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31st March 2019

31/3/2019

 
Sherborne
Andrew Triggs

Picture
1. SWR 158887 departing Sherborne working 1L52 for London Waterloo 29.3.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
2. SWR 159017 arriving at Sherborne working 1L39 for Yeovil Pen Mill 29.3.2019 ​Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
3 Sherborne station buildings looking towards London Waterloo 29.3.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
4 Sherborne station buildings looking towards London Waterloo 29.3.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Many thanks Andrew
​Part 2 tomorrow

Winnen's Westerns
Chyandour
Roger Winnen

Picture
D1010 Western Campaigner heads the Royal Mail at Chyandour Penzance 12th June 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen
Bridges
Clive Smith

​Some more pictures of the stunning bridges in our area in the recent glorious spring weather. Only one train in this batch. Sometimes the conditions don't wait for the trains to roll on by and this was the case here.

               Regards, Clive Smith.          
Many thanks Clive

Picture
(1) 66127 crosses St Germans viaduct with early running 10.58 Burngullow - Exeter Riverside sand on the 26th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith (Very nicely framed and caught)
Picture
(2) Earlier that morning I was at Forder under the viaduct at 08.15. High tide was at 09.15 and there was not a breath of wind to ripple the water. The sun was directly behind me and not high in the sky. Perfect conditions for a study of this superb viaduct. 26th March 2019. (An amazing picture - the water looks very cold!!) Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(3) Friday 29th March 2019 was yet another sunny forecast so I again headed west, this time to the River Tamar to photograph the morning trains . As previously mentioned the river was covered in fog but I noticed the sun starting to shine through and the first traces of the fog burning off. Close up to the water's edge the eastern end of the bridge started to reveal itself in a very ethereal and atmospheric way. I spent the next hour happily snapping away at the various changing scenes including the odd train until the fog eventually burned off. This picture was taken at 09.02 some twenty minutes after the last up train and 30 minutes before the next down. Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(4) The Royal Albert Bridge finally revealed itself in all its glory. This was the scene at 09.49 on the 29th March 2019. Just five minutes prior to this there was a bank of fog obscuring the western span of the Royal Albert bridge and the Saltash side of the river. For a few seconds the river was like a millpond.. Perfect conditions then a slight breeze on the water removed the stunning reflection. Copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive for some amazing early morning pictures.  The early bird catches the ……. 

30th March 2019

30/3/2019

 
Long Rock T.M.D Pilots throughout the years Part 1
Andrew Triggs

Our resident Class 08's through the years, often overlooked but still performing their everyday duties after more than 60+ years
All the Best
Andrew

Picture
​1. 08801 at Penzance in 1991 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
​2. 08644 'Ponsandane' at Penzance in 1992 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
​3. 08641 'Laira' at Longrock TMD in 2015 Copyright Andrew Triggs
Picture
4. 08645 returning again to Longrock TMD in 2019
Picture
5. 08410 trundling into Penzance in 2016. Copyright Andrew Triggs
Thanks Andrew
March Sizzler
Craig Munday
Hi Keith,  A selection of Spring pictures from the recent days.

On the 26th a trek up to the Glynn Valley in sublime light to see 1A85 and 66149 with the sand. Strange to be stalking HSTs in their final days working 2x8 to Paddington, but they are very much vulnerable now. 

The clay by rail thankfully recommenced after a few weeks lull on Wednesday. 66127 made it's way to Treviscoe and Carne Point on Wed 27th. The loaded train is seen at Golant - taken from a builder's scaffold - a new, but very temporary viewpoint!

Also on 27th 70816 is seen with the cement tanks running around prior to heading for Moorswater. 

Finally, yesterday 28th, 66009 in bright red on the sand, and 66126 (note the loco swap from 127) working the clay. See the driver deftly delivering the token in its hoop carrier onto the catcher opposite the box at St Blazey 

      All the best,  Craig          
        Many thanks indeed Craig
Picture
66149 with the 1A85 sand at Penkestle 26th March 2019 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
66127 seen on the 6P24 Treviscoe to Carne Point seen here at Golant on the 27th March 2019 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
66009 runs light engine past St Blazey up platform. 27th March 2019. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
70816 is running round its rake of cement at Lostwithiel prior to heading to Moorswater. 27th March 2019 Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
Spectators at Lostwithiel pay little attention to an up HST now becoming a rare sight. However note the signal pulled off for a down service 27th March 2019. Copyright Craig Munday
Picture
66126 seen at St Blazey on the 6G06. The driver deftly placing the token on the catcher. Copyright Craig Munday, 28th March 2019
Misty Saltash
Clive Smith

