15th April 2022

Clive Nye
Introduction

Just to introduce myself, I’m Clive Nye, living in Kent, a acquaintance of Mick House (met on a trip to Burma). I first fell in love with Devon and Cornwall whilst chasing the class 52 “Westerns”. After which I spent a few years photographing Class 33 which were my local engines. During this time, I managed to Photograph the class in various locations in Devon along with some other classes in the west Country.
 I’ll send over all the shots and let you choose any suitable for your website, this will take several days.
 
The first 3 Pics are of the 08.45 Plymouth Friary to Fawley dated Freight [Headcode 6094].
Clive

33 021 at Totnes with 6094 08.45 Plymouth Friary to Fawley taken during poor light on 22nd August 1978, Copyright Clive Nye

33 018 at Teignmouth with 6094 08.45 Plymouth Friary to Fawley on 23rd August 1977. Copyright Clive Nye

33 111 at Dawlish with 6094 08.45 Plymouth Friary to Fawley on 25th August 1977. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks Clive - some 'gems' here - from what you have sent I see that I already have am impressive 'bank' to draw on. These will appear from time to time as and when we have the space.
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Train of many destinations
Mark Lynham

​Today (14th April 2022) saw Preserved Pacer 142023 out at the Plym Valley Railway for the day, I spent a few hours photographing.
Thanks, Mark Lynam

Plym Bridge - Plym Valley Railway 14th April 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam. Destination blind 'Manchester Piccadilly'.

Lee Mill Crossing - Plym Valley Railway 14th April 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam Destination blind 'Barton on Humber'

Plym Bridge Woods 14th April 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam Destination blind 'York'

Plym Bridge Woods 14th April 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam Destination blind 'New Mills Central'

Plym Bridge - Plym Valley Railway 14th April 2022 Copyright Mark Lynam Destination blind 'Chathill'

Following on from Roger Winnens extensive coverage of a few days ago one would think that there is a limit to the number of picture of the same Pacer at much the same locations. However it is thanks to either the guard or driver that a variety of destinations is displayed. What a good idea - many thanks PVR and Mark.  As this unit once served on Cornwall it is a pity that it is not displaying St Ives!

Coat of any colours
Bill Elston

Having seen yesterday’s photos of HST power car 43049  on the Blue Pullman prompted me to delve into my collection of HST photos
of same, and found the following shots of it, all at Exeter St David’s, all on cross-country turns.
a) dated 8/12/87. b) dated 29/5/93. c) dated 5/7/97.
 Hope they of interest,
 
Best wishes, Bill  

43049, 8th December 1987 Copyright Bill Elston

43049, 29th May 1993 Copyright Bill Elston

43049, 5th July 1997 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - thank you for delving in collection. I hope you don't mind me adding the one below  of 43 049 in its latest coat by Clive.

and finally as very recently repainted a picture by Clive Smith

43 049 at Newton Abbot - newly repainted. 13th April 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive.
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Totnes Query
Cookey

Totnes station - the up platform on the day of the fire. A '55' waits to continue its journey. 14th April 1962 Copyright The late Sid Sponheimer N.B. The signalbox here is one of the lucky ones saved for preservation as a restaurant.

I enjoyed the short article by Michael Roach concerning the fire at Totnes station in 1962 and the three accompanying photographs taken by the late Sid Sponheimer.
 
Being slightly pedantic can I question the caption regarding the third photograph which states that a “55xx waits to continue its journey” I think you will find that this is in actual fact a 41xx/51xx probably on banking duties (note the target number 2). My reasoning for this is the chimney is broader/shorter than those fitted to a 45/55xx. In addition, on a 55xx the running plate level runs straight in a unbroken line from the smokebox end to the rear buffer beam. The loco pictured clearly shows a step down on the rear framing under the bunker which indicates to me back a large prairie not a small one.
 
Regards, David Cook
(4566 Group)

Many thanks for your comments David - as undoubtedly an expert on Prairies I very much appreciate your words which add to the fuller picture. Sadly our good friend Sid passed on several years ago now and cannot answer for the words of his caption - no doubt he would appreciate, as do I your wisdom.