Features - 2025 (2)
Please click a title below to be taken to the relevant part of the page.
2361: 60163 'Tornado' works 'The Royal Duchy' (25.05.2025)
2362: The CRS Visit MPower Kernow (St. Blazey Turntable) (25.05.2025)
2363: The Lappa Valley '200 Gala' (14.06-15.06.2025)
2364: The Plym Valley Railway Transport Weekend (21.06-22.06.2025)
2365: Mazey Day 2025 (D1015 & Midland Pullman) (28.06.2025)
2366: D213 works 'The English Riviera Express' (12.07.2025)
2362: The CRS Visit MPower Kernow (St. Blazey Turntable) (25.05.2025)
2363: The Lappa Valley '200 Gala' (14.06-15.06.2025)
2364: The Plym Valley Railway Transport Weekend (21.06-22.06.2025)
2365: Mazey Day 2025 (D1015 & Midland Pullman) (28.06.2025)
2366: D213 works 'The English Riviera Express' (12.07.2025)
Item 2361
60163 'Tornado' works
'The Royal Duchy'
(25.05.2025)
New-build A1 pacific 60163 TORNADO made a welcome return to the South west today, hauling The Royal Duchy railtour from Bristol to Par, and is seen here passing Cogload Jc. Copyright Bill Elston.
60163 Tornado Crosses the Moorswater Viaduct. 25.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
60163 passing beneath the footbridge at Moorswater. 25.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
Class 47 47802 on the rear of the train at Moorswater. 25.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
A1 No.60163 'Tornado' approaching A390 Overbridge, Lostwithiel working 1Z33 08.48 Bristol T.M-Par 'The Royal Duchy' (with WCR 47802 at the rear) running 20 late. 25.5.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
WCR 47802 trailing 1Z33 08.48 Bristol T.M-Par, clearing A390 Overbridge, Lostwithiel, running 20 late at 13.21. 25.5.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
60163 steams into St. Blazey light loco from Par for turning. 'On shed' is 66127 and the rake of JIA wagons, the empties having not run up to Goonbarrow on Sunday morning this week. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Tornado' reverses towards Par Harbour crossing along 'The Fowey Main'. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
'Tornado's' visit had been published in the local press, as a result a large crowd formed around the turntable in anticipation of its turning. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
With the flags and bunting adorning the handrails of the turntable, Tornado slowly eases on. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A very tight fit as 60163 'Tornado' creeps onto St. Blazey turntable, with the roundhouse behind it. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
60163 being inched back and forth before being turned. The orange marks on the rails are where the wheels needed to be. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Push! A great effort by the M Power team to push the heavy locomotive around. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A great crowd had gathered to witness the turning of 'Tornado'. 25.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
The turntable winding gear. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Ready for servicing. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
'Tornado' is run over the pit within the MPower facilities to be serviced. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
After servicing, 'Tornado' runs back onto the turntable to be turned 'one click' back so that she can rejoin the national network via 'The Fowey Main'. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
60163 awaits departure from St. Blazey. Copyright Euan Currie.
MPower Kernow's Ruston shunter 'Brian' takes up position on the turntable as 'Tornado' reverses back along the 'Fowey Main' towards St. Blazey signalbox. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Over at Par, seen from the road bridge, 'Tornado' backs onto the stock. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The tour in Par platform 3, ready for departure to Bristol. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
With a fantastic show of exhaust, 'Tornado' makes her departure known. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A slightly delayed departure from Par. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
West Coast Railway Company class 47 47802 on the rear as the train heads away towards Tywardreath. 25.05.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The returning 'Royal Duchy' approaches Restormel Farm overbridge. 25.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
47802 on the rear as the tour heads on towards Respryn. 25.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
60163 Tornado approaches Marsh Barton with the 1610 1Z34 Par to Shrewsbury.On the rear was 47802. Sadly no photos of the downward trip due to being land locked due to the Exeter Half Marathon. 25.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
60163 Tornado works the 1610 Par to Bristol over Alphington road bridge, Exeter. 25 May 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Item 2362
The CRS Visit MPower Kernow
(St. Blazey Turntable)
(25.05.2025)
With grateful thanks to the team at MPower Kernow, a handful of CRS members were delighted to visit the engineering facilities on offer to young people at St. Blazey.
MPower Kernow have a workshop along with a servicing pit, as well as the turntable and associated sidings at St. Blazey.
