23rd February 2022

Today on the former L&SWR route
David Tozer

Gents,
Along with Keith Turley, we ventured to new location Mosshayne Overbridge  No 518. This is the Honiton side of Pinhoe.

159006 with the 1325 Exeter to Waterloo. Copyright David Tozer

159016 and 159021 Waterloo to Exeter. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

D1015's Triumphant Return
Neil Phillips

Today (Wednesday 23rd February 2022) marks the 20th anniversary of Class 52 D1015 Western Champion’s first main line tour following a thorough restoration from scrapyard condition which took around 25 years, a remarkable achievement by the Diesel Traction Group. The ‘Western Pathfinder’ tour took a circular route Paddington – Swindon – Bristol – Gloucester – Swindon - Paddington, and all 270 miles were completed virtually to time and without any problems. My photos show it passing Swindon in both directions – unfortunately this rather overcast day only began to brighten up at the very end.
(Apologies for not sending this 24 hours earlier.....!)
 
Best regards,
Neil Phillips

D1015 Western Champion passes Swindon Outward en route to Bristol Swindon 23rd February 2002 Copyright Neil Phillips

D1015 Western Champion returns to Swindon 23rd February 2002 Copyright Neil Phillips

D1015 Western Champion passes Swindon on return run to Paddington. 23rd February 2002 Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil - I've just got it on site a bit late but still the right day.
Are we ever going to see and hear a marvelous Western down here again??

 Western Fusilier at Swindon
Michael Adams

Here is another picture taken at Swindon Works on 6 June 1981 by Michael Adams. It shows D1023 ‘Western Fusilier’ looking splendid in maroon livery..This loco. is now at the NRM York, but in blue. Thanks, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Coal Trains in and around Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Here are another two shots taken on 8 September 1989 from Port Meadow bridge,looking North. First we see 56006 with a loaded train for Didcot power station. This engine is now at the East Lancs. Railway . Thanks Michael Copyright Michael,Forward

Roger, Now we see 58015 with another load of coal for Didcot.,probably from Welbeck colliery,Notts. I am not sure if this loco.is still working abroad. Mgr wagons gone as is British coal for power stations,who would have foreseen such changes ahead in 1989? Thanks for dealing with these. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

47624 Cyclops on 11.45 Paddington to Plymouth Aller junction 14th February 1988. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul
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Fitzgerald Traffic
Bernard Mills

The new Back Tracking book covers the Bodmin lines. I am including this one of the Fitzgerald Lighting freight, seen here descending from Quarry Curve with D3452 in charge 1800 from Walker Lines 04 June 1992. There are not that many pictures around of this working, very rare for a Heritage Railway to run a commercial freight service. If picture is of any use for CRS web site, feel free to put in there somewhere appropriate.
I thought there was a column about Fitzgerald Freight on the CRS web site, but cannot see it there now. Basically all I want to say is when it started which looks like 02 Dec 1989, but when did it finish? I think there may have even a break in the operation. I certainly saw it in 2000, and I am sure it was still running in 2001. Do you know anyone who would know? Bernard 

Walker Lines D3452 18.00 Goods to Bodmin Parkway. VGA 4 axle wagons. 4th June 1992 Copyright Bernard Mills.

Another new book by Bernard Mills in production - we look forward to it - can anybody help with more info dates etc.
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Didcot North
Roger Geach

50026 16.07 Paddington to Oxford seen at Didcot North 5th August 1988. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger
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