Blog Archives

21st July 2023

21/7/2023

Virgin red brightens to coastline at
Dawlish
Phil Smith

Looking very smart in its Virgin Trains livery 43102 dashes along Dawlish wall in 2002. Copyright Phil Smith

It is understood that this PC holds the record for the fastest diesel run.

Many thanks Phil - interesting the speed record.

Summer at Newquay & Motorail at St Austell 1978
Roger Winnen

750625h Arrival at Newquay of 50050 Copyright Roger Winnen

780625k A Peak arrival at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625kk Class 50 50007 on the 10.05 departure from Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625m 10.05 from Newquay at Tolcarne Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

780625s Claa 50047 Swiftsure at St Austell with motorail on the up platform together with a Class 08 in the siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

20th July 2023

20/7/2023

Evening at Rewe
David Tozer

Tonight at Rewe.
43016/43153 with the 1650 Penzance to Cardiff.
66711 and 66701 with the 2002 3Q98 Exeter Riverside to King’s Norton Ot Plant Depot
Copyright David Tozer

43016 19.7.2023 Copyright David Tozer

66711 19.7.2023 Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Bathpool Observations
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,

Some passing traffic through Bathpool today,

1)   1V44, Lds-Ply, 43304, with 43378
2)   2U12, Pnz- Cdf, 43172, with 43192
3)   5Z37, Bps Lydeard - St Philips Marsh, Gresley 60007, with support coach and 37521 in tow.
4)   37521.

Hope these are of interest,

Bill.

Picture 1 43304. 19th July 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Picture 2 43172. 19th July 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Picture 3 What a grand sight. 60007. 19th July 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Picture 4 37521. 19th July 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill - Bathpool is just to the east of Taunton.

1973 - trip to
St Ives
Howard Sprenger

Hi Keith,
After visiting Liskeard, and going on down to Falmouth for the weekend, I took a bus to St Erth on Saturday 27th October and then caught the train down to St Ives. As at Liskeard, not a huge amount has changed at St Erth in the intervening 50 years, although, of course, there are no longer any milk tanks to be seen!

Best regards, Howard Sprenger

St Erth (1) 27th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

St Erth (2) 27th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

St Erth (3) 27th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

St Ives - a heritage unit chunters away puffing out smoke and CO2! (4) 27th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

At St Ives the platform has been lengthened and the station buildings, have also been up graded from temporary structures to form a modern Travel Centre. In retrospect going back many years the St Ives terminus, as it was in GWR days would have made for a much more attractive scene and closer to the town and beach. Maybe you'd like to - take a look at our St Ives branch collection to see how it was.

Howards pictures form a very valuable record of the St Ives branch. Many thanks to you Howard.

19th July 2023

19/7/2023

Special Trains in Cornwall yesterday
Colas Rail with a Land Recovery Train and a Class 37418 with Caroline

Jon Hird writes
Today Colas Rail ran a trial in conjunction with a company called ‘Land Recovery’. They loaded sand (a byproduct of the China clay quarries) at the old Methrose siding at Burngullow which was taken by rail up to Stoke-on-Trent.

The train had to run in two halves due to the weight on the Tamar bridge and due to the Devon banks

230718b Looking down from the road overbridge at Burngullow. Copyright Tony Shore

230718b Passing through St Austell Station viewed from the footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

230718f 37418 and Caroline is seen approaching Par Station. Copyright Tony Shore

37418 and Caroline arrives at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

For futher pictures of yesterdays events please
Click HERE for Features item 2316 April to September 2023 and scroll right down the page

Puzzle picture
Where is it?
Craig Munday

A picture copyright Craig Munday

Above is a picture one of a selection of several taken by our roving photographer Craig Munday - I thought it was such an unusual view that it was worthy of a second examination - you will be given the answer very shortly.

Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,

Inspection saloon CAROLINE returned to the South West today, hauled by large logo 37418, as 5Z01 Derby RTC to Penzance.

Just to show that RTT isn't always right, the next photo shows pc 43009/097 working 2U22 1513 TAU - CF. This should have been 43187 /042,
but these actually worked 2C77, 1314 Newport - PZ. According to RTT, 43009/097 should have worked 2C77. Confused ??

