30th September 2020

Sept/Oct 2020  GWR diversions via the LSWR.
Chard Junction
Brian Pibworth 

GWR 802106, in diesel mode, waits in Chard Junction loop with the 1A80 0840 Plymouth to London while SWR 159104 bats past at lines speed with 1L17 0820 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids. The WTT described this as an "unadvertised service stop", so keeping it away from the platform was probably a good idea! 29th September 2020. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

GWR 802106 at Chard Crossing, in diesel mode, with the 1A80 0840 Plymouth to London Paddington heads restarts after waiting in the loop to cross the 1L17 0820 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids service. Copyright Brian Pibworth. 29th September 2020.

Many thanks Brian
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Major changes at 
Chard Junction site
Brian Pibworth

The former goods yard at Chard Junction site. 29th September 2020. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Chard Junction Station Site         29th September 2020
The entire site has now been cleared, levelled and covered in compacted hardcore.  From L to R ia the former branch formation to Chard (behind uprooted trees) , the branch platform, Chard Road Hotel and the current mainline fence.  There seems to be less recycled hardcore on the old Milk Factory site and this may account for the material on the station side.  The sleeper-walled compound (centre) contains trailers from a local heavy goods haulier.

Many thanks Brian.
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Torquay Tramways
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,
It's funny that you've just published a piece on Plymouth Corporation Tramways, because I've just put up my little exploration of the Torquay system, which I'd never paid much heed to before.
http://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/45-torquay-tramways/
It naturally contains a few sidetracks. Including the Babbacombe Cliff Railway which we may visit next year - virus permitting!
Cheers, Colin Burges

Highly recommended that you use the link above - Colin and his bike get everywhere, Many thanks Colin.
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Yesterdays - Network Rail Inspection train at
Purton
Ken Mumford

0650 Derby to Swansea [via Worcester,  Gloucester, Swindon (reversed in 60 seconds when it was scheduled to do so in just under 3 minutes), then back to Gloucester, then Chepstow, Cardiff to Swansea.
It had left Derby at 0746 instead of 0650.  Passed me about 35 minutes late [at Purton (Collins Lane).  I then drove to the foot crossing at Purton Common where it passed me [heading for Gloucester and South Wales].  It Left Swindon about 2 minutes late.There was no report of its progress until it passed Kemble at
 14 11.25 - Ken.

Colins Lane Crossing 80204 London to Cheltenham. 29th September 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford

Colins Lane Crossing 37025 Inverness TMD leading towards Swindon about to pass over the crossing..37116 was trailing 29th September 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

37116 leading towards Gloucester about to pass over Purton Common crossing. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.