9th January 2019

Variety
​Today at Exeter
David Tozer

Keith Quite a contrast in Exeter today. GWR Class 802's 802010 & 802001 made the second appearance of these units on the Salisbury line at Pinhoe, but this time in daylight. Previously a pair of these units had run from Bristol via Westbury, Yeovil Junction and Honiton to Exeter(Central) during the hours of darkness. The train was the 0905 5Z66 Plymouth (Laira) - Axminster from which point they returned as the 1139 5Z67 back to Plymouth. Then Colas Class 56 56113 reached Exeter with the 0529 6Z01 Derby R.T.C- Okehampton conveying a Loram Rail Grinder and Class 20's 20189 and 20142. At Riverside Yard the Class 20's took the train on to Okehampton. The Class 56 stayed at Exeter.                                                Regards Dave.       
   Many thanks for braving the chill and capturing the scene for us all.

Pinhoe 802 010 & 802 001 at 10.56 on the 9th January 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Cowley Bridge 56113 arriving at 13.35 on the 9th January 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Bringing up the rear are 20142 & 20189. Seen at 13.35 on the 9th January 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Dramatic Goonbarrow
​Alex and Isaac
Phil Hadley

Happy New Year to all,
I thought you may like to consider the attached photo for the CRS website. It was taken this evening and shows Imerys's two diesel electric shunters Alex & Isaac stabled at the buffers end of the Rocks Siding. It's unusual to see them both there together.
                 All the best. Phil               Many thanks Phil

Goonbarrow Alex and Isaac at 19.25 on the 8th January 2019 Copyright Phil Hadley

Even more miles
Almost a thousand
Clive Smith

After yet another run from Penzance to Paddington and back on Monday, the celebrity pairing of 43002 and 43185 put even more miles in on Tuesday 8th January 2018. An early start to London on the up Golden Hind, then returning to Plymouth on the 11.03. Back to London at 15.00 and finally back to Plymouth at 19.03 (last part unconfirmed as I write). A grand total of about 980 miles. If the last leg has worked as planned then let's hope the pair are not split up on Laira overnight. With the final fifteen class 802s due to arrive soon there can't be many months left to record their workings. Such is now the interest in these two power cars a Facebook update now exists which posts the information on diagrams when known, or indeed if they are not working. Most useful. The following link will take you to the page.   

https://m.facebook.com/theressomethingyoudontseeeveryday/?locale2=en_GB

My picture shows 43002 leading the 11.03 Paddington - Plymouth (43185 on the rear) as it rounds the sea wall into Teignmouth station. Thankfully after a very grey morning the sun actually shone at just the right time.
               Regards, Clive Smith             Many thanks Clive.

Teignmouth - the Celebrity Pair. 8th January 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Wise thoughts and Predictions
Guy Vincent

With the end now firmly in sight for full-size HST's later this year I have a list of the power cars that started 2019 with GWR and the likely fate of them as the year progresses. Again, if you want it just let me know.  On 31st December 2018 GWR gave up their last two 150-1 two-car sets (125 and 126)  leaving the two 3 car 150-0's and the more numerous 150-2's to soldier on. I believe the 150-0's are due to go to pastures new later this year along with the remaining single car class 153's which now number just five (153325 329 333 361 & 369).  Some more two-car 165's have just entered service in the Bristol area with more to follow now that Newbury has 'gone live' and class 387 EMU's have been introduced. I have yet to see a '387' but am in no hurry to do so..
Hope all is well down there in Kernow and I look forward to more contributions and enjoyment from the CRS website as the year progresses.  "Never a dull moment"
Best Regards,  Guy 
      Yes please, we're always keen to keep up to date, many thanks.