Friday 29th March 2019 was another sunny forecast so again I headed west to photograph the morning up London HSTs . As I turned off the A38 for St Budeaux to drop down to the Royal Albert Bridge my heart sank at the sight of a bank of fog on the Tamar. As I parked up below the bridge by the old ferry slipway with the first train due I noticed the sun starting to shine through and the first traces of the fog burning off. Close up to the water's edge the eastern end of the bridge started to reveal itself in a very ethereal and atmospheric way. These pictures show the trains that crossed the bridge in the next hour. Part 2 will show just the bridge itself during this wonderful hour.

               Regards, Clive Smith. 
Many thanks Clive.


Picture
(1) The 06.47 Penzance - Paddington emerges from the mist at 08.47. Power cars are 43088 and 43161. Standing back any further for this photo it would have been impossible to see the train such was the fog density. 29th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(2) The 06.24 Bristol PW - Penzance 2+4 makeshift set with 43155 leading and 43172 on the rear crosses the bridge at 09.30. 29th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(3) The 07.41 Penzance - Paddington crosses the bridge at 09.42. At this stage just the eastern span was visible with the fog still thick on the Saltash side. Power cars not known. 29th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(4) Just ten minutes later at 09.52 and the fog had quickly burnt off revealing the Tamar and the bridge in all its glory as the 06.35 Paddington - Penzance IET crosses the bridge. 29th March Copyright Clive Smith.
Sayanora Toyota
​Farewell Old Friend
Clive Smith
Not everybody gets nostalgic over cars but when you've had one for a long time and it hasn't let you down taking you to many railway locations parting from an old friend as you take it for its last run to the scrapyard on its final run is a sad occasion. Yesterday was such an occasion for Clive as he poses his chariot in front of a far older old friend.  We had to have railway somewhere in this picture! 29th March 2019.
Picture
Farewell old friend. Clive's Corolla at Saltash. 29th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

29th March 2019

29/3/2019

 
'Sultan' at Cardiff
​Michael Forward
Picture
I attach a picture of 33025 about to leave the West end of Cardiff with empty coaches from a service from Portsmouth Harbour on 16 April 1982.The loco. and driver look smart. Copyright Michael Forward
East Budleigh
Clive Smith

East Budleigh  station served the villages of East Budleigh and Otterton in Devon. It was opened in 1897 as Budleigh on the Budleigh Salterton Railway (BSR), which branched from the Sidmouth Railway at Tipton St Johns. The station was then renamed East Budleigh in 1898. The London and South Western Railway, which worked the BSR, did not name the station after the nearby village of Otterton to avoid confusion with its Otterham station on the North Cornwall line. Passenger and freight services were finally withdrawn in 1967.

On March 27th 2019 I visited the nearby Otterton Mill across the river bridge and took a few photos of the track bed and the station which is a private residence. I was rather surprised to find a 7&1/4 inch light railway straddling the grounds ! All photos were taken from the adjacent road. Please check out the four links for a fascinating look at the history of the station and the line as well as the Otterton and East Budleigh Light Railway. For anyone wishing to visit the railway for a ride there will be two open days in 2019 on the 9th June and 10th August.
    Regards Clive Smith. 

         Many thanks Clive for your article, pictures and links.
​
Picture
East Budleigh - the view looking towards Newton Poppleford. 27th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
A view off the bridge at East Budleigh - hey what's this? The station platform and seven and three Quarter inch railway. 27th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
The station buildings, with added extensions, at East Budleigh. Looking in very good order. 27th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
East Budlegh Station approach , Please note this is PRIVATE. Public open days on the 9th June and 10th August 2019. This photo taken on 27th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Please check out the following links for more information and pictures of East Budleigh station and area.​


Disused Stations: East Budleigh Station


Disused Stations: Otterton & East Budleigh Light Railway


https://en-gb.facebook.com/oeblr/


Charities benefit from village railway opening

28th March 2019

28/3/2019

 
Major Incident at Stoke Cannon Level Crossing this morning

43071 + LA26 42563 42105 42175 44081 + 43180 working the 2D02 06:00 Exeter St Davids to Bristol Parkway has crashed into a car on Stoke Canon level crossing between Exeter and Tiverton Parkway. Very unfortunately the driver was killed - tragic. 
GWR diverting via Honiton
XC given up west of Taunton
Information kindly supplied by SW Rail Gen
Picture
Stoke Cannon Signal Box. This box remains at this location. It is a listed structure, and is no longer in use.. Photograph taken on 9th October 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen
For Full details on BBC News website please click here.
Winnen's Westerns
Rospeath
Roger Winnen

