Blog Archives

21st December 2020

21/12/2020

Happy Christmas to the CRS
Driver Alan Peters

Exeter St Davids 70808 1st March 2018 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A superb picture from Alan pictures - luckily it won't be snowing over Christmas but then again nobody can go anywhere anyway!
Many thanks Alan and of course the same to you.

Christmas Greetings
Plym Valley Railway
Roger Winnen

The Plym Valley Railway is one of the few preserved railways to operate in the West Country today, with social distancing in place restricting the number of passengers travelling on their services. Arriving at Marsh Mills Station I received a guided tour by a Director of the company David Fox who gave me an inside account of the work in progress on the engines. track and the building of the new station building which originated from Billacoombe on the Yealmpton Branch. Later on I bumped into Bernard Mills a well known authority on the Railways of Plymouth and The West Country spending his life working in booking offices, Saltash, Tavistock and Plymouth.
Many Thanks to David Fox Chairman of the Railway for his guided tour of the site.
Wishing The Plym Valley Railway Seasons Greetings

201220a Andrew Barclay 705 was built in 1937 and operated at Yoker Power Station near Glasgow until the early 1970s when it was sold to a company planning to build a railway on the Orkney Islands, however this project failed. This locomotive spent further years in Scotland before moving south to the East Somerset Railway for restoration, then moving to the Plym Valley Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

201220b 705 Heading towards Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen

201220c 705 Decorated for the Christmas Festival. Copyright Roger Winnen

201220d A Collection of ex Devonport Dockyard wagons. at Marsh Mills Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

201220e 125V Vanguard which was built in 1963 by Thomas Hill (Rotherham) Ltd Vanguard Works. Kilnhurst Yorkshire operated at the Plymstock Cement Works until 1988. Copyright Roger Winnen

Laira
Steve Widdowson

50028 Tiger seen at Laira 4th September 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve

20th December 2020

20/12/2020

We are the future DB 66150 at Penzance & St Erth
Mark Lynam Roger Winnen

66150 Arrived at Penzance this evening with a long welded rail train being the 15.35 Westbury to St Erth via Penzance. The loco displaying 'We are the future'

201220f 66150 With 'We are the future' at Penzance on a long welded rail train. Copyright Roger Winnen

201220g DB 66150 We are the future. Copyright Roger Winnen

66150 taken from Platform 3. Copyright Mark Lynam

After reversing at Penzance, 66085 is seen in the rain at St Erth where it stopped to wait for entry into the possession. Copyright Mark Lynam

Bodmin and Wenford
Santa Special
Chris Harvey

On a crystal clear day, 4247 pounds up the climb from Boscarne Junction. 11th December 2005. Copyright Chris Harvey

On a crystal clear day, 4247 pounds up the climb from Boscarne Junction, no doubt with a train full of very happy children! The date is 11th December 2005.

Best Wishes, to everybody. Chris Harvey, Bodmin

Many thanks Chris - Happy Christmas to you.

Crofton
Roger Geach

Alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton as 1c84 the 14.06 Paddington to Penzance passes by on the 5th May 2016 Copyright Roger Geach.

Oh for the balmy days of early summer when we can get out the deck chairs and relax. Many thanks to Roger Geach for this photo from brighter days.

Severn Tunnel Junct
Phil Smith

47098 is the nearest loco seen in 1987 at Severn Tunnel Junction when it was still busy yard RIP. Copyright Phil Smith

Also from Phil Smith a plaque carried by 60098 the 1000th locomotive built by Brush (60098) was a Type 60 diesel electric locomotive named Charles Francis Brush. Copyright Phil Smith.

Phil also send his greetings to all - many thanks Phil.

