6th August 2023

An important change- Due to our section Railtours  2022 to 2023 becoming completely full we continue our reports in a NEW SECTION 'Railtours August 2023 onwards'. Many thanks to all for your support - we hope that you will understand and sympathise with the problems at this end.
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The Statesman Railtour
Derby-Penzance and Return

The Statesman crossing the marsh at Marazion soon to reach its destination at Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

Scotrail liveried 47712 in glorious sunshine leading the train back east, seen at Moorswater with a lovely sunny Cornish backdrop. Copyright Jon Hird

For further photographs of this Railtour CLICK HERE for Railtours August 2023 onwards

Sir Nigel from a drone
Exeter
Paul Barlow

​A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley 0516 Northampton to Kingswear Okehampton Place St Thomas Exeter 4th August 2023.Copyright Paul Barlow.

Another amazing view - many thanks Paul

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HST's to 
Mexico
Guy Vincent

Checking through emails this morning (5th August 2023) I was astounded to read that preserved class 40 D213 Andania was heading a 1Z27 0516 Northampton - Kingswear 'English Riviera Express',  rather than one of Locomotive Services class 47s. Having not planned to go out for the train a quick dash over to a deserted Berkley just north of Frome resulted in a reasonable shot despite heavy showers driven by a brisk southerly wind.   For anyone who knows the area, both of the GWR stone road overbridges at Berkley have recently been treated on all sides to new palisade security fencing.  Dense vegetation now runs riot on the now inaccessible Network Rail sides so views are very much restricted compared to before.    A sign of the times I fear...

Andania headed the train from Northampton to Taunton (via Hemel Hempstead, Willesden, Acton, Swindon, Melksham and Westbury) with 47593 Galloway Princess at the back for train supply purposes. From Taunton 40013 was replaced by LNER A4 Pacific no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley.

Shortly before the charter train reached Berkley, GWR's 165113 went past with the SO 2O88 0845 Swindon - Weymouth.  The unit for this service runs empty from Reading to Swindon and then stays at Weymouth to work the 2V94 1735 Bristol TM.    This is only the second time 165113 has been recorded on the Weymouth line.

Finally, further info has been published on wnxx.com regarding the now confirmed export to Mexico of HST power cars 43022 43158 and 43170 along with some coaching stock.  The (currently unidentified) ship booked for the movement is due to call at Great Yarmouth next week.     

Guy Vincent

Berkley Marsh. D213 Andania 1Z27 0516 Northampton-Kingswear 'The English Riviera 5th August 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent

47593 brings ups the rear on the 1Z27 05.16 Northampton-Kingswear 5th August 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Again at Berkley 165113 2O88 0845 Swindon-Weymouth. 5th August 2023.

Many thanks Guy.

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Class 40 at Swindon
 + Delights of Kingswear
Colin Pidgeon

Class 40 D213 at Swindon. 5th August 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Class 40 D213 at Swindon. 5th August 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

47593 providing the train heating on the 1Z27 Northampton to Kingswear at Swindon 5th August 2023 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Across the water from Kingswear - Dartmouth station. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Sample the delights - Across the water from Kingswear - 2021. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin.

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Two from Phil
Exeter & Temple Meads

50007 Hercules ambling through BTM 1989. Copyright Phil Smith

43180 at Exeter St Davids 2002 Copyright Phil Smith. It is understood that this train had a lady driver - nothing wrong in that but unusual.

Many thanks Phill - keep up the good work.

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