Bath Green Park in the 1970s
Michael Forward
Michael Forward
Hello Roger, Thanks for dealing with the last pictures. Lots of interesting pictures recently and especially showing Bath Green Park in its present lovely state. Here is one from the 1970s showing the station in a neglected state. Best wishes, Michael Copyright Michael Forward
Many Thanks Michael
Looking down on Penzance
Michael Forward Collection
Michael Forward Collection
Looking at this photograph I would date this as the mid 1930s. The Rank Building located beside of the wet dock was a pre war concreate structure. The Workshops of the Dry Dock looks new as they were built 1934/1935' The retorts of the gas works built in brick incorperating a steel frame are not visible. The harbour Car Park dates from the late 1950s and behind you can view the Penzance Railway Station and goods loading facilities.
Looking at the station area, I note that the goods shed and the adjoining WCR pre 1870 engine shed next to it are standing. These two buildings were demolished in 1937. It looks as if construction work is going on there in preparation for the rebhilding of the station, so 1936 would be as good a guess as any!
Roy
Many Thanks to Roy Hart
Roy
Many Thanks to Roy Hart
Many Thanks Michael
Drone delights
Guy Vincent
Guy Vincent
Good morning Keith & Roger
Some excellent photography from Paul Barlow today, the drone shots in particular giving never-before seen views of familiar locations. Well worth the time and effort I think.
Paul's photos at Kidderminster were also of interest, and brought to my notice some detail changes on D1015 Western Champion. The loco has now regained the older style red and white 'Danger - Overhead Live Wires' stickers on the cab front, and lost the GSMR aerial formerly positioned between the windscreens. Most noticeable is the return of the traditional four digit headcode display in place of the domino style with high intensity headlamp. This implies to me that possibly D1015's days of mainline running could be over, at least in the short to medium term. Can anyone out there confirm whether this is the case?
For comparison I've attached a photo from 7th September 2013 showing D1015 in 'main line' condition at Frome with the 1Z52 'Western Wessexman' railtour from Leicester to Weymouth.
Information on the Diesel Traction Group website concerning D1015 states that the original Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 engine blocks were almost life-expired at the end of their BR careers and now, almost 50 years later, are unsurprisingly unfit for further service. Since returning to the main line in 2002, D1015 has unfortunately suffered from engine issues that were well documented at the time. For this reason the DTG are replacing the MD655s with modified MTU 538 units. The 'B' end engine has already been installed and work is in hand to replace the 'A' end assembly. The MTU 538 is a later version of the original MD655 so this work should ensure reliability and long service.
Guy Vincent
Some excellent photography from Paul Barlow today, the drone shots in particular giving never-before seen views of familiar locations. Well worth the time and effort I think.
Paul's photos at Kidderminster were also of interest, and brought to my notice some detail changes on D1015 Western Champion. The loco has now regained the older style red and white 'Danger - Overhead Live Wires' stickers on the cab front, and lost the GSMR aerial formerly positioned between the windscreens. Most noticeable is the return of the traditional four digit headcode display in place of the domino style with high intensity headlamp. This implies to me that possibly D1015's days of mainline running could be over, at least in the short to medium term. Can anyone out there confirm whether this is the case?
For comparison I've attached a photo from 7th September 2013 showing D1015 in 'main line' condition at Frome with the 1Z52 'Western Wessexman' railtour from Leicester to Weymouth.
Information on the Diesel Traction Group website concerning D1015 states that the original Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 engine blocks were almost life-expired at the end of their BR careers and now, almost 50 years later, are unsurprisingly unfit for further service. Since returning to the main line in 2002, D1015 has unfortunately suffered from engine issues that were well documented at the time. For this reason the DTG are replacing the MD655s with modified MTU 538 units. The 'B' end engine has already been installed and work is in hand to replace the 'A' end assembly. The MTU 538 is a later version of the original MD655 so this work should ensure reliability and long service.
Guy Vincent
D1015 at Frome on the 1Z52 'Western Wessexman' 7th September 2013. Copyright Guy Vincent
As usual, much detail and it is very much appreciated. Thank you Guy.