22nd February 2021

Transport for Wales
'new' class 769 trains.
Guy Vincent

Recently converted former class 319 electric multiple unit 319006 standing in Cardiff Central station at 0850 this morning, no longer powered by electricity but by two MAN D2876  6-cylinder, 12.8 litre diesel engines and renumbered 769006.   TFW recently withdrew their fleet of 142 and 143 pacers and the 769s had been intended to come into service before this happened, however the conversion project has taken far longer than originally planned.   The unit was not in passenger service today and returned to Canton depot.   The 319s were introduced in 1988 and spent over 30 years running between Bedford and Brighton on the Thameslink route through London. 

Regards, Guy Vincent.

Cardiff Central 769006 22nd February 2021 (1). Copyright Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 769006 150284 22nd February 2021 (2) . Copyright Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 769006 150284 22nd February 2021 (2) . Copyright Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 769006 Diesel Engine 22.02.2021 (4) . Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cardiff Central 769006 22nd February 2021 (5). Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy - todays pictures
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Silverlink crosses
Largin
Chris Harvey

​Here is a colourful shot from this month a decade ago that you might be able to use.

After its transfer to FGW but before being repainted, Silverlink-liveried 150 120 rolls downhill over Largin viaduct with the 0928 Exeter St Davids - Penzance. The date is 12th Feb 2011.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.

Largin Viaduct is crossed by 150120 in Silverlink livery. 12th February 2011. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris - a nice lofty shot.
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Refreshing Red - Virgin trains
Totnes
​Paul Barlow

Virgin trains 47814 Totnes Castle arrives at Totnes on the 08.58 Penzance to Manchester . This loco now lives on as .Now 57306, it was rebuilt in April 2003. The date of this bright view is 5th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Bright livery, clean ballast, a nice shot, Many thanks Paul.
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Whatley Quarry branch
Murdercombe Tunnel
Driver Alan Peters

Driver Alan Peters writes :- The North portal of the eerie sounding Murdercombe Tunnel on the Whatley Quarry taken on 'unlucky for some' the 13th October 2020 the diminutive tunnel is at the yard exit protected by W285 signal controlled from Westbury Power Signal Box, also of note is the catch point - Alan 

Whatley Branch. Murdercombe Tunnel. Two Chains long, Catch pint controlled from Westbury PSB 13th October 2020. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan for this very clear and unusual view right through the tunnel. Has anybody got any ideas where the name originates from?? See below Many thanks to
​David Critchlow.
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I believe local legend has it that there was a battle between 2 lords, after which the losing side was 'grievously put down', some on the battlefield, others were hung.
 
Tedbury hill fort forms the north side of the combe so it is quite feasible for a battle to have taken place here. 
 
Dave Critchlow  Many thanks for your research David,