Tag Archives: avonmouth

Passenger Rides with an ex-PBA Diesel

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This weekend there will (hopefully) be the chance to ride behind an ex-PBA diesel shunter, in Norfolk!
From the Whitwell and Reepham Station Facebook Group. Photo Credit: Dan Knights
Operational notice! We have been dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s but this Saturday, we plan to haul the first passenger official passenger trains with D1171.
Part of our Vintage Transport Weekend. Diesel Saturday and steam Sunday.
D1171 was built by Hudswell Clarke in 1959 and delivered to the Port of Bristol Authority (PBA), being registered by the British Transport Commission (BTC) to operate over parts of the nation railway network as required in the Bristol area. Although delivered in 1959 it was built in 1958. PBA had many locos constructed by Hudswell clarke.
Initially working for the PBA at Avonmouth docks, she later worked at Portishead docks. The loco was then sold to British Fuels LTD moving to their coal handling facility at Princes Wharf in Bristol City Centre. Then moving to Filton site after the Wharf closed. Named Western Pride. D.1171 made her last trip along the BHR in May 1987, on an overnight move to the coal depot at Filton. Purchased privately in April 1989 with the long term intention of being moved to the Avon Railway at Britton. The loco never reached Bitton and was moved to the MOD site at Long Marston in September 1990 for storage and saw limited use. The loco was fitted with vacuum and was finally laid up due to a gearbox issue. The gearbox was fixed in 2006 and work was undertaken again to restore. But again sadly later stopped. She was eventually moved to Whitwell in 2017 where restoration has continued, including a new clutch and painting it back to its PBA guise.
D1171 is powered by a 204 hp Gardner 8L3 engine and is very similar to a Class 03/04.

Docks Heritage Weekend 2024

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One of my favourite events of the year, DOCKS HERITAGE WEEKEND took place over 28th and 29th September.
This event featured our friends at the Show of Strength Theatre Company once again, this time with a new storyline (featuring George and Sheila of course) with more jeopardy and a longer run time (and some singing!).
Sheila’s ordered a new television on hire-purchase, but she’s not told George about it! Will he find out?
John King was on duty giving rides around the harbour, 2 cranes were working (one for visitors and one loading the lorry), the capstan was in operation again and Henbury was in steam for cab visits. Saturday also featured live performances from the choir in L Shed.

Thanks to Katie Richards and Bob Edwardes for these photos.

Wagon 61110 back on the rails

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Good news from the harbourside as the restoration of ex-GWR O18 open wagon No.61110 is finished. It’s been brought out of the workshop and placed back on the running line.
This item of stock was bought by the Port of Bristol Authority in 1961 for use at Avonmouth.
The protective cover is metal and can be lifted by one of the cranes if needed.
Thanks to Bob Edwardes for the photograph.

A railtour to Avonmouth Docks – 1963

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YouTube channel Unseen Steam recently posted this video of a railtour visit to Avonmouth in the days of steam.

On 21st July 1963 the RCTS ran what has been described as a “chaotic” railtour (not their fault) from Paddington to the Bristol area behind ‘Grange” class no. 6841 “Marlas Grange” which got the train to the Docks almost bang on time after a good run down the GWR main line to Swindon and then the connection to the Docks at Hallen Marsh Junction. In the Docks the train was worked by one of the Port of Bristol Authority’s tank locomotives, no S11 “Bristol”. All went well until the train was due to leave the Docks which took place around half an hour late. Further troubles ensued, with the train returning to London some one and a half hours late – many passengers had detrained at Stroud to try and find a quicker train home! (Information from http://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk, with thanks to Gary Thornton)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ade5abBV4

TBT – Portbury’s Slumber

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After the preservation project at Radstock closed, and before she was brought to L Shed for restoration, Portbury was stored in a warehouse at Avonmouth Docks. Some restoration work had been undertaken at Radstock, and the loco was re-assembled before delivery back to Avonmouth. It was to be another 10 years until she returned to steam.

In the shed at Avonmouth docks 14/5/82 (RCTS)
In the shed at Avonmouth docks 14/5/82 (RCTS)

The photographs on this page (Unless otherwise stated) were taken by Kevin Hughes and purchased from the Rail Correspondance and Travel Society’s website. They appear here for research purposes only and may not be used for profit or gain without permission.