Picture
The 19.20 Royal Mail from Penzance is seen approaching Rospeath near Crowlas. 24th April 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen
St Austell 60's
Andrew Jones

Towards the end of their operational life the 50’s were again re- introduced on the Southern mainline to Exeter and gave sterling service with improved timings and reliability, (post rebuild in the late 1970’s,  including modifications to the roof mounted air intake fan, which contributed to the locomotives nickname  ‘Hoover,’ due the distinctive sucking noise).
With all this talk of 50’s, next month it will be 50 years since I photographed St Austell Station in April 1969.
The attached photograph shows little change since its opening on the 4th May 1859 and I can still remember the adjacent Western National bus station with a single siding entering the forecourt and bus turning bay. There was a line of bus shelters flanking the perimeter wall and a splendid fleet of Bristol buses beautifully turned out in dark green, unfortunately just a distant memory!
 
     Best wishes Andrew Jones                 
Many thanks Andrew.
Yes I too can remember the siding across the forecourt and the tale of a shunter who failed to apply the brakes on a wagon and put it through the side of a Western National double decker parked there
!
 

Picture
St Austell Station April 1969 Copyright Andew Jones The sleepers shine with 'oil droppings; The old down station building unaware of changes to come as was the footbridge.

27th March 2019

27/3/2019

 
Focus on Forder
Clive Smith

​An early start on Tuesday 26th March to capture the up Golden Hind in glorious sun down the road from me. Then off to South East Cornwall to capture the viaducts at high tide in full sun as well as maybe a last chance to finally capture some HSTs in the Duchy on the up Londons. 
   Regards,  Clive Smith. 
         
Many thanks Clive - a worthwhile early morning start.


Picture
(1) Sunrise was at 06.05 and with the South Hams bathed in glorious morning sunshine it was an opportunity to photograph the 05.05 Penzance - Paddington 'The Golden Hind' at 07.05 from Davey's Bridge Ivybridge. This Sunday 31st March the clocks will go forward so we will lose that morning hour of daylight for the final week leading up to the up Hind's last HST working on the 5th April. Worth getting out of bed early for. 26th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(2) 2+4 Castle HST 43187 and 43016 crosses Forder Viaduct with the 06.24 Bristol PW - Penzance. Not a breath of wind and barely a ripple on the water. High tide was at 09.15. 26th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(3) The 09.00 Penzance - Paddington 'Cornish Riviera' crosses Forder Viaduct. 26th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(4) Another 2+4 Castle HST this time on the 09.26 Exeter St D - Penzance crossing Forder Viaduct. 26th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(5) 43078 and 43079 form the 10.00 Penzance - Paddington crossing the River Lynher on St Germans Viaduct. A little bit chillier here on the river with a strong breeze so no reflection alas. 26th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
The good old days at
Truro
The late John Cornelius
Let's for a moment get away from HST's and IET's and harp back to 1976 and a heritage set arriving at Truro. Remember these noisy rattling things, but at least you got a good view, out of the front sometimes, and another bonus was that you could drop the windows and enjoy the air and the fumes!!!
Picture
One of the classic photographs from our very good friend - the late John Cornelius.

26th March 2019

26/3/2019

 
Sunday H.S.Ts in Focus etc
Mid & ​East Cornwall
Roger Winnen


Picture
190324a The 13.00 Penzance to Paddington approaches Menheniot behind 43063. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
190324b 43063 Running down the grade towards Menheniot Station with the 13.00 Pz Padd. Menheniot Village is seen in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
190324c The 12.57 Paddington Penzance is seen crossing Coldrenick Viaduct Menheniot with the rear celebrity power car 43185 Great Western. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
190324d 43163 Exeter Panel Signal Box heads the 12.57 Paddington Penzance at Respryn. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
190324e Milltown Viaduct Lostwithiel. Copyright Roger Winnen
Ivybridge area
Clive Smith

Some scenes from a lovely afternoon on the 25th March 2019 that didn't interrupt my day's gardening too much.
                             Regards,  Clive Smith. 

