BATH RAILWAY SOCIETY

President: Pete Waterman OBE DL

Chairman: John Froud    

 Email: bathrailwaysociety@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER  2025  NEWSLETTER

Dear Member,

SOCIETY MATTERS

Welcome back for our 2025/26 season which starts on Thursday September 4 at the Bath Museum of Work at 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm. The guest speaker for our first meeting will be Bob Tiller who will be presenting ‘GB Railfreight (GBRf): Locomotives and the future of diesel traction’. GBRf has the biggest portfolio of freight operations in Britain using mostly Class 66 diesels. They also operate Class 69s and the older Class 47s & 57s plus Class 92 electrics. The continued growth of GBRf needs to fit in with the latest emissions regulations and environmental issues. This should be a most informative meeting. 

Regarding subscriptions, these are now due for the 2025/26 season, and they remain at £22. (£32 for those who receive the newsletter by post). A new bank account has now been set up with NatWest, and this is Number 79725570, Sort Code 55 70 31. The account name is still Bath Railway Society. A Bank transfer is the preferred method of payment, and please put your surname in the reference box. Please note, our old account with Lloyds Bank is now closed, so please do not attempt to use this. 

We are sorry to announce the passing of two of our members during the summer. As previously notified, Ken Ayers passed away on July 12th, and we have now learnt from the daughter of Jerry Wilkes that he has passed away following a short illness. Jerry loved his railways and was a keen member of a number of societies such as the BRS. Our condolences go to both families.

NEWS ITEMS

The DfT has given the go ahead for two new stations, one in Devon and the other in Somerset. Cullompton and Wellington stations are due to open in late 2026, with an estimated cost for the two being £45M.

Network Rail is going to refurbish the circa 1841 built Brunel footbridge in Sydney Gardens in Bath. It is a rare piece of Victorian engineering spanning the Great Western Railway and it is the only remaining cast iron footbridge by Isambard Kingdom Brunel on the line from Bristol to London. The Grade 11 listed single-span overbridge carries a public footpath over the railway.

The Severn Valley Railway is holding its Autumn Steam Gala for four days from September 18 – 21. The gala will feature visiting SR ‘Merchant Navy’ 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S N Co., the first of its class to visit the SVR, and 73082 Camelot. Home fleet locomotives will be GWR 813 (appearing as NCB 11), GWRs 1450 (operating a push-pull train), 4930 Hagley Hall, 7714, 7802 Bradley Manor, LMS 13268 and BR Standard 75069. Overnight running will take place on the Friday and Saturday night, and trains will operate continuously for 60 hours from 7.30am on Friday morning, until 7.30pm on Sunday evening, The night trains will include two loco-hauled sets, calling at every station, with trains crossing at Arley. See the SVR website for further information.

The Swanage Railway is holding a Steam Gala between September 12 and 14. It will feature guest locomotives S15, 30506, and Schools Class 926 ‘Repton’ plus home fleet 563, 31806, 34070 ‘Manston’ and 34072 ‘257 Squadron’. Brake van rides will be available plus a freight train will operate during the intensive timetable. Some services will operate beyond Norden to the Network Rail boundary. For full details see the Railway’s website.

A history talk will be taking place at the Somer Centre, Midsomer Norton, on Tuesday September 2 at 7.30pm. Richard Ellam will give a talk about the 200th Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Entrance is £5 and further details are available on 01761 437722. The talk will look at how the coming of the railways impacted on the everyday lives of the Victorians.

MEMBERS CONTRIBUTION 

Mike Dodd has kindly put together a resumé of the Society’s visit to the Western Locomotive Association at Kidderminster on June 11. 

The sunny but humid day saw members meet at Kidderminster Station, SVR for our Society's visit to the Western Locomotive Associations depot and locomotives.

Paul Finch, Chairman and all things Class 52 aficionado was our guide along with 3 WLA volunteers.

After a safety brief and introduction, we were taken to the diesel depot where the superb facilities are shared between several heritage diesel groups. Along with the WLAs D1013 "Western Ranger" currently undergoing heavy overhaul were examples of classes 50,46,08 and a hydrogen powered 08.

D1013 was partially lifted on the large loco hoist with one bogie removed affording a rare view underneath, adjacent to the loco was the removed bogie and final drive components. Paul told us that D1013 was nearing the end of a protracted overhaul taking many years but may return to traffic next year.

