10th November 2022

Taketwo 10th November 1962
Plym Valley
Michael L. Roach

The Plym Valley on the afternoon of 10th November 1962 when the passenger services over the Plymouth – Tavistock South – Launceston Branch were just seven weeks away from withdrawal. With so much industrial archaeology to see in the valley north of Plym Bridge this is an interesting area to visit at any time but particularly good at this time of year with the autumn colours and the river in spate after heavy rain.

MLR / 5 November 2022

6400 pounds out of Plym Bridge Halt at 2.21pm with the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock auto. The Halt was located up a sloping path to the left. All the stations and halts in the Plym Valley were popular destinations for Plymothians in the years before the Second World War. 10th November 1962. Copyright Mike Roach. (5796)

5564 crosses Cann Viaduct with two coaches on the 3.05pm Plymouth to Launceston. It can be seen that there are still a few leaves on the trees. The viaduct was three quarters of a mile north of Plym Bridge Halt and I had walked there. 10th November 1962. Copyright Michael L Roach. (5797)

Many thanks Mike, your glimpses of the past from exactly sixty years ago to the day are very much appreciated.
​

The Gloucestershire Regiment 5017
Trevor Tremethick

Dear Keith and Roger
 
I don’t know if this will be of interest as it is a bit out of area.
 
Barbara and I had a day in Gloucester today, visiting the docks and the National Waterways Museum (recommended). We also popped into the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum and, in pride of place in the entrance hall, we found a nameplate from 5017. I don’t know if she ever came down to our neck of the woods (I certainly don’t recall seeing her) but what a fine piece of railwayana.  One of the chaps in the Museum said he thought it would be worth about £20,000. And the rest, I should think. I hope they have it insured.
 
On my way upstairs to the Falklands gallery, I found the numberplate, almost completely covered by a framed photograph. With no one in sight to ask (I would have done, of course) I very carefully moved the frame aside. This exposed the Sphinx crest which was carried on the centre splasher. I took the attached photo and replaced the framed picture as it was.
 
Interestingly, No. 4037 The South Wales Borderers (a Penzance engine in 1956) also carried a Sphinx crest – within a wreath – on the centre splasher.
 
Anyway, there we are. I was quite pleased with my find!
 
Regards to all,  Trevor Tremethick. 
 

Nameplate from 'Castle' No. 5017 in 'Soldiers of Gloucester' Museum 09.11.2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Numberplate and crest from 'Castle' No. 5017 in 'Soldiers of Gloucester' Museum 09.11.2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many thanks Trevor - it is within our area and is walking distance from Gloucester Station. Around about half a mile as the crow flies.
​

A footnote from Roy Hart - received from Yangoon minutes ago - 
5017 St Donats Castle was renamed for the Gloucestershire Regiment iñ 1954, following their heroic role in the Korean war (the 'Glorious Glosters').

I believe that she was shedded at Gloucester for some years after that.

Roy Hart

Many thanks for the update Roy - glad you are watching us 24/7.

A bit of colour from 
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks to you Colin for sending pictures of this 'moving hoarding' via Ken Mumford - quite what Mr Brunel would have made of this goodness only knows. 

802106 At Swindon 9th November 2022 at 11.37. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

802106 At Swindon Copyright Colin Pidgeon

802106 At Swindon Copyright Colin Pidgeon. N.B. The refernce to Christmas at the rear end of this power car suggests that this livery will not be with us for long!

Many thanks to you Colin and to Lilly's and FGW for this colourful hoarding. I guess it will be down our way before long - not too many pictures please.
​