Also see Jim Irwin's Gloucestershire Railway Memories 'Gloucester Horton Road Fireman - 1965'
DIARY OF A TEENAGE RAILWAYMAN
1965
JANUARY 1965
Friday, 1st January I booked on duty at 10.25 pm with driver G.Nicholas and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Llandilo yard to Woodford Halse yard semi fitted freight. On arrival, we relieved Cardiff East Dock men on 48215 of 16E Kirkby in Ashfield and worked the train to Honeybourne. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. On arrival we changed footplates and shovels with Woodford Halse men on a Woodford Halse to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight train in the south loops behind 48479 of 1A Willesden. We worked to Gloucester South Junction where Horton Road men relieved us, then walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 8.00am.
Tuesday, 5th January on duty at 10.30am with driver V. Bailey and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Washwood Heath to Cardiff Tidal sidings semi fitted freight. On arrival we relieved Saltley men on a Brush Type 4, with me acting as secondman we worked this to its destination. On arrival, we were uncoupled, ran light engine to Cardiff Canton depot, and stabled the engine on the track next to the fuel tanks. We walked to the enginemen’s cabin by the diesel depot to await the arrival of a Neath to Whitemoor fully fitted express freight. On arrival we relieved Neath men on 6973 'Bricklehampton Hall' of 87A and as we travelled north my driver indicated to me that we should top up the water in the tender using the Maindee water troughs situated on the main line between Cardiff and Newport. My driver signalled that we were approaching the troughs so I wound down the tender water scoop rapidly to capture as much water as possible and then retracted the scoop once we had passed. This was the first and only time I had filled the tender whilst on the move using the water scoop. We worked to Gloucester Central where Saltley men relieved us. The engine steamed well but used a lot of coal as some of the fire bars had burned through on the firebox grate allowing parts of the fire to disappear into the ashpan. We walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 7.15pm.
Wednesday, I booked on at 9.30am with no booked driver as spare on shed and waited for instructions from the foreman in the enginemen’s mess room. I was able to go home for dinner as there was no work and on my return, the foreman gave me a job to prepare a steam engine for service and booked off duty at 5.00pm.
Thursday was a repeat of Tuesday, to Cardiff with a Brush Type 4 and return on the Neath – Whitemoor with 92120 of 15A Leicester.
Friday, I booked on duty at 9.30am with driver C. Pegler and walked to Central to travel on the next passenger train stopping at Stroud. On arrival, we relieved Horton Road men on 7808 'Cookham Manor' in the bay platform at the station. We then shunted Stroud yard, moved wagons into the goods shed, and on completion ran light to Brimscombe engine shed to provide banking assistance on the Sapperton Incline. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. Later in the same day, we returned to the bay platform at Stroud to await relief from Horton Road men who arrived on a passenger train. We then travelled back to Gloucester on the next passenger train and walked back to the shed to book off duty at 7.30pm.
Saturday, on duty at 10.00am with driver D.Cadmore and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await further instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction enginemen’s cabin to work an Avonmouth to Rowley Regis fully fitted loaded oil tank train. On arrival, we relieved Bristol Barrow Road men on 92100 of 15A. This engine had an Eastern Region fitted oven door to the firebox with a small flap in it to get a small shovel through. My driver helped me by opening the door to put coal on the fire, as the large Western shovel was not ideal for the small flap. The engine steamed well and was in good condition. On arrival at Worcester yard, we were relieved on the footplate by Worcester men with the train routed to run via Stourbridge Junction into Birmingham. There was no back working so we walked to Worcester Shrub Hill , travelled back to Gloucester Eastgate as passengers, and then booked off duty at the shed at 8.00pm.
Sunday, I booked on duty at 11.00am with driver R.Sheppard and walked to Gloucester South Junction enginemen’s cabin to await the arrival of our rostered job a Burton-on-Trent to Bristol West Depot loose coupled loaded coal train. On arrival, we relieved Burton men on BR Standard 5MT 73003 of 82E. We worked this to Bristol West Depot avoiding Temple Meads station by running east at Doctor Day’s Junction and then passed St Philip's Marsh before joining the main lines south of the station. On arrival, we were uncoupled and ran light engine through Temple Meads station and up the ex Midland line to Barrow Road shed. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well on this train. I noted on the shed today an WD Austerity 90677 of 50B Hull Dairycoates. With no back working we walked to Temple Meads to travel back to Gloucester Eastgate on the next passenger train. We then walked back to Horton Road shed to book off duty at 9.00pm.
Monday, 11th January I booked on at 4.05pm with driver D .Green and walked to Central station with another Horton Road crew. We travelled on a passenger train to Lydney and relieved Lydney men on 4698 which had worked local freights on the Coleford and Parkend branch. We shunted Lydney goods yard making up a freight to work back to Gloucester New Yard with the loco from the Cinderford branch, which was 8745. We worked this train double headed to Gloucester New Yard, stopping at Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings to deliver some wagons. On arrival at New Yard, we uncoupled from the train and ran light engines still coupled to shed. The engine steamed and performed well and we booked off duty 12.35am.
Tuesday, on at 4.05pm with driver T. Bartlett for similar duties to Monday. Today 8745 had been on the Coleford branch and 4698 on the Cinderford working. As on Monday we doubleheaded back to Gloucester. 8745 steamed and performed well and we booked off duty at 1.35am.
Thursday was a repeat of Monday, with driver G. Nicholas.
Friday, same again with driver G. Nicholas, we had 8745 with the other crew on 4698 back to Gloucester. 8745 steamed and performed well and we booked off duty at 12.00am.
Saturday, on duty at 4.21pm with driver G. Nicholas for our rostered job, which was a cancelled Severn Tunnel Junction to Woodford Halse freight. Gloucester Area Traffic Control told us to walk to Eastgate station to travel as passengers to Worcester and then travel onto Honeybourne where we walked to the enginemen’s cabin at the loops and sidings only to find out from Honeybourne Area Control that the back working was also not running! Therefore, we travelled back to Gloucester via Worcester on passenger trains and then walked to Horton Road shed to book off duty.
Monday, 18th January 1965 I booked on duty at 1.40am with driver P.Jenkins, known as Pongo and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Washwood Heath to Cardiff Tidal sidings semi fitted freight. We relieved Saltley men on Brush Type 4 D1597 of 86A . We worked this train to its destination, uncoupled and then ran light engine to Cardiff Canton diesel depot. The back working, a Neath to Whitemoor freight, was cancelled so we walked to Cardiff General and travelled back to Gloucester Central on a passenger train and booked off duty at the shed. Noted at Cardiff station earlier in the day was BR Standard 7MT 70000 'Britannia' of 5A Crewe North on a Cardiff to Leeds express instead of the usual 'Hymek' at this time.
Tuesday was a repeat of Monday with D1713 of 86A on the Cardiff Tidal job. The Neath to Whitemoor freight was again cancelled so we walked to Cardiff General and travelled to Gloucester Central on a passenger train and booked off duty on arrival back at Horton Road shed.
Wednesday, we had D1729 of 86A on the Cardiff Tidal, but the return working was again cancelled, so back to Gloucester as passengers.
Friday, I booked on at 2.00am with driver J. Cambridge on shed duties today. We prepared for service 8436 of 85B for the Quedgeley local freight trips and 4698 for the Lydney freight. Also 2242 for the Sharpness freight, 5042 'Winchester Castle' for a Cheltenham to Cardiff passenger train of six coaches and 7813 'Freshford Manor' for an unknown working and booked off duty at 1.00pm.
Saturday, I booked on duty at 12.36am with driver A. Townsend as P Jenkins didn’t turn up for duty. We worked our rostered Washwood Heath to Cardiff Tidal sidings semi fitted freight with a Brush Type 4 diesel. The Neath to Whitemoor was again cancelled, therefore we travelled back to Gloucester on a passenger train, and booked off duty on arrival at Horton Road shed.
Sunday, I booked on at 2.00am with driver D.Panting and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Cardiff Tidal sidings to Stourbridge Junction semi fitted freight. We relieved Cardiff East Dock men on 6961 'Stedham Hall' of 81C Southall and worked this via the Honeybourne route to Worcester to be relieved by Worcester men. As there was no back working, we travelled from Worcester Shrub Hill to Gloucester Eastgate on a passenger train and booked off duty at Horton Road shed at 11.30am.
Monday, 25th January I booked on duty at 4.35pm with driver G. Nicholas to prepare for service 90069 of 41D Canklow and then travelled light engine to New Yard to couple up to the Severn Tunnel Junction pick-up freight. We worked this to its destination collecting wagons at Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings, Lydney yard and Chepstow yard. We were uncoupled at the Hump yard and then travelled light to Severn Tunnel Junction shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. I noted on shed two Pannier Tanks 3662 of 86B Newport Ebbw Junction and 9654 of 81F Oxford and Large Prairie Tank 4169 of 88B Radyr. The back working was to prepare 48056 of 16A Toton, and then run light engine to the Severn Tunnel Junction north yard. We coupled up to a Washwood Heath fitted freight and worked this to Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us. This engine was in ex-works condition and steamed well and we booked off duty at 4.15am.
Tuesday, on duty at 4.35pm with driver G.Nicholas and we prepared 3842 of 86E for the Severn Tunnel Junction pick-up freight which we worked as on Monday. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. Our back working was with 48718 of 2J Aston on the Washwood Heath fitted freight which we worked to Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us. This engine was in good condition and steamed well and we booked off duty at 3.15am.
Wednesday, with driver G. Nicholas we prepared and worked 7813 'Freshford Manor' of 81D Reading on the Severn Tunnel Junction pick-up. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. The back working was not running, so we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction north yard and travelled to Gloucester in the guard's van of a Birmingham bound freight. On arrival at Gloucester Central we walked to the shed and booked off duty at 5.15am.
Thursday was the same as Wednesday but with BR Standard 5MT 73093 of 85B The engine was in good condition and steamed well. The back working was not running again, so we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction north yard and travelled back to Gloucester in the guard's van of a Birmingham bound freight. On arrival at Gloucester Central we walked to the shed and booked of duty at 5.30am.
Friday was a repeat of Thursday with the loco being 73091, which was in good condition. Again we returned in a brake van.
I noted on Severn Tunnel Junction shed 3615 of 86E and 92174 of 36A Doncaster. Also 48334 of 16E and 48056 of 16A and Southern Class Z 30952 of 83D Exmouth Junction en route to a South Wales scrap yard.
Saturday,30th January, I booked on duty with driver P.Eskins for our rostered job a Severn Tunnel Junction to Woodford Halse freight, which was not running. We walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room and Area Traffic Control told us to travel to Honeybourne. We travelled via Worcester on passenger trains and then walked to the loops, and sidings from the station to await the arrival of an Irthlingborough yard, Wellingborough to Severn Tunnel Junction loaded loose-coupled coal train. We relieved Oxford men on 92236 of 88A and worked this train to Gloucester Central where Severn Tunnel Junction men relieved us. The engine did not steam well due to dirty boiler tubes and problems with the rocker grate jamming in the open position. We booked off duty at the shed at 12.00am, midnight.
FEBRUARY 1965
Monday, 1st February I booked on at 4.30am with driver H. Grant for our rostered job to prepare D4168. We then ran light engine to New Yard to carry out transfer freight workings between there, Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings and Barnwood yard as required. On completion of this work, we ran light to shed and booked off duty at 12.00pm. Noted on the shed was 90104 of 40E Colwick.
I had the same duty on Tuesday,Thursday, Friday and Saturday that week.
Sunday, I booked on duty at 10.45am with driver T.Knight and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job a Burton-on-Trent to Bristol West Depot loose-coupled loaded coal train. We relieved Burton-on-Trent men on 92123 of 15A Leicester and worked the train to its destination through Bristol Temple Meads. On arrival, we were uncoupled and ran light engine tender first to Barrow Road shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. There was no back working so we walked to Temple Meads, travelled back as passengers to Gloucester, and booked off duty at 8.00pm.
Monday, 8th February I booked on duty with driver A.Moxey and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival our rostered job a Pengam to Stourbridge Junction fully fitted express freight. We relieved Cardiff East Dock men on 92047of 8H Birkenhead and worked this train to its destination. On arrival, we were uncoupled and ran light to Stourbridge Junction shed. The engine was in ex-works condition and steamed well on this freight working. There was no back working, so we walked from the shed to the yard and travelled back in the guard's van of an Oxley to Cardiff freight. We left the train at Central station and booked off duty at 11.15pm at Horton Road.
Tuesday, I booked on duty at 2.22pm driver J .Lee and driver R.Langford who was to be the pilotman as driver Lee was not familiar with the route to South Wales, being a former Midland man from Barnwood shed. We walked to the enginemen’s waiting room at Central station to await the arrival of our rostered job a Woodford Halse to Severn Tunnel Junction mixed semi fitted freight. We relieved Horton Road men on 92114 of 9D Newton Heath and worked this train to its destination. The engine was in good condition and steamed well today. We uncoupled at the Hump yard and ran light engine to Severn Tunnel Junction shed where I noted 'Stanier Crab' 2-6-0 42982 of 5E Nuneaton along with a brand new English Electric Type 3 diesel D6952 of 86A . There was no back working so we walked to the station, returned to Gloucester on a passenger train, and booked off on the shed at 10.00pm.
Wednesday, I booked on duty at 3.00pm with driver T.Knight and walked to Central station to relieve Horton Road men on D3992, which was station pilot and carried out various shunting duties between the yards of Central and Eastgate stations as required. Horton Road men relieved us and we walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 10.15pm.
Thursday, I booked on duty with driver P.Preece and walked to Gloucester New Yard to await the arrival of a Bristol Barrow Road shed to Barry train of condemned steam engines from the Southern Region. We relieved Barrow Road men on 6847 'Tidmarsh Grange' of 88A . The dead condemned engines in tow were an unrebuilt 'Battle of Britain' 'Pacific' 34072 formerly named '257 Squadron', a 'West Country' 34092 formerly named 'City of Wells' and an Ivatt 2-6-2T 41303 all with side rods and nameplates removed. We worked this train at a restricted speed to the west side of Cardiff General station where Cardiff East Dock men relieved us for the final part of the journey to Barry. However, it is pleasing to note that the 'Pacifics' were saved for preservation in the 1970’s from Dai Woodham's Barry scrapyard and still exist today - unlike the train engine, which steamed well and was in reasonable condition. There was no back working, so we walked to Cardiff General station and caught the next passenger back to Gloucester Central station and booked off at Horton Road shed.
Friday, 12th February a rest day..............and now 17 years old I travelled from Gloucester to Bristol for a day out and noted on Barrow Road shed was a Southern Region 'West Country' 34099 formerly named 'Lynmouth' and class N mogul 31410 both en route to South Wales for scrapping. Also noted were two Black 5's 44713 of 5D Stoke on Trent, 45089 of 2F Bescot and 8F 48614 of 16E Kirby in Ashfield shed.
Saturday, back to work and I booked on duty with driver J.H.Gabb for our rostered job to prepare 92059 of 16A Toton and then run off shed light engine tender first. We ran via Eastgate yard to collect a guard and then off to Quedgeley sidings to collect a train of wagons loaded with Dow-Mac concrete railway sleepers to run as a semi fitted freight to Bromsgrove. On the journey, the signalman diverted us into the Eckington loop line to allow an express passenger train to pass by and I took this opportunity to clean out the ash pans to improve the flow of air to the fire, as this engine was not steaming as I would have liked. Whilst working on the engine at track level, I forgot that our train was about to be passed by the express passenger. Therefore, when I realised the imminent arrival of the 'Peak' hauled express I grabbed the one of the driving wheels of our engine. This preventative action avoided a possible accident with the express passing at very close proximity and at great speed, a near thing! The sleepers were required for track work on Sunday in the Bromsgrove area and we uncoupled in the yard and ran tender first to Worcester shed with the guard travelling with us on the footplate. There was no back working so we walked to Worcester Shrub Hill station to travel on a passenger train back to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off at the shed at 11.20pm.
Tuesday, 16th February I booked on at 1.40am with driver G. Nicholas for our rostered job a Grimsby to Stoke Gifford express freight that was not running. We walked to the Central station enginemen's waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control who gave us a job to relieve Saltley men on a Warrington to Avonmouth fully fitted empty tank train and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await its arrival. The train arrived behind 9F 92167 of 8H Birkenhead in ex- works condition and originally fitted with a Berkeley mechanical stoker but by now removed for economic reasons. We worked the train as far as Stoke Gifford where Barrow Road men who would take the train onto Avonmouth relieved us. There was no back working, so we caught a railway shuttle bus to Temple Meads to catch a train back to Eastgate station and book off duty at the shed.