After a thorough tour of the depot with Paul and his team patiently answering many questions we made our way outside into the yard where examples of classes 40,20,58,50 35,37 and of course more recently arrived D1048 "Western Lady" were to be seen. "Lady" is now under the care of the WLA and hopefully may run again one day. Externally the loco looks in good condition, Paul explained that she is currently being electrically and mechanically surveyed but of course things are at an early stage and the loco would need overhauling. Of interest on one end the loco carries a small wreath and headboard disc similar to those carried by D1048 on the "Western Lament" rail tour of 24/2/77- the last single headed class 52 powered train to travel from Paddington via the Berks. and Hants. route to Castle Cary.

At this point the yard shunter class 08 D4100 whistled a warning and disappeared behind the extensive carriage shed, a few minutes later returning hauling D1062 "Western Courier"which had been hiding out of sight. "Courier" had recently completed 9 continuous days of running on service trains. After the 08 had departed we were able in small groups to climb aboard and inspect the cab and very cramped engine room. Climbing into the cab from track level we all commented on how tight it was squeezing through the doorway into the gangway between the two bulkheads. A further squeeze was necessary through the heavily insulated cab door before entering the cab. The view forward is excellent through the two deep windscreens although apparent was the greenhouse like conditions on such a warm day- a common complaint from crews back in the day!

Following the cab visit we entered the confines of the engine room, as well as admiring the two Maybach engines we noted the gap amidships where the Spanner boiler was originally situated. Bizarrely a toilet was provided for crews extremely close to the boiler, the body side window adjacent to the loo being opaque for privacy! Legend has it that these toilets were never used in practice due to the location!

After a thorough inspection of D1062 and more questions for our hosts we retraced our steps. As an added treat Paul also ensured that during our visit we found ourselves linside for the arrival and departure of another hydraulic icon "Warship" class 42 D821 "Greyhound" which was powering one of the service trains.

At the end of the tour Paul had one more surprise for us. Inside a shipping container holding spare parts proudly displayed on the wall was the large "Western Tribute" headboard carried by D1023"Western Fusilier" and D1013 "Western Ranger" on the final farewell of 26/2/77, this had kindly been donated to the WLA by the owner.

Paul said that the WLA would dearly like to reunite D1023 with D1013 for the 50th anniversary of this in 2027. Let us hope this happens.

All in all, a wonderful visit, many thanks to Paul and his team and to Richard our Treasurer for volunteering to lead our party on the day and arranging a collection on the day which he presented to Paul Finch at the conclusion of the visit.     

The BRS party at Kidderminster. Our thanks to Mike for the article and pictures

MORE NEWS ITEMS

Wiltshire County Council has received at grant of £50,000 from Great Western Railway to enhance the passenger experience at Bedwyn station on the Berks & Hants line. A new bus shelter, waiting area and cycle parking are to be provided. The money has been given by GWR from its Customer and Community Improvement funding scheme. 

It has been announced that the final funding for the construction of Charfield Station has been approved by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and it is therefore moving into the main construction phase of the project. This will include the building of the station, including the footbridge and platforms, plus works to provide the station forecourt and the southern car park. Improvements to Station Road, which include the widening of the carriageway and footpaths will also take place. These works were due to start in August and will be carried out in stages. The new station is now expected to open to the public in spring of 2027. A drop-in event for residents and other interested parties, to find out more about project, will take place at Charfield Village Hall, Wotton Road, GL12 8TG on Thursday, September 18, between 3pm and 7pm. The project team, including representatives from Network Rail, Octavius and South Gloucestershire Council, will be available to discuss the construction phases and answer any questions.

The annual Bournemouth & Poole Preservation Club’s Classic Steam & Vehicle Show takes place from Friday September 5 to 7 incl. This year it is at a new location besides the Swanage Railway’s Norden Station. BH20 5DW. There is a free car park in the show field and its just a 2-minute walk from the railway station. This is a much larger venue, in a flat field, than the previous shows held at Harmans Cross. Money raised at the weekend will be donated to Swanage Railway.

The Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton is celebrating RAIL 200 on September 28. All the home fleet will be in action giving you a chance to ride in a variety of trains.  The Class 107 DMU will be running and alternating with the Mk 1 coaches top and tailed by D1120 and the 08 shunter D4095.  Trains will run every 30 minutes from the Down Platform, returning to the Up Platform.  In between services there will be train movements in the station as the train on the Up Platform is moved to the Down, ready for the next service. Also, the museum will be open, along with the WW2 Pill Box and Anderson Shelter.  Refreshments will be available from the Buffet, and the shop and The Emporium (second-hand book shop & model railway store) will be open. Gala Tickets allow you to travel on all the different trains throughout the day (subject to space).  These can be booked online.

