16th November 2019

The Last Day of Diversions on the Southern
Roger Winnen

191114a The 10.52 Plymouth to London Paddington via Yeovil climbs the bank to Exeter Central. Note the number of Network Rail vans parked on the left perhaps awaiting an incident. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114b Due to pass between Pinhoe and Exeter Central was the 09.03 Paddington to Plymouth service seen passing through Exeter Central. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114c The same train is seen descending the 1 in 37 bank to Exeter St Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114d Catching the 13.00 service from Exeter Central to Axminster I had hoped to photograph the 11.03 IET service to Plymouth at Axminster, however we passed it held outside of the Station awaiting the road to Honiton running 28 minutes early. On arrival at Axminster I paid a visit to the nice little cafe for a Cornish Pasty and Mug of Tea before returning to Pinhoe. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114dd The normal motive power on the South Western Railway, the class 159s at Axminster working the 13.25 Exeter to Basingstoke where this train terminated owing to track circuit failure onwards towards London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

191114e The 13.51 Plymouth to Paddington is seen passing Pinhoe at 15.13. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many Thanks to David Tozer keeping me updated on the day's events.

ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Has just been updated with:
Part 3 of Network Rail Measurement Train
Rolling Stock. By Mick House.
We see a number of Network Rail Measurement Trains visit our area over the years and predominantly the photos that have been taken are of the Locomotives that bring the trains down, but what of the rolling stock that is within the train! 
Follow Link: ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY

Network Rail Measurement Train at Gwinear Road 05/07/2019. Copyright Mick House.

20-20 Vision at Westbury
Guy Vincent

Following delivery of the HOBC vehicles to Westbury on Wednesday evening 20118 and 20132 left at 1330 on Thursday (14th) for Willesden Yard.  I arrived at Westbury at 1245pm just in case they were allowed out early and found upwards of 30 fellow enthusiasts already there enjoying the sight and sound of the celebrity pair.    Class 20s were always rare visitors to the area and seem to have been rarely photographed other than on railtours.  Fortunately the pair had been started and moved from the sidings to the departure line next to platform 3 where they waited for almost 40 minutes before following a Paddington-bound class 800 onto the B&H.    I suppose it's asking too much for them to make a return visit any time soon!   

          With my regards, Guy Vincent.    Many thanks Guy.          

Westbury 20118 and 20132 as seen on the 14th November 2019 at 12.59. Guy Vincent

Westbury 20118 & 20132 14th November 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

20132 & 20118 together with the modern image in 802108. 1th November.2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

Taunton & Bathpool
Bill Elston

I popped over to Taunton this morning and was greeted by  43189, recently named Launceston Castle, together with 43155, ready to work the 2U14, the 11.04 to Newport.
The next two short HSTs produced  43172 with 43191 then 43162 with 43156.
On my way home, I stopped at Bathpool to catch the 6Y47 Fairwater yd to Westbury, powered by 66555.   However, 5minutes before this, an RHTT passed heading North,
powered by Colas 66850 with 66846 - most unexpected. Please see attached phots.
                 Best regards, Bill.                  Many thanks Bill

Seen at Taunton - 43189 Lanceston Castle with 43185 on 3U14 11.04 to Newport. 15th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

43189]s nameplate - Lanceston Castle. 15th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston.

RHTT powered by 66850 and 66846 Heading north at Bathpool. 15th November 2019. Copyright Bill Elston

N.B.  Bathpool is about 1 1/2 miles east of Taunton.

6Y47 Fairwater yd to Westbury, powered by 66555. Seen at Bathpool on the 15th November 2019 at 13.03. Copyright Bill Elston

Exeter Central
Ron Kosys

806 Cambian climbs to Exeter Central with the 12.30 service to Waterloo on the 20th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys, The site of the shunting yards at Exeter Central - nowadays the site of vehicle parks.

Seen at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

47 327 accelerates rapidly away, evidenced by the vertical plume of smoke with stock for a Bristol to Chester Railtour. 15th November 2019. Copyright Ken Mumford.

70808 runs fast through Swindon. 15th November 2918, Copyright Ken Mumford.

59003 (Yeoman Highlander) with 7B12 - Merehead to [Royal] Wootton Bassett - loco ran around in Coleberry Yard. Copyright Ken Mumford