Lindsey tanks and other freight on Worcester-Gloucester line

[RailwaysToday]

I'm spending a few days at Christmas in Worcestershire and want to take the opportunity to photograph the Lindsey to Westerleigh tanks workings. Does anyone have the timings for when they pass Besford/Defford area? Also what other workings of note operate along this stretch of line.

 

[Freightmaster]

I'm spending a few days at Christmas in Worcestershire and want to take the opportunity to photograph the Lindsey to Westerleigh tanks workings. Does anyone have the timings for when they pass Besford/Defford area?

The loaded train from Lindsey runs overnight - the returning empties
are booked to pass Besford at 13:33.

Also what other workings of note operate along this stretch of line.

In daylight? Not a lot at this time of year!

- two or three Round Oak steel trains

- a daily Redcar to Margam coke train (6V67)

- the weekly flask train from Bridgwater to Crewe (6M67)

- empty FHH coal trains from Rugeley to Stoke Gifford

- loaded steel from Margam to Corby (6M96) and empties (6V92)



MARK

 

[142094]

The Redcar to Margam coke train - what kind of hoppers does this use these days? Used to be HBA/HDAs, some still in Railfreight red, but when I went past Thornaby recently a lot were on their sides and had the wheelsets removed.

 

[Freightmaster]

The Redcar to Margam coke train - what kind of hoppers does this use these days?

Long (30+) rakes of HTA bogie hoppers.

...used to be HBA/HDAs, some still in Railfreight red, but when I went past Thornaby recently a lot were on their sides and had the wheelsets removed.

I think you are refering to the limestone flow from Shap to Redcar (in HBA/HDA),
which used to run in conjunction with the Hardendale traffic, but stopped
running a couple of years ago; however, this traffic is due to restart shortly
using FHH bogie hoppers now that Lackenby has a new lease of life.


MARK

 

[142094]

Might be HTAs now but sure it used to be HBA or HDAs - plus they were always covered in coal dust.

 

[RailwaysToday]

Thanks for that. Much appreciated. Hopefully the weather will hold up and there will be some nice clear days for photos.