3rd December 2018

Today at
Bristol and Bath
Guy Vincent

While at Temple Meads today the 'unusual' sight of two HST's was recorded.  In just a few months HSTs have virtually disappeared at certain times of the day with new class 800 sets now having taken over many Paddington workings.  43009 was heading the 1C10 1030 Padd'n-Weston-super-Mare and 43122 was awaiting departure on the 1230 to Paddington.  Shortly afterwards former Great Western 'prototype' class 57 no. 57601 arrived on a seasonal 1Z35 1115 Cardiff-Gloucester Northern Belle circular luncheon trip.  I then caught up with 57601 again at Bath Spa where it made a pick-up stop at 1320 hrs.    57601, which was rebuilt from 47590 at Brush Loughborough in 2001, was once a common sight on the GW main line in it's special one-off 'Porterbrook' purple and silver livery.  It is now owned by West Coast Railway Company and sports recently applied Northern Belle livery with the Windsor Castle nameplates formerly carried by 47787.

                          Guy Vincent          Many thanks indeed Guy 

Bristol TM with 43009 on 1C10 10.30 Paddington to Weston Super Mare. 3rd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 57601 with the 1Z34 11.15 Cardiff GCR NB on the 3rd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bath Spa 57601 at the rear of 1Z34 11.15 Cardiff - GCR NB 3rd December 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Main line
Moorswater
Roger Geach

Here is 37673 hauling 37420 to Laira for repairs on 16th April 1992.  Seen  at Moorswater off the footbridge.  Far less growth then 
     Cheers  Roger Geach            Many thanks Roger - a grand view then!

37673 tows 37420 heading for Laira - seen at Moorswater. 16th April 1992. Copyright Roger Geach.

From the
Top of the Tower
Clive Smith

​How things may have been different for 3440 back in 1904 at milepost 171 at Wellington if the loco had been officially accredited at 100 mph. The debate still goes on about timing watches and breaking the speed limit but it is Flying Scotsman that now takes all the fame for that record. Here are some views of the original 'celebrity' locomotive from the top of Inter City House at Plymouth on 30th November 2004. This is the 100th Anniversary Special from Plymouth to Truro.
                                Regards  Clive Smith      Many thanks Clive
We are greatly indebted to you for these unique pictures for the top of the tower. What an opportunity!

Clive Smith takes a very privileged view (He worked there at the time) from the top of the tower at Plymouth. 30th November 2004. Copyright.

City of Truro makes a grand picture pulling away from Plymouth. 30th November 2004. Copyright Clive Smith

City of Truro heads away towards Cornwall. 30th November 2004. Copyright Clive Smith

​On 3rd December 2004 City Of Truro headed a special from Plymouth to Bristol TM. A smattering of enthusiasts turn out to see a stupendous display as the historic 4-4-0 leaves Plymouth on a glorious frosty morning.  Regards, Clive Smith

3rd December 2004 City of Truro waits to depart Plymouth for Bristol. 3rd December 2004 Copyright Clive Smith

City of Truro departs Plymouth for Bristol 3rd December 2004 Copyright Clive Smith

City of Truro climbs away heading for Mutley Tunnel. 3rd December 2004. Copyright Clive Smith