LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

24th January 2019

24/1/2019

Rattlebrook Peat railway.
By Mick House.

This is a follow up to the article given to us by Andrew Jones and put on this site on 20th September 2018.
All that is know about the Rattlebrook picture below is that it was given to us by David Ellis who received it from Paul Rendell, he in turn received it from a now deceased donor.
If anybody has any information and or photographs of the Rattlebrook Peat railway, they would be gratefully received.
My thanks to Andrew Jones, David Ellis and Paul Rendell.

Rattlebrook Peat railway. Peat loading into a Hudson V skip. Copyright not fully established.

Footbridge Notes
& Comparisons
Guy Vincent

The recent feature regarding the imminent removal of the original GWR footbridge from St Austell station caught my eye and, although regrettable it is good to learn that the bridge is to see further use on the Helston Railway. The St Austell bridge dates from 1882 and fortunately retains the old GWR monogram and scrolled date that was relentlessly hacked away from many other similar structures as part of British Rail's modernisation programme in the 1960s and 1970s. Maybe the gang responsible for this pointless atrocity never reached Cornwall?

Similar bridges to the St Austell example still survive in daily use at Warminster and Upwey stations and in a Victorian suburb of Trowbridge where a public footpath crosses the line. The first two have long since lost their ornate GWR identities (and roofs) although it is sometimes possible to see the outline of the missing metalwork, especially after overnight frost. The Trowbridge example has remnants of the date left (188?) plus the outline of the GWR monogram. A fresh coat of paint (highly unlikely to ever materialise!) will hide this evidence. Also note the metal cage that was added in 2009 due to repeated acts of vandalism taking place on the bridge. Finally, an Edwardian view of the structure, taken from the opposite side of the line, when values and general standards in society were far, far higher than those we experience today.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy for your article and for the excellent illustrations. All very much appreciated.

Upwey GWR Footbridge 14th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Warminster Footbridge 22nd March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Footbridge Lower Studley Trowbridge 24th September 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent. Note :- This bridge is about three quarters of a mile east of Trowbridge station.

Lower Studley Footbridge, Trowbridge Detail. 24th September 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Trowbridge, Lower Studley Railway Footbridge c1905. A charming picture from the Guy Vincent Collection

Newport
Michael Forward

I now send another picture from Newport,the last one from a good day on 19 may 1999,showing 37714 on an unidentified working.
Thanks for dealing with this and great pictures on the site ,as always.
Best wishes, Michael

Thanks Michael

Winnen's Westerns
Paddington
Roger Winnen

Way out of our region but perhaps on its way to Plymouth and Cornwall. D1030 Western Musketeer at Paddington Station. 25th July 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen (Especially for Guy Vincent who rather liked Westerns)

23rd January 2019

23/1/2019

Totnes
Clive Smith

Colas 70816 hauls failed tamper under the current footbridge at Totnes on the 22nd January 2019. This was the 11.40 Lostwithiel - Rugby movement. There is still no sign of the new footbridge opening. 24th January 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Penzance
David Tozer

D1036 Western Emperor at Penzance 11th June1974 Copyright David Tozer

Nice to see you so far west Dave - a very nicely posed picture - the Western and the water tank plus a couple of semaphores.

The same view today of
Long Rock
Roger Salter

A comparison with David Tozers photograph of 1974 showing the difference in photography etc & completely changed scene/overgrown banks, making photography most difficult along the Long Rock walkway.

190123a The 2A07 Penzance St Ives 150244 passes Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

DB Class 66 66101 sits at Exmouth Junction with the 0729 Westbury - Exeter Riverside route learner having worked via Castle Cary, Yeovil Junction and Honiton. 22nd January 2019. Copyright David Tozer.

