8th December 2021

Different Tanks at Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I am glad you made it to Okehampton,albeit for a short stay. I send a picture taken at Oxford on 21 January 1993 of 37074 heading an MOD train from Bicester to Didcot yard.Thanks, I hope you survived the gales. Best wishes, Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael we are not washed away in Cornwall

Calling all Plymouthians
A fascinating site
Dave Anthony

 Dave Anthony writes -
I’ve just come across the attached, not sure if you’ve seen it before....
 
Life in Plymouth in the 1960s in 57 incredible photographs - Plymouth Live (plymouthherald.co.uk)
 
Whilst it’s not exclusively railway material there are a good dozen pictures (if you scroll down) which might be of interest
 
Cheers, Dave Anthony
 

Many thanks to you David for drawing our attention to this absolutely fascinating collection of pictures from the 1960's. Be sue to click above - you won't regret it.
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Bodmin Collision
Chris Bellett

Hi Keith,
Hope all is well with everybody?
Interesting article on todays CRS Newspage  of the website concerning the 1961 accident at Bodmin General.  The photograph of the signalbox diagram is now a little out of date as it has been modified as part of the ongoing alterations to accomodate the new Platform No.2 (not yet in use).  The diagram is going to be replaced next year with one drawn more in line (pun intended) with 1950s BR Western Region practice.  I have attached a photograph of the current updated diagram.

Take care, Chris Bellett, Retired S&T Engineer, CRS Member

The diagram currently in use at Bodmin General Signalbox. December 2021. Copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks Chris - we look forward to the new diagram.
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Farewell to the 08's
Zephir Shunter
Driver Alan Peters

A new shunter has appeared at Hinksey also at Westbury in the shape of a Zephir Locotractor, a shunting locomotive with road and rail capability Lok 30.520 will replace the tradition locomotive yard pilot, more info here LOK LINE - Zephir

Driver Alan Peters
(For more information please click on the link in blue above)

Zephir Locotractor at Hinksey. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Don't know what you think about the new shunter Alan - it's as adaptable as the horse which used to haul wagons along at Hayle Docks. Many thanks Alan.
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Yesterdays steam at
Oldfield Park
Paul Negus

​Paul Negus writes :- 
Please find two shots of 44871 hauling The Railway Touring Company outing from London to Bath Spa and Bristol today via Salisbury. These were taken at Oldfield Park station, just west of Bath Spa.

I was somewhat lucky to get these shots as the planned passing time was right in the middle of a torrential deluge! The special was however 28 late arriving at Salisbury, 66 late departure, but the expected passing time was one minute after a Frome train was due to depart from my platform. Were we on the wrong platform?

Oldfield Park 44871 RTC Railtour 7th December 2021 Copyright Paul Negus

Oldfield Park 44871 RTC Railtour 7th December 2021 Copyright Paul Negus. Note the spectators and the photographer standing properly behind the yellow line.

Many thanks Paul - you were on the right platform for your photographs.
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Steam Heat
Bristol
Paul Barlow

45013 at Bristol boiler is working well on 06.00 Plymouth to Barrow Hill Copyright Paul Barlow.

Makes one feel warmer on a chill morning like today.  Many thanks Paul.
Nostalgia - being on a cold train as the steam heat is turned on, lots of clicking and creaking - then lovely warmth from under the seat - marvellous!!
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