Thursday, I booked on at 1.40am with driver D.Illot for our rostered job, a Grimsby to Bristol freight, which was again not running. The shed foreman gave us a job to prepare 73091 and then run light engine to Swindon to collect a number of condemned ex GWR engines plus a brake van. I did not record the numbers of the engines involved, although the train was bound for Cohen’s scrap yard in Newport. Other engines I noted in the yard at Swindon were Pannier Tanks 9457 formerly of 88B Radyr and 3753 formerly of 88J Aberdare both for scrapping at the nearby works. We ran at restricted speed to Gloucester Central station where Horton Road men relieved us and as anticipated the engine had steamed well and was in good condition on this slow light working. We booked off duty at the shed at 9.40am. I also noted today the last of its class to be withdrawn ex S&D Fowler 7F 53807 that passed by en route to Cashmores scrap yard, Newport.
Friday, booked on at 1.40am but my driver G.Nicholas did not report for duty. I then waited in Horton Road engineman’s mess room for instructions and was given a job to act as secondman on D2137 and walked to New Yard join the engine. We worked a transfer freight to Mileage Yard sidings, uncoupled and then ran light engine to shed. My second job of the shift was to walk to Gloucester Eastgate yard and act as secondman on D2196 and then travel light engine to Horton Road shed and book off duty.
Saturday, I booked on duty at 1.40am with driver G .Nicholas and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job a Grimsby to Stoke Gifford fully fitted express freight carrying fish. We relieved Oxley men on 6947 'Helmingham Hall' and worked this train to its destination. On arrival, we uncoupled and ran light engine to Barrow Road shed which involved running into Temple Meads to access the ex Midland route out of the city where Barrow Road shed was located adjacent to the main line. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. I noted on Barrow Road today four 8F’s: 48252 of 1A Willesden , 48721 of 55B Stourton, 48612 of 9D Newton Heath and 48064 of 16C Derby and 6922 'Burton Hall' of 6D Shrewsbury. In addition, I sighted in the Bristol area D6896 of 87E Landore and three diesel hydraulic Type 1 'Yogi Bears': D9502, D9526 and D9528 all of 82A . With no back working, we walked from Barrow Road to Temple Meads to catch a train back to Eastgate station and walked to the shed to book off duty at 9.40am.
I noted that as at 21st February, Gloucester Horton Road’s engine allocation was as follows:-
0-4-2T Auto Tank 14xx for preservation =1
Collett 22 xx 0-6-0 tender locos =2
Pannier Tanks 36xx =8
Large Prairie Tanks 41xx =3
'Hall' 49xx =10
'Castle' 50xx =4
Auto Pannier Tank 64xx for preservation =1
Manor 78xx =3,
Fowler 4F 44xxx =4
BR Standard 2MT 78xxx =3
BR Standard 5MT 73xxx =3
Total = 42 steam.
English Electric 350HP shunters D39xx =7
Gardner engined 204HP shunters D21xx =3
Total =10 diesels
Total 52 engines allocated to the shed.
Monday, 22nd February I booked on duty at 10.35pm with driver W .Nelmes for our rostered job to work a freight to Cardiff, but this was not running. Area Traffic Control gave us another job and told us to travel to Cardiff General on the next passenger train and then walk to Cardiff East Dock shed where our train engine 7913 'Little Wyreley Hall' of 88A which was already prepared and ready to go. We travelled light to Llanwern Steel Works near Newport to form a train of empty iron ore wagons for Banbury. We worked this as far as Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us. The engine was challenging as it was in poor condition and did not steam at all well. We then walked to the shed and booked off duty at 9.35am.
Tuesday, on duty at 9.30pm with driver D.Panting and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Llanwern Steel Works to Banbury iron ore empties. We relieved Newport Ebbw Junction men on 92234 of 2A Tyseley and worked to Honeybourne sidings and loops. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. On arrival, we swapped engines with Banbury men for our back working, a Banbury to Llanwern Steel Works loaded iron ore train. This was also a 9F, 92215, also of 2A which we worked as far as Gloucester Central station where Newport Ebbw Junction men relieved us before booking off duty at the shed. This engine did not steam very well due to a dirty boiler and clinkered fire.
Wednesday, booked on duty with driver D.Panting but our rostered job a Llanwern Steel Works to Banbury train of empty iron ore wagons was not running so we walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to relieve Saltley men on a loose-coupled loaded coal train from Branston, Burton- on Trent to East Usk, Newport. The train arrived behind 8F 48460 of 2C Stourbridge Junction and we worked this train to Severn Tunnel Junction where Severn Tunnel Junction men relieved us. The engine steamed okay but only had one injector working to fill the boiler with water. I noted in the yard today two Pannier Tanks:3772 of 86B Newport Ebbw Junction and 9649 of 88D Merthyr, ex WD Austerity 90601 of 36C Frodingham, Scunthorpe and Type 1 'Yogi Bear' D9531 of 87E Landore.There was no back working, so we returned to Gloucester Central in the guard's van of a Birmingham bound freight and booked off duty at the shed at 8.30am.
Thursday, I booked on with driver D.Panting and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Llanwern Steel Works to Banbury iron ore empties and we relieved Newport Ebbw Junction men on Black 5 44776 of 2E. We were booked to work this train to Honeybourne, but due to late running, we only took the train as far as Toddington. The engine steamed well but used a lot of water for some reason. Our back working had also travelled from the North to meet us at Toddington and we swapped engines with Banbury men on the reverse working, a Banbury to Llanwern Steel Works loaded iron ore train which was also hauled by a Black 5, 44771 of 1F Rugby, and we worked this to Gloucester Central station where we were relieved by Newport Ebbw Junction men before booking off duty at the shed. This engine steamed well and was in good condition.
Friday, I booked on duty at 9.30pm with driver D.Panting for our rostered job a Llanwern Steel Works to Banbury train of empty iron ore wagons, which was not running. We walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control who gave us a job to relieve Saltley men of a loose-coupled loaded coal train from Branston to East Usk. The train engine was 6973 'Bricklehampton Hall' of 88A which steamed well. We worked this train to its destination where we were uncoupled and then ran light engine to Newport Ebbw Junction shed. With no back working, we walked to Newport High Street station to catch a passenger train back to Gloucester and then booked off duty at the shed.
Saturday,28 February, on duty at 10.25am with driver D.Panting for our rostered job a Llandilo to Woodford Halse freight, which was not running so we waited in the enginemen’s mess room at the shed for instructions. The foreman gave us a job to prepare 45065 of 1F Rugby for service. There was no further work and we booked off duty at 6.25pm.
MARCH 1965
Monday, 1st March I booked on duty at 7.00am to act as secondman on D1647 of 82A on driver training duties. We ran light engine to Central station to collect the coaches allocated for driver training duties and made two trips to Swindon and back with various drivers taking the controls. After the second return trip, we uncoupled the engine in Central station and ran light to Horton Road shed and booked off duty at 4.20pm.
Tuesday, on duty at 5.30am for my rostered job a Gloucester to Lydney ballast train which was not running. The shed foreman gave me the same job as yesterday to act as secondman on D1647, but we did just one trip to Swindon and back.
Wednesday, booked on at 6.55am with driver J.Lee for our rostered job to prepare 78006. We then ran off shed light to New Yard to work the Nailsworth local freight, which also covered the short branch to Stroud Midland yard before travelling on to Nailsworth. We travelled down the Bristol main line as far as Stonehouse Midland before going up the branch line. We shunted various wagons at both Nailsworth and Stroud Midland yards before making up the return freight to Gloucester New Yard, then light to Horton Road where we booked off duty at 4.55pm.The engine was in good condition and steamed well.
Thursday, I booked on duty at 7.00am with driver G.Nicholas on shed duties and we prepared for service 45065 of 5B Crewe South. In addition, we moved some dead engines around the yard using 92230 of 88A. A cold day and it started snowing so we were pleased to book off duty at 1.25pm.
Friday, on duty with driver J.Lee, our rostered job was to prepare 78006 and work the Nailsworth freight. The driver let me take control of the engine today, and I drove from Stonehouse Midland along the main line to Gloucester New Yard, which I really enjoyed. We booked off at 5.30pm.As before the engine was in good condition and steamed well.
Engines I noted on shed this week were two Black 5’s: 45075 of 55A Leeds Holbeck and 44862 of 1A Willesden.
Tuesday 9Th March I booked on duty at 7.30pm as spare with no rostered job. I waited in Horton Road shed enginemen’s mess room for further instructions and was given a job to prepare for service 73071 of 1G Woodford Halse. I noted that the boiler safety valves did not lift until the pressure was at 250lb per square inch and consequently the engine was rather noisy very early in the morning!!! There was no further work and I booked of duty at 3.30am.
Wednesday, on duty at 7.30pm with driver T .Bartlett as spare. The foreman gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction to relieve Saltley men working a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight. The train arrived behind 48121 of 1G Woodford Halse and we worked this train to its destination where we ran light to Barrow Road shed via Temple Meads. The engine was in good condition. There was no back working so we walked from the shed to Temple Meads, caught the next passenger train to Gloucester and booked off duty at 3.30am.
Thursday, I booked on duty at 7.30pm as spare with no work available. I spent a long eight hours in the shed engineman’s mess room and booked off duty at 3.30am.
Friday, I booked on at 7.30pm as spare with no rostered job and waited in the Horton Road enginemen’s mess room for instructions. At the later part of the shift, the shed foreman gave me a job with driver L .Hawkins to prepare 4698 to work the 4.00am Gloucester to Lydney freight. There was no further work and we booked off duty at 3.30am.
Saturday, on at 6.00pm with driver A.Giles and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Washwood Heath to Cardiff Tidal Sidings semi fitted freight. We relieved Horton Road men on D1712 of 82A with me acting as secondman and worked this to its destination where we uncoupled and ran light to Canton diesel depot. The back working was to prepare for service another Brush Type 4 D1751 of 86A and run light engine to Cardiff Tidal Sidings. On arrival, we coupled up to a Washwood Heath bound semi fitted freight and worked as far as Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us. We walked to the shed and booked off duty at 2.00am.
I noted a number of ex Southern Region allocated BR Standard class 4 and 5MT condemned engines passing through Gloucester en route for South Wales scrap yards, not in steam but on tow. They were: 80036,80038 and 73161 all formerly of 83D Exmouth Junction,73017 formerly of Weymouth and 76029 formerly of 70D Eastleigh.
Also almost all Birmingham to Bristol freight trains are now in the hands of diesels, mainly Brush Type 4’s, and there are no longer freights to and from South Wales to Woodford Halse on the former Great Central route.
Monday, 15th March I booked on duty at 4.10am with driver R.Taylor and prepared 6128 and then off to New Yard to work a semi fitted freight to Stroud. On arrival, we did some shunting including moving some wagons into the goods shed. The engine steamed well and was in good condition. Brimscombe men who would use this engine for banking duties on Sapperton Incline as and when required relieved us. We travelled back to Gloucester Central on a passenger train and booked off duty at 12.00pm midday at the shed.
I had the same duty with the same driver and loco for the rest of the week.
Sunday, on duty at 6.15am with driver K. Townsend and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Bordesley to Severn Tunnel Junction semi fitted freight. We relieved Tyseley men on 7909 'Heveningham Hall' of 82E and worked this train to its destination and then ran light to Severn Tunnel Junction shed. The engine was in poor condition but steamed reasonably well. There was no back working so we caught the next passenger train back to Gloucester Central and booked off duty at the shed at 2.00pm.
Monday, 22nd March I booked on duty at 1.15pm with driver L.Young . We prepared 73013 of 1E Bletchley for the Severn Tunnel pick up freight and 44981 of 2E for a Washwood Heath freight. Also 7909 'Heveningham Hall' for the Acton fully fitted express freight and 7804 'Baydon Manor' of 87F Llanelly for a Leamington Spa freight and booked off duty at 7.40pm.
Tuesday, on preparation duties again with driver L.Young. We prepared 6984 'Owsden Hall' of 87A Neath for the Severn Tunnel pick-up freight and 73021 of 85B for a Washwood Heath freight. Also 6993 'Arthog Hall' of 85B for the Acton express freight also 7804 once again for for the Leamington Spa freight and booked off duty at 7.50pm.
Wednesday, booking on at 1.15pm with driver D.Burford, we prepared 48098 of 16E Kirby-in-Ashfield for the Severn Tunnel pick -up and 92028 of 2E for Washwood Heath freight. Also 92150 of 2E for the Acton express freight and 7804 on the Leamington turn and booked off duty at 9.15pm.
Thursday, again with driver D.Burford, we prepared 6847 'Tidmarsh Grange' of 88A for the Severn Tunnel job and 92028 for the Washwood Heath yard. Also 92235 of 86B for the Acton express goods while 7811 'Dunley Manor' of 87F Llanelly shed had the Leamington Spa freight and we booked off duty at 8.30pm.
Friday, we prepared 3842 of 86E for the Severn Tunnel pick-up freight and 92028 for the Washwood Heath.plus 92213 of 2D Banbury for the Acton freight and booked off duty at 8.15pm.
Saturday, we prepared 48703 of 55B Stourton, rostered job not known, and 7908 'Henshall Hall' of 2A for the Acton goods and booked off duty at 7.30pm.
I noted that Auto Tank 1420 was still stored at the shed for preservation and Horton Road now had BR Standard 9F’s allocated: 92000, 92007 and 92238. Unusual engines seen this week on the shed were three ex WD 2-8-0s: 90419 of 9K Bolton, 90369 of 36A Doncaster, 90699 of 55E Normanton and 44862 of 1A Willesden. In addition 'Stanier Crab' 2-6-0 42955 of 5E Nuneaton and 75043 of 8L Aintree. Fowler 4F 44560 of 85B worked a rail enthusiast’s special train from Gloucester to Nailsworth and Stroud Midland on the freight only branch from Stonehouse.
Monday, 29th March I booked on duty at 5.15am with driver G.Cornwall and prepared for service D2137 and then ran light engine to New Yard where we worked a local freight via Eastgate yard to Gloucester Docks along the High Orchard branch running adjacent to the City Park and then into the docks complex after crossing Bristol Road. We shunted the train in High Orchard yard and made up a trip to the City Dock Basin to deliver and collect wagons. For the return trip, we made up a train of wagons and worked back up the short branch to Barnwood yard. We then uncoupled and ran light engine to Horton Road and booked off duty at 1.35pm.
Wednesday, 31st March I had the same driver and loco on the duty.
APRIL 1965
Thursday 1st April and Friday were the same duty with D2137.
On Friday I noted at Gloucester Eastgate station 'Britannia' 70046 'Anzac' of 6J Holyhead, with nameplates missing, working north on a Bristol Temple Meads to Birmingham New Street passenger train.
Saturday, on duty at 5.35am with driver B.Crowther and D2137 on the Docks job, booking off at 3.00pm.
Sunday, I booked on at 11.00am with driver H.James and prepared 44422 (an engine now preserved) and ran light to Barnwood yard. We coupled up to a loaded ballast train and worked it to Coaley Junction via Eastgate yard. On arrival, we were under the permanent way engineer’s instructions and were reballasting sections of track. On completion, we ran around the now empty wagons and ran tender first back to Barnwood yard via Eastgate yard. We uncoupled and returned to shed. The engine had been in store for a short time but steamed well and was in good condition.
Noted this week at the shed was BR Standard 3MT 82036 of 82E having a hot axle box repair. Nine ex GWR pannier tanks are now allocated to Horton Road: 3616, 3643, 3675,3677,3759,3775.4698,8745 and 9711.
Monday, 5th April I booked on duty at 4.00pm with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. A long evening as no work was available and we finished early and went back to the shed to book off duty at 11.00pm.
Tuesday, I booked on at 4.00pm with driver J.Gabb and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job at 6.00pm to go to Gloucester South Junction to await a Carlisle to Stoke Gifford fully fitted express freight and relieve Worcester men on 6819 'Highnam Grange' of 85A. We left South Junction at 6.35pm and arrived at Stoke Gifford at 7.45pm with lots of shovelling from me as the engine worked very hard although it was in poor condition with a clinkered dirty fire. On arrival, we ran light engine to Barrow Road shed. There was no back working so we returned to Temple Meads to get the next passenger train back to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at the shed.
Thursday, on duty at 4.00pm with driver A.Moxey and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to walk to Eastgate station and relieve Horton Road men on the 4.55pm local stopping passenger service to Birmingham from the bay platform. The train engine was D1600 of 87E and we worked the train to its destination calling all stations via Worcester Shrub Hill. On arrival, Saltley men relieved us and with no back working we travelled as passengers on the next train to Gloucester Eastgate, and then walked to the shed to book off duty.
Friday, on duty at 4.00pm with driver T.Knight and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to relieve Cardiff East Dock men in Central station on a Port Talbot to Rood End, Birmingham fitted steel freight train. The engine was 6931 'Aldbrough Hall' of 88A and we worked as far as Worcester to be relieved by Worcester men. The engine was in poor condition and did not steam very well. With no back working, we caught the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate and walked back to the shed to book off duty at 11.30pm.
