Items added on the 12th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

Five from
the 'Westwaters' 

Ron and Jenny Westwater have returned from hotter climes and bring us five colourful pictures from east Cornwall  Many thanks to both of you. 

66027 running towards Par 14.13 10th March 2015. Copyright Ron Westwater.

66169 approaches Restormel Bridge at 15.20 on the 10th March 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater

Lostwithiel as the driver of 66027 takes the token for the Carne Point branch at 16.43 on the 10th March 2016. Copyright Ron Westwater

The Network Rail Test Train is not to be missed as it crosses Forder viaduct. Picture by Ron Westwater 11th March 2016 Copyright

A colourful low level shot of the Network Rail Test train crossing Forder Viaduct taken by Jenny Westwater on the 11th March 2016. Trematon Castle looks on from atop the hill LHS Copyright

Statutory Notice
Mike Roach

Hi Keith
The Department of Transport has issued a Public Notice dated today 10th  March 2016 indicating that FGW has proposed to discontinue the experimental passenger service that operates on the line between Westbury East Loop Junction and Hawkeridge Junction. The service will cease to operate from 15 May 2016.
Mike  Thanks Mike
PS I wonder how many trains use this loop at present?  Can anybody from Network Rail tell us what this experimental service is please?  Surely it is short sighted to remove this handy diversion route?

Hawkeridge Junction Signalbox as was. Copyright Roger Winnen

A 47 and Mark 1 rolling stock comes via the short chord from Westbury East Loop Junction and joins the line from Westbury towards Trowbridge at Hawkridge Junction. 10th April 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

Spring was certainly here as the Yellow Network Rail Measurement train arrived in West Cornwall
Roger Winnen and Andrew Triggs

160311a The Network Rail Measuring train crosses the refurbished Hayle Viaduct on route from Old Oak Common to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

160311b 43013 Sits in Platform 4 at Penzance awaiting its return journey to Paignton. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160311c 43061 The Network Measuring Train was held at Marazion for the 13.03 The Royal Duchy express to clear St Erth. Copyright Andrew Triggs

160311d The yellow peril heads up Marazion Marsh on route to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

Just to prove Sping is here
The perfect match -
Craig Munday

Here's the Networkrail Measurement train dropping down past Angarrack viaduct on 11th March 2016. The County is now part of the train's GW programme so should soon be a regular sight. KJ Comment - what an incredible picture, the flowers and train colour - a perfect match - well done Craig, Copyright Craig Munday

Spring is here
Craig Munday

March 10th was a busy day. First down to Penzance for a precaution against high seas across Mounts Bay.
 Once the tide abated there was time to grab a picture of the down sleepers from Mr William's daff field in Hayle. Visiting 57310 makes a fine sight heading the train away from the station stop. An added bonus was GWR liveried 57602 on the rear. (Permission given for these two shots). 
Then followed the bridge bash at Tregoss Moor - reported yesterday. 
Finally, a lovely Spring like shot of 66169 ready to depart St Blazey with the 6C53.  Many thanks Craig.

Visiting 57310 makes a fine sight heading the train away from the station stop. 10th March 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

An added bonus was GWR liveried 57602 on the rear of the sleeper. 10th March 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

66169 ready to depart from St Blazey 10th March 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Mikes Maritime Collection
Mike Morant

If you click on Mikes website you'll find it covers not only railways but other forms of transport as well - below is an example.

B R London Midland Region owned 'St. Patrick' is seen here berthed at Weymouth Quay on the 24th August 1954. Despite the ship owned by the London Midland Region of British Rail. she was a frequent performer on the Weymouth - Guernsey crossing. Mike Morant Collection