railography photo galleries : Collections : New Photos : 25-D-1463 : (294 of 300)

It's A Mystery

6A50, the 10:26 Whatley Quarry to Hanwell Bridge Loop provided a couple of surprises on 6 March 2025. The train was formed with 59001 and 66605 at the front and 59103 mid-train, the first time I've seen that on a loaded train, and was photographed approaching Newbury (pole shot). 59103 is just about discernable by the A34 bridge in the background. The requirement for the mid-train loco was explained when 66605 and 59103 top'n'tailed the Churchyard portion from Hanwell Bridge. Shunting a loco to the rear of the front portion there wouldn't have been practical.

Less easily explicable is why the train was let out of Woodborough Loop 2 minutes early and just ahead of the IET that was supposed to overtake it there. The IET had been running 6 minutes late but lost another 24 minutes before it finally got past the freight at Theale. 6A18, which should run ahead of 6A50 all the way to Reading, was also held in Hungerford Loop for both 6A50 and the IET, despite having plenty of time to get to Theale or Reading ahead of both. The Lord may move in mysterious ways but not half as mysterious as the ways of the railway.