Cl.120/121 or 116 units on the North & West services between Cardiff and Crewe included (50648+59296+50706)+50132 (50660+59266+50729)+55023 The 121/116 cars were generall locked out of use and were included to provide additional power. . Brian R

I recall the Cl.123 units working Paddington - Minehead and Oxford - Minehead summer (Saturday) dated workings circa 1969/70 (lost that particular notebook), workings that had also previously been Hymek hauled. . I recall in later years, 1987, Cl.37/4s working Milford Haven / Swansea and Cardiff - Bristol trains, and also Cardiff - Pompey trains as far as Temple Meads where Cl.33s would take over for the run to the South Coast. During 1987-88 some Bristol - Cardiff portions of Pompey workings were Cl.50 hauled, especially in 1988 the 1V85 1710 ex Pompey Harbour. As for Cl.31s on the South Wales - South Coast axis. Monday 14th. May, 1979, 31286 arrived at Cardiff Central on a then daily parcels working which (IIRC) originated at Swindon. . Having shunted the motley collection of BR GUV/CCT ex-LMS 'B' and former SR vans into "8 and 9" the Cl.31 headed light to Canton and collected stock for a Cardiff - Portsmouth working. . The following day I snapped 31414 on a Pompey - Cardiff working (poor quality, but it includes Canton set C453 in the white 'refurbished' livery). . Brian R

Ahh DEMU - I had an 'approach' to attend with Marc but as my daughter was delivered of twin boys on Wednesday, and they are in the Special care Baby Unit at PoWH Bridgend for monitoring their blood-sugar levels, I had to decline.. . Enjoy DEMU, there will be an exam on it when I see you next week, and the passmark is high !. . Brian