21st November 2021

Pathfinder tour at
Ashbury Crossing
Andrew Jenkins

I have been asked by the photographer of this photo - Andrew Jenkins - to pass on his picture of a Pathfinders Tour from Eastleigh [picking up at Swindon] and heading for York, Harrogate and Leeds.
Kind regards and keep safe,
Ken Mumford

Pathfinder tour passes Ashbury Crossing on the 20th November 2021. Copyright Andrew Jenkins

Many thanks Andrew.
​

Deltic at Rewe
Paul Barlow

55016 Gordon Highlander on the 08.30 Finsbury Park to Exeter seen at Rewe Devon. 23rd November 1981, Coyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.
​

Autumnal  trip to 
Looe
Clive Smith

Unfortunately the day was fairly overcast so not quite the illumination I'd been hoping for. Despite the poor lighting the autumn leaves are colouring nicely and I expect the single figure temperatures forecast for the forthcoming week with overnight frosts will hasten that process to yellow and golden.. Barely any breeze to blow them off so hopefully a good show in the coming days. Sadly I can't drive at least for another ten days so I expect I will miss out on the photo extravaganza as my ankle is still in a surgical boot and  I have been unable to jump in my car and flit between various locations to capture nature's wonderful show. Regards Clive Smith 

(1) 43158 arrives at Ivybridge with the 07.51 Penzance - Exeter St Davids. The rear is 43155. 20th November 2021, Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 43192 is on the front of the 06.55 Gloucester - Penzance with 43153 on the rear at Ivybridge.. 20th November 2021; Copyright Clive Smithh

(3) Classic signalling. Classic traction. How much longer will we be able to enjoy these wonderful semaphores that are left in Cornwall ? 43153 brings up the rear of the 06.55 Gloucester - Penzance with 43192 on the front.. 20th November 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) 150265 pulls out of Looe with the 12.08 departure to Liskeard.Time now for a Sarah's pasty by the quay and a few pints of HSD in The Globe opposite the station. 20th November 2021, Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) Some lovely browns and yellows on the trees behind overlooking the river. Some good sun is forecast for early in the week.

Many thanks Clive. Glad you had a good day out Clive - hope that that ankle gets better quickly. All the very best for a speedy recovery.
​

'Dave' arrives on the
Swindon & Cricklade
Ken Mumford

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (1)

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (2)

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (3)

Swindon & Cricklade Railways New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. (4)

Swindon & Cricklade New Arrival.19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. [5]

Swindon & Cricklade New Arrival.down on Terra Firma. 19th November 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford. [6]

Swindon & Cricklade New arrival . 'Dave' is shunted into position after delivery. 19th November 2021.

The origins of the loco

Operational. Originally built by Hunslet as Austerity-type 0-6-0ST saddle tank 3781 of 1952, later named Linda on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Converted to a side-tank locomotive in order to create a lookalike LB&SCR E2 class No. 1 "Thomas"No. 1 "Thomas" (works number 3781 of 1952) in 1994. The loco is commonly referred to as "Dave" when not carrying the Thomas identity.[1]
Information gleaned from the Watercress Railway stock list by Roger Winnen.
All the best,  Roger.

Many thanks Roger and Ken.
​

Sign of the times - Open again
 Okehampton
Andrew Hickson

A sign of the times - we wish the line every success. A very nicely composed picture by Andrew Hickson. Copyright.