19th December 2020

19/12/2020

GREEN RED SHED
Guy Vincent

Not a brilliant picture but given the weather and available light today my best effort. Newly branded DB Cargo loco 66150 in Westbury this morning having arrived overnight with sister loco 66085 (also in ex-works condition but minus the 'We are the future' message). 66150 has been modified to run on HVO (see marking on fuel tank) which is apparently 'Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil'. Not sure at this stage whether or not it can be mixed / used with standard diesel but no doubt in time this will be revealed. Hopefully this trial will be successful and we can look forward to further conversions in due course.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Westbury Yard 66150 18th December 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

An enlargement of the above view of the fuel tank of 66150 at Westbury on the 18th December 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

If this is the future and it reduces CO2 - let's have more of it - let's have a greener world.

Many thanks Guy

Exeter (long time ago)
Steve Widdowson

Nice in black and white. Here we see 50008 Thunderer at Exeter St Davids on the 4th September 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve (Thunderer)

Problems with the new sea wall at
Dawlish
Dave Ward

Network Rail is investigating a problem with a section of the new £80million Dawlish sea wall, less than three months after the structure was unveiled.
ITV West Country can reveal pieces of closed-cell neoprene, which were applied to joints in the wall panels to maintain structural integrity, have become dislodged and are being washed into the sea.
This is causing concern for local residents, campaign groups and environmental campaigners.

Many thanks Dave - as Dave says better fit more effort was put into the Tavistock route as an alternative.

New Book
Ruth Mansergh

Dear Sir
I’ve just self-published a book about private stations in Britain and Ireland. Perhaps some of your members would be interested in it. I’d appreciate any online publicity, for example.
Yours faithfully, Ruth Mansergh

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08QRB3DWV/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&qid=1608222568&refinements=p_27%3ARuth+Mansergh&s=books&sr=1-3&text=Ruth+Mansergh

The preface is as follows:

Men in Britain and Ireland, mostly peers of the realm, could give orders that a train was to be stopped at their own private station whenever they needed it, and could keep it waiting until they were ready to climb on board - as one does.... This is a story, with lesser-known quirks, of those stations - which include Crathes Castle, Aberdeenshire, Earl Fitzwilliam’s in South Yorkshire and Mrs Ballentine-Dykes’ in Cumbria - and of private stations that served industry, such as mines and docks, and military facilities. Castle Howard station was essentially a private halt. One oddity was Peterhead Prison station (opened c1888), Aberdeenshire, on a private railway line from the prison (now a tourist attraction) to the quarries where the inmates worked. Another was Cripples’ Home Siding on the Basingstoke & Alton Light Railway. “Most Butlin Holiday Camps have their own railway station, and at the others transport is readily available from station to Camp. Through trains run between every Butlin Camp and the principal railway centres every Saturday during the summer holiday season,” Butlin’s advertised in 1957.

Looks interesting

18th December 2020

18/12/2020

Penzance Test Train
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Roger/Keith
3 shots of todays 4 weekly recording run, with Colas 'Skips' 67023/027 with load 4, in place of the normal NMT, lovely Cornish 'tropical mizzle' to complete the scene
All the Best
Andrew

1. Arriving 1 minute early at 11.23 with 67027 'Charlotte' leading into platform 2
2. 67027 with GWR 158765 under the Train shed
3. 67023 'Stella' now leading the 12.01 departure for Paignton (Having originally departed from Reading Triangle Sidings at 06.11)

Picture 1) Penzance 18th December 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 2) Penzance 18th December 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Picture 3) Penzance 18th December 2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Many thanks Andrew,

Views from the Station Wall Penzance 1973
Roger Winnen

730900aa A Peak awaiting departure from Penzance in September 1973. Copyright Roger Winnen

731222a A Western on the Cornish Riviera at Penzance. 22nd December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen

731100a The departure of a St Ives DMU. when double track was still in use from Penzance to Long Rock November 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen

Welcome back - 0ld friend!
David Tozer

Welcome back to David Tozer - he's always welcome but also to a Pacer back in service.

Keith, 143618 is reported to be back in service with 150216 on the first Exmouth today. Dave

Thanks for that David.