Saturday, booked on duty at 4.00pm with driver T.Knight and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to relieve Worcester men working a Bilston, Wolverhampton to Severn Tunnel Junction fully fitted express freight at Central station. The engine was 6820 'Kingstone Grange' of 88A and we worked this train to its destination where we were uncoupled at the Hump yard and ran light to Severn Tunnel Junction shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. I noted on the shed today 'Black 5' 45068 of 8B Warrington Dallam and D6843 of 86A Cardiff Canton. We had no back working so caught the next passenger train back to Gloucester Central and booked off duty on the shed at 10.00pm.
Monday, 12th April I booked on duty at 12.05pm with driver D.Dorn and prepared 78004 and then travelled light to New Yard to collect the local freight to Dursley. We ran down the Bristol main line as far as Coaley Junction to branch off onto the single line branch to Dursley. On the way, we had to open the Cam crossing gates and the guard would close them once we had passed over them. On arrival, we shunted wagons in Dursley yard and the Lister’s factory sidings and made up our return freight to Gloucester New Yard. We ran back down the branch following the same procedure at Cam crossing and then up the main line to Gloucester New Yard. On arrival, we were uncoupled, ran light engine to the shed, and booked off at 8.15pm. The engine steamed well on today’s duties and was in good condition.
Tuesday, on duty at 11.26am with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Banbury to Llanwern Steel Works loaded iron ore train. We were told by Area Traffic Control that the train had been cancelled and were given another job to walk to South Junction to await the arrival of a Carlisle to Stoke Gifford fully fitted express freight. We relieved Worcester men on 6857 'Tudor Grange' of 2B. The engine worked hard to keep to time, one hour and five minutes, arriving on time at Stoke Gifford where we were uncoupled and ran light engine to Barrow Road shed. There was no back working, so we returned to Temple Meads to catch the next passenger back to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at the shed.
Wednesday, I booked on duty at 10.00am with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to relieve Stourbridge Junction men on a Stourbridge Junction to Cardiff Tidal sidings empty coke hopper freight. The train was hauled by 3842 of 86E which we worked to its destination where we were uncoupled and then ran light engine to Cardiff East Dock shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well.
Noted on Cardiff East Dock shed today were large numbers of redundant condemned steam engines from the Welsh Valley sheds being a mixture of ex GWR Pannier Tanks, Hawksworth Panniers, Collett 0-6-2T 56xx and 66xx all awaiting their final journey to the scrap yards in the area. I recall noting words “From Rhymney with love” chalked on one of the engines!
With no back working, we walked to Cardiff General to catch the next passenger back to Gloucester Central and booked off shed at 8.30pm.
Thursday, I booked on duty at 8.40am with driver D.Green and prepared 3823 of 87A and then ran off shed light engine to New Yard to collect the Swindon pick-up freight. We worked this to Swindon Cocklebury yard stopping at Stroud en route to deliver and collect wagons. On arrival, we travelled light to Swindon shed. I noted on Swindon shed today was 48458 of 6B Mold Junction and D1600 of 87E Landore. We turned the engine on the shed turntable and travelled back to Cocklebury yard for our back working to New Yard. Again we stopped at Stroud to collect and deliver wagons before travelling on to our destination where we were uncoupled and ran light to Horton Road shed and booked off duty at 5.45pm.
Tuesday, 20th April I booked on duty at 8.30pm with no booked driver as spare on shed. The foreman gave me a job to move engines from the coal stage after fire cleaning and coaling to stable them in the shed ready for their next turn of duty. I enjoyed this job, as I drove quite a few engines. I noted this week Auto Tank 1420 was still in the shed awaiting preservation and 4F 44422 was out of service with a hot axle box and was replaced by fellow 4F 44560 after some repairs. I booked off duty at 4.15am.
Wednesday, I booked on at 8.30pm with no booked driver as spare on shed and the foreman gave me a job to move engines from the coal stage after fire cleaning and coaling to stable them in the shed to await their next turn of duty. Yet more driving locos ...and booked off duty at 4.15am.
Thursday, on duty at 9.00pm with driver H.Burrows and walked to Central station to relieve Horton Road men on the station pilot with D4168. We carried out various stunting duties at both Eastgate and Central stations including making up a number of parcels trains. Horton Road men relieved us and we walked to the shed and booked off duty at 6.00am.
Friday, I booked on at 9.00pm with driver L.Young and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await arrival of our rostered job a special semi fitted freight running from Bristol East Depot to Oxley. We had enough time to have a quick pint at the Windmill Public House on the way before relieving Barrow Road men on the footplate of 48415 of 2A. This train travelled via Honeybourne and Stratford-upon-Avon and we worked as far as Bordesley yard, Birmingham. The engine was in good condition and steamed well, however we had a small problem at Stratford-upon-Avon - as the engine's boiler had been overfilled it began priming resulting in water pushed out of the chimney. There was no back working, so we walked across Birmingham to New Street station to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at the shed at 4.30am.
Saturday, I booked on at 8.30pm with no driver and waited at the shed for instructions. I was given a job to act as secondman with driver D.Williams and we prepared for service D7066 of 86A then ran light engine off the shed down the South Wales main line to Cardiff Canton diesel depot. The driver was after overtime pay so we had not left Horton Road shed until 10.00pm and did not hurry to Cardiff resulting in us missing the last passenger train to Gloucester. On arrival at Canton depot, Area Traffic Control told us to go back as passengers to Gloucester so we ended up catching a Cardiff to Bristol train as far as Severn Tunnel Junction. Then we walked off to Severn Tunnel Junction shed and waited a long-time for a passenger train back to Gloucester Central. I noted on Severn Tunnel Junction shed was 45068 of 8L Aintree and D6843 of 86A. We were aware that at Severn Tunnel Junction, the tunnel route had now closed for Sunday maintenance and my driver phoned Severn Tunnel Junction signal box to stop a diverted express. This train was a Manchester to Plymouth that would now travel via Gloucester with the Severn Tunnel closed to through trains. The train made an unscheduled stop and we were able to board the coaches behind 5026 'Criccieth Castle' of 2B Oxley. We eventually arrived back at Horton Road shed and booked off duty at 12.30pm with eight hours overtime!
Monday, 26th April I booked on duty at 8.00am in the shed classroom for diesel steam generator boiler training with two other firemen R. Artus and J.Keglock. We were learning diesel boiler operation in theory from the blackboard, a bit like being back at school and booked off duty at 3.30pm. The diesel boiler inspector trained us to work on the Stone generators on Sulzer Type 4 'Peak's and Spanner generators on 'Hymek' and 'Western' diesel hydraulics. In addition, the Clayton generator on English Electric Type 3 diesels and some Brush Type 4 diesels although some of the later Brush Type 4’s also had Stone generators of a later type. In essence, the diesel classes that worked trains in the area.
Tuesday, I booked on at 8.00am. We had further diesel steam generator boiler training, mainly classroom based theory although we did switch on the boilers of two diesels on shed, a 'Peak' and a 'Hymek' . I did not note the numbers and booked off duty at 3.30pm.
Wednesday, I booked on duty at 8.00am for further steam generator training. We all joined the crew of the Cardiff to Newcastle express with a 'Peak'. I stayed in the rear cab with the other two trainees and the diesel boiler inspector. We ran light engine from Horton Road shed to Central station to await arrival of the train from Cardiff behind a 'Hymek' . We switched on the Stone boiler steam generator in the station leaving it on standby until, with the 'Peak' coupled, we switched the boiler from standby to heat up the train. We travelled to Birmingham New Street, came back as passengers on the next train to Gloucester Eastgate, and booked off duty at the shed at 3.30pm.
Thursday, I booked on at 8.00am for more steam generator training. We all walked to Central station to switch on the boiler, a Stone version on a 'Peak' waiting to change engines from a 'Hymek' on the Cardiff to Newcastle express. Once on the train the 'Peak' boiler was switched on to heat up the coaches. This task completed, we walked to Eastgate station with the two other trainees and inspector to catch the 'Cornishman' to Temple Meads. We went across the running lines to Bath Road diesel depot to look at and study the various types of steam boiler generators fitted to different types of diesels on the depot. We travelled back as passengers to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at the shed at 3.30pm.
Friday, 30th April, on duty at 8.00am for further steam generator training along with the two other firemen and inspector. We had further theory training in the classroom before walking over to Eastgate to await the arrival of the 'Cornishman' . We joined the train in the rear cab of a 'Peak' and as the train passed Westerleigh on the outskirts of Bristol, we all entered the engine room to shut down its Stone version boiler. At Temple Meads, we uncoupled as the engine was replaced by a diesel hydraulic 'Warship' Type 4 to take the train on to Penzance. We then travelled in the 'Peak' light engine to the nearby Bath Road diesel depot.
I noted on the depot D1584 of 87E, a Type 1'Yogi Bear' D9527 of 82A and 'Warship' D869 'Zest' of 84A Laira. After refuelling on the depot we travelled light engine back to Temple Meads to couple to a Bristol to Newcastle express and switched the boiler back on. We all stayed in the rear cab on the journey back to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at 3.30pm on Horton Road shed.
When we passed Barrow Road shed there was an ex Southern Class U 31799 formerly of 70C Guildford which was en route to South Wales for scrapping.
MAY 1965
Monday, 3rd May I booked on duty at 4.05pm with driver D.Keay and walked to Central station with another Horton Road crew to catch a local passenger train bound for Lydney. We relieved Lydney men on 4698 the Coleford and Parkend branch loco and shunted Lydney yard making up a local freight to work to Gloucester New Yard with the loco from the Cinderford branch which was 3675. We worked double headed to New Yard stopping at Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings to deliver some wagons. On arrival at New Yard, we were ran light engines still coupled to Horton Road shed. The engine steamed and performed well and we booked off duty at 1.05am.
Tuesday, I booked on for the same duty at 4.05pm with the same driver. We relieved Lydney men on 3675 and shunted Lydney yard. As the freight back to New Yard was a light load and only needed one loco we left it to 4698, the Cinderford branch engine. We ran light to Horton Road and booked off duty at 12.00am Midnight. The engine was in poor condition and seemed to have a distinct knock from the valve gear.
Wednesday, same duty with 3677. The other crew had 3643 off the Cinderford branch which they took to Gloucester light as the freight to New Yard was again a light load. We worked this via Docks Branch Sidings, then light engine to shed, the engine was in good condition and steamed well and we booked off duty at 1.05am.
Friday, same duty with 3643. 3677 off the Cinderford branch went back light engine.
Saturday, on duty at 3.15pm with driver B.Sheppard. We were given a job by the foreman to walk to Gloucester South Junction to relieve Saltley men working a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight, as our rostered job, a Branston to East Usk, had been cancelled. The train arrived behind 48432 of 16G Westhouses and we worked this to its destination, then light engine to Barrow Road shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. With no back working, we walked to Temple Meads, caught the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate, and booked off on the shed at 2.30am.
Monday, 10th May I booked on duty at 2.00am with driver D.Williams on shed duties. We prepared for service 3759 for the New Yard to Lydney freight and 6993 'Arthog Hall' for an unknown duty. Also 44560 for the New Yard to Hempsted Gas Works and Quedgeley RAF sidings freight and 4156 of 86E for the New Yard to Severn Tunnel Junction pick-up freight and then booked off duty at 12.45pm.
By this time the Gloucester District had become part of the Bristol Division of BR and the local trip working numbers reflected this, eg the Hempsted trip was Bristol 756 and diagrammed for a 4F 0-6-0, with the loco due off Horton Road shed at 5.50am.
Tuesday, I booked on at 2.00am with driver D.Williams with no booked job so we were spare on shed and awaited instructions in the enginemen’s mess room. The foreman gave us a job to relieve Barrow Road men on a Temple Meads to Birmingham Moor Street parcels train. We walked to Eastgate to await its arrival hauled by 7908 'Henshall Hall' of 2A Tyseley and worked this via Honeybourne and Stratford-upon-Avon to its destination. We uncoupled and ran light to Tyseley shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well.
I noted in the Birmingham area and on Tyseley shed were the following diesels: Brush Type 2 D5539 of 41C Wath, Sheffield, three 350HP shunters: D3951 and D3952 of 2A Tyseley and 12062 of 2E Saltley. In addition steam engines: 0-6-0PT 3625, Collett 0-6-2T 5606, 2-6-2T 8109 all of 2A and Ivatt 2-6-0 46428 of 2K Bushbury, Wolverhampton.
We had a return working, which was to prepare on Tyseley shed 7923 'Speke Hall' to work a Branston to Stoke Gifford loaded coal train. We travelled light engine off the shed to Bordesley yard and worked the train via Stratford-upon-Avon and Honeybourne as far as Gloucester South Junction where Barrow Road men relieved us before walking to Horton Road shed to book off duty.
Wednesday, booked on duty at 1.30am as spare on shed and awaited instructions in the shed enginemen’s mess room. The foreman gave me a job with driver B.Morgan to work a Newcastle to Bristol express passenger and we walked to Eastgate station to await its arrival at 2.31am and relieved Derby men on 'Peak' D105 of 15B Wellingborough. The steam boiler was in operation and after passing Westerleigh, I entered the engine room to shut the boiler down ready for arrival at Temple Meads. The boiler worked fine and we were uncoupled and travelled light to Bath Road diesel depot. We then had to walk across Bristol to Barrow Road shed to prepare 6918 'Sandon Hall' of 88A for our back working, a Tavistock to Manchester fully fitted freight. We ran off shed light to Doctor Day’s Junction to change engines with the 'Warship' diesel which came in on our train, then worked to Gloucester South Junction where Oxley men relieved us and we walked to the shed to book off duty. The engine was in good condition and steamed well.
Friday, I booked on duty at 3.30am with driver B.Powner and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job a Water Orton to Stoke Gifford fully fitted express freight. We relieved Saltley men on 'Peak' D53 named 'Royal Tank Regiment' of 16C Derby and worked this train to its destination in the south-facing yard and then ran light to couple up to a Stoke Gifford to Water Orton fully fitted express freight in the north-facing yard. We worked this to Gloucester South Junction where Saltley men relieved us and walked back to Horton Road shed to book off duty. I noted in Stoke Gifford yard today was 'Hymek' D7049 of 82A.
Saturday, I booked on duty at 2.44 am with driver H.Heggie and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Bordesley semi fitted freight. We relieved Cardiff Canton men on D1751 of 86A and worked this via Honeybourne and Stratford-upon-Avon to its destination. On arrival, we uncoupled and ran light to Washwood Heath to collect our back working, a Washwood Heath to Cardiff Tidal Sidings semi fitted freight.
I noted in the Birmingham area the following diesels: 'Peak' D2 named 'Helvellyn' of 16A Toton and D182 of 52A Gateshead, two Birmingham RCW Type 3's D6523 and D6524 both of 70D Eastleigh and Brush Type 2 D5809 of 41C Wath, Sheffield. Also eleven Sulzer Type 2's : D5143 of 1A Willesden, D5252 of 16D Nottingham, D5297,D7509,D7508,D7543, ,D7502 of 16A Toton, D7589 of 15A Leicester and D5234, D5236,D7520 and ex LMS English Electric 350HP shunter 12044 all of 2E Saltley. Also a steam engine, 9776 of 2A Tyseley.
We worked our train down the ex Midland route descending the Lickey Incline where I noted diesel bankers for nortbound trains being two English Electric Type 3’s : D6940 and D6941 of 86A Cardiff Canton but outstationed at Worcester shed. On arrival at Gloucester Central Cardiff Canton men relieved us and we walked to Horton Road to book off duty. It was pleasing to see 4F 44422 still at work and in steam.
Monday, 17th May I booked on duty 4.05pm with driver D.Rees and walked to Central station with another Horton Road crew to catch a local passenger to Lydney where we relieved Lydney men on 3677 the Coleford and Parkend branch engine. We shunted the yard making up a freight to work to Gloucester New Yard with the engine from the Cinderford branch, 3775. We worked back double headed stopping at Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings to deliver and collect wagons, then to New Yard before running light to shed. The engine steamed and performed well and we booked off duty at 12.00am.
I noted on Horton Road shed during this month three ex works Fowler 4F’s: 44188 of 10G Skipton, 44466 of 82E Bristol Barrow Road, also 44264 of 85B which was used on a rail tour. Two 8F’s: 48710 of 55D Royston and 48291 of 5B Crewe South plus Black 5 45410 of 2F Bescot. In addition, I had noted at Barrow Road shed Jinty 47506 of 82F Bath Green Park which appeared to be out of service.
Wednesday, on duty at 6.15pm with no booked driver as spare and waited for instructions in the shed enginemen’s mess room. There was no work available and I booked off at 2.15am.
Thursday, booked on duty 4.05pm with driver D.Rees and it was a repeat of Monday, this time we had 3775 The other Horton Road crew with us had 3675 which went to Gloucester light engine as the booked freight only needed one loco. We worked this to New Yard via Docks Branch Sidings and then ran light to shed; the engine was in good condition and steamed well and we booked off duty at 12.50am.
