14th March 2022

Bits and Bobs on the
South West Railways
Roger Winnen.

220314a This seat 1859 CR 160 years of Inter City Trains from Truro GWR 2019. Copyright Roger Winnen

220314b These silos at Burngullow were built many years ago, as time has gone by they have never been used. And a figure of over 1 million pounds was mentioned many years ago to demolish these silos. Copyright Roger Winnen

220314c The Booking Office and Signal Box combined into this van at Bere Ferrers Copyright Roger Winnen

220314d The former Pinhoe Signal Box now stands at Bere Ferrers. Copyright Roger Winnen

220314e Pendennis stands at Penmere Platform in the glowing sunlight. Copyright Roger Winnen

220314f 57603 Brings the down ECS sleeper stock into Penzance Station at teatime. Copyright Roger Winnen

HST repairs at
Buckfastleigh
Clive Smith

Colas HST power car 43277 stands outside the South Devon Railway Engineering Workshop in Buckfastleigh on Sunday 13th March 2022 following its arrival on an Allelys low-loader on March 11th. Previously this power car has been stored at Arley on the Severn Valley Railway as well as Nemesis Rail Burton, Barrow Hill and Gascoigne Wood in Yorkshire.  This is one of five class 43 power cars owned by Colas for use on the Network Measurement Train. The power car is in LNER livery with an EMR logo on the side  following the phasing out of HSTs on the East Coast. I expect it will be in the workshop out of sight on the Monday.

Regards, Clive Smith

Colas HST power car 43277 at Buckfastleigh. 13th March 2022. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - quite a surprise - who'd have thought of HST's ever being under repair at Buckfastleigh.
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 Update 12th March 22 Mendip Rail and
Whatley Quarry
Guy Vincent

Another trip to Whatley Quarry yesterday (12th March 2022) found a second class 08 shunter present in the depot area.  In addition to 08933 which was seen last weekend 08650 was visible next to some loaded ballast hoppers.  This means there are 3 shunters in total at Whatley:  the American GM EMD SWI001 with Hanson branding, numbered 120 and named 'Kenneth John Witcombe' and the two ex BR class 08s, 08650 and 08933.   The remaining MRL shunters are 08296 (actually 08787 but not numbered as such) at Barton under Needwood, repairs or spares?  08643 located at Merehead and 08947 also away at Barton under Needwood for repairs.  08652 has reportedly been sold and is now at Goodman's yard, Wishaw.  Finally, also at Merehead is the GM 'Switcher' No 44 'Western Yeoman 11'.

Photos taken 12.03.2022 of 08650 (2).    Photo from 30.10.2016 with 08650 again plus No 120 and 59002

With regards

Guy Vincent

Whatley Quarry 08650 12th March 2022. Copyight Guy Vincent.

08650 Whatley Quarry (on ballast) 12th March 2022. Copyight Guy Vincent.

Whatley Quaryy the Hanson 120, also 08650 & 59002 30th October 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent. N.B. The area looks so clean and tidy - could be a model!

Many thanks Guy for your record of your second visit to the area in as many weeks.

HIgh seas at 
Dawlish
Richard Poyner

Please see attached a couple of images from Dawlish around 10.20 this morning. The section of sea wall from Rockstone footbridge as far as Coastguards footbridge has now reopened, the section alongside the actual station platforms remains closed. The waves were already breaking over the walkway, especially the section not replaced since 2014. Still 4 hours before High tide at this time and people were already getting a dousing from the waves! The train is 633K from Liskeard to Westbury, presumably with used rail from the relaying works. 70 811 in charge. We got a cheery toot form the driver going past. Regards Richard Poyner.

Dawlish Today. 10.20 13th March 2022 Copyright Richard Poyner. It's not high tide yet - some watchers about to get a shower?

Dawlish Today 13th March 2022 Copyright Richard Poyner. - the wave that got the 'toot'.

Many thanks Richard.
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 Progress reports - nearly done
Bodriggy Bridge
Paul Roach

Bodriggy Road Bridge 25 Track laid and ballasted - awiting finishing touches to the balustrades 13th March March 2022 Copyright Paul Roach. Will the height limits be in Metric or imperial measure?

Many thanks Paul
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A4 at Semley

You can just imagine this, a wonderful picture of power and speed with the whistle blowing. 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley 1417 Salisbury to Yeovil junction at Semley. 19th October 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed Paul.
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Link to the fantastic collection of Dr. David Turner.
​Ken Mumford.

The link below comes 'second hand' from Ken Mumford and to him by Yvoone - however by no means in our area, although one or two are its well worth perusing. Thank you Ken.

​​Hi Ken, I don't know if you have come across the person with their interest in railways,mainly history? I follow him on Facebook.
 

Dr. David Turner, railway historian

Yvonne.