17th August 2021

Boardmasters specials - Big Trains
Newquay Branch
Andrew Triggs

Three shots from earlier today (16th August 2021) of some of the extra services provided by GWR to return all the people from the weekends 'Boardmasters' Festival in Newquay. I was hoping to capture the Clay from Goonbarrow Junction, but alas it ran early, you win some and lose some eh?
All the Best
Andrew

1 802107 working 1Z84 10.32 Newquay-London Paddington approaching Chapel. 16th August 2021 .Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2 Newquay and the Atlantic Ocean for a backdrop to this view of 802107 tackling the curves at it leaves the resort working the 1Z84 10.32 Newquay-London Paddington at Chapel. 16th August 2021. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. From Treffry Aquaduct, 802113 works 1Z88 12.31 Newquay-London Paddington

The IETs were well supported and indeed overcrowded - one first class passenger reporting that she was unable to get through to the toilet.

Many thanks for your pictures Andrew which portray from a distance unusually long trains on the Newquay branch.

Small trains
Newquay Branch
Neil Phillips

Roger W’s visit to the Plym Valley Railway, featured on 8th August, included a photo of Class 142 142023. This number rang a bell with me, I checked and sure enough, on the same day I photographed the first CDA wagon in St Blazey yard this unit, then a ‘Skipper’ in brown/cream livery, was working the Newquay branch. I took these two photos of it approaching Middleway Crossing, St Blazey, those fir trees already big enough to cause some exposure issues!
Welcome back to the West Country 142023, and best wishes to Roger for his upcoming knee operation.
 
Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Middleway Crossing 142023 14th September 1987. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Middleway Crossing 142023 14th September 1987 Copyright Neil Phillips.

The Class 142's were not ideally suited to the tight curves on some sections of the Newquay branch and of course with no drop down windows were not popular with enthusiast but at least their large windows gave a better view than the current 150's. We still miss the heritage sets!!!

Many thanks Neil.
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One of each
Exmouth branch
David Tozer

Whilst Class 166's are seen in every day use in Devon these days Class 165's are few and far between. Possibly only the third time they have ventured onto Exmouth to Paignton diagrams. I took the opportunity to visit Digby & Sowton to photograph 165132 working the 1255 Paignton to Exmouth. However first to arrive was 166213 working the 1323 Exmouth to Paignton.

Regards, Dave 

Digby & Sowton 166213 16th August 2021 Copyright David Tozer

Digby & Sowton 165132 16th August 2021 Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David 
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A
 Falmouth Dockyard Rly
Lt Phillip Boak RN
David Ward

 Hello Keith,

Excellent article in 'Railway Bylines' for August 2021 by our friend Lt Philip Boak RN. Some good Diagrams and Images.

I would recommend anyone to get a copy just for this article.

With best wishes, David.