22nd December 2019

Westbury '60' and
​Mendip Rail developments
Guy Vincent

60062 stabled in the down yard at Westbury on December 22nd.  The type 5 arrived here during the last week of September and has seen regular use on stone trains from Merehead and Whatley Quarries with Wootton Bassett, Botley and Eastleigh being common destinations. It has also been used at Merehead for crew training but, given the recent press release that states the MRL contract is transferring to Freightliner from November 2019 in the longer term there would no longer appear to be a need for these fine British locomotives in this part of the world.  The information released also stated that Freightliner are to take over ownership of the eight MRL class 59s, 59001 002 004 005 and 101-104 inc from December 2018.  Interesting times ahead... 

With best wishes to all members of and contributors to the CRS for Christmas and the New Year

                        Guy Vincent          Many thanks Guy.

With reference to the Westbury and Mendip rail article. 60062 stabled in the down yard on the 22nd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Old Oak Common Depot
The History Makers
Roger Winnen

181222a For the record The Last HST off Old Oak Common Depot 8th December 2018. Copyright Roger Winnen

181222b 43093 arrives at Penzance on the 14.03 from London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

Locomotive chasing in Devon
​on the Shortest Day.
Andrew Triggs

​Evening Roger/Keith
4 shots for CRS involving freight and stock moves from today in Devon, All the Best for Christmas and 2019
           Cheers,  Andrew          Many thanks Andrew

1. Colas 66850 working 6C36 08.00 Moorswater Tarmac Colas to Aberthaw Tarmac Colas Rail approaching Totnes. 21st December 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. R.O.G 47812/815 powering through Totnes working 5L46 09.35 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings. 21st December 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. 66169 on Dawlish wall working 6C12 09.56 Burngullow E.C.C. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. 21st December 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. 66169 later returning west at Dawlish running as 0C1314.09 Exeter Riverside N.Y to St Blazey Ss. 21st December 2018. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Shortest Day Procession 
Clive Smith

Daylight may not be long and the skies grey but the 21st December 2018 brought a festive bonus in the shape of all-too-rare freights and a stock move in quick succession.  Also the same morning between 09.00 and 12.00 were four up HST operated Penzance - London services and a Penzance - St Philips Marsh HST ecs (not pictured here). 

Regards Clive Smith.  Many thanks for your time and trouble Clive.

(1) 66850 powers up Hemerdon with the 08.00 Moorswater - Aberthaw cements at 09.39. 21st December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 47812 and 47815 follow half an hour later with the delayed 09.35 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings stock move. This is the third time this week this train has run with the same pair of locomotives. A fine feat for these veteran 'over-50s'. 47815 was built in 1964 with 47812 the younger partner being built in 1965. 21st December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 66169 passes Tavistock Junction at 11.35 with the 09.56 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand. 21st December 2018. Copyright Clive Smith

Mini HST
David Tozer 

Seen near Exminster 43357 & 43303 at 14.56 on the 19th December 2018 Copyright David Tozer

A bit of Christmas Cheer
Clive Smith

Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth won't have featured on your site before but anything 'railway' is likely to be snapped by me. 20th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

Greetings from Craig

Hi Keith The camera has been largely dormant in December apart from night shots. There was a stunning morning recently at Lostwithiel with the mist rolling off the river like gun smoke. It hung in the air as the sun broke through. The best conditions were as Voyager 221134 passed by Glasgow bound. The signal and plan tree stood defiantly against the backdrop. Merry Christmas to compilers, contributes and readers of the CRS website. Craig

Many thanks and best wishes to you Craig from all of us.
​

St Ives branch
Near Lelant
Andrew Thompson

An unusual view of a 3 + 1 Heritage combination on route to or from St Ives at very nearly full tide. Of special interest is the domination of the scene by the giant stacks of the long gone Hayle Power Station. The pylons of the HV distribution route can be seen striding away to the right of the picture. Copyright Andrew Thompson.

Cockwood
Ron Kosys 

50149 passes Cockwood Harbour on a hazy 24th June 1988, with 6B43 1545 St Blazey to Gloucester Speedlink, it’s booked working.Copyright Ron Kosys

Where is it?
A picture taken on an old railway route by an anonymous contributor.
(Perhaps the 3rd picture gives a clue)

Picture dated 2011.

Picture dated 2011

Picture dated 2011