Blog Archives

11th December 2020

11/12/2020

TV Tonight
Paul Negus

Channel 5 at 9pm this evening has a Most Scenic Railway Journey starting in Devon at Dawlish and travelling down to Penzance on The Statesmanq. (Info courtesy of Radio Times). Best regards Paul Negus

Thanks for the reminder Paul and congratulations to Craig Munday - star of the show in the Royal Albert bridge sequence.

Engineering work
West Cornwall
Mark Lynam

Mark Lynam brings us the following report on the forth and final day of major track renewal when the down main line was replaced in the vicinity of the old Carn Brea station. A hub for the many road vehicles was established on the down side alongside and immediately east of the footbridge located which provides access to the Cowlins Mill area.

66155 and 66151 stand on the up main just to the east of the worksite. Carn Brea Road Overbridge. 10th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

66749 From Carn Brea station footbridge. The hub for the road vehicles is to the left of this picture. Tregajorran footbridge is in the distance. 10th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

66849 70811 Carn Brea Road Overbridge

A fine action shot as fresh ballast is laid - this is taken from Tregajorran Footbridge. 10th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam. In the distance is Carn Brea station site with its footbridge. To the left of this site is Cowlins Mill. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The 70015stands adjacent to Cowlins Mill. 10th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks for this and your previous reports Mark.

Quattro Changes lines
Keith Jenkin

66155 looks on as the Quattro changes from the up to the down main line using an improvised 'level crossing'

Having succesfully crossed from the up main to the down main the driver skillfully joggles with the controls to bring the rail wheels down onto the tracks. 10th December 2020. Copyright Keith Jenkin

From Tregajorran footbridge in company with Mark Lynam. Here we see the Quattro in action on the newly laid down main - its dragging its bucket to tidy up the ballast between the running rails. 19th December 2020 Copyright Keith Jenkin.

A side view of the impressive Quattro Machine at Tregorran Footbridge. 10th December 2020. Copyright Peter Jenkin

Many thanks Peter

Engineering Trains at Redruth
Ken Babbage

201210a Engineering trains at Redruth Station yesterday. Copyright Ken Babbage

201210b Redruth Station with engineering trains in both platforms. Copyright Ken Babbage

201210c The Rail Hopper Wagons and The Royal Mail at Bond Street, Redruth. Copyright Ken Babbage

Thanks Ken

An interesting morning.

Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

Looking very smart with its matching rake of coaches 47701 waits to depart Exeter Central with the 20.35 to Basingstoke on the 24th May 1992. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

10th December 2020

10/12/2020

Engineering work
West Cornwall
Mark Lynam

Another day of trying to locate the various engineers trains around West Cornwall.

I found 66192 near Carn Brea, although not in the best place for a photo.

66014+66849 were in the cutting by Barncoose industrial estate, luckily I didn't have long to wait until they started slowly moving towards Redruth.

After just missing 66001+66002 at Truro station which came down the previous night running 36 minutes early, I headed to Paradise crossing just outside Truro, It seems the next train wasn't that far up the line!
66014+66849 at Paradise Crossing on what I believe is called Newbridge or Penwithers Viaduct. This waited out of view until it's 13.15 departure from Truro!
A quick stop off at the footbridge at Drump Road, Redruth 70812 was stopped, which is due to take the track placement machine back to Westbury tomorrow night.
I headed back to Barncoose/Pool area to find 66192 was still there, which later moved forward to this position, then left for Truro at 2pm for its 15.13 departure this afternoon.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

66014 and 66849 in Barncoose cutting Redruth 9th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

66014and 66849 in Barncoose cutting moving off slowly towards Redruth 9th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

66014+66849 at Paradise Crossing on what I believe is called Newbridge or Penwithers Viaduct. This waited out of view until it's 13.15 departure from Truro! 9th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

70815 at Drump Road, Redruth 9th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

66192 Carn Brea Road Overbridge 9th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks to Mark for his hard days work.