Chard JCT & Bathpool
Bill Elston

First visit was to Chard Jct to catch the Reading to Salisbury via Yeovil Jct and Exeter test train.
This featured the Colas twins, 67023 and 67027 instead of the more usual HST.
Then over to Bathpool where blue 166202 was seen working the 1218 Taunton to Cardiff, and
finally a trio of debranded Pacer units, 143620, 143611 and 143621 working from ExeterTMD to Landore to a very uncertain future

Stay safe, cheers Bill.

Chard Junction - 67023, 17th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Bathpool - 166202, 17th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston.

143620 sadly leads the Pacers to their doom, 17th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

143621 brings up the rear of the sad trio, 17th December 2020 Copyrght Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Crediton
Roger Geach

33114 Eastleigh to Meldon ballast empties seen passing Crediton on Tues 18th August 1992. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger.

17th January 2020

17/12/2020

Last Night at Penzance
Mark Lynam

37421 at Penzance before working the 3Q53 2048 Penzance to Exeter Riverside N.Y. Test train. Copyright Mark Lynam

A full house. With the test train in the sidings, 221130 (1V58 1139 Newcastle to Penzance) arriving in platform 4, along side 43170 (ex 2C36 1832 Plymouth to Penzance), 802103 (ex 1C86 1504 London Paddington to Penzance), and 57605 (1A50 2145 Penzance to London Paddington). Copyright Mark Lynam

Later on Colas 66849 on Platform 2 after running around at Slopers with five Autoballasters on 6C42 1640 Westbury Down T.C. to Westbury Down T.C. (via Ponsandane). Copyright Mark Lynam

Many Thanks Mark

Todays post
The last movement the FGW Pacers
Guy Vincent

Bristol Temple Meads this afternoon witnessed three of the Pacers formerly operated by Great Western Railway pass through non-stop at 1419 on their last but one journey from Exeter to Swansea Landore Depot where they will presumably be stripped of any useful components prior to final disposal as scrap. According to Real Time Trains the working was 5Z40 1225 Exeter St Davids Fuel Point (actual departure was at 1122 with a long stop-over at Taunton) - Landore Traction Maintenance Depot where arrival was at 1544, 58 minutes earlier than scheduled.

Transport for Wales still operate a large fleet of both class 142 and 143 Pacers although I don't know for how much longer they are to stay in service.

Photos of today's movement kindly courtesy of Adrian Watts. Photos of Welsh 142s are mine.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Bristol TM 5Z40 1225 Exeter St Davids SP-Landore 143620 143611 143621 17th December 2020 Copyright A P Watts

Bristol TM 5Z40 1225 Exeter St Davids-Landore 143621 143611 143620 17th December 2020 (1880x1173) Copyright Adrian Watts.

Cardiff Central 142002 22nd January 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Cardiff Central 142002 6th February 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Cardiff Central 142074 12th February .2020 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks to you Guy and also to Adrian Watts

The very last Pacer movement from Exeter.
Just missed!
David Tozer

As all enthusiastic enthusiasts would do David left home in good time to witness the Pacer movement at Silverton. David was none too pleased when the working turned out from Exeter an hour early and consequently David only heard them passing by - no time to get the camera out. This was very frustrating as the Pacers then stopped for 80 minutes at Taunton.

Many thanks for trying your very best David.

Out of course Pacers
Guy Vincent

Just a few years ago for a couple of timetable periods FGW ran a useful Fridays-Only afternoon stopping train from Westbury to Exeter St Davids. During 2015-16 this was the 2J93 1520 Westbury-Exeter and called at Frome, Bruton, Castle Cary, Taunton and Tiverton Parkway. It was formed from a DMU that had received heavy maintenance during the week at St Phillips Marsh depot and was a useful way of returning the set to Devon. On at least 3 occasions a class 143 'Pacer' turned up but as the train was crewed by Exeter staff this was not a problem. There were also occasions when for whatever reason there was no unit needing to return to Devon so Exeter would send something up to Westbury and again this produced a 143 on a couple of occasions. The train didn't run from 2017 and nowadays units to and from the South West and St Phillips Marsh tend to be added on to late evening services that use the main line via Weston super Mare.