Winnen's Westerns
Lostwithiel
Roger Winnen

A light load for a Western as she approaches Lostwithiel, the Fowey line is seen in the foreground 4th April 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

22nd January 2019

22/1/2019

Tigley
Chris Harvey

Seen at Tigley with the rolling Devon hills forming the backdrop and some lovely crisp light we see 43171 and 43079 scaling the 1 in 52, at this point, grade towards the eventual summit at Wrangaton some five miles away. The train is the 09.25 Paddington to Plymouth on the 14th January 2006 Copyright Chris Harvey

Buckfastleigh
Ron Kosys

In steam and looking immaculate we see former Exeter Gas Works No. 1 at its home at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway. Copyright Ron Kosys

Truro Shed
Maurice Dart

Metro Tanks 935 and 3582 seen outside Truro Shed. These were withdrawn in April 1934. Copyright the Maurice Dart Collection.

St Erth
Andrew Thompson

This undated picture of an HST arriving at St Ives makes one wonder quite what will happen here. Some time ago its replacement was suggested but apparently as the station is listed and its removal was refused. Picture by Andrew Thompson.

21st January 2019

21/1/2019

Helston
Maurice Dart

Metro Tank No. 1496 poses at the loading bank at Helston. This loco was withdrawn in October 1935 - Copyright Maurice Dart Collection. Whether the gentleman in the cab is a cleaner, fireman or driver we'll never know. Likewise the gentleman with the shunters pole - tool of the trade. A classic from the Maurice Dart Collection.

Passing at
Dawlish
Clive Smith

Once a common event, now rare. Many thanks Clive.

A very calm sea for the passengers on these two HST's passing just outside Dawlish. It's just after mid summer. June 26th 2010. Copyright Clive Smith

Laira Open Day '91
Steve Widdowson

Laira Open Day 15th Sept 1991 86609, 90132, 31405 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Received some time ago. Many thanks Steve.

20th January 2019

20/1/2019

Looking out of the Window
Soon to be a thing of the past
Roger Winnen

190119h Crossing The Royal Albert Bridge as the sun goes down aboard the 13.03 Padd-Pz HST soon to be a thing of the past, looking out of the droplight door window. 19th January 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

When it's gone it's gone!
Liskeard
Roger Winnen

Liskeard. Demolition of a former atcost concrete store in yard. Most probably a feedstuff establishment. 19th January 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

Loram rail grinder at Okehampton
Part 2.
David Ellis.

After a road trip to Plymouth's Laira depot last week C2101, Control car 79237, had some repair work and is now back at Meldon, ready to be reunited with the rest of the train at Sampford Courtenay.

C2101, Control car 79237 in Meldon yard. Copyright David Ellis.

Then and now
Mutley tunnel
Clive Smith

I make no apologies for again featuring the eastern end of Mutley Tunnel in Plymouth. I'm sure everyone has their particular favourite photographic location and this one was mine. After my last visit to the spot in 2002 I decided to photograph the Mayflower steam railtour featuring 5029 Nunney Castle and 60019 Bittern approaching Mutley Tunnel in 2010. To my surprise the location had seen further extensive vegetation growth in the intervening eight years . So much so that I had to zoom in on the locos to eliminate the ubiquitous tree encroachment . These photos have turned out to be the last 'decent' shots I have taken here. My New Year wish is that Network Rail's chainsaw gang get around to opening up my favourite vista once more but I live in hope!

Then - 1983

(Photo 1) 45059 Royal Engineer blasts away from Mutley Tunnel on the 2nd April 1983 with the 17.45 return day excursion (ADEX) from Plymouth to Manchester. A pristine cutting forms the backdrop and shows where the photographer stood for the next picture. For a few quid Mancunians had an 18-hour day out at the opposite end of the country and be back home for midnight. Adexes were a fantastic way for spotters without much money to visit far flung stations and depots and often provided interesting motive power and great memories. Copyright Clive Smith

(Photo 2)...and from the oppositeside 47367 powers out of Mutley Tunnel east of Plymouth station with the 15.20 St Blazey - Severn Tunnel Junction mixed goods on the 10th June 1983. The loco was withdrawn at the end of 2002 and is now preserved on the Mid Norfolk Railway at Dereham. Copyright Clive Smith

And in 2010

(Photo 3) 5029 Nunney Castle and A4 60019 Bittern coast up from Laira to Mutley Tunnel with The Railway Touring Company's "Mayflower" 06.48 Euston - Plymouth on the 11th September 2010 Copyright Clive Smith.

