9th July 2023

On shed on the
​Bodmin Railway
Chis Bellett

Further to Phil Hawkes photo of 5552 being unloaded on its return to Bodmin, I have attached a photo of it after being shunted into the loco shed, taken the following morning Friday 7th July 2023.

Kind Regards
Chris Bellett

5552 on shed at Bodmin General, Friday7th July 2023. Copyright Chris Bellett.

Thanks Chris.

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Bodmin & Wenford Railway
now known as
The Bodmin Railway

230708a 5553 At Bodmin Parkway working the 11.00 service to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708b Big and Small Ride them All. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708c 5553 Running around its train at Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708d 5553 Awaits departure with the 11.50 to Boscarne Junction & 50042 Triamph prepairs for departure on a driving experience to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708e 5553 Viewed from the Signal Box by kind permission of Steve Clemo. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708f 50042 Triumph departs with a Driver Experience to Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708g 5553 Returns to Bodmin with the 12.16 from Boscarne Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

230708h 50042 Arriving from Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

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Request for Photograph
Launceston
Chris Osment

Launceston Signalbox - copyright the late Sid Sponheimer.

Could you please post the following question for me on the CRS website?
"A photograph exists on the web somewhere showing the former L&SWR lever-frame inside Launceston signal-box. But does anyone know of an equivalent photo of the GWR frame please?"
Many thanks,
Chris Osment
West Country Railway Archives

Can anybody help please?
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5552 returns
Bodmin General
Phil Hawke

Bodmin General - the return of 5552. A picture of intense concentrion!! 7th July 2023. Copyright Phil Hawke.

 Keith,    5552 has finally returned to Bodmin.  A steam test is planned for tomorrow.  I understand that the paintwork has to be completed and valve setting is also required before it can enter service.

Phil Hawke

Thanks Phil, good news for Bodmin, good news for us all.

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 GWR HST Power Cars Update
July 2023
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith

From internet postings this week the fate of three of the recently withdrawn 'Castle class' HST power cars can be given:

43005 was stopped due to fire damage and was shortly due for a major 'F' exam.
43041 was stopped as it had run out of hours and was due an 'F' exam and engine change. 
43171 was stopped needing a C5 exam and replacement power unit.  


43005 was removed by road from Laira on either 3rd or 4th July and taken to Sims, Newport for disposal.

43041 left Laira on 5th by low loader bound for Sims Metals Newport where it arrived on the morning of Thursday 6th.

43171 likewise was collected from Laira by road transport and delivered to Sims on Friday morning, July 7th.

All three power cars had been heavily stripped before dispatch including removal of the Castle nameplates.  So, goodbye to St Michaels Mount, St Catherine's Castle and Raglan Castle.

This leaves the following HST power cars in store at Laira depot.  I've split them into two groups, GW Indigo blue livery (all faded now) and GW Green.

Blue: 43063 43091 43161         Green: 43022 43088 43158 43160 

The status of  Old Oak Common Legends  liveried 43093 Berkley Castle remains uncertain as it has been stopped  for some time now.

Finally, mention of 43091 prompted me to copy this recently acquired BR publication from 1981. It shows the PC at Kings Cross in the original 'classic' (and to my mind, the best by far) livery carried by these fine workhorses.

Guy Vincent

Finally, mention of 43091 prompted me to copy this recently acquired BR publication from 1981. It shows the PC at Kings Cross in the original 'classic' (and to my mind, the best by far) livery carried by these fine workhorses. Currently in store at Laira.

Many thanks Guy for your information - it is very much appreciated as we follow the dwindling HST fleet.

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