Class 56

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 2:05 pm

Was it my imagination or did I see a Class 56 pass through BTM at about 12.40 today ? I was just coming out of WH Smith's when I saw the back end disappear eastbound running loose, presumably on its way to or from a guest appearance somewhere....

Rich_Eason · Post by **Rich_Eason** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:08 pm

Funny you say this as I looked out the window at work as I thought I could hear the sound of ("proper") loco hauled stock and through FAW at 15:45... Through the trees I got a very short glimps of what looked like White roofed Mark 2's?

As I say it was very quick glimpse...I'm not sure if the roofs were white or if it was light reflecting off a very clean roofs...or even is if it was the royal stock (which has dark roofs!)

Confused...I am! Anyone got any ideas?

Roger · Post by **Roger** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:55 pm

You did hear a class 56. They are being used on crew training runs for the contract won by Fastline to transport coal out of Portbury to Rugeley and (I believe) Ironbridge. Not sure if this means that Freightliner have lost out, or if this will run in addition. The loco normally runs into Portbury at about 11 am and leaves soon after passing BTM at about 12 30, but as we know tmes can vary. The sound of a 56 heading out of Portbury with a loaded train might upset a few of the locals at Pill who may not appreciate a 56 going full power!!!

tonyperks · Post by **tonyperks** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 10:11 pm

Talking of freightliner Over heard a conversation of some staff at a station the other day saying that the green and yellow team were taking over the yard at stoke gifford/ Parkway, is this true?

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 8:58 am

Roger wrote:You did hear a class 56. They are being used on crew training runs for the contract won by Fastline to transport coal out of Portbury to Rugeley and (I believe) Ironbridge. Not sure if this means that Freightliner have lost out, or if this will run in addition. The loco normally runs into Portbury at about 11 am and leaves soon after passing BTM at about 12 30, but as we know tmes can vary. The sound of a 56 heading out of Portbury with a loaded train might upset a few of the locals at Pill who may not appreciate a 56 going full power!!!

Thanks Roger, I'm glad it wasn't my imagination !

stopblock · Post by **stopblock** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:47 pm

Fatsline have got a contract for coal that was an ews ccontract and according to the guys at ironbridge they are starting in october.

Freightliner have taken over stoke gifford downside as their new base and also share the cabin in the yard.

Rich_Eason · Post by **Rich_Eason** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 6:34 pm

stopblock wrote:Fatsline have got a contract for coal that was an ews ccontract and according to the guys at ironbridge they are starting in october.

So we can expect to see 56's at St Andrews Road?

stumpytrain · Post by **stumpytrain** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:54 am

Roger wrote:The sound of a 56 heading out of Portbury with a loaded train might upset a few of the locals at Pill who may not appreciate a 56 going full power!!!

Sadly the 56s are only being used on the route learning locomotives. The obligatory 66s will be used on the coal. Or at least that's the current plan...

Alex

stumpytrain · Post by **stumpytrain** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:56 am

Rich_Eason wrote:So we can expect to see 56's at St Andrews Road?

I think they'll just be using the Portbury terminal.

Alex

Post by **James** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:40 pm

Coming back from London today, I saw Tangmere in steam at Barton Hill with King Edward I, so I wandered down there (via the new bridge...that gives some good views of the arches), and on my way back I saw a "devil's horn" twin plume of clag coming from Temple Meads. For a short while I wondered what a Valenta HST was doing there, but I soon found out that it was 56311...the first 56 I've seen!

Sadly I didn't have my proper camera with me, so here's a crap video from my phone. I'm sure a loco producing this much smoke can't be healthy!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UVfrK5iJvRw