(Photo 4) The 'going away' shot shows just how much the trees dominate both sides of the cutting to the tunnel. Even this view is now impossible. Copyright Clive Smith

19th January 2019

19/1/2019

Copplestone Station
Roger Winnen

190119a 143612 arrives at Copplestone on the 11.27 service from Exeter St Davids to Barnstaple. Copyright Roger Winnen

190119b Copplestone Station Buildings. Copyright Roger Winnen

190119c The original entrance to the station now modified. Copyright Roger Winnen

190119d Copplestone Signal Box in miniature stands on the platform. If I was there during the summer this platform would be decked out with flowers. Copyright Roger Winnen

190119e The raised part of the platform making entry to the train a little easier.Copyright Roger Winnen

190119f An old photograph displayed on the platform taken most probably in the early 1970s

HSTs Stabled at Ponsandane and Long Rock on Sat 19th
Roger Salter

190119a 43190 & 43165 Prince Michael of Kent stabled on the old loading bank at Ponsandane after working 5Z79 Bristol St Philips Marsh to Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

190119b 43120 in the yard at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

Bishops Lydeard
Ron Kosys

The early days at Bishops Lydeard. May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Winnen's Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

Here we see D1013 Western Ranger ticking over at Penzance before it gained its red nameplates. Quite a collection of passenger stock in platform four and the sidings beyond. 27th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Trackless Stations
Michael Manning

An appeal from member Mike Manning. Have anybody please got any photos taken at just after the tracks were removed at the following stations - Tavistock North, Brentor, Lydford and Bridestowe. Replies please to michealmanning@hotmail.com

18th January 2019

18/1/2019

Loram rail grinder at Okehampton.
By David Ellis.

I took some pictures today (17th January 2019) of Okehamptons resident 08, D4167 (08 937) recovering part of the Loram C2101 rail grinder train that arrived on the 9th of January, it was being taken from Sampford Courtenay to Meldon Quarry to be removed by road.
Many thanks, David.

D4167 approaches Okehampton station from Sampford Courtenay. Copyright David Ellis.

Part of C2101, Control car 79237 and D4167 coupled together in the station. Copyright David Ellis.

The train stands ready to proceed up the line. Copyright David Ellis.

On the move up the line to Meldon. Copyright David Ellis.

Cadderford
South Devon Railway
Ron Kosys

A delightful picture of 1638 taken at Cadderford on the South Devon Railway. Copyright Ron Kosys

Test Train at
Chard Junction
Brian Pibworth

Good Afternoon Keith,
Please find attached pictures of the New Measurement Train at Chard Junction today. Many thanks to Guy Vincent for giving a "heads up" about busy times on the old LSWR line. It takes me back to the 80s when they relined Whiteball Tunnel and we had cement, bitumen and ballast rumbling up the Axe valley. Not so much freight these days but it looks promising.
They cancelled the Class 66 gauging loco today but the NMT made a bright show in the Winter sunshine.

With kind regards, Brian Many thanks indeed Brian

101J 0541 Reading Triangle Sidings to Salisbury, headed by powercar "Railway Observer", approaching Chard Junction Loop on the old Dn line and passing all that remains of the Creamery sidings. 17th January 2019. Copyright Brian Pibworth

101J 0541 Reading Triangle Sidings to Salisbury, headed by powercar "Railway Observer", waiting in the Junction Loop, the old Dn line, with no sign of the Creamery in the background and the Up platform rapidly greening over. The picture is taken from the site of the Chard Junction Signal Box showing the coloured light signal gantry which still controls Up movements through the loop and level crossing status. 17th January 2019. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

101J 0541 Reading Triangle Sidings to Salisbury, headed by powercar "Railway Observer", waited for 22 min in the Junction Loop, the old Down line, and is setting off after the 1L21 Waterloo - Exeter service has passed. 17th January 2019. Copyright Brian Pibworth

