Blog Archives

28th February 2021

28/2/2021

Visits to
Swindon Works
Mick House and Paul Barlow

Our coverage of visits to Swindon Works has been increased in the past month by pictures of visits in 1985 by Mick House and Paul Barlow - see our Chippenham to Swindon plus the works section for these.

Many thanks for your additional pictures Mick and Paul

Stratton Green
Ken Mumford

Only the second time I've been out to photograph trains and the first time I've driven this year!
5Q76 consisted of 37884 hauling coaches for scrap 321348 and 321442. I was at the Stratton Green Overbridge (about 2 miles east of Swindon station).

Stratton Green 27th February 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

It's a very warm welcome back to Ken Mumford who has suffered that dreadful disease Coronavirus and thankfully recovered - we wish you a speedy return to full and good health Ken.

Bomb diverts at or near
Pinhoe
Keith Turley

A bit of excitement in Exeter today owing to an unexploded bomb being found near Exeter Riverside Yard. Regards Keith Turley

802103 approaches Pinhoe with the 1C83 the 12.03 Paddington to Penzance service. 27th February 2021 Copyright Keith Turley.

802102 Approaches Pinhoe station with the 1A88 Penzance to Paddington 27th February 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith.

27th February 2021

27/2/2021

Disruption in the Exeter Area Today
David Tozer Roger Winnen

Workman lastnight uncovered a large World War 2 bomb 2.5 metres long near St David's Station, resulting in many delays and cancellations to passenger services and the evacuation of over 2000 thousand people from their homes.
Many trains from the South West were cancelled at Exeter St David's or a limited number re routed via the former Southern line to Yeovil Junction, Yeovil Pen Mill and Castle Cary, the Barnstaple service ran to and from Crediton. SWR services that ran to Exeter terminated in the bay platform at Central Station and returned from here. The stabling point for SWR services in New Yard would have been within the exclusion zone.

Of note Keith Turley's photograph of the 1A88 is the train that became involved in an operating incident at Yeovil Junction with the down 1C84 from Paddington.

The length of 9/10 car IEP's means that they cannot pass each other at Honiton loop and in the platforms at Yeovil Junction. The rear of both trains would foul the points, hence the issue. Axminster and Chard loops are the only ones suitable to pass 9/10 car IEP's.

If you refer to the proposals for additional infrastructure West of Salisbury in Network Rail's report last year, these are two locations that were proposed to have sections of line extended.
Looking at Realtime Trains this evening, 17 trains were cancelled today.
We need the former Southern Line doubled to cope with this sort of situation which is getting more frequent over the years.

The first diverted GWR service the 0612 Penzance to Paddington. Taken at Exhibition Way. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David for your updates

Penzance/Marazion
Andrew Triggs

Two shots from this morning for CRS of 1C50 23.45 London Paddington-Penzance 'Night Riviera' arrival at Penzance Copyright Andrew Triggs

1A82 09.15 Penzance-London Paddington 9 car IET passing Marazion, seems like an eternity since I've been able to photograph our railway, Driver for both services being Laira's Nick Dyke Copyright Andrew Triggs

Nice to have you back Andrew! Out on exercise

Paignton South
Paul Barlow

There are a few witnesses as 45045 Coldstream Guardsman takes the ECS train to form the 14.38 Paignton to Leeds 1E70 from Goodrington to Paignton station. Seen here at Paignton South Crossing on the 23rd June 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Future engineering work
Bridging the gap
Craig Munday

With all the forthcoming bridge replacements in the pipeline, I have been fortunate to see some of the work in prospect.

The Trewoon bridge replacement is first, starting this weekend. A week long complete blockade will see some track renewals as well as the replacement of the bridge over the A3058 at Trewoon near Burngullow. The replacement structure is located about 500 yards from site in the Bungullow complex, ready to be carefully transported to site.

The replacement of the Lostwithiel bridge is due later in March, an overview of the area shows the afternoon clay departing with the construction site and small crane visible on the downside of the mainline. It is actually the up side bridge which is up for renewal, requiring a second massive crane to effect the replacement.

All the best, Craig Munday.

Trewoon bridge site at Burngullow. 26th February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Lostwithiel the bridge due for replacement soon. 25th February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66150 at the site of the bridge due for renewal at Lostwithiel. The train is the 6P24. Seen on the 26th February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks for your report Craig - exciting things to come.

