Two odd trains in Riverside yard, Exeter

[Drsatan]

At about 10:40 today I was walking past Riverside Yard in Exeter when I noticed a rather unusual train: it consisted of three coaches in Network Rail yellow (two Mk1s and one Mk2D) top and tailed by two 31s, one of which was painted in Intercity Swallow colours and the other painted in NR yellow.

I presume this train was being run for the benefit of NR, but could anyone enlighten me as to what the train's purpose was and where was it going?

I also noticed at the same time a Hanson Traction 59 and a rake of ballast hoppers facing up i.e. towards London also stabled in the yard. I presume the train originated from either Merehead or Whatley quarries, but where might its destination have been? (I don't think there are any stone terminals in Devon)

 

[devon_metro]

59 will have gone to Meldon Quarry

 

[Old Timer]

It was the track recording train

4Z55 2219 (Tues) Laira to Exeter via Penzance , booked Exeter 0533 Weds morning.
4Z10 around Exeter this morning

Currently working 4Z08 1727 Exeter to Bristol Kingsland Road via Avonmouth. Presently around Bristol TM

 

[poshbakerloo]

I aint never seen that before!

 

[visibleimagery]

Damn it, I always miss the interesting stuff... Seeing as I live so close to the Riverside Yard yet is always so empty and uneventful whenever I walk past it...

So judging from the times posted Old Timer, I won't see this one again for a while no doubt...?

Just my luck...

Thanks,

 

[Waddon]

This train, or one similar, spent a lot of time before xmas hanging around in Selhurst yard, and going up and down outside my house (probably to do with the ELR realignment at West Croydon). It seems that more than one pass by this train is necessary for it to do it's work, so if you see it in an area, it will probably hang around for a while?

 

[Drsatan]

This train, or one similar, spent a lot of time before xmas hanging around in Selhurst yard, and going up and down outside my house (probably to do with the ELR realignment at West Croydon). It seems that more than one pass by this train is necessary for it to do it's work, so if you see it in an area, it will probably hang around for a while?

A few weeks ago in Riverside Yard I saw a similar train, although I couldn't see any locomotive and on the rear end was a Mk2D DBSO.

 

[90019]

A few weeks ago in Riverside Yard I saw a similar train, although I couldn't see any locomotive and on the rear end was a Mk2D DBSO.

The test trains with DBSOs (Mk2f, not d ) usually have a 31 on the other end. I'm not aware of them using any other locos.