LATEST INPUT , NEWS & OLD PICTURES ETC.

January 15th 2026

15/1/2026

Action Stations!
Craig Munday

The first trains of interest of Jan 2026 all seemed to arrive at once! Over 48 hours, a platoon of loco hauled workings rucked up in the far South West. These included various Freightliner engineers trains, a daylight sleeper run and the postponed delivery of 175010 direct to Long Rock. This resulted in 37501/512 arriving (smokily) onto the depot with the barrier vehicles. I was away for a railway colleague's funeral in Buckinghamshire, but managed to grab some pictures.

I'm very grateful to GWR Driver Dean Goddard for the Long Rock and golf course picture which he has allowed me to circulate. He was at Long Rock when the cavalcade arrived.

I grabbed the returning 5M57 at Totnes on 14th with the class 37s and barrier vehicles. 6Y43 bound for the St Ives branch, was seen in glorious light passing Plymouth with 66563 leading 66952. The shadow of Inter-city House growing ever as the clock neared midday! The train was run into Plat 4 for a crew change, rather than the scheduled DTL.

The week of interesting workings began with 57602 and 57604 working a daylight sleeper ECS from Penzance to Reading. They are seen here passing through St. Austell. 12.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

66563 arrives at Plymouth with a train of autoballasters for the St. Ives line. 12.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A train of empty Autoballasters bookended by Freightliner 66's seen from the golf course at Lelant. 13.01.2026, copyright Dean Goddard.

37512 shunting 175010 beneath the bright yard lights of Long Rock. 13.01.2026, copyright Dean Goddard.

37501 in its striking blue livery in the yard at Long Rock. 13.01.2026, copyright Dean Goddard.

Shunting 175010 into position at Long Rock. 13.01.2026, copyright Dean Goddard.

Many thanks indeed Craig, and to Dean too, for these excellent photographs.

Craig has very kindly provided our magazine editors with a great article about the Newquay line improvements. This will arrive with all members imminently.

If you're not already a member, like what we do and would like to receive our magazine too, please consider joining the society - click here for details.

More Cornish '37's
Jon Hird & Roger Winnen

On the evening of the 13th January into the early hours of the 14th, Colas Rail 37175 and 37099 worked from Exeter St. Davids - Penzance with the infrastructure monitoring train. The service was due to visit Looe and Newquay, but the Looe trip was cancelled due to ongoing problems with the branch.

37175 stands at Par having arrived very early after skipping the trip to Looe. 14.01.2026 (just!), copyright Jon Hird.

37099 at the opposite end of the train, whilst the crew took their rest break at Par. The last time I photographed this locomotive it had traditional 'split box' headcode boxes - a recent overhaul at Boden Rail saw it emerge with flush noses. 14.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

37175 arrives at Newquay. Despite being booked to use the new platform, the existing platform had to be used - the new platform isn't long enough for the driver to change ends (the damaged and disused section of platform is fenced off after the section which has been resurfaced etc.). 14.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

37099 prepares to get on its way back to Par and on to Penzance. 14.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The following morning, the sun rises on the locomotives at Penzance where they would stable for the day. 14.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Europhoenix locos head home
Roger Winnen, Joe Birchall, Jonathan Harbage, Steve Clark, Clive Smith, Craig Munday & Steve Widdowson

37512 warming up in the yard at Long Rock in some bright morning sunshine. 14.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

37501 at the head of the stock at Long Rock. 14.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

37501 being held at St Erth on a return working to Derby Conveying the barrier vehicles from Long Rock. 14.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Details of 37501 Teeside Steelmaster at St Erth. 14.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

37512 Tails the train from St Erth. 14.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

37501 working hard as the train leaves Truro behind. 14.01.2026, copyright Joe Birchall. (Look at that great sky - well done, Joe!!)

Jonathan and Joe must have been stood side-by side yesterday. 37501 and 37512 heading back to Derby at Buckshead, what a great sound. Click video above to play. 14.01.2026, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

With Tuesdays 7Q86 being well covered (as I expect 5M57 will be) I enclose an image of 37501 leading the return Barriers move back to Derby. It was glorious when I got to Dowgas but the sun soon rose into the line of cloud which hugged the coast. Shame. 14.01.2026, copyright Steve Clark.