Take care,

Bill

43009 at Creech St Michael 18th July 2023. Copyright Bill Elston.

43187, at Creech St Michael. 18th July2023 Copyright Bill Elston

37418 with Caroline at Creech St Michael. 18th July2023 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill, real time trains mistake, make one wonder who is responsible for putting this usually faultless information on Real time trains.

3Q98 Weedkiller and weekend clay empties
Craig Munday

A busy week sees a large inbox drop on you, my apologies. The visit of 3Q98 GBRf weedsprayer coincided with night shifts which allowed some nice studies of the train after dark.
Following the nights, I was able to capture the train at high tide on the Fowey branch at Golant. I held my breath the light would hold, and was rewarded with a rather super moment.

Other shots include the Friday clay empties arriving back at St Blazey in super evening light, a warning sky to the coast.

Best wishes, Craig.

Par 14th July 2023. A wonderful nightime shot. Copyright Craig Munday.

66104 and a rake of CDA's. 14th July 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

3Q98 66701 66711 14th July 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

The answer to the puzle picture - it is 3Q98 66701 66711 on the weedkiller at Carbis Bay on the 15th July 2023. Copyright Craig Munday. Carbis Bay station just beyond the bridge and in the distance on the far right St Ives.

3Q98 Golant 66701 66711 16th July 2023. Copyright Craig Munday. An excellent evening and a rare shot.

3P98 St Blazey 66701 back at St Blazey. 16th July 2023. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig.

18th July 2023

18/7/2023

Mystery Box solved

Picture copyright Howard Sprenger.

Such a great surprise to see Mr. Sprenger's feature on Liskeard.
The "summer house" was in fact the S &T Lineman's cabin where brains and brawn ensured our "patch" from St. Germans to Par was maintained to the standards of safety the travelling public expected.
I was in residence there with a mate from approx. 1963 to 1975 when my mate went to Plymouth Panel; I took his job but the base was moved to Lostwithiel.
I am now drowning in so many memories of time spent in the cabin and the camaraderie that existed back then.

Best regards, Brian Grigg.

Another reply from our very good friend Guy Vincent

Hello Keith In answer to the query by Howard Sprenger concerning the small signal box-like structure pictured in the fifth of his six photos posted this morning. It seems that this was a signal linesman’s hut, built in the style of ground frame ‘box to a traditional GWR signal box design. It reminds me of the small Greenland Mill Crossing Ground Frame box that until 1966 controlled the level crossing of that name at Bradford on Avon. For reference I used volume 2 of R H Clark’s “An Historical Survey of Great Western Stations Layouts and Illustrations” published by OPC in 1979. Liskeard is covered on pages 107-108 with diagrams, photos and maps with the hut clearly identified. Many thanks to Howard for this and all his earlier contributions, most interesting. Best regards Guy Vincent

And from far away Rangoon Roy Hart writes -

Dear Keith,

Further to Howard Sprenger's picture:

The building at Liskeard was the signal lineman's hut. These were often built from components of old boxes. There was a similar one at Totnes. Sometimes a whole disused box was used in this way (Tavistock, St Erth, Truro), The building at Liskeard was not the former Liskeard box, which was of a different type.

Roy Hart

Many thanks to you all - all your memories and facts are very much appeciated.

