| Archive for Shunterspot forum Interactive forum for those interested in locating and photographing UK shunters |
| Rosterclerk |
D2178Hello all!Its a little late to be recording this I'm afraid; I've only just been introduced to this forum (cheers Steve!) - I'm an active volunteer on the Gwili Steam Railway in West Wales, where D2178 (and a number of industrial shunters) are based. Two weeks ago, "Haulwen" (the resident 0-6-0 Austerity steam loco) failed on shed at the end of the day, on August 16th. Thus, D2178 stepped into the breach as a Thunderbird locomotive, operating services from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd August inclusive (minus Saturday 22nd, which was not an operating day). As the Gwili is primerally a steam railway, it is a rare sight to see D2178 on passenger trains, let alone on the full length of the line! So it was something of an unprecented, rare occasion. I did my best to publicise its running via PLEG, Pres-Gen, wnxx, Preserved-Diesels etc; however unfortunately I wasn't aware of the existence of this forum at the time. Nonetheless if a similar situation occurs in the future, I will be sure to update this forum as soon as D2178 is allocated any passenger turns in the future. Hope that helps. Any questions, do let me know! Kind regards, Phil. |
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| concrete bob |
Thanks for the info Phil, much appreciated. Oh, and ta for joining 
I'll hopefully be doing a South Wales trip in the next coming weeks, and as i have never been, the Gwilli Railway will be amongst one of my visits. I just hope the 03 will be in a decent position for a photograph 
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| Pumlumon Plynlimon |
We called in on our holidays a couple of years ago and was kindly taken to the shunter so we could photograph it.
It would be nice to carry BR blue with its TOPS number though! But i appreciate that's probably not your main priority!! |
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| Rosterclerk |
Thanks for the kind words chaps.
If there are volunteers on site, and you politely explain that the reason for your visit is to specifically photograph the 03, then (if they are not busy) they [/b]may[/b] be able to lend you a hi-viz and accompany you up the yard, to take a quick photo. I must stress that this is subject to volunteers being available, and (more importantly) if they are not busy with other projects, or operating the timetabled services. The yard (and MPD area) is strictly out of bounds to visitors, and access is not permitted. Dependant on where D2178 is parked though, a good shot is usually visible from the carpark!
I agree, it certainly would look good in that livery. At least it'd match our blue/grey 117 DMU then! However as you say PP, the list of jobs to do is sadly much longer than we'd like, with plenty to be keeping ourselves busy. For the time being therefore, she'll be staying in green with wasp-stripes, BR green livery and wearing an 86A shedplate. Incidentally, can anyone on here advise on what D2178's TOPS code number is, or have any idea where it would have worked? From a personal point of view, I'd love to hear any history behind the loco, or any past allocations etc. I wonder if the 86A (Newport Ebbw Junc) shedplate is authentic to this particular locomotive or not? Any advice/comments etc gratefully welcomed. Meanwhile, we look forward to welcoming you to the Gwili at some point soon Steve; and we hope you get the photo you desire. Great to hear that you enjoyed your visit too, Pumlumon Plynlimon! Did you manage to get any photos, or a ride up the line? Also, if anyone is interested, I can post on here D2178's next booked workings on public operating days. Cheers! |
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| concrete bob |
I think the majority of guys who post on here, already own a Hi-Viz, which i'd like to think, does mean they are sensible. Some are a bit mad though, but you'll find that out in their future posts. It'll be unfair of me to name names though, eh Mr Wallis, Harrison, Wignall
If it had lasted in service until TOPS became up and running, then it would've carried 03178. Unfortunately though, it was retired from BR in 1969, being sold on to the A R Adams company, based in Newport ( Gwent ). As far as i'm aware, D2178 was never based at Ebbw Junction, but if anybody knows different, then i stand corrected. What i do know, is that it did spend time at Ashford, Plymouth Friary & Laira, and Oxford. What order they were in though, i ain't sure. During its industrial career, it was loaned out to several companies, before being re-sold in 1974 to the National Smokeless Fuels company at the Coed Ely Coking Plant. Before reaching you guys, it recieved an overhaul at Swindon Works in 1979. And that's your history lesson for today children