Looking for drawings
Petrockstowe
Laurence Grant

Laurence writes :- I wonder if you can help me. I am looking for drawings of Petrockstow station esp the station buildings. I gather from the Irwell book, 'Rails to Torrington' that Hole and Hatherleigh were the same. If you are able to suggest where I might find such drawings I would be very grateful.
Many thanks. ldg

A view of Petrockstowe taken by the late Sid Sponheimer, 27th February 1965.

The above picture was taken 56 years ago today. Hope you are lucky.

26th February 2021

26/2/2021

Very unusual working.
Powderham
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith,
Probably the most interesting working so far this year!
In glorious winter sunshine 56090 passes Powderham on the 1413 Hackney yard to Gloucester 6Z56 25 February 2021
Kind regards, Paul

56090 passes Powderham on the 14.13 Hackney yard to Gloucester 6Z56 25th February 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

Remembering the 44 years ago today - the
Western Tribute
Roger Geach

Morning All,

A very quick not, today being the 26th February, you had best stick this picture up quick !
A small shot 1013 and 1023 on the Western Tribute at Cockwood. 44 years ago today it was sunny like it is here today.

Roger Geach

1013 Western Ranger and 1023 Western Fusilier head the Western Tribute railtour seen here at Cockwood Harbour on the 26th February 1977 Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger, happy memories!

Remembering the 44 years ago today - the
Western Tribute
Paul Barlow

Exeter D1048 Western Lady and D1010 Western Campaigner pass through as back up for the Western Tribute Railtour. 26th February Copyright Tom Barlow.

Many thanks Tom.

Mystery Tram Bodies
in West Cornwall

These vehicles were used as living accomodation at Kenneggy Downs for many years until the early 1960s by Mr & Mrs Ned Thomas After vacating the old tram bodies they were moved to another location in the area where they remain to this day. Any information on these tram bodies would be most welcome.
Mr Andrew Newport a haulage contractor and a transport enthusiast of Penzance would like to find a good home for these historic tram bodies as they need to be moved shortly.
Roger Salter visited the site yesterday taking the photographs shown below

All photographs are the Copyright of Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Paignton South
Paul Barlow

A delightful picture of 5239 at Paignton South level crossing on its way to Kingswear. on the 23rd June 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Replacement bridge for
Trewoon
Phil Hadley

Dear CRS,
My work takes me past the old Blackpool Dries site at Burngullow which is where the new replacement bridge for Trewoon is being assembled before being moved down the road to be lifted into position. I managed to get the attached photo on my phone this afternoon and thought your members may like to see it.
All the best, Phil.

New Trewoon bridge being assembled at Burngullow 25th February 2021. Copyright Phil Hadley.

Many thanks Phil.

Removal of
Cattewater Bridge
Paul Burkhalter

Plymouth City Council (PCC) are proposing to remove the railway bridge over Embankment Road to remove the height restriction. As you know this serves the truncated Cattewater branch - now ending at EMR scrap yard. It has been many years since there's been any traffic.

PCC state that it is redundant.

Some more info is here (but not much!): https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/transportplansandprojects/currenttransportprojects/majorroadnetwork/lowbridgeonembankmentroad

A consultation is open seeking views here: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/parkingandtravel/transportplansandprojects/currenttransportprojects/majorroadnetwork (scroll to bottom). This page states a number of road schemes they have in mind (more roadworks!!!!).

I hope you are OK. Cheers, Paul Burkhalter

Thanks for the links and Info Paul.