101J 0541 Reading Triangle Sidings to Salisbury, headed by powercar "Railway Observer", leaves Chard Junction behind on the next leg of its journey after a morning return trip to Exeter.17th January 2019. Copyright Brian Pibworth

Have you any photographs please.
We would dearly like to see and share any photographs taken of the amazing South Devon Railtour of 39 years ago.
[Timings copied from the Six Bells Junction Railtour Files (1980)]

10th May 1980
Branch Line Society South Devon Rail Tour
Loco Used47134
DMUs UsedC596 (51099+59416+51076) & B812 (51462+59530+51530)Route :
Traction
Route
51462+59530+?????Bristol Temple Meads – Philips Marsh – Worle Jn - (8) - Uphill Jn – Taunton Goods line – Exeter St Davids – Exeter Railway Jn (Down Main)
51462+59530+?????Exeter Railway Jn (Down Main) - Up Main
51462+59530+?????Exeter Railway Jn (Up Main) – Marsh Barton Trading Estate (almost end of line, before A379 road bridge)
51462+59530+?????Marsh Barton Trading Estate – Exeter St Thomas / Exeter Railway Jn (1)
51462+59530+?????Exeter St Thomas / Exeter Railway Jn - City Basin Jn
51462+59530+?????City Basin Jn - Exeter City Basin (Texaco Sidings Branch, almost to last level crossing, by Maritime Museum)
51462+59530+?????Exeter City Basin – Newton Abbot – Heathfield Gulf Oil Sidings – Newton Abbot (2)
47134Newton Abbot – Plymouth North Road (3)
51099+59416+51076Plymouth North Road – Lipson Jn - Turnchapel Branch Jn (9)
51099+59416+51076Turnchapel Branch Jn - Cattewater Branch (to MP 1¼ Cromwell Road LC)
51099+59416+51076Cattewater Branch (MP 1¼ Cromwell Road LC) - Turnchapel Branch Jn - Plymouth Friary
51099+59416+51076Plymouth Friary - Mount Gould Jn - Speedway Jn - Laira Jn (4)
51099+59416+51076(5) Laira Jn - Speedway Jn - Mount Gould Jn (5)
51099+59416+51076Mount Gould Jn - Lipson Jn - Plymouth North Road - Keyham West GF
51099+59416+51076Keyham West GF - Drake's Platform - RN Devonport Dockyard (just short of exchange sidings)
51099+59416+51076RN Devonport Dockyard - Drake's Platform - Keyham West GF - St Budeaux Jn
51099+59416+51076St Budeaux Jn - RN Bull Point
51099+59416+51076RN Bull Point - St Budeaux - Royal Albert Bridge - Saltash
51099+59416+51076Saltash - Royal Albert Bridge - St Budeaux - Plymouth North Road - Newton Abbot (6) - Exeter St Davids - Taunton - Uphill Jn - (8) - Worle Jn - Bristol Temple MeadsNotes :
(1) It was hoped the train could use the direct chord from Marsh Barton to City Basin but, not surprisingly, didn’t.
(2) Unit declared a failure (broken sidespring). 47134 & 13 coaches commandeered off 13:45 local to Paignton.
(3) The tour was scheduled to run from Laira Jn direct to Friary from Newton Abbot. (see also note 4 below). Train ran direct to Plymouth because of the need to change trains.
(4) Shunter not available to allow the train to reverse at Laira Jn to run onto the main line back to Plymouth. The original route from Mount Gould Jn to Laira Jn had been severed not long before the date of the tour at the Laira Jn end to form dead end sidings for carriage stabling accessed from the Mount Gould Jn end of the Laira depot layout so was no longer available for the tour, necessitating use of the upgraded single line to the west of the depot known locally as the speedway.
(5) Extra move in partial compensation for earlier diversion, (see note 3).
(6) Stopped outside Newton Abbot on return to attend to a door not properly closed.
(7) Timings shown are the 'Booked' timings with mileages being the 'actual mileages'. A loose insert with the ticket letter said "....slight timing adjustments from Taunton to the Exeter area, .... now leave Exeter St Davids at 11.49..."
(8) Via the Weston-super-Mare avoiding line.
(9) Booked reversal point was Plymouth Friary.