That'll be great Phil, cheers. You can never have enough info, so the more the better. |
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| Rosterclerk |
Lol, sounds like you're an interesting bunch. In all seriousness though; just because you own a hiviz, or are 'sensible' doesn't mean that you will be able to (or be allowed to) walk trackside, to get a photo of the 03. I'm afraid we simply can't allow that, by law. Anyone who goes trackside has to be suitably briefed on PTS (by a Gwili volunteer), wear a Gwili-approved hiviz (so we know who you are), and to be accompanied at all times by a Gwili volunteer or member of staff. Unfortunately, we can't just allow you to turn up, pop on a hi-viz and wander up the line to take a photo of the 03. Whilst we trust that you're sensible, how can we judge that? We're an operational railway, which should be treated with respect, as being 'live' at all times. Please repect this. Sorry for the preach; but with your post Steve, I felt that I had to clear that important fact up; possession of a hiviz doesn't entitle you to go anywhere, nor does being 'sensible'. Not a criticism, just a warning to all! You'll find this approach at all preserved railways, no matter where you go. ------- Nonetheless, we still welcome visitors to the Gwili with open arms, especially to see the 03! (we don't get many diesel enthusiasts down our neck of the woods...) We'll be welcome to show you around if we can, and make you feel welcome. Please stick by the rules though; if the 03 isn't readily accessible for photos, and noone is available to take you up for a photo, then accept our sincere apologies; we can't always guarantee it'll be in an easy place to photograph. We do our best though! So long as you are polite, friendly and don't go where you shouldn't, then there's usually not a problem. Alternatively, if you're travelling specifically to see D2178, drop us a PM and I'll see what I can do 
Cheers! |
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| Rosterclerk |
Incidentally Steve, many thanks for the historical information on D2178. Much appreciated! Interesting to note that it was never a Welsh machine; I'll make enquiries, and try and find out why it is wearing an Ebbw Junc shedplate.
Also interesting to note that it made its way into industrial service; I was aware of this, but didn't really know its history. Does anyone know what livery it might have carried, whilst at Coed Ely? If it wasn't painted into industrial livery, then presumably its carried BR green all its life? Interesting stuff - thanks for the information! |
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| concrete bob |
I really should have worded it a bit better Phil. Reading it back, it didn't come out the way i wanted.
I fully understand the H&S issues and wearing a Hi-Viz, doesn't naturally make you sensible. I'd like to think, the guys on here, are not the type to just go and wander around depots/ yards, without getting permission and supervision. Out of all the members who contribute regulary, i can honestly say, that each and every one of them, would ask first. Members on other forums though, such as WNXX, have a bunch of village idiots, who wouldn't think twice of climbing a gate to get a better picture of a loco which isn't normally accessable. I appreciate how my previous post would've come across Phil, so consider my botty, well and truly smacked 
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| 22A |
Had a look at the Disposals page on WNXX. D2178 was withdrawn in September 1979 from LA. Presumably the Swindon overhaul was a condition of the loco being sold to industry? |
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| MartinHarrison |
Just caught up with this thread as been at work today.
I assume I am the'Harrison'referred to earlier and therefore I shall be seeking legal advice asap. Either that or I shall go under the alias of Steve Blick from Chasewater when next approaching the metal fencing of DBS Depots with my power cutters.
Welcome aboard Rosterclerk 
Martin Blick...sorry Harrison PS I also need a pic of D2178 so the race is on |
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| Pumlumon Plynlimon |
Just to clarify Phil. On our arrival at Gwili (the first stop on our hols on a drizzly Sunday morn (15/07/07)), there was a steamer in. We waited around for half hour or so until it had departed. We asked a volunteer if we could go and phot 03178. It wasn't too far up the line so we were escorted up wearing are own HV's. Our guide went first, we didn't cross any lines, there were no movements going on and my mate had PTS as he works for NR and i'm the sensible one as i'm an accountant!!