The East Somerset Railway are running their popular Diesel and Burger Evenings on September 12 (Also October 25) from 1800 to 2000hrs. The price includes the train ride, food and drink. (Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available). You will be served a 100% Beef burger and chips with a drink, all prepared by the Station Café, while travelling up and down the line. Beer, cider or soft drink option will be available. For full details and bookings, visit the ESR website.

Charterhouse Auctions in Sherborne are selling a lifetime’s collection of Railwayana in a single owner auction sale on Monday, September 1. There are literally thousands of items including station and other enamel signs, cast iron signs, uniforms, porter and train whistles, punch machines, lamps, ticket machines and much more. Details: https://charterhouse-antiques.com/a-lifetime-collection-of-railwayana

COMPETITION    

The BR Standard Class 7’s, the Britannia Class, were 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive designed under Robert Riddles for use by British Railways for mixed-traffic duties. 55 were constructed between 1951 and 1954 at Crewe Works, before the publication of the 1955 Modernisation Plan. Two of the class survived into preservation, these being 70000 Britannia, and 70013 Oliver Cromwell. The names of the class were taken from great Britons, former Star class locomotives, and Scottish firths and in this competition, you have to rearrange the letters of the two words to give you the correct name. The answer will be given in the October newsletter. There are no prizes, it’s just for fun.

DRDRYUA    GPLKNII

LOOKING BACK

40 years ago, during September 1985, as part of the GW 150 celebrations, steam was used on a number of special trains. On September 1 6000 King George V and BR Std 75069 were used on specials between Swindon and Gloucester and return. Then on September 15, 46443 worked three round trips from Bristol TM to Portishead. Also on September 1, Castle Class locos 7029 and 5051 worked a return special ‘The Great Western Limited’ from Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads. Here Class 47 - 47 484 took over to return the train to London Paddington via Bath Spa.

On September 16, 1995, Lancaster Rail Tours ran ‘The Armada’ from Carlise through to Plymouth. This was hauled throughout there and back by Class 47 – 47 476 of Bescot shed. Some passengers were due to be set down at Bristol Temple Meads, but the train was wrongly signalled onto one of the through roads, so they had to stay aboard until Bedminster where an additional stop was made and returned to Temple Meads on a service train formed of Class 143 - 143619. 

MORE NEWS ITEMS

The Swindon & Cricklade Railway will be holding a RAIL 200 Gala on September 19 to 21 inclusive. This will feature visiting prairie tank 4144 from the Didcot Railway Centre plus home fleet locomotives including Class 73 – E6003 'Sir Herbert Walker', a Class 119/1 DMMU, PWM 651 and more. There will be an intensive timetable on all three days of the event, and the café and shop will also be open. Full details are on the Railway’s website.

The Salisbury and South Wilts Railway Society are staging Railex 2025 at the Michael Herbert Hall, South Street, Wilton, Wiltshire on Saturday September 20 from 10am to 4.30pm. 14 layouts are due to attend plus two trade stalls and light refreshments are available. Admission is £5 for adults. The PR3 bus service picks up from the stop just under the railway bridge of Salisbury Station (turn left out of train Station), and travels via the park and ride to Bulbridge. There is a bus stop outside Michael Herbert Hall. Further details 07718 952517

Our meeting venue, the Museum of Bath at Work is holding an Open Day on September 13, 2025. It is opening its doors for all, and you can expect children’s activities, two new pop-up exhibitions and an opportunity to have your say on the direction of the Museum in the future. During the day the Museum will be putting on fun opportunities so you can let them know what you think needs to stay the same, what needs to adapt, and what may be time to go. It is the beginning of a 3-year piece of funding to change the Museum for the better, whilst not losing any of its historic charm, and they want to hear your views. The opening times will be from 1030-1700, with a tour taking place at 1100. Pre-booking for the Open Day is not required.

LOOKING FORWARD

Our next meeting be on October 2 when Matthew Pinto will give a talk about ‘Milk on the Rails’. More details in the next newsletter. 

If you can pay your subscriptions in advance of the September meeting, it would be appreciated. Details on the first page of the newsletter.

Bob Bunyar

Newsletter Editor

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