Items added on the 6th May 2016 Those added most recently come first

Western Challenger
Timings

Good Morning,
A couple of links below for information regarding D1015 Western Champion's visit to the West Country tomorrow. Sadly no Cornish leg of the tour but running from Paddington via the LSWR route to Okehampton via Plymouth, recreating part of a previous tour.
Full info on the tour here:
http://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/index.php/tour-calendar-reader/events/the-western-challenger.html
Real time trains timings here:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10522/2016/05/07/advanced

See you lineside!  Regards Ross Griffiths                  Many Thanks Ross

Surprise Surprise
A Class 68 works the Flask Train
Roger Winnen

After planning Thursdays trip using a Freedom of the South West Railrover together with purchasing an advanced single to Ivybridge to meet the 09.00 hrs start I learnt from a friend on route that the first Class 68 to come to the Westcountry was to work the Flask train from Bridgewater to Crewe. At Bristol everyone was waiting in anticipation as no departure timings were shown on sites, however a member of the platform staff came along advising that the train was passing Parson Street so within 5 minutes the train arrived in the centre through line.

160505a The first appearance of a Class 68 in the Westcountry as 68011 tailed with 57003 works a flask train from Bridgwater to Crewe Coal Sidings. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505b Emerging into daylight the flask train departs Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505c 57003 tailes the train to Crewe. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505d 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange named at the Bristol St Philips Marsh oprn day departs Swindon on the 15.00 Bristol to London Paddington service. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505e 59203 is seen arriving at Westbury with stone empties. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505e A Class 158 Unit dedicated to the Springboard Trust leaves Westbury on the Weymouth service. All proceeds from the Bristol Open Day were donated to this trust. Copyright Roger Winnen

160505f 66957 Stephenson Locomotive Society arrives at Westbury with a Network Rail Train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Beatties at Boscarne
John Cornelius

It could have been a scene from many years ago except for the immaculate condition of the locos, the passenger stock, and the platform.                                                     Many thanks to John

Copyright John Cornelius