1st March 2019

5th September 1993
34027 Taw Valley hauls 
The Rougemont Limited 
Roger Winnen

This was the return leg of the journey back to London Waterloo, the outward train being hauled by two Class 50 locomotives

930905aa 34027 Taw Valley on shed at Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

930905b 34027 Taw Valley bringa in the Rougemont Limited from the sidings into Platform 1 at Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

930905c The crowds gather to witness the departure for London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

930905d An impressive departure of 34027 Taw Valley for London Waterloo. Copyright Roger Winnen

Mutley tunnel revealed
Clive Smith

After my New Year wish was granted for all the trees blocking the view of Mutley Tunnel East to be chopped down I finally managed to visit my favourite photo location in high expectation. The fabulous weather on Wednesday 27th February was a perfect opportunity to check out the view from Ivydale Road or the 'Turret' as we call it. The first picture is the 09.16 Plymouth - Paddington via Yeovil with GWR liveried power car 43198 leading. There has been a complete eradication of all trees except a few at the top edge of either side of the cutting, presumably to provide screening or a sound barrier for local residents. Alas as mentioned in my March 2018 piece it is now impossible to take pictures from the lane at the other side due to a high security fence in place. The vehicles to the left of the train are in the Virgin Media car park accessible from Alexandra Road. I haven't tried pictures from behind the fence yet so that will be tried next. Mutley Tunnel is best photographed after the clocks go forward as the sun is higher in the sky casting fewer shadows. Early morning is good as the sun shines directly into the cutting from the east. The second picture is the same train heading through Lipson towards Laira with 43088 bringing up the rear. Not one of my best but it shows how much of the trees have been removed. Good for later afternoon and evening pictures.

     Regards, Clive Smith  An excellent result - many thanks Clive.

Looking towards the tunnel we see 43198 heading the 09.18 Plymouth to Paddington via Yeovil Junction. 27th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

Looking towards Lipsom 43088 brings up the rear. 27th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

A final plea
Falmouth Accident
Mike Truscott

 On Monday 17th January 1964, a dark morning, driver Jack Dunn took the 06.55 diesel hauled freight train out of Truro for Falmouth.  Very near the end of the journey and still in the dark they approached Bar Lane bridge. Here the train failed to respond to the brakes maybe due to a linkage failure or ice on the track. The 80 ton loco and 10 freight wagons went hurtling in the direction of Falmouth sidings. Both the driver and fireman jumped clear. Jack Dunn very unfortunately hit the parapet of Bar Lane bridge and bounced back under the locomotive. He lost both hands. The guard who stayed at his post in the guards van was severely shaken.
Mike Truscott has the cutting from the Falmouth Packet and is hoping to find out exactly what happened that morning, he is looking for an official report of the incident but has so far been unable to locate the vital information. If you can help with more details or a source of an official accident report Mike would be most grateful. Mike can be contacted at  [email protected]