Features - 2025
Please click a title below to be taken to the relevant part of the page.
2349 : A visit to the Plym Valley Railway (16.03.2025)
2350 : Exeter Gasworks - and a life of railways (K. Gale)
2351 : Grids and beyond : Class 56's become class 69's (G. Vincent)
2352 : The CRS visit the North Cornwall Miniature Railway (06.04.2025)
2353 : Exploring Port Isaac Road Station in 2025 (06.04.2025)
2354 : The LSL Chairman's Train visits the South West (17.04 - 19.04.2025)
2355: The South Devon Railway Easter Gala (19.04 - 20.04.2025)
2350 : Exeter Gasworks - and a life of railways (K. Gale)
2351 : Grids and beyond : Class 56's become class 69's (G. Vincent)
2352 : The CRS visit the North Cornwall Miniature Railway (06.04.2025)
2353 : Exploring Port Isaac Road Station in 2025 (06.04.2025)
2354 : The LSL Chairman's Train visits the South West (17.04 - 19.04.2025)
2355: The South Devon Railway Easter Gala (19.04 - 20.04.2025)
For 2024 features, click here (part 1) or here (part 2)
Item 2349
A visit to the Plym Valley Railway
(on 16.03.2025)
Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - 69005 Parked up in Park Sidings at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - 66553 stands in the through road at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - The Ruston Diesel arrives with the 12 noon Plym Bridge to Marsh Mills working. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Albert heads the 12.30 service to Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Approaching Plym Bridge Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Approaching Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Albert at Plym Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen.
16.03.2025 - Albert at Plym Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen.
16.03.2025 - 13002 The third 08 shunter built. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Former GWR Power Car at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Albert with the 14.00 Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge service. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Albert with the 14.00 Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge service. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - 429 Tails the train. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - The returning service to Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Bicycle Riders will they race the train! Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - They are coming. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - It could be a Neck and Neck. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - An original Cornish Skipper now being repainted into its original livery Chocolate & Cream. Copyright Roger Winnen
Item 2350
Exeter Gas Works - and a life of railways
Keith Gale
Ferroequinology (the study of railways) is an interesting hobby and one that many here will agree is very worthwhile. During our studies we find many interesting facts and stories along the way. My particular interest has always been with the unusual. Although I have always aknowledged main line railways - especially freight - the quirky has always appealed. I am not quite sure where this originates from, but this story may provide a clue.
When I was growing up, kids had a lot of freedom. After school and at weekends I had the world at my feet - well, within walking and cycling distance at least. I merely had to tell my Mother the rough time that I would reappear for food and the time was my own within reason. Exeter was my patch and the link with railways was forged at an early age. My parents house was in Exwick - just a stones throw from St Davids Station and I clearly recall falling to sleep to the sounds of shunting at Riverside Yard, where my Father worked for a short while.
A new (second-hand) bicycle was my steed and so I went exploring the obscure little sidings within reach. One industrial area at that time was around Haven Banks with its Gas Works. This area was in complete contrast to the green fields surrounding Exwick. Here was the sound of moving 12 tonne coal wagons, hissing of steam and gas, conveyors transporting coal and so on. I waited by the gated level crossing at Tan Lane and sure enough a small yellow diesel shunter appeared. It was very different to the shunters at Exeter sheds (later to be called class 08's) and of course it was not blue - and dd not even have a visible number! Anyhow, I spent an hour or so watching this locomotive shuttle back and forth with coal wagons taking the fulls from the exchange sidings to the tipper and the empties back. A picture of the locomotive is shown below (courtesy of an unknown source from the internet):
When I was growing up, kids had a lot of freedom. After school and at weekends I had the world at my feet - well, within walking and cycling distance at least. I merely had to tell my Mother the rough time that I would reappear for food and the time was my own within reason. Exeter was my patch and the link with railways was forged at an early age. My parents house was in Exwick - just a stones throw from St Davids Station and I clearly recall falling to sleep to the sounds of shunting at Riverside Yard, where my Father worked for a short while.
