Description

Fowler 2P Class No. 40569 (built 1928, with 82G Templecombe shedplate) and an unidentified Bulleid 34xxx are working hard on up-gradient with an Up passenger service, almost certainly a through service. The locomotive allocation and greenery on the trees indicates that the photo was likely taken in summer 1960/61.

The train is passing over Ham Wood viaduct; the bridge number – 75 – can be seen on the high res. image. A footpath crossing and ‘beware of trains’ sign can also be seen. Noteworthy is that both lines are on concrete sleepers; the Down line using bullhead rail and the Up line, flat-bottomed rail.

The trackbed from Shepton Mallet up to this point has now been largely opened up for public access with the viaduct having had a waterproof surface applied.

40569 is shown as already allocated to Bath Green Park upon nationalisation in 1948 and remaining either there or at Templecombe until withdrawal in November 1961.

Photo by G A Richardson. Copyright S&DRT. Our ref. WSHSD_2022_14_249. Another service photographed at the same location on a different occasion: WSHSD_2022_14_135.

9 x 6 cm medium format negative.

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