11th May 2021

Hot off the press
Trackless Okehampton
Driver Alan Peters

The following pictures were received early in the morning being sent around about midnight on the 10th May. We are very grateful to Alan for his 'on the spot' photographs - an invaluable contact for us.

Okehampton Trackless (1) 10th May 2021 STOP - The track has been lifted through Okehampton station over the weekend of 8th / 9th May 2021 in preparation for relaying, the NTC machine (New Track Construction) can be seen behind the 360 digger. Copyright Alan Peters

Okehampton Trackless (1) The 360 digger can be seen relaying sleepers for the transition rails between the old track and the rail that will be laid on the new concrete sleepers, good old fashioned alignment by eye and crow bar! Alan Peters 10th May 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Okehampton Trackless (3) 10th My 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

The strange sight of trackless Okehampton on 10th May 2021, this was the biggest fear years ago when lines were closed and the track was lifted, happily new track is being laid for the reopening of the Dartmoor Line when it joins the national network

Alan Peters

A line side shot from Tors Road bridge 10th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

The shot above of 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' from Tors Road bridge giving the impression that the train is heading for Meldon Quarry on 10th May 2021, the train is in fact stabled with the NTC machine on the rear in preparation for relaying through Okehampton station, a lineside shot that is normally difficult for me as usually I am working the train!

Alan Peters

Very many thanks Alan.
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Very interesting stock move at
Daveys Bridge
Clive Smith

37688 passes Daveys Bridge just east of Ivybridge station with the 5Z37 12.45 Crewe - Laira stock move containing Locomotive Services Ltd ex-East Midlands Trains mark 3s. Alas the sun did not play ball with me on an evening with too many clouds going by.

Lots of conjecture as to what they will be doing whilst the majority of GWR IETs are sidelined with the investigation into cracks that were found in the fleet. GWR is sourcing trains from wherever they can and the rumours are that this set will form a 2+7 HST  with two GWR power cars. We will see. An interesting fortnight or so beckons on GWR.

Regards
Clive Smith

Very many thanks Clive.
​

A earlier view of Clive's stock move.
Stoke Canon
Keith Turley

The LSLworking passing Stoke Canon. 10th May 2021.

LSL operated class 37/6 No.37688 'Great Rocks' seen passing Stoke Canon working the 5Z37 12:45 Crewe HS to Plymouth Laira stock transfer, taking five MK3 LSL Intercity liveried coaches for use in the southwest while the IET units are withdrawn for crack testing.
​Regards Keith Turley. 

Many thanks Keith
​

Cross Country Shuttle
Swindon
Guy Vincent

Cross-Country HST with power cars 43239 and 43207 just prior to and departing Swindon with a special 1Z29 1733 shuttle service to Bristol Temple Meads. This set was used for several return trips during the day.  Both power cars were originally delivered new to the Western Region in 1976 but were later redeployed away from their original areas of operation, in 43239's case as long ago as 1982 when it went to the St Pancras-Sheffield route with several other WR PC's.

Guy Vincent

Swindon 43239 17.33 Swindon to -Bristol Temple Meads 10th May .2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Swindon 43239 17.33 Swindon to -Bristol Temple Meads 10th May .2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy - GWR doing its best in the circumstances.

Funeral train at
Chipping Sodbury
Guy and Cathy Vincent

The funeral convoy heading west at Dodington Road overbridge, Chipping Sodbury.   57305 hauling 91129, 91113, 91126 and 91102 as 0Q76 0745 Doncaster Belmont - Newport Docks Sims Group. Photos taken by Cathy Vincent.  We had no choice but to use this bridge due to 'map issues' (lack of) and being very pushed for time due to the late running of the train and my book-on time today!  At least these images are unique!

We noticed that 91126 and 91102 still bore nameplates, 'Darlington Hippodrome' and 'City of York'.   Hopefully these will be retrieved rather than scrapped and sold in aid of a suitable railway charity. 

These locos still seem (in my mind at least) to be relatively new and up to date but in fact they are over 30 years old and have covered millions of miles.  I remember 91005 on display at Bristol Bath Road / St Phillips Marsh depot open day on June 29 1991 but other than that for obvious reasons they have never been seen on the Western Region. 

Regards

Guy Vincent

Chipping Sodbury 57305 91129 91113 91126 91102 10th May 2021 (1) Copyright Cathy Vincent

Chipping Sodbury 91129 91113 91126 91102 10th May 2021 (2) Copyright Cathy Vincent

Chipping Sodbury 91113 91126 91102 10th May 2021 (3) Copyright Cathy Vincent.

Chipping Sodbury 91102 10th May .2021 (4) Copyright Cathy Vincent.

A very sincere thanks to Mr & Mrs Vincent - Guy and Cathy for your cross country dash to get this rare sighting.
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The NMT
Mark Lynam

43299 Penzance 30th April 2021 Copyright Mark Lynam.

43299 leading with 43062 bringing up the rear. Hayle 30th April 2021

Many thanks Mark - I'm afraid that space is at a premium and this colourful train has already been well covered so only two pictures I'm afraid.

More time at 
Swindon
Ken Mumford.

Eastbound freight Swindon Station. 10th May 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Snowblower - 10th May 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford

The 'funeral train' of class 91's bound for Newport passes Swindon. 10th May 2021; Copyright Ken Mumford.

My apologies to Ken who spent the whole day at Swindon and sent in about thirty of his pictures but just, in fairness to all, I cannot include them all.
If you as viewers would like his days work please contact Ken.