18th May 2019

TODAY -
THE LAST DAY OF THE HST's
Please note that due to the number of pictures anticipated a special feature has been created to cover the 18th May. 
​Please click here and scroll

Veteran Photographer
​and a Veteran Train
​Last Calls at Redruth 

The last up working of an HST rolls into Redruth. Unfortunately the down sleeper rather got in the way. 18th May 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin

07.15 on the 18th May 2019. The slam doors open for the last time at Redruth. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Travelling on to Exeter and making full use of the drop down windows is premier photographer Roger Winnen. 18th May 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Veteran photographer Roger Winnen takes an opportunity to 'Hang out of the window' at Redruth. With the withdrawal of these trains many valuable photographic opportunities will be lost. N.B. Roger always took his pictures bearing his safety in mind. 18th May 2019. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Yesterday - Penultimate Day
Clive Smith

May 17th 2019 was the last but one day of GWR 2+8 activity on timetabled Paddington trains. Just the last day on the 18th and the final railtour on the 1st June to go. The weather was kind in the morning and could have been worse in the afternoon. I have chosen five of my favourite locations in my part of the region. It's been a hectic week trying to capture the end of an era and this day has been quite poignant. Let's celebrate the Inter City 125 !
Regards,  Clive Smith. 
​      Many thanks Clive, soon you'll be able to have a day off!
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(1) All blue set with 43162 leading and 43171 on the rear form the 06.47 Penzance - Paddington over Cornwood Viaduct west of Ivybridge. This service at 06.50 on the 18th will be the last and only GWR 2+8 set to operate in Cornwall. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Celebrity Inter City liveried 43185 heads the the last HST 07.41 Penzance - Paddington up Hemerdon bank with blue 43009 on the rear. What a sight and will we ever see this power car again in Cornwall ? Saturday 18th will see this set visit Swansea, Bristol TM and Hereford. A nice swansong. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 43093 leading and 43188 on the rear pass Langham Levels west of Ivybridge with the last HST 12.55 Plymouth - Paddington. The earlier sunshine had disappeared and clouds rolled in but the rain was held off. This is a cracking spot for morning and midday photos heading east with easy parking near Harford Road bridge. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) On their penultimate day on front-line service and in dismal drizzle the all blue First Great Western liveried HST ascends Rattery Bank with the 13.03 Paddington - Plymouth with 43171 leading and 43162 on the rear. This set would work the 16.57 Plymouth - Paddington returning on the 21.03 Paddington - Plymouth before it is prepared for its grand finale on the 18th. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) The new Ivybridge station was opened in 1994 east of the viaduct. The previous station closed in 1959 and was located west of the viaduct. HST London services started calling at Ivybridge around late 2006 following the demise of WessexTrains earlier that year and First Great Western's introduction of Central Door Locking on HSTs. The last ever HST service from the station to Paddington pulls away from the station on time at 17.12 with 43162 leading and 43171 on the rear of the all blue set amongst the lovely pine trees to the east of the station. 17th May 2019. Copyright Clive Smith