2nd July2021

Okehampton report
Driver Alan Peters

​Another train of twenty empty Falcon wagons to recover redundant track from Okehampton ran from Westbury on Tuesday 29th June 2021 returning on the Wednesday top and tailed by Colas class 70 locomotives, the track panels from the recent relaying have been brought up to Okehampton where the rail is removed and the wooden sleepers are taken back to Westbury MHD (Materials Handling Depot) for recycling, pictures of 6C41 in the sun at Okehampton.

A new poster on the station announcing the re-opening of the Dartmoor line. 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Early Wednesday morning on the last day of June, the former goods yard is still full of piles of old wooden sleepers which are being loaded into the train of Falcon wagons hauled by 70815, 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70815 has hauled the wagons up into the station to enable the wagons to be loaded on 30/6/21, note the old concrete lamp posts have now been removed in readiness for the new modern lighting. Copyright Driver Alan Peter. 30th June 2021.

The class 70 has now drawn past the station to allow for loading of the rear wagons, note the track panels stacked on the Meldon side of Okehampton (This picture is taken under the safety of T3 conditions) Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

To enable the rear of the train to be loaded, 70815 has reached the former Military sidings which are looking very overgrown 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70811 at the rear of the train which will now work 6C41 to Exeter Riverside where the train will reverse to Westbury. Note the platform has now been cleared of tables and chairs in readiness for work to start on the main station building, Please support the hard working members of the Dartmoor Railway Association as Platform 2 is open for tea's and coffee's at weekends. 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan for reporting the scene in the Okehampton station environs. We are privileged to have your report.

Moretonhampstead and
Teign Valley branches Video.
Colin Burges

Highly recommended viewing.

Colin has kindly provided the following links and says "These new videos may interest you and your members".  This is surely an understatement - the first one deals with the early days at Christow and the real Gem is the second one which takes you in steam days from Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead with glimpses of the stations - this followed by a second part which takes one from Heathfield right through to Exeter.  We will certainly enjoy these.

https://youtu.be/7gdEE5kgPY0


https://youtu.be/M_x3Fg8Yb0I

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We are most grateful to you Colin for forwarding these links to past treasures.

Eastleigh Works 1979
Paul Barlow

Paul reminds us of a party visit he made to Eastleigh works in 1979.  

33002 and 33013 receive attention at Eastleigh works. 16th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

4-VEP 7836 under inspection at Eastleigh works. 16th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

and finally 74005 and 74003 at Eastleigh works on the 16th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

We continue with part 2 of Pauls grand day out tomorrow.  Many thanks Paul.
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Liskeard '78
Roger Geach

25048 is stabled at Liskeard 1st August 1978. Copyright Roger Geach.

 Ref 25048 which featured in Paul Barlows pictures at Chard Junction  in the News on the 29th June  the loco was withdrawn from its last depot Crewe and  cut up at  V Berrys Leicester by 4 1987. Roger Geach writes - 

It was a Plymouth La loco from May 1978 till November 1980 when La lost all its 25 allocation .

25048 moved to Bescot from Plymouth LA 

Here is 25048 in the long gone siding at Liskeard 1 8 1978. Note it has its number written on the front .

cheers,  Roger Geach 

Many thanks Roger.
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