17th January 2019

17/1/2019

St Austell Footbridge
Soon to be dismantled and moved to the Helston Railway
Roger Winnen

A report in the local press The St Austell Voice mentioned that work will be commencing on Saturday 26th January 2019 to remove the roof of the footbridge during the night after 23.00 hrs Further work on Saturdays 2nd 9th 16th and 23rd February will be to remove rivets glass and the structure of the bridge prior to its move to the Helston Railway.

190117a The 11.41 Penzance to Newton Abbot arrives at St Austell with unit 150001. Copyright Roger Winnen

190117b The 12.04 IET service from Penzance to Paddington emerges from under the old 1882 footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190117bb A replacement to the cancelled 12.15 IET service to Penzance. The 06.10 Derby to Plymouth Voyager had hit a person at Starcross and was terminated. This HST ran from Newton Abbot to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

190117c Departure for Penzance looking down from the new footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190117d 66169 on the 12.00 noon Parkandillack to St Blazey runs through St Austell 44 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen

A couple from Craig
Burngullow & St Austell
Craig Munday

A couple from the doorstep!

January 16th I was at Burngullow following an issue with the points. The sand train was busy loading in Methrose siding as I was there. The sun manged to break through and I caught a picture, showing the dumper loading the leading vehicles, and by pure chance, a bird of prey high above too! The loco was 66014 and the train departed around 11.00 bound for Bow.

Later that evening, but just after midnight I popped into St Austell to see the NR test train. Booked to pause to reset the equipment allowed me time to fire off a couple of shots. 37025 looked superb in large logo, and sat under the redundant footbridge with its three coach train.

Craig Munday Many thanks Craig - do you ever sleep?

66014 in charge of a train loading sand at Burngullow. 16th January 2019 Copyright Craig Munday. It's great that Craig can send us pictures like this being in a privileged position.

It's after midnight as 37025 pauses at St Austell on the 17th January 2019 Copyright Craig Munday

Pinhoe surprise
David Tozer

Pinhoe 59004 on a trial working before Whiteball closure. 16th January 2019 Copyright David Tozer

A somewhat unusual visitor to the former LSWR route between Yeovil Junction and Exeter was DBS Class 59/0 59004 Paul A Hammond running light engine as the 0729 Westbury - Exeter (Riverside) via Honiton and 1134 return. Possibly a first ever visit. I understand that this and further proposed runs on Thursday and Friday of this week are route refresher runs, in connection with the forthcoming blockade of the Exeter to Taunton line. Regards Dave Tozer Many thanks David

Further information from Guy Vincent
Today (16th) saw the unexpected and possible first ever visit of a class 59 loco to the Yeovil Jctn-Exeter line with 59004 'Paul A Hammond' working a special 0Z27 0729 Westbury Down Yard-Exeter Riverside (1036) driver route-training trip routed via Castle Cary, Yeovil Pen Mill / Jctn and Honiton. The loco returned the same way as 0Z28 1134 Exeter Riverside-Westbury (1406). This is believed to be in connection with the impending closure of Whiteball Tunnel for maintenance from 17th February until 8th March which will mean any stone for Riverside will have to be diverted. Plus there may be engineering trains needed on the 'wrong' side of the closure. According to 'Real Time Trains' today's light engine run is scheduled again tomorrow (Thur 17th) and on Friday 18th but obviously I give no guarantee as to whether this will actually happen.. Hopefully it will so maybe it will be of interest to one or more of your Devon correspondents. Time is allowed in the schedule (for passing purposes) at both Chard Jctn and Honiton. Today's RTT identity codes were 061Q and 021R.
Regards, Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

Many thanks Andrew

Late afternoon and early evening at
Penzance
Mark Lynam

158959 3-car 158959 about to work 2E88 1644 to Exeter St Davids. Seen at 16.43 on the 16th January 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

A dramatic early evening picture of 37025 with its test train resting at Penzance at 17.40 on the 16th January 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks to you Mark.