Friday,we went to Lydney for the same duty but we returned light with 3675 while 3775 had the New Yard freight. Back at the shed the foreman gave us extra work to prepare 6862 'Derwent Grange' of 2B Oxley, also 7034 'Ince Castle' for its rostered job, a Gloucester to Acton fully fitted express goods, and booked off duty at 1.35am.
Saturday, on duty at 4.21pm with driver D.Rees and walked to Eastgate station to travel to Honeybourne which involved catching two passenger trains firstly to Worcester Shrub Hill and secondly a train from Worcester to Honeybourne. On arrival we waited in the enginemen’s cabin for the arrival of our booked train, an Irthlingborough yard, near Wellingborough to Newport Ebbw Junction loose coupled loaded coal train. We relieved Oxford men on 48415 of 2A which was in poor condition and did not steam well due to a dirty fire. We worked the train as far as Gloucester Central where Newport Ebbw Junction men relieved us and then we walked back to Horton Road and booked off duty at 10.00pm.
Monday, 24th May I booked on duty at 5.00am as spare on shed and waited in the enginemen’s mess room for instructions. The foreman gave me a job immediately, due to a fireman not turning up for work, on the local Stroud freight with driver K.Phelps. We prepared 6113 and ran off shed light to New Yard to collect our train, a mixed semi fitted freight and worked this to Stroud. After we shunted the train in the yard including moving wagons into the goods shed the engine was required for Sapperton banking duties with Brimscombe men relieving us at Stroud station. The engine had steamed well and was in good condition. We caught the next train to Gloucester Central and walked back to the shed to book off duty at 12.30pm.
Tuesday, I booked on at 4.45am with driver K.Phelps and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job, Grimsby to Stoke Gifford fully fitted fish train (5V59, this was routed down the Honeybourne line). We relieved Worcester men on 92217 of 2A and worked this train to its destination, then ran light to Barrow Road shed. The engine did not steam well due to a dirty fire and we were also very low on coal but were able to travel to the shed without problem. There was no back working so we walked to Temple Meads to catch the next passenger to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at the shed at 12.00pm midday.
Thursday, we had the Grimsby fish again, this time relieving a Saltley crew on D1726 of 86A and worked this train to Stoke Gifford and then ran light engine to Bristol Bath Road depot and stabled the engine. There was no back working so we crossed the running lines to the nearby Temple Meads and caught the next train to Gloucester Eastgate before walking to the shed and booking off duty at 12.15pm.
Friday, another day on the Grimsby fish, with 6978 'Haroldstone Hall' of 81A and worked this train to Stoke Gifford yard before running light to Barrow Road. The engine did not steam well due to a dirty fire and was in poor condition. We were given a back job at the shed which was to prepare 7808 'Cookham Manor' and couple up to a number of ex Southern Region condemned engines along with a guard's van to be towed to Barry scrap yard. We worked this train at reduced speed to the loop at Gloucester New Yard where we were relieved by Horton Road men. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. We then walked back to the shed to book off duty at 12.45pm.
Saturday, I booked on at 5.30am with driver J.Gabb for our rostered job to prepare 44858 of 16F Burton on Trent and then ran off shed light to Barnwood yard and took a loaded ballast train to Abbotswood Junction near Worcester, which was required for track maintenance work on Sunday. We pushed the train into a siding at the junction and uncoupled before running light tender first back to Horton Road. We left the engine on the run at the shed for fire disposal and booked off at 1.30pm. The engine was in good condition and steamed well.
Sunday, on duty at 2.00am with driver D.Cadmore and travelled from the shed by mini bus to Sapperton Incline to relieve Horton Road men on 4F 44560 on a loaded ballast train. We worked this between Kemble and Stroud as instructed by the permanent way gang on track maintenance and reballasting work. Horton Road men relieved us on site and we travelled back to Horton Road in the mini bus and booked off duty at 10.15am.
Monday, 31st May I booked on duty at 2.21pm with driver E.Parry for our rostered job a Washwood Heath to East Usk which was cancelled so we walked to Central station to catch the next train to Newport for our rostered return working. We walked from Newport High Street to Ebbw Junction shed only to be told by the foreman that our return job an Ebbw Junction to Acton fully fitted express freight was also cancelled. So given the situation it was another walk back to Newport High Street station to catch the next train to Gloucester and then back to the shed to book off duty at 1.35am.
JUNE 1965
Tuesday, 1st June, on duty at 2.21pm with driver E.Parry and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Washwood Heath to East Usk semi fitted freight train. We relieved Saltley men on D1713 of 86A and worked this to its destination then ran light to Godfrey Road diesel stabling point adjacent to Newport High Street station. We walked to Ebbw Junction shed for our back working which was to prepare 6998 'Burton Ages Hall' of 81C Southall (which is now preserved) and run light engine to the nearby Ebbw Junction yard to collect the fully fitted express freight to Acton and worked the train to Gloucester Central. The engine was in ex works condition and steamed well. Southall men relieved us and we walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 11.21pm.
A few changes to the Gloucester Horton Road shed allocation included the arrival of five BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T's: 82036/38/39/40/42 and BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 75025 formerly of 83D Exmouth Junction to replace Gloucester’s ex LMS Fowler 4F’s and ex GWR Collett 22XX classes on local work. Fowler 4F’s still in service were 44123/44269/44422 and 44560 although 44422 had a hotbox and Collett 0-6-0's: 2242 and 2287 both now stored out of service on the shed.
I also noted numerous 8F’s had appeared on Horton Road over the last few days. They came from a variety of locations, being no’s : 48057of 16B Annesley, 48173 of 6B Mold Junction, 48176 of 10J Lancaster Green Ayre, 48274 of 55D Royston, 48345 of 1F Rugby, 48633 of 5B Crewe South, 48674 of 2F Bescot, 48679 of 9K Bolton. Also an ex LMS Black 5 45382 of 9B Stockport Edgeley and three BR Standard 5MT’s 73040 of 1E Bletchley, 73043 of 70D Eastleigh and 73132of 9H Patricroft, Manchester.
Wednesday, on at 2.21pm with driver E.Parry on the same duty as Tueday with D1610 of 86A. Our back working to Gloucester was also the same, with the engine being Collett 2-8-0 3812 of 86B which was in good condition and steamed well. We booked off at 11.06pm.
Noted in the Newport area: 4621 of 86E and 45382 of 9D Newton Heath.
Thursday, booked on at 2.21pm with driver E.Parry for the same train with D1742 of 86A. With no back working today, we walked across the running tracks to the station to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Central and walked to the shed to book off duty at 10.00pm.
Friday, on duty at 2.21pm with driver E.Parry and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room where Area Traffic Control informed us that our rostered Washwood Heath to East Usk freight was not running. They gave us a replacement job to relieve Worcester men on a Branston to East Usk loose coupled loaded coal train, this arrived behind Black 5 45410 of 2F and we worked this train as far as Severn Tunnel Junction yard where we were relieved on the footplate by Severn Tunnel Junction men. The engine had not steamed well due to a dirty clinkered fire. With no back working, we walked to the nearby station to catch the next passenger to Gloucester Central. We then walked to Horton Road shed and booked off duty at 9.00pm.
Monday, 7th June a rest day but I travelled to Barry Island to view the condemned engines stored there for scrapping.................or as it turned out mainly for preservation.
Tuesday, I booked on duty at 4.10am with driver B.Taylor for our rostered job to prepare 4100 and run off shed light engine to New Yard to collect our freight train to Stroud. We were also to carry out any banking duties if required on the climb up Sapperton. Brimscombe men relieved us on the engine in the bay platform of Stroud station, which had steamed well and was in good condition. We caught the next train back to Gloucester Central and walked back to the shed to book off duty at 12.00pm, midday.
Wednesday, on duty at 4.45am with driver D.Dorn and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job, the Grimsby to Stoke Gifford fully fitted fish train. We relieved Worcester men on 6930 'Aldersley Hall' of 2A and worked this train to its destination, where we ran light to Barrow Road shed .The engine performed well and was in good condition. There was no back working so we walked to Temple Meads to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at the shed at 11.15am.
Thursday, I booked on at 4.45am with driver D.Wilson and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await arrival of the Grimsby to Stoke Gifford fish train. Today's loco was 8F 48516 of 5D Stoke on Trent. We were uncoupled at Stoke Gifford yard and ran light to Barrow Road. The engine performed well and was in good condition. Again, there was no back working, so we travelled as passengers to Eastgate station and walked to Horton Road shed. We were then given another job to prepare for service D1659 of 87E Landore and then off shed light engine to Cheltenham High Street loop to collect the wagons of a freight bound for Stoke Gifford. We coupled up and worked this to Gloucester South Junction where we were relieved in the cab by Horton Road men. We then walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 2.45pm.
Today a number of Gloucester Horton Road shed's allocation of steam engines were put into store:7022 'Hereford Castle', 4F’s 44123 and 44422, 9F 92000 and Standard 5MT 73091 with one new arrival, BR Standard 3MT 82030.
Unusual engines seen on Horton Road shed this week were: ex LNER K2 62057 of 50A York which worked through to Cardiff with a freight train and returned light engine to Horton Road for servicing. Also 48222 of 55D Normanton and 48548 of 5D, BR Standard 4MT 75028 of 1E Bletchley, ex WD Austerity 90187 of 10H Lower Darwen and 9F ’s 92073 of 16B Annesley and 92082 of 8H Birkenhead.
Friday, on duty at 4.45am with driver G.Nicholas and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the Grimsby fish train. We relieved Worcester men on 48646 of 2E and worked this to its destination, then to Barrow Road shed. The engine performed well and was in ex works condition. There was no back working so we returned 'on the cushions' to Eastgate station and booked off duty at the shed at 10.00 am.
Saturday, booked on at 4.45am with driver H.Trigg and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the Grimsby fish. Today's loco was 8F 48398 of 5B Crewe South and we worked this train to its destination. However, en route we had to stop on the main line due to problems with the boiler feed injectors resulting in a lack of steam on an engine that was in poor condition. We were late arriving at Stoke Gifford and after uncoupling we ran light engine to Barrow Road. We were given a back job which was to prepare ex LNER B1 61013 named 'Topi' of 56B Ardsley, Leeds and run light to Horton Road shed. My driver was not familiar with this class of engine and sought advice from Barrow Road men to understand the controls as he had never driven one before. We travelled up the main line, but at Naas Lane, Quedgeley, there was a home signal at danger, and unfortunately we were unable to stop in a timely manner. We ran past the signal luckily without any repercussions and then on to Gloucester via Eastgate Station. As it was a Saturday there were a number of spotters on the station, so I tooted the whistle as we ran over Barton Street crossing to alert them to a rare engine approaching!!! The engine was in good condition and steamed well having apparently arrived in Bristol on a special freight with no back working. We left the engine with fire disposal on Horton Road and booked off duty at 12.45pm.
Sunday, on duty at 4.00pm with driver P.Rudge, our rostered job a freight for East Usk was cancelled. We were given a job to prepare 45116 of 6G Llandudno Junction, then we ran light up the Midland main line via the Lickey Incline and Camp Hill route into Birmingham to put the engine on Saltley shed. It steamed well and was in good condition having worked into Gloucester on an unbalanced freight working. I noted on Saltley shed Ivatt 4MT 43153 of Staveley Barrow Hill and Brush Type 4 D1552 of 41A Tinsley, Sheffield and Sulzer Type 2 D5194 of 15A Leicester. There was no back working so we walked to Vauxhall & Duddeston station, caught a passenger train to New Street then a second train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at 12.00am, Midnight.
Monday, 14th June I booked on duty at 10.00pm with driver D.Cadmore and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions. Area Traffic Control gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction to await a Stoke Gifford to Stourbridge Junction semi fitted freight train. On arrival, we relieved Barrow Road men on 48620 of 16G Westhouses and worked this train far as Worcester yard. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. Worcester men relieved us and we reported to the yard enginemen’s cabin where Worcester Area Traffic Control gave us a job to travel as passengers to Honeybourne station to collect our back working, a Yarnton to Cardiff Tidal sidings loose coupled loaded coal train. Unfortunately, on our way to Honeybourne, we both fell asleep in the DMU and did not wake up until we had passed Honeybourne, arriving at Moreton-in-Marsh. We could see our freight coming the other way and my driver rushed off the DMU to the station signal box to request the signalman to throw the signals to danger to stop our train just as it was about to pass through. The Oxford men on the footplate of 9F 92237 of 88A were surprised to see us so soon and we unconventionally relieved them earlier than anticipated! We worked the train through Honeybourne to Gloucester Central station where Horton Road men relieved us. We walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 10.00am.
I was now formally part of the Link 7, a relief link of drivers and firemen, effective from the 28th May 1965, having moved up from Link 8.
Tuesday, I booked on at 10.00pm with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to relieve Banbury men on a Banbury to Llanwern Steel Works fully fitted loaded iron ore train. The train arrived behind 92227 of 2D Banbury and we worked this to its destination. After arrival at the Steel Works, we ran light engine tender first back up the main line to Severn Tunnel Junction shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. I noted on shed D1644, D1592 and D6886 all of 87E. There was no back working, so we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction station and caught the next passenger to Gloucester Central station before walking to the shed to book off duty at 8.30am.
Wednesday, on duty at 10.00pm with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. There was no work available so we walked back to the shed to book off duty at 5.00am.
Thursday, booked on with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. Our job was another Banbury to Llanwern Steel Works iron ore train with 92150 of 2E. From Llanwern we ran light engine down the main line to Newport Ebbw Junction shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. There was no back working, so we walked to Newport High Street to catch the next passenger to Gloucester and walked to the shed to book off duty at 10.30am.
Friday, on at 10.30pm with driver H.Trigg and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. There was no work available so we walked back to the shed to book off duty at 4.50am.
Saturday, I booked on at 8.40pm with driver S.Wilkins for our rostered job, which was not running so we walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control which gave us a job to relieve Saltley men on a Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel Junction semi fitted freight train. This arrived behind D1710 of 81A and we worked this train to its destination, where we were uncoupled at the hump yard and ran light to Severn Tunnel Junction shed. I noted on the shed D6839 and D6874 both of 86A. With no back working we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction station and caught the next train to Gloucester and on to the shed to book off duty at 11.40am.
Monday, 21st June I booked on duty at 8.00am with driver W.Fowler and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job a Stoke Gifford to Oxley fully fitted loaded ballast train. We relieved Barrow Road men on 6983 'Otterington Hall' of 81E Didcot and worked this as far as Worcester yard. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. Worcester men relieved us and we walked to the yard enginemen’s cabin where Area Traffic Control gave us a back job to relieve Tyseley men on a Rowley Regis to Milford Haven empty petrol tank train. This arrived behind 5961 'Toynbee Hall' of 87A Neath and we worked to Gloucester Central where we were relieved by Horton Road men. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. We then walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 7.10pm. I noted at Horton Road that 7034 'Ince Castle' and all the BR Standard 3MT’s 82XXX had been put into store whilst the remaining Fowler 4F’s soldiered on in service for the local freights.
Tuesday, on duty at 5.00am with driver W.Fowler for our rostered job to prepare 78006 and run light engine to New Yard for our train to Sharpness yard. Before coupling up to the return train, we travelled light to take water down the spur to the now unused Sharpness station and what was the route across the damaged Severn Railway Bridge to Lydney. After filling the tender and now facing tender first, we ran back to the yard to collect our train. We stopped at the closed Berkeley station where we uncoupled to collect a nuclear flask wagon from the station siding. We then ran to Berkeley Road Station junction and up the main line, stopping at Quedgeley RAF sidings to collect more wagons and then onto Gloucester running into Eastgate yard to deliver part of the train before terminating at New Yard. We ran light engine to Horton Road shed before booking off duty at 7.10pm.
Wednesday, I booked on at 9.00am with driver R.Powner for our rostered job to walk to Gloucester South Junction and await the arrival of a Stoke Gifford to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight. We relieved Bristol Bath Road men on D1735 of 87E Landore and worked this train to Washwood Heath with me acting as secondman. We then ran light to Saltley shed. I noted on Saltley shed today D5830, D8069 both of 41C Wath and diesel shunter D2387 of 2H Monument Lane, Birmingham, also D3107 of 2J Aston and D1847 of 5A Crewe North. In addition steam engines - 61329 of 36A Doncaster, Ivatt 2-6-0 43003 and BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 76095. There was no back working, so we walked to Vauxhall & Duddeston station and caught a passenger train to New Street station and a second train to Gloucester Eastgate station to book off duty at 6.00pm on the shed.
Thursday, booked on duty at 7.00am with driver W.Fowler as spare so we awaited instruction in the shed enginemen’s mess room. We were given a job to prepare 3675 and then used the engine as shed pilot to push loaded coal wagons up the coal stage for unloading and moved various dead engines around the shed yard as required. The engine was in good condition and on completion of these duties, we booked off duty at 2.00pm.