Exeter
Paul Barlow

Exeter 33211 stands ready to depart on the 14.15 Exeter to Brighton Saturdays only head code 1086 11th December 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Crofton curve
Roger Geach

60039 on the 11.45 Oxford. Banbury Rd to Whatley on Crofton Curve Tue 13th August 2019 Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger

Powderham Parade
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I managed to escape to various places along the Exe today, mainly to photograph some class 143s as they have only a few days left in service. However, other fare was to be had.
Hope these are of interest, Stay safe. Bill

66143 on the Burngullow to Riverside Yard China Clays. 9th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

66002 leads on the Burngullow to Westbury scrap track. 9th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

66001 brings up the rear on the scrap track and spent ballast. 9th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

66151 and 66155 now more socially distanced at each end of a ballast working from Westbury to Truro. 9th December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

150248, with 143603 on 2T19, Exmouth to Paignton. 9th December 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill - you obviously had a good day.

9th December 2020

9/12/2020

Arch lane Bridge
Nr St Erth
Mark Lynam

Good evening Keith/Roger,
Here are a few photos of the 66's from yesterday at Arch Lane bridge near St Erth.
Thanks, Mark Lynam

N.B. Arch Lane bridge is approximately 1000 yards west of St Erth Station.

DB Cargo 66014+Colas 66849 with DB Cargo 66192 on the train behind. Arch Lane Bridge, St Erth (1) 8th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

DB Cargo 66014+Colas 66849 Heading towards the work site. Arch Lane Bridge, St Erth (3) 8th December 2020 Copyright Mark Lynam

66192 approaching Arch Lane Bridge, it then stopped beneath it. 8th December 2020. Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks indeed Mark, time well spent at Arch Lane.

Class 143 Bonanza
Paul Barlow

A few shots all taken today to compliment Clive's pictures of the class 143 Pacer units. It seems definite that their last day of operation will be next Saturday 11 December.
The end of an era in the west country!
Hope all is well, All the best Paul

143617 with 158762 the 10.39 Paignton to Exmouth has just arrived at Lympstone. 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow/

143617 158762 1225 Exmouth to Paignton waits at Lympstone station. 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

143617 158762 1225 Exmouth to Paignton leaves Lympstone station. 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

143620 150265 1120 Paignton to Exmouth leaves Lympstone 8 December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

143603 with 158760 on the 11.52 Paignton to Exmouth taken from the Jetty at Marsh,Topsham. 8th December 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow.

143620 and 150265 on 12.57 Exmouth to Paignton from Jetty Marsh Topsham. 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

146618 with 150247 on the 12.20 Paignton to Exmouth passing 143603 with 158760 on the 13.24 Exmouth to Paignton. Seen at Topsham. 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

FGW Blue 150238 and 150249 arrive at Topsham on the 12.53 Paignton to Exmouth 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

143620 150265 19.38 Exeter to Exmouth waits in platform 1 Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow.

143603 158768 have just arrived on the 18.52 from Paignton, terminating at Exeter st Davids. 8th December 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thank you Paul.

For the sake of the editors - not too many bonanza's please.

8th December 2020

8/12/2020

Progress at the park
St James Park
David Tozer

Afternoon Keith,

A very rare visit to the City Centre this afternoon so I strolled via St James' Park.

The down platform extensions appear to be complete and using polystyrene as they did at Lympstone Commando.

Still plenty of work on the up platform to complete. I expect my photograph of 143621 and 150246 working the 1319 Paignton to Exmouth will be the first of many in the next few days. Yes it appears that this is the last week of operation for these units prior to withdrawl from passenger service.

Regrads Dave

St James Park 4 143621 & 150246 8th December 2020. Copyright David Tozer.

St James Park 5 Exmouth Jcn end of SJP 8th December 2020 Copyright David Tozer

St James Park 6 Central end 8th December 2020 Copyright David Tozer

St James Park 7 SJP Up platform 8th December 2020. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks for the results of your expedition - I am sure the city feels hounoured.