Name in shells?
Carbis Bay
Tim Dunn

Dear team.
I wondered if you might be able to help a senior colleague of mine at Network Rail and I, as we have exhausted our usual searches at the NRM, other Cornish museums and my book collection. He is looking for:
"a pre-war photograph of Carbis Bay Station, specifically the words ‘Carbis Bay’ written in seashells on the embankment opposite the platform. This sign was demolished in the war and replaced in white cobbles in the 1950s; a photo I have (attached)."
I can only find one image in postcards, this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29903115@N06/47955604367/in/photolist-2g4F1qX-9MX6XU-owKRG9-eGTtmh-FsKaAB-vQXdKh-fckgYy-o1qQgM-Gq2mmQ-6GvQYK-5g8dBL-U2DkPA-FsKaSZ-Fmoi2J-vQXmA7-VgpUJT-5ethu8-925E3n-WoE42w-2kuFfoU-xHUfUq-2jN2KnU-zy3P9f-csG3nW-SZc59w-56LqjG-SWub49-2i6KPDu-PtbUfv-24xDLoe-SZcpUU-SWupGm-2jJA145-2asKibC-jzPG1v-PtbUzi-vQXBKA-SS7JHh-GkJXNr-czwamG-2jqZKUV-24rbXtN-cPwDWN-vpmBBz-qwoWpB-sgzrs5-rJWYUt-oSWNxC-vm696A-oSWHeb

Might you or one of the members be able to help us, please?
Many thanks
Tim Dunn
Historian & Presenter of "The Architecture The Railways Built" on UKTV
http://www.twitter.com/mrtimdunn

Well, can anyone help - perhaps best to contact Tim yourself with a copy to us. Thank you in advance and thank you Tim.

CARBIS BAY with name picked out in bricks. Copyright Tim Dunn

25th February 2021

25/2/2021

Paignton Peak
Paul Barlow

46009 approaches Paignton with the 14.38 to Leeds 1E70 3rd May 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Down Sleepers assisted
Bodmin Parkway
John Hird

EWS class 66 66021 assisting failed 47815 on the down sleepers, at Bodmin Parkway on 4th August 2003.

A surprise at Bodmin Parkway as the down sleepers rolls in with EWS class 66 66021 providing the power assisting a failed 47815 on the down sleepers, at Bodmin Parkway on 4th August 2003. Copyright John Hird.

Time for another shot as EWS class 66 66021 assists failed 47815 on the down sleepers, at Bodmin Parkway on 4th August 2003. Copyright John Hird.

Many thanks John - a case of the early bird catching the worm!

Distant view, distant memory
The old Long Rock
Roger Winnen

Long Rock depot from the Gulval to Ludgvan Road. 18th May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Memories are made of this - thank you Roger.

24th February 2021

24/2/2021

Dainton Bank
Paul Barlow

2000_08_05 47811 1150 Penzance to Paddington about to enter Dainton tunnel Loco stored at Crewe since 2008. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thank you Paul.

Sir Edward Elgar at Penzance & Salisbury
Michael Forward

50007 ‘Sir Edward Elgar’ about to leave Penzance on 10 Sept. 1987 with a Serco test train. Copyright Michael Forward

We now see 50007 arriving at Salisbury with a mid afternoon service from Waterloo on 16 June 1991. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

A then and now focus on
Redbridge
Mick House

Mick brings us a collection of then and now pictures at the local station of Redbridge.

Photo 1) Redbridge Station building, out of shot to the left is a small car park and the platforms to the right. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 2 Redbridge Overview of the station from the footbridge. 24th April 2017.Copyright Mick House.

Photo 3 Overview of the station from the footbridge.24th April 2017. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 4 Class 150 arriving at Redbridge heading west with empty freightliner wagons in the sidings, remains of the old Redbridge Rail & Sleeper Works to the right of shot, dwarfing the view left of shot is the Gasometer and the old freightliner overhead container cranes in the background. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 5 Class 442 passing through Redbridge heading east with empty freightliner wagons in the sidings, remains of the old Redbridge Rail & Sleeper Works to the right of shot, dwarfing the view left of shot is the Gasometer and the old freightliner overhead container cranes in the background. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 6 Class 444 013 passing through Redbridge heading east, with empty freightliner wagons in the sidings, no visible signs of the old Redbridge Rail & Sleeper Works that were to the right of shot, in the distance a class 70 on shed at the freightliner depot and freightliner overhead container cranes dwarfing the view. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 7 A not so clear shot of two, three car DEMUs passing west through the station, a mix of wagons to the right of shot, electrical installation with pylons and Gasometer dwarfing the view in the middle. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 8 View from the footbridge, the pylons are still visible with electrical installation hidden by the trees below, long gone the Gasometer that was in the middle of the shot and again no visible signs of the old Redbridge Rail & Sleeper Works that were to the right of shot. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 9 4 CIG 1744 arrives with head code 39 denoting a stopping service to Weymouth, Gasometer on the left, mixed bag of wagons in the centre and to the far right above the two ladies you can see the Rail & Sleeper Works foundry chimney. Copyright Mick House.