Friday, on at 5.00am with driver W.Fowler for our rostered job to prepare 3823 of 87A and then ran off shed light engine down the South Wales main line to Lydney yard where we coupled up to a fully loaded ballast train bound for Newport Ebbw Junction, worked this to its destination. To avoid a windswept and uncomfortable journey back to Gloucester by running tender first, we were able to turn the engine on the triangle of lines at Ebbw Junction before running light to Horton Road shed and left the engine on the run for fire disposal before booking off duty at 7.30am - the engine was in good condition and had steamed well on today’s workings.
Tuesday, 29th June I booked on duty at 10.59am with driver J.Larcombe and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel Junction job. We relieved Saltley men on D1836 of 16A Toton and worked this train to its destination then ran light engine to Severn Tunnel Junction shed. There was no back working so we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction station and caught the next passenger back to Gloucester Central and then walked to the shed to book off duty at 7.30pm.
Wednesday,30th June, on duty at 10.59am with driver J.Larcombe and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job, same as yesterday, but it was not running. We were given another job by Area Traffic Control to relieve Worcester men in Central station on a Stourbridge Junction to Severn Tunnel Junction semi fitted freight which arrived behind 6815 'Frilford Grange' of 87F Llanelly. We worked this train to STJ before running light engine to the shed. The engine had steamed well as expected being in ex works condition. There was no back working so we walked to STJ station to catch the passenger train back to Gloucester and then booked off duty at 7.00pm.
JULY 1965
Thursday, 1st July,I booked on duty at 10.59am with driver J.Larcombe and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel Junction semi fitted freight train, which was not running again. Area Traffic Control gave us a replacement job to travel as passengers to Severn Tunnel Junction station for a return job. On arrival, we walked to the shed to prepare D1720 of 82A and then travelled light engine to the north facing yard to collect a Severn Tunnel Junction to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight. We worked this as far as Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us and we walked to the shed to book off duty at 7.00pm.
Friday, on duty at 10.59am with driver J.Larcombe and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel Junction semi fitted freight. We relieved Saltley men on D1605 of 86A and worked this train to its destination. At Severn Tunnel Junction shed the foreman confirmed that the back working was running. I noted on shed today were D1656 of 87E and diesel hydraulic D1018 'Western Buccaneer' of 86A. In addition, Pannier Tank 3686 allocated to this shed, 44870 of 1F Rugby and 8F’s 48762 and 48255 both of 5B Crewe South. We prepared D1694 of 81A and then travelled to the north facing yard to collect a semi fitted freight for Washwood Heath which we worked to Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us and then walked back to shed to book off duty at 6.30pm.
Saturday, I booked on at 10.30am with driver D.Harbour for our rostered job to prepare 4689 and run off shed light engine to New Yard where we coupled up to a local freight for Quedgeley RAF sidings. We worked to Eastgate yard to collect more wagons and then along the ex Midland main line to Quedgeley, before doing the same journey back. We then ran light back to Eastgate yard where we made up and worked a transfer freight to Barnwood yard before running light to shed. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well, we left it ready for fire disposal on shed before booking off at 5.20pm.
I noted today only one summer extra being steam hauled, a Manchester to Paignton relief with BR Standard 7MT 70045 'Lord Rowallen' of 2B Oxley. This engine along with two other 'Britannias' from 6J Holyhead transferred to Oxley specifically for hauling these summer trains to where diesel traction would take over. Also I sighted on Horton Road this week three 9F’s: 92030, 92074 and 92087 of 16B Annesley and two WD Austerity’s: 90044 of 50B Hull Dairycoates and 90730 of 41E Staveley, Barrow Hill.
Monday, 5th July I booked on duty at 12.35pm with driver R.Lee and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of our rostered job an Avonmouth to York fully fitted express freight carrying bananas. On arrival, we relieved Barrow Road men on Black 5 44663 of 2E and worked this train up the ex Midland main line via the Lickey Incline and the Camp Hill route into Birmingham. We were relieved close to Saltley shed by Saltley men - the engine was in good condition and steamed reasonably well.
We walked to Saltley shed and I noted the following diesels: D1813/14 both of 2E, D1816 of 16A,D1869 of 41A Tinsley depot, Sheffield. Also Sulzer Type 2 D5248 16A, Brush Type 2 D5808 of 41C Wath depot, Sheffield and English Electric 350HP shunter D3168 of 2E. In addition, steam engines 44057 of 9G Gorton, Manchester and BR Standard 5MT 73032 of 5E Stoke on Trent.
Our back job was to prepare D1728 of 87E and then run off shed to the nearby Washwood Heath yard where we coupled up to a semi fitted freight bound for Cardiff Tidal sidings and worked this train as far as Gloucester Central with Cardiff Canton men relieving us before walking back to Horton Road shed to book off duty at 8.35pm.
Tuesday, on duty at 3.50pm with driver D.Harbour for our rostered job to prepare 3616 and then run light engine to Central station. We coupled up to our train, which I did myself, to form a Gloucester Central to Cheltenham St James local passenger train departing at 5.00pm calling at Churchdown and Cheltenham Malvern Road before arriving at St James. After arrival, we ran light to the nearby St James yard and worked a semi fitted freight to Gloucester New Yard, than light to shed leaving the loco ready for fire disposal. The engine had steamed well but struggled a bit due to the size of the passenger train. We reported to the foreman who gave us another job to prepare 6861 'Crynant Grange' of 2A which was rostered to work the Gloucester New Yard to Acton fully fitted express freight with an Old Oak Common London crew. We booked off duty at 3.10am.
Wednesday, I booked on at 3.30pm with driver M.Limbrick and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. After a four hour wait we were told to report back to the shed where we were given a job to prepare 92128 of 2E and then booked off at 1.00am.
Thursday, booked on duty at 3.33pm with driver W.Short for our rostered job to prepare D7040 of 82A and then ran off shed light to Central station. We coupled up to our train, which I did myself, to form the 5.00pm passenger to Cheltenham St James. On arrival, we ran around the coaches before coupling up again to work a passenger train for Swindon calling at the following stations:- Cheltenham Malvern Road, Churchdown, Gloucester Eastgate, Stonehouse, Stroud and Kemble. On arrival, we were uncoupled and travelled light to Swindon shed where we had just enough time for a quick cup of tea before booking on for our back working which was to prepare 6990 'Witherslack Hall' (which is now preserved) of 82E. I noted on Swindon shed shunter D3775 of 2J Aston, Birmingham. We ran off shed light to couple up to a parcels train in the bay platform of Swindon station. We worked this to Gloucester Central then ran light to Horton Road shed with the engine, which was in poor condition with a dirty boiler, but it had steamed reasonably well and booked off duty at 11.33pm.
Friday, on duty at 1.00pm with driver F.Jefferies on shed duties based at the coaling stage cabin. These duties included keeping boilers filled with water, turning engines on the turntable as required and driving steam engines into the shed after fire cleaning and coaling. I moved and drove quite a lot of engines today being mainly ex LMS and BR Standard classes. We booked off duty at 8.30pm.
Monday, 12th July I booked on duty at 3.35am with driver M.Limbrick for our rostered job to prepare 4100 and then ran off shed light engine to Barnwood yard. On arrival, we coupled up to our Worcester pick-up freight stopping at Cheltenham High Street yard and Ashchurch MOD sidings where we delivered and collected wagons before arriving at our destination. We then ran light engine to Worcester South yard to couple up to our return working another pick-up freight bound for Gloucester New Yard and delivered and collected wagons at Ashchurch MOD sidings and Cheltenham High Street yard before arriving at our destination. On arrival at New Yard, we ran light engine to Horton Road shed to book off duty at 12.05pm.The engine was in good condition and had steamed well on today’s workings.
Tuesday, I booked on at 3.35am with driver M.Limbrick for the same job as yesterday, but with 4F 44264 of 85B.
I noted on Worcester shed BR Standard 4MT no: 75006 of 6C Croes Newydd, Wrexham and two Sulzer Type 2’s: D5290 of 16C Derby and D7588 of 15A Leicester.
Our return working was the same as yesterday. 44264 was in excellent condition and had steamed well.
Wednesday was the same turn again with 4100. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well on today’s working.
Friday, on duty at 3.35am with driver N.Palmer for our rostered Barnwood to Worcester pick up job with 0-6-0PT 8745. However, the engine was in poor condition and not powerful enough for this job and we stopped for steam at Cloddymore Bridge just outside the junction for Cheltenham Lansdown and Malvern Road. The engine steamed okay on the return trip mainly due to the majority of the journey being downhill! We booked off duty at 1.15pm.
Saturday, I booked on at 3.35pm with driver N.Palmer for the Barnwood to Worcester job with another 0-6-0PT 3616. Again, the engine was in poor condition and not powerful enough for this job and we stopped for steam at Cloddymore Bridge for the second day in a row. At least the engine steamed with no problems on the return trip.
Sunday, on duty at 4.00am with driver H.C.Jones and we walked to Over Junction on the South Wales main line to relieve Horton Road men on D4168. The shunter was on reballasting and track replacement duties with the permanent way gang. We ourselves were relieved and then another long walk back to Horton Road shed to book off duty at 2.05pm.
Monday, 19th July I booked on duty at 6.00pm with driver I.Scadding and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions. We were given a job to relieve Horton Road men on an Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings to Stourbridge Junction semi fitted freight with 73028 which we worked to Worcester yard. On arrival, we were relieved by Stourbridge Junction men. There was no back working so we walked to Worcester Shrub Hill to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate and walked to shed to book off at 3.30am.
Tuesday, I booked on at 6.00pm with driver I.Scadding and walked to Central station where, after five and a half hours with no work, we were told to return to shed and prepare for service 92074 of 16B Annesley and then booked off duty at 1.15am.
Wednesday, on duty at 6.00pm with driver I.Scadding and then walked to Central. Area Traffic Control gave us a job to relieve Saltley men on a Branston to Cardiff Tidal sidings loose coupled loaded coal train. The train arrived hauled by 48098 of 16E Kirby in Ashfield, which we worked to its destination. On arrival Cardiff East, dock men relieved us. The engine was in good condition and steamed well on this working. With no return job, we walked to Cardiff General to catch the next passenger back to Gloucester Central and walked to the shed to book off duty at 7.15am.
Thursday, on later at 7.35pm with driver I.Scadding due to the twelve-hour rest rule between shifts. We walked to Central station and were given a job to relieve Worcester men on a Bilston to STJ fully fitted express freight which arrived behind 6916 'Misterton Hall' of 2D Banbury. We worked this to its destination and were uncoupled at the Hump yard to run light engine to STJ shed and, although the engine was in poor condition, it had performed well. There was no back working so we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction station to catch the next train to Gloucester Central and walked to the shed to book off duty at 7.00am.
Friday, booked on at 6.00pm with driver I.Scadding. After waiting for about four hours at Central station with no work we were told to report back to shed where we prepared for service 6836 'Estavarney Grange' of 85A. The engine was in poor condition and overdue for a boiler washout with leaking boiler tubes, being in need of repair work at its home shed. We were to run light to Worcester shed with the engine in this condition and it did not steam at all well due to the leaking boiler tubes dropping steam and water on the fire at the front of the firebox. As a result, we had to stop for a lack of steam at Bredon en route but managed to complete the journey to Worcester shed without any further enforced stops.
I noted at Worcester Works today were preserved ex GWR Prairie Tank 4555 and Pannier Tank auto fitted 6412. With no back working, we walked to Worcester Shrub Hill station to catch the next passenger to Gloucester Eastgate before walking back to the shed to book off at 6.00am.
Monday, 26th July I booked on duty at 5.05am with driver J.Cambridge and we prepared 3775 and ran off shed light engine to New Yard to work a local freight to Ross on Wye and Lydbrook. We worked this train down the South Wales main line to Grange Court Junction and then off down the former line to Hereford, which truncated at Ross on Wye remaining open for freight traffic only. On arrival at Ross we shunted our train and made up a short train, which we worked to Lydbrook where we carried out further shunting duties and returned to Ross with another local freight. Further shunting took place in Ross yard including making up our train for the return to Gloucester New Yard. We then set off down the line to Grange Court Junction before travelling back up the main line to our destination, then ran light to Horton Road shed where we left the engine on the run for fire disposal. The engine had steamed well and was in good condition. We booked off duty at 2.35pm.
Tuesday was a repeat of Monday, same loco with driver N.Duke. We booked off duty at 3.05pm.
Wednesday,we had the same duty, this time with 4689. On the return trip we set off down the line to Grange Court Junction with me doing the driving and my driver acting as fireman on the shovel. The engine steamed well and was in good condition.
I noted on the shed WD Austerity 90537 of 36C Frodingham shed, Scunthorpe.
Thursday, the same duty with 4689. I brought along my Camera Kodak Brownie 44A to take a number of photos of today’s duty which included one of my driver and he kindly took one of me on the engine footplate which was the only personal photographic memory of my days on the railway. My driver allowed me to do most of the driving on our travels and he did the firing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The engine steamed well due to my driver’s excellent firing and was in good condition. We booked off duty at 3.35pm.
Friday,30th July, the same turn with 4689. Again my driver did the firing and I was driving the engine most of the time, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as my aim was that this would be my next job on the railway. We booked off duty at 1.25pm.
AUGUST 1965
Monday 2nd August a day off today and I decided to cycle with my dad to visit my sister in Oldland Common, Bristol. It took five hours to get there as we got lost on the journey and only three and a half hours to get back, a little saddle sore afterwards.
Tuesday, I booked on at 10.00pm with driver T.Meadows on shed duties based at the coaling stage moving engines after fire cleaning and coaling on 'the run'. We moved engines into the shed and if necessary using the shed turntable ready for their next duty. We also kept boilers topped up with water when engines were having their fires thrown out. We also prepared for service 7816 'Frilsham Manor' and booked off duty at 5.00am.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday were the same, but on Saturday I was given extra work to walk to Barnwood yard to act as second man on D3994 and return with the driver to shed. I then walked to Central station to relieve the second man on D3989, later another fireman relieved me. I then walked back to the shed to book off duty at 6.00am.
Monday, 9th August I booked on duty at 7.50am with driver W.Wyatt and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of a Stoke Gifford to Washwood Heath loose coupled loaded coal train. We relieved Barrow Road men on 48755 of 1F Rugby shed which was fitted with a Fowler type tender. The engine was in poor condition with dirty boiler tubes and we worked this heavy train to Washwood Heath. A diesel engine provided the assistance we needed for the climb up the Lickey Incline and we reached Blackwell without a problem before running into Birmingham via the Camp Hill route. We ran light engine the short distance to Saltley shed. There was no back working so we walked up the hill to Vauxhall & Duddeston station to catch a train to New Street and then a second train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at 6.00pm at the shed.
Wednesday, on duty at 6.15am with driver H.Norfield to prepare for service 4689 and then run off shed light engine to New Yard for the Bullo Pill Junction and Cinderford mixed local freight, stopping at Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings to collect further wagons. At Bullo Pill we carried out various shunting duties and made up our freight for Cinderford. The engine was in good condition, steamed well with the driver preparing the fire on the engine at Bullo Pill prior to the climb up the Cinderford branch. On this line there was an infamous single port tunnel without ventilation and the engine crew sometimes had to be down flat on the footplate as the steam and sulphur often filled the cab making breathing challenging, clearly this was not a place to stop for lack of steam. We worked the train successfully up the climb and onto Cinderford without a problem. We shunted the train wagons in the yard also travelling to Northern United Colliery and Berry Wiggins tar sidings to deliver and collect wagons. We were relieved by Horton Road men at Cinderford and walked to Cinderford bus station to catch a bus to Gloucester bus station and then onto Horton Road to book off duty at 3.05pm. It was on this bus journey that I decided I wanted to learn to drive and buy a car.
Noted on shed yesterday was a rare visitor a BR Standard 'Britannia' 4-6-2 70054 'Firth of Forth' of 5B and a BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T 80041 newly transferred to 83G Templecombe which was due to receive attention on the wheel drop. This was a facility which continued in use until the 1980’s as it was not provided at every shed and therefore brought in engines from various locations to receive wheel attention. A new arrival to the shed allocation was Large Prairie Tank no: 6160 transferred from 81C Southall.
Thursday, I booked on duty at 6.05am with driver R.Merret and walked to Central station for our job a Cardiff Tidal sidings to Yarnton fully loaded loose-coupled coal train. We relieved Cardiff East Dock men on 92001 of 2A and worked as far as Honeybourne station where Oxford men relieved us. The engine was in ex works condition and steamed well, however a banker was required for this heavy train on the climb up to Moreton-in- the- Marsh and it was 75005 of 85A that buffered up at the rear to provide assistance. We walked from the station to Honeybourne enginemen’s cabin located near the loops and sidings to await our back working, a Banbury to Llanwern Steel Works iron ore train. We relieved Banbury men on 92227 of 2D and worked to Gloucester Central where Newport Ebbw Junction men took over. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well. We booked off duty at 2.45pm.
