27th April 2019

Benbow 40 years ago
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and recovered from the open day at Long Rock.It looked a great event and thanks for your tireless work in dealing with all the pictures.
I attach a picture of a rather forlorn looking 50012 ‘Benbow ‘ at the rear of Laira depot on 4 April 1979.
Best wishes, Michael

Now we see 50012 in happier times and in the new livery,on 3 September 1982 at Red Cow crossing,Exeter.Thanks, Michael

Thanks Michael

Time is up. Last scheduled HST to Paignton and on The Cornish Rivera​
More HST diagrams go
Martin Duff

Hello Roger,
Two more HST diagrams end today.  This morning, I went to Paignton for the last scheduled weekday HST to leave, the 07.48 to Paddington.  It was also the last scheduled HST to call at Starcross and Exeter St Thomas.  43098 with 43071 on the back, ran to time.  The last scheduled down HST to call at Starcross was the 17.33 Paddington – Paignton on Easter Monday.
 Shortly after, The (up) Cornish Riviera departed from Penzance and was the last scheduled use of HST on this train.  Contrary to reports on CRS pages, and elsewhere, the diagram was valid until today – the last few weeks since 05/04/2019 have not been vice IET.  But, today, time is up.
 From Monday, the Cornish weekday diagrams are:
 06.47 Penzance – Paddington
07.41 Penzance – Paddington
 14.03 Paddington – Penzance
17.03 Paddington – Penzance
                   Regards, Martin.       Many thanks indeed Martin

Exeter Celebrity 43185 26th April 2019 Copyright Martin Duff

Paignton 26th April 2019. Copyright Martin Duff

43071 Paignton 26th April 2019 Copyright Martin Duff

East of Dartmoor
Clive Smith

Many thanks indeed Clive - keep watching!

(1) On a drizzly grey morning Rail Operations Group 47815 & 47813 pass through the site of the former Brent station with the 5L46 08.13 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings redundant HST stock move on the 26th April 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) After a previous wrong call on 5th April when the Cornish Riviera was supposed to have ended with HSTs I am a little more cautious at calling 'time' . However 43185 is seen here at Filham Bridge east of Ivybridge station in still drizzly weather on the 09.00 Penzance - Paddington. The rear power car is 43091. Is the 26th April 2019 finally the end after 39 years of HST operation ? Find out next week as we enter the final three weeks of HST operation to Paddington. Copyright Clive Smith.

Golden Oldie
Hayle
Paddy Bradley

A down train pauses at Hayle - the staff have plenty of time to pose it seems! The wooden station building here was at a very low level - the goods shed lies beyond. From the Paddy Bradley Collection.