37501 top and tails with 37512 on the 5M57 09:25 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D - Derby R.T.C barrier vehicles movement. The train is seen passing Dockyard. 14.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

37512 on the rear of the train at Dockyard. 14.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

A second bite of the cherry at Ivybridge as the ensemble head on towards Derby. 14.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

37512 leaving Ivybridge behind. 14.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

A colourful photo as 5M57 passes through Totnes. 14.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

37501 TnT with 37512 pass Abbotswood Jn, Worcs. 14.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks all - a very welcome couple of visitors to the County.

Wednesday's Clay
Clive Smith

The clays seems to be in the later slot this week so not much light around in Devon especially on a gloomy day. Thank goodness for the lights and red/yellow DB livery. 66182 heads past Palace Lane Bridge just east of Ivybridge station with the 6C10 14.16 Burngullow - Cliffe Vale JIA clays. 14.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive, always good to see the remaining railfreight in action.

Worcs Variety
Steve Widdowson

43062 & 43013 passing Abbotswood Jn, Worcs with 1Q16 - the 0318 Landore TMD - Leicester LIP. 14.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

66792 passes Abbotswood Jn, Worcs with 6V84 - the 0745 Clitheroe Castle Cement - Avonmouth Hanson Sdg. 14.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Great photos Steve - many thanks for sharing them with us.

Swindon Sixty
Colin Pidgeon

On Hire to DCR from GBRF 60095 on 6M02 Tytherington to Quainton Railhead at Swindon. This train was diverted from the B & H due to a failure of a stone train at Kintbury. 14.01.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

What a great photo Colin - the driver clearly enjoying himself there! Many thanks for sharing it with us, and thanks to Ken M. for forwarding it on.

January 14th 2026

14/1/2026

Heads-up!
Class 37 Penzance Parade
Karl Hewlett

Early Wednesday morning before 9am, there is a chance of seeing no less than four class 37's in the Penzance area. With the class 175 drag using class 37's 512 and 501 arriving this afternoon, there is also a test train due down overnight arriving at Penzance 06:20am hauled by class 37's 099 and 175. The times for this are:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U59591/2026-01-13/detailed.

The class 175 drag leaves at 09:25am:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K49920/2026-01-14/detailed

This won't go to Penzance station unfortunately where the test train is stabled, but a brisk walk along the coast path for a couple of miles, as said before 9am, should allow you to see both trains! The return working for the test train is:

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U59586/2026-01-14/detailed.

Many thanks Karl, great to see so many classic workhorses in the Duchy. Including 37142 at Bodmin, there are no fewer than five class 37's in Cornwall this morning - when did that last happen?

Class 37 photos from yesterday can be viewed below...

'Special Delivery'
Classic Traction to Penzance
Colin Pidgeon, Bill Elston, David Tozer, Clive Smith, Mark Lynam, Jon Hird, Jamie Burns, Joe Birchall, Owen Brown & Jonathan Harbage

Tuesday 13th January saw a pair of Europhoenix class 37's deliver a Class 175 DMU to Long Rock.

37512 and 501 set off at 01.22 from Ely and were due to arrive at Penzance at 18.33 due to the 45 mph Class 7 speed limit.

The train returns today, 14th January, (minus the class 175) as 5M57 0925 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Derby R.T.C.

37512 t&t 37501 pass through Swindon on 7Q86 Ely Papworth Sidings to Penzance T&RSMD with 175010 for GWR between the barrier coaches. 13.01.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Details of recently-repainted 37512 at the head of the train. 13.01.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

37501 in its British Steel blue livery on the rear of the train at Swindon. 13.01.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

At last it ran, 7Q86 ecs movement from Ely Papworth sidings to PZ t/t by 37512 and 37501, both of which were in Thornaby Depot large logo Railfreight livery, seen passing Creech in poor light. 13.01.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

37501 on the rear at Creech. 13.01.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

37512 & 37501 westbound on:7Q86 01:30 Ely Papworth Sidings to Penzance T&RSMD taken in the gloom. 13.01.2026, copyright David Tozer.