A new (second-hand) bicycle was my steed and so I went exploring the obscure little sidings within reach. One industrial area at that time was around Haven Banks with its Gas Works. This area was in complete contrast to the green fields surrounding Exwick. Here was the sound of moving 12 tonne coal wagons, hissing of steam and gas, conveyors transporting coal and so on. I waited by the gated level crossing at Tan Lane and sure enough a small yellow diesel shunter appeared. It was very different to the shunters at Exeter sheds (later to be called class 08's) and of course it was not blue - and dd not even have a visible number! Anyhow, I spent an hour or so watching this locomotive shuttle back and forth with coal wagons taking the fulls from the exchange sidings to the tipper and the empties back. A picture of the locomotive is shown below (courtesy of an unknown source from the internet):
HE 6263 at Exeter Gas Works 8 July 1969 (copyright unknown).
The driver of the locomotive (discovered later from the Industrial Railway Society records as Hunslet 6263) saw this twelve year old looking over the crossing gates and took pity. 'Oi fella, would you like a ride in the loco?' 'You bet' said I and over the gates I went and up into the cab. The loco was quite rough riding, very rattily and loud. I even had the chance to drive (under strict supervision!). All too soon I had to go home, thanked the driver and went on my way.
Over the years and on many occasions I had thought about the Exeter Gas Works visit and decided to conduct some research into the industrial railway system. I knew that one of the steam locomotives had been preserved at the Dart Valley Railway (Peckett 2031) but imagine my surpise when I found that the Hunslet diesel had also been preserved. After working at the Gas Works it moved to several Coking Works in the North East of England - and then into preservation at the Bowes Railway. In 2024 I arranged to visit the Bowes Railway and was delighted to see HE6263 again - and enter the cab again some 55 years later!
Over the years and on many occasions I had thought about the Exeter Gas Works visit and decided to conduct some research into the industrial railway system. I knew that one of the steam locomotives had been preserved at the Dart Valley Railway (Peckett 2031) but imagine my surpise when I found that the Hunslet diesel had also been preserved. After working at the Gas Works it moved to several Coking Works in the North East of England - and then into preservation at the Bowes Railway. In 2024 I arranged to visit the Bowes Railway and was delighted to see HE6263 again - and enter the cab again some 55 years later!
HE 6263 under restoration at the Bowes Railway on 06.06.2024. Copyright Keith Gale.
After 55 years, Keith once again visits the footplate of ex-Exeter gasworks HE 6263 at the Bowes Railway. Copyright Keith Gale.
Item 2351
Grids and Beyond:
Class 56s become Class 69s
Guy Vincent
Attention has recently been focused on the now depleted class 56 fleet and the conversion of 16 locos to class 69s by by GB Railfreight.
Originally 135 strong, the class 56s were built between 1976 and 1984 by: 1. Electroputere of Craiova, Romania as sub-contractors for Brush Traction, Loughborough (56001 - 56030); 2. BREL Doncaster (56031 - 56115) and 3. BREL Crewe (56116 - 56135).
The first 30 locos suffered from various issues related to poor build quality and despite remedial work were always considered inferior to UK built locos. On the whole the class are generally thought of as less successful than other types of diesel loco and EWS / DB had dispensed with their services by 2004. A reprieve was given to 30 class members when they were hired by Fertis and moved to France in 2004-06 for use on construction traffic.
From 2012 Colas Rail bought and returned to use eight locos from scrap metal merchants who had purchased them from DB Schenker. These were 56049 051 078 087 090 094 105 113. In addition, they purchased 56124 (56302) from the assets of the former Fastline Freight business and, finally, 56096 from Europhoenix. Alas, 2025 has seen the removal from service of several of the Colas 'Grids' as they become due for major exams.
Eight locos, 56003 56006 56040 56045 56086 56097 56098 and 56101 found new homes in preservation although this has now reduced to just two, 56006 and 56045 (56301). The latter, main line registered, is now set to move to DC Rail. Of the remainder 56040 and 56086 were scrapped, 56003 (56312) is now 69013 with 56097 undergoing conversion to become 69016. 56101 is now working in Hungary. Being air-braked only, their use is limited on heritage lines.
Further class 56s used on the main line in recent years and that still survive are 56081 56091 56098 and 56103.
56115 and 56117 are in Hungary with 56101.
To date a total of 98 class 56s have been broken up for scrap. The class 47 to 57 rebuild and conversion programme (1998 - 2004) required a minimum of 33 alternators from the class 56 fleet plus any extra needed for spares.
Class 69 Locomotive Donor Fleet
69001 - 56031 First UK-built 56 at BREL Doncaster Works in 1976. For several years outbased at Westbury for Mendip Rail traffic, named Merehead.