They offer young people a chance to learn valuable engineering skills in a safe, yet disciplined, environment.
To find out more about what they do, please visit their website - click here.
Our thanks again to the MPower team for inviting us along to see behind the scenes.
MPower Kernow have a workshop along with a servicing pit, as well as the turntable and associated sidings at St. Blazey.
They offer young people a chance to learn valuable engineering skills in a safe, yet disciplined, environment.
To find out more about what they do, please visit their website - click here.
Our thanks again to the MPower team for inviting us along to see behind the scenes.
On hallowed ground! Members/friends of the CRS on St. Blazey turntable. L-R are John Ball, Oli Monk, Jon Hird, Neil Phillips, Nick Kiszezuk, Roger Winnen and Tony Brokenshire.
0-4-0 DM Ruston Shunter 'Brian' looking the business after a recent overhaul within the shed of MPower Kernow. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Looking over the fence towards St. Blazey signal box, 66127 is on the fuel point ready for next weeks work on the China Clay circuit. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Roger and John look on as 'Tornado' is turned.
Little and large in the shed at St. Blazey as the tender of 'Tornado' blocks the sunlight from the shutter door. 25.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Item 2363
Lappa Valley
'200 Gala'
14.06 - 15.06.2025
The Lappa Valley Railway held a 'Rail 200' event over the weekend of 14/15.06.2025. All the home fleet were in action, along with some visiting steam locos on the 7 1/4" miniature railway. It was an action-packed event with plenty for both kids and big kids! Below are some photos, with many thanks to Lappa for granting my friend and I trackside access for the day.
At one end of Lappa Valley, the track curves around a pond/lake and comes back on itself, running as double track for a stretch. The line becomes single again just past this location, Metha Bridge, where a token is exchanged (or picked up) for the trains to proceed in either direction. Double headed diesels 'City of Truro' and 'City of Derby' pass steam locos 'Muffin' and 'Ellie'. This line is laid on the trackbed of the former Newquay - Perranporth line, and there are many railway relics from when it was a 'big railway' still dotted around. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The lines original locomotive, 'Zebedee' emerges from beneath Metha bridge. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A visiting steam locomotive on the 'Lakeside' 7 1/4" gauge railway. This circuit is normally worked by a petrol or battery powered locomotive. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The Lakeside Railway passing behind the towering engine house. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Zebedee' heading towards East Wheal Rose. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'City of Derby', a diesel-hydraulic based on a 'Baby Deltic' tailing the above service. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The cab of 'City of Derby'. This is the only loco on the line with a cab at both ends. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Muffin' and 'City of Truro' work 'The Cornishman' away from East Wheal Rose, seen at the point where the loop becomes double track section. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
One of the highlights of the day was a 'race' between trains, both having departed from East Wheal Rose in opposite directions around the loop, therefore rejoining each other and heading in the same direction on the double track section. On the left are 'Zebedee' and 'City of Derby', and to the right is 'Ellie'. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Ellie' edges ahead! 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
There were many miniature traction engines driving around at East Wheal Rose. Behind is the engine house of the mine. 39 miners lost their lives here in the 1800's, after a period of intense rain flooded the workings, trapping the miners below the surface. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'The Grand Finale' - all locos and all coaches formed the final round trip of the day, they're seen here departing Benny Halt. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Plenty of power on tap for this long train! 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Arthur', a small Lister 0-4-0 diesel shunter normally restricted to shunting/engineers trains, tagged onto the back of the 'Grand Finale' train, along with a water tender which had been used behind 'Zebedee' through the day, presumably to increase the locos water-carrying capacity during the intensive timetable. 15.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks again to the team at Lappa for allowing some lineside photography, and congratulations to them on a well-run and highly enjoyable event.
Item 2364
The Plym Valley Railway 'Transport Weekend'
21.06-22.06.2025
This engine was built in Poland by Fablok TKH 5374. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
This engine is supporting Childrens Hospice South West and was named Lord Oliver Brown in March 2025. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Departing Marsh Mills for Plym Bridge Platform. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
I captured the run past, by walking between the two stations - this picture was taken by the level crossing mid way along the line. 21.06.2025, copyright Peter Murnaghan.
