12th January 2021

Class 442 returns to
Weymouth
Guy Vincent

A surprise discovery today (11th January 2021) was the presence of ex-works class 442 'Wessex Electric' unit no 442419 which was securely locked away inside the 'Desiro Compound' adjacent to Weymouth Junction.    Either it is there for storage or, more likely, for overnight testing on the line towards Bournemouth.   Somehow despite being unwanted since the introduction of the Desiro fleet in 2005 these units refuse to bow out and keep returning to their former haunts.  Will Weymouth ever see them in normal service again?  I guess it probably will... 

Guy Vincent.

Weymouth Juction in the Desiro Compound 442419 11th January 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Weymouth Junction Desiro Compound 442419 11th January 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Weymouth Junction in the Desiro Compound 442419 11th January 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

One last view of 442419 Compound at Weymouth 11th January 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy for your views taken on duty;

Plymouth '83
Clive Smith

​March allocated 31291 heads out of Plymouth station towards Mutley Tunnel with the Sunday 17.35 Laira - Malago Vale ECS on the 5th June 1983. This ECS used to  drop off the sleeper portion for that night's Paddington service and used a variety of motive power from 31s, 33s, peaks, 47s and 50s.    Regards Clive Smith

Many thanks for your 'Golden Oldie' Clive.

50 years ago today
Ian Cavill

Just looked at my records and found that on this day 50 years ago today the 12th January 1971 class 22 6322 in green livery worked the inspection saloon to Falmouth at lunchtime. The saloon was in blue grey livery I was a bit late getting back to school but well worth the telling off. Sorry no pictures - only in my mind. Interesting to note is that the engine to 6322 still lives on, in 'project 22'  hopes to build a new class 22 in the future, I look forward to seeing this in the future.  Getting back to Penryn the last of the winter sugar beet went out yesterday with 5x16t mineral wagons I think this went to Leicestershire. Although Penryn goods  closed in November 1971 the beet traffic resumed later in the year. Hope you are keeping well. Regards Ian. 

Many thanks to you Ian - keep well, keep safe.
​