69002 - 56057 (56311) BREL Doncaster 1979 Formerly preserved, then sold on for re-use on Network Rail.
69003 - 56018 Built by Electroputere at Craiova, Romania, 1976.
69004 - 56069 BREL Doncaster 1979.
69005 - 56007 Electroputere, 1976.
69006 - 56128 BREL Crewe Works 1983.
69007 - 56037 BREL Doncaster 1977. One-time class member outbased at Westbury for aggregates traffic.
69008 - 56038 BREL Doncaster 1977. One-time class member outbased at Westbury for aggregates traffic.
69009 - 56060 BREL Doncaster 1979.
69010 - 56065 BREL Doncaster 1979.
69011 - 56032 BREL Doncaster 1977. Former Cardiff Canton loco outbased at Westbury for several years.
69012 - 56077 BREL Doncaster 1980. Spent many years derelict at Crewe Diesel Depot in Loadhaul livery.
69013 - 56003 (56312) Electroputere, 1976. Left preservation for re use on main line.
69014 - 56104 BREL Doncaster 1981. Taken into rebuild programme as a working loco.
69015 - 56009 (56201, number not carried). Electroputere, 1976. Bought from EWS by Brush Traction for evaluation purposes for possible re-engineering but not used.
69016 - 56097 Built at BREL Doncaster 1981. Reprieved from Wigan C&RDC for preservation along with the remains of 56080 (spares). Returned to working order and used on the Nottingham Heritage Railway / GCR (N), Ruddington.
Former Fertis donor locos:
56007 018 031 032 037 038 060 065 069 104
The two surprise survivors must be 56009 and 56128. Both spent close to two decades out of use and were little more than gutted shells. 56128 was actually at C F Booth's yard in Rotherham for scrapping but they held onto it long enough for a sale to be agreed. 56077 in faded Load Haul livery also managed to cling on to life in derelict condition at Crewe Diesel depot before being added to the programme.
If memory serves me correctly, the first class 56 to arrive on the Western Region was 56043 in the spring of 1978, to Reading for crew training. The class worked MGR trains from the Midlands to Didcot Power Station and later took over South Wales coal and steel workings. In February 1982 two locos, 56013 and 56091, arrived at Westbury for crew training and the class then spent over a decade on the heavy Mendips aggregate traffic, unfortunately dogged by poor availability leading to Foster Yeoman ordering their first four GM class 59s which arrived in early 1986. During the period of the miner's strike in 1984-85 many rare class members, including some then recently built examples found their way to Wiltshire due to lack of work in the Yorkshire coalfields.
Following the purchase by EWS of the former three BR Trainload freight companies and assets in 1997, class 56s again became common user and returned in large numbers to South Wales, chiefly working from Cardiff Canton and Margam depots. They often worked to Westbury Cement Works with coal from Parc Slip opencast mine and brought flyash tankers across from Newport Alexandra Dock Jcn yard until replaced by new class 66s from 1999.
With recent crew training and route clearance trials being undertaken in Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall it is to be hoped that the colourful and charismatic class 69s will see regular use in the west of England where they will be a welcome sight for enthusiasts, as evidenced by the extensive coverage on CRS of the first series of workings.
Originally 135 strong, the class 56s were built between 1976 and 1984 by: 1. Electroputere of Craiova, Romania as sub-contractors for Brush Traction, Loughborough (56001 - 56030); 2. BREL Doncaster (56031 - 56115) and 3. BREL Crewe (56116 - 56135).
The first 30 locos suffered from various issues related to poor build quality and despite remedial work were always considered inferior to UK built locos. On the whole the class are generally thought of as less successful than other types of diesel loco and EWS / DB had dispensed with their services by 2004. A reprieve was given to 30 class members when they were hired by Fertis and moved to France in 2004-06 for use on construction traffic.
From 2012 Colas Rail bought and returned to use eight locos from scrap metal merchants who had purchased them from DB Schenker. These were 56049 051 078 087 090 094 105 113. In addition, they purchased 56124 (56302) from the assets of the former Fastline Freight business and, finally, 56096 from Europhoenix. Alas, 2025 has seen the removal from service of several of the Colas 'Grids' as they become due for major exams.
