27th October 2022

Chasing the Test Train last evening and early morning.
Jon Hird & Mark Lynam

Hello Keith and Roger,
I had a daft idea last night to go out to see the NR test train with 37099.  Well, it seemed a good idea at the time - this morning sitting at work with a couple of hours sleep under my belt it doesn't seem like quite such a good one!
Anyway, some images attached of the train at Par before reversing to Newquay where I caught it again, and then on its way back home I took a quick detour to see it coming over Middleway crossing.
Interestingly the crossing barriers at the other end of Rundles Walk, where the A390 crosses, appeared to have failed after the test train went by.  Luckily for me, I was on the correct side of it to get home, but several other motorists had to turn around and take a detour via Treesmill after waiting 30 minutes in vain for the barriers to rise.  A little inconvenient at 1am! 

All the best, Jon Hird 

37099 With the test train at Par. Copyright Jon Hird

In the Newquay Platform at Par. Copyright Jon Hird

The Class 37 Propels its train to Newquay, awaiting departure from Par. Copyright Jon Hird

Arrival at Newquay, no visitors here this time of night. Copyright Jon Hird

Awaiting departure from Newquay. Copyright Jon Hird

Crossing Middleway Crossing at St Blazey on the retutn working. Copyright Jon Hird

Many Thanks Jon

Also out but making a slightly earlier start was Mark Lynam

37099 at Penzance at 20.24 before working the 3Q53 Penazance to Exeter Riverside via Newquay and Looe. 26th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

Ready to follow a simpler but longer route 57605 sits on the up beds the !A50 21.45 Penzance to London Paddington. 26th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

37099 at Newquay at 23.35 shortly before heading back down the branch. 26th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam.

37099 at Combe Junction at 02.19 before reversing towards Looe. 27th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynam

37099 at a wet Liskeard at 03.52 before heading off to Exeter Riverside Yard. 27th October 2022. Copyright Mark Lynham.

Many thanks Mark - I wonder if these Mark and Jon crossed paths during the night????

Golden Memories
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith
A few of the 'Western Lizard' Pathfinder tour on 19 March 2005 I traveled on this from Westbury to Cornwall and back to Exeter.

Kind regards, Paul 

Golden ochre liveried D1015 Western champion waits at Plymouth with the 0704 Ealing Broadway to Fowey and Newquay 66248 was attached to the rear from Plymouth 19 March 2005

D1015 Western Champion on arrival at Newquay. 19th March 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 Western Champion pathing stop at Totnes 19th March 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Golden moments indeed - many thanks Paul
​

Lostwithiel Station
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and you had a good trip out, nice pictures and lovely sun. Here is another shot of the mid-day parcels from Penzance which shows 47490 ‘Bristol Bath Road’ coming through Lostwithiel on 20 September 1989. Copyright Michael Forward

Same day at Lostwithiel shows 155321 with the 11.39 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Hector 
Redruth station cat

Just how loved Hector is shown by the concern shown when his Facebook page went quiet for over a year. Fortunately, Hector's companions at the station were just enjoying some down time and he's not gone anywhere. He did however suffer a leg injury this summer, saddening the locals.
Hector is so popular that he has appeared on BBC Spotlight, Radio Cornwall, and has been dubbed "the next manager of Great Western Railway in the making" due to his "impressive management skills" and amusing "quality control" tests of the station furniture.

Hector - Redruths station cat. Copyright KJ

Long live Hector.