1) 143611 5J93 1352 BTM-WSB passing Trowbridge 19.02.2016.

2) 143611 2J93 1520 WSB-EXD at Castle Cary 19.02.2016.

3) 143619 5J93 1302 EXD-WSB at Berkley Marsh 11.12.2015

4) 143619 2J93 1520 WSB-EXD at Westbury 11.12.2015

5) 143620 at Bristol Temple Meads on the late evening of December 12th 2017 prior to forming the 2157 stopping service to Exeter St Davids. The unit had been receiving maintenance at St Phillips Marsh.

The class 143 units, 25 in total, were built in 1985-86 and based in the North East before moving south circa 1990. Prior to 2011 the 143s were based in Bristol and saw daily use on the Severn Beach line, between Taunton and Cardiff / Bristol Parkway, Bristol and Warminster / Castle Cary and between Westbury and Swindon via Melksham. On departure of the class 142s from Exeter the 143s moved en-masse to Devon and have stayed there ever since.

I heard today on 'the railway grapevine' that there is the POSSIBILITY of three of the recently withdrawn 143 units moving on either Thursday 17th or Friday 18th direct from Exeter Depot to Newport Docks for disposal. Best to check Real Time Trains nearer the time. I understand there are already a couple of sets at Bristol St Phillips Marsh but whether they are for scrap or further use I am not sure.

Guy Vincent

1) 143611 Castle Cary 2J93 1520 Westbury-Exeter St Davids 19th February 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent.

2) 143611 Trowbridge 5J93 1352 Bristol TM-Westbury 19th February 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent

3) 143619 seen here at Berkley Marsh on the 5J93 13.02 Exeter St Davids-Westbury 11th December 2015. Copyright Guy Vincent.

4) 143619 2J93 g#the 15.20 Westbury to Eeter St Davids at Westbury 11th December 2015. Copyright Guy Vincent

5) 143620 at Bristol Temple Meads on the late evening of December 12th 2017 prior to forming the 2157 stopping service to Exeter St Davids. The unit had been receiving maintenance at St Phillips Marsh. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy.
Watch out for those funereal journeys.

Swindon
Roger Geach

A nice uncluttered Swindon station - before the wires went up. It's the 28th October 2008. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger

A sad end
Keith Jenkin

In our columns recently we have seen several pictures of trains on route for scrapping at Newport yet we don't seem to see any of the scrapping operations. This takes me back to my childhood in 1952 when I was saddened to see the London Trams being scrapped. They were simply run into yard at Penhall Road pulled over onto their side and set fire to. I cannot believe that such funeral pyres would be allowed these days.
To see what used to happen in London. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9EFfD-5VHIk

16th December 2020

16/12/2020

Colas 37421 with Test Train
Roger Winnen

201216e 37421 Stabled at Penzance after arriving on the 23.02 departure from Exeter Riverside The trains departs tonight at 20.48 for Exeter via Newquay and Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen

201216f 37421 Nearly at the buffer stops. Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Pen Mill +.
Guy Vincent

Yeovil Pen Mill station on the dark winter evening of Sunday 13th December 2020. Platform 1 is deserted as 158767 waits time before departing with the 2V93 1807 Dorchester West-Bristol Temple Meads. Engineering work taking place beyond Dorchester meant trains were unable to serve Weymouth, a rail replacement bus running in lieu. Yeovil Pen Mill remains a very interesting station to explore as it retains much olde-worlde atmosphere of times past. Of GWR origin, from 2nd April 1950 it was administered by BR (SR) and the Southern influence still lingers through the use of dark green paint on the station although this reflects the current operator Great Western Railway. Nowadays platform 2 is unofficially regarded as out of use with all southbound trains using the other side of the island, platform 3. The footbridge spans just one line and the staircases have attractive late 19th century decorative iron banister supports although not quite so ornate as those at Exeter St Davids. The bridge is 141 miles and 27 chains from London Paddington by way of Swindon, Melksham and Frome.