16th January 2019

16/1/2019

HST Celebrities Split up

The celebrity seperation has finally happened after two weeks ! Hopefully there will be a reconcilliation again soon. See below :-
https://www.facebook.com/192787071257314/posts/16012019-correct-0825-w43002431940553-plymouth-paddington-0950-paddington-oxford/444589312743754/

Mid Winter Gloom
37025 Inverness TMD on a test train at Penzance
Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

190116a 37025 Inverness TMD at Penzance on a test train. Arrival at Penzance being 04.05 from Exeter Riverside via Carne Point, Parkandillack & Falmouth Docks. This train ran 134 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen

190116b Highland Rail 37025 Inverness TMD at Penzance. Its return working is scheduled for a 22.43 departure from Penzance direct to Exeter.- Copyright Roger Winnen

20190116_The driving trailer 9701 of the test train at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

20190116_Viewed from the station wall 37025 taken between the Wednesday showers.. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Blackpool Tower
Arriving at Newport
Michael Forward

Here is another picture taken at Newport on 19 May 1999 and it shows 37407 ‘Blackpool Tower’ arriving (at 14.25) with a Cardiff to Bristol service, a proper train!
Its good to know that this loco. is still working, in DRS livery ,and is presently at Norwich.

Many Thanks Michael

Liskeard & St Erth
Ron Kosys

Two pictures from the past with a mass of detail, we are extremely grateful to Ron Kosys for making available to us these 'Gems' from his collection.

D804 Avenger slows for the stop at Liskeard on Saturday 17th July 1971, with the 0815 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Ron Kosys Enjoy the mass of detail in this picture - ideal for the model maker.

St Erth - D804 Avenger bringing in a Paddington to Penzance train reduces speed as runs into the station. It is the17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Winnen's Westerns
Dolcoath
Roger Winnen

A Western with the milk seen at Dolcoath. It's the 27th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Hello Roger,
The identity of the 'Western' in your shot of the 6A19 milk train at Dolcoath on 27.10.1974 can definitely be confirmed as D1055 'Western Advocate'. Beneath the driver's windscreen you can clearly see a yellow 'box' and dark strip running along the bottom of the screen. This was another failed wiper experiment that was fitted in 1968 and not proceeded with, these parts were never removed though. D1055 was written off in a fatal accident at Worcester on 3rd January 1976 and scrapped at Swindon that June. I have read that parts of it's bodyshell were noted at King's scrapyard, Snailwell, Cambridgeshire, as late as December 1979!

Still enjoying your excellent 'Westerns' and hopefully managing a few more identities as we go along!

Many Thanks to Guy Vincent for supplying this information

Forthcoming events
- this week and into the summer.
Karl Hewlett brings us up to date with his observations.

Currently booked in the system to run this week is 'Colas Rail 'operated test train doing the rounds around the area, loco is 37025 with stock and DBSO:

3Q20 Exeter Riverside New Yard to Penzance via Fowey, Parkandillack and Falmouth Docks

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H32599/2019/01/15/advanced

Penzance to Exeter Riverside New Yard

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H32596/2019/01/16/advanced

Note in the timings the new signals and their reference numbers in the Camborne and Bodmin area.

Some forthcoming bits for the diary
On the March 23rd, 50007 and 50049 will be in charge a railtour from Paddington to Penzance returning to Waterloo, Pathfinder Tours 'The Terminator Phoenixed ', which the pair will then be in their new GB Railfreight liveries. Although different I would of especially preferred to of seen 50049 as 149 in Railfreight Triple Grey with General Sector markings, more at: http://www.fiftyfund.org.uk/. Also of interest is the 'Class 50 Alliance', operators of 007 and 049 have also agreed a three year loan to get 50033 up and running again.

April 13th brings a rare visit of a class 68 to Cornwall with the first ever visit of a class 88! The two running in multiple will haul Pathfinder's 'The Springtime Cornishman' Dorridge to Penzance and return: https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-springtime-cornishman/.

