LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

24thMay 2019

24/5/2019

The First HST Cross County Service
Penzance to Dundee
Roger Salter

190524a The first Cross Country HST working the Penzance to Dundee service this morning. Copyright Roger Salter)

We thought they'd gone!
Liskeard
Peter Munaghan

This came as quite a surprise for Peter. Here we see HST Power Car 43002 on the 14.26 Penzance to Plymouth on the 23rd May 2019. Power car 43198 was on the rear. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Redruth
Paddy Bradley

A very interesting postcard of Redruth Station. This view depicts so well the old sidings off to the left. the roof of the original signalbox in the foreground. Beyond the footbridge stands the goods shed dominating the station buildings. Note also the wooden shed which still exists in a 'tatty state across the road from the station entrance. What would Redruth be with Carn Brea Hill with its Castle and Monument. Also see the distant mine buildings. A Gem from the Paddy Bradley Collection.

And as expected, and much appreciated, additional comment from Roy Hart.
I would date the picture 1908-9. Note that the carriages are now elliptical-roofed instead of clerestory, which would not have been the case only a year or two earlier. These coaches were the famed 'dreadnoughts' -70 footers.
The signal box opened in 1894 and closed in 1914 -the goods shed and the down sidings went at the same time. Notice how small Redruth station building was -almost invisible in the picture. It was rebuilt in the present form in 1927.

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The Cornwall Railway Society party visiting the Exeter and Teign Valley Railway at Cristow on the 3rd June 2017. Eric is third from the right and his good lady Diana stands beside him. Photograph from the Roger Winnen Collection.

Sad News Eric Dowson
We are very sorry to report that our good friend and member Eric passed away at the age of 80 at Camborne – Redruth Hospital on Saturday 18th May 2019. Eric leaves his wife Diana, and daughter Hannah and Grandchildren Amira and Thomas. Father in law of Edmund. Eric was a loyal member supporting the CRS at both indoor and outdoor events often assisting with transport to and from CRS activities.
You are invited to Eric’s funeral which will be held at Treswithian Crematorium at 12.00 on Friday 31st May. This will be followed at 13.00 by a gathering at the Penventon Park Hotel, all are welome.
The above photograph below shows Eric and Diana at a CRS outdoor event held at the Exeter and Teign Valley Railway centre at Christow on the 3rd June 2017.

23rd ay 2019

23/5/2019

Time is running out for the
Lelant Saltings Park & Ride
Roger Winnen

From Saturday 1st June 2019 the Park and Ride from Lelant Saltings to St Ives will be relocated to operate from the new facilities now nearing completion at St Erth Railway Station. From this date Lelant Saltings will only be served by one train in either direction shown in the new Great Western Railway Timetable.

190523a Except for through trains between Penzance and St Ives on the branch a shuttle service is provided from Lelant Saltings whilst the ongoing work nears completion at St Erth Copyright Roger Winnen

190523b Passengers alighting from the connecting bus from St Erth and the Park and Ride at the Saltings await to join the train. - Copyright Roger Winnen

190523c The next departure for St Ives awaits departure. Copyright Roger Winnen

190523d Two 150 class units filled to capacity leave Lelant Saltings for St Ives. Copyright Roger Winnen

190523e Queue Here for the platform and trains. Copyright Roger Winnen

190523f The 2018 First Bus on Rail Replacement to St Erth Station whilst the St Ives Branch platform is under reconstruction. Copyright Roger Winnen

Drinnick Mill
Paddy Bradley

Picture Copyright the Paddy Bradley collection.

Another fascinating picture from the Paddy Bradley Collection. This picture is worthy of a close study. Note that all men are wearing headgear of some form or other - in those days one was considered to be undressed without a hat. Four of the uniformed gentlemen sport watch chains and presumably have watches. Three of them are grasping shunters poles which would have had quite a bit use as Drinnick Mill was a busy place. Finally it is pointed out that the locomotive has a wooden buffer beam. Many thanks to you Paddy.