Friday, on the same working we relieved Cardiff East Dock men on BR Standard 4MT 76035 formerly of 14B Cricklewood shed, London. However, due to the size and power of the engine coupled with the weight of the train we stopped for lack of steam at Cheltenham Malvern Road station. We filled the boiler and struggled on to Honeybourne station where Oxford men relieved us. Fortunately the same as the day before, a much needed banker, again 75005, provided assistance on the climb up to Moreton- in- the- Marsh. Our back working was like yesterday's with the loco being 6815 'Frilford Grange' of 87F Llanelly. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well. We booked off duty at Horton Road at 2.05pm.
Saturday, on duty at 4.40am with driver D.Charlett to prepare for service 44264 of and then light engine to collect our train at New Yard, loaded coal wagons for Hempsted gas works via Eastgate yard and Tuffley Junction onto the short Hempsted branch of one and a half miles approximately. We shunted the yard and made up our return train of empty coal wagons for Gloucester New Yard.The engine was in good condition and steamed well. We booked off duty at 12.00pm midday.
Sunday, I booked on at 11.00am with driver J.Bebell and then travelled in a mini bus to Berkeley Road to relieve Horton Road men on D1718 of 86A on a ballast train. As usual, I was acting as secondman and we undertook various movements as instructed by the Permanent way gang who undertook reballasting and track maintenance work. We were relieved at shift end by Horton Road men and then back in the mini bus to shed to book off duty at 10.50pm.
Monday, 16th August I booked on to duty at 3.37pm with driver R.Merret and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await the arrival of a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford freight hauled by D1700 of 81A. From Stoke Gifford it was light to Bristol Bath Road depot to stable the engine there. With no back working we caught the next train to Gloucester Eastgate before booking off duty at 11.37pm.
Tuesday, we had a Washwood Heath to Avonmouth semi fitted express freight containing fertilizer with D127 of 16C Derby. From Avonmouth we ran light engine to Bristol Bath Road depot via Filton Junction. We caught the next train to Gloucester Eastgate booking off duty at 11.37pm.
Wednesday, our rostered job was not running so Area Traffic Control gave us a replacement job to walk to Eastgate station and await a Newcastle to Bristol express passenger. On arrival, we relieved Saltley men on D1743 of 81A and worked to Temple Meads station with me acting as secondman. We then ran light engine to Bath Road depot. We were informed that there was a back working and had to walk to Barrow Road shed across Bristol to collect 48411 of 1F Rugby . We ran off shed light engine via Temple Meads station to access the ex GWR route north out of the City to Stoke Gifford yard where we took a fully fitted express freight bound for Derby and worked this as far as Gloucester Eastgate yard. We stopped next to a water column, I pulled the column around, put the bag into the water filler on the tender, and secured it with the chain. However while the tender was being filled the securing chain came unfastened and the column arm swung back around to its normal position soaking my driver in the process as he was stood controlling the water flow. He was not in the best of moods afterwards and walked off to the shed leaving me with the engine until our relief turned up in the form of Horton Road men. The engine performed well and was in good condition. I then crossed the tracks to nearby Horton Road shed to book off duty at 11.37pm.
Thursday, on duty at 2.50pm with driver B.Salter and walked to Central station to await the a Cardiff to Newcastle express passenger. On arrival, we relieved Cardiff Canton men on D1725 of 82A. We departed at 3.15pm and stopped at Cheltenham Lansdown station only before arriving at Birmingham New Street where Derby men relieved us. We travelled on a local passenger and alighted at Vauxhall and Duddeston station to walk down the hill to Saltley shed.
I noted on the shed today 48380 of 15E Coalville and 45350 of 5D Stoke on Trent. Also diesels noted were D2395 of 2H Monument Lane shed, five Sulzer Type 2’s: D5247 and D5296 of 16A , D5014 of 1F, D7596 of 2E, D5208 of 14B. In addition a Birmingham RCW Type 2 D5387 of 15A and three Brush Type 4’s: D1840 of 5A ,D1626 of 16A and our train engine D1694 of 81A which we prepared for service. We ran off shed light engine to nearby Washwood Heath yard south facing to collect our semi fittef freight to Cardiff Tidal sidings which we worked to Gloucester Central. On arrival Horton Road men relieved us and we walked to the shed to book off duty at 11.10pm.
Friday, on duty at 3.37pm with driver R.Merret we again had a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford freight, this time with D47 of 16C. Then from Stoke Gifford to Bath Road depot to refuel the engine and back off shed light to Stoke Gifford for a Washwood Heath freight as far as Gloucester South Junction where Horton Road men relieved us.
Saturday, I booked on duty at 3.00pm with driver K.Stinchcombe and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await the arrival of our rostered job a Washwood Heath yard, Birmingham to Severn Tunnel Junction yard semi fitted freight. We relieved Saltley men on D1713 of 86A and worked this train to its destination, then ran light engine to STJ shed.
I noted on STJ shed today BR Standard 3MT 82010, condemned en route for scrapping formerly of 70A Nine Elms. Also D1609 of 86A, D6558 of 73C Hither Green, London, D6955 of 86A, D6926 and D6934 both of 87E.
With no back working, we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction station to catch the next passenger train back to Gloucester Central and booked off duty at 10.00pm. I noted on Horton Road shed 90367 of 9K Bolton, 45339 of 9D Newton Heath and 45025 of 10J Lancaster Green Ayre (which went on to work until the last day of steam power on BR and survives today in preservation).
Monday, 23rd August to Friday 4th September, I was on holiday for two weeks annual leave.
SEPTEMBER 1965
Monday, 6th September I booked on duty at 12.01am with driver W.Nelmes and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. There was no work available until the foreman gave me a job as secondman on D2138, which was Mileage yard pilot. We made up and worked a local transfer freight to Barnwood yard, then ran light to shed before booking off duty at 12.11pm.
Tuesday, on duty at 12.01am with driver K.Stincombe and walked to Central station to relieve Canton men on D1756 of 86A working a Cardiff Tidal to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight then ran light to Saltley shed. I noted on shed three English Electric Type 4’s : D231 of 1F ,D337 and D341 both of 5A Crewe North; two Sulzer Type 2 ’s: D5197 and D5226 both of 2E; BRCW Type 2 D5390 of 15A Leicester. Also noted was B1 61058 of 36E Retford, an ex LNER Pacific A1 60145 'St Mungo' of 50A York, Ivatt 4MT 43149 and Ivatt 2MT 46445 both of 2E. There was no back working so we walked to Vauxhall & Duddeston to catch a passenger train to New Street and a second to Gloucester Eastgate. We booked off duty at 10.06am on the shed.
Wednesday, I booked on at 12.01am with driver B.Scadding and walked to Central station, then to Gloucester South Junction for a Stoke Gifford to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight. Our loco was 48768 of 5D Stoke on Trent. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. The banker up the Lickey was an English Electric Type 3, and we ran to WWH via Camp Hill. We ran light to Saltley shed where I noted D1796 of 41A Tinsley and D5202 of 2E. Back to Gloucester 'on the cushions' and book off duty at 9.45am.
Thursday, on at 12.05am with driver P.Long for our rostered job, a Stoke Gifford to Washwood Heath freight from Gloucester South Junction. The loco was D123 of 16C Derby. From WWH we ran light to Saltley, where I noted D5206 and D5223 both of 14B Cricklewood and D5394 of 15A Leicester along with the loco for our back working D1718 of 86A which we prepared for service. We worked a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford freight to Gloucester South Junction where Horton Road men relieved us and we booked off duty at 9.45am.
Saturday, on duty at 12.50am with driver L.Potter and walked to Central station for our rostered job a loaded Llandarcy to Rowley Regis petrol tank train. We relieved Canton men on D6898 of 87E and worked as far as Worcester yard where Worcester men relieved us. Area Traffic Control gave us a back working to relieve Oxley men on an Edge Hill, Liverpool to Stoke Gifford express freight . The loco was 45275 of 6B Mold Junction which we worked to Gloucester South Junction where we were relieved by Bristol Barrow Road men. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well. We booked off duty at 10.50am.
Sunday, I booked on at 6.00am with driver R.Langford for our rostered job a Burton on Trent to Bristol West Depot loose coupled loaded coal train from Gloucester South Junction. The loco was 48419 of 16C and we relieved Burton on Trent men. We worked this train into Bristol on the ex GWR route and avoided Temple Meads station by forking left at Doctor Day’s Junction and taking the route to St Philips Marsh DMU depot, behind the back of Bath Road diesel depot before rejoining the main line south of Temple Meads and onto Bristol West Depot. We then ran tender first retracing the route as far as Doctor Days Junction where we were able to turn the engine on the triangle of lines and run light to Horton Road shed. The engine performed well and was in good condition and we booked off duty at 4.45pm.
Monday, 13th September I booked on duty at 7.55pm with driver J.Tilestone and walked to Central station to await the arrival of a Pengam to Water Orton yard, fully fitted freight. We relieved Cardiff Canton men on D1748 of 82A with me acting as secondman we worked via the Lickey Incline and Camp Hill route to Water Orton. We then ran light to Saltley and stabled the engine. There was a back working and we walked to close by Camp Hill enginemen’s cabin to await the arrival of a Bradford to Stoke Gifford fully fitted express freight, which arrived behind D40 of 82A. We relieved Derby men and worked as far as Gloucester South Junction where we handed over to Bath Road men and booked off duty at 4.30am.
Tuesday, on duty at 8.00pm with driver K.Stinchcombe as spare on shed. The foreman gave us a job at 9.30pm to walk to Gloucester South Junction for a Stoke Gifford to Nuneaton fully fitted loaded petrol tank train, which arrived behind 92231 of 50A York. We relieved Barrow Road men and ran up the ex Midland main line to Bromsgrove at the foot of the Lickey where we stopped to obtain assistance for the climb up the incline, which a Type 3 diesel provided, and then on to Camp Hill where a Saltley crew relieved us. The engine was in good condition and had steamed well.
We walked to Saltley shed where I noted D1838 of 5A and 44883 of 12A Carlisle. Area Traffic Control advised us there was no back working so we walked up the hill to Vauxhall & Duddeston station to catch a train to New Street and then a second train to Gloucester before booking off duty at 4.35am.
Wednesday, I booked on at 8.00pm with driver K.Stinchcombe and walked to Central station to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job at 12.30am to travel as passengers from Central to Stroud on the Swansea to Paddington passenger and mail train. We alighted at Stroud and on the deserted station a chap came up to me. He had also just left the train and asked if we had arrived at Newport High Street station whereby I informed him he had missed his stop by about an hour and a half and this was Stroud!
We relieved Brimscombe men on 6160 that was simmering in the bay platform. We ran light bunker first from Stroud to Horton Road shed and I kept the fire thin so it would be ready for fire disposal. We booked off duty at 4.00am. I noted on Horton Road shed for repairs was 41291 and 80037 both of 83G Templecombe shed along with an English Electric Type 3 diesel which was now based at the shed for driver training purposes.
Thursday, on at 8.00pm with driver K.Stinchcombe and walked to Central to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction to relieve Saltley men working a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight with D1674 of 86A which we worked to its destination, then ran light to Bristol Bath Road. There was no back working so we walked across the running lines to Temple Meads, caught the next passenger train to Gloucester and booked off on the shed at 5.00am.
Friday, on duty at 8.00pm with driver R.Langford and walked to Central to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction to relieve Saltley men working a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight with 44856 of 2B which we worked to its destination, then ran light engine tender first to Horton Road shed. The engine had a dirty fire, did not steam particularly well and we booked off on the shed at 4.45am.
Saturday, I booked on duty at 8.00pm with driver J.Hooper and walked to Central to await instructions from Area Traffic Control, but there was no work today so I had a long wait before walking back to the shed to book off at 4.00am.
Monday, 20th September, I booked on duty at 6.50am with driver O.Harris and walked to Eastgate to travel as passengers to Birmingham New Street where we caught a train to Vauxhall and Duddeston, alighted and walked down the hill to Saltley shed. I noted on shed 90636 of 36A Doncaster. In addition D5412 of 15A, seven Sulzer Type 2’s :D5075 of 1A,D5214 of 14B,D5239,D5281 ,D5284 and D7519 of Saltley, D5231 of 16D and D369 of 1B Camden.
Our job was to prepare D1748 of 82A and run off shed light to Washwood Heath yard for a semi fitted freight for Stoke Gifford. We worked this via the Camp Hill route running south down the ex Midland main line descending the Lickey Incline as far as Gloucester South Junction. On arrival, Horton Road men relieved us and we walked back to shed to book off duty at 4.50pm.
Tuesday, I booked on at 6.50am with driver O.Harris and walked to Central station for our rostered job a Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight. We relieved Cardiff Canton men on an almost brand new Brush Type 4 D1963 of 86A and worked this with me as second man to Washwood Heath. On arrival, we ran light engine to the south facing yard to collect our back working.
I noted on Saltley shed today two Brush Type 4 ’s: D1665 of 87E and D1785 of 41A Tinsley, Black 5 44729 of 10C Fleetwood and 8F 48763 of 16G Westhouses.
Our back working was a Washwood Heath to Cardiff Tidal Sidings semi fitted freight and we worked this to Gloucester Central where Cardiff Canton men relieved us and then walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 5.00pm.
Wednesday, on duty at 6.50am with driver O.Harris for the same job as yesterday with another almost brand new Brush Type 4 diesel D1606 of 87E Landore. On arrival, we ran light to Saltley shed to stable the engine.
I noted today on shed 90133 of 36C Frodingham, Scunthorpe and 2MT 46492 of 2J Aston and BR Standard 4MT 75010 of 6A Chester. In addition D3248 of 2E and D3975 of 2A, D5823 of Wath depot, D5298 of 2E and D7541 and D7591 of 16A , also D1907 of 86A.
There was no back working so we walked to Vauxhall & Duddeston to catch a train to New Street and then to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at 5.35pm.
Friday, booked on at 6.50am with driver O.Harris and walked to Central station for our rostered job a Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Washwood Heath. Area Traffic Control told us it was not running and to wait further instructions. They gave us a replacement job to relieve Horton Road men in Central on a Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel Junction freight train. It arrived behind 73019 of 85B and we worked this train to STJ then ran light to the shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well and with no back working we walked to Severn Tunnel Junction station to catch the next passenger train back to Gloucester Central before walking to the shed to book off duty at 5.50pm.
Saturday, on duty at 6.50am with driver J.Smith for our rostered job to prepare 4698 and then run off shed light to New Yard for a Cinderford local freight. We worked down the South Wales main line to Bullo Pill Junction where we collected extra wagons before proceeding up the branch to Cinderford yard and Northern United Colliery. We carried out various shunting duties before making up our train for the return to Gloucester New Yard including tank wagons collected from Berry Wiggins tar sidings. We ran back down the branch through the infamous single pot tunnel, which was much easier on the fireman in this direction as it was all downhill to Bullo Pill Junction where we rejoined the South Wales main line. We delivered and collected more wagons at Bullo Pill Junction sidings and then set off north to Gloucester New Yard from where we ran light to shed. The engine steamed well and was in good condition. We booked off duty at 2.55pm.
Sunday, I booked on duty at 8.30am with driver R.Wyatt and walked to Gloucester South Junction for our rostered job a Washwood Heath to Bristol West Depot loose coupled loaded coal train. This arrived with 92128 of 2E and we relieved Saltley men on the footplate. We worked into Bristol via the ex GWR route and avoided Temple Meads station by forking left at Doctor Day’s Junction and running towards St Philips Marsh DMU depot passing the back of Bath Road depot before rejoining the main line south of Temple Meads station and onto Bristol West Depot. We ran tender first retracing the route as far as Doctor Day’s Junction where we turned the engine on the triangle of lines and then ran light to Horton Road shed. The engine performed well and was in good condition and we booked off duty at 8.30pm.
Monday, 27th September I booked on at 3.50pm with driver D.Harbour for our rostered job to prepare 6160 and then run off shed light to Central station carriage sidings to couple up to our coaches. We pushed the coaches into the station to form a Gloucester Central to Cheltenham St James local passenger train, which departed at 5.00pm calling at Churchdown and Cheltenham Malvern Road before arriving at the terminus. On arrival, we ran around the train, and stabled the coaches in the carriage sidings. We ran light to St James yard to couple up to a semi fitted freight for Gloucester South Junction yard, then ran light to shed leaving it ready for fire disposal. The engine steamed well and was in good condition.
We reported to the foreman who gave us another job to prepare 44777 of 2E. We then ran light to the bay platform at Eastgate station where Tyseley men relieved us who would work the engine on a Gloucester Eastgate to Birmingham Moor Street parcels train. We walked back to shed and booked off duty at 3.20am.
Wednesday, on duty at 3.50pm with driver D.Harbour for our rostered job which was the same as Monday, with 6160 on the 5.00pm passenger to Cheltenham and freight back.