Note: On referring to an old record book I realised that it is now almost 30 years since 158767 started work for British Rail as part of the new fleet of 90mph 'Super Sprinters' that commenced operation on the Cardiff-Portsmouth route on Monday March 18th 1991. Later transferred away to the Trans-Pennine route 158767 joined First Great Western in 2006 following displacement by new class 185 units and has remained in the west country ever since. A photo scan dated 19.03.1991 shows the now elderly set when new calling at Bradford on Avon on the 0622 Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour.

Best regards

Guy Vincent

Yeovil Pen Mill 158767 2V93 13th December 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Yeovil Pen Mill Footbridge 13th December 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Yeovil Pen Mill Footbridge. Miles-Chains 13th December 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford-on-Avon with 158767 on the 06.23 Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour on the 19th March 1991. Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy.

Remember the
Class142'sSkippers
Steve Widdowson

Whilst we 'mourn' the passing of the Pacers we look back at five nostalgic pictures from the vast library of Steve Widdowson.

142022 at Exeter St Davids on the 4th September 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Again at Exeter St Davids we see 142016 on the 7th September 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

142018 Newquay on the 27th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson. Note the goods yard has gone to be replaced by a supermarket but the long familiar feature of the gas holder is still there.

Now we look to the north to see and the terminus buildings. 142018 Newquay on the 27th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson. .

142018 Newquay on the 27th June 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson. That very useful feature - the points at the head of the run round loop come into view in this shot.

Many thanks Steve for these nostalgic views of the 142 class- once we hated them, now, perhaps, we wish they were back. More nostalgic views from Steves camera to come.

15th December 2020

15/12/2020

Swindon Six
Ken Mumford

Swindon scrap train headed by 57303 14th December 2020, Copyright Ken Mumford

Swindon scrap train heading for Newport . The stock looks immaculate! 14th December 2020, Copyright Ken Mumford

5Q76 with scrap coaches 315829 and 315833 passed Swindon EIGHT MINUTES LATE - that MIGHT explain its speed through the station!
Kind regards,
Ken

Working party involved in the onstruction of a train crew walkway - Swindon station 14th December 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

Construction of a train crew walkway - Swindon station 14th December 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

A Merehead Quarry to Wotton Bassett stone train headed by 59206 The train had already passed through Swindon to run round. 14th December 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

Merehead - Wotton Bassett stone 59206 Swindon 14th December 2020 Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks for your half dozen Ken.

A Christmas read in
Wartime Cornwall
Phillip Hadley

Greetings,
Just a brief note to let you know my latest short eBook is now available for reading on Kindle or other eReading apps on your smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer. It is a heart-warming tale for Christmas set in Cornwall at the end of 1940. Further details can be found by clicking on the link to my website which will then guide you on how to purchase it at the festive price of £3.49.
Please feel free to share the link below with friends & family and post on your social media feeds. Any help in the next fortnight to spread the word will be appreciated.
As always, enjoy the read!
Happy Christmas, Phil

'Vacuees Have Christmas Too | Phil Hadley Books (philhadleypublications.com)

14th December 2020

14/12/2020

Today at
Exminster
David Tozer

David reports - Three DRS Class 66's at Exminster.

66432, 66422, Mk2 9428, Mk2 9419 & 66421:5Z74 05:05
Crewe CLS to Devonport Dockyard

Dave Tozer

DRS Convoy Exminster 14th December 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

Very many thanks David.

Westbury
Roger Geach

60007 on the 15.35 Theale to Whatley empties seen at Berkley nr Westbury 5th May 2016 Copyright Roger Geach. Note the Westbury White Horse in the distance on the right. A nicely lit evening scene.

