Items added on the 31st July 2016 Those added most recently come first

Last of the T9's
Mike Roach

It was 55 years ago that the last of the T9 class of locomotives were withdrawn from normal service. They were a 4-4-0 express loco built for the LSWR between 1899 and 1901, so the youngest ones saw 60 years of active service. 66 were built and in the spring and early summer of 1961 there were just 6 left in service; 5 at Exmouth Junction Shed and 1 at Eastleigh Shed (no 30117). The Exmouth Junction T9s were used on trains to Padstow and Plymouth via Okehampton and were 30120, 30313, 30709, 30715 and 30717. The Exmouth Junction T9s appear to have ceased work at the end of June 1961. They were then sent to Eastleigh where they were formally condemned at the beginning of July 1961. 30120 was later preserved.
 
             Very many thanks indeed for this reminder of the Greyhounds.

T9 30120 (now preserved) has charge of the up Atlantic Coast Express at Devonport Kings Road on 6th May 1961. Copyright Mike Roach.

30120 again out in the countryside near Otterham on the North Cornwall Line on 20 May 1961. 30120 had only arrived at Exmouth Junctin Shed (from Eastleigh) three months earlier in February 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

T9 30717 runs into Egloskerry Station with the last train of the day from Padstow to Okehampton, a two and a half hour journey, on 20 May 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

Chard Junction Silos
and report of another runaway.
John Cornelius

 Keith, Chard Junc milk factory now virtually demolished, has featured quite a bit on the web in recent times.
So here's some pics from 2001 when several million pounds were being invested to update it, including four milk silos, two of which are seen arriving, then being craned into position and the finished job all on the new base.  (See photographs below)
Runaway wagons. Featured in yesterdays news. CHARD photographer David Wheadon,  captured the scene shortly after the incident  and a picture appeared in the local press the  following week. I have a prèss cutting of the photo showing the guards van and wagon in the pub yard. Also some years before, 0-4-2 No 5812 arriving on a passenger train from Taunton slipped on icy rails,failed to stop, slid through the platform and demolished the buffers,the force of the impact stopping the loco from going into the road.
Enjoy,  cheers JOHN C  I knew there was another story John, many thanks.

Rather an oversize load. Copyright John Cornelius

Cautiously crossing the railway. Copyright John Cornelius

Turning into the Creamery. Copyright John Cornelius

Lifting into position. Copyright John Cornelius

The completed task. Copyright John Cornelius.

Exmouth1975
Doug Nicholls

I am most grateful to Roger Geach who kindly forwards pictures from his friend and colleague Doug Nicholls.

Here we see P587 coasting into the station at Exmouth. The disused signalbox still at the end of the platform, note the array of 'X' television aerials on the chimneys - its June 1975. Copyright Doug Nicholls.

Chacewater - Blackwater
Roger Aston

Three superb  pictures by Roger Aston trace the progress of the down e.c.s. as it passes over the summit and drops down to the old Chacewater station site. To those who knew Chacewater station it seems strange that Chacewater station wasn't called Blackwater as that village is nearest to the site of the station. It would have made sense then that viaduct nearest the station is called Blackwater. However, Chacewater viaduct which is nearer Truro does overlook the larger village of that name!! Puzzled! 

All eleven coaches in view as the e.c.s of the Northern Belle drops down towards Chacewater. 30th July 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

A rare view of a rare train crossing Chacewater viaduct. 30th July 2016 Copyright Roger Aston.

and finally the ;Northern Belle' drops down to run across Blackwater viaduct into the site of Chacewater station. 30th July 2016 Copyright Roger Aston

Holmbush Crossing
Jamie Dyke 

Nice to see a new location - well done Jamie and thanks.

Holmbush Crossing 68067 Hornet Northern Belle 30th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Holmbush Crossing 68008 Avenger Northern Belle 30th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Holmbush Crossing 57605 'Totnes Castle' passes Holmbush Crossing with the 1015 Penzance to Par ECS 30th July 2016 Copyright Jamie Dyke

Yesterday at Bodmin General
Paul Rundle

50042 deputising for the failed 37 at Bodmin General 30th July 2016 Copyright Paul Rundle

Yesterday at Powderham
David Tozer

My apologies to you David - these came in good time but I was out - it should have been titled 'Today at Powderham'

Nicely framed by the footbridge 68017 heads the Belmond Pulman at Powderham 30th July 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Bringing up the rear is 68008 30th July 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Just four minutes earlier Cross Country 220005 had passed by. Powderham 30th July 2016. Copyright David Tozer

Athelney 2
John Cornelius

A view from the box at Athelney, Lyng Church in the background. Copyright John Cornelius

Barnstaple Victoria Road
Mike Morant

Today Mike Morant brings us a smashing action shot of the Exmoor Ranger - more on this railtour in our steam railtours section.  Many thanks Mike

M_BR_41291_41206_Barnstaple_27-3-65 Plymouth Railway Circle/RCTS: The Exmoor Ranger 27/3/65
Ivatt 'Mickey' Mouse' 2-6-2T's nos. 41206 and 41291 double-head the special as it departs from Barnstaple (Victoria Road) on the way to Ilfracombe.
[Mike Morant collection