Exeter Central
Paul Barlow

Exeter Central 50029 Renown 17.47 Exeter to Waterloo leaves Exeter Central 12th May 1991. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Last week of the Pacers
Clive Smith

This Saturday 12th is supposed to be the last day of the pacers in Devon but rumours persist that some will continue beyond that date. Not wishing to get caught out I took a trip to Paignton and Exmouth on the 7th to capture their last days.

Regards
Clive Smith

(1) 143617 is the rear set of the 09.50 Paignton - Exmouth at Topsham . 7th December 2020.

(2) 143618 brings up the rear of the 11.54 Paignton - Exmouth as it heads towards St James Park at Exeter Central. 7th December 2020. Copyright Clive Smith

(3) .The Queen Mary at anchor in Torbay through a pacer window complete with covid advice. Not your everyday railway photo I admit but I think it captures the zeitgeist of this year we won't forget. 7th December 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

In case you forget - 'The notice'. Copyright Clive Smith.

4) After arriving at Paignton with the 13.23 from Exmouth 143618 and its 150 cross from platform 1 to platform 2 to form the 15.24 to Exmouth. 7th December 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) 143618 waits to depart from Paignton with the 15.24 to Exmouth while 143621 has just arrived with the 13.57 from Exmouth. 7th December 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Lest we forget. Many thanks Clive for your record of a sentimental journey.

Lunch at
Lostwithiel
Mike Bojko

Hello Keith, I trust that everything is okay with you in these challenging times. I had a day off today and i found myself at lunchtime at Lostwithiel station. I managed to photograph the DB class 66 number 66018 running around its train, the 613A. The second picture is of the same locomotive heading to Fowey docks Carne point.
Regards Mike.

66018 run round at Lostwithiel. Copyright Mike Bojko.

66018 heads off for Carne Point. 7th December 2020. Copyright Mike Bojko

Many thanks Mike.

7th December 2020

7/12/2020

West Cornwall Engineering work
Mark Lynam Roger Winnen

The Cornish Main line is closed from Penzance to Truro on Monday 7th December 2020 through to Thursday 10th December 2020. A bus replacement service is in operation.

66192 at Slopers Siding which came down in the early hours of last night. Copyright Mark Lynam

70802 at St Erth with old track behind which is being replaced between here and Arch Lane overbridge. Copyright Mark Lynam

70802 stops by 70815 which was stabled on Platform 1. Copyright Mark Lynam

201207a 70815 Stands on the down at St Erth. The line is being relaid after the crossover going up the bank. Copyright Roger Winnen

201207b A train load of sleepers etc awaiting depature from St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

201207c Spoil is being loaded into this train of low wagons at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

201207d The Colas 66 is awaiting its move forward into St Erth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

At Carn Brea, the other work site - no trains, just Quattro track machines which were re-railing the track. Copyright Mark Lynam

Whimple
Paul Barlow

50018 Resolution on the 15.48 Exeter to Waterloo 12th May 1991. Note the footbridge to the former down platform long since gone. Copyright Paul Barlow. Platform is 84 yards long.

The station was opened by the LSWR on 19 July 1860, along with its Exeter Extension from Yeovil Junction to Exeter Queen Street. The station was situated to the east of the village and designed by the architect Si William Tite. The main building was situated on the up platform and was two-storeys high to provide the station master with accommodation. The good shed was nearby at the east end of the station, and a signalbox was built opposite on the other platform in 1875. In 1892 Henry Whiteway established a cider factory on the north side of the station. This generated much of the goods traffic at the station; in the 1930s it was estimated that the factory was responsible for 30,000 tons of traffic each year.
On 11 June 1967 all passenger trains were diverted to the down platform. The track through the northern platform was retained to serve Whiteway’s factory, but the signal box was closed and the train crew operated the points Public goods traffic was withdrawn on 4 December 1967 but Whiteways continued to handle rail traffic. The station became unstaffed on 5 October 1970.
The Whiteways factory closed in 1989 and this allowed a redevelopment of the site. The goods shed was demolished in 1991 and houses were then built instead. The following year the original London bound platform was extended across the disused formation of the London bound track to meet the running line and was brought back into use. The other platform and the footbridge were then demolished. I well remember the cider orchards on the up side just before the station and the sidings just beyond. The history very much courtesy of Wikipedia makes very interesting reading.

