10th August 2019

The Atlantic Coast Express
Roger Winnen

What happen was!

My plan was to see 35028 Clan Line at Axminster by catching the 11.25 service from Exeter St David's due at Axminster at 12.05, however as we neared Axminster a text message was received from David Tozer informing me that the steam was already in the loop at Axminster, which was running over 20 minutes early. Dashing out of the train I had hoped to get a going away photo, however climbing up to the footbridge I realised that I had left the vital walking stick onboard the train. Recovering the object was too late as the doors closed on me whilst entering the train, so it ended up a trip to Crewkerne before returning on the next service.
Many thanks Roger for your record of an epic journey. Did you get your stick back?
The stick and I went to Crewkerne and back.

190810b Clan Line in the bushes being serviced at Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

190810c The returning Atlantic Coast Express heads up the Great Western mainline seen at Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen.

190810d Clan Line in close up at Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

 New name for signalbox
Penzance
Craig Munday & Roger Winnen

​Morning Keith, I was at Penzance last evening for the high tide around midnight and high winds, both caused the railway no issue. 
My colleagues from Sisk including Steve Young  delivered the wonderful new signalbox nameplate, and we posed alongside a stabled class 802 in platform 2.
It can now be seen in its rightful place!
      Best wishes, Craig.  Thanks and best wishes to all at Penzance.

The new nameplate for Penzance Signalbox - doing things in style. The plate is being held by Craig, on the left and Steve Young. 9th August 2019. Copyright Craig Munday. (Image received at 05.59 10th August 2019)

190810a Penzance Signal Box with its new nameplate photographed from the 07.39 Plymouth service this morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

Steam - Swindon
GWR 4248
Guy Vincent

GWR 4200 class 2-8-0T designed by George Jackson Churchward and entered service from 1912.  4248 was built in 1916 and withdrawn in May 1963. It was sold to Woodham Brothers of Barry, South Wales and languished in their scrapyard until May 1986 when it was purchased and moved to Swindon for display in the new STEAM museum.  It has been conserved in ex-Barry condition and, as displayed at STEAM, gives the impression of undergoing perpetual overhaul.  Female characters have been placed upon the locomotive to illustrate the role played by women in railway workshops during WW2.

                   Guy Vincent      Many thanks Guy

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' 4248 Boiler and frames. 8th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' 4248 8th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' - 4248 - The History 8th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' - 4248 - the numberplate. 8th August 2019 Guy Vincent