Eight locos, 56003 56006 56040 56045 56086 56097 56098 and 56101 found new homes in preservation although this has now reduced to just two, 56006 and 56045 (56301). The latter, main line registered, is now set to move to DC Rail. Of the remainder 56040 and 56086 were scrapped, 56003 (56312) is now 69013 with 56097 undergoing conversion to become 69016. 56101 is now working in Hungary. Being air-braked only, their use is limited on heritage lines.
Further class 56s used on the main line in recent years and that still survive are 56081 56091 56098 and 56103.
56115 and 56117 are in Hungary with 56101.
To date a total of 98 class 56s have been broken up for scrap. The class 47 to 57 rebuild and conversion programme (1998 - 2004) required a minimum of 33 alternators from the class 56 fleet plus any extra needed for spares.
Class 69 Locomotive Donor Fleet
69001 - 56031 First UK-built 56 at BREL Doncaster Works in 1976. For several years outbased at Westbury for Mendip Rail traffic, named Merehead.
69002 - 56057 (56311) BREL Doncaster 1979 Formerly preserved, then sold on for re-use on Network Rail.
69003 - 56018 Built by Electroputere at Craiova, Romania, 1976.
69004 - 56069 BREL Doncaster 1979.
69005 - 56007 Electroputere, 1976.
69006 - 56128 BREL Crewe Works 1983.
69007 - 56037 BREL Doncaster 1977. One-time class member outbased at Westbury for aggregates traffic.
69008 - 56038 BREL Doncaster 1977. One-time class member outbased at Westbury for aggregates traffic.
69009 - 56060 BREL Doncaster 1979.
69010 - 56065 BREL Doncaster 1979.
69011 - 56032 BREL Doncaster 1977. Former Cardiff Canton loco outbased at Westbury for several years.
69012 - 56077 BREL Doncaster 1980. Spent many years derelict at Crewe Diesel Depot in Loadhaul livery.
69013 - 56003 (56312) Electroputere, 1976. Left preservation for re use on main line.
69014 - 56104 BREL Doncaster 1981. Taken into rebuild programme as a working loco.
69015 - 56009 (56201, number not carried). Electroputere, 1976. Bought from EWS by Brush Traction for evaluation purposes for possible re-engineering but not used.
69016 - 56097 Built at BREL Doncaster 1981. Reprieved from Wigan C&RDC for preservation along with the remains of 56080 (spares). Returned to working order and used on the Nottingham Heritage Railway / GCR (N), Ruddington.
Former Fertis donor locos:
56007 018 031 032 037 038 060 065 069 104
The two surprise survivors must be 56009 and 56128. Both spent close to two decades out of use and were little more than gutted shells. 56128 was actually at C F Booth's yard in Rotherham for scrapping but they held onto it long enough for a sale to be agreed. 56077 in faded Load Haul livery also managed to cling on to life in derelict condition at Crewe Diesel depot before being added to the programme.
If memory serves me correctly, the first class 56 to arrive on the Western Region was 56043 in the spring of 1978, to Reading for crew training. The class worked MGR trains from the Midlands to Didcot Power Station and later took over South Wales coal and steel workings. In February 1982 two locos, 56013 and 56091, arrived at Westbury for crew training and the class then spent over a decade on the heavy Mendips aggregate traffic, unfortunately dogged by poor availability leading to Foster Yeoman ordering their first four GM class 59s which arrived in early 1986. During the period of the miner's strike in 1984-85 many rare class members, including some then recently built examples found their way to Wiltshire due to lack of work in the Yorkshire coalfields.
Following the purchase by EWS of the former three BR Trainload freight companies and assets in 1997, class 56s again became common user and returned in large numbers to South Wales, chiefly working from Cardiff Canton and Margam depots. They often worked to Westbury Cement Works with coal from Parc Slip opencast mine and brought flyash tankers across from Newport Alexandra Dock Jcn yard until replaced by new class 66s from 1999.
With recent crew training and route clearance trials being undertaken in Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall it is to be hoped that the colourful and charismatic class 69s will see regular use in the west of England where they will be a welcome sight for enthusiasts, as evidenced by the extensive coverage on CRS of the first series of workings.
56005 passing Bradford on Avon on Pathfinder Tours 'DC GreenFlasher' railtour on 17th July 1993. Copyright Guy Vincent.
