20th May 2021

20/5/2021

GREAT BRITISH RAILWAYS
READ ALL ABOUT IT

Many thanks to Colin Burges who sent me this link.

https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/williams-shapps-plan-for-rail-to-reform-britains-railways-and-launch-new-era-for-passengers/

Many thanks Colin.

Steam returns to
Bristol T.M.
Guy Vincent

Former Southern Railway 'Merchant Navy' 4-6-2 35029 'Clan Line' arriving into platforms 3 and 4 at Bristol Temple Meads some 20 minutes late at 1325 with the Belmond British Pullman, today running as a 1Z28 0846 departure from London Victoria. Most of the delay was incurred waiting outside Temple Meads station at Kingsland Road. This was the first appearance of the BBP here for some considerable time. Unlike recent years the route from Reading was via Swindon and Box rather than by way of Newbury and the Avon Valley.

Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads as 35028 arrives with the 1Z28. 19th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy;
A super sight - an impressive rake of coaches.

37 6975 growling down to
Kingswear
Clive Smith

On a beautiful day on the River Dart I was fortunate to be working in Dartmouth and while out and about in the town I heard the distinct growl of a class 37 from cross the water around midday. First thoughts were that a steam loco was in trouble and needed rescuing but shortly after the 6975 had arrived light the next scheduled steam service duly arrived and departed without any problems. An hour or so later I took my lunch at Sandquay facing on to the river and was fortunate to snap the returning light engine on the branch as it made its return journey between Britannia Crossing and Greenway.

Regards, Clive Smith.

376975 growls its way from Kingswear. 19th May 2021. Copyright Clive Smith. (It looks like there's a race on!!)

Many thanks Clive for sending us a bright spot in your day.

Wet wet May
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Goodness, our lack of April showers has certainly been balanced by a soggy May! Day after day of jet stream misery. There have been a couple of bright spells, fine for stabled trains, but hit and miss for anything on the move.

The WR Weedkiller MPV was serviced over the weekend of 15/16th May. It ran down early Saturday morning and departed Monday afternoon towed by 66011. The return on Monday is captured in some brief fine spells at St Blazey. The MPV is seen undercover on Sunday in the company of two CDA wagons and the trusty BZ wheelbarrow.

17th: GW06 set is seen powering away from Bodmin Parkway with power car 43154 leading. The sky ever threatening and the trees look beautiful with their fresh coat of leaves.

Finally an odd one. I've been scanning old negatives as the picture quality is remarkable after 30/40 years though scratches and blemishes can be a nuisance. This 1984 picture of 47594 arriving at Penzance plopped onto my hard drive, an image I dont think was ever printed! Fotopost Express were normally bulletproof, but I think they missed this one. Imagine a nice image hidden away in a shoe box since then! Craig's top tip: Dont throw anything away!

All the best, Craig.