3rd October 2019

 Cromwells Castle
Penzance
Roger Salter

191002a The 2C 84 12.15 Plymouth Penzance newly named 43092 Cromwells Castle enters Platform 4 at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

191002b Castle Class 255 43092 Cromwells Castle at Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Westbury Rarity
Guy Vincent

First of all, apologies for the poor quality of the attached images which are more a record of an extremely rare working through Westbury than an attempt at night photography!  They are screenshots from a video and show loco 66155 hauling failed sister 66009 and a rake of redundant mark 4 coaching stock non-stop through platform 2 at 2031 on Tuesday 1st October.  The working was 5Z44 0944 Doncaster Works-Eastleigh Works and was running 46 minutes late at this point, it had been 104 late passing Acton Wells Jctn, west London.  The stock has recently been displaced from LNER after giving 30 years of sterling service between London King's Cross, Edinburgh and Glasgow Central following the introduction of new class 800 'Azuma' EMU's (familiar?)   Vehicle numbers were 82229 11324 10328 12447 12219.   A similar working hauled by 66090 ran via the same route on 5th September, this also consisted of four coaches (11323 10325 12454 12225) and DVT 82226.  I have seen it reported that these two sets are to be refurbished and are intended to replace the mark 3 sets used by Transport for Wales on the Holyhead-Cardiff premier loco-hauled services.  Sadly it's a sign of getting old when you can remember these very coaches being brand-new and replacing earlier mark 2 and 3 stock in the late 1980s. They still look modern and good for many more years to come!

                                              Guy Vincent
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​Absolutely no need to apologise at all Guy - you did extremely well to get any pictures and to get details of the locos and stock for a moving train.  Also your lengthy and detailed notes are very much appreciated. 

Westbury 1st October 2019, 66155 & 66009 (failed) haul redundant Mk 4 Stock 5Z44 stock to Eastleigh for refurbishment. Copyright Guy Vincent

A stranger in our midst LNER DVT 82229 at Westbury. 1st October 2019 Guy Vincent.

Westbury - redundant Mk 4 Stock 5Z44 passes though on its way to Eastleigh. 1st October 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent. N.B. All three pictures above taken from a video camera - an excellent record of a surprise move,

Steam today!!
​David Tozer

A Marshall's Traction engine built in 1925 (94 years old and going strong). The owner told me it cost £300 for a ton of coal, so that will give you an idea of the cost of taking a steam loco to the mainline. A Class 802 and 66168/160 with the 0850 Westbury - St Blazey. Regards                         Dave.                     Many thanks David.

In the 'Swans Nest' pub car park adjacent to the former Exminster station. 2nd October 2019. Copyright David Tozer

A class 802. 2nd October 2019. Copyright David Tozer.

A very short formed HST working - surely not in passenger service? The trailer is 'slam door stock'. 2nd October 2019

66168/160 with the 08.50 Westbury - St Blazey. 2ndOctober 2019. Copyright David Tozer.