Back on shed, we reported to the foreman who gave us another job to prepare 6861 'Crynant Grange; of 2A for the Gloucester Eastgate to Birmingham Moor Street parcels train and we booked off duty at 3.20am.
Thursday 30th September was a repeat of Wednesday with the same engines.
OCTOBER 1965
Friday, 1st October I booked on duty at 3.50pm with driver D.Harbour to prepare 6160 for the 5.00pm Gloucester Central to Cheltenham St James passenger train calling at Churchdown and Cheltenham Malvern Road. On arrival, we stabled the coaches in the carriage sidings and ran to the yard for the local freight to Gloucester South Junction. After that, we ran light to shed leaving 6160 ready for fire disposal. The engine steamed well and was in good condition.
We reported to the foreman who gave us another job to prepare 45038 of 2J Aston, which was booked to work the Eastgate to Moor Street parcels train and booked off duty at 4.00am.
Saturday, I booked on at 3.50pm with driver D.Harbour and waited in the shed enginemen’s mess room for instructions. The foreman gave us a job to prepare 6160 and then run off shed light to New Yard where we coupled up to the Acton Yard fully fitted express freight with rostered engine 'Western' D1005 'Western Venturer' of 81A. at the head of the train. Unfortunately the 'Western' driver was having trouble with both engines and therefore needed assistance for the climb up Sapperton Incline. All was going well and we weren’t doing much of the work until we were in the tunnels on the climb up Sapperton when the 'Western' driver flashed the rear cab lights to signal to us that both diesel engines had failed. So our loco was now pulling the whole freight and pushing the dead 'Western' at the head of the train. Our engine was making lots of noise from the chimney off the roof of the tunnel and working flat out to keep the train on the move successfully. After completing the climb to Kemble, the diesel engines had cooled down and restarted with it now pulling our loco and the freight. On arrival at Swindon Cocklebury, we were uncoupled from inside the train and then D1005 completed its journey to Acton Yard unassisted. We returned light to Horton Road bunker first and left the engine on the run for fire disposal. The engine performed really well on this unusual working and was in good condition. We booked off duty at 4.00am.
Monday, 4th October I booked on duty at 2.42am with driver R.Lee and walked to Gloucester South Junction to await a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight. We relieved Saltley men on D40 of 82A and worked this train to its destination, then ran light to Bristol Bath Road depot and stabled the engine. We had a back working which was to prepare D1655 of 87E and then light to Stoke Gifford yard for a Washwood Heath semi fitted freight which we worked as far as Gloucester South Junction where Horton Road men relieved us. We walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 11.12am.
Tuesday, on duty at 3.00am with driver G.Hawkins. We prepared 6944 'Fledborough Hall' of 88A for its rostered duty, 4F 44264 for the Worcester pick-up freight and 4698 for the Quedgeley RAF sidings local freight. Later in the day we walked to New Yard to relieve Horton Road men on 4698 and worked a loose coupled freight to Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings. On arrival, we coupled up to a return freight, made up by the diesel shunter on yard pilot duty, and worked back to New Yard before heading for the shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. We booked off duty at 11.00am.
Wednesday, I booked on at 4.00am with driver R.Merrett to prepare D7073 of 81A and run light engine down the South Wales main line to Lydney yard where we coupled up to a loaded ballast train bound for Worcester yard. We worked this train to Gloucester Central where Horton Road men relieved us and then walked back to the shed to book off duty at 12.30pm.
Thursday, booked on at 2.00am with driver D.Burford and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. There was no work available so we stayed in the waiting room for a long time before walking back to Horton Road shed to book off duty at 10.00am.
Friday, I booked on at 3.00am and awaited instructions in the shed enginemen’s mess room. I was given a job with driver A.Morris to prepare D4168 of 85B with me acting as secondman and run off shed light engine to New Yard. We carried out various local freight workings travelling to Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings, Barnwood yard and Mileage Yard close to Horton Road shed. On completion of these duties, we ran light to shed and booked off at 12.30pm.
Sunday, on duty at 4.00am with driver B.Whitehead for our rostered job to walk to Gloucester South Junction to relieve Horton Road men 3675 on a loaded ballast train and undertook various movements as instructed by the Permanent way gang. The engine did not steam well. Horton Road men relieved us and we walked back to shed to book off duty at 11.00am.
Monday, 11th October I booked on duty at 1.15pm with driver R.Lee. The foreman gave us a job to travel to Bristol on the next passenger train from Eastgate and then to Bristol Bath Road diesel depot. I noted on the depot D866 'Zebra' of 84A, four 'Yogi Bears': D9517, D9523, D9553 and D9554 all of 82A. Also D1911 of 86A and D6925 of 87E. We prepared for service D1905 of 86A and ran light via Filton Junction to Avonmouth Docks for a Derby semi fitted freight and worked to Gloucester Barnwood yard. Horton Road men relieved us and we walked back to the shed to book off duty at 9.15pm.
Tuesday, I booked on at 1.15pm and awaited instructions in the shed enginemen’s cabin. No work was available, we finished the shift early and booked off at 7.00pm.
Wednesday, on duty at 1.15pm, the foreman gave me a job with driver F.Butler to walk to Central station carriage sidings to act as secondman on Gloucester RCW DMU W51090W. We worked this 3-car unit as empty stock to St Phillips Marsh DMU depot along the ex GWR route into Bristol branching left at Doctor Day’s Junction and then to the right running onto Temple Meads station avoiding line, which was adjacent to the DMU depot. We stabled the unit on the depot and walked to Temple Meads station to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate, then walked to Horton Road shed and booked off duty at 8.00pm.
Thursday, on at 1.15pm and the foreman gave me a job with driver J.Smith, a former fireman, to prepare 7029 'Clun Castle' and couple to the shed breakdown train. We worked this with express headlamps showing down the South Wales main line to Bullo Pill Junction where a Pannier Tank which had been working the Cinderford branch had become derailed shunting in the sidings. After rerailing the Pannier Tank using the crane we ran around the breakdown train and worked back to Gloucester tender first. We stabled the breakdown train back on the shed with the engine steaming well and booked off at 9.15pm.
Friday, booked on at 2.00pm with driver T.Meadows on shed duties based at the coaling stage cabin topping up engines with water whilst awaiting disposal of their fires. We moved engines into the shed and turned them as required on the turntable. Quite a busy shift with twelve engines on disposal and I drove quite a few into the shed ready for their next turn of duty. We booked off at 10.00pm.
Saturday, on duty at 1.00pm with driver R.Lee for our rostered job to prepare 44691 of 2E. We then ran off shed light to Central station to await the arrival of a Cardiff Tidal sidings to Stourbridge Junction fully fitted express freight, which arrived behind a Type 3 diesel. We took over from the diesel and worked as far as Worcester yard where we were relieved by Stourbridge Junction men. The engine had steamed well and worked hard. There was no back working so we walked to Worcester Shrub Hill to catch the next train back to Gloucester and then walked back to the shed to book off duty at 9.00pm.
Monday, 18th October I booked on duty at 10.05am with driver K.Townsend and we prepared for service D1585 of 87E. I switched on the steam boiler generator to test it before we ran light to Central station where Cardiff Canton men relieved us and coupled up to a Paddington to Cardiff parcels train. We walked back to the shed engineman’s mess room but no further work was forthcoming and booked off duty at 6.05pm.
Wednesday, I booked on at 11.00am with driver R.Harvey, we walked to Gloucester Bus station to catch a bus to Cinderford where we walked to the station yard to relieve Horton Road men on 3675. After shunting duties including a trip to Northern United Colliery to collect some loaded coal wagons we made up our train for the trip to Gloucester New Yard. We had just enough time for a short break and grabbed a pint of beer in a local pub. We then set off down the branch passing through the single pot tunnel to Bullo Pill Junction to join the South Wales main line and ran to Over Yard Docks Branch where we delivered some wagons before continuing onto New Yard. We ran light to shed to book off at 7.00pm.The engine steamed well on today’s workings and was in good condition. I noted new engines allocated to Horton Road shed: Pannier Tanks 3696 and 9672 plus four 9F’s 92210, 92216, 92246 and 92250.
Thursday was a repeat of Wednesday with 0-6-0PT 9672 which steamed well and was in good condition. We booked off at 6pm.
Friday, on the same duty with 4689. On arrival at Bullo Pill Junction, the engine was struggling for steam due to a dirty clinkered fire and poor quality coal. However, we carried on as far as Over Yard where we delivered some wagons before struggling on to New Yard. By this time the fire had deteriorated ever further and after uncoupling my driver decided we needed a tow to shed by D3994 and we booked off duty at 7.00pm.
Saturday, I booked on at 10.00am with driver P.Eskins. Area Traffic Control gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction and await an Oxley to Stoke Gifford semi fitted freight. We relieved Worcester men on 9F 92235 of 86B and worked this train to its destination. However, the engine was in poor condition with a dirty fire, clinker in the fire grate and steam was blowing from some of the pipe joints. We had to stop due to a lack of steam at Charfield to have a 'blow up' where I tried to clean the fire using the fire irons. We continued on to Stoke Gifford yard successfully from where we ran light to Barrow Road shed via Temple Meads. I noted on shed ex LMS 'Jinty' 47276 of 82F Bath Green Park in very clean condition. There was no back working so we walked to Temple Meads to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at 6.00pm.
Monday, 25th October I booked on duty at 12.35pm with driver K.Townsend. Our job was to relieve Cardiff Canton men in Central station on a Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight hauled by D1589 of 86A with me acting as second man. As we were travelling through the Birmingham suburbs, my driver became concerned as a transmission light had come on in the cab but the engine was still running. On arrival at the yard, we tried to uncouple from the wagons but were unable to do so as the diesel would not go into reverse. As a result, a 9F coupled up to release us from the train and then towed us to nearby Saltley shed. There I noted D5389 of 15A Leicester, D1827 of 16A Toton and D342 of 5A. Also steam engines: 42980 of 9F Heaton Mersey, 48134 of 6C Croes Newydd, 48644 of 15E Coalville and 76022 of 2B Oxley. With no back working, we walked up the hill to Vauxhall & Duddeston to catch a train to New Street and then another to Gloucester before booking off duty at 1.20am on the shed.
Tuesday, I booked on at 4.30pm with driver K.Townsend for the Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Washwood Heath train with D1732 of 87E. On arrival at WWH, we ran light to the south facing yard to couple up to our back working to Cardiff Tidal Sidings. We worked this to Gloucester Central where Cardiff Canton men relieved us and we booked off duty at 4.05am.
Wednesday, I booked on duty at 3.50pm with driver K.Townsend and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions. There was no work available and we finished the shift and booked off duty at 11.00pm.
Thursday, on at 3.50pm with driver D.Green to prepare 7816 'Frilsham Manor' and run off shed light to Central station carriage sidings to couple up to our coaches which we pushed into the station to form the 5.30pm local passenger to Cheltenham St James, calling at Churchdown and Cheltenham Malvern Road before arriving at the terminus. After arrival, we stabled the coaches in the carriage sidings. We then ran light to St James yard for a local freight to Gloucester South Junction yard which we worked tender-first before running light to shed leaving it ready for fire disposal. We booked off duty at 10.30pm. The engine steamed well and was in good condition.
Friday, 29th October on duty at 2.00pm with driver T.Meadows on shed duties based at the coaling stage cabin topping up engine boilers with water whilst awaiting disposal of their fires. We then moved the engines into the shed and turned them as required on the turntable. A busy shift and I drove quite a few engines into the shed ready for their next turn. We booked off duty at 9.30pm.
NOVEMBER 1965
Monday, 1st November I booked on duty at 3.50am with driver K.Townsend for our rostered job to prepare 92244, now an 85B engine, and run off shed to Barnwood yard for the Worcester pick-up freight stopping at Cheltenham High Street yard and Ashchurch MOD sidings to deliver and collect wagons before arriving at our destination. On arrival, we took on water before turning the engine on Worcester triangle before travelling to the south yard for our return pick-up freight for Gloucester New Yard. We again delivered and collected wagons at Ashchurch MOD sidings and Cheltenham High Street yard. We then ran light to Horton Road and booked off duty at 11.00am. The engine was in reasonable condition and steamed okay on today’s workings.
Tuesday was a repeat of Monday with the same engine. We booked off duty at 1.50pm.
Thursday, the outward trip was the same, but then we put the engine, which performed better today, steaming well, on Worcester shed. Our back working was to prepare D1966 of 86A before running light to the south yard for a semi fitted freight for Cardiff Tidal Sidings. We worked this with me as second man to Gloucester Central where Cardiff Canton men relieved us and we walked to Horton Road to book off duty at 12.50pm.
Friday, I was with driver F.Rigby for the Worcester pick-up, our loco being 7808 'Cookham Manor', otherwise it was a repeat of Monday. The engine was in good condition and steamed well.
Saturday was the same duty as Friday with driver K Townsend and loco 7808. We managed to book off duty at 10.40am ...an early finish!
Monday, 8th November on duty at 6.01pm with driver E.Hurcomb for our rostered Newcastle to Cardiff express passenger. We relieved Derby men on D66 of 16C with me as second man including tending the Stone type steam generator for train heating. Between Newport and Cardiff I went into the engine room, which was rather deafening, to shut down the generator before arrival at Cardiff General. We should have been relieved there but the Canton men were expecting a Brush Type 4 and had no knowledge of Sulzer Type 4 'Peaks' so we stayed with the engine including the Canton crew to act as our pilotmen as they needed to get to Bristol for their back working. We ran light onto Canton depot to refuel and take on more water for the boiler before running back to the station to couple up to a Bristol bound passenger train. I restarted the boiler to warm up the coaches prior to departure and we worked this to Bristol Temple Meads via the Severn Tunnel. After arrival, we ran light to the nearby Bath Road depot before walking back to Temple Meads to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester. We then walked to Horton Road to book off duty at 2.31am.
Tuesday, booked on at 6.00pm with driver D.Keay and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions. Area Traffic Control gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction and await a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford loaded coal train. We relieved Saltley men 8F 48109 of 2E and worked this to its destination, then ran light to Barrow Road shed . The engine steamed well and was in good condition. There was no back working, so we walked to Temple Meads to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty on the shed at 4.30am.
Wednesday, on at 6.30pm and awaited instructions in the shed enginemen’s cabin. The foreman gave me a given a job to prepare 44843 of 2B and 92230 of 85B and then gave permission to end my shift early so I booked off at 1.30am.
Thursday, on duty at 6.30pm and awaited instructions in the shed enginemen’s mess room. I was given a job to prepare 0-6-0PT 9430 and then to act as second man on D1757 of 86A from shed to Central station where we handed over to Cardiff Canton men. We then walked back to Horton Road and booked off duty at 1.30am.
Friday, on at 6.30 pm and awaited instructions in the shed enginemen’s cabin. My first job was to prepare 48056 of 16A Toton. After that I walked to High Orchard freight yard situated in the docks complex via the City Park to act as second man on D2138. We then ran light up the short branch next to the park to cross the main road to join the ex Midland mainline just before Barton Street crossing gates and on to Horton Road shed via Eastgate yard. My next duty was to walk to the nearby Mileage yard and act as second man on D2196 to work a transfer freight to Barnwood yard. We then uncoupled and ran light to shed and booked off duty at 2.00am.
Saturday, on duty at 5.05pm with driver D Keay to travel as passengers from Central to Stroud to relieve Horton Road men on 6113 which was in Stroud station bay platform. We carried out shunting duties in Stroud yard before travelling up the main line to Brimscombe shed to carry out banking duties as required. We banked one freight up Sapperton and then worked light to Horton Road. I kept the fire thin so it would be ready for fire cleaning and coaling once on shed. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. We booked off duty at 1.05am.
I noted on shed BR Standard 4MT 76030 and ex Southern S15 30833, both formerly of 70B Feltham, on their way to the South Wales scrap yards along with BR Standard 4MT 80037 of 83G Templecombe which was in steam.
Monday, 15th to Friday 19th November I booked on at 6.00am with driver T.Meadows on shed duties based at the coaling stage cabin topping up engines boilers with water whilst awaiting disposal of their fires. We then moved the engines into the shed and turned them as required on the turntable. Often quite busy and I drove quite a few engines positioning them ready for their next turn of duty.
Tuesday, another fireman and I were instructed by Driver Meadows to move 4MT 76040 of 2E and unfortunately we collided with 2MT 78006 resulting in the front wheels of 76040 and the tender of 78006 becoming derailed. The breakdown train moved to the site, the crane was used to re-rail the two engines, and because of this incident they are likely to be withdrawn from service. Luckily, I did not hear any more from shed supervision and booked off duty at 2.00pm. Note: neither loco was withdrawn as a result of this incident. 78006 was withdrawn at the end of 1965 along with all remaining 85B steam locos, whilst 76040 worked on until withdrawal in March 1967.
On Thursday, I noted a new engine allocated to Horton Road, Large Prairie Tank 6141.