Many thanks Roger

Last night at
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Evening Roger/Keith
2 shots from late last night of New Rail replacement train with filthy ex RHTT pairing of 66151/155 top and tailing the formation, arriving 9 early at 21.50 and departing 32 early at 22.09 for St Erth
All the Best. Andrew Triggs

A remarkable over the wall shot of 66155 22.18 on 13th December 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs,

66151 at platform 1 at Penzance at 22.19. on the 13th December 2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

1976 at
Penzance
The late John Cornelius

Many thanks to John

Dear Keith,
On the right of the photograph a 'shelf' can be seen, carrying a siding in course of demolition. This was the 'crane road'.
In 1937-9, when land reclamation was taking place for the new station, this shelf was provided, immediately inland of the sea wall, carrying track for travelling cranes to replenish the sea defences as required. The siding was not accessed by a set of points as would be expected: almost opposite the signal box it simlpy ended and access could only be gained by the pw department slewing the neighbouring siding and inserting temporary fishplates. I assume that this is because the siding was expected to be rarely used and any point blades in this location would 'rust up' solid! The siding remained, rusty and weedy, until 1976. The shelf remains.

Roy Hart

A Western Class diesel arrives at Penzance on the 16th June 1973 the formation of the crane road line can be seen to the right of the lamp standards. Copyright Roger Winnen

12th February 1974 saw a storm which flooded the station area the formation of the line is visible raised up against the sea wall which is now the cycle way. Copyright Roger Winnen

13th December 2020

13/12/2020

Class 37s at Didcot
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are well and able to get about.Good pictures of all the engineer’s trains at Penzance. I now send a picture of 37042 and 37057 at Didcot on 6 January 2000. Thanks for dealing with this.Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

The First Turbo to Exmouth
David Tozer

The 0950 Exeter St David's to Exmouth with 166211. The first Turbo in passenger service for this type on the Exmouth Branch. It failrly whipped through Polsloe Bridge now the speed limit has been increased to 40mph at Exmouth Junction. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Paul gets the prize
The very last Pacer working
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith, Class 143 update

143621 with 150266 worked the 2255 Exmouth to Exeter last night, the last class 143 working for GWR.
The staff of Exeter shed lost no time in debranding the units. The class 143's on Exeter shed were all debranded last night by 2330hrs!
King regards, Paul Barlow

143603 de branded Exeter St Davids 12 December 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

143621 150266 2254 Exmouth Exeter St Davids 2E39 Copyright Paul Barlow.

143621 150266 ECS off 2255 Exmouth to Exeter St Davids. The last GWR class 143 operated service Copyright Paul Barlow

Congratulations and many thanks to Paul for your late night up.

AND FINALLY These are the links to my youtube videos of last night
https://youtu.be/aa9ocF7bq6k
https://youtu.be/IPQbFNG_N2k
all the best
Paul Thanks Paul

Farewell to the pacers - Welcome to the WSR.

PACERS
- THE LAST DAY
Paul Barlow, Clive Smith & Roger Winnen

143611 and 150 Shunting Exeter St Davids 12 December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

143617 FGW Blue 150219 0955 Exmouth to Paignton arrives at Exeter St Davids. 12th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

150266 143621 1055 Paignton to Exmouth leaves Exeter Central. 12th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

143603 150246 off1056 from Exmouth shunts to shed. 12th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

143603 on 1056 from Exmouth 143618 1130 to Paignton. 12th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

No bonanza here .143617 is on the rear of the 09.55 Exmouth - Paignton at Newton Abbot with a 150 on the front. Light conditions were challenging with the camera pointing directly into the sun or cloud cover dulling the scene. Unfortunately work commitments meant this was my only capture of the last day . The conspicuous face mask poster will forever date the shot.
Regards, Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