Many thanks Paul

Swindon
Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon

Friends,
Immaculate class 37s numbered D6817 and D6851 in their original green livery - superb! {Not sure if these are in the present day numbers of the locos) - would be 37667 and 37521 but I'm so glad that they are in this livery!
Rolling stock:- 67061, 99993, 3100, 310, 17159, 6311.
Passed Swindon 2 minutes early and as they passed they opened up!
Kind regards and keep safe,
Ken Mumford

Swindon D6817 and D6851 in their original green livery pass through - superb! 6th December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Swindon - passing through on route to Lavington. DR73905 6th December 2020. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks to Ken and Colin.

Steamy day at
Didcot
Doug Nicholls

Remember the steam heat?? Steamy scene at Didcot - Copyright Doug Nicholls. Memories of the past.

Many thanks Doug.

Out and about with
Craig Munday

Hi Keith
After a raft of more nights, some sunny pictures on Sun 6th Dec. A delight to have two down engineers trains with a fine forecast. It very nearly got scuppered by an annoying cloud through.

With three of the Colas 66s at Penzance it was a busy day for freight heading west. Relaying sites at St Erth and Carn Brea will keep these trains amply employed.

The Colas operated class 66 trains are seen on the blocks in plat 1 & 2 at Penzance in the small hours of 6th Dec.

Sunday 6th saw some glorious sunshine and two daytime services heading west too. A BD Cargo service with 66014 and Colas service with 66849 are seen in the Lostwithiel area around lunchtime.

Also pictured are some recent revenue earning freight, 70810 is seen near Liskeard with one of the final cement workings bound for Moorswater on 26th November.
Also pictured is 66018 from the high perch of Treffrey aqueduct working the clay for Carne Point on a bright 4th Dec.

Cheers for now, Craig

66018 4th December - from a high perch on Treffry Aqueduct Copyright Craig Munday

Penzance station - 5th December 2020, Copyright Craig Munday.

Engineers train Restormel. 6th December 2020. Copyright Craig Munday

Lostwithiel as a down engineers train passes the up loop. 6th December 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

One of the last cement workings seen at Lantoom. 26th November 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig - keep up the good work.

6th December 2020

5/12/2020

Engineering Works in West Cornwall
Mark Lynam Roger Winnen

201206a 70802 stands at Penzance on Sunday morning after arriving from Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

201206b Two Class 66s 66846 & 66850 Stand under the roof at Penzance with engineering trains from Westbury. It seems that these engines may have been on RHTT duties prior to this run! Copyright Roger Winnen

201206c Viewed from the balcony the 66s with the Station Decorations 'Wishing You A Merry Christmas. Copyright Roger Winnen

201206d 66014 With the 669v 09.25 Westbury Down to Long Rock crosses Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

201206e 66849 William Wylie heads the 670v 1010 Westbury Down ballast train to Long Rock crossing Hayle Viaduct after heavy rain. Copyright Roger Winnen

DB Cargo 66014 at Ponsandane footbridge working 6W22 0925 Westbury Down T.C. to Long Rock. Copyright Mark Lynam

Colas Rail 66849 at Ponsandane Footbridge working 6C23 1010 Westbury Down T.C. to Long Rock. Copyright Mark Lynam

201206f There were Two 66s earlier now there is Three. Copyright Roger Winnen

And Three sheds under Penzance train shed just after sunset. 66850, 66846 and 66014. 66849 was outside on Platform 4. Copyright Mark Lynam

201206g A rare site at Penzance with every platform holding a permanent way train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Didcot
Michael Forward