​Many thanks Clive - a smashing day for gardening and photography.
​
Picture
(1) Celebrity BR liveried 43002 passes the old Cantrell Works between Bittaford and Ivybridge with the 3A88 10.45 St Phillips Marsh - Plymouth ECS to form the 13.56 from Plymouth to Paddington. This movement was due to an earlier fatality in Somerset delaying trains and displacing sets. Some severe cutting back of vegetation has allowed this location to be again opened up but the bracken and brambles will soon take hold as spring marches into summer and may make pictures difficult. The rear car is 43022. Having seen this location in many photos back in hydraulic days it came as a disappointment when I went looking for the vantage points some twenty years ago. Amazing what a long overdue substantial bit of pruning can reveal. The works here once housed Western Machinery Ltd . Today the building is split into small units for hire with a nice pop-up cafe on Wednesdays I have been known to frequent with my good lady. 25th March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(2) 43002 now brings up the rear of the 13.56 Plymouth - Paddington which did not run from Penzance. This picture was taken from the field at Davey's Cross between Ivybridge and Bittaford. When I arrived there was a very distinct rural smell that was somewhat overpowering as the field had just had large amounts of muck spread over it. As I was waiting for the train I heard a rumble and in through the gates came a large speedy tractor with attached muck spreader going full pelt spreading far and wide. This was going to be a bit hairy I thought. The tractor was on its third circuit of the field and getting ever nearer as I shuffled away further up the field to avoid a slurry shower. 25th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith
Picture
(3) One hour later at Harford Road bridge and thankfully not needing a change of clothes, celebrity Inter City liveried 43185 leads the 15.00 Plymouth- Paddington off the viaduct that spans the River Erme and overlooks the town of Ivybridge. The bright sun shining onto the side of the HST creates a dappled light on the train through the nearby trees. 43185 and 43162 started the day on the 05.05 Penzance - Paddington diverted via Bristol due to a fatality. They then worked the 11.03 Paddington - Plymouth. They were scheduled to finish the day on the 19.03 Paddington - Plymouth. This diagram I previously estimated was 980 miles so with a diversion via Bristol (Parkway or Bath ?) I wonder if it exceeded 1000 miles ? Maybe the bit from Long Rock at the start and back to Laira at the end just tipped it over that mark. Anyone like to confirm ? 25th March 2019. Copyright Clive Smith.
50's near Tisbury
Peter Murnaghan
With all the recent interest in Class 50s, I have looked out these pictures of the last day of Class 50s in service on the Waterloo-Exeter line.
These pictures were taken by me, I believe near Tisbury on 24th May 1992.  They show 50 007 and D400 going down to Exeter, followed by two Class 33s double heading a service train and, later in the day, D400 and 50 007 returning to London.
                    Best wishes.  Peter.   Many thanks Peter.
Picture
50007 and D400 heading for Exeter Near Tisbury 24th May 1992 Copyright Peter Murnaghan
Picture
50007 and D400 heading for Exeter Near Tisbury 24th May 1992 Copyright Peter Murnaghan
Picture
Two 33's also heading for Exeter Near Tisbury 24th May 1992 Copyright Peter Murnaghan
Picture
- And again, seen here in that fine country near Tisbury are 50007 and D400 heading back to London. 24th May 1992. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

25th March 2019

25/3/2019

 
Paul Barlow
Looks back at the 50's

Hello Keith

Please see attachment of yesterdays class 50 tour passing Exeter St Thomas.  (This has been added to our Terminator feature)

The next two are the 'Chiltern Atmospheric 50 tour' 0800 Aylesbury to Plymouth. First shot is taken from the top of Blackboy tunnel as the tour passes the site of Mount Pleasant halt (closed 2 January 1928) , second as it passes Exeter St Thomas (16 May 1992)

The remaining photographs are which I believe to be the last class 50 hauled Waterloo-Exeter service. The 1655 from London Waterloo double headed with D400 and 50007. The 2250 Exeter to Laira ECS was triple headed with 50033 attached at Exeter. The date was 24 May 1992.

      Hope this is of interest,       Kind regards,      Paul Barlow
    
They certainly are of great interest, many thanks to you Paul.
Picture
D400 50007 0800 Aylesbury to Plymouth passes Exmouth Junction and heads for Blackboy tunnel. 16th May 1992 Copyright Paul Barlow
Picture
Having reversed at Exeter St Davids 50007, D400 pass through Exeter St Thomas with the 0800 Aylesbury to Plymouth. 16th May 1992 Copyright Paul Barlow
Picture
D400 50007 1655 Waterloo to Exeter at Exeter St Davids. 24th May 1992 Copyright Paul Barlow
Picture
D400 50007 50033 at Exeter at 22.50 on the 24th May 1992. Copyright Paul Barlow
Picture
D400 50007 50033 on the 2250 Exeter to Laira ECS on the 24th May 1992 Copyright Paul Barlow

