Items added on the 4th March 2016 Those added most recently come first

Blast from the past
 'Royal Duchy' 

In awful weather on 24th October 1998 Severn Valley Railway's 8F 48773 and Black Five 45110 storm away from
​St Blazey with the 'Royal Duchy' to Newquay
By Alan Peters

Photo by Alan Peters

Silk Mills Level Crossing
Andrew Jones

Dear Keith, I was working for the Hydrographic Dept in Taunton, during the 70’s. Here is a Photograph of Western Yeoman, at Silk Mills Crossing. (no longer in existence) taken in January 1971. The route indicators, during this period, sometimes matched the locomotive number, but not in this instance. Best wishes Andrew Jones       Many thanks Andrew

1035 Western Yeoman approaches Silk Mill Level Crossing in January 1971. Note that the nearest metals have already been cut and taken out of use. This crossing has been completely removed being replaced by a road over bridge carrying the A3065 and the signalbox demolished. Copyright Andrew Jones

Yesterday at Laira
Craig Munday

Hi Keith,   On my Devon rounds and popped into Laira depot to photograph UK Rail Leasing class 56s 56081 / 56104 being used on a stock movement the following day.  Kind regards Craig 
                                               Many thanks Craig - lovely pictures

56081 and 104 at Laira on a lovely but very cold evening 3rd March 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Lovely colours in this picture of 56081 and 104 resting at Laira Thursday evening 3rd March 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

Six Wheel Milk Tankers
​Peter Radford

A little while ago there was a query concerning six wheel milk tankers.  Just to prove they've been to Cornwall - here is a picture taken by Peter Radford.

Six wheel milk tanks at St Erth. Just to prove the location there is a Pressed Steel Bubble Car. standing at the St Ives platform 'just in' the picture to the right. 20th February 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

GWR Spelling Error
spotted by Alan Harris

Which one is write??? From the Alan Harris collection

'N' on shed at Okehampton
Mike Morant

Looking from the station towards the shed we see Maunsell 'N' class mogul no. 31831 at Okehampton shed in August 1962.  31831 had been an Exmouth Junction mpd stalwart since 1950 but would move to Brighton during the month after this shot was taken.  The shot and caption courtesy the Mike Morant collection

Maunsell 'N' class mogul no. 31831 at Okehampton shed in August 1962. Courtesy Mike Morant collection

The last down Brighton
Tony Hill

Tony Hill writes :-The last Down "Brighton" ran on Saturday 4 March 1967
The 4 March 1967 was also the date that the 0110 Waterloo to Plymouth Passenger & News, 1040 Plymouth to Brighton and 1650 Plymouth to Eastleigh ran for the last time, thus ending regular loco hauled services on the former Southern Exeter to Plymouth main line. Many thanks Tony

D868 Zephyr waits time at Okehampton with the last 1012 Brighton to Plymouth 1V65, formed of 9 BR MKI coaches including a Buffet car, in a mixture of SR Green and the then new BR Inter City Blue/Grey livery. Note the water crane still in situ. 4th March 1967 Copyright Tony Hill