Proper Job at Williton
Rob Lindley
Rob Lindley
This picture shows the scene at Williton today. Many thanks to Rob Lindley
Rusty rail shows the position of the plain track laid in place of the former turnout at the Bishops Lydeard end of the Williton loop. The dead straight track from the up platform to the new turnout is laid over the new culvert the location of which is clear for all to see. A good job very well done. 28th February 2016 Copyright Robert Lindley.
Unusual shunt at Exmouth Jct
David Tozer
David Tozer
The object of the exercise was to Park the Rail Vac in the sidings which once led to Exmouth Junction shed. David Tozer arrives at 07.47 to record the proceedings.
37025 Inverness TMD appears just beyond Exeter Central on the bi-directional down main with the Rail Vac in tow. Copyright David Tozer
Proceeding on from the above picture 37025 crossed over to the up main and proceeded through Black Boy tunnel towards Exmouth Junction. Here it left the up main and ran into the disused sidings which formerly served Exmouth Junction shed. For some reason, perhaps a run round loop wasn't available, the loco backed out again onto the up main line. The railvac was then uncoupled and left on the up main. 37025 then proceeded to just beyond Pinhoe where the double track becomes single. Reversing here the loco it ran past the railvac back to Exmouth Junction where it was able to gain the up main once more. Having done this it was a simple matter of propelling the railvac onto the sidings mentioned above. David records that this was the first loco into these sidings since 12th December 2011. Thanks for your report David.
37025 pushes the railvac back into the sidings. 28th February 2016 Copyright David Tozer
37025 nameplate Inverness TMD photographed through the bushes Copyright David Tozer
The Great Western HST
on the Plymouth Shuttles
Over three weekends the mainline between Plymouth and Exeter is closed for engineering work with a bus replacement running from Plymouth to Tiverton Parkway and intermediate stations.
Andrew Triggs photographs the Plymouth Shuttles at Hayle
on the Plymouth Shuttles
Over three weekends the mainline between Plymouth and Exeter is closed for engineering work with a bus replacement running from Plymouth to Tiverton Parkway and intermediate stations.
Andrew Triggs photographs the Plymouth Shuttles at Hayle
160227a The Great Western HST on the Plymouth shuttle service seen passing Hayle with the 11.50 from Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160227b Returning to Plymouth seen crossing Hayle Viaduct with the 14.30 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs
160227c Departing up the bank from Hayle Station with the 1Z 93 to Plymouth. Copyright Andrew Triggs
St Erth Semaphores
Craig Munday
Craig Munday
A visit to St Erth later in the day (24th February 2016) to audit the point clip equipment resulted in some unusual angles of St Erth station from the West end. The photos were taken in a position of safety from the former Up Refuge siding. The vegetation has recently been cleared here, sadly not for a new siding to be relaid! The late running class 153 heading west - deputizing for the failed class 150 no doubt.
Signal SE66 at St Erth on the 24th February 2016. Copyright Craig Munday. How interesting, how attractive the four semaphores make. It is obvious that a service for St Ives is shortly to depart. Rumour has it that that this signal brightly illuminated by the sun has a bright future as it is likely to be saved for preservation on site once the semaphore signalling is replaced. Long may it remain in use!
SE66 again, the branch train has gone and an up service is signalled. 24th February 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
Now moving to the west of St Erth station, a privileged view of SE67 0n the station approach. Copyright Craig Munday
The west end of the up platform at St Erth on the 24th February 2016. Copyright Craig Munday The bridge carries the main line over 'Sation Approach' - this in turn leads to 'Trenoweth Lane' - you'll eventually come to St Erth village after 1/2 mile or so.
View from the west of St Erth station. 24th February 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
Taken from the safety of the former up refuge siding at st erth 153 329 running late heads west deputising for the failed 150 24th February 2016 Copyright Craig Munday
314 at Wadebridge
Mike Morant
Mike Morant
314 later became 30585 at Wadebridge. Nowadays this loco is preserved and is kept at Quainton Road Courtesy Mike Morant collection