Here is the first of some pictures taken at Didcot which I hope will be of interest. This one shows 47488 on 6 January 2000,with a Cross Country service which terminated here because of late running.(In 1999 and 2000 we were worried about the Millenium Bug ,how things have changed this year, Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Nr. Feniton
Paul Barlow

159 miles from London as 47581 gets the 12.28 Exeter to Waterloo going seen here at Feniton. 28th June 1992. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The former Sidmouth Junction was 159 1/2 miles from Waterloo so this must be the scene where the Sidmouth branch left the main line.
Feniton railway station serves the village of Feniton in Devon , England. It was opened by the LSWR in 1860 but is now operated by South Western Railway which provides services on the West of Englan main line. It is 159 miles 24 chains (256.4 km) down the line from London Waterloo.
It has been known by several different names, but from 1874 to 1967 it was Sidmouth Junction while it was the junction for the branch lines to Sidmouth and through Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth. The above courtesy of Wikipedia.

Many thanks Paul.

Didcot
Roger Geach

66577 powers the Wentllog to Southampton seen at Didcot Parkway 10th December 2009. Copyright Roger Geach. Note the cooling towers of Didcot Power station once a dominant feature of the area.

On the same sunny day 66113 moves the Didcot to Bicester seen leaving Didcot on the 10th December 2009. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger.

5th December 2020

5/12/2020

A Good Good Friday
Totnes and St Erth
Clive Smith

A Good Friday selection from the 9th April 1982. I'd gone to Totnes to take some photos around the station. This all ended when 45063 rolled in on a relief to Penzance which was the 1V75 07.00 Newcastle - Bristol TM extended so I thought I would have a trip west. In order to get home to Plymouth I had to disembark at St Erth for the 18.00 Penzance - Bristol with 47437 on load three or face a near four hour wait for the sleepers. The semaphores at Totnes are now long gone but at least we still have them at St Erth.
Regards Clive Smith

Totnes Good Friday 45063 rolls in. 9th April 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

A 'wiff' of smke and steam from 45063 at St Erth on the 9th April 1982. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive

Exeter
Paul Barlow

46044 1830 Paignton to Exeter empty stock and looks back as he pulls away from a busy platform while 47500 'Great Western' is on platform 6 on the 19.35 to Cardiff. It's the 3rd August 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks Paul

Crofton
Roger Geach

Roger gets down low for this shot across the Kennet and Avon Canal towards the Crofton Pumping Engine as 59204 on the 11.48 Merehead to Theale passes by on Tue 13th August 2019. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger

4th December 2020

4/12/2020

Moreton area
Roger Geach

Moreton is just east of Didcot which will be seen in the background of several of these shots from the Roger Gaech Archives.

5920 Wycliffe Hall near Morton Didcot Copyright Roger Geach undated. A lovely shot - semaphores and all.

Green DMU heads east Morton july 1967 Copyright Roger Geach

A 47 on the 1T15 15.00 Paddington to Cardiff seen at Moreton, Didcot summer Saturday july 1967 Copyright Roger Geach

An up HST heads for Paddington in 1979. Copyright roger Geach,

A 47 on the up vans seen Moreton Didcot East in July 1981. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger

Grogley Work
Andrew Jones

Keith and Valerie, Please find attached photograph of the rebuilt Ruthernbridge Railway retaining wall adjacent the Nanstallon junction at Grogley. The council have done a very good job, with an additional wall protecting the road. Hopefully no one will damage the works as the road is now very narrow at this point. I think the original Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway Company would be very proud.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane.

New Ruthernbridge railway retaining wall. 1st December 2020. Copyright Andrew Jones

Thank you Andrew - work complete.