250621d The same train is tailed by Ruston & Hornsey Class 07 built in 1961. Copyright Roger Winnen
Arrival at Plym Bridge Platform. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Arrival at Plym Bridge Platform. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Locos in the yard at Marsh Mills. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
43063 at Marsh Mills. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
In the sidings at Marsh Mills. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
10077 Vanguard A Sentinel built at Shrewsbury in 1961. Giving Cab Rides to the children. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Ruston River Annan arrives at Marsh Mills. This train then reverses to the yard to allow the Skipper to operate the next three returning runs. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
250621o The former Cornish Skipper arrives for the next service to Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
Destination 'The Depot' being displayed. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Bound for Newquay - True or false? 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The answer is False, as we have now reached Plym Bridge Platform. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Skipper awaits departure from Plym Bridge. 21.06.2025, copyright Peter Murnaghan.
The answer is False as we have now reached Plym Bridge Platform. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
At Plym Bridge Platform destination Penzance. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
No passengers awaiting to board this service accept the photographers behind myself. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The next train at the Platform. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
There is no service to Penzance today, a bus replacement service is running on route 21 to Plymouth Royal Parade. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Item 2365
Mazey Day 2025
28.06.2025
On Penzance 'Mazey Day' 2025, Cornwall was visited by both D1015 hauling Pathfinders 'The Mazey Day Special' and the LSL Midland Pullman HST set working 'The Cornish Mazey Day Pullman'. This feature is split into two halves - first photos of D1015, then, lower down, photos of the blue HST.
D1015 works 'The Mazey Day Special' - 28.06.2025
D1015 Western Champion at Bristol on the 1600 Penzance to Dorridge. 28
June 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
D1015 working 1Z52 from Dorridge to PZ passes Taunton. 28.06.2025, copyright Bill Elston.
D1015 tnt 47815 emerge from Parsons tunnel Teignmouth {1Z52 0503 Dorridge to Penzance }. 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
D1015 tnt 47815 emerge from Parsons tunnel Teignmouth {1Z52 0503 Dorridge to Penzance }. 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
D1015 Western Champion Built in 1963 arrives at Plymouth on the 06.07 Dorridge to Penzance Mazey Day special. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1015 Western Champion at Plymouth on the 0503 Dorridge to Penzance 1Z52. 28 June 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
A peek inside the rear cab at Plymouth. 28.06.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
'Western Champion' crosses St. Pinnock viaduct. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Western Champion arrives at Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
'Western Champion' departs Par after a stop. 28.06.2025, copyright Oli Monk.
Well, Mazey Day weather was hardly flaming June with heavy cloud across the Duchy. The spectacle of D1015 had to be savoured though. The downward leg passes Resparveth. 28.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
D1015 approaches Truro on its way to Penzance with 'The Mazey Day Special'. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
D1015 passes through St. Erth heading the Pathfinder Mazey Day Special, 1Z52 0603 Dorridge-Penzance. 28.06.2025, copyright Jay Hartley.
D1015 Western Champion on the from 0503 Dorridge on arrival at Penzance.
1Z52 28 June 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
D1015 runs light to Long Rock for servicing etc. 28.06.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
47815 'Great Western' leading 5Z51 14.56 Penzance Slopers-Penzance into Platform 2 at 14.50 running 8 early. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
D1015 'Western Champion' leading 1Z53 16.00 Penzance-Dorridge return 'Mazey Day Special' passing Marazion, in the afternoon Cornish Mizzle. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
47815 'Great Western' on the rear of the return 'Mazey Day Special' clearing Marazion. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
D1015 with the return tour making a racket through the outskirts of Truro. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
For D1015's return, myself and Andy Thomas ventured out west of Burngullow to experience the majesty of Champion lifting 13 coaches and an idle 47815 on the rear heading back East at Dowgas. The loco could be heard flat out between Fal and Coombe viaduct before fading in the cutting then bursting out of the village to our location. The ripening barley offered a little brightness in the picture, and I calculated the ensemble would be a tight squeeze in the aperture. 28.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
The returning 16.00 to Dorridge is seen passing St Austell. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1015 powers up the bank through Treesmill on the climb towards Treverrin Tunnel. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
In some gloomy Cornish weather, D1015 powers through the Glynn Valley (with 47815 giving a good shove, too) and crosses East Largin viaduct. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A drone shot at Largin. 28.06.2025, copyright Oli Monk.
