15th June 2020 Freightliner 'Powerhaul' liveried Class 66/4 No.66414 and No.66596 operate in top and tail formation to return the Network Rail HOBC to Taunton after a long absence. The loaded 6Y11 07:30 Stapleford - Fairwater Yard is pictured near journeys end having just passed over Cogload Junction Flyover on the 15th June 2020. (Photo: Simon Harling)

15th June 2020 Freightliner Class 66/4 No.66414 passes through Bathpool on the 15th june 2020 in top and tail formation with No.66596 operating 6Y11 07:30 Stapleford - Fairwater Yard with the Network Rail HOBC set. (Photo: Thomas Courtney)

15th June 2020 Freightliner Class 66/4 No.66414 passes Banklands on the 15th June 2020 in top and tail formation with classmate No.66596. The pair were operating 6Y11 07:30 Stapleford - Fairwater Yard returning a Network Rail HOBC set back to Taunton after a long absence working away in the Midlands. (Photo: Ian Draper)

15th June 2020 Returning to Fairwater Yard after a lengthy absence Freightliner 'Powerhaul' Class 66/4 No.66414 and No.66596 top and tail while snaking a Network Rail HOBC set through Taunton Station while working 6Y11 07:30 Stapleford - Fairwater Yard. (Photo: Adam Hiscock)

15th June 2020 The Network Rail HOBC made a welcome return to its base at Fairwater Yard on the 15th of June 2020. The full length 'monster' was top and tailed by Freightliner 'Powerhaul' liveried Class 66/4 No.66414 and standard Freightliner No.66596. The train operated as 6Y11 07:30 Stapleford - Fairwater Yard. The HOBC now also has an addition to the train system. To the untrained eye the Blue coloured wagons on the rear of the set would be Network Rail RHTT wagons, however the two in this set (642034 and 642008) are modified water carriers which have a manual release. They are used to dampen down the ballast as it's dropped onto the track in order to keep the dust down. In the dry summer months, dust from fresh ballast can become a major problem, not only for passing trains ingesting the particles but also for nearby properties to where Network Rail may be working. It's likely this former RHTT set will be seen on a regular basis at Taunton during the next operational stay for the set. (Photo: Phil Izzard)