The cut remains of 56043 at Rotherham. 28th February 2009. Copyright Guy Vincent.
56312 the former 56003 approaching Westbury with 6Z76 0735 Tavistock Jcn - West Ealing. 20th January 2011. This loco has recently been rebuilt and is now 69013. 47739 is at the rear of this formation. Copyright Guy Vincent.
56091 and 56103 at Westbury 24th June 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent.
69001, the former 56031 'Merehead', a long-time Westbury based loco, being hauled through Westbury by 66704 with then recently imported 66794 en-route from Longport to Eastleigh works for painting. 4th May 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.
69006, rebuilt from the stripped, gutted bodyshell of 56128, at Eastleigh on 4Y19 1230 Mountfield Sidings - Southampton Western Docks Gypsum empties. 17th October 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.
69009 'Western Consort', the former 56060, passing light through Kemble station, Glos as 0Z69 0845 Honeybourne Sidings -Wembley. 26th March 2025. Copyright Guy Vincent.
69009 'Western Consort', the former 56060, passing light through Kemble station, Glos as 0Z69 0845 Honeybourne Sidings -Wembley. 26th March 2025. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Item 2352
A visit to The North Cornwall Miniature Railway
(on 06.04.2025)
This 10 1/4" gauge railway near St. Teath holds 4 public open days each year in aid of charities. It is in the grounds of a private dwelling and features numerous steam, diesel, petrol and electric locomotives.
A video of the railway by Jon Hird. Click the red 'play' button to start.
The NCMR site from above. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The NCMR site from above. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The trackplan of the NCMR. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Terminus Station at St Teath. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Jethro awaiting for passengers to join at St Teath. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Steam locomotive 'Pengelly' at St. Teath West. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
St. Teath West station. The Police liveried diesel was unveiled on the day. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The Hymek Diesel. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Hymek Diesel at the terminus. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Jethro in close up. 'What happened was!'. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A battery electric locomotive works a train around the corkscrew. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The same train continues past the lake. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Trispen' working on the North Cornwall Miniature Railway. 06.04.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
'Trispen' working on the North Cornwall Miniature Railway. 06.04.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
D7062 Artic Prince. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
D7061 Queens Scout. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Saddle Tank Trispen with its train at St Teath. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Jethro is seen arriving at St Teath. The paintwork of the engines and coaches were a credit to all concerned. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Jethro and Pengelly stand side by side. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
St. Teath West from above. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Pengelly on its run around the gardens of St Teath. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
About to enter the tunnel. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
One of the two Hymeks Artic Prince on its run through the gardens. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Queens Scout tails the train. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
British Transport Police on tour in North Cornwall. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Trispen on its run around the large layout. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Nearing the end of a spectacular afternoon at St Teath. 06.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Roger W takes a ride. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Item 2353
Exploring Port Isaac Road Station
(on 06.04.2025)
On the way home from the NCMR open day, we decided to see what remained at the nearby Port Isaac Road station site. We were greeted by the owners who kindly allowed us access to the site, in exchange for a donation to the Air Ambulance. The site is a real time-warp with almost all the original features still in place. A great visit and many thanks indeed to the wonderful people there.
Port Isaac Road Station frontage. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The Waterloo end of the trackbed. A rail over road bridge lies just beyond the bushes. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
From the 'up' platform, looking back towards St. Kew Highway/Wadebridge. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Roger inspecting the date on the tax disc of the Reliant Rialto parked on the trackbed of the 'up' line. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A land train to Waterloo? 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Nature has taken over, the pheasants weren't really phased by our presence and the Peacock has wandered down from a nearby quarry. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Rovers and Cadillacks stand where Bulleid Pacifics once stood. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Charlie Hird waits for the next Wadebridge train. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Another view looking towards Delabole. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The loading dock at the Wadebridge end of the station. The owner told us that this was kept in use right until the end, as a local horse breeder made use of it to transport his race horses. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The goods shed now in use as a manufacturing facility for car parts. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The trackbed towards Wadebridge. 06.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Item 2354
The LSL Chairman's Train visits the South West
(17.04.2025 - 19.04.2025)
The Locomotive Services Limited directors train visited our region over the 2025 Easter weekend. The train was on its first leg of a wider tour, taking company owner/director Jeremy Hoskings and friends/family around the UK. The train was worked on 17.04.2025 from Paddington - Bristol Temple Meads by 57002, where GWR 'Castle' 5029 and 57311 took over and worked the train forwards to Kingswear. On 18.04.2025, the steam and diesel locos took the train to Taunton, where 37667 and 37521 were attached.