Dennis Clarke

Didcot

Please find enclosed a couple of pictures I took at Didcot Parkway yesterday. 60065, still in EWS livery, was stabled alongside the station. It was great to see it still in use in the old livery. 66074 was also stabled. 37612 came into the station on a Tyseley to Bristol test train. Regards, Dennis

Many thanks Dennis

New Trains for the
Isle of Wight
Ken Mumford

The IOW is just about reachable from the FOSW ticket - from Portsmouth Harbour has suffered problems with the EX London Tube Stock which currently runs the Ryde to Shanklin service. Ken Mumford sends us this link showing the delivery of new stockSubject: FIRST NEW TRAIN FOR ISLAND LINE ARRIVES ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT - Island Echo - 24hr news, 7 days a week across the Isle of Wight
NOTE:- If you watch the video, nothing happens in first half, so fast forward !
Sent from a fellow railway enthusiast,
Kind regards,
Ken.
https://www.islandecho.co.uk/first-new-train-for-island-line-arrives-on-the-isle-of-wight/

Thank you for the link Ken.

Advertising
New Website
Phillip Hadley

Greetings,
I am writing to tell you of the launch today of the website my 13 year old son has created for me as a portal to sell my books direct to my readers and to provide them with all manner of information on the locations and history behind them as well as a monthly blog to maintain interest between books. You'll also find news on forthcoming publications including a short Christmas story which should be available as an eBook in about 10 days time in time for this Christmas.

I think he's done a grand job, so take a look using the link below and feel free to pass it on via email, Facebook, Instagram, whatsApp or whatever social media platforms you use to anyone you think would be interested. Feel free to review it on your blog, post a link on your website, share it with family, friends, book circle, clubs & societies, etc. or pass the word on in any other way you feel is appropriate.

Take a look at the Shop section - you never know you may be able to tick someone off your present buying list!
As always - enjoy the read and thank you for your interest.
Yours sincerely,
Phil

Home | Phil Hadley Publications

A picture from the past
Bristol TM
Mike Roach

Bristol TM Work going on on the frontage - a view dated 18th August 1985. Copyright Mike Roach,

Will see what I can do. Meanwhile I have just looked at Bristol TM for the first time and enclose one pic of the outside just in case its of any interest. The date is 18 August 1991 and the registration is C499BHY believed to be a Mercedes-Benz L608D.

Work going on to the station frontage.

Regards, Mike

Many thanks Mike

3rd December 2020

3/12/2020

Yeovil area
Bill Elston

A few phots from the Yeovil area today ( 2 Dec 2020 )
First, leaf - bashing, Southern style, MPVs DR 98920 and 98970 at Yeovil jct about to return to Totton
Second, over to Pen Mill for the 1313 Weymouth - Gloucester, with 166208,and ,
Finally, the Tyseley to Bristol High Level sidings, test train, via Reading and Weymouth, with 37610 and 37612. Luckily the sun came out briefly to highlight the train and the remaining Autumn colours.
Hope they of interest, Stay safe, Bill

37610 and 6122nd December 2020 Copyright Bill Yeovil Pen Mill. Copyright Bill Elston

37610 at Yeovil Pen Mill, 2nd December 2020 Copyright Bill Elston

Lots of interest, many thanks, Bill.

An unusual view of
Cowley Bridge
Paul Barlow

46014 1201 Leeds-Plymouth1V86 Sundays only passes Cowley Bridge Junction 18th April 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, from an unusual spot - note the signalbox beyond the bridge.

Dawlish Views
David Tozer

150266 and 143603 emerge from Dawlish station on the 2nd December 2020 Copyright David Tozer.

150266 and 143606 have come much closer. This view illustrates well the scene at Dawlish with the attractive houses. their view somewhat restricted by the new works. It hasn't taken long for the lower part of the wall to 'green up' This picture taken on the 2nd December 2020. Copyright David Tozer

Another one on the 2nd December 2020. Note the high fence between the promenade and the railway. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David - a lot to observe and I think you've caught it all.

Swindon observations
Ken Mumford

Swindon 1Z22 [Tyseley LMD to Bristol via Evesham, Oxford,Swindon, Westbury, Frome, Heading east through Swindon the Weymouth and Hallen Marsh. 2nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Merehead Quarry to Wootton Basset heading beyond Swindon for the loco to run around. 2nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

If you 're thirsty make sure you get the right train!! 2nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford,

Certain mindless individuals seem to have a lot of time and money to waste to display their 'talents'! 2nd December 2020. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - keep up the good work.