As usual, a very quick and much appreciated response from our Rangoon Correspondent
Dear Keith,
The gent in the centre (wearing frock coat) is the stationmaster. Drinnick Mill had a stationmaster until the 1950s.
Until 1966, there was a goods office and a signal box.
Trains operated both north and south out of Drinnick until 1911, when the ' Carpella break' occurred. The GWR were in dispute with the local clay company about mineral rights beneath the railway. The high court found for the clay company, so the line was severed south of Drinnick for 12 years or so. During this time, new signal boxes were opened at Parkandillack and Kernick because the bulk of the clay was going north to St Dennis.
The engine looks like an 850 class: it will have been shedded at St Blazey. There was an engine shed at Burngullow until about 1906.
We are, of course, in the pre- clay hood era; china clay was normally transported in barrels at this time.

Roy Many thanks Roy

Sunny Cornwall
Paul Negus

Paul Negus, who normally commutes from Bristol to Yatton has extended his range to be in Cornwall at a period of exceptional sunny weather. Hope you enjoy your stay Paul, and thanks.

The beach get the sun but unfortunately the St Ives terminus is not well lit at this hour. A pair of 150's wait to form the next shuttle service back to Lelant Saltings. Lelant Saltings will be closing w.e.f. 1st of June when the newly re-vamped station at St Erth is re-opened on the 1st June, 21st May 2019 Copyright Paul Negus.

All that remains of Marazion station is the former down platform building which has somehow survived the ravages of time. A Castle class train passes the station which closed on the 5th October 1964. The stations view of the sea has been eclipsed by a rake of modern flats standing, where for several years, a rake of Pullman coaches enjoyed the view. 21st May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus.

22nd May 2019

22/5/2019

Plymouth Millbay
Paddy Bradley

From the Paddy Bradley Collection - any ideas as to the exact location. Class 850 N0. 2019 Built1894-9 First Z2 at Plymouth Millbay. 1907

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
Exmoor Associates Meeting
Colin Burges

On Saturday (11th May) I rode out from Junction Station to join the pioneering Exmoor Associates at their meeting in Goodleigh Village Hall. This is the organization, run by the ever-resourceful Mike Buse, which is piecing together the Lynton & Barnstaple ahead of the track laying gang. It has eight holdings, one being the line through Snapper Halt, where members retired after the meeting to see the lads spiking down the rails on a length of token track. I chatted to Mike at length about his work and congratulated him on the outstandingly good aerial film he had had made.

Turn up the volume, sit back and dream:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=oDUN--CAJBo

Snapper Halt Track relaying 11th May 2019 Copyright Colin Burges

A view of the quite extensive holding looking on towards Lynton. 11th May 2019/ Copyright Colin Burges

Looking towards Barnstaple the little waiting shelter can be seen to the right by the pole. 11th May 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

Then I rode on to Chelfham for a quick call before climbing the hill to Bratton Fleming, where a visit had been arranged to the private section of line there. However, sitting in the sun being plied with tea and cake was so pleasant that I decided to terminate at Chelfham.

On my return I scooted through all the short cuts unavailable to the motorist to come out at Town Station, where I called at a little shrine, the release road buffer stop, minus its timber.

At Barnstaple Town terminus a buffer remains. If you look at close-ups of buffer stops, you'll see a cutaway in the timber for the claw hook of the coupler. 11th May 2019. Copyright Colin Burges

The location of the 'shrine' at Barnstaple Town. 11th May 2019. Copyright Colin Byrges.

Barnstaple Town Station as it was. Colin Burges.

Cheers, Colin. Many thanks for your update on progress.

21st May 2019

21/5/2019

Engine shed at
Penzance
Paddy Bradley

A picture of the original engine shed at Penzance - a far cry from the Long Rock of today. Courtesy the Paddy Bradley Collection

A grand shot of Penzance, taken about 1907/8. In the foreground is Penzance viaduct: long and low (12 ft) and single track. It was replaced by an embankment and arches for double track in 1921.
The engine shed was very cramped (it closed when Long Rock opened in 1914) and the turntable (the engine centre-right is on it) could take nothing larger than the 4-4-0s we see here. Off to the right is the coal stage.
On the extreme left the signal box can be glimpsed. This is the original, dating from the 1870s, built by McKenzie and Holland, contractors to the GWR. It was replaced by a new box of timber construction in 1912 (Ponsandane and Long Rock boxes opened at the same time). Today's Penzance box (1938) stands on the site of this engine shed.
We are most grateful to Roy Hart who responded within minutes of the publication of the above photograph with the details above.