37501 on the rear at Exminster. 13.01.2026, copyright David Tozer.

Grey Railfreight large logo liveried 37512 thrashes through the gloom at Dawlish with the 7Q86 01.30 Ely Papworth Sidings to Penzance T&RSMD class 175 move with 175010 between the barrier vehicles and light blue Railfreight large logo liveried 37501 on the rear. 13.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

37501 on the rear at Dawlish. 13.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

37512 runs through Plymouth. It was booked to stop here for around 45 minutes, but carried on straight through. 13.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

37501 on the rear of the train at Plymouth. 13.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The ensemble are pictured approaching Respryn. 13.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

37512(608) and 37501 pass through Respryn. The train was due to be held at Plymouth for 45 minutes which would have meant its journey through Cornwall would have been under the cover of darkness. Luckily that stop was omitted, and it was just over an hour early at this point. 13.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Passing St. Austell, we see 37512 (Leading) in BR Large Logo Grey/retro Railfreight grey. 13.01.2026, copyright Jamie Burns.

37501 (Tailing) in BR/British Steel Blue livery. 13.01.2026, copyright Jamie Burns.

The pair of veteran locomotives make a great noise as they power through St. Austell. Click the video above to play. 13.01.2026, copyright Jamie Burns.

37 512 and 37 501 approach Truro on their way down to Penzance with a Class 175 and barrier vehicles, their gentle rumble as the coasted down the 1 in 78 providing a welcome change to the swish of a DMU. 13.01.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

175010 in the middle of the consist. 13.01.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

37501 on the rear approaching Truro. 13.01.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

Here is 37512 and 37501 at Truro heading for Penzance.It was chaos at Truro, because the two trains behind the 37’s were able to overtake on the up line. This caused a bit of panic as passengers were then heading for the up platform to catch their trains to Penzance. 13.01.2026, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

The waiting train is passed by a Crosscountry Voyager heading for Penzance. Click the video above to play. 13.01.2026, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

Passengers wait for the Falmouth unit as 37512 waits to depart Truro. 13.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

With a puff of black exhaust, 37512 departs Truro for Long Rock. 13.01.2026, copyright Owen Brown.

37512 makes a nice noise as it departs for Penzance. Click the video above to play. 13.01.2026, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

Many thanks all - a nice selection of photographs of an interesting working. Hopefully we will see some more pics tomorrow of the return trip.

The Railtour Calendar
new fixtures added

Readers may wish to check out the Railtour Calendar, to which a number of exciting new railtours have recently been added.

Saturday June 27th is looking particularly interesting - if everything promised materialises, Penzance will see no fewer than 3 loco-hauled railtours!

Click here for the Railtour Calendar.

Kept in the loop
Tim Hughes

66563 in Lostwithiel Down Goods Loop with Mondays Westbury - St. Erth ballast train. 12.01.2026, copyright Tim Hughes.

Many thanks Tim - he was there for a while!

Class 60's at work
Michael Adams & Michael Forward

A picture from Michael Adams shows 60034 working through Newport on 20 August 1981 with another load of iron ore from Port Talbot to LLanwern steelworks. Llanwern long since closed but the loco. survives, in store at Toton depot. Copyright Michael Adams.

60068 'Charles Darwin ' easing through Oxford on 17 November 1992 with more East Midlands coal for Didcot power station. Pits now closed also the power station, who would have thought it?! Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks to the both of you for the photographs of these super machines.

The Flying Banana
Steve Widdowson & Colin Pidgeon

43013 & 43062 at Swindon on the RMT 1Q15 Leicester LIP to Landore via Swindon & Kemble. 13.01.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

43013 arrives at Worcester Shrub Hill with the NMT. 13.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

43062 alongside a GWR IET at Worcester. 13.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Colin, and thanks to Ken Mumford for sending them in.

January 13th 2026

13/1/2026

Sleepless on the Sleeper
Andrew Triggs, Jon Hird & Clive Smith

The 'Up' Penzance - Paddington GWR Sleeper service was replaced by a Hitachi unit on the evening of Sunday 11th January. With the down train still operating as loco and sleeper stock, a Long Rock - Reading ECS move had to be run the following day in order to balance the sets of sleeper stock at either end of the route.

