29th March 2021

A gem from the past
D1021 Western Cavalier
Roger Winnen

731231 D1021 Western Cavalier on 31st December 1973 passes Long Rock Signal Box on the then double line from Penzance to Marazion. In front of the train Mexico Crossing can just be seen located by the signal post, this foot crossing was closed many years later after a public enquiry was held following the death of a lady being hit by a train using this crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

Titan at Oxford
Michael Forward

Here is a picture taken at the North end of Oxford station on 24 June 1989 and shows 47612 ‘Titan’ with the 11.36 dep. for Glasgow,the 08.55 from Eastbourne.Some journey that! Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Gems from the past
Barnstaple
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith, 
Thought you might like the three attached photographs for the website taken at Barnstaple Junction in 1970 when the line to Ilfracombe was still open.
 Kind Regards,  Chris Bellett         Retired S&T Engineer

Barnstaple Junction 1970 01 Copyright Chris Bellett. Quite important looking boxes on the platform - it looks like a member of staff watching a train departing for Ilfracombe.

Barnstaple Junction 1970 02 Copyright Chris Bellett. The signal is pulled off for the train to head for Exeter - the line to Taunton had already closed three years earlier on the 3rd October 1966.

Barnstaple Junction 1970 03 Copyright Chris Bellett. Looking towards Exeter, the metals to the left led to the Engine Shed

Many thanks Chris - more to come one hopes.
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Almost 10 years ago on the WSR
Autumn Gala 2011 (4)
Paul Barlow

GNR N2 side tank 1744 on freight from Minehead approaches Crowcombe 29 Sept 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul
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March HST's
Clive Smith

​Work travels coinciding with some good sunshine and a walk with a friend in south east Cornwall allowed me to get a few lineside photos of HSTs as they continue to go about their work. I believe the remaining examples on the Midland Main Line have six weeks left leaving just the shortened GWR and Scotrail 2+4s and Cross Country's 2+7s . There appear to be only three current XC diagrams and only two go beyond Bristol as far as Plymouth.
Regards,  Clive Smith

(1) 43010 is at the front of the 13.18 Exeter St Davids - Plymouth with 43029 on the rear as it passes Langford Bridge near Aller on its way to Dainton summit. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 43093 leads the 08.07 Liskeard - Cardiff Central with 43156 on the rear on the 16th March. This was taken from the Bow Overbridge on the A381 on the climb from Totnes to Dainton Summit. The location was far superior when not overgrown but the way Network Rail are blitzing the linesides of Devon and Cornwall of late I am hoping these trees will get chopped fairly soon.. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 43171 leads the 08.00 Cardiff Central - Plymouth out of Totnes station on the 16th March. 43094 is on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) 43366 leads the 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh at Three Arches Bridge west of Totnes on the 16th March. 43207 is on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) It's 16.25 on the 26th March and with the sun low and shadows lengthening 43160 leads the 15.55 Plymouth - Liskeard past Polbathic Road Bridge after departing from St Germans station. The rear power car is 43187. Just under two years ago HSTs were still working the top link Penzance - Paddington line expresses like the Golden Hind and Cornish Riviera. This service calls at all stations. That's Devonport, Dockyard, Keyham, St Budeaux Ferry Road, Saltash, St Germans and Menheniot on a 42 minute journey. That is some comedown from crack trains at 125 mph. At least some are still with us on GWR in shortened form. Always preferable to a DMU. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - nice March light.
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