NEW PARK & RIDE – from Saturday 1 June
From the start of June 2019, St Erth will become the new Park & Ride location for St Ives. The existing Park & Ride at Lelant Saltings will be closed. Improvements to St Erth station include:

larger ticket office and waiting area
improved accessibility
a new 422-space car park to the south of the station
relocation of bus stops from the main road to the station forecourt
improved cycle facilities

Lelant Saltings - almost closed. Although currently Lelant Saltings is operating as a railhead for most of the services to St Ives with a bus connection to St Erth Once the new platform at St Erth is opened on the 1st June Lelant Saltings will have a very much reduced timetable - Mondays to Fridays just one train the 07.56 to St Ives and the 09.30 to St Erth will stop there. On Saturdays the 07.54 to St Ives will call and the 09.30 to St Erth. On Sundays until 6th September the 08.56 to St Ives and the 19.56 to St Erth will call.
The bonus is that all trains both to and from St Ives will now call at Carbis Bay.

Lelant Saltings under construction in April 1978 Copyright Mike Roach.

Lelant Saltings Class 118 SET No P460 in British Telecom livery calls at Lelant Saltings. ( 51317, 51325 & 51310 ) 25th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

20th May 2019

20/5/2019

Thirty Years on the job
Craig Munday

I thought you may like this comparison picture taken in 1989 at Largin and this week in St Blazey - thirty years since I joined the industry!
Always having worked in Operations as a Signalman / Controller and Mobile Operations Manager across the Western Route.
Here’s to a few more years ahead??
All the best, Craig
Many thanks for your combined then and now pictures it is quite remarkable how you have managed to adopt the exact pose - and you still look young! Congratulations on your service to the industry and may you have many years ahead and many pictures for us.

Always working to the rule. Two pictures thirty years apart - on the left taken at St Blazey and on the right taken at the long gone Largin signalbox. Both pictures copyright Craig Munday N.B. Another point which dates the right hand picture is the milk bottle - you don't see many of them now!

The down sleeper pulls into Redruth headed by 57 605 Totnes Castle just as the last HST up from Penzance was due. 18th May 2019. Copyright Martin Scane. (KJ watches from the footbridge)

Last Saturday
Nick Kiszczuk

Nick was fortunate to be on the last working of an HST into Plymouth where passengers had to transfer from the old to the new.

You'll never see this on the display at Newton Abbot again. 18th May 2019. Copyright Nick Kiszczuk

The transfer from the old slam door HST into a new IET train at Plymouth. Copyright Nick Kiszczuk

19th May 2019

19/5/2019

The end of the
HST's

We are now adding the last few pictures of yesterdays HST Final look in Features Jan 2019 Onwards to see the whole collection. Click Here.

Just 4 from last night.

Journeys end Plymouth station 18th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Plymouth station. 18th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

43188 arrives at Platform 6 at Plymouth with the 18.03 from Paddington which terminated. 43093 was on the rear. This train normally goes dreckly to Penzance but today passengers had to transfer to an IET waiting on platform 5. Photos were taken without a tripod but with rock steady hands and massive ISO. Quite a surprisingly small turnout of enthusiasts turned up for this historic event.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

Plymouth station 18th May 2019. Copyright Jon Morley

The end. This says it all. Plymouth station The time is 21.23 on the 18th May 2019. Copyright Jon Morley

Two pictures from Jon Morley - the last Hooray. Many thanks Jon.

18th May 2019

18/5/2019

TODAY -
THE LAST DAY OF THE HST's
Please note that due to the number of pictures anticipated a special feature has been created to cover the 18th May.
Please click here and scroll

Veteran Photographer
and a Veteran Train
Last Calls at Redruth

The last up working of an HST rolls into Redruth. Unfortunately the down sleeper rather got in the way. 18th May 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin

07.15 on the 18th May 2019. The slam doors open for the last time at Redruth. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Travelling on to Exeter and making full use of the drop down windows is premier photographer Roger Winnen. 18th May 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Veteran photographer Roger Winnen takes an opportunity to 'Hang out of the window' at Redruth. With the withdrawal of these trains many valuable photographic opportunities will be lost. N.B. Roger always took his pictures bearing his safety in mind. 18th May 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Yesterday - Penultimate Day
Clive Smith

May 17th 2019 was the last but one day of GWR 2+8 activity on timetabled Paddington trains. Just the last day on the 18th and the final railtour on the 1st June to go. The weather was kind in the morning and could have been worse in the afternoon. I have chosen five of my favourite locations in my part of the region. It's been a hectic week trying to capture the end of an era and this day has been quite poignant. Let's celebrate the Inter City 125 !
Regards, Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive, soon you'll be able to have a day off!