1962 Part 33. Back on the S &D
Masbury – Steep Gradients and the 7Fs
Michael L. Roach

Masbury – Steep Gradients and the 7Fs
For north-bound trains the climb to the summit began just before Evercreech Junction Station and ended just past Masbury Halt 8½ miles away. The incline was split into two parts, both at 1 in 50, with three quarters of mile of downhill through Shepton Mallet Station. Most expresses were assisted with a pilot engine at the front running right through to Bath Green Park Station. For the last few years of the line's existence Bath Shed had a couple of 9F 2-10-0 freight engines. With their small wheels and large tractive effort the 9Fs could take longer passenger trains unassisted. but only in summer when train heating was not required, as the 9Fs did not have any. However nearly 50 years before our visit Henry Fowler CME of the Midland Railway designed a small class of 2-8-0 freight engines with 4 feet 7½ inch wheels specifically for hauling freight trains over the steep gradients of the S & D. Six were built in 1914 and a further five in 1925 making a total of 11 in the class, which BR designated 7F. On Saturdays in Summer the 7Fs were pressed into use on the long distance passenger trains to and from Bournemouth. At the time of our visit the six in the first batch had all been withdrawn but the second batch of five 7Fs was intact. We saw just one number 53808 which lasted until February 1964, but was out of use that day. In the other direction the climb from Bath to Masbury was more than 17 miles long but pilot engines ran through to Evercreech Junction before being taken off. That climb will be described in a later part of the series.
After arriving at Evercreech Junction in the previous part we drove north to a bridge over the line near the summit of the bank. The first train to come up the bank was the 9.25am SO Bournemouth West to Manchester and Liverpool behind 9F 92245. Next came the 9.45am Bournemouth West to Manchester which was The Pines Express behind a double header. From Monday to Friday the train also had through coaches to Liverpool and Sheffield. There were other Saturday holiday trains from Bournemouth West at 8.40am to Derby on three Saturdays only; at 10.05 to Bradford; at 10.32am to Manchester on nine Saturdays and at 11.12am to Sheffield. A year later in summer 1963 there would be no long distance expresses but some trains would run to and from Bristol Temple Meads where there were connections for all parts. We drove south to park the car at Templecombe Station where we needed to be at the end of the day. The train journey to Bath was on the 12.03 local off Templecombe consisting of 75071 with three coaches. This was a very routine journey of 95 minutes but what was interesting was the number of steam engines seen en route, as follows:
Templecombe            73049 on 9.53am Bath – Bournemouth
Evercreech Junction   75009 pilot engine; 43216 shunting
Shepton Mallet          73024, 73051 on 11.55am Bath – Bournemouth
Chilcompton *          92001 on 12.25pm Bath – Bournemouth
Radstock North         47557 on shed
Midford                    44559 on 1.10pm Bath – Templecombe
*                               actually between Chilcompton and Midsomer Norton

MLR / 9 July 2023

7198 9F 92245 is seen climbing to Masbury Summit with 11C for Manchester. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7199 With 12 coaches in tow 92233 is assisted by 75023 on the northbound “Pines Express” Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7200 S&D 7F number 53808 is seen dead on Bath Green Park Shed just 160 minutes after the previous photograph during which we had travelled 20 miles south by car to Templecombe; 37 miles north by train to Bath and walked the half mile or so out to the shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks indeed Michael - we look forward to the next part.

17th July 2023

17/7/2023

Royal Scot in the Shed at Bishops Lydeard
Derek Buttivant

Hello Roger.
Sleeping on the West Somerset Railway Westridge shed today (Sunday 16 July) was Royal Scot. Something of a rarity, I feel. Best wishes,

Derek

Many Thanks Derek for your Royal Scot photograph

Liskeard '73
Howard Sprenger

Hi Keith,

These photos of Liskeard were taken on the same day as those featured earlier at Combe Junction. At the time I was doing my final teaching practice at Callington School, and must have had a long weekend off, as these photos were taken on a Thursday. The next day I was in Falmouth staying with friends and my diary tells me I paid my customary visit to Falmouth Model Railway Club on the Friday evening. A bit of a mystery surrounds the small signal box which was at the end of the down platform to the west of the main box and slightly behind it, almost directly opposite the Looe branch buffer stops. I've never seen any other pictures of it apart from one taken by Chris Osment about a year earlier in the Lostwithiel-St Germans part of the CRO website. It must have been there for some time and I guess it was an earlier box that was superseded by the current one. The main change since 1973 is the removal of the sidings on the up side to be replaced with a car park.

Best regards,

Howard.

Liskeard 25th October 1973 (1) Copyright Howard Sprenger. One cannot fail to see the large advertisment to Pencubitt Hotel and the two identical cars awaiting business for the hotel - this establishment some quarter of a mile from the station is still providing Bed and Breakfast;.

Liskeard 25th October 1973 (2). A view along the down platform at the up platform and shelter. The footbridge has recently been replaced. Copyright Howard Sprenger

Liskeard 25th October 1973 (3). A view of the spacious down platform buildings showing the down sidings occupied by sheeted clay wagons. Also of note is the 'line up' of platform trolleys awaiting traffic off the down train. One wonders if there will be any room for passengers on the single car DMU to Looe should all that luggage materialise? Copyright Howard Sprenger

Liskeard 25th October 1973 (4) Copyright Howard Sprenger

What was this building Howard asks? It would make a very nice summer house for somebody. 25th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Liskeard 25th October 1973 (6) Copyright Howard Sprenger. A nice rake of empty clay wagons rests in the sidings (Now part of the car park). Also note the double helping of steam, nice to see the heating is on on the down train, remember the creaking radiators? The second helping of steam [LHS] comes from the China Cay dries down at Moorswater.

Many thanks Howard for a most interesting selection at Liskeard.

GBRF Weedkiller at Golant
Tony Shore

The GBRF Weedkiller working the St Blazey to Exeter Riverside via Fowey Copyright Tony Shore

The GBRF Weedkiller workin the St Blazey to Exeter Riverside via Fowey. Copyright Tony Shore

Many Thanks Tony

GBRF Weedkiller to
Fowey (Carne Point)
Jon Hird

Here are a selection of photos of GBRF’s 66701 and 66711 at Golant on a trip to and from Fowey with the weed killer this evening.

This was timed to run much later than it actually did, as it was due to visit St. Austell first, but thankfully that trip didn’t happen which meant that it was present at Golant before the sun dropped down behind the hill. I thought that was going to be the case for the return, but the train came back literally minutes before the shadows crept over the track embankment, you can see the boats in the foreground are in shadow already.

A lot of luck and a lovely evening ‘down by the river’ after a miserable wet and windy weekend!

All the best, Jon Hird

Weedkiller en route to Fowey. lead by 66701. 16th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Weedkiller to Fowey. 66711. brings up the rear. 16th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Mission accomplished the Weedkiller returns from Fowey. 66701. 16th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Very well caught Jon, and as you say, just in time for the last shot. Many thanks.

16th July 2023

16/7/2023

WWV (Well worth visiting)
Tintern
Mick House

I last visited the site of the old station Tintern in 2012. This time (7th July 2023) I took a number of photos to give you a taste of what you will see, as it is well worth the visit. Located in the Wye Valley Monmouthshire, about 6 miles north of Chepstow just off the A466, Tintern Heights, Catbrook, Brockweir, Chepstow NP16 7NX.The track bed is part of a riverside walk, one of the station signs is still in situ (photo 1) the station is a cafe/tea room with picnic area (photo 2), the main platform, signal box (photo 3), water tower (photo 4) and some of the signalling (photo 5) are still on site. There is a short length of track with two Mk2 carriages standing on that are used as an exhibition of the sites history (photos 6 & 7), Also they have a miniature railway that runs along part of the track bed.

1) Tintern. Copyright Mick House

2) Old Tintern Station. Copyright Mick House

3) Signal Box. Copyright Mick House

4) Water Tower. Copyright Mick House

5) Signals. Copyright Mick House

6) 6014. Copyright Mick House.

7) 6135. Copyright Mick House

Many thanks indeed Mick - obviously a site well worth visiting - superb day and pictures.

A wet day on the
Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird.

Just a couple of photos attached of 50042 working todays service on the BWR, and one of prarie tank 5553 with a driver experience course. Nothing too adventurous today as the weather was fairly dire! Although I did take one shot from the outskirts of Lanivet of the train making its way up from Boscarne Junction, looking a bit like an ‘N gauge’ model from that distance!

It was nice to see the train well loaded today with plenty of passengers.

All the best, Jon Hird

Bodmin Railway - view from Lanivet. Copyright Jon Hird. 15th July 2023.

A typical scene at Bodmin General. 5553 & 50042. 15th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 in action - 15th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 in action - 15th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird. (2)

50042 at Bodmin Parkway. 15th July 2023. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon - I note that a 'couple' means 5!!

Visit to the
Looe Branch '73
Howard Sprenger

Coombe Junction. Note the polished metals on the run round loop. 25th October 1973. Copyright Harold Sprenger

Somebody, perhaps the guard, talks to the driver at Coombe Junction - the 'board is off for the journey back to Liskeard. 25th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Combe Junction Box through a foggy lens. 25th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Liskeard branch bay station approach. 25th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger.

15th July 2023

15/7/2023

King George V at Laira Depot
Roger Winnen

These photographs were taken on the 17th September 1972. David & Charles had organised a railtour Newton Abbot to Shrewsbury and return on 16th September 1972 entitled David & Charles (King George V Railtour)
No doubt the King returning went to Laira for turning, as a large number of rail enthusiasts entered Laira Depot on a mini open day to wjtness the event

720917c 6000 in the shed at Laira. Copyright Roger Winnen

720917a 6000 King George v at Laira Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

West Cornwall Weed Spraying Train
Mark Lynam

Good afternoon Keith/Roger,
Last night a GBRf weedkilling train ran down to West Cornwall from St Blazey. It worked 3Q98 2133 St Blazey LIP to St Blazey LIP starting an hour late from St Blazey it was booked to run via Newquay, Penzance and St Ives but only went as far as Goonbarrow Junction signal box on the Newquay branch before heading back to Par.

66711 at Penzance at 01.28 Copyright Mark Lynam

66711 at St Ives at 02.18 Copyright Mark Lynam

66701 on the Western end after returning from St Ives at 03.06. Copyright Mark Lynam

66711 on the other end at 03.11 before heading back to St Blazey. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many Thanks Mark for your nightshift report

Booking Office Closurers
John Roberts

Keith, re your recent post about Penzance ticket office, at least GWR has published more detail than other TOCs.

Perhaps you could post the link so that people can see how they'll be affected. Thanks, John R.

Have your say | Consultation on changes to ticket offices | Great Western Railway (gwr.com)

Booking Office
Public Consultation launched
John Roberts

Please sign the petition by 25th July and forward to anyone else who may be affected.

GTR arranged an urgent public meeting on Tuesday at which we tried to raise the attached 24 issues, but they effectively blanked us.

There are no obvious benefits to the scheme, so something feels dodgy about it.

Thanks, John Roberts.
---------- Original Message ----------
From: East Surrey Transport Committee <[email protected]>
To: East Surrey Transport Committee <[email protected]>
Date: 13/07/2023 10:28
Subject: FW: Booking Office Public Consultation launched
Hi All
All booking office in our will close including East Croydon which would get a small information office.
The consultation is badly though put, it is hurried and seems to save no money. It also is only a three week consultation period the shortest possible.
I was asked to attend a meeting of GTR with some other chairs I put the attached 24 questions and got very few answers.
Please can you circulate to all within your organisation asking then and their members to object to object and also sign the petition
Attached the

The 24 questions from East Surrey Transport Committee the local user group that GTR can’t answer attached
Link to the consultation www.thameslinkrailway.com/about-us/our-commitments/public-consultation
The petition www.change.org/p/save-our-railway-ticket-offices
Who to object to Email your response to: [email protected]
Or write to:

Freepost RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ
London TravelWatch
PO Box 5594
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 9PZ
Thanks Charlie

Question for GTR meeting on Booking Office Closures 11th July 23
1. Government consultations are usually 3 months, so why 3 weeks and a third party? Is this to circumvent agreed processes ?
2. Why have you not published the % of tickets sold at the Booking Office station by station. Other TOCs have ?
3. The press release states 12% of tickets are sold at booking offices. What is the full range across the network ?
4. Will each station have the same number of staff ?
5. What is the benefit? If we have the same person from the ticket office outside the ticket office - no cost saving and probably reduced customer service.
6. Why are large stations included in this where use of booking Office use is well in excess of 12% such as London Bridge, St Pancras, Victoria, East Croydon and Brighton ? Even TfL in its closed system has a number of travel centres.
7. The ticket office machines can sell a wider range of tickets than the public machines. Will the ticketing assistant/seller have access to the same equipment as the booking office ?
8. Will ticketing assistant/seller be able to sell the full range of tickets ? This includes : Advance, Boundary Zone. CIV (Eurostar tickets) Plus Bus, tickets from other stations?
9. Will the ticketing assistant/seller be able to print tickets that have been sold on line ?
10. Will the ticketing assistant/seller be able to print tickets or sell only e-tickets so you need a smart phone to travel ?
11. Will the ticketing assistant/seller be able to sell Oyster and Keycards ?
12. Will the ticketing assistant/seller be able to top up Oyster and Keycards ?
13. Will the ticketing assistant/seller be dependent direct fixed electrical connections or on wifi? This is just not reliable enough for critical systems.
14. If the ticketing assistant/seller is unable to issue a ticket will they be able to issue a permit to travel so passengers do not receive a penalty fare ?
15. Where will the ticketing assistant/seller be positioned ? Many stations have very little room such as Caterham and South Croydon. They should not be in a location that blocks the barrier ?
16. How will the ticketing assistant/seller deal with cash transactions and how will they keep cash secure ?
17. Will the ticketing assistant/seller also assist passengers with reduced mobility on and
off trains ?
18. Existing TVM don’t sell all tickets, will they sell Advance, Boundary Zone. CIV (Eurostar tickets) Plus Bus as separate transaction ?
19. Will the number of TVMs be increased ?
20. Who will be responsible for maintaining and replenishing TVMS ?
21. Some existing TVMs fail to work in bright sunlight or extreme cold and wet.
22. It says the transition will be phased how ?
23. If timetables change in future, will station hours be changed to suit?
24. Does this really save any money ?
Charles King East Surrey Transport Committee 10th July 2023