'The Summer Cornishman', again with Pathfinder on June 23rd, A1 60163 is booked to run from Bristol Temple Meads to Par and return: https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-summer-cornishman/

On June 29th, Mazey day, Deltic 55009 now in BR Blue is booked to do the 'The Mazey Day Cornishman' railtour from Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance, another Pathfinder: https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-mazey-day-cornishman-train-trip-to-penzance/.

These are of course are all subject to change!

Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station).

Many thanks to you Karl for your very regular reports of future events, your diligent research is very much appreciated by one and all.

15th January 2019

15/1/2019

50007 Hercules /Sir Edward Elgar at
Westbury Today
Guy Vincent

Class 50 no. 50007 was a surprise visitor at Westbury today when it passed through at 14.15 running light from Kidderminster (Severn Valley Railway) to the Arlington Paint facility at Eastleigh works. Note the large area of white filler below the driver's side window and other signs of recent bodywork repairs. It has been reported that the loco, formerly named Hercules and Sir Edward Elgar, is to be given a version of GB Railfreight livery along with another member of the class, 50049. As usual, time will tell. Regards Guy. Many thanks Guy.

Westbury with 50007 passing through at 14.15 on the 15th January 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent (Note the immaculate trackwork of Westbury North Junction behind)

Also Today at
Bristol T Meads
Guy Vincent

High Speed Transition at Bristol Temple Meads 15th January 2019

PICTURE 1 Three trains at the eastern end of Bristol Temple Meads on the gloomy late morning of Tuesday 15th January 2019. Nearest - 1) 43165 standing in P9 on a 5Z83 0731 Penzance-St Phillips Marsh Empty Stock working. The formation was only five coaches (44034 42026 42024 40231 41018) with power car 43190 at the far end. It is reported that this set could be about to go on short-term hire to Hull Trains but only time will tell whether this is correct or not. 2) 800319 ready to form 1A16 1200 BTM-Paddington. 3) 43079 arriving in P15 with 1C09 1000 ex Paddington, tailed by 43180. Copyright Guy Vincent

PICTURE 2 Same location as picture (1). Nearest 1) 43165 (5Z83) ex Penzance 2) 800319 (1A16) 3) 43180 at the rear of the 1000 ex Paddington. 15th January 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent Guy V

Class 37 back in Bristol
37607 stabled on the High Level Siding to the east of Temple Meads station on 15th January. This loco was sold by Direct Rail Services to the Harry Needle Railroad Co in 2017 and is now hired to Colas for Infrastructure Monitoring trains. Class 37s often stable here on test trains and it is always good to see them as a reminder of the 'old days' when trains were trains; ie. pulled by locomotives!
Guy V Many thanks again Guy - a bumper bundle today.

Bristol TM High Level Siding 37607 stabled with train 15th January 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Test Train powered by 37607 (Out of the picture) at BTM High Level Siding 15th January 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

It's that pair again!
Parsons Tunnel
Clive Smith

If it's Monday then it must be another thousand mile diagram again for the celebrity HST pairing of 43002 and 43185 starting once more with the up Golden Hind in a repeat of last Monday's marathon. Coincidentally I found myself in Teignmouth again and could not pass up the opportunity for another sea wall photo albeit with a grey rather than blue sky. This time the 11.03 Paddington - Plymouth emerges from Parson's Tunnel between Dawlish and Teignmouth (14th January 2019).
Regards, Clive Smith. They are certainly getting value for money out of that pair - one wonders just how many miles in total they've knocked up? Many thanks Clive.

Memories of a good day out.
Bugle
Roger Winnen

The 12.05 ex Newquay approaches Bugle. 29th September 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Rushing to the other side of the bridge the Western continues east through Bugle. The society Mini Bus is pictured on the loading wharf. 29th September 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

In those days it was considered quite adventurous to explore the St Austell area!

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Rattlebrook Peat railway.By Mick House.

Loram rail grinder at Okehampton Part 2. David Ellis.

Loram rail grinder at Okehampton.By David Ellis.

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Rattlebrook Peat railway.
By Mick House.

Loram rail grinder at Okehampton
Part 2.
David Ellis.

Loram rail grinder at Okehampton.
By David Ellis.