23rd September 2023

24/9/2023

We follow the
Network Rail Measurment train
Courtesy of
Guy Vincent, Mark Lynam, and Jon Hird.

The Network Rail New Measurement Train with 43274 and 43277 passing Berkley Marsh, Frome on 1Q19 1649 Taunton - Paddington. Due to the week long engineering block between Bristol and Weston the train was two hours early on this leg of it's mission, so enabling these photos to be taken in good early autumn evening sunshine.

Regards, Guy Vincent.

43274 leads the formation on 22nd Sptember 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

43277 (43274) Berkley Marsh 1Q19 1649 TAU-PAD 22nd September2023. Copyright Guy Vincent

And now we hand the reigns to Mark Lynam in Cornwall.

1. 43277 the train across Brea embankment working 1Q18 0553 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

2. From the other side of the valley 43155 at Brea working 2P12 1115 Penzance to Plymouth. 22nd September 2023. Copyright Mark Lynam.

3. 43274 on the return journey at Dolcoath level crossing working 1Q18 0553 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam.

4. 43277 on the rear at Dolcoath. Copyright Mark Lynam.

5. Back to Brea Embankment for 43098 working 2C37 0835 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance. The cloud clearing seconds before the train appeared! Copyright Mark Lynam.

There is a marked contrast between Marks pictues 1 and 5 both from the same location featuring the 'Minescape' to the south of Brea. The NR Test Train certainly makes for a good picture.

And finally Jon Hird was on location to see the outward and return workings.

On the outward journey at Crugwallins. Copyright Jon Hird.

At Treesmill on the return working - . 43274 leading. 22nd September 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

With very many thanks to our observers Guy, Mark and Jon - well done - it's much appreciated.

Journey to
Cornwall 1
(To Liskeard)
Guy Vincent

Wednesday 20th September 2023. We decided at short notice to travel from Bristol to Devon by way of a diverted Castle class HST set via Westbury. Our outward train was the 2C37 0835 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance. The weather was poor for most of the day but in the event, due to late substitution of a class 800 with another Castle set on 2M20 1050 Penzance - Weston super Mare, we stayed on board 2C37 as far as Liskeard and returned on the second HST which was enjoyed as far as Bridgwater. The final leg was a class 800 from Taunton back to Westbury. This was our first venture across the Tamar into the Royal Duchy since the Penzance Flyer railtour with two class 33s on 22nd June 1996!

1) 43155 at the west end of Temple Meads station but today bringing up the rear of the 2C37 0835 BTM-Penzance, diverted via Westbury and Somerton due to engineering works between Bedminster and Worle. Next stop Taunton.

2) Plymouth station. 43153 heading 2C37 0835 Bristol Temple Meads - Penzance.

3) Liskeard. 43153 about to make a right time departure with the 2C37 1212 Penzance stopping service.

4) Liskeard station, signals and signal box looking towards Menheniot.

5) Liskeard Signal Box. In excellent order but lacking any form of external identification.

The journey from Liskeard to Bridgwater with the Castle class HST working 2M20 1050 Penzance - Weston super Mare on 20th September.

6) 43154 arriving at Liskeard on 2M20 1050 Penzance - Weston super Mare (terminating due to engineering works between Worle Jcn and Bedminster) 20.09.2023

7) 43092 at the rear of 2M20, during station dwell time at Exeter St Davids.

8) 43154 departing from Bridgwater for Weston super Mare.

9) A final view of the departing train as it clears Bridgwater.

10) Bridgwater freight yard with the Nuclear Flask loading gantry and compound (left).

Regards

Guy V

Photographs all copyright Guy Vincent. Numbered left to right then down. Please click on a picture to see a framed enlargement.

Many thanks Guy.

Journey to
Cornwall 2
(To St Austell)
Paul Negus

Hi Keith

I had the rare privilege of a day trip from Axminster to St Austell yesterday (22nd September 2023) . My excitement mounted when RTT showed that the Exeter train (10.25 EXD to PNZ) should be a Castle set! Indeed it was and I had the best seat in the house - forward facing at one of the tables giving a panoramic view, just as they were designed all those decades ago.

The photographs show:

1. Running in board at Axminster, advertising the Jurassic Coast close by at Seaton.

2. One of the colourful tubs on Axminster Station.

3. 159019 arrives at Axminster from Waterloo forming the 0903 Axminster to Exeter St David's. This six coach train was nicely full of students by the time we got to Exeter Central where they all decamped to nearby Exeter College.

4. 159019 upon arrival at Exeter St Davids.

5. 150239 arrives from Okehampton. Note the piles of new wooden chaired bullhead rail sleepers for the platform road nearest the camera.

6. 150139 departs to Exeter Central where it will form the next service to Okehampton.

7 and 8. A Castle set arrives ECS at the far platform. 43153 Clun Castle at the front and 43155 Rougement Castle at the Rear.

9. "Snake" set 107 arrives for Penzance. Note the gentleman who stands at the centre of the level crossing to ensure no pedestrians try to cross with trains coming!

10. View of Saltash Station and the famous public house from my seat.

11 to 13. Upon arrival at St Austell - 43188 Newport Castle, "The Welshman," commemorating Geraint Thomas's win in the Tour De France in 2018, with 43186 Taunton Castle on the rear.

One final nugget from the journey. The Train Manager announced when nearing Plymouth "This train continues to Penzance and …(pause)... lots more stations!" Was her Cornish pronunciation not up to scratch perhaps?

Best wishes
Paul Negus

PS I didn't take the train home as I travelled to collect my classic car from a Grampound specialist after repair.