We spent two minutes getting a couple of photos of 03178 then returned to 'safety'. We made a donation, thanked our guide v.much and set off to our next destination. That's how things should be done! I know pres railways have to follow this H&S mumbo-jumbo claptrap these days for 'insurance' purposes, but it really is a pain in the arse for all concerned. THERE IS NO BLAME SO DONT MAKE A FRIGGIN CLAIM!!!!!!!!! |
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| 08752 Lenny |
HSE don't say no to visits. 
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| concrete bob |
And there's your proof Phil, mad as a box of frogs
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| concrete bob |
Blimey, first i've gotta pay for your grub, and now you are sueing me 
Looks like i'll be needing a new job to pay all that off. Got any vacancies Mart
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| MartinHarrison |
No,but if we did you'd be the first to get one seeing as I would have a vested interest(who said Bankers were crooks ) Martin
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| Lateliner |
The Roger Harris Book of Gen (1st edition) sayeth> D2178 73F 09/01/62. 83H on loan 01/62. 83D 08/62. 84A 09/63. Into store around 03/69, Reinstated 81F 05/69 and on loan / hire to a private track lifting firm(noted 06/07/69). Withdrawn 13/09/69. Sold to A.R. Adams Newport 02/70 for industrial hire. Resold 1971. Noted working at Gwaun-cae-gurwen dispoal point late 1972. Moved to Coed Ely Coking Plant 05/74 for further work & became their Number 2 working at Nantgarw in 1984. |
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| concrete bob |
I did say that i might be corrected if it was based at Ebbw Junction
I must get that book though, sounds exactly what i need. |
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| Rosterclerk |
Hi all, sorry for the delay in replying to you all - its been a mad few days! Nonetheless, its good to be back - and great to see that there's enthusiast interest out there, for D2178. Its really encouraging!
Taking each of your points in turn...
Lateliner, thats fascinating! Thankyou very much - your gen is very much appreciated; will have to keep an eye out for secondhand copies of that book. Fascinating to see what sheds she was allocated at in the past, and where her history lies. Of course, the great thing about recieving this sort of information is that it sets up far more questions than it answers! For instance, why was it placed into store circa March '69? Interesting to note that it was hired to a P-Way lifting firm too; where would it have gone during that time - and could this account for it turning up in South Wales in 1970? Another interesting anomoly is what livery it carried throughout its life - presumably never recieving BR Blue as 03178. Did it work in an industrial livery at Nantgarw, in '84 (where it was renumbered as No.2)? An interesting thought, if we ever repaint it... If anyone has any further information, photos or gen etc, do feel free to get in touch, either via this thread or via PM. Its all gratefully recieved! Kind thanks to those who have contributed so far.
Okey dokes Steve.... well D2178's next public outing is on the weekends of 12th/13th and 19th/20th September, for the Gwili's two Thomas events. The locomotive works an ECS trip up to Llwyfan Cerrig at the start of each day, before spending the day based in Llwyfan station limits, in conjunction with the 'antics' that go on there, with the Fat Controller etc. Note that on Thomas days, D2178 sees plenty of action, shuttling around the station limits performing various shunting manouveres etc; but is not involved in any passenger hauling. Important to note, for anyone that wants haulage behind it! In fact, if you're coming specifically to see D2178, then your best bet is to come on a quiet operating day; as on a Thomas event, we are all literally rushed off our feet, and (much as we'd love to!) we wouldn't have time to allow you to get decent photos etc, or stop for a chat. However, if you have young children (or younger syblings) who fancy a 'Day Out With Thomas', then this could be a suitably subtle way of getting up there, entertaining them and getting to see D2178 in action too! For reference, the face is always put on the rear of the locomotive, beneath the cab windows; thus from the front, you should be able to get a straightforward photo of D2178 (as opposed to an ex-Island of Sodor shunter, as it masqureades as for the weekend!). We operate to a different fares structure on Thomas events - details on our website. Bring the family, bring the picnic, and maybe see you there?