The class 37's took the train forwards to Penzance arriving in the afternoon. Just before 11am on 18.04.2025, the train departed again for St. Ives, where it stabled overnight.
With a 6am departure on 19.04.2025, 37521 led the train away from St. Ives to Penzance. Here, the train suffered issues with the locomotives, eventually departing 188 minutes late.
The class 37's took the train forwards to Penzance arriving in the afternoon. Just before 11am on 18.04.2025, the train departed again for St. Ives, where it stabled overnight.
With a 6am departure on 19.04.2025, 37521 led the train away from St. Ives to Penzance. Here, the train suffered issues with the locomotives, eventually departing 188 minutes late.
5029 and 57311 on 1042 Paddington to Kingswear pass Cowley Bridge Junction 17 April 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
57002 at Bristol Temple Meads, having brought the train down from Paddington. 18.04.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
57002 at Bristol Temple Meads, having brought the train down from Paddington. 18.04.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
5029"Nunney castle and 57311"The Institution of Mechanical Engineers" accelerates away from Exeter St Davids with 1Z29 Kingswear to Taunton. 18.04.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
Thankfully it had ceased raining for a while when the 0750 1Z50 Kingswear to Taunton passed Rewe with 5029 Nunney Castle and 57311. Needless to say the rain soon started again soon after they passed by. 18.04.2025, copyright David Tozer.
D6851 D6817 (37667 37521) thunder through Exeter St Thomas on the 'The chairman's train' 1000 Taunton to St Germans 18 April 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Now down to Dawlish Warren for the 37's. 37667(D6851)"Flopsie" & 37521(D6817) power out of the station after letting a class 221 ahead. 18.04.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
Fairly abysmal weather but not as grim as the forecast. Worth getting a bit wet for the sound of the thrash up the bank at Rattery which could be heard some distance away. 37667 (D6851) and 37521(D6817) head the 1Z30 11.00 Taunton - St Germans private charter 'The Chairman's Train' . 1963 BR era vintage locos looking and sounding good in 2025. 18.04.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
The managers special Kingswear to Penzance via Taunton. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The smart rolling stock for all to see. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Departing Plymouth Station for St Germans to set down. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The train had terminated at St. Germans with the passengers taken away by road. The train then ran as 5Z31 from St. Germans to Lostwithiel, the passengers rejoining the train later in the afternoon. 37667 and 37521 pound up St. Germans bank from a standing start on full power during a momentary pause in the rain. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
From the signalbox at Liskeard, we see the Chairman's Train pass by, running a few minutes early. 18.04.2025, copyright Gareth Thornton.
Heavy rain at Lostwithiel during the afternoon. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Seen from the footbridge D6851 (37667) leads D6817 (37521) through Par on LSL's 1Z31 'The Chairman's Train'. 18th April 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.
D6851 and D6817 prepare to tackle the climb away from Par. 18th April 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.
No problem for a combined 3,500hp and 24-wheel drive! 18th April 2025, copyright Neil Phillips.
37667 and 37521 head west through St. Austell with 'The Chairmans Train' on a rainy 18.04.2025. Copyright Steve Clark.
Now running as 1Z31, 37667 and 521 are seen near Crugwallins. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
37667 and 37521 approach Truro. 18.04.2025, copyright Joseph Birchall.
37667 and 37521 approach Truro. 18.04.2025, copyright Joseph Birchall.
37667 + 37521 working 1Z31 1538 Lostwithiel to Penzance at Apex Bridge, Scorrier in gloomy weather, thankfully the rain had stopped by then, just a bit of mist around. 18.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
37667 arriving at Redruth. The Chairman's Train had a bit of a problem as it had to make an unscheduled stop at Redruth this afternoon with Loco problems, with the driver having to go to the second loco to give some attention. On the departure from Redruth lead loco D6851s (Flopsie) engine was noted to only be idling while second loco D6817 was taking full power. 18.04.2025, copyright Mick House.
A pause at a very wet Redruth. 18.04.2025, copyright Mick House.
Departure from Redruth. 18.04.2025, copyright Mick House.
