20th February 2019

The original Class 47s
Plymouth 1984
Clive Smith

The initial build of Brush Type 4 locomotives D1500 to D1519 were mechanically different from the remainder of the type, using Westinghouse-supplied brake system whilst the rest of the class used Metcalfe-Oerlikon brakes.  These twenty were also fitted with steam heating boilers for train heat duties as well as electric train heating. With work for class 47s declining due to the introduction of new rolling stock, and spare parts becoming difficult to source, some  withdrawals started being made. The first locomotives to be targeted were the non-standard pilot batch of twenty, now numbered 47 401- 47 420. Three locomotives were withdrawn as life-expired in February 1986, and the remainder of the batch that had not recently been overhauled followed in the next two years. All twenty were withdrawn by 1992. For quite a while the twenty were allocated to Finsbury Park largely working out of Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line. A few were reallocated to Gateshead earlier in the 1970s but with the introduction of HSTs in the late 70s and the demotion of Deltics from front-line service,  the remainder  went to Gateshead in 1979.  For spotters these locos suddenly became more widespread and the pictures show two examples at Plymouth far from their former stamping ground. They were known as 'alternators' for some reason I can't remember . Something to do with AC or DC generators for the ETH supply. Bit technical for me but if anyone does know please enlighten us. The original of the class 47401, plus 47402 and 47417 have thankfully been preserved.
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1) On a wet day 47411 stands at platform 4 Plymouth with the 07.50 Bristol TM - Penzance on the 29th December 1984. This loco entered traffic in February 1963 as D1510 and was withdrawn in July 1989 and cut up in December 1994. Copyright Clive Smith
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​2) Meanwhile a few minutes later up at the other end of the station 47407 Aycliffe stands in the 'Park' sidings,sporting a modified livery and new nameplates attached just the previous month. The loco was waiting to take over the 08.53 Penzance - Newcastle. Entering traffic in January 1963 as D1506, it was withdrawn in August 1990 and cut up in December 1995. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

Moving the Milk at Bodmin
Roger Winnen

1501 built in 1949 moves the milk at Bodmin General on 14th April 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Moving the milk at Bodmin. Hawksworth design 1501 on 14th April 2013 - Copyright Roger Winnen

Inside Bodmin Signal Box on 14th April 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth Quay Station 1982
Clive Smith

One can never see enough photos of the Weymouth Tramway line. Here are some views of the harbour and Weymouth Quay station. For an excellent collection of photos at nearly every location on this fascinating line and various classes of locos and units please check out the section in the website's gallery pages.

(1) In the middle of the holiday season on 16th August 1982, 33112 uncouples from the 09.54 'Boat Train' from Waterloo. The sailing is ready and looks packed. Copyright Clive Smith

2)  Sealink's Earl Godwin sets sail with the 13.30 to Guernsey and Jersey on the 5th June 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive

Winnen's Westerns
Penzance
Roger Winnen

You can almost smell the smoke as D1037 Western Empress departs Penzance on 19th July 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Diversional Problems
David Tozer

David reported that on the first day, Monday.  The 04.47 Plymouth - Paddington was 10 late Exmouth Junction, the  0715 Exeter - Waterloo - cancelled between Exeter and Yeovil Junction due to a train planning error!! and the 0550 Gillingham - Exeter - 7 late .  The diversions are due to Whiteball Tunnel being closed for engineering work. We hope that after these initial problems that services will run smoothly. Many thanks for your report David.

Who's Picture
Michael Manning

Picture supplied by Michael Manning details below.

Michael Manning, who is working on a book concerning the history of the railway route through Tavistock North, wonders if anyone can identity or claim ownership of the photograph reproduced below. Credit will duly be given.