29th July 2018

History in the making - Into service at last
New meets Old
Will Kilner

Amid dreadful publicity about over crowded trains with air conditioning failures and the blistering heat of the last few weeks at last one of the new trains is into service. Not popular with enthusiasts with no drop down windows and rather hard seats but at least one hopes for working Air Con!

A smashing picture by Will Kilner of the bright old class 153 adding a delightful contrast to the scene in comparison to the rather drab 800. Will adds 'Old meets new as the first revenue earning service by the new fleet in this area (so I’m told), number 309, goes through Dawlish at 11.52am Saturday 28th July 2018' Copyright Will Kilner

Cockwood, this evening
Will Kilner

Cockwood - the return working of the Torbay Expres at 17.40 on 29th July 2018 Copyright Will Kilner.

The Heatwave Summer of 1976 in West Cornwall
Roger Winnen

760722b D1058 Western Nobleman crosses onto the singleline section at Long Rock for its run into Penzance. 22nd July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760724a 45034 with Redruth Hospital in the background passes Trevingey Crossing Redruth which is in the process of being rebuilt with warning lights in connection with the upgrade of the signalling system in West Cornwall. 24th July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

760724b Western Trooper with a parcels train passes Drump Road Goods Depot at Redruth on 24th July 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen

780724c A Class 47 passes the Harris Bacon Factory at Drump Road on its approach to Redruth. 24th July 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

Recent Sightings
Guy Vincent

1) 47813 passing Bradford-on-Avon on July 24th with another special 6O86 0900 Long Marston-Eastleigh Works movement of stored wagons for refurbishing.  

2) Also on 24th 150207 in debranded Northern livery leading 150234 on 1F25 1622 Bristol Temple Meads-Portsmouth Harbour at Westbury.  Unable to confirm whether this unit will be staying with GWR or returning to Northern at a later date.  150125 has also returned to the west country following overhaul at Doncaster rather than being transferred to the north of England.

3) 150125 (newly overhauled) next to wider cousin 166216 at Westbury 18.07.2018.

                       Guy V       Many thanks indeed Guy

1) Bradford-on-Avon 47813 6O86 0900 Long Marston-Eastleigh 24th July 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

2) Westbury 150207 & 150234 1F25 24th July 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 150125 & 166216 18th July 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Causeland
John Cornelius

Four more from Johns extensive Cornish Collection. Here we see Causeland on the Looe branch, a stop which sees little traffic for much of the year but during the summer months picks up trade from the holiday cottages nearby and from walkers intent on exploring the quite Looe Valley.

A very big notice board for a very tiny station! Copyright John Cornelius

A passenger warrants a stop at Causeland. The level crossing in the foreground serves a steep field on the right which used to give a 'grandstand view' of the halt but unfortunately the trees have grown up! Copyright John Cornelius

No passengers this time but an improved, or is it a new waiting shelter and a smart platform. Copyright John Cornelius