15th October 2018

The First IET to Newquay
​Exclusive pictures
from the driver.
Nick Dyke

​Hiya guys, I had the privilege of driving 802101 (5Z80 0600 Stoke Gifford to Newquay)on its maiden voyage to Newquay today, here’s some shots with managements permission at Par, Goonbarrow and Newquay. Kind regards Yogi  
​ Lucky you and congratulations and lucky us to get your pictures for which many thanks indeed.  Just to think a few weeks ago we were saddened at the thoughts of the last HST's on the branch - perhaps next summer long trains will return - let's hope so.

First IET to Newquay on the double track section from Par to St Blazey 09.58 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay. From the signalbox at Goonbarrow 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Goonbarrow 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

A smashing view of the first IET to Newquay at Goonbarrow. 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Goonbarrow awaiting clearance to enter the single track section to Newquay. 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Newquay 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET to Newquay at Newquay 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

First IET returns from Newquay is seen waiting to enter the loop at Goonbarrow Newquay 15th September 2018 Copyright Nick Dyke Driver

Once again many thanks Nick.

The First IET to Newquay
​Roger Winnen

Today saw a test train running as the 5Z80 Stoke Gifford to Newquay and returning as the 5Z66 11.42 Newquay to Stoke Gifford, I was able to photograph the return working near Middleway Crossing St Blazey.

181015a 802101 returns from Newquay on the inaugural run seen approaching Middleway Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

181015b 802101 heads for Par and Stoke Gifford. Copyright Roger Winnen

  Memories are made of this - Dolcoath Crossing
Hi, Keith, I saw the new full barrier crossing (with its radar obstruction detection) in operation this morning at around 10.00 with the 05.24 Bristol-Pz and the 09.25 Pz-Manchester passing over. A far cry from the days  when I used to help Dad in the box turning the wheel to open the gates!
    Best wishes, Mike Hitchens.    We too remember your Dad Cyril.

Flying Scotsman to Penzance
Video by Trevor Goldsworthy

Trevor has sent in a link to his video of the arrival of 4472 at Penzance - this is highly recommended. Many thanks to Trevor for his own link and the advice concerning the drone link.

The link to Trevor's video is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZIj_8mFMtQ
 
Also highly recommended is this drone footage taken despite the dreadful weather. Credits for this footage are on the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh1B41Dd7sc

While pictures of the visit by this famous loco are still coming in we seem to have, despite the thousands who turned out to view the occasion in dreadful weather very few pictures in our special feature. Nothing at St Erth and Hayle, nothing other than Trevor's video at Camborne, just one at Redruth (KJ's own of poor quality) None at Truro, none at St Austell, Bodmin Parkway, Liskeard, St Germans or Menheniot. Anyway, if you want to add your pictures to our collection please send them in.  There are  on the feature several very interesting shots between the stations and many thanks to those who contributed. To view what we have please click here.

New Scotsman pictures just in - many thanks. These pictures have also been added to the Features.

Trerulefoot Steam Dreams tour, Flying Scotsman 6th October 2018 Copyright Peter Salmon

This superb shot comes under the heading of the 'second coming' - the second run from Plymouth and it's in sunshine. Lucky Roger. 60103 and 44871 on the 1700 Plymouth to Par steam specail on Moorswater viaduct Saturday 6th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach

60103 and 44871 cross Blatchford Viaduct with the Plymouth to Exeter run on Monday 8th October 2018 Copyright Roger Geach

Returning up country. Seen at Exminster 8th October 2018.Copyright Peter Salmon.

This morning at
Redruth
Martin Scane

The 08.12 to Paddington with 253001 looking rather tired at the rear departs Redruth. 15th October 2018 Copyright Martin Scane To my mind (KJ) an attractive picture, perhaps more so than it it were a drab 800!

Then and now
Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

The changes following the 1987 rationalisation are much more apparent here. The first picture shows 45017 leaving the station with the 21.31 Nottingham - Plymouth parcels on 21st May 1983. Tracks lead off in directions past the magnificent west box, providing a through line and platform as well as lines to the yard and recently closed depot. Semaphores abound. The fondly remembered David And Charles exhibition coaches can be seen to the right. Fast forward to 9th October 2018 and 43030 departs leading the re-timed  10.35 Paddington - Plymouth. The station now has an extended car park and three lines and platforms. The rest is history and it looks like the Victorian Carriage & Wagon shed just visible to the right will also soon go to make way for an Aldi store - see link. 
https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/shopping/aldi-plans-new-newton-abbot-1238756

Regards, Clive Smith.   
​       Another extensive report from Clive for which many thanks.

Newton Abbot West End as 45017 departs with the 21.31 Nottingham to Plymouth. 21st May 1983. Copyright Clive Smith

Newton Abbot West End 43030 on the re-timed 10.35 Paddington to Plymouth. 9th October 2018. Copyright Clive Smith.

Undy
Roger Geach

33021 on the Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff seen at Undy on Friday 3rd July 1987 Copyright Roger Geach

Winnens Westerns (8)
Exeter 
Roger Winnen

D1026 Western Centurian arrives at Exeter St David's. 17th April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen