Train Takes a Detour: Diesel Locomotive's Monmouth Arrival Causes Commotion

Strategic Insights -

The residents of Monmouth were in for a surprise on [date] when a British Rail Class 50 diesel-electric locomotive, affectionately known as "Dave" or "Rodney," suddenly appeared on the A40 dual carriageway, causing a stir and bringing traffic to a standstill. The locomotive, built in 1968 and restored after a 22-year absence, was on its way to the Dean Forest Railway near Lydney for the September Diesel Gala. Its arrival, accompanied by escort vehicles, caused a significant delay for motorists, with one woman reporting it took her over an hour to travel from town to Wyesham.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British Rail Class 50 diesel-electric locomotive, No. 50021 "Rodney," made a surprise appearance on the A40 dual carriageway in Monmouth on its way to the Dean Forest Railway for the September Diesel Gala.
  • The locomotive, built in 1968, was stored for a period before its restoration began in 2015 and saw its first run in 2022 after 22 years of inactivity.
  • "Rodney" is actively used for passenger services on heritage railways like the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and the Epping Ongar Railway.
  • The locomotive was named "Rodney" in 1978, after the HMS Rodney battleship that served in both World Wars.
  • The Dean Forest Railway will host the Diesel Gala in September, featuring "Rodney" as one of the star guests, along with other heritage locomotives.
  • Tickets for the event are available through the DFR website, with the timetable to be released shortly.

Statistics:

  • 1968: The year the British Rail Class 50 diesel-electric locomotive was built.
  • 18 years: The period of inactivity before the locomotive's restoration began in 2015.
  • 2022: The year the locomotive saw its first run after 22 years of inactivity.
  • 1978: The year the locomotive was named "Rodney," after the HMS Rodney battleship that served in both World Wars.
  • September: The month of the Diesel Gala at the Dean Forest Railway.

Sources:

  • [Andy Tabb's post on Monmouth New Business Facebook, The Watercress Line's spectacular].
  • [Dean Forest Railway's announcement of Class 50 No. 50 021 'Rodney' visit].
  • [The Forest Review, "Train collides with bridge on Dean Forest Railway"].
  • [The Forest Review, "A40 closed between Hereford and Monmouth"].
  • [The Forest Review, "Less than three in five people in Gloucestershire think police does 'excellent or good job'"].
  • [The Forest Review, "The Forest of Dean road closures: more than a dozen for motorists to avoid over the next fortnight"].