25th November 2022

Today at Silverton
David Tozer

37688 ' Great Rocks' at Silverton with the 0905 Exeter (Riverside) to Newport (Sims Metals) conveying former HST coaches for scrap. Copyright David Tozer

43094/192 with the 0540 Penzance to Cardiff Central Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Didcot - up to date
Driver Alan Peters

The modern facade of Didcot Parkway. 21st November. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

GWR Pride 800 008 working 1G19 Paddington to Cheltenham Spa. 21st November 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

The new order of the day 387 153 arrives at Didcot Parkway with 2N38 from London Paddington, passengers for Oxford now have to change for a local connecting service as the overhead wires were never completed to Oxford. 21st November 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70806 arrives at Didcot Parkway with the late running 6V27 from Eastleigh for a crew change before continuing to Hinksey Yard. 21st November 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Driver Alan Peters brings us bang up to date with happenings at Didcot Parkway.  Many thanks Alan.

Freight and |Semaphores at
Par
Neil Phillips

Dear Roger and Keith,
 
Knowing that a seldom-seen Class 37 was in the county today (Thursday) I made a special effort to see its return through Par with two still-FGW-blue HST trailers for scrap and four barrier coaches this afternoon – and spent rather longer there than I’d anticipated, due to its late running. However four Class 66s help fill in the time. Despite the long wait I nearly missed the Class 37 as it hadn’t been signalled when I became distracted by the RHTT arriving from the east and there was just a minute between them! And just when I thought the sun had gone…..
At some point recently 66069 has been replaced by 66105 on the RHTT. And I’m going to miss the semaphores – watching for the ‘pegs’ dropping reminds me of times long past. Sigh.
 
Best regards,
Neill Phillips

1 – 66077 awaits departure from Par at 13.23 with 6G09 to Carne Point - 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips

2 – 66077 winds its way through the semaphore signals and away from Par – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips.

3 – 66009 has just hauled its loaded JIA wagons out of Par Chapel Siding and heads for Exeter Riverside Yard with 6C10, exactly one hour to the minute after 6G09 – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips.

4 – 66105 brings up the rear of the 3J13 ex-Westbury RHTT (66129 up front – photo fail!) in apparently failing light at 15.25……. – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips.

5 – And just 1 minute later - note the now-gone RHTT still ‘pegged’ on the right - 37688 (formerly D6905/37205) in suddenly bright sunshine passes by on 5Z33 Penzance T&RSMD to Exeter Riverside Yard empty stock move – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil - an interesting and very cold time at Par. Well done.
​

37688 at Tresmill
Jon Hurd

A couple of pics attached of 37688 with its scrap coaches and also of the RHTT at Treesmill this afternoon. Not the best lighting, but I think the glint looks ok. 
There’s the last of the old FGW livery removed from Cornwall forever! 
All the best, Jon Hird

The RHTT at Treesmill. Copyright Jon Hurd

Thanks Jon

Busiest and least Busy Stations
Andrew and Diane Jones

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-63742917

Hello Keith, the bbc have just released the attached article which makes interesting reading, didn't see Combe junction mentioned.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane