Blog Archives

30th November 2022

30/11/2022

Around St Austell
Roger Winnen

All photographs taken on 13th February 1976

760213a Its the 13th February 1976, where a vehicle can be seen in the siding on the down side at St Austell Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213b Burngullow Clay Dries with the 08.45 Penzance to Paddington approaching. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213g Going away towards Burngullow. This was one of those 50 pence return tickets or ten shillings from Penzance and stations to Plymouth on Saturdays for shoppers etc, normally formed of DMUs. Copyright Roger Winnen

760213h The 10.25 Cornishman from Penzance climing St Stephens Coombe on route to St Austell. .Note the telephone wires long since gone on the railway network. Copyright Roger Winnen

45017 at Bristol
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Great pictures on the site, 37688 caused a bit of interest! Here is a picture from Michael A dams showing 45017 arriving at Bristol with the 06.37 Leeds to Paignton.The passengers will need the steam heat on this cold 23 December 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Many thanks Michael

29th November 2022

29/11/2022

Around Plymouth Station today
Roger Winnen

221128a The downward path to Mutley Station which closed 3rd July 1939. Copyright Roger Winnen

221128b An IET Departs Plymouth for London Paddington seen passing the ramps leading to the former Mutley Station which closed 3rd July 1939 to allow widening work to the approaches of rebuilding Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

221128c 66129 on the Railhead Treatment train passing through Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

221128d 66105 is seen on the rear of the train passing on the through line. Copyright Roger Winnen

It may not be as far as you think!
Colin Burges

With the help of Railway Codes, the wonderful resource that holds all the "Engineer's Line References," I have made some sense of the Plymouth mileage change, which used to be - or may still be - marked by this board.

It's cropped like this to show its position relative to the staff club. Copyright Colin Burges

The distance from North Road Junction (east of the former triangle) to Millbay and back to Cornwall Loop Junction was 1 m. 34 ch. From North Road Junction direct to Cornwall Loop Junction is 21 chains. The discrepancy in the modern main line is therefore 1 m. 13 ch.

North Road Junction was 246 m. 8 ch.; Cornwall Loop Junction was 246 m. 29 ch. A point between them for some reason was chosen as the mileage "junction."

The line starts seven chains from the original blocks at Paddington. The new line from Wearde is two chains longer than the old one. Another two chains are gained between Baldhu and Chacewater. By my reckoning, altogether, that makes Penzance, not 326 m. 50 ch., but 325 m. 34 ch. But I'll happily be corrected.

I'm not going to look at the Berks & Hants!

The Great Western was one of only two companies, pre-grouping, to have a milepost 300. Which was the other company?

Colin

Many thanks Colin for giving us the results of your research.

Many thanks to Roy Hart for his response.

Dear Keith,
In response to Colin's challenge (above), my guess is the London and North Western (pre-group line with mileposts 300 miles plus).
Cheers, Roy Hart.

___________________________________________________________

Plymouth engine?
Trevor Tremethick

Hi Keith and Roger,

Barbara and I took a flip up to the Birmingham NEC for the Warley Model Railway Show. The centrepiece was the new-build 3MT 2-6-2T No. 82045, up on a low-loader so not too many bodies in the way. I know that some were based at Taunton and Newton Abbot, so we can call them West Country engines. I’m sure I remember seeing one in Plymouth when I was about 5. I wonder if, had steam continued, they would have percolated down to the far West?

My first trip to Warley and very impressive I must say. Lots of stands and all the usual suspects present (Hornby, Bachmann et al). A really good video presentation by Pete Waterman in person on his O Gauge Leamington Spa project.

Best wishes to all, Trevor Tremethick

82045 at Warley 2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

In reply to Trevors article on the 82xxx Class I remember seeing one of the early members of the class in Plymouth Station when we were travelling to Exeter on a new DMU from Penzance in the early 1960s.
However we thought about changing onto the Southern Train for Exeter via Okehampton but remained on this new DMU for the view.
Its to late now!
All the best for now and many thanks
Roger Winnen

Portihead AGM
Peter Maliphant

Dear Member,
We’re pleased to confirm the return of our Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 6th December 2022. We are delighted that James Willcock, MetroWest Phase One Project Manager, will join us to speak about what happens next after the successful completion of the DCO process.
Doors will open at the Folk Hall, Portishead from 7.00pm with the meeting starting at 7.30pm. You’ll find the usual agenda below.
Just a reminder - if you change your e-mail address, please don’t forget to let us know.
Thanks for your support over the past year. We hope to see you at the AGM.
Regards, Peter Maliphant, Membership Secretary

Many thanks Peter - Best of luck with your meeting.

28th November 2022

28/11/2022

Classic - oil at at
Gwinear Road
Brian Pibworth

To make the most of being confined to barracks for the time being, I have been using the time to do some catalogue housekeeping and came across this picture which seems somehow to have avoided my CRS folder.
Not just the season of the year about to change as 6C21 WO 12:00 St.Blazey-Long Rock in the charge of EWS 66160 brings loaded fuel oil tanks past the remains of Gwinear Rd Station Yard on 28th September 2011.
It isn't the easiest location for a midday down train, especially when harsh Autumnal shadows demand post-production. In this shot I am standing on the site of the Helston Branch and just glad that "the tanks" ran for a couple more years.

With kind regards to you both, Brian Pibworth

EWS 66160 and 6C21 at Gwinear Rd Level Crossing. 28th September 2011. Copyright Brian Pibworth,

Many thanks Brian - it never seems to make sense - oil deliveries by road.

Oxford Rewley Road Station
27th November 1976
Roger Winnen

This station has since been dismantled and rebuilt at the Buckingham Railway Centre at Quainton Road

761127zzd Oxford Rewley Road Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

27th November 2022

27/11/2022

Eleven years ago today
St Pinnock
Chris Harvey

St Pinnock 11.10 Penzance to Paddington heads east. 27th November 2022. Copyright Chris Harvey

Many thanks Chris - the 'dynamic livery' makes for a much better picture than dull green.

Brittania out and back
Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon

Oxford to Bristol. I was at Marston Footbridge [just east of South Marston Junction - about two or so miles east of Swindon station] in good time to see the steam train. Glad I was some 45 minutes before it was due because it passed me 38 minutes EARLY and, according to its timetable on REAL TIME TRAINS, it did not stop at Swindon but passed it using the line alongside platform 4.YET it passed Rushey Platt only 5 minutes EARLY - so what happened in the Swindon area? Ken Mumford.

70000 Britannia at Marston footbridge. 26th November 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford

Plenty of steam at Swindon. 26th November 2022. Copyright Colin Pidgeon,

70000 departs Swindon. 26th November 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Rear end assistance was apparently not required. 47 614 on rear of 70000 at Swindon. 26th November 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

The return journey.

70000 arrives at Swindon 26th November 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A smashing nighttime study 70000 Britannia at Swindon 26th November 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford.

70000 Britannia departs Swindon and heads for Didcot on its return journey. 26th November 2022 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks to Ken and Colin for your reports.

Christmas preparations on the B & W
Bodmin Parkway
Jon Hird

Hi Keith/Roger,
47306 was dispatched from Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway this morning to extract 50042 from the shed where it had been enjoying its winter slumber.
Once extracted, the 50 was fired up (very quickly, with a nice clean start) and it then took the 47 back to General.
I’m told it is to act as a backup loco for the BWR’s Christmas trains.
A four pics attached, feel free to do with them as you see fit!
Best wishes, Jon Hird

Looking very smart. 47 306 arrives from Bodmin General. 26th November 2022. Copyright Jon Hird

47306 heads for the shed. 26th November 2022. Copyright Jon Hird

47 306 extracts 50 042 from the shed. 26th November 2022. Copyright Jon Hird

50 042 Triumph and 47306 depart for Bodmin General. 26th November 2022. Copyright Jon Hird

Many thanks Jon. You were just at the right time.

26th November 2022

26/11/2022

Dear Viewers. We try to include all of your photographs which you have so kindly sent in. However the massive delivery of pictures of the 'scrap train' were totally unexpected - sorry if they are not in the correct order. As many pictures of this as of any steam special!

Last words and thoughts - the Funeral train passes
Bristol Temple Mds
Guy Vincent

37688 heading non-stop onto the UpThrough line at Bristol Temple Meads and running some 13 minutes early with the well publicised 5Z34 0905 Exeter Riverside - Newport Docks (Sims Group) conveying four redundant former FGW-operated HST trailers to their place of final disposal. The complete formation was: 37688 6394 42094 42095 42566 44100 6393 6336 and 6348, all the 63xx vehicles being barrier vehicles for providing sufficient brake force. Carriages 42100 and 42566 were collected yesterday from Long Rock, Penzance with 42094 and 42095 later added at Laira. A hastily grabbed set of photos here as the train was ahead of time and the east end of platform 5 was spoiled by piles of scaffolding and other materials impeding a good view.
The 'dynamic lines' livery is already history and it was sad watching this working as it passed swiftly away eastwards, knowing that within days the carriages will likely as not have been shredded, loaded into a ship and sent off for recycling hundreds if not thousands of miles away.

Regards Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 37688 passing through Bristol en route to Sims Newport. 25th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bristol TM 37688 5Z34 nearest is barier coach 6394 used to provide braking power. 25th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bristol TM 5Z34 Stock. 25th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy

Scrap at
Norton Fitzwarren
Andrew Triggs

Before returning to Cornwall today I joined the party at Norton Fitzwarren to capture LSL 37688 'Great Rocks' working 5Z34 09.05 Exeter Riverside N.Y-Newport Docks (Simsgroup) passing Norton Fitzwarren, running 6 early at 09.26 . 2 shots for CRS either side of Norton Fitzwarren footbridge, a fine sight in glorious low winter sun light
All the Best
Andrew

37 668 at Norton Fitzwarren 25th November 2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew

Exeter Riverside
Paul Barlow

Sombre lighting conditions for 37688 plus 6394 MKs 42094 42095 42566 44100 6393 6336 6348 wait in Exeter Riverside for the 0905 departure to Newport SIMS metal Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Cullompton
Keith Turley

On 25th November 2022 LSL operated class 37 No.37688 'Great Rocks' passes Cullompton, working the 5Z34 09:05 Exeter riverside yard to Sims metals at Newport with four Ex. GWR Mk3 HST coaches for disposal. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith

A couple of days ago
Standerwick
Guy Vincent

Sorry Keith, I overlooked these two from Wednesday last, 23rd. They were literally 'grabbed' from the roadside close to the entrance to Frome market at Standerwick just off the A36 trunk road. I won't bore you with details but we ended up in a right pickle trying to get somewhere for this working in heavy traffic, awful light and driving rain. Then a large pothole almost took a wheel out, hidden as it was by accumulated storm water...

37688 scuttling down the main west of England line between Westbury and Frome with the four barrier coaches for the removal of redundant HST stock from Long Rock and Laira depots the following day. Working: 5Z31 1347 Reading T&RSMD-Exeter Riverside. Due to a log-jam of trains on the Berks and Hants at this time 5Z31 was re-routed at the last minute to run via Westbury station so as to let the late-running 1C84 1404 Padd'n-Penzance overtake on the Westbury avoiding line. Then a couple of empty stone workings and a Great Malvern to Weymouth DMU were sent out ahead of the '37' meaning it spent around 12 minutes in platform 1. (Luckily Charlotte happened to be on the station and got a few nice photos).

Apologies again, hoping you can slot these in somewhere. Not an occasion I will remember with fondness though!

Best regards, Guy Vincent

Standerwick 37688 5Z31 23rd November .2022 Copyright Guy Vincent

Glad you remembered Guy - many thanks.

More Class 37 news
Guy Vincent

Hello again Keith
Following recent issues with the class 66 locos being used on the Swindon-based 3S59 RHTT's Colas hired in veteran type 3 37668 from West Coast Railways and this was used for several days. I was at Westbury late on 23rd and witnessed the 3S59 2100 Swindon Transfer - Hereford working arrive on the first leg of its overnight trip. 66850 was leading with 37668 at the rear. Once in the up yard 37668 detached and stabled (photo 1), the replacement loco for 3S59 was 66849 which itself had only recently arrived on the 6V31 'tripper' from Eastleigh behind 66721.

The following day, 24th, saw 37668 run light to Severn Tunnel Junction sidings to collect another work-weary '66', 66846, and return it to Westbury down yard (photos 2, Freshford and 3, Westbury). 66846 was later 'tripped' across to Eastleigh on the evening 6O31 working at 1730 hrs.

The morning of Friday 25th saw 37668 stabled in Westbury up sidings (photo 4) from where it departed light as 0Z37 to Southall at 1233.

Cheers for now, Guy Vincent.

Westbury 37668 ex 3S59 23.11.2022 20221123_224551 23rd November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford 37668 & 66846 0Z38 24th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury 37668 66846 24th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincen

Westbury 37668 25th November 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent

My word - you've been busy Guy
- Many thanks for your watchful eye.

25th November 2022

25/11/2022

Today at Silverton
David Tozer

37688 ' Great Rocks' at Silverton with the 0905 Exeter (Riverside) to Newport (Sims Metals) conveying former HST coaches for scrap. Copyright David Tozer

43094/192 with the 0540 Penzance to Cardiff Central Copyright David Tozer

Many Thanks David

Didcot - up to date
Driver Alan Peters

The modern facade of Didcot Parkway. 21st November. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

GWR Pride 800 008 working 1G19 Paddington to Cheltenham Spa. 21st November 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

The new order of the day 387 153 arrives at Didcot Parkway with 2N38 from London Paddington, passengers for Oxford now have to change for a local connecting service as the overhead wires were never completed to Oxford. 21st November 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70806 arrives at Didcot Parkway with the late running 6V27 from Eastleigh for a crew change before continuing to Hinksey Yard. 21st November 2022. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Driver Alan Peters brings us bang up to date with happenings at Didcot Parkway. Many thanks Alan.

Freight and |Semaphores at
Par
Neil Phillips

Dear Roger and Keith,

Knowing that a seldom-seen Class 37 was in the county today (Thursday) I made a special effort to see its return through Par with two still-FGW-blue HST trailers for scrap and four barrier coaches this afternoon – and spent rather longer there than I’d anticipated, due to its late running. However four Class 66s help fill in the time. Despite the long wait I nearly missed the Class 37 as it hadn’t been signalled when I became distracted by the RHTT arriving from the east and there was just a minute between them! And just when I thought the sun had gone…..
At some point recently 66069 has been replaced by 66105 on the RHTT. And I’m going to miss the semaphores – watching for the ‘pegs’ dropping reminds me of times long past. Sigh.

Best regards,
Neill Phillips

1 – 66077 awaits departure from Par at 13.23 with 6G09 to Carne Point - 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips

2 – 66077 winds its way through the semaphore signals and away from Par – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips.

3 – 66009 has just hauled its loaded JIA wagons out of Par Chapel Siding and heads for Exeter Riverside Yard with 6C10, exactly one hour to the minute after 6G09 – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips.

4 – 66105 brings up the rear of the 3J13 ex-Westbury RHTT (66129 up front – photo fail!) in apparently failing light at 15.25……. – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips.

5 – And just 1 minute later - note the now-gone RHTT still ‘pegged’ on the right - 37688 (formerly D6905/37205) in suddenly bright sunshine passes by on 5Z33 Penzance T&RSMD to Exeter Riverside Yard empty stock move – 24 November 2022. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil - an interesting and very cold time at Par. Well done.

37688 at Tresmill
Jon Hurd

A couple of pics attached of 37688 with its scrap coaches and also of the RHTT at Treesmill this afternoon. Not the best lighting, but I think the glint looks ok.
There’s the last of the old FGW livery removed from Cornwall forever!
All the best, Jon Hird

The RHTT at Treesmill. Copyright Jon Hurd

Thanks Jon

Busiest and least Busy Stations
Andrew and Diane Jones

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-63742917

Hello Keith, the bbc have just released the attached article which makes interesting reading, didn't see Combe junction mentioned.

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

24th November 2022

24/11/2022

37688 Great Rocks on the
5Z32 & 5733 Exeter Riverside to Pz T&R.S.M.D and returning Via Laira
Roger Salter and Mark Lynam

Roger Salter writes.
What a day It starts with heavy rain & severe gales, which I thought would scupper my visit to Long Rock to see 37688 GREAT ROCKS with barrier coaches to remove coaches 44100 & 42566 for scrap at Simms of Newport.However the sun shone most of the time. However everything ran late especially with the failure of Long Rock Crossing, which took over 90 mins to release me from the car park!!!

The train in the bushes as it rounds Long Rock curve. Copyright Roger Salter

The train arrival with 37688 Great Rocks in the reception road at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

37688 Great Rocks sits at the buffer stops at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

Penzance 08 St Piran shunts the stock. Copyright Roger Salter

The two Great Western Coaches for the cutters torch! The final Journey. Copyright Roger Salter

Sorting out the coupling attachments for the train at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

With the Class 08 on the rear the train it headed for Penzance Station prior to its journey out of the County. Here we see the train approaching Long Rock Crossing on route to Laira & Exeter. Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

Mark Lynam

37688 before propelling the coaches towards Penzance station.Copyright Mark Lynam

37688 passing Marazion working 5Z33 1158 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. Which departed Penzance 100 minutes late at 14.21 Copyright Mark Lynam

Many Thanks Mark

37688 Great Rocks at Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

37688 thrashes through Aller in Newton Abbot just west of the station with the 5Z32 07:54 Exeter Riverside Yard - Penzance Long Rock barrier coach move. Thankfully it was thirty minutes late as the light at the scheduled 08.15 was dismal. Copyright Clive Smith

Thanks Clive

37688 Great Rocks at St Erth on route to Longrock
Roger Winnen

37688 Great Rocks passing slowly through St Erth Station this morning. I should have been on the other platform however I made the right decision in the nick of time as we had a castle class HST on the 11.15 Penzance to Plymouth service blocking the view. Copyright Roger Winnen

These Class 37s are up to sixty years old. Value for money' Copyright Roger Winnen

37688 Great Rocks at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Great Rocks at Camborne
this afternoon
Roger Winnen

37688 Works hard on the grade up to Camborne Station and beyond Copyright Roger Winnen

A small gathering railway enthusiasts were present for the occasion. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 2 Mark three coaches on their final journey through Camborne. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yesterday at Oath
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I was over at Oath this afternoon (23rd November 2022) in rapidly fading daylight, for ecs working 5Z31, the 1347 Reading Traincare Depot to Exeter Riverside.
This was hauled by 37688, thankfully in BR Construction livery. A few minutes later the light had gone!
Best wishes, Bill Elston.

37688 en route to Penzance to collect scrap coaches. 23rd November 2022 Copyright Bill Elson.

Many thanks Bill - I expect a hardy few will be out today to witness the mournful passing.

Yesterday at the Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

56078 t&t 56096 on 3S32 Cheltenham Lansdown Loop to Swindon Transfer. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

60017 on 6B33 Theale to Robeston Copyright Colin Pidgeon

60028 on 6Z22 Tytherington to Appleford. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

66850 t&t 37668 on 3S59 Hereford to Swindon Transfer Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many Thanks Colin

Another anniversary - another Gem.
The Tavistock Auto
Michael L. Roach

TAKETHREE – 24 November 1962
The Tavistock Auto
The Great Western's Launceston Branch ran for 31 miles 67 chains from Tavistock Junction, on the eastern outskirts of Plymouth, to Launceston in Cornwall, via Tavistock GW (later South) and Lydford. The passenger trains started and finished their journeys at Plymouth Millbay and ran ECS to North Road Station which was 2 miles 66 chains west of Tavistock Junction. Many of the passenger trains along the branch only went as far as Tavistock before returning to Plymouth, a journey length of 15¾ miles The Launceston trains were worked by small prairie tanks almost from their first introduction in 1905. However the Plymouth to Tavistock services were worked by auto trains normally hauled by 6400-class pannier tanks but occasinally by auto-fitted 4575-class prairie tanks displaced from South Wales in 1958 by diesel multiple units. For a few years in the mid and late 1950s some auto trains were worked by 1400-class 0-4-2 tanks, but there were only ever one or two of the class at Laira Shed which supplied all the motive power for the branch up to the date of withdrawal of passenger services and complete closure of much of the route at the end of December 1962.
MLR / 21 November 2022

Here we see one autocoach propelled by 6421 at 2.13pm on 24 November 1962 passing through Yelverton Station non-stop because it is an empty stock train. This was the return working of the 12.45pm SO Plymouth to Tavistock train and was due to depart Tavistock at 2.00pm arriving Millbay at 3.00pm. At Bickleigh Station it will cross the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock auto. Note the steeply graded access road and the accommodation bridge. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

6430 enters Yelverton Station with the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock auto on the same day photographed from the very useful footbridge which led to a footpath. Note the sidings and the Great Western fir trees. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The 12.45pm SO Plymouth to Tavistock South auto is seen in the woods between Clearbrook Halt and Yelverton hauled by the first member of the 6400-class at 1.30pm running 14 minutes late. The date is 29 December 1962 which was the last scheduled day of passenger services over the branch. There had been about 100mm of snow overnight and it started to snow again at mid-day and by 3.00pm a full scale blizzard was raging across Dartmoor and much of Devon and East Cornwall. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Another memory, a very sad memory but at least we can still enjoy the Plymouth end of the line on the Plym Valley Railway. Many many thanks Mike

Test pictures

23rd November 2022

23/11/2022

Norton Fitzwarren & Fairwater Yard
Andrew Triggs

XC 43357 (with 43301) approaching Norton Fitzwarren working 1V44 06.11 Leeds-Plymouth 22.11.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

GWR 43194 with 43010 approaching Silk Mills Road overbridge, Norton Fitzwarren, working 2U14 Penzance-Cardiff 22.11.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from Staplegrove Road overbridge, Freightliner 66518 with 2 Autoballasters with 66509 in the distance 22.11.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

DBC 66009 working 6C99 07.38 Bescot Down Side-Exeter Riverside N.Y (load 17) passing Silk Mills Road overbridge, nearing Norton Fitzwarren 22.11.2022 Copyright Andrew Triggs

66129 leading 3J13 08.46 Westbury-St Blazey LIP RHTT (with 66069) passing Silk Mills Road overbridge, as the sun disappears at the wrong time 22.11.2022. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks very much Andrew

Class 37274 at Par
Michael Adams

Here is the first of a number of pictures from Michael Adams and it shows 37274 waiting for the road at Par on 13 August 1981 with a long train of clayhoods for Fowey docks. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Duchess on route to Cardiff seen at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

6233 Duchess of Sutherland on 1Z80 on the Victoria to Cardiff. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

6233 Duchess of Sutherland on 1Z80 Victoria to Cardiff. 21st November 2022, Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin.

And now it can be told
Duchess watering
Ken Mumford - Colin Pidgeon.

Ken reports - Friends.

I went to Kemble hoping to photograph 6233 being watered!

[1] I arrived around 1140 at Kemble. Quite a few folk there! Tanker was in car park adjacent to platform1 [the London-bound one]. Theory was that the water pipes were to be put across the two tracks!!
[2] Why wasn't the tanker parked where the Tetbury branch trains once waited? Because the gate leading to that area was locked and 'RAILTRACK' had the key.
[3] Someone said that 6233 was still at Challow whilst another said that there was a water tanker at Callow [or Wantage Road] and that 6233 had gone past it!
[4] Tanker later moved from where it was to the car park adjacent to platform 2 [the Cheltenham bound one]. Driver got the hoses out.
[5] A southbound IET to Paddington was delayed 13 minutes - the lady announcer said 'due to trespassers on the line.'
[6] A Cheltenham bound iET stopped a Kemble, then proceded onwards.
[7] I then checked to see how things were with the water tanker - there were no hoses now out and soon after the water tanker was being driven away!
[8] Another Paddington bound iET arrived at platform 1, then suddenly there was a shout concerning 6233 speeding toward the station.
[9] .6233 came storming through with plenty of speed and steam. At the rear a class 47 was working hard. It was so sudden that all I got was photo 2!
Further details:-
1Z89
Victoria left at 0824 - 2 LATE
Steventon pass 1034 - 4 LATE
Wantage Road pass - 5 LATE
Challow Schedule 10 58 to 11 02 - actual 1103 to 1228 - left 86 LATE (anything to do with [3] above?)
Swindon [platform 1?] Schedule 1120 to 1133 - actual 12 43 TO 1244 - 71 late
Kemble Schedule 1150 to 1220 [for water] but stormed past at 1259 - 38 LATE

See REAL TIME TRAINS for other timings

Kind regards, Ken

Tanker driver and water hoses unravelled- Kemble. 20th November 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

6233 belts through Kemble. 20th November 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - you were confused and so was everybody else including me.

22nd November 2022

22/11/2022

Demolition and platform lengthening at
Exeter
Paul Barlow

Demolition at Exeter, A few shots of work taking place at Exeter. The old train crews office is now gone and work has just started on the old Red star parcels office. I believe this is being done to restore platform 2 back to it's original length so it can accommodate longer trains. At present it can only accommodate 4 coach trains. I believe the Red star building was built in the late 1970's over the track bed.
Hope this of interest, Kind regards,
Paul Barlow

Old Red Star parcels depot Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow

Exeter Platform 2 extension work. 15th November 2022. The old traincrew offices on the left. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Old train crew office being demolished 15th November 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

31602 Chimaera Hyde Park Exeter St Davids 14th April 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, keep watching.

Oxford & Swindon
Michael Forward

Roger, I hope you are well and have not developed webbed feet! Here is a shot of class 60 60012 ‘Glydr Fawr’ psssing through Oxford at midday on 7 June 1991,I never did identify the working but it was in Didcot yard later on that day.Thanks, all the best, Michael. Copyright Michael

Exactly ten years earlier we see 25055 in the scrap line at Swindon works.(7 June 1981) Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Steam and RHTT at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

6233 Duchess of Sutherland on 5Z40 East Usk Yard to Southall WCR. Photo taken 12.38 20th Novmber 2022 Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin. Take care.

21st November 2022

21/11/2022

Sunshine & Showers
Clive Smith

A meander around the South Devon coast this Sunday found some nice spells of sunshine punctuated by the odd sharp shower.
Regards, Clive Smith.

(1) 43022 and 43005 form the 2C65 08.00 Bristol TM - Plymouth passing Coryton Cove at Dawlish. 20th November 2022 Copyright Clive Smith

(2) 43005 and 43022 then formed the 10.48 Plymouth - Cardiff Central seen here at Dawlish Warren. 20th November 2022 Copyright Clive Smith

(3) 43357 heads the 1V48 08.11 Leeds - Plymouth past Cockwood Harbour . 43301 is on the rear. 20th November 2022 Copyright Clive Smith. This time the weather has played ball, one of a railway photographers dreams.

Many thanks Clive - keep up the good work.

By Tre, Pol and Pen Ye shall know the Cornishmen
Trenoweth & Trewiddle
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
Rather like Wetherspoons "Fish and chip Friday" the four weekly NMT run is also hotly anticipated! The lure of a non-green train in the countryside is a bonus, and the red power cars adding to the colours. We eagerly await fine weather on such Fridays, which local photographers often banter about.

On 18th however it was bright early doors for the down working, which has the sun to the aft unfortunately. The rounded fronts, and chevron shape of a power car does allow some leniency with the sun, but I prefer a side-on for this service. The tree tops around Trenowth are beautiful this time of year so I plumped for a distant view to illustrate the Autumn. I braved the viaduct view from Trewiddle of the return, but blotches of clouds spoiled that. The new housing estate may soon obliterate this stunning view.

Here's looking forward to the LSL working this coming Thursday of a possible class 37/47 coming to Long Rock to collect two GWR blue trailers for scrap. Check out RTT for the exact timings.

Best wishes, Craig

1Q18 NMT Trenowth 18th November 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Trewiddle NMT 18th November 2022. Copyright Craig Munday. A couple of the clay tips in the background make for the Cornish Alps in wintertime.

Superb views Craig, you certainly got the autumn tints. Many thanks indeed.

150221 Long Rock Depot
Roger Salter

150221 at Long Rock depot where its quite rare to see a unit stabled at the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Whatever will we see next?
Lily's Kitchen, Cullompton
Keith Turley

On 20th November 2022, GWR Hitachi class 802 No.802106 with Lily's kitchen advertising vinyls on one end only passes Cullompton, working the 1A86 14:13 Exeter St. Davids to London Paddington service.
Regards Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith, what on earth would 'Brunel' have said about this garish livery on his line. Personally I think it very much adds to the interest.

Tarka Railway
David Tozer

Gents, Of interest,
Tarka Valley Railway takes delivery of ex-GWR Pacer unit (railadvent.co.uk)
Dave Tozer

Of interest indeed - many thanks David

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Driver Alan Peters