57602 with 57604 working the late running 5Z50 10.00 Longrock T&RMD-Reading Traincare Depot Night Riviera ECS passing Marazion. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57604 on the rear as the train heads towards Marazion Marshes. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57602 leads 5Z50 past Dowgas. 12.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

57604 on the rear as the train curves round and presses on towards Crugwallins. 12.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

57602 top and tails with 57604 at Tavistock Junction in Plymouth with the 5Z50 10.00 Penzance - Reading Traincare Depot sleeper ECS following the failure of 57602 on the previous night's Penzance - Paddington sleeper and replacement with 802012. 12.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Andrew & Clive - a shame for the passengers on Sunday evening that they had to endure Hitachi-transportation rather than their beds, but a rare treat for we photographers.

Cornish Engineers Trains
Andrew Triggs, Clive Smith & Jon Hird

The St. Ives line relay job brought two Freightliner-worked trains of Autoballasters to Cornwall on 12.01.2026.

Freightliner 66547 with 66561 at Marazion working 6Y42 04.55 Westbury Down T.C-St Erth Load 10 Autoballasters for the relaid section on the St Ives branch. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

After reversing at Penzance, 66561 leads on towards St. Erth and the St. Ives branch. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66651 bringing up the rear. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Freightliner 66547 draws 6Y42 away from Carbis Bay, with 66561 now on the rear, heading for the ballast drop near and on Porthkidney Bank. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66561 on the rear as the train skirts the coastline on the St. Ives branch. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The formation stabled on Porthkidney Bank awaiting further movement following the completion of today's drop. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The sun is shining at Laira Embankment as 66563 top tail 66952, the 6Y43 11.24 Westbury - St Erth via Penzance ballast hoppers. 12.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

66563 powers through St. Austell with another train of Autoballasters from Westbury. 12.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66952 on the rear of 6Y43 at St. Austell. 12.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Penzance by night, with the unusual sight of 4x Freightliner Class 66's. A Freightliner takeover with 66547 and 66561 (6Y42) joined by 66952 and 66563 (6Y43). 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66563 beneath the station roof at Penzance. 12.01.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks all, a great record of the day.

Last goodbyes at Laira
Clive Smith

A last look at the remaining HSTs on Laira before they head off to pastures new very soon.

While the sun was shining I thought I would walk down Embankment Road and see what was visible through the fence and the trees and bushes. Remarkably three power cars and some coaches were perfectly positioned for pictures. Fan favourite 43093 still carries its 'Legends Of Great Western' vinyls and 'Berkeley Castle' name plates. 12.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

43198 and 43092 cab to cab at Laira Depot. 12.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

43198 with 'Driver Brian Cooper' name plate and GWR branding. 43092 also still carries its 'Cromwell's Castle' name plate. 12.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

The recently turned 43097 stands at the front of the depot to the left while the spare parts donor 43088 is on the right. 12.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive. It'll be an unusual sight soon, to see Laira without any class 43's present.

January 12th 2026

12/1/2026

A surprise visitor to Plymouth
Chris Bellett & David Trudgian

Chris Bellett writes:

I was waiting for my train to Bodmin Parkway at Plymouth thids morning at about 1200 and whilst watching the progress of my train West on Open Train Times maps I spotted that sat in the Through Line at the station was a description 0Z77. I took a stroll along the platform and was supprised to find that it was a Class 43 power car (43097) being manouvered by Laira's Class 08 Shunter (08641 Pride of Laira). From watching the maps this seemed to be a turning move for the power car as it went Laira Depot-Laira Junction-Plymouth Station-Lipson Junction-Mount Gould Junction-Speedway Loop-Laira Junction-Laira Depot. Obviously being made ready for its final trip to Ely.

43097 and 08641 wait for their movement back to Laira. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

08641 'Pride of Laira' waiting to take 43097 back to Laira. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

David Trudgian writes:

My 9 year old was excited to take this photo as we arrived at Plymouth at noon for an afternoon out today (Sun 11th). Not sure if it’s of interest, but I told him I’d check.

The shunter took the class 43 out of the station shortly after.