2nd December 2020

2/12/2020

A Mini HST working the
OZ77 Long Rock to Laira
Andrew Triggs Roger Winnen

Hi Roger/Keith Captured 43155 back to back with 43186 at Marazion this morning working 0Z77 11.26 Longrock T&RSMD-Laira T&RSMD for CRS Copyright Andrew Triiggs

The first day of freedom for a month as the lockdown is lifted. The pair of Power Cars are seen at Saltash leaving Tier 1 to cross the border into Tier 2 Plymouth & Devon. Copyright Roger Winnen

201202b Only a few minutes before these photographs we had perfect sunshine. Copyright Roger Winnen

Christmas at
Westbury
Alan Peters

GBRF CLass 59003 "Yeoman Highlamder" at Westbury on the 1st December 2020. Copyright Alan Peters.

On the First Day of Christmas, well the 1st December 2020 GBRf class 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" was conveniently parked under the flood lights in Westbury yard, just to good to resist a quick photo!

Alan Peters

70 805 1st December 2020. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail Freight 70805 on the holding sidings at Westbury, the loco is being prepared to work the Mon - Thu 6M50 to Bescot, of note is GBRf 59003 "Yeoman Highlander" pictured in the background and one of the few remaining FGW blue 165 turbo units can be made out on the stabling point, pictured before day break on 01/12/20 - Alan Peters

Many thanks to Driver Alan Peters who uses his privileged position to our benefit to obtain superb views.

Shaldon Bridge
Clive Smith

(1) 43207 brings up the rear with 43366 on the front of the 1M49 11.53 Plymouth - Birmingham New Street as it passes under Shaldon Bridge approaching Teignmouth. 1st December 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

Todays post - Good Morning Keith,
I was working in Teignmouth yesterday and like last Thursday in Dawlish the sun was out so thought I'd take a few photos. Hopefully other contributors take some more pictures over the next week or so to capture the pacers' swansong as they have been under represented on CRS. A shame there will be no farewell tour but covid and disability toilet provision have seen to that.

A rest day for me tomorrow for possibly the last cements. Unfortunately it's a grim weather forecast. We shall see.

All the best.
Clive.

Tribute to the 143's

(2) It's the final countdown as the class 143 pacers based at Exeter have just ten days left before withdrawal. 143618 leads a First Great Western blue liveried 150 on the 12.20 Paignton - Exmouth. After many obituaries it looks like the Grim Reaper has finally come looking for the 'bus on rails' after thirty five years. I can't say they will be missed but they have certainly etched their name into railway folklore. History will judge them but as a low-cost stop gap that went on well past their use-by date I think they have contributed to saving a number of rural lines.

Many thanks Clive

Rewe
Paul Barlow

45074 approaches Rewe on 1210 Birmingham-Penzance 1V14 relief 18th April 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Remember
Warspite
Martin Baker

Here she is in the BR blue days emerging from a downpour at Lostwithiel in the mid 1970's and then shortly after her demise at Laira in 1988. 50014 was one of the first members of the class to be withdrawn in late 1987, succumbing to the cutters torch two years later at Vic Berry, Leicester.

50014 Warspite departs Lostwithiel. Mid 70's Copyright Martin Baker

50014 Warspite At Laira on scrap line 1988 Copyright Martin Baker.

Older viewers may remember that HMS Warspite was a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship launched in 1913. She served in the First World War and in numerous operations in the Second World War, earning the most battle honours of any Royal Navy ship. She broke her tow and ran aground at St Michael's Mount on her way to be broken up in 1947 and was scrapped over a period lasting ten years at Marazion way into the 1950s

Many thanks Martin.

Salisbury to Exeter
Rail Users Group
David Tozer

David Tozer very kindly sent in the following link which you will find very interesting www.serug.co.uk

Many thanks Dave - feedback is very valuable.

<<Previous

Forward>>