(1) All blue set with 43162 leading and 43171 on the rear form the 06.47 Penzance - Paddington over Cornwood Viaduct west of Ivybridge. This service at 06.50 on the 18th will be the last and only GWR 2+8 set to operate in Cornwall. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Celebrity Inter City liveried 43185 heads the the last HST 07.41 Penzance - Paddington up Hemerdon bank with blue 43009 on the rear. What a sight and will we ever see this power car again in Cornwall ? Saturday 18th will see this set visit Swansea, Bristol TM and Hereford. A nice swansong. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 43093 leading and 43188 on the rear pass Langham Levels west of Ivybridge with the last HST 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington. The earlier sunshine had disappeared and clouds rolled in but the rain was held off. This is a cracking spot for morning and midday photos heading east with easy parking near Harford Road bridge. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) On their penultimate day on front-line service and in dismal drizzle the all blue First Great Western liveried HST ascends Rattery Bank with the 13.03 Paddington - Plymouth with 43171 leading and 43162 on the rear. This set would work the 16.57 Plymouth - Paddington returning on the 21.03 Paddington - Plymouth before it is prepared for its grand finale on the 18th. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) The new Ivybridge station was opened in 1994 east of the viaduct. The previous station closed in 1959 and was located west of the viaduct. HST London services started calling at Ivybridge around late 2006 following the demise of WessexTrains earlier that year and First Great Western's introduction of Central Door Locking on HSTs. The last ever HST service from the station to Paddington pulls away from the station on time at 17.12 with 43162 leading and 43171 on the rear of the all blue set amongst the lovely pine trees to the east of the station. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

17th May 2019

17/5/2019

Correction - Apologies for an error that needs a quick correction. For departures from Paddington on Saturday the 18.30 is to Taunton then is extended to EXETER.

37673 Lostwithiel
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are keeping well.
Plenty of very good and interesting pictures on the site ,as usual.
I send a picture of 37673 at Lostwithiel on 20 September 1989 coming back from Fowey docks with empty CDAs .
All the best, Michael.

5A 40 Marazion
Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger
3 shots of the Night Riviera ECS from Longrock TMD-Reading Traincare Depot, departing 09.15 as 5A40, 57603 having problems on Monday night, leading to 1A40 running as a 9 Car I.E.T in place of the regular 'Night Riviera' stock, 57604 leading with 57603 dead in tow at the rear. I found about the move only 45 minutes before it's actual departure from Longrock TMD
All the Best
Andrew

1. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' leading 5A40 gathering speed following departing Longrock TMD Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. Passing Marazion on a glorious May morning. Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. Heading up Marazion marshes with 57603 'Tintagel Castle' dead in tow on the rear of 5A40. Copyright Andrew Triggs

When its gone, its gone!
Bristol Temple Meads
Paul Negus

Paul Negus records the scene now that the ugly Post office Sorting Office has finally been demolished. 15th May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

Pinhoe
David Tozer

Keith, Nice change from 158/159's and HST's. Here we see 37409 propelling Inspection Saloon at Pinhoe today. 0846 Exeter (St David's) - Kensington Olympia). Regards Dave Tozer

37409 propelling Inspection Saloon at Pinhoe today. 08.46 Exeter (St David's) - Kensington Olympia). Copyright Dave Tozer

The end is nigh
Clive Smith

Some scenes of the three GWR 2+8 sets in action in our region on Thursday 16th May 2019. We will lose one to Cardiff on Friday afternoon as the sets are put in place for farewell journeys to London over the lines they have spent the best part of 40 years or more operating over. These movements will culminate on Saturday in GWR's planned line up at Paddington platforms 1 to 4 of four sets to depart at 18.03 to Plymouth with a connecting service to Penzance (1), 18.15 to Cheltenham (2), 18.22 to Hereford (3) and 18.30 to Exeter. The last services from our region to Paddington will be Saturday's 06.57 from Plymouth and 06.50 from Penzance.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