Viewed from the opposite platform to Chris, 08641 waits to depart for Laira with 43097 in tow. Note the lack of GWR branding. 11.01.2026, copyright David Trudgian.

Many thanks to both Chris and David, right place right time!

Crosscountry Memories
Paul Barlow

47831 Bolton Wanderer leading the 1256 Newcastle to Plymouth at Exeter St. Davids on 31 January 1999. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, those were the days!

St. Blazey roundhouse - a query

A query received from a reader:

Hi good afternoon I'm wondering if you could help me please, I'm looking to make a model of the Roundhouse at St Blazey.

I wondered if anyone has more precise detailed drawings of the dimensions, specifically the length of the end sidewall and the front and rear walls to each bay, as well as the height from the top of the rail to the height of the centre of the pitched roof - I understand that from the floor to the top of the rounded Archway is around 15 feet, but I want to know what the full height is.

Any information you may have on the site would be greatly appreciated, I would be more than happy to pay for a copy of the basic architectural drawings if any are available.

Can anybody help with this one, please? If you have anything, please drop us an email - [email protected] - thanks in advance.

Track replacement at Bodmin Parkway
Chris Bellett

Earlier in the week (click here, scroll down) I sent some photos of the Bodmin Railway trackwork at Bodmin Parkway and I have attached an updated photo showing the progress of the work. The volunteers were doing a grand job in appalling weather with huge sideways downpours....

Ongoing work at Bodmin Parkway where the point to the run round loop is being replaced. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

The drenched workforce getting the job done. 47306 stands in the background with a works train. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks Chris, and well done to the volunteers - they've been out there in all seasons just this last week!

January 11th 2026

11/1/2026

Par Interlude
Neil Phillips

Hello Roger, Keith, Jon and Mick,

I haven't been in touch lately so I hope it's not too late to wish you all a Happy New Year!

I went for a walk around the St Blazey this afternoon to survey the damage left by Storm Goretti (a storm over Britain given an Italian name by the French?!) - perhaps inevitably fir trees seem worst affected with large portions being ripped off. I was aware that, yet again, no trains were running on the Newquay branch (and today's china clay empties had been cancelled); also tree trouble at Middleway Crossing had cut the electricity supply to many homes in the area. So I was surprised to arrive at the crossing to find the barriers down and the lights flashing, but nothing signalled. There were many cars and pedestrians waiting to cross, and two Network Rail engineers quickly appeared and hand-pumped the barriers to allow people to get on with their day!

I then made my way around to Par station, arriving just in time to see an unidentified 9-car IET pass through without stopping - this was the late-running 5Z77 13.50 empty stock move from Penzance to London (North Pole IET Depot) which would be curtailed at Plymouth. Shortly afterwards, XC 221116 arrived on 1V52 07.03 Edinburgh - Penzance running to time. I wonder what kind of mileages these units have now clocked up?

It has already been four weeks since the HST finale, the CRS coverage of this poignant day was as thorough as I expected so I thought I had little to add. I had noticed the 'HST happy hour' at Par (15.30 - 16.30) so targeted that, and the returning last service train and special close behind around 18.30, until it became clear that the last Cornish GWR HST working of all would run from Newquay four hours later, so went to record that instead! I see that the 'GWR HST Finale' feature does not include a view of this last-one-of-all at Par, so I hope you can accept my belated image attached to insert just above Jon's atmospheric shot of this historic working at Bodmin Parkway at the foot of the feature. As I watched the train's red tail lights disappear from view the emotion of the moment reminded me of the same feeling I had experienced driving back from the site of the former Patney & Chirton station on the Berks & Hants line having just witnessed the passage of D1013 & D1023 on the last leg of the final 'Western' special on its way back to Paddington at 22.15 on 26th February 1977 - nothing could quite surpass that day, whilst acknowledging that the 'Westerns' had only clocked up just over 15 years compared to the HSTs' incredible 49!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

Middleway Crossing, St Blazey c16.00 - barriers down, lights flashing but no trains! A Network Rail engineer has just raised one barrier by hand-pumping and is about to assist another (who can just be seen through the gap) raise the other one, to release the flow of people and cars (and a now-delayed bus!) The lights continue to flash, with one set appearing to be facing the wrong way. 10.01.2026, copyright Neil Phillips.

