The Statesman
Paul Barlow & Clive Smith
Paul Barlow & Clive Smith
47593 and 47805 on the 0608 York to Penzance 1Z70 seen at Cockwood Harbour 25th September 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow
47593 & 47805 top the bank at Rattery with the Statesman Cornish Riviera Express. 25th September 2020 Copyright Clive Smith
Many thanks to Paul and Clive.
Please note it is our intention to produce a Feature on this Statesman railtour after Sundays (Tomorrows) Selection of pictures have arrived. Roger will be arranging this feature.
N.B. Roger reported from Redruh at 21.30 that he was feeling exhausted - no wonder!
N.B. Roger reported from Redruh at 21.30 that he was feeling exhausted - no wonder!
When Green
is not all it seems.
Alan Peters
is not all it seems.
Alan Peters
When Green is not what it seems! Freightliner 66556 is pictured at Yeovil Junction with 0Z80 a route learning special from originating from Westbury to Castle Cary via Exeter St Davids, Honiton, Yeovil and reverse on 24/09/20. The locomotive was in fact hired by Colas Rail Freight for route learning to cover for 66850 which itself was used for route learning between Reading and Eastleigh - Alan Peters
A perfectly posed picture - one cannot do any better! Freightliner 66556 on route learning at Yeovil Junction. 24th September 2020. Copyright Driver Alan Peters
Many thanks Alan - the use of the freightliner loco on this route learning had us all wondering - now we all know!
Laira Open Day
Mike Roach
Mike Roach
LAIRA OPEN DAY 1970
It is believed that Laira diesel depot held its first Open Day on Saturday 26 September 1970 some 8 years after the depot opened for business and it may have happened that year because of celebrations connected with the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers 350 years earlier in the Mayflower. There was a train from Plymouth to London called The Mayflower from 1957 to 1965, with the name resurrected for the winter of 1970-71 only.
The star of the 1970 Open Day was small prairie number 4555 which was brought down from the Dart Valley for the event. This loco was quite appropriate because it had been based at Laira steam shed from May 1962 to November 1963 when it was withdrawn and sold into preservation the following year. While based at Laira 4555 had seen regular employment on the Plymouth to Launceston Branch until the line closed at the end of 1962. 4555 will celebrate its hundredth birthday in 2024. Many of the events planned for the Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020 have had to be postponed because of the Covid pandemic
It is believed that Laira diesel depot held its first Open Day on Saturday 26 September 1970 some 8 years after the depot opened for business and it may have happened that year because of celebrations connected with the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers 350 years earlier in the Mayflower. There was a train from Plymouth to London called The Mayflower from 1957 to 1965, with the name resurrected for the winter of 1970-71 only.
The star of the 1970 Open Day was small prairie number 4555 which was brought down from the Dart Valley for the event. This loco was quite appropriate because it had been based at Laira steam shed from May 1962 to November 1963 when it was withdrawn and sold into preservation the following year. While based at Laira 4555 had seen regular employment on the Plymouth to Launceston Branch until the line closed at the end of 1962. 4555 will celebrate its hundredth birthday in 2024. Many of the events planned for the Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020 have had to be postponed because of the Covid pandemic
4555 at Laira Open Day Saturday 26th September 1970. Copyright Mike Roach
Laira Open Day. 26th September 2020. Copyright Mike Roach
Many thanks Mike for this timely reminder.