Class 03 powers fitted freight at MSN gala

THE Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust at Midsomer Norton’s end-of-season gala on October 22/23, as always, was an interesting event with a pair of ex-BR diesels and two notable industrial steam locomotives.

An intensive timetable of topand-tailed passenger trains and a demonstration goods train were run each day.

Friday saw Class 03 No. D2128 and Class 08 No. D4095 working all trains, with the 03 put to work on the fitted freight train while the steam locos, Sentinel Joyce and Kitson Austin 1 on an extended visit from Llangollen, could be seen in the yard being prepared for the weekend.

The 03’s green livery was applied a few days prior to the event, it having been in BR black since 2014 when renumbered 03901. This followed its rebuild in 2011 when it received a replacement Cummins NT855 engine, rated at approximately 350bhp, together with hydraulic transmission.

The original Gardner 8L3 204hp engine had been replaced by a 350hp Deutz VM V12 when used on industrial duties in Belgium.

PETER NICHOLSON Andrew Briddon’s Class 03 No. D2128 is seen during the S&D at Midsomer Norton gala on October 23, propelling a fitted freight on the return to the station. Running on the up line of the double-track section, the train had departed from Midsomer Norton South station as the 14.42. The consist of newly-restored vans and open wagons included ex-BR PalVan No. B779696 (RM Nov p61), third from the loco.