Class 221 set 221116 pauses at Par with 1V52 07.03 Edinburgh - Penzance. The rusty rails on the right tell their own story - no trains to Newquay! 10.01.2026, copyright Neil Phillips.

43156 backed up by 43189 about to depart Par at 22.35 with 2P97 21.22 Newquay - Plymouth and pass into the history books......by accident! 13.12.2025, copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks Neil, great post-storm report and a nice look back to December too. I've added your HST photograph to the feature.

Loco And Unit ID's Plus A Bus!
Karl Hewlett

I've managed to catch up with the CRS after a fairly busy Christmas and New Year with relatives coming down from up north, so I can now ID some other locos and stock posted this month.

In David Tozers article 'But Now A Museum Piece', HST power car W43002 23/03/76, the class 08 dragging this is 08573.

43002 being shunted at Derby by 08573. 26.03.1976, copyright David Tozer.

In Roger Winnen's January 1976 Part 3 the DMU is P481 class 118: 51312 + 51327.

P481 passing Sandplace on the Looe Branch. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

In his Part 5 the DMU is P588 class 119: 51079 + 59437 + 51107.

The 09.30 ex Penzance at Devonport. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Western at Laira, I confirm that Roger has correctly identified this as D1068 'Western Reliance'.

D1068 'Western Reliance' - and 50007 at Laira. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

In Part 7 the GWR bus he took a photo of is No 73 (the running number is on the side), this is a 30HP Milnes-Daimler Reg: AF 211, built in 1906 and was withdrawn by 1926, its body is probably by coach builder Dodson. The GWR used several manufacturers and body designers, even going as far as converting them to lorries and back to omnibuses. One underframe was only bodied as a bus for one year before being converted to a lorry!

AF 211 GWR Bus. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Excellent observations, Karl - many thanks indeed.

'Purple Ronnie'
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

57601 calls at Bath Spa on a summers day in 2001 with a First Great Western Service. Wearing a bright purple Porterbrook livery, the locomotive earned the name 'Purple Ronnie' amongst enthusiasts. This was the Brush Traction class 57 (passenger variant) testbed/demonstrator, which led to First Great Western ordering 4 of their own 57/6's and Virgin Trains to order their own fleet of 57/3's. 57601, being non-standard compared to the production 57/6's, was sold to West Coast Railway Company, where it remains today working The Northern Belle luxury excursion trains. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil. A common sight here in the west for many years - much to the frustrations of the local enthusiasts who would be 'bowled' by it when hoping for a 47!

The last 2+8?
Paul Barlow

43004 leading and 43042 0810 Laira to Ely 5Q43 wait at Exeter St Davids. 08.01.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

43004 leading and 43042 0810 Laira to Ely 5Q43 with a full 8 coach set leaving Exeter St Davids. 08.01.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

43042 on the rear of the set at it heads off towards Ely for storage. 08.01.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, well captured.

January 10th 2026

10/1/2026

Storm Goretti - a MOM's account
Craig Munday

Not many pictures from overnight, but an account from the front line:
I was duty night Mobile Operations Manager paired up with colleague Sam Clark for the evening of the forecasted Storm Goretti. As with previous (less serious) events, there's often a calm leading up to the storm. It felt odd preparing for the shift with the trees hardly moving. The Red alert which blared over I phones across the Duchy gave a morbid forewarning that the area was about to receive a bateeting from the storm, and a risk to life to ignore it!. The arching prawn-like shape curl was seen on various weather models as developing a low depression. The "prawn" shape would hurtle through the area, and the damage would come from the tail edge of it on NW gusts. The cold air bustled in behind it would bring different hazards, including blizzards, for folk well up the line.

At around 6pm the last of the trains were clearing the area, though three trains were on the move westbound from Plymouth, and would bear the brunt of the havoc. Report filtered in of vicious winds affecting the far west, whilst we monitored the situation from St Blazey, in relative comfort. This was soon to change!