Thanks John for forwarding the above information. One hopes that this will help keep public awaredness.

Burngullow sand trial
Alan Peters

A trial for a new flow from Burngullow (Methrose Siding) to Longport for Land Recovery will run on Tuesday 18th July, operated by Colas Rail Freight .The train will depart Longport at 22:40 on 17th July 2023 as 4Z57 and arrive Burngullow at 06:51 class 70 hauled with empty 20 JNA wagons, the rostered locomotive is 70801.

Realtime Trains | 4Z57 2240 Longport Lr Colas to Burngullow Jn | 17/07/2023

The train will work from Burngullow at 11:25 as 6Z57 to Exeter Riverside arriving at 14:02 with 10 loaded JNA wagons and return light to Burngullow as 0Z57 departing Exeter Riverside 14:55 and arriving 17:34 at Burngullow.

Realtime Trains | 6Z57 1125 Burngullow Jn to Exeter Riverside N.Y. | 18/07/2023

Realtime Trains | 0Z57 1455 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Burngullow Jn | 18/07/2023

The second portion with 10 loaded JNA wagons will depart Burngullow 19:29 arriving Exeter Riverside 22:09, before working to forward to Longport the following day, if successful it is hoped to be a regular service and much needed freight flow to Cornwall and offer plenty of photo opportunity in Devon and Cornwall.

Realtime Trains | 6Z59 0500 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Longport Lr Colas | 19/07/2023

Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan for the advice - we hope for a succesfull trial.

Contrasts
James Bown

Hi Keith Whilst travelling today back from Barnstaple and onwards to Sherborne I photographed these contrasting styles in Railway design. No prizes for guessing which one offers comfort to the traveller! Best wishes James. Bown

Contrasting front ends at Exeter St Davids. 14th July 2023. Copyright James Bown.

I would say both pretty poor in comparision with the HST. - K.J.

14th July 2023

14/7/2023

Westbury, Bristol East and a look in the cab.
with Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail Freight 66847 "Terry Baker" is seen at Westbury in the evening sun on 12th July 2023 top and tailed with auto hoppers in Westbury Down yard. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A welcome change from working class 66 and 70 locomotives, pictured at Bristol East is 37612 top and tailed with 37610 working 1Z22 Derby to Kingsland Road, these are HNRC locomotives on hire to Colas on 12/07/23 - Copyright Driver Alan Peters

37610 top and tailed with 37612 at Bristol East whilst working 1Z22 Derby to Kingsland Road on 12/07/23 - Copyright Driver Alan Peters

What the Driver sees, a peek into the cab of 37612 showing the refurbished Drivers cab layout - Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan for your pictures and details - your view inside the cab of 37 612 is especially interesting.

Plymouth Railway Club
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith, Changing trains earlier today at Plymouth left me time for a wander around the station area. I came across Plymouth Railway Club. I was a regular at my local Railway Club in Watford, as well as frequenting the clubs at Euston and Bletchley. Always a cheap pint and a game of snooker. They were known as the British Rail Staff Association clubs. Seeing the one in Plymouth, I wondered how many were in Cornwall in the day. I’m pretty sure there were ones at St Austell and Penzance. Earlier, I took a few photos of the clay trains in the company of Tony Shore, so thanks to him for spending a few hours with me and taking me to Golant, as only been there a couple of times previously. The photo shows a IET passing on a Plymouth to Penzance service. Regards, Dennis

Many thanks Dennis - you certainly get about.

