24th March 2022

Activity today in and around Bodmin-Lostwithiel-Liskeard
Roger Winnen

220324a 5552 boiler and firebox is loaded onto a low loader for its journey to Exeter this morning, where restoration work will be carried out on this engine. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324b The new Class 08 at Bodmin 08359 which arrived recently. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324c GWR Toplight Corridor Third number 2434 looking very smart at Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bodmin & Wenford Railway reopens next Sunday  Mothering Sunday with mothers able to travel free see their Website

220324d 66165 arrives at Lostwithiel with clay for Fowey. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324h With the Class 66 running around its train at Lostwithiel it moves off down the branch.. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324f Passing IETs Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324g 66168 on the 15.08 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside approaches Liskeard. Copyright Roger Winnen

220324h Looking down from the road overbridge at Liskeard as 66168 passes by. Copyright Roger Winnen

Hackney Yard
Driver Alan Peters

The DCR aggregate train to Hackney yard generated a lot of interest as the second freight trial from Newton Abbot, although it is still unknown if these trains will become a regular feature. I was called upon to conduct the DCR rescue engine 66046 "William Wilberforce" from Westbury to Newton Abbot and return, on arrival at Hackney there was still a couple of wagons to load. Once loaded the wagons were then shunted to make up the train in top and tail formation with 60055 'Thomas Barnardo' at the rear which had failed with a starter motor issue before departing a 6Z60 to Willesden on 21st March 2022
Driver Alan Peters

Hackney Yard 60046 21st march 2022. Driver Alan Peters

Hackney Yard 60046 21st March 2022. Driver Alan Peters

Hackney Yard, the loading operation. 21st March 2022. Driver Alan Peters

A second trip to Devon on 22nd March 2022 with Colas Rail Freight 70810 to collect Colas Rail Kirow crane DRK81612, the train is seen under sunny sky's at Goodrington Yard. The Network Rail crane remains at Goodrington for a further week in connection with bridge replacement between Paignton and Torquay
Driver Alan Peters

Goodrington Yard. 70810 Copyright Driver Alan Peters 22nd March 2022.

Many thanks Alan.
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Chetnole
Bill Elston

The Derby RTC to Bristol  via Westbury and Weymouth ran today, and is seen here passing Chetnole ( between Yeovil and Dorchester)
This was top and tailed by Colas-branded  HST power cars, 43274 and 43272 on the rear.

Best wishes, Bill  Elston.

Chetnole Test Train 43274, 23rd March 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Chetnole Test Train 43272, 23rd March 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Surprise, surprise,  Many thanks Bill Elston
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Into the sun at
Bodmin Parkway
Chris Harvey

Here is another one from the archives for you, from 23 years ago.
The location is Bodmin Parkway and the date is 13th March 1999. A pair of HSTs are captured in this shot looking west into the setting sun. On the left is the 1628  Penzance - Paddington approaching on the up line, whilst on the right preparing to depart is the 1335 Paddington - Penzance.
This was taken with a fairly cheap compact camera, and since looking at the sun for any length of time is never advisable, it was a case of "close your eyes, press the shutter and hope". It came out well!
Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.

Bodmin Parkway 13th March 1999. Copyright ChrisHarvey

Many thanks Chris, a lucky shot indeed.
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