Laira 'ins and outs'
News recently broke that 3 ex-First Great Western class 43 power cars were to leave Plymouth Laira Depot, for the Plym Valley Railway.
Power car 43063 is understood to be destined for preservation, whilst sister 43161 has been provided as a source of spare parts, and will be broken up on site at Plym Valley over winter.
Neither power car has a power unit fitted.
Also sent to the Plym Valley Railway for very short term storage is 43091, it is understood that this power car will depart for onwards transport to a new, unknown, home over the next few days.
With all that room, Laira have today (27.11.2024) taken delivery of the first of the ex-Transport For Wales class 175 DMU's, which it is understood will phase out the use of the remaining short-formed HST sets. Unit number 175002 was delivered to Laira under the cover of darkness in the early hours of 27.11.2024 by two class 37 locomotives.
Our congratulations to the Plym Valley for securing one of these iconic locomotives for preservation.
Power car 43063 is understood to be destined for preservation, whilst sister 43161 has been provided as a source of spare parts, and will be broken up on site at Plym Valley over winter.
Neither power car has a power unit fitted.
Also sent to the Plym Valley Railway for very short term storage is 43091, it is understood that this power car will depart for onwards transport to a new, unknown, home over the next few days.
With all that room, Laira have today (27.11.2024) taken delivery of the first of the ex-Transport For Wales class 175 DMU's, which it is understood will phase out the use of the remaining short-formed HST sets. Unit number 175002 was delivered to Laira under the cover of darkness in the early hours of 27.11.2024 by two class 37 locomotives.
Our congratulations to the Plym Valley for securing one of these iconic locomotives for preservation.
Plym Valley power cars on 26.11.2024, at Marsh Mills. Copyright Plym Valley Railway.
A YouTube video showing the arrival of the first class 175 to Laira.
Heathfield washout
Sam Ryder
The mothballed Heathfield Branch at Newton Abbot has been a victim of Storm Bert, with a large amount of the earthworks washed away leaving the rails suspended over the flooded steam. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Many thanks for sending in your photos, Sam - a sad sight. I wonder what will become of the branch - surely (and sadly) the appetite to rebuild it will not be there?
St. Blazey Scenes
Jon Hird & Tony Shore
66131 waits at Par Harbour crossing with 11 loaded JIA's from the harbour. The train would later work to Exeter Riverside as 6C10. 27.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
66131 waits for the crossing gates to be closed to road traffic, so that it can proceed. 27.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Not long after 6C10 had departed, the railhead treatment train arrived with 66179 and 66154. 66152 is parked outside the wagon repair shop, various JIA wagons are scattered around as well as the ill-fated JGA wagons. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
After reversing at the signal box, 66154 leads the train into the yard for servicing. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The RHTT continues past the turntable towards the harbour crossing. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The train had to go up to (but not over) the harbour crossing to access the servicing point. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks Tony, nice to see you earlier.
Creech St Michael
Bill Elston
Bill Elston
Good afternoon, Roger, There was an ecs move today from Laira to Derby RTC This was operated by Rail Operations Group 37510 and large logo 37407 t/t mode and is seen passing Creech st Michael. Best wishes, Bill Elston
Many Thanks Bill
Swindon Steam
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
Good afternoon friends,
I thought that I was going to miss this morning's (27.11.2024) steam train BUT I did see it about to pass under Swindon Road roadbridge a mile or so east of Swindon station.
However it wasn't pulled by 35028 'Clan Line' but by a slightly less powerful steam locomotive - 44871. At the back was a diesel-electric locomotive [47812] which would be of great use later in that train's journey to Cardiff in South Wales.
I thought that I was going to miss this morning's (27.11.2024) steam train BUT I did see it about to pass under Swindon Road roadbridge a mile or so east of Swindon station.
However it wasn't pulled by 35028 'Clan Line' but by a slightly less powerful steam locomotive - 44871. At the back was a diesel-electric locomotive [47812] which would be of great use later in that train's journey to Cardiff in South Wales.
Steam train [pulled by steam locomotive No. 44871] approaching the road bridge over the railway near Stratton Green [Swindon Road]. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Diesel-electric locomotive No. 47812 bringing up the rear. Copyright Ken Mumford.
The steam train [after having stopped over the County Road bridge awaiting a platform space] crosses over from the DOWN MAIN to enter alongside platform 3. NOTE the driver looking out of the cab. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
The complete train alongside the platform where there was a crew change. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
The train crosses from platform 3 to the DOWN MAIN with the diesel [47812] at the rear - leaving 11 LATE. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks Ken & Colin - a great set of photos.