16th September 2020

RILA Test Train
Alan Peters

The RILA test train will visiting the area on Thursday & Friday 17th & 18th September 2020 using a Colas class 66 with RILA test equipment attached, departing Westbury via Bristol Temple Meads as 0C07 to Exeter St Davids then onwards to Honiton arriving 10:00. The loco will return to Exeter St Davids as 0C08 arriving at 10:30, and back to Honiton as 0C09 arriving 11:00, then back to Exeter New Yard as 0C10 for a crew break.An Afternoon run from Exeter New Yard to Honiton as 0C11 arriving 13:00, then back to Exeter St Davids at 13:30 as 0C12 and back again to Honiton as 0C13 arriving 14:00 and finally as 0C14 Honiton to Exeter St Davids and onwards back to Westbury via Bristol Temple Meads. Estimated timings as Exact timings still to be confirmed but plenty of opportunity to see the train with several trips between Exeter and Honiton.    Alan Peters 
Click on the link below
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/R07506/2020-09-17/detailed

Many thanks Alan for the advice - apologies for being rather later putting your notice on site

Surprise at Dawlish
Dawlish
Paul Barlow

I was at Dawlish this morning for the Laira to Doncaster works HST working. Surprisingly the two front HST power cars were hauling the train, even though they had probably not worked at all for at least 9 months. Their paintwork was quite faded and bleached. The class 47 was dead on the rear.

Probably the last time we will see a HST in FGW blue livery and possibly the most unusual working of the year!

Kind regards,  Paul Barlow.

43029 43022 1047 Laira to Doncaster works 47815 was on the rear. About to enter Clerk Tunnel on the 15th September 2015. Copyright Paul Barlow

43027 and 43022 head the 10.47 Laira to Doncaster works 47815 was on the rear heads past Langstone rock 15th September 2015. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul for your pictures of this most unusual working passing those magnificent red cliffs.

Surprise + at
Cogload
Bill Elston

Cogload (again) for the stock move from Laira to Doncaster wagon repair works, being led by 43029, with 43027 and 43022, 2 mk3 trailers and 47815 in tow. Thirty minutes later, 66415 arrived from Westbury to Fairwater yard ballast working. Please see photos. Stay safe Bill

43029+27+22 Cogload, 15th September 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Bring up the ear of this most unusual consist is 47815 (dead in tow), Cogoad 15th September 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

66415 passes with a Westbury to Taunton working. 15th September 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks to you Bill.

Lostwithiel
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, 66020 at Lostwithiel today in the process of running around the Goonbarrow Junction to Fowey Docks loaded CDAs, the driver having collected the single line token from the signalman, Regards, Dennis

66020 at Lostwithiel 15th September 2020 Copyright Dennis Clarke

Many thanks Dennis

Hymeks at
St Austell
Phil Wilton

​Hi CRS, I'll put my hand up straight away to say I am not a member (not yet anyway) but as a St. Austell boy born and bred and active from 1969 through to 1973, I just wanted to add some more detail to the "HYMEK's in Cornwall thread. It was probably 1970 when double headed HYMEKS worked through to St. Austell on the early morning motorail from Kensington Olympia on numerous occasions. Sadly I no longer have my combined volumes or any of my notes so I am unable to identify which members of the class were involved, but I clearly remember getting up early on summer Saturday mornings for I think a circa 07.00 arrival to hopefully see the double headed interlopers rounding the corner into the station after climbing the bank from Mount Charles.  Regards Phil Wilton.

Many thanks Phil - you've already joined our band of contributors - any photos?