In this view courtesy of the National Museum of Scotland (Non Commercial use) Redrbridge staton is in view as are the lines to Romsey and Salisbury exit at the top and to Bournemouth exit left and to Southampton exit right. Note the Rail and sleeper works and associated sidings and also the pole pool.

Photo 10 Redbridge. Looking west towards Redbridge junction, Cross-country class 220 DMU passes through the station. Copyright Mick House. 29th April 2017. Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks Mick

Quidhampton Update
James Howitt

Just a quick update note after seeing the pictures of the ECC/ Imerys quarry at Quidhampton - the quarry is slated for redevelopment as part of a bug housing development to the north of Salisbury. As a result the somewhat rusting line from Wilton Junction has been retained as spoil traffic is expected to commence a some stage to fill the hole in before building commences. The trains were expected to start as far back as 2018 however hurdles have got in the way.
Cheers, James Howitt.

Thank you James - we await further reports of activity

23rd February 2021

23/2/2021

Refreshing Red - Virgin trains
Dainton
Paul Barlow

Virgin trains HST the 06.04 Leeds to Newquay approaches Dainton tunnel. 5th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Stunning nighttime pictures
Laira
Craig Munday

More night shifts to pass lockdown. I find these strangely fascinating actually. The Hauwei phone has a stunning night setting, allowing quick photos you simply cant achieve lugging around the SLR and tripod. It works well in minimal light, and captures the nocturnal atmosphere of the railway well. People often overlook the railways being a 24/7 operation, and few are fortunate enough to be around when there's an opportunity.

I was asked to go to Laira recently to interrogate the CCTV from a class 802 unit. The many camera views on these trains can now be studied to help with incident management earlier in the journey. The Hitachi staff at Laira can pin point the exact time and run the sequence to see if any evidence is available to help an investigation. Superb views of the journey can be watched from forward facing (driver view), rear facing, in-train and even the pantograph has its own camera view. A tell tale is the little light on the roof providing vital illumination for this.

Once the footage had been viewed, a look around the depot was allowed. I never tire of a depot visit. The mixture of new GWR green, and Cross Country traction standing silently in the sheds after midnight contrasted with the HST power cars in the main shops. Looking rather like fish heads removed from the rest of the train! These were all manner of liveries and created a bizarre pattern lined up under the depot lamps. I couldn't help but conjure images of visits as a child with rows of Class 52s in the same position. Two class 08s also shared the stage, the class being resident since the days of the old steam shed here of course.

Also pictured is DRS hired in class 57 57306 at Par working the down sleepers running an hour late

All the best, Craig.

Laira at night (1) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Laira at night (2) Copyright Craig Munday.

Laira at night (3) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Laira at night (4) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Laira at night (5) 21st February 2021 Copyright Craig Munday.

Laira at night (6) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - rare views inside Laira Depot, even rarer at night.

Craigs bonus picture
Par early morning

The 13th proved unlucky for some who had a meeting to go to. 57306 Par 1C50 on the one hour late running sleeper. 13th February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.

Thanks Craig.

22nd February 2021

22/2/2021

Transport for Wales
'new' class 769 trains.
Guy Vincent

Recently converted former class 319 electric multiple unit 319006 standing in Cardiff Central station at 0850 this morning, no longer powered by electricity but by two MAN D2876 6-cylinder, 12.8 litre diesel engines and renumbered 769006. TFW recently withdrew their fleet of 142 and 143 pacers and the 769s had been intended to come into service before this happened, however the conversion project has taken far longer than originally planned. The unit was not in passenger service today and returned to Canton depot. The 319s were introduced in 1988 and spent over 30 years running between Bedford and Brighton on the Thameslink route through London.

Regards, Guy Vincent.

Cardiff Central 769006 22nd February 2021 (1). Copyright Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 769006 150284 22nd February 2021 (2) . Copyright Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 769006 Diesel Engine 22.02.2021 (4) . Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cardiff Central 769006 22nd February 2021 (5). Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy - todays pictures

Silverlink crosses
Largin
Chris Harvey

Here is a colourful shot from this month a decade ago that you might be able to use.

