28th May 2021

Specials to the West Country May/June 2021

There is a trickle of excursions coming back to the Duchy. A very special guest tomorrow (Sat 29th) sees the Locomotive Services Limited (LSL) blue pullman HST come to Penzance. Then on 2nd June another LSL charter from Wolverhampton also runs to Penzance. 
Sat 29th May: 
1Z60 09.00 Eastleigh to Penzance
Plymouth:    11.01 
Par:              11.43
Truro:   12.03 / 12.05
Camborne:   12.22
Penzance:     12.45
(Shunts to the loop)
1Z62 16.00 Penzance to Eastleigh
Camborne:    16.21
Truro            16.36 / 16,39
Par:               17.01
Plymouth:      17.51 / 17.53
Wednesday 2nd June 2021
2 x class 47 plus 11 coaches:
 
1Z45 05.10 Wolverhampton to Penzance.
Plymouth:    10.54 / 11.09
Par:                  11.43
Truro:              12.03/ 12.05
Camborne:               12.22
Penzance:                 12.45 
Train shunts to loop 
1Z46 15.00 Penzance to Wolverhampton:
Camborne                 15.21
Truro:              15.36/15.38
Par:                           16.02
Plymouth:        16.55/ 16.58

Have a good Bank Holiday

 45133
Peak Survivor
Clive Smith

45133 was built in 1961 at Derby Works and released as D40. It was converted to ETH in July 1974 and renumbered 45133. Withdrawal was in May 1987 and the Class 45/1 Preservation Society became the new owners on 21st January 1990. The loco has been based ever since at the Midland Railway Centre at Butterley.

My two photos were taken on the 10th July 1984 at Plymouth where 45133 had arrived on the 09.21 Leeds - Penzance. Normally a through loco the peak was taken off and can be seen in the second photo heading out to Laira past the Royal Eye Infirmary.

Regards
Clive Smith

Many Thanks Clive

The drivers report on the big bang at
Swindon
Driver Alan Peters

One can really do no better than a report from the man on the spot and we are most grateful to you Alan for your detailed report - we very much hope that this fault which occurred during mileage testing will be the one and only major fault with these units.

It appears I have met Ken Mumford at Swindon during testing of GWR 'Flex' unit 769 930, the unit worked 5Q10 from Reading Train Care Depot to Maidenhead then to Swindon to reverse, I was the Driver at the time and unfortunately when it was time to depart, the unit lost power from the overhead wires (Line light) the fault was traced to a traction motor which was isolated by the on board fitter, indeed the diesel engine was started but the unit was able to proceed back to Reading depot using A/C power at a reduced speed, however the trip to Maidenhead and back to Swindon was curtailed due to the fault. The Tri-mode unit 769 930 is seen pictured back on the West end of Reading Train Care Depot in company with 165 117 and 57604 'Pendennis Castle" on 26/5/21

Driver Alan Peters

769 930 is seen pictured back on the West end of Reading Train Care Depot in company with 165 117 and 57604 'Pendennis Castle" on 26th May 2021

Very many thanks indeed Alan.
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Stoke Canon
Keith Turley

GBRF class 66/7 No.66702 'Blue Lightning' with classmate No.66774 on the rear pass Stoke Canon on 27th May 2021, working the 6G75 17:10  

Stoke Canon. 66702 Blue Lightning 27th May 2021 Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith.
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GWS Vintage Train
The Torbay Express
Paul Barlow

​ A couple more instamatic shots at Exeter of the GWS vintage train from 'Torbay Limited' 0815 Paddington to Kingswear. This was steam hauled from Paignton to Kingswear. I have found the advert for the train, the fare was £6.50!!  I have also enclosed a scan from a book which shows me on the same day with the same train! I am on the right. (We hope it is okay to publish this - its recommended book and after all Paul is in it) I think it was held at Exeter for the late running 0830 Paddington to Plymouth service (50045) to pass. This may have been the last time this train was allowed on the main line, although I can't confirm this.
I hope this is of interest
All the best, Paul. 

GWS Vintage train advert from Railway magazine April 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Photo taken from that excellent Strathwood book 'Spotting in the 1970s'. Paul Barlow is the spotter on the right. Photo credit David T. Williams.

47119 on 0815 Paddington to Kingswear pauses at Exeter St Davids 12th May 1979 The 47s boiler is working well, Copyright Paul Barlow.

GWS Vintage train GWR coaches 47119 on 08.15 Paddington to Kingswear pauses at Exeter St Davids 12th May 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks for your memories of the good old days Paul.
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