24th July 2021

The Bodmin Diesel Gala featuring 47306 'The Sapper'
Roger Winnen

Today was a very pleasent day with sunshine, much differant from the weather forecast predicting heavy rain.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway ran five return trains hauled ny 47306 'The Sapper' between Bodmin General & Bodmin Parkway. Your ticket was classified as a rover and gave you unlimited travel all day. The facilities have all been upgraded at Bodmin and present a lasting impression.
It was nice also to see many familiar faces around Bodmin today

210724a 47306 The Sapper runs around its train at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724b Inside of the B & W coaches reveals screens for social distancing on their trains which looks very smart indeed. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724c The front coach of the train being 232 an auto coach of the early 1950s. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724d Wheels glorious wheels at Bodmin General Station as a service from Bobmin Parkway rolls in. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724e 50042 Triumph stands the other side of the new platform in brilliant sunshine. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724f A tamping machine the property of The South Devon Railway at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

210724h The last train of the day departs Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Somerset Jubilee
David Tozer

I escaped from Devon to Somerset to see possibly the first visit of an LMS Jubilee to Taunton. 45596 Bahamas with the 1Z52 0759 Paddington to Bishops Lydeard at Norton Fitzwarren. Copyright David Tozer

Later shades of the Cambrian Coast Express a pair of Manors together 7828 and 7822 as they leave Crowcombe Heathfield. Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Respryn
Chris Harvey

A shot at Respryn from Wednesday evening which you might be able to use. As the shadows lengthen, 158 749 and a sister 158 head away from Brownqueen tunnel with the 16.50 Penzance - Bristol Temple Meads. A lovely spot to spend an evening! Copyright Chris Harvey Bodmin.

It is indeed a super spot - not only favoured by your good self but also Alan Peter's and his dog. Many thanks indeed.

Swindon
Ken Mumford

Swindon station on the 21st July as an IET waits to depart from platform 3 on a London service. - note the spotter keeping the right side of the yellow line. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thank you Ken.
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Conicity
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
Your members all know that it is the flanges that keep railway wheels following the road, or do they?  But there is another force at work (Conicity - the wheel profiles) amply proven by my "party trick."

https://youtu.be/oEafLfJrT6U

Relief is on the way in the form of stormclouds; next thing lightning will do for your router! (Reference to my router failure in the tropical weather}
Colin

Colin demonstrated his 'party trick' when the CRS visited his wonderful site at Christow - on this occasion a pair of correctly profiled wheels succesfully negotiated several curves - well done Colin. Thanks.

Bristol East Report
Driver Alan Peters

Some pictures of Bristol East remodelling, the new track should be in position since these pictures were taken, unfortunately the perils of working away means it is difficult to send in the pictures straight away!
Alan Peters  

The view from platform 5 on 13th July 2021 with fresh bottom ballast laid prior to the new track being laid, Copyright Alan Peters.

The ballast mat and mesh being rolled out by the orange army prior to dropping stone, as seen from a Colas class 70 locomotive at Bristol East on 13th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Whacking in the ballast. 13th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A trackless Bristol East looking back towards the station on 13th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Hi Alan, what is a day between friends - all your pictures are much appreciated.
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