4th July 2022

Bristol & Bath today
Martin Scane

My trip back to Cornwall today (3rd July). Just a couple of photos (Actually 3). First Bath Spa with the - 12.32 to Portsmouth. Then Temple Meads with the 13.26 arrival from Penzance which will form my train home at 13.55. And finally, maybe BTM is due a visit from the weed killer train. Cheers Martin

166217 stands at the up platform Bath. 4th January 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

Bristol Temple Meads 3rd July 2022. Copyright Martin Scane

A colourful green scene at Temple Meads the summer growth emphasising the need for the weedkiller. Copyright Martin Scane, 3rd July 2022.

Thanks Martin, taken on your return journey from a  pilgrimage to Bristol - hope your team won!

Another Castle Class named
'Nether Stowey Castle'
Guy Vincent

Good evening Keith

Noted at Bristol Temple Meads this morning,  newly named 43022 'Nether Stowey Castle' at the rear of the 2C73 1145 Penzance departure headed by recently named 43029 Caldicot Castle.   By the look of it these plates were probably applied yesterday or Friday as dust can be seen on the bodyside.   Nether Stowey is not far from Bridgwater and the castle an ancient ruin, as per the design on the plate.

To repeat my earlier query, will the highly relevant name Bristol Castle ever come to be applied?

With regards, Guy Vincent

43022 Nether Stowey Castle seen at BTM on the 2C73 the 11.45 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance. 3rd July 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

The new Nameplate on 43022 on the 3rd July 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent. Note dust trails from the recent drilling.

Bristol TM 43029 2C73 1145 Penzance 3rd July 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

43029 bears the grandiose nameplate of Caldicot Caste, Seen at Bristol TM 3rd July 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy. Viewers compare the two images. Seconding Guys thoughts on the need for 'Bristol Castle', I would like to see my local 'Carn Brea Castle' (KJ).
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An Easter Offering of Carn Brea Castle - surely more picturesque than Nether Stowey - and can be seen from the GW trains as well. 3rd April 2022. Copyright KJ.

  
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New 'Ladies relief' at
Bristol Temple Meads
Guy Vincent

Hello again Keith

As part of the ongoing refurbishment taking place at Bristol Temple Meads station a long-disused ladies convenience has been refurbished and brought back into use.  The facility is located towards the western end of platforms 10 and 12 and has probably been out of use since the 1960s.  A nice touch that will doubtless prove to be very popular once word gets around.

Regards again, Guy Vincent.

Bristol Temple Meads. New Ladies Convenience. 3rd July 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads. New Ladies Convenience. 3rd July 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy for keeping some of us up to date.
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Brand new 60 at
Par
​Neil Phillips

Hello Roger and Keith,
 Further to my photos of nearly-new 66048 at Par station, I saw Guy’s view of Toton depot yesterday with damaged Stobart blue 66048 awaiting its fate amongst the red machines, and my eyes were drawn to the EWS-liveried Class 60 in the foreground - its number has faded but I’m sure it’s 60023.......here is the same locomotive, also at Par in August 1999 – how’s that for a coincidence?! This was to be the only Class 60 I would ever see in Cornwall, although still being an ‘exiled Cornishman’ at the time my opportunities were limited to occasional family visits.....
 Best regards, Neil Phillips.

Par 60023 in 1999. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil.
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