(1) 43093 leaves Saltash with the 08.38 departure to Paddington with 43188 on the rear. This is the 06.47 from Penzance. This train will be an HST for just two days more with the last HST to leave Penzance for London on Saturday 18th at 06.50.. Hard to believe . 16th May 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 43188 brings up the rear of the 06.47 Penzance - Paddington as it crosses the Royal Albert Bridge. 43093 is on the front. 16th May 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(3) With a late display of bluebells this year I did not expect to see a blue carpet of them as a foreground for the all-blue HST set carrying First Great Western Dynamic Lines livery led by power car 43196 with 43071 on the rear passing Cantrell Works Ivybridge. This was the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth running late after starting from Reading at 09.46 due to signalling problems. Conservationists please note that I walked around all the clusters of bluebells taking great care not to step on any. 16th May 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(4) Back in service and just in time to take a final bow. Set OC55 which developed a wheel set problem on the 13th and resulted in withdrawal and replacement with an IET is back with 43009 and 43185. It was sent empty from St Philips Marsh to Paddington to work the 14.03 Paddington - Penzance from the IET which had been on diagrams since the 13th. The train is seen here at Tigley ascending Rattery bank from Totnes. Welcome back. 16th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) A new location for me in my neck-of-the-woods is the site of the former Wrangaton station. The vegetation clearance has now opened up the cutting for some useful photography. The sun was in the wrong place but beggars can't be choosers at this stage. 43093 leads the 16.57 Plymouth - Paddington under the bridge with 43188 on the rear. 16th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Apex (Scorrier)
Martin Scane

Apex Bridge IC84 the 14.03 Paddington to Penzance at 18.58 on the 16th May 2019 Copyright Martin Scane

16th May 2019

16/5/2019

The end of an era approaches
As we say farewell to our
2 + 8 car fleet of HSTs !
Roger Winnen

190513a The 14.06 Paddington Penzance approaches Shillingham Tunnel. Copyright Roger Winnen

190516a 43061 Returns to Paddington with the 12.57 departure from Platform 4. Copyright Roger Winnen

190516c 43093 Stands to head the 16.57 Plymouth to Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

190516d Legends of the Great Western carried on 43091. Copyright Roger Winnen

190516dd Having a word with the driver as The Welshman brings up the rear to the 16.57 to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

190516f There were numerous 2 + 4 car HSTs around today which replaced alot of the sprinter traffic and making rides more comfortable. Copyright Roger Winnen

190516g 43009 Crossing the Royal Albert Bridge with the 14.03 Paddington Penzance service. I have been informed that this set will work the final Great Western HST from Pemzance on Saturday morning being the 06.50 to London Paddongton.- Copyright Roger Winnen

47815 Starcross
Martin Duff

47815 09.35 Laira to Ely. Copyright Martin Duff.

47593 Starcross
Martin Duff

47593 returns seen passing Starcross. Copyright Martin Duff

CLan Line at BTM
Paul Negus

I managed to catch Clan Line on the Belmond British Pullman today on my way home - what a bonus! The whole train was immaculate and looked absolutely splendid in the sunshine.

We see Clan Line hauling the train backwards through Temple Meads to Pylle Hill Goods just west of the station where she ran round and then brought the train back into platform 11. A couple of close up shots illustrate just how hard the cleaners have worked!

Finally, Clan Line departs on time at 17:11 with just hint of slipping, quickly controlled by the driver. Not bad for a load of 12 - mainly Pullmans - unassisted with the severe curvature at Temple Meads.

Paul Negus. Many thanks indeed Paul

Clan line arrives backwards at Bristol Temple Meads 15th May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

Having run round Clan Line reappears at Bristol Temple Meads 15th May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

A tribute to the cleaners as Clan line pauses at Bristol Temple Meads on the 15th May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus

Making a fine sight Clan Line departs eastwards from Temple Meads. 15th May 2019. Copyright Paul Negus.

Tamar Valley
Mark Lynam

Mark visits the Tamar Valley line on a glorious day. Many thanks Mark.