Tuesday, 23rd November I booked on duty at 10.15pm with driver D.Philips and walked to Central station carriage sidings to relieve Horton Road men on Fowler 4F 44269 which was coupled to a long row of coaches for steam heating purposes. A number of the coaches were required for an early morning Cardiff service. The engine steamed well on this duty and Horton Road men relieved us before walking back to the shed to book off duty at 5.30am.
Wednesday, on duty at 10.15pm with driver K.Townsend and walked to Central station to await instructions. Area traffic Control gave us a job to walk over to Eastgate station for a Bristol to Derby parcels train, which arrived behind 'Peak' D115 of 16C .We relieved Bristol Bath Road men with me as second man and worked the train as far as Birmingham New Street where Derby men relieved us. We then caught a railway shuttle bus to Saltley shed, where the foreman told us our booked return job was not running.
I noted on shed Ivatt 4MT’s 43098 of 55E Normanton and Black 5 45222 of 2F Bescot, Brush Type 4 D1834 of 2E and Sulzer Type 2 D7503 of 16A.
With no back working, we walked up the hill to Vauxhall & Duddeston station to catch a train to New Street and a second train to Gloucester Eastgate and booked off duty at 10.45am.
Thursday, I booked on at 10.15pm with driver D.Phillips. The foreman gave us a job to walk to Eastgate station to travel as passengers to Worcester Shrub Hill where we walked to the south yard to await a Manchester to Avonmouth empty tank train. On arrival, we relieved Oxley men on 8F 48374 of 8C Speke Junction and worked this train to Gloucester South Junction where we were relieved by Barrow Road men. The engine was in good condition and steamed well on this duty. We then walked back to Horton Road to book off at 7.15am.
Friday, on at 10.15pm with driver K.Townsend, the foreman gave us a job from Eastgate station, the Bristol to Derby parcels train with D41 of 82A, which we worked to New Street, relieved there by Derby men. We then caught a railway shuttle bus to Saltley shed and Area traffic control gave us a return job, a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford mixed freight. I noted on shed 43034 of 5B and 8F’s: 48093 of 55B Stourton and 48749 of 6B Mold Junction. Also D5235 of 16D Nottingham, D3082 of 2E and D1699 of 82A which we prepared for service and ran off shed light to Washwood Heath yard. We ran via Camp Hill and the Lickey Incline to Gloucester South Junction where Horton Road men relieved us and walked back to the shed to book off duty at 11.50am.
Saturday, on duty at 11.50pm with driver E.Arthur and walked to Gloucester South Junction for an Avonmouth to York loaded petrol tank train. We relieved Bath Road men on D1658 of 87E and worked via the Lickey Incline and Camp Hill to be relieved by Saltley men close to the shed. We reported to the foreman but there was no back working so we returned in the guard's van of a Washwood Heath to Stoke Gifford freight. We joined it just outside Saltley shed and alighted at Gloucester South Junction and walked back to Horton Road to book off duty at 10.45am.
Monday, 29th November I booked on duty at 8.40am and began the shift on shed duties. I undertook some shunting and moved loaded coal wagons up the Coaling stage for unloading. My next duty was to walk to Central station with driver M.Evans to relieve Horton Road men on the Station pilot with D4168.We carried out various shunting duties as required at both Central and Eastgate station areas and sidings. Horton Road men relieved us and we walked back to the shed to book off duty at 4.40pm.
DECEMBER 1965
The official end of steam working at Horton Road was now rapidly approaching.
Wednesday,1st December, on duty at 9.45am with driver P. Eskins to prepare 7808 'Cookham Manor' and travel light to Gloucester New Yard for the Sharpness freight. We ran via Gloucester Eastgate yard and Quedgeley R.A.F sidings delivering and collecting wagons as required before continuing to Berkeley Road where we crossed onto the Sharpness branch. The Docks diesel shunter made up the main part of our return freight in the yard. We travelled along the line that connected with the damaged Severn Bridge to Sharpness station to fill up with water. Our return to Gloucester New Yard was tender first. We collected a nuclear waste flask wagon at Berkeley station siding and then ran on up the branch onto the main line stopping at Quedgeley R.A.F sidings to collect more wagons before continuing to Eastgate yard and New Yard. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. I booked off duty at 6.15 pm.
Thursday, I booked on at 9.45am with driver K.Townsend with no rostered job so we had to await further instructions in the shed enginemen’s cabin. The foreman gave us a job to walk to Eastgate station and await the arrival of a Derby to Bristol Temple Meads parcels train. We relieved Saltley men on D107 of 15B Wellingborough with me acting as second man. On arrival at Bristol we stabled the engine at Bath Road depot. There was no back working so we travelled on the next passenger train to Gloucester and walked to Horton Road to book off at 6.00 pm.
Friday, booked on at 9.45 am with driver K. Townsend and awaited further instructions in the shed mess room until given a job to prepare for service 90373 of 56A Wakefield and 92224 of 2D Banbury and booked off duty 5.45 pm.
Saturday, on duty 7.10 am with driver D.Charlet to prepare 9672 and run off shed light to New Yard for the Cinderford freight train via Bullo Pill Junction on the main line and then up the steep branch to Bilston Junction and on to Cinderford station yard. We undertook shunting duties and then ran light to Bilston Junction to work an empty coal wagon train to Northern United Colliery delivering empties and collecting loaded wagons. Back at Bilston Junction, we carried out shunting duties as required including making up our return freight to Gloucester New Yard stopping at Over Yard Docks Branch Sidings collecting and delivering wagons. We booked off duty at 4.10 pm.
Sunday, booked on duty at 6.50am with driver T.Rue and walked to Central station for a Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Oxford Yarnton yard semi fitted freight. We relieved Cardiff Canton men on D1722 of 82A and worked to Swindon yard where Oxford men relieved us. We had no back working so walked to Swindon station and travelled back to Gloucester Central on the next passenger train and booked off duty at 2.30 pm.
Monday 6th December I booked on duty at 7.20 pm with driver J.Merret and walked to Eastgate station for the Newcastle to Bristol express where we relieved Saltley men on D23 of 55A and worked to Bristol, then ran light to Bath Road depot. With no back working, we travelled as passengers to Gloucester where our next job was a Derby to Temple Meads parcels train. This had D123 of 16C Derby, we worked to Bristol. The Stone type steam heating boiler was in use until I shut it down at Westerleigh. As earlier, we put the loco on Bath Road and returned to Gloucester as passengers and booked off duty at 4.00 am. On shed was 'Jubilee' 45697 'Achilles' of 55A which had worked into Eastgate station with a special parcels train.
Tuesday, on duty at 3.30 pm with driver C. Boulton to prepare 48010 of 9D Newton Heath and run off shed light to Bristol Bath Road diesel depot via Stoke Gifford. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. 0n arrival we stabled the engine in a long siding containing a number Midland depot steam engines awaiting allocation of freight workings back to the north. This practice was because of Bristol Barrow Road shed closing on 20th November 1965 leaving the diesel depot as a temporary stabling point for any steam engines required for freight workings. We then travelled back to Gloucester as passengers, and booked off duty at 11.30 pm.
I noted on shed today 'Britannia' 70026 'Polar Star' of 9B Stockport Edgeley, Fowler 4F 44311 of 9K Bolton, and two Austerity’s: 90262 of 50B Hull Dairycoates and 90373 of 56A Wakefield. Also BR Standard 4MT 80037, a new allocation to Horton Road, to work the Hempsted gas works coal train duties, replacing 85B's last active Fowler 4F 44269 which would now be withdrawn from service. Also new diesel arrivals allocated to Horton Road to replace steam locos on local freights were diesel hydraulic Type1'Yogi Bear' D9502, D9521 and 350HP shunter D3999. Note: various pictures show that 44311 was fitted with a tender-cab: if it had one during this visit, it was possibly a first for for the class at Gloucester.
Wednesday, I booked on 3.30pm with driver D.Philips and walked to Eastgate station for our rostered job a Stoke Gifford to Wolverhampton Oxley fully fitted express freight. On arrival, we relieved Bristol Bath Road men on 8F 48269 of 6B Mold Junction. The crew we relieved told my driver the engine was in poor condition and was not making steam easily due to blocked boiler tubes. We continued with the train but by the time we reached Barnwood yard my driver decided to fail the engine and we were uncoupled from the train to run light to Horton Road shed. We were instructed by the shed foreman to prepare replacement engine 'Black 5' 45079 of 55A, then returned to Barnwood yard to collect the train and worked it as far as Worcester to be relieved by Oxley men. This engine performed well being in good condition. Worcester Area Traffic Control told us to return to Gloucester as passengers from Shrub Hill and we booked off duty at 11.15 pm on the shed.
Thursday, booked on duty 4.15pm with driver L.Smith for our rostered job to prepare 90706 of 40E Colwick. We then travelled light to Bristol Bath Road diesel depot via Stoke Gifford. The engine steamed well but made a loud clanking sound from the connecting rods and rocked about on the track with my driver telling me he did not intend a fast run! We stopped at Wickwar en route so that a Permanent Way Inspector could join us on the footplate to travel through Wickwar tunnel due to a report from a previous train of debris falling from the tunnel roof. There was no debris found on the track in the tunnel so the inspector left the footplate. On arrival at Bath Road depot we stabled the engine on the siding containing the usual collection of Midland depot steam engines awaiting allocation to freight trains returning to the north. We returned to Gloucester on the next passenger train from Temple Meads and booked off duty 2.15am at the shed. Patrick O' Brian saw 90706 arrive at Bristol on Wednesday 8th December and it was also seen on Horton Road shed on 11th December.
Friday, on duty at 2.30pm with driver M. Evans for our rostered job to prepare 7029 'Clun Castle'. We then ran to Central station and coupled up to five passenger coaches to form the 5.30pm train to Cheltenham St James , which called at Churchdown, and Cheltenham Malvern Road stations. My driver told me to put express headlights up, one above each front buffer which was bending the rules but done with good humour and with such a light train the engine performed well. On arrival at St James we and ran round to stable the train in the passenger coach sidings. We then coupled up to a short freight train in St James yard with the engine tender first, worked to Gloucester South Junction, reversed the train into New Yard sidings before then running light to Horton Road shed on an engine in excellent condition. We reported to the shed foreman and were given a job to reposition dead engines in the yard with 6829 'Burmington Grange' of 85A Worcester and booked off duty at 12.30am. 6829 was officially withdrawn the previous month and was perhaps being used to take other withdrawn locos to Cashmors scrapyard, Newport, where it was cut up in January 1966.
Saturday, on at 3.55pm with driver H.James for our rostered job to prepare 'Hymek' D7069 of 84A Laira for the 5.30 pm passenger to Cheltenham St James where we ran around the train and changed cabs and when coupled up I went into the engine room to switch on the steam heating boiler. However, I could not get it to stay on and therefore had to shut it down with a cold ride to follow for the passengers. We worked this train to Swindon calling at Cheltenham Malvern Road, Gloucester Eastgate, Stonehouse Burdett Road, Stroud and Kemble stations .On arrival at Swindon we ran light to Swindon shed. With no back working we walked to Swindon station to catch the next passenger train to Gloucester Eastgate station and booked off duty 12.55am.
Monday, 13th December I booked on duty at 10.00am with driver K.Hanna and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. There was no work available so we stayed in the waiting room for a boring seven and a half hours before walking back to shed to book off at 6.00pm.
Tuesday, I booked on at 9.00am with driver R.Limbrick but again there was no work and we booked off at 5.00pm.
Thursday, with driver P.Eskins was yet another no work day.
Friday, on duty at 10.00 am with driver K.Townsend and walked to Central station enginemen’s waiting room to await instructions from Area Traffic Control. They gave us a job to walk to Gloucester South Junction for a Washwood Heath mixed freight bound for Stoke Gifford. On arrival, we relieved Horton Road men on D1721 of 87E Landore. From Stoke Gifford yard, we ran light to Bristol Bath Road diesel depot. With no back working we travelled as passengers to Gloucester and booked off duty 6.00 pm.
Saturday, on at 8.00am with driver R. Langford and walked to Central station then to Gloucester South Junction for a Stoke Gifford to Washwood Heath semi fitted freight. We relieved Bristol Bath Road men on D1610 of 86A and worked to Washwood Heath and then ran light to Saltley shed.
I noted on Saltley shed today D323 of 1E Bletchley, D5382 of 14B Cricklewood, D5384 of 15A Leicester, D3026 of Oxley and D7573 of 15A.
We walked to Vauxhall & Duddeston to catch the next train to New Street and then to Gloucester before booking off at 6.00pm on the shed.
Sunday, I booked on duty at 11.35am with driver D.Cadmore. Our rostered Washwood Heath to Severn Tunnel Junction job was not running so we spent the whole shift in the shed enginemen’s mess room awaiting instructions. We booked off duty at 6.35pm.
Monday, 20th December I booked on duty at 12.15pm with driver R.Taylor to prepare D2126 and run to New Yard to collect a Dursley bound freight. We worked via Eastgate yard to collect more wagons and to Tuffley Engineer’s sidings to collect more. We had problems as the engine wheels started spinning due to the weight, so the driver decided to leave half of the additional wagons behind. We continued down the main line and delivered some wagons to the sidings at R.A.F Quedgeley before proceeding down the Dursley branch from Coaley Junction. I had to open the road crossing gates manually at Cam for our train to pass and the guard would close them after we had cleared. At Dursley yard, we shunted the train into the sidings and collected wagons for the return from Listers diesel engine factory sidings. We worked back to New Yard via Eastgate yard to deliver some wagons. From New Yard we ran light engine to Horton Road to book off duty at 11.00pm.
Tuesday, I had a day off and passed my driving Test!
Wednesday was basically a repeat of Monday with D2137, but we didn't leave any wagons behind this time. We booked off duty 9.00pm.
Friday we had the same duty with D2126.
Friday, I booked on duty at 12.15pm with driver R.Taylor for our rostered job to prepare for service Gardner engined diesel shunter D2126 of 85B with me acting as second man we ran light engine to New Yard and coupled up to a Dursley bound freight train. We worked this train via Gloucester Eastgate yard and then onto Quedgeley RAF sidings where we collected and delivered wagons. We then ran down the mainline line to Coaley Junction and then onto the branch line. Before reaching Dursley, I had to open the road crossing gates manually at Cam for our train to pass and the guard would close them after we had cleared the crossing gates. At Dursley yard, we shunted our train into the sidings and collected wagons for the return train from Lister's diesel engine factory sidings. We worked this train back to Gloucester New Yard via Eastgate yard to deliver some wagons from the train. On arrival, we were uncoupled and then ran light engine to Horton Road shed and booked off early at 6.00pm.
The small 204HP D21XX diesel shunters had a top speed of 30 mph and were used on the Dursley freights in preference to the larger English Electric 350HP D39XX shunters whose top speed was only 15mph. The smaller shunters were deemed less likely to cause delays on the Bristol main line despite the wheel-spinning episode this week due to the weight of the train.
Saturday 25th December,Christmas Day, I travelled to Gloucester from Bristol where I was staying for Christmas with my parents and sister. I drove my sister’s Mini van on my own for the first time having just passed my driving test, which was quite a challenge for me. I booked on duty at 12.00pm and my driver arrived in his best clothes. I did not record his name although he told me he had no intentions on climbing onto the footplate of a steam engine. We walked to Eastgate station passenger stock sidings where 7029 'Clun Castle' was coupled to eighteen passenger coaches for steam heating purposes to prevent freezing up over the Christmas Holiday. We relieved Horton Road men and my driver left to go to the shunter’s cabin stating he would return later leaving me on the footplate to attend to the fire and keep the boiler topped up using the injectors. Later in the day, he returned and instructed me to uncouple the engine and drive it a short distance to the nearest water column to fill up the tender. I then drove the engine back and coupled up to continue steam heating the coaches. Horton Road men relieved us and I walked back to the shed and booked off duty at 9.00pm. I had a challenging journey back to Bristol due to the fog and my mother was very pleased to see me arrive safely to continue the Christmas celebrations!
Wednesday, I booked on duty at 12.01am with my driver and we prepared for service D1906 of 86A and D1666 of 87E and booked off duty at 8.01pm.
Thursday, 30th December,on duty at 12.01am with my driver, we prepared 48271 of 16F Burton on Trent and travelled light engine to Bristol via Stoke Gifford and stabled the engine on Bristol Bath Road diesel depot. The engine was in good condition and steamed well. The depot foreman told us there was no back working so we caught the next train to Gloucester and booked off duty on the shed at 8.01am.
With effect from Friday 31st December 1965, steam officially finished on the Western Region of British Railways and Gloucester Horton Road shed no longer had any working steam engines allocated. From now on it had only diesel engines: four D21XX, ten D39XX/D41XX and four Type1 D95XX 'Yogi Bears' a total of only eighteen locos. Horton Road's steam engines were in the condemned sidings out of use awaiting their final journey to the scrap yards of South Wales.
CONTINUED IN '1966'