37521 at Redruth. 18.04.2025, copyright Mick House.
Arrival at Penzance Station prior to its overnight stay at St Ives. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Under the roof at Penzance. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Viewed from the steps leading up to the former booking office of years ago. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
D6851 and D6817 Backs its train out to Ponsandane. 18.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
At around 11pm, 37667 passes through St. Erth en route to St. Ives running as 1Z32. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
37521 on the rear of 1Z32 at St. Erth. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Arrival at St. Ives. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
37667 has gone as far as possible down the St. Ives branch. The train would stable here overnight. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A broader view of a sleepy St. Ives with the Chairmans Train snaking away over the viaduct and up onto the hillside beyond. Click to enlarge. 18.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
37667 (37521 out of view on the other end) at 5.56 this morning before it worked 1Z33 0600 St Ives to Shrewsbury via Penzance. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
A little after 6am, 37521 hauls the LSL chairmans train through Lelant. 19.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
37521 heads away towards St. Erth. 19.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
37521 'on the blocks' at Penzance following arrival from St. Ives with 1Z33. 19.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
'The Chairmans Train' coaching stock at Penzance. 20.04.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
37667 from the wall at Penzance on Platform 2 after returning from St Ives. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
37667 from the other side. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
37667 + 37521 departing Penzance for an unscheduled stop in Slopers siding to run round. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Both locos were having issues so it took ages for anything to really happen at Slopers, but I got this shot when the sun made a brief appearance and cloud to break up. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Both locos were uncoupled from the coaches and started to go towards Longrock once the ECS sleeper had past to go to the shed. These then ended up coupling up between Ponsandane Footbridge and the washer plant to then run into Penzance station, leaving the coaches in Slopers. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
37667 + 37521 at Penzance, where I think they managed to start both engines. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Now double headed the set seen propelling towards Penzance. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
37667 + 37521 clagging as they depart Penzance 188 late at 10.28 working to Shrewsbury, where 47810 was attached to the front at Bristol Temple Meads. 19.04.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
The class 37s climbing the 1 in 78 out of Truro. 19.04.2025, copyright Joseph Birchall.
The light had improved around St Austell bay, though multi layered clouds made an appearance of the sun a lottery. The locos disturbed two grazing horses at Coombe as they headed Eastward. 19.04.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
37667 and 37521 head through St. Austell with 1Z33. 19.04.2025, copyright Julian Stephens.
In a lucky spot of sun, 37667 and 37521 wind around the curves at Tywardreath. 19.04.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Just round the corner from Tony's shot above, the pair pound their way up the bank past Stoneybridge. 19.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The pair of 37's returning east through Bodmin Parkway on 19.04.2025. Copyright Steve Clark.
Full on thrash up the 1 in 42 incline at Hemerdon as 37667 and 37521 head the 1Z33 06.00 St Ives - Shrewsbury private charter 'The Chairman's Train' running 154 minutes late. 20.04.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
37667 and 521 pass class 33 33002 at Totnes. Copyright Sam Ryder.
My offering of the ill fated run of the 37s. Captured leaving Teignmouth some 163 minutes late. 19.04.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
After issues in Cornwall 37667 'Floppsie' and 37521 finally passes the site of the old Exminster Railway Station with the 0600 1Z33 St Ives to Shrewsbury some 160 minutes late. 19.04.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Running 160 minutes late 37667"Flopsie" and 37521 with 1Z33 0600 St Ives to Shrewsbury passes Tobie's Reclamation Yard (Exminster).19.04.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
37667 37521 work the 'The chairmans train' 0600 St Ives to Shrewsbury 1Z33 past Cowley Bridge Junction running 156 minutes late. 19 April 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
The Chairman of LSL's train ran from St Ives to Shrewsbury today, headed by 37667 and 37521. After a substantial delay it finally passed through Creech 167 late. 19.04.2025, copyright Bill Elston.
Item 2355
The South Devon Railway Easter Gala
(19.04.2025 - 20.04.2025)
The South Devon Railway held their Easter Gala over the 2025 Bank Holiday weekend. We've received a massive amount of photographs from Saturday and Sunday which can be seen below - please click any image for an enlargement.
Saturday 19.04.2025 photographs from Sam Ryder
Saturday 19.04.2025 photographs from Roger Winnen
Sunday 20.04.2025 photographs from Sam Ryder
