5th August 2023

60066 at Didcot
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Through the ever growing buddleia bushes at Didcot we can see 60066 in the yard on 28 July 2023. This was said by one of the station staff to be there for driver training.Not sure for what workings but it would be nice to see more 60s working there. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

HST's going abroad
Guy Vincent

Reported this morning (4th August 2023) is the news that the three former Castle class HST power cars recently taken to Ely for storage have / are being moved to Great Yarmouth docks from where they are being exported abroad, reports suggesting Mexico as a possible destination!     43170 was taken on a low loader on Wednesday and was joined yesterday (3rd) by 43022 with 43158 due today.  Two coaches are also present at the docks with more to follow.  Reports on WNXX suggest keeping a watch (www.vesselfinder.com) on the movements of cargo ship Arklow Raven (gross tonnage 2999) which arrived in Great Yarmouth early on  Thursday 4th.....

Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy - it looks as if followers of the HST's May have to travel further afield!!

Looking very smart in Colas livery at
Westbury
Guy Vincent

Colas 67027 with freshly applied decals in the yard at Westbury on the afternoon of 3rd.  The now unnamed loco wears a dark blue livery with orange / yellow ends following a short period with GB Railfreight.  Now back with Colas and about to enter service, possibly according to one of their employees, on this year's RHTT diagrams.

Guy Vincent

Westbury 67027 3rd Augsut 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 67027 3rd Augsut 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 67027 3rd Augsut 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy - your finger on the railway pulse as usual and very much appreciated.

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CDA Final Fling 
Craig Munday

Hi Keith,
I've always found watching railway history play out in front of your eyes really strange. Whether it's the final visit of a locomotive, or something a little more mundane like a rake of wagons being phased out, it always seems surreal to stand watching it the way you always have. In a matter of seven days the CDA's will be no more on Cornwall's railways. Introduced way back in 1987, it would be fascinating to know the mileages they have clocked up. 

I visited Carne Point on 4th Aug, the last occasion I can with work shifts to see them arrive and be shunted ready for unloading. The gentle knocking of the buffers gently down the rake will be greatly missed. Bogie wagons just don't have the same characteristics. 

Some other views of recent trains are also included. 

Best wishes, Craig Munday

66199 6G09 St Blazey - the old order signalled to leave St Blazey under two semaphores. Copyright Craig Munday

66199 arrives at Carne Point. 4th August 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

66199 shunting CDA's at Carne Point looking downstream - the unloading facility in the background. 4th August 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

Posed for posterity - a humble CDA. The CDA has just left the traverser and unloading facility and is heading to rejoin the rake. 4th August 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

And finally the 'New Order' at St Blazey. 2nd August 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks for keeping your finger on the local pulse Craig.

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The above sequence does pose one question - that is will the 'New Bogies' fit on the traverser at Carne Point and will the same procedure be used for unloading the wagons - one at a time, seperately?

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