24th March 2019

24/3/2019

 
Featuring the 50's
In view of the large number of pictures received concerning the 'Terminator Railtour' featuring the two immaculate Class 50's this is being covered as a feature.
​
Click here to go to the features section
Picture
The Terminator Railtour passes St Erth Station. Copyright Ollie Turrell
Picture
190323h Looking towards the famous engine house at Wheal Busy with the special rounding the curve. Copyright Roger Winnen
Trerulefoot
​12 years ago today
Chris Harvey
Rewinding to 24th March 2007, which seems to have been a beautiful spring day in Cornwall, here is 43 132 captured on the front of the 1145 Penzance - Paddington, rounding the long curve between Trerulefoot and St Germans.
         Best Regards, Chris Harvey.         Many thanks Chris
Picture
Trerulefoot 43132 seen on the 24th March 2007 Copyright Chris Harvey
Crediton
David Tozer

Crediton the shabbiest unit on our network 153333 leads 153 369 and 153329 with the 1243 Barnstaple - Exmouth. 153333 has been stripped of its vinyl's and sadly looks a right mess.
Picture
153333,153369,153329 at Crediton 23rd March 2019 David Tozer
Craigs Cornwall
Craig Munday

In addition to pictures of the 'Terminator' - you can see them on the Feature Section Craig has also three offerings as below - many thanks Craig
Picture
Lostwithiel Crossing on the 18th March 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.
Picture
Par. 19th March 2019. Driver John Jones and Driver Leader Sally wait to take 43170 forward to Quintrell Downs on a test run to check platform clearances. Copyright Craig Munday.
Picture
The overnight sleeper from Paddington arrives at Par at 06.27 on Saturday 23rd March 2019. Copyright Craig Munday.

23rd March 2019

23/3/2019

 

"The Class 50 Terminator - Phoenixed!"

GBRf 50049 Defiance & 50007 Hercules also in the guise of 50 014 Warspite with The Class 50 Terminator – Phoenixed. As it was not activated on Real Time Trains, I suspect most of us had to wing it today to get a photograph; well it paid off for me. So this is the first of I expect many that you will see today. It passed me at 13.12 about 6 minutes late. By Mick House.  
Photos by Mick House & Martin Scane
Picture
50049 Defiance & 50007 Hercules pass Hallenbeagle. Copyright Mick House.
I’m sure you’ll get lots of photos but this is the down train at Redruth running 5 minutes late.
And very smart they look too.
Martin Scane.
Picture
50 049/007 pass Redruth. Copyright Martin Scane.
Many Thanks Martin.
On the return leg of the journey, 50007 Hercules also in the guise of 50 014 Warspite was leading 50049 Defiance, with Real Time Trains activated the ensemble left Penzance 8 minutes late.
​By Mick House.
Picture
50007 Hercules also in the guise of 50 014 Warspite was leading 50049 Defiance, pass Gwinear Road, 9 minutes late at 15.53. Copyright Mick House.
Deltic Devonian
​
Roger Geach, Clive Smith and Roger Winnen

The 28th November 1981 saw Deltic 55016 Gordon Highlander work the 1Z40 railtour from  Finsbury Park to Exeter St Davids via the Berks & Hants, returning to Liverpool Street via the Southern. The  pictures show the Deltic passing Cowley Bridge Junction, amidst the throng of enthusiasts at St Davids and then passing Exeter Central signal box.
              Regards,  Clive Smith                  
Many thanks Clive
Picture
55016 Gordon Highlander heads the Deltic Devonian on the approach to Exeter passes Cowley Bridge Junction. 28th November 1981 Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
The Deltic Devonian was booked to stay an hour at St Davids. Here we see it waiting to start the climb towards Exeter Central. Note the array of signals and spectators on the board crossing.. 28th November 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Picture
The scene at Exeter St Davids captured by Roger Geach. The crowds, the Deltic and the semaphores. 28th November 1981. Copyright Roger Geach.
Picture
The Devon Devonian has just passed through Exeter Central on its return journey. 28th November 1981
Picture
Gordon Highlander departs Yeovil Junction on the 28th November 1981. Note the enthusiast enjoying the fumes and the roar as he hangs out of the window clutching his microphone. 28th November 1981. Copyright Roger Winnen
To see more of this railtour please click here for our railtours collection, select Diesel Railtours in Cornwall & Devon 1960 - 1989 and then scroll down to 28th November 1981.

