17th September 2023

17/9/2023

Changes for the CRS Trip to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway next Saturday 23rd September 2023

Owing to a number of cancellations from Penzance last Saturday I feel that we need to adjust the departure from Cornwall by 30mins therefore giving us additional time at Exeter. Revised times Penzance 06.40 St Erth 06.48 Camborne 07.02 Redruth 07.08 Truro 07.20 St Austell 07.36 Par 07.41 Exeter 09.53. If this train is cancelled we can use the original service the 07.10 from Penzance which only gives us a few minutes at Exeter.
The remainder of the days timetable remains the same
Roger Winnen

Early one morning - this morning
Liskeard
Driver Alan Peters

66850 David Maidment at Liskeard 17th September 2023. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail Fright 66850 "David Maidment OBE" ventured into Cornwall in the early hours of 12/09/23 with 6C40 for a ballast drop between Liskeard and Par, the class 66 is pictured with 5 auto hoppers awaiting the Network Rail staff at Liskeard.
Driver Alan Peters

Liskeard 66850 - load dropped and now waiting to preceed to Westbury. 17th Sept. 2023. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

The very good news is that the semaphore signals will remain at Liskeard for the time being, isolated between Plymouth Panel and the new Exeter workstation.

-- And now on to Plymouth -

As passenger services start another day Colas Rail 66850 waits time in the through Road at Plymouth. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan - keep up the good work.

Work at Dawlish
Roger Salter
Part 1

On my visit to Dawlish this week I found Lea Mount’s footpaths closed off to enable major re-stabilising work to the cliff face. Most trees/vegetation have been cleared. The work on the new Dawlish footbridge with its lifts is progressing but not complete yet. There are very positive signs that work is coming to an end as the very large BAM site near Dawlish Warren is fully cleared except for some rail track equipment. One will need a small step ladder to take any worthwhile photos at Dawlish as the small metal rail on top of masonry wall is just our height! However it appears that when complete the new footbridge track may have glass panels.

Loddiswell
Paul Burkhalter

 Today (Saturday 16th September) is the Kingsbridge Vintage Bus Day. Loddiswell Station is open as part of this, with many period features and the platform in situ, including the goods dock.

Many thanks Paul

Mark in Devon
Mark Lynam

Today I took a trip to Devon to see the XC HST and the 67s on UK Railtours "The Skipping Devonian" to Paignton on a dull and wet Saturday!

1. 43321 at Newton Abbot in the rain working 1V44 0609 Leeds to Plymouth.

I had hoped to see the 67s here as well, I expected them to stop here as RTT said. Instead it went through at line speed so my camera was on the wrong settings and sadly missed it.

2. I went on to Paignton for it instead, knowing that the Purple one would now be on the North end. 67007 is seen in Goodrington Yard.

3. I then went up to Exeter St Davids and back to Paignton to pass a couple of hours as the 67s were due to wait at Goodrington for a few hours and it was a dull day, luckily I had a Devon Ranger. SWR 159015 and GWR 158798 seen side by side.

4. Back in Paignton to see 67007 pull into the station.

5. 67007 pulls away from Paignton working 1Z67 1730 Paignton to Peterborough.

6. 67005 "Queen's Messenger" on the rear

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

Please click on pictures to get an enlarged framed version

Many thanks to Mark Lynam - all pictures his Copyright.

67s on the 06.00 Peterborough to Paignton
Tony Shore

67007 On the 06.00 Peterborough to Paignton seen arriving. Copyright Roger Winnen

67007 On route to Goodrington Sidings. Copyright Tony Shore

67007 Entering Goodrington Sidings. Copyright Tony Shore

Many Thanks Tony

Wick
Bill Elston

Two railtours to the West Country ran today.

1) 1Z70 0700 Paddington to Minehead hauled by 45596 BAHAMAS

2) 1Z66 0600 Peterborough to Paignton, T/T with Royal 67005 and purple 67007,

both seen passing Wick in very poor light

Best wishes

Bill

45596 BAHAMAS seen at Wick. 16th September 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

67005, 16th September 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

67007, 6th Septrmber 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill, a pity it wasn't a better day, but thanks for your efforts.

Martin at
Totnes
Last Cross Country HST service

Saturdays 1V44 Leeds - Plymouth was the last westbound HST to be operated by Cross Country in service. Power cars 43321/43378 with set XC05. It’s seen at Totnes in full dull conditions, befitting the mood about their demise. … The Bristol VR bus was in town in conjunction with the Kingsbridge bus running day. Cheers, Martin Duff.