18th March 2020

Engineering works between
Cogload Junction & Castle Cary.
​Alan Peters. ​

A report by Alan Peters.
​Photo 1. The line between Cogload Junction and Castle Cary was closed for major engineering works between 13th March and 30th March 2020, which included work to eight bridges including the 105ft long River Parrett Bridge and drainage work in Somerton Tunnel, where Colas 66846 is pictured just inside the East portal of the 1053 yard tunnel on 16th March 2020.
Photo 2. Drainage works took place in Somerton tunnel between 13th March and 30th March 2020, Colas Rail Freight 66846 is pictured inside the 1053 yard tunnel, top and tail with 70811 on 17th March 2020
Regards Alan Peters.

Looking at the East portal of Somerton Tunnel. Copyright Alan Peters.

Inside Somerton Tunnel. Copyright Alan Peters.

Some more privileged shots from Alan.
​Many Thanks.

Southampton
Michael Roach

Is it time to have a few more black and white photographs as there have not been many recently. The date is 21 November 1959 and I am at Southampton Central standing on the footbridge at the east end.

MN 35029 Ellerman Lines is seen on an express to Waterloo at 9.58am. Copyright Mike Roach

WC 34012 Lapford is seen taking water at 10.13am, and believed to be also heading for Waterloo. Copyright Mike Roach

 In between photographing the two locos I walked to the end of the footbridge and took this bus parked in the station forecourt on the south side of the station. Its Southampton Corporation number 230, a Guy Arab, on route 54. The bus is believed to date from 1951. The liner in the background was believed to be Pendennis Castle or Pretoria Castle. Copyright Mike Roach

Thanks Michael

Sunny Ivybridge
​Clive Smith

On a glorious morning (Monday 16th March 2020) I went off to my local station with my fingers crossed that I could capture up and down 2+4 Castle HSTs both scheduled to stop at the station between 09.01 and 09.02 with the sun in perfect position. Alas the 'up' was a minute or so late with the 'down' on time and gone. Some lovely pine trees make Ivybridge station quite picturesque and it makes for an attractive picture with classic traction passing through. 43154 leads the 06.40 Penzance - Cardiff Central with 43198 on the rear.

Regards,  Clive Smith.

43156 heads the 06.40 Penzance to Cardiff with 43198 on the back. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

 Latest News, cancellations.
Guy Vincent

Good afternoon Keith,
                                      I've been informed that the special class 150-0 farewell trip ('The Final Furlong')  that had been arranged to run from Westbury on Saturday March 28th 2020 has, unsurprisingly given current events, been cancelled. Details have been removed from the GWR Souvenirs website.   I also understand that the West Somerset Railway has cancelled its Spring Steam Gala weekend and suspended all other train services until further notice is given via their website.  Likewise Didcot Railway Centre is closed until at least April 3rd.   

Best regards,   Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy for this update - sad but necessary  news. Received at 13.10.  18th March 2020.