Over the border in Devon 150265 at Bere Alston working 2G70 1345 Gunnislake to Plymouth. Copyright Mark Lynam

The time honoured view as 150265 crosses Calstock Viaduct on Monday 12th May 2019. A picture always enhanced by a full tide. Copyright Mark Lynam

This picture well emphasises the climb from sea level as 150265 approaches the scenic Sandways level crossing working 2G69 1255 Plymouth to Gunnislake. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The end of the line. 150265 at Gunnislake before working 2G72 1545 Gunnislake to Plymouth. Copyright Mark Lynam

You have to look twice to spot it such is the drab livery of the 9-car IET 802106 at Saltash crossing the Royal Albert Bridge working 1C88 1603 London Paddington to Penzance. 12th May 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

Class 47/57 Daytime runs
Craig Munday

Tuesday the 14th May was another interesting day for Brush fans as 57604 worked the sleeper stock back East following the night before's failure of 57603. The train is seen passing Pentraze.

Later in the day, 47593 visited Saltash with the Locomotive Services Ltd class 47 47593 Galloway Princess on a crew run.

All the best, Craig. Many thanks Craig

57604 5A40 at Pentraze 14th May 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

47593 at Saltash with the 0Z12 working on the 14th May 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

A nice bit of 'clag', the environmentalists nightmare as 47593 is opened up. 14th May 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Lovely light and a beautiful picture as Craig captures 47593 on a route learning run. 14th May 2019. Copyright Craig Munday

Three at Brent
Clive Smith

The two remaining 2+8 HST 'up' diagrams from Cornwall avoided the IET interloper on Wednesday 15th May 2019 but the 'joker in the pack' looks set to somewhat spoil what was Devon and Cornwall's final run-in with these iconic trains on the London services. Here are the two 'ups' at the site of Brent station along with Rail Operations Group 47815 taking away redundant HST carriages and a barrier vehicle.

Regards, CliveSmith Many Thanks Clive - not long now!!

(1) Just four days left and 43071 heads all blue set with 43196 on the rear through the site of Brent station with the 06.47 Penzance - Paddington. 15th May 2019, Copyright Clive Smith

(2) A solo 47 this time as Rail Operations Group 47815 passes the site of Brent station with the 5L46 09.35 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings stock move in bright sunshine. 15th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 43093 heads the 07.41 Penzance - Paddington at Brent. 43171 is on the rear. 15th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

15th May 2019

15/5/2019

The last few days
Full length HST's
Clive Smith

With just five days remaining for GWR 2+8 sets working to London I was lucky to be out in Totnes in glorious sunshine. Sadly one of the three HSTs sets that have been plying their trade in our area these last couple of weeks developed a wheel flat on the 13th and had to be taken out of service in London. This was 43185 & 43009 and resulted in an IET on the 17.03 from Paddington thus reducing one of the sets working in Cornwall. Not renowned for their comfortable seats, I don't know what sleeper passengers thought of them when an IET was substituted for 57603 that failed on the sleeper set. Further complications occurred on the 14th when the HST set on the 16.57 Plymouth - Paddington developed a faulty speedo at Laira and had to return to Plymouth where it was substituted by an IET that was on the 14.03 Paddington - Penzance which would have been the HST with the wheel fault. Hope everyone is keeping up with this. So now Cornwall is back to two HST sets by default and it is the Plymouth service that is now usurped by an IET. Four HST sets need to be operable if the planned 17.40 GWR Finale at Paddington is to occur. Fingers crossed it all works.

Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

(1) 43162 leads the all blue set on the 06.47 Penzance - Paddington into Totnes with blue 43071 bringing up the rear. 14th May 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 43171 passes Three Arches Bridge west of Totnes in glorious sunshine with the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth. 43093 was on the rear. 14th May 2019. Copyright Clive smith

(3) 43093 brings up the rear of the 09.03 Paddington - Plymouth past Three Arches Bridge west of Totnes . 43171 is on the front. 14th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) 57604 Pendennis Castle heads the 5A40 09.15 Penzance Depot - Reading sleeper ECS with a dead 57603 on the rear past Three Arch Bridge west of Totnes. This movement occurred as a result of the failure of 57603 on the previous evening's sleeper from Penzance which was replaced by an IET. Oh dear not much sleep on that. 14th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) Green trees, green grass, green bushes, GWR green 57603, GWR green coaches and sleepers and brunswick green 57604 leading the train. Could be a few green weeds in there too. Dead 57603 is on the rear of 5A40 09.15 Penzance Depot - Reading ECS with the train being powered by 57604. (Totnes Three Arch Bridge). 14th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Carn Brea
Jacob Hampson

43071 heads the OC38 working with 43162 bringing up the rear. The train is the 14:03 London Paddington to Penzance. 14th May 2019

Many thanks Jacob

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