Westerns were a Mixed Traffic class from the start

Peter Kerslake adds "D1065 " Western Consort " has been captured on film from the embankment to the south of the main lines here at the eastern side of Stoke Gifford freight yards as she takes her class seven freight up the main line eastwards towards Westerleigh Junction and beyond on the Badminton line which bypassed Bristol .
The yard's substantial water tower stands on its lofty legs within the freight complex , but this was destined to be the final year for Western Region steam operations and so its use had undoubtably been greatly reduced at the date of this view .
This vantage point provided " spotters " and photographers alike with a fine view of all the activities on the main line together with the many freight movements here at the eastern side of the Stoke Gifford freight complex.
Stoke Gifford was a favourite termination point for loaded test trains running down from Swindon Works when locomotives' performance was being evaluated , and in October of 1954 71000 " Duke of Gloucester " hauled a massive freight from Swindon to here in a controlled road test whilst the locomotive was at Swindon Works undergoing modifications to improve her performance on the West Caost main line rosters.
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