I'm glad to hear that you got the shots you wanted, P-P! And that our staff were willing to oblige; we are unofficially known as the 'friendly line', so I hope we lived up to that, in allowing you to get your photos.  Publically, top marks to you there sir Mr Pumlumon Plynlimon, for behaving perfectly, with good ettiquette, and sticking to the rules - nice one sir! *salutes*
As ever, a timely reminder is in order that enthusiasts are welcome to come to the Gwili - especially those with an interest in D2178! As at most preserved lines however, there's a bit of an 'etiquette' involved in visiting lines specifically to see locos; especially if you don't intend to have a trip. Full marks to Pumlumon Plynlimon therefore, for setting a good example to us all, by adhering to it perfectly! Sadly, its happened to me a few times; a car rolls up into the carpark, and enthusiasts step out, and ask to see something specifically on the railway. Breaking off from my rostered duties, it is always a pleasure (if genuine interest is shown, and if asked politely) to show genuine enthusiasts around. However, having shown them what they want to see, many just mumble "cheers", jump in a car and disappear in a cloud of dust in the carpark. Obviously I'm not implying that anyone on this forum would do that, as you all seem a fairly sensible bunch! But for new members on here (or those unfamiliar with visiting preserved lines), it serves as a useful reminder of how to behave. A financial donation is always a simply courtesy; especially if you don't intend to have a ride up the line. In my other hobby (miniature and narrow gauge railways), it is extremely discourteous to turn up at a line, take your photos, talk to the volunteers; then leave without a ride. A trip usually doesn't take that long, is good fun; and who knows, you may see something else you're interested in, en route! If you don't have time, a bit of cash in the donation box is always appreciated - so cheers to P-P (and anyone else who visits the Gwili) who can manage to do this, in the future. We're a small, enthusiast-led outfit run by a very small group of people; so any donation (no matter how small) is always greatly appreciated. Thanks P-P!
For the record; before any Government Official visits my house, I'm not involved in any botty smacking. Isn't that illegal these days? Actually, thats probably a thread for another forum lol....
Cheers Mr Harrison! Pleasure to be aboard. I gather from your post you're involved in Chasewater; is that right? We visited there for the first time back in June, for your steam gala; had a great time! Quite an impressive collection of diesels on site too; we will definately visit again soon, to see these in action.
You said it mate! Pleasure to be aboard. [/b]
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| concrete bob |
Nah, that's me, not Martin. I don't have involvement of the Chasewater Railway though, it's where i live. Well, not on the railway obviously, i live about a mile away from it. Good place to go, but the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway has nicked all the decent diesels 
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| Rosterclerk |
Steve, you should get involved; especially if its so close. Its a great laugh, being involved at a pres railway; and they're a cracking bunch down at Chasewater! I'm sure they'll make you feel very welcome.
Even if you can only give a few hours a month (if that), its very rewarding and highly reccomended. Meanwhile, in other news....D2178 hits the headlines! http://www.traction.co.uk/news.aspx?n=372
My piccy and press-release have appeared! All good stuff... |
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| concrete bob |
I've met a few of the guys, and was given the forms and stuff to fill in, but i've not got the time to help out.
First Aaron, now you. This pluggin' lark is getting out of hand
Seriously though, great news that you've hit the headlines. And all for the right reasons aswell, especially with all the bad publicity, the Mid Hants got a few months ago. |
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| Rosterclerk |
Just a quick reminder that D2178 is out this weekend and next, in conjunction with our "Day Out With Thomas" event. In a change to what has been said previously, it will now be based at Bronwydd Arms for the weekend, shunting around station limits in the company of 0-6-0ST "Haulwen".
I spent an epic (but pleasant) bright sunny day in its company yesterday, putting everything in position for the event; guarding from a Toad, as we shunted all the stock around. Great fun, shuttling stock up and down the railway, shifting 'the toys in the cupboard', and working out the shunting puzzles! 
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