201212a 143620 Departs Torre Station on the 11.28 service to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212a Torre Station showing the redundant Sgnal Box and the departing 150 and 143620 Pacer on the 11.28 service to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212b 143617 at Paignton working the 12.20 service to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212c 143618 arrives at Torquay on the 12.58 service to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212d 143618 seen at Digby and Sowton on the working to Exmouth. Here I bumped into David Tozer our Exeter contributor for the CRS website exchanging Seasons Gretings. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212e Only a short distance from Digby and Sowton is Newcourt Station. 143618 arrives at Newcourt on the 14.24 Exmouth to Paignton service. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212g The same service is seen departing Polsloe Bridge on route to Exeter, Newton Abbot and Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212h The amenities of Polsloe Bridge as an Exmouth train runs non stop through the platform. From here I caught a bus to Exeter City Centre which was full of Christmas Shoppers to Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Teatime at Dawlish Station with a Class 143 leading and 150244 on a Paignton Exmouth working. Copyright Roger Winnen

201212 The Wavewalker at Dawlish being my last photograph of the day.. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Clive, Paul and Roger,

West Somerset Reopens
Santa Specials
Derek Buttivant

Hello Roger and Keith. Although I'm not in Cornwall any more, I keep in touch with the superb CRS web site - and also now have the West Somerset Railway on our doorstep. You might like to use one or two of the attached photos.

Today, 12 December, saw the first public trains to run on the WSR for many months when "Santa Specials" began. The first train was the 11.00 from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and two more were scheduled at 13.45 and 16.30. The attached photos show the initial service, hauled by 9351 passing through Crowcombe. On the rear was D6575. About an hour later the train returned (passengers were not allowed to alight at Williton in order to comply with Covid restrictions) and it is pictured passing Roebuck crossing, this time with the diesel leading.

My best wishes to you and CRS friends.

Derek Buttivant

West Somerset first Christmas special 12th December 2020. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Many thanks indeed Derek. Welcome back to the W.S.R. and to you.

12th December 2020

12/12/2020

Salisbury Bird strike
Martin Baker

Hi Keith,
A photo I have just digitised from my collection at Salisbury that your readers may be interested in.
50002 arrived at Salisbury on the 15:15 Waterloo Exeter on the 18th July 1991 having hit a bird on route, within a couple of minutes the engine was released and is seen leaving its coaches. It did a quick turn on Laverstoke triangle and then departed only a few minutes down.
I'm the chap in blue on the right filming and the incident can be seen at 59 mins and 10 seconds on a Waterloo Exeter video below I made a few years back. (photo Terry Baker)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDRNQGnX2Jc&t=3371s

Please feel free to share the video Keith as you kindly did with my Cornish one a few years ago.
Kind Regards, Martin Baker

50002 Superb Salisbury - bird strike. 15.15 Waterloo to Exeter 18th July 1991. Copyright Terry Baker.

50002 Superb at Salisbury. Close up of the window damaged by the bird strike. 15.15 Waterloo Exeter 18th July 1991. Copyright Terry Baker.

Many thanks Martin for your Dads 'Superb' pictures of the incident involving 50002. Thanks also for the video link - well worth watching.

Penzance
The late John Cornelius

We remember our very good friend, the late John Cornelius, with this reminder of the days when steam handled the oil traffic at the terminus. Presumably the oil would have been for the 'New diesels'?
A very quick up date, within minutes from another good friend - Roy Hart, out in Rangoon - Dear Keith, This is not connected with diesels: Shell/BP had a private siding at Long Rock, directly opposite the box, since the mid-1930s and this is it.
The engines are simply parked in a convenient space (it is probably a weekend).
Behind the engines the coal stack, which served the shed, is visible.
All the best, Roy Thank you for the correction Roy.

Many thanks John for your exploits with a camera nearly sixty years ago. Memories are made of this.

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On a crystal clear day, 4247 pounds up the climb from Boscarne Junction, no doubt with a train full of very happy children! The date is 11th December 2005.Best Wishes, to everybody. Chris Harvey, Bodmin

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On a crystal clear day, 4247 pounds up the climb from Boscarne Junction, no doubt with a train full of very happy children! The date is 11th December 2005.

Best Wishes, to everybody. Chris Harvey, Bodmin