Hello Dennis
I believe that St Blazey still has a GWR Staff Assocation Club located near Middleway Crossing St Blazey together with Redruth on the down platform side. Truro Staff Association closed some years ago, however the building has reopened under new management and renamed The Railway Tavern open to anybody, situated alongside the level crossing. St Austell also had a GWR Staff Association which was situated in the Station Yard, St Austell, the building is now occupied by Kernow Buses. I don't remember a branch at Penzance
Kind Regards, Roger

Swindon Traffic
Colin Pidgeon

Hi.
Here are some photos of 37612 t&t 37610 on 1Z23 Bristol Kingsland Road to Derby RTC at Swindon today.

Ken Mumford is having a week in Wales.
Colin Pidgeon.

37610 at Swindon 13th Juky 2023.

37612 at Swindon Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin

13th July 2023

13/7/2023

1962 Part 32.
Back on the S &D
Michael L. Roach

Evercreech Junction
We travelled back to Evercreech Junction behind 82002 on the 9.45am from Highbridge. There was a lengthy stop at Glastonbury and Street Station where we crossed Collet goods 3215 on the 9.55am from Evercreech Junction to Highbridge. In a siding was ex-Midland Railway 0-6-0 number 43216 shunting wagons; we had seen the loco on 7 wagons at Shapwick Halt on the outward journey. The previous evening at Templecombe Shed we had seen a Fowler 0-6-0 number 44557 one of five built specifically for working on the Somerset and Dorset line out of a class of 530 examples. The one at Glastonbury and Street was much older – 43216 was a Johnson 0-6-0 dating from 1890 and one of 935 built and then 72 years old. The engine would be withdrawn just a few weeks later in the August of 1962. As we arrived at Evercreech Junction we could see that there was a Standard loco in the centre siding waiting to pilot a northbound express over the summit to Bath.. The summit was 8 miles away to the north just beyond Masbury Halt. We took a few photos from the footbridge and then drove north to Masbury. The 45-mile return trip to Highbridge had cost me 5 shillings and 3 pence for a day return (63 old pence and 26 new pence)

MLR / 9 July 2023

7195 At Glastonbury and Street we passed Johnson 0-6-0 43216 engaged on shunting wagons. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7196 82002 is seen at Evercreech Junction just after arriving from Highbridge. The lines to Bath and Highbridge diverged just beyond the lines of wagons in the sidings on the left. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7197 Another view of the train that we had arrived on. Note the engine in the centre waiting to pilot a train to Bath. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Memorable views Michael - I was there on the last day of public service - your views bring it all back to me. Note in the second view the quite large number of wagons parked in the sidings top left. Looking forward to Part 33.

Time in lieu
The Looe Branch 73
Howard Sprenger

Due to a TECHNICAL HITCH there will be a delay on this item.

12th July 2023

12/7/2023

St Austell
Dennis Clarke

A day trip to Mevagissey today using the train from Hayle to St Austell and the 24 bus ! A couple of pictures of Castle sets at St Austell. 43188 43092 framed by the flower beds, which are well tended, with 2C09 06:50 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance service. 43154 43094 arrives with 2P19 14:50 Penzance to Plymouth service. Regards, Dennis

Many thanks Dennis, a good day out using the '24'.

Memories of the old staion at
Gunnislake
Roger Winnen

The ride up to Callington was indeed a scenic one even to Gunnislake it is very interesying but that final climb to Callington was the 'Icing on the cake' with quite fantastic view way across Dartmoor opening up. However on this day Roger had to be satisfied with the journey to Gunnislake (Old station)

P804 stands at the island platfrom at Gunnislake. Copyright Roger Winnen

Rusty rails still lie for a sort distance towards Callington

The unit peeps beyond Gunnislake . 5th April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger. If you'd like to review our collection of the long lost branch to Callington please click here - with many thanks to our late and current contributors.

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