D1015 Western Champion heads through Totnes with the 1Z53 16.00 Penzance - Dorridge Pathfinders 'Mazey Day Special' railtour. 28.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
D1015 passes Red Rock, Bishopsteignton, with the returning tour. 28.06.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
D1015 tnt 47815 pass Teignmouth with 1Z53 - the 1600 Penzance to Dorridge. 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
D1015 tnt 47815 pass Teignmouth with 1Z53 - the 1600 Penzance to Dorridge. 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
D1015 + 9526 6054 6158 5985 1212 3325 3364 3356 3345 3333 80042 3314 3278 + 47815 pass through Marsh Barton with the 1Z53 16:00 Penzance to Dorridge. 28.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Former First Great Western machine 47815 on the rear of the tour. 28.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.
43055 & 43049 work 'The Cornish Mazey Day Pullman' - 28.06.2025
The Midland Pullman (43055/049) on 1Z43 Shrewsbury to PZ passes Taunton. 28.06.2025, copyright Bill Elston.
43055 and 43049 pass Teignmouth with 1Z43 (0553 Shrewsbury to Penzance). 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
The 05.53 Midland Pullman Shrewsbury to Penzance is seen passing Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The LSL HST was worth seeing, though I missed the eye popping livery and sunshine greatly. It too is seen at Resparveth. 28.06.2025, copyright Craig Munday.
The Midland Pullman approaches Truro. 28.06.2025, copright Joe Birchall.
Midland Pullman HST 43055 and 43049 on 0553 from Shrewsbury arrives at Penzance 28 June 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Viewed from Ponsandane Footbridge, the 'Cornish Mazey Day Pullman' ECS on Slopers. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Viewed from the Station Wall LSL 43049 (with 43055) at Platform 1, prior to working 1Z45 16.33 Penzance-Shrewsbury. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
802109 on1420 to Paddington and Midland Pullman HST 43055 and 43049 on 0553 from Shrewsbury, Penzance 28 June 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Later in the day, the Pullman set heads back to Shrewsbury and is seen again outside of Truro. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.
The Midland Pullman passes through St Austell. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Midland Pullman approaches Stoneybridge. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
43049 leads the returning tour across East Largin viaduct. 28.06.2025. copyright Jon Hird.
43049 and 43055 pass Teignmouth with 1Z45 (1633 Penzance to Shrewsbury). 28.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Item 2366
D213 'Andania' works:
The English Riviera Express
12.07.2025
Originally booked to be hauled by 5029 'Nunney Castle', this tour was switched to diesel power in the form of D213 'Andania' due to a Network Rail steam ban owing to the hot weather and dry conditions.
LSL 57311 with 47805 passing Charlton Road overbridge running 13 late at 10.32 working 1Z29 06.13 Three Bridges-Kingswear 'English Riviera Express' shortly after clearing Cogload Junction. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
BR Green 47805 bringing up the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
D213 'Andania' replaced 57311 at Taunton, which then departed for Kingswear, passing Silk Mills Road overbridge at 11.15, running 6 early, with 47805 on the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
47805 again bringing up the rear. 12.07.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
What a splendid sight on the sea wall as 40013 rounds the corner into Teignmouth station with Saphos Trains 1Z29 06.15 Three Bridges - Kingswear with green 47805 on the rear. The booked steam loco had been replaced by the green D213 which was sent from Crewe to Taunton light the previous day. I'm not sure whether there is a steam ban on due to the dry lineside conditions and concerns about train driver health in the 30C, or whether the derailment at Bishops Lydeard on the WSR on Thursday affected preparation for the steam loco that regularly operates these tours from Taunton throughout the summer. 12.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
With a very clean exhaust, D213 winds up and makes a wonderful sound as she passes Cockwood Harbour with the return working. 12.07.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Class 40 D213 Andania on 1635 Kingswear to Three Bridges passes Powderham (47805 was on the rear). 12.07.2028, copyright Paul Barlow.
Class 40 D213 Andania on 1635 Kingswear to Three Bridges passes Powderham (47805 was on the rear) 12 July 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Class 40 D213 Andania on 1635 Kingswear to Three Bridges passes Powderham (47805 was on the rear) 12 July 2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
It was so hot this morning I gave the down working of the Class 40 a miss. A little cooler tonight so it was off to Marsh Barton. D213 with the early running 1635 1Z30 Kingswear to Three Bridges. Out of sight on the rear was 47805. 12.07.2025, copyright David Tozer.