After its transfer to FGW but before being repainted, Silverlink-liveried 150 120 rolls downhill over Largin viaduct with the 0928 Exeter St Davids - Penzance. The date is 12th Feb 2011.

Best Regards, Chris Harvey, Bodmin.

Largin Viaduct is crossed by 150120 in Silverlink livery. 12th February 2011. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris - a nice lofty shot.

Refreshing Red - Virgin trains
Totnes
Paul Barlow

Virgin trains 47814 Totnes Castle arrives at Totnes on the 08.58 Penzance to Manchester . This loco now lives on as .Now 57306, it was rebuilt in April 2003. The date of this bright view is 5th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Bright livery, clean ballast, a nice shot, Many thanks Paul.

Whatley Quarry branch
Murdercombe Tunnel
Driver Alan Peters

Driver Alan Peters writes :- The North portal of the eerie sounding Murdercombe Tunnel on the Whatley Quarry taken on 'unlucky for some' the 13th October 2020 the diminutive tunnel is at the yard exit protected by W285 signal controlled from Westbury Power Signal Box, also of note is the catch point - Alan

Whatley Branch. Murdercombe Tunnel. Two Chains long, Catch pint controlled from Westbury PSB 13th October 2020. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan for this very clear and unusual view right through the tunnel. Has anybody got any ideas where the name originates from?? See below Many thanks to
David Critchlow.

I believe local legend has it that there was a battle between 2 lords, after which the losing side was 'grievously put down', some on the battlefield, others were hung.

Tedbury hill fort forms the north side of the combe so it is quite feasible for a battle to have taken place here.

Dave Critchlow Many thanks for your research David,

21st February 2021

21/2/2021

Refreshing Red - Virgin trains
Stoneycombe
Paul Barlow

Virgin trains 47747 climbs Dainton bank having just passed Stoneycombe Quarry with the 08.58 Penzance to Manchester Stoneycombe Loco cut up at C F Booth, Rotherham, in June 2013. Copyright Paul Barlow. 5th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

And now for some 'Golden Oldies' from Roger.

The Falmouth Branch in the early 1970s
Roger Winnen

750331g D1070 Western Gauntlet arrives at Truro on 13.30 Paddington to Penzance. On the right was the old goods yard used by the 'Rocket' whilst in steam at Truro. Copyright Roger Winnen

750331i Falmouth Docks Station. Oil tanks visible in the adjacent line running to the docks..Copyright Roger Winnen

750331j Dereliction at the closed Falmouth Docks Station. This station lwhich closed on 7th December 1970 later reopened on 5th May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

750331l Running nearly into the closed Falmouth Docks Station, reversal was needed here as the line was on a falling gradient at The Dell Station and it was considered unsafe for the drivers to change ends. Notice oil tanks visible in the adjacent docks line Copyright Roger Winnen

750331k The garage at the Dell Falmouth. This station was the terminus of services to Falmouth from December 1970 through until May 1975 Built using components from the former Perranporth Beach Halt on the Newquay Branch. Copyright Roger Winnen

750321l Penmere Platform with gates for the oil terminal at Penmere visible. Copyright Roger Winnen. N.B. The sidings for the oil terminal together with an associated loop were taken out of use in October 1967.

20th February 2021

20/2/2021

Refreshing Red - Virgin trains
Aller Junction
Paul Barlow

Virgin trains 47701 10.17 Manchester to Penzance seen at Aller Junction. This loco now owned by Nemesis Rail 5th August 2008. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Red at Dawlish
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

Phil brings us this view of Virgin trains 43103 at Dawlish in 2001 Copyright Phil Smith

Many thanks Phil - the bright red comes out nicely against the dark green.

Rare loco at
Lostwithiel
Julian Stephens

60006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster with Redland Aggregates self discharge train which had been in use in the Largin area. 31st January 1998 Copyright Julian Stephens

60006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster eases past Lostwithiels signalbox. 31st January 1998 Copyright Julian Stephens

60006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster and crawls out onto the bridge over the river Fowey to reverse. 31st January 1998 Copyright Julian Stephens

60006 Scunthorpe Ironmaster reverses its train into the currently unused down sidings at Lostwithiel. 31st January 1998 Copyright Julian Stephens

Thank you Julian for your shots of this rather unusual train and very rare motive power at Lostwithiel.