22nd March 2019

22/3/2019

 

Public Notices and Posters Collection, has been updated.
Through Diesel and Steam Trains and Through services.

Re: The Rail Sleeves/Ferrules.

In response to Tracy Elliot's Question.
The Rail Sleeves are actually Ferrules and they are inserted in to the holes on the chairs and then the chair screws are screwed in, fixing the chair to the sleeper. The Ferrules can be made from Teak, Oak or Plastic. By Mick House.

                     I hope this helps Tracy.
Picture
Copyright Mick House.
Picture
The above is taken from: Permanent Way Notes, Civil Engineer's Office, Paddington.
Picture
Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks Mick
​

Answers and questions
St Austell
Guy Vincent
  I was interested in Paul Delcour Hilverson's nice photo of a 'Western' arriving at St Austell in 1975.  I would like to add the following information regarding this picture.  According to the BR WR Working Timetable for the summer of 1975 the headcode 1B83 was used M-F on the 1530 Paddington-Penzance and on the Saturday night 2355 Paddington-Penzance sleeper. This overnight working also conveyed motor cars as far as Exeter St Davids in GUV (General Utility) vans.  As this is an 'up' working there is some mystery as to why this headcode is displayed at the London end of the loco. Maybe it was turned at Penzance (was that possible in 1975?),  was wrongly set or had been set as such for some days, I've no idea.   The loco is recently 'ex-works' and can be identified as a Swindon built example by the inboard positioning of the overhead warning flashes.  Swindon-built locos that received repaints in 1975 were D1009 (released off Laira on 04.07.1975)  and D1010 which was released by Laira on 09.05.1975.   My money is on this loco being D1009 Western Invader.  Maybe someone else can help with further clarification on my comments.   Paul, many thanks for this; do you have a date (either approximate or exact) to help further?
                            Regards, Guy Vincent.

Many thanks indeed for your expert and detailed comments concerning Paul Delcour's holiday photograph. Paul will be contacted 
Picture
St Austell Engeland in 1975. Copyright Paul Delcour, Hilversum, Netherlands. Probably D1009 Western Invader - see comment above.
New Livery for class 50's
Karl Hewlett

Please find below a link for 'Rail Advent' which shows the completed Class 50's at Eastleigh Works in their new GBRf liveries.  Click on the images to blow the size up for full viewing potential!

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2019/03/gb-railfreight-unveil-class-50-locomotives.html

Regards, Karl (Friends Of Penmere Station).
​             
Many thanks Karl - a link well worth clicking on.
Disappointment for some!
50's to Penzance
Clive Smith

​Good Morning Keith, Anyone expecting to see 50007 paired with 50049 in their new GBRF livery on the railtour to Penzance this Saturday will be surprised that 50007 will now be in the guise of 50014 Warspite. This sort of pretence may not be to everyone's liking. Here are a few pictures of the real 50014.
Regards, Clive Smith.

Perhaps it is not inappropriate to have the name change as the HMS Warspite was wrecked near Penzance.  One hopes that this Warspite has a successful journey. A little of the history - more on Google.
Launched during March 1915 as part of the Royal Navy`s `Queen Elizabeth` Class of warship, HMS WARSPITE survived both World Wars only to end her distinguished career as a rusting hulk alongside St. Michael`s Mount.

Picture
(1) 50014 Warspite leaves Paignton with the 07.55 to Glasgow/Edinburgh on the 11th September 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.
Picture
(2) On the next day 50014 Warspite and 50035 Ark Royal stand at Newton Abbot with the 14.40 Plymouth - Paddington on the 12th September 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.
Railway sleeves?
Tracy Elliot
Tracy contacted Derek Buttivant who in turn passed the query onwards.
Dear Derek
I have a pair of old wooden railway "sleeves", which were found on a branch line in Cornwall (probably a mineral one). The tapered sleeves are of oak and were sat in beside a metal rail chair.  My Dad (who found them) canot recall which part of the chair they were sat against, but they could have been a sort of buffer.
They are 1.5" long and the ends are 1.5" tapering to 1.25".
Do you have any idea what they were for please?
Thanks,
Tracy Elliott. 
Many thanks for your query Tracy, we'll see what comes of it. Maybe they are 'rawplugs' for fastening screws into concrete sleepers?
Picture
Rail sleeves Copyright Tracy Elliot See post dated 21st March 2019
Picture
Rail sleeves Copyright Tracy Elliot
Picture
Rail sleeves Copyright Tracy Elliot See post dated 21st March 2019
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