The longest days
Craig Munday
Hi there
Once again we pass into the longest days of the year. Eight weeks around the 21st June bring superb lighting opportunities into angles not possible during the rest of the year.
The rhododendron is in full bloom between Liskeard and Scorrier, and two trains are seen amid the bright colours. These plants thrive in alkaline soil, perhaps more naturally occurring in this part of Cornwall?
A day later after an afternoon in the sun at St Ives, 2C31 rolled into St Erth against the timeless backdrop of SE66 signal.
This brought two Castles together in the platform allowing a (hurried) snap of the two. Had time allowed the west end would have offered a better picture.
Cheers for now
Craig
Once again we pass into the longest days of the year. Eight weeks around the 21st June bring superb lighting opportunities into angles not possible during the rest of the year.
The rhododendron is in full bloom between Liskeard and Scorrier, and two trains are seen amid the bright colours. These plants thrive in alkaline soil, perhaps more naturally occurring in this part of Cornwall?
A day later after an afternoon in the sun at St Ives, 2C31 rolled into St Erth against the timeless backdrop of SE66 signal.
This brought two Castles together in the platform allowing a (hurried) snap of the two. Had time allowed the west end would have offered a better picture.
Cheers for now
Craig
43198 and 43004 swish past a fine ribbon of the wild growing Rhododendrons at Trenowth near Grampound Road with 2P08. 20.05.2024, copyright Craig Munday.
158766 passing yet more of the colourful plants at Chacewater with 2P09 on 20.05.2024. Copyright Craig Munday.
A 'castle' formed of 43098 and 43156 arrives at St. Erth with 2C31 on 21.05.2024. Copyright Craig Munday.
43188 and 43189 working 2E26 pass 43098 and 43156 on 2C31 at St. Erth. 21.05.2024, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks as always for allowing us to display your excellent photos, Craig.
Exeter Central
Martin Scane
Hi
A couple of photos of a Paignton to Exmouth local this afternoon (21.0524) at 16-20 at Exeter Central.
The station looks rather sad these days but at least it is still open and pretty busy and, of course, still sees trains running to Waterloo.
I can just imagine the noise and splendour as a ten coach train headed by a Battle of Britain Light Pacific struggles up the hill from St Davids 60 years ago.
Cheers
Martin
A couple of photos of a Paignton to Exmouth local this afternoon (21.0524) at 16-20 at Exeter Central.
The station looks rather sad these days but at least it is still open and pretty busy and, of course, still sees trains running to Waterloo.
I can just imagine the noise and splendour as a ten coach train headed by a Battle of Britain Light Pacific struggles up the hill from St Davids 60 years ago.
Cheers
Martin
GWR 150248 and 150232 arrive at Exeter Central with 2F24 - the 15:22 Paignton to Exmouth. 21.05.2024, copyright Martin Scane.
The 4-car unit pauses at Exeter Central. 21.05.2024, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks Martin, agreed - it's sad to see it in its current state, a shadow of its former self, but as you quite rightly say, at least it does still exist.
Dobwalls Delight
Roger Geach
47807 with a Penzance to Manchester service is seen near Dobwalls on Friday 09.07.1999. Copyright Roger Geach.
Thank you very much, Roger - a lovely bright and colourful image.
More Westbury 'Grid' action
Guy Vincent
Westbury station saw class 56 activity again at lunchtime on Tuesday 21st when 56103 and the elusive 56098 paused briefly at a red signal before heading on with the as required 6Z60 1040 Willesden - Merehead empty box wagons. 56103 was providing power solo with 56098 dead in tow. The pair returned from Merehead later with the loaded 6Z61 1632 Merehead - Willesden, missing the station and running via the avoiding line between Fairwood and Heywood Road Junctions.
Best regards
Guy V
Best regards
Guy V
Westbury - 56103 & 56098 with 6Z60 on 21.05.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Westbury - 56103 & 56098 with 6Z60 on 21.05.2024. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks to you as always, Guy. Great to see some classic traction hard at work.
10217 at Long Rock - on the road
Dennis Clarke
Hi Keith, Roger, Jon,
I passed Long Rock this evening around 5:30pm and saw that Night Riviera buffet/club car 10217 was on an Allelys lorry about to come out of the depot.
I was certainly in the right place at the right time. The Allelys employee told me it was going to Laira.
Without knowing the facts, going by road, I assume that it may have problems with wheelsets or running gear,
Kind Regards,
Dennis
I passed Long Rock this evening around 5:30pm and saw that Night Riviera buffet/club car 10217 was on an Allelys lorry about to come out of the depot.
I was certainly in the right place at the right time. The Allelys employee told me it was going to Laira.
Without knowing the facts, going by road, I assume that it may have problems with wheelsets or running gear,
Kind Regards,
Dennis
10217 en route to Laira via road, 22.05.2024. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
10217 en route to Laira via road, 22.05.2024. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
10217 en route to Laira via road, 22.05.2024. Copyright Dennis Clarke.
Many thanks Dennis - from conversations from people 'in the know', I am led to believe that these coaches are being moved to and from Laira for exams/servicing/overhauls via road haulage simply as a matter of cost and convenience. A strange state of affairs if correct!