A visit to Swindon works in the late 70's
Swindon Works
By Mick House.

First off, I must apologise for the quality of the photos, I did not have the technology then that I have now. Back in the seventies I was involved with a project involving preservation and restoration of all forms of rolling stock at the former Pullman car works in Brighton. One of the projects I was participating in was to preserve a 08 shunter, 08471 to be exact (photo 1); this involved a trip to Swindon works to see it and a tour of the site, at the time of the visit there was a large quantity of 08s to be seen on site and a lot of them were being scraped. The highlight of the tour was the vast part of the works that was (A) Shop and some of the side shops attached to it. The main erecting shop with its many Traversers (photos 2 & 3), one of its many overhead cranes (photo 4), side shops (photos 5 & 6), also not forgetting the machinery therein, multi head oxy-acetylene cutter (photos 7), vertical milling machine (photo 8) and small traversing crane for lifting smaller components (photo 9). The work being carried out at the time of my visit was quite varied from Shunters, DMUs, P Way cranes, Wagons to Mainline locos. Class 03 170 was about to be reunited with its gearbox and transmission (photo 10), some DMUs receiving attention (photo 11) and a Peak standing next to a Class 31 with its cab missing, possibly a head-on collision or maybe just rotten bodywork! (photo 12). Hope you have enjoyed my short trip around Swindon works.

Photo (1) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (2) Copyright Mick House;

Photo (3) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (4) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (5) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (6) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (7) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (8) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (9) Copyright Mick House.

Photo 10. Copyright Mick House.

Photo (11) Copyright Mick House.

Photo (12) Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks for your excellent and extensive report and photographs on your privileged visit to Swindon works Mick.

You will find a repeat of this report plus other reports of CRS visits to Swindon works if you click here - this takes you to the CHIPPENHAM TO SWINDON section - you'll have to scroll to find the works visits towards the end of this section.

19th February 2021

19/2/2021

Penzance
Mark Lynam

Yesterday saw 37175 at Penzance having worked the 3Q52 2234 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Penzance test train the night before, seen in some sunshine. Regards Mark Lynam

37175 at Penzance 17th February 2021 Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks Mark, a nice bright day, at times!

Refreshing red - vintage
Virgin Trains
Paul Barlow

47839 tackles Dainton bank with the 06.36 Wolverhampton to Plymouth 1V35. This loco was Loco cut at Eastleigh August 2013. This picture taken on the 13th May 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

A week around
Dawlish and Teignmouth
Clive Smith

Work patterns saw me on repeat visits to Teignmouth and Dawlish over the last week allowing me an opportunity in lockdown to record some activity during the weather changes.
Regards
Clive Smith

(1) I headed down to Parsons Tunnel in the bitterly cold howling wind and fortunately high tide was not due for over three hours so an ice cold shower was thankfully avoided. 43208 heads the 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth with 43285 on the rear on the 11th February. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2)A miserable Sunday morning on the 14th February as the sea wall at Teignmouth takes a pummelling. This was at 09.55 with high tide just passed at 08.11 and the both lines had been closed until 10.25 when single line working was introduced until 13.00 when both lines then operated. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) A grey train on a grey day at Dawlish Warren. This is 43207 leading with 43378 on rear of the 08.11 Leeds - Plymouth also on the 14th February. The HST was held at the signal expecting to go down the 'up' line but was given the 'road' on the down. Copyright Clive Smith

(4) A Cross Country HST enters Dawlish with the 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh on the 18th February.The rear power car is 43239 and the front is 43366. Despite a few showers floating around it was by and large a gloriously sunny day. This was taken from Lea Mount above Kennaway Tunnel. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) On top of Lea Mount at Dawlish looking through the trees to Coryton Cove as a class 158 heads between Coryton and Kennaway Tunnels with the 12.55 Paignton - Exmouth. Copyright Clive Smith

What a range of views and weathers covered in just a little over one and a half miles. Many thanks Clive.

Near Swindon
Ashbury Crossing
Ken Mumford

Ken sends us the 'pre-electrification' at Ashbury Crossing

2007. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Thank you Ken - keep well keep safe.

<<Previous