From nowhere a hairdryer sound walloped into the area, I swear you could feel the depression brought with it, causing a slight headache (maybe it was tension)? Storm Goretti had arrived. The trees surrounding the area danced and swayed as if they were bamboo canes, fir tree types in leaf were snapped off like twigs and littered the area. The three trains were now caught up in a power supply issue affecting Roskear box, and the signaller there had their hands full dealing with multiple faults arising from this. Level crossings failed and signals remained stubborning red along the patch.

The power in the PL24 flickered four times, then gave in altogether, and we soon learned that a huge tree had fallen near Middleway level crossing blocking the road, and bringing down power cables. Ryan at St Blazey had his portable gas stove to provide a welcome cuppa though! Bluntly, it was simply too dangerous to venture out at this point. We were extremely pleased to hear from Penzance box that 5Z31 had arrived into town around 9pm. Our greatest strategic dread was a stranded train, full of people and an evacuation (to where?) with no immediate road transport. Other concerns included the day shift 9th Jan staff making it safe to work for their shifts. Some living 20 mins+ drive from the Signalboxes.

1C80 in the queue had reported trees down at Hayle and Redruth. Fortunately, the Off Track team with chainsaws attended these during the night. We also had information that a station bench was in the four foot (tracks) of the Falmouth bay at Truro. The high winds penetrated everything in its path with weak structures and trees standing no chance.

Thankfully, after a couple of hours the winds died down, leaving puchy gusts of occasion winds and ferocious showers. We ventured out from St Blazey after 22.30. Anything not secured was strewn across roads (wheelie bins, for sale signs). Large trees weren simply up-ended, root ball and all which contrasted with previous damage confined to limbs and trunk snaps. Blue lights of emergency vehicles lit the skies. Normally lit areas plunged into darkness with no power. The most exceptional sight was tree debris across the highway. It was like a chipper had discarded its load everywhere. The sludge resulting from this was deep in places. Limbs from trees and fallen ones lay in our path as we gingerly headed towards Truro. The headlights picking them out of the gloom, all senses alert.

We cleared St Austell and were then diverted into Sticker as the by-pass was blocked. Out near Griggs back onto the A390, we continued. approaching Grampound there was a van parked at a jaunty angle near the 30mph limit board with a (surprisingly jolly) community volunteer completely drenched informing us that Grampound was shut due to a gas leak. People agonisingly evacuated from their homes in these wild conditions.

We accepted the defeat that trying to use back roads would be completely ludicrous if the main roads were blocked. The bench would have to wait. Some time later we were called to attend a police incident near Truro, so took a similar run, via St Stephen this time. This journey was also fraught with hazards, until a passing motorist informed us the road was blocked between Menna and Brighton Cross. We were stumped once again.

Returning to St Blazey to see the area still without Power, and St Blazey bridge barriers lowered due to the power failure, we succeeded in raising the barriers locally much to the delight of passing delivery driver who gave us thumbs up and friendly honk on the horn. There would be no more trains for the time being here, a class 150 safely stabled in the platform at Newquay.

We checked in with route control who gave us the ever expanding list of infrastructure and power related issues which could be tackled during the day. We had no stranded trains thank goodness. For anyone wondering why the industry often takes drastic action, I hope this account helps persuade otherwise.

Our relief was briefed of the chaos left in Goretti's wake. We pondered the state of the main line and branch lines. How many trees and other obstructions would be discovered by the sweep trains?

Many thanks indeed Craig - a brilliant read and a great insight into what goes into looking after the railway when the weather really is not on side. Well done to you and your colleagues.

Gen - Class 37's/175 to Penzance
(Attempt 2!)
Karl Hewlett

A new set of times have appeared for the cancelled run of 37501 and 37512, with Class 175010 and barrier vehicles to Penzance. The times, note there are changes from the last set:

Tuesday 13th January 7Q86 0130 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Penzance T.& R.S.M.D.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R28486/2026-01-13/detailed

Wednesday 14th January 5M57 0925 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K49920/2026-01-14/detailed

Many thanks Karl - second time lucky, we hope.

The South Devon Railway
Winter Steam Gala
Roger Winnen

Departure from Totnes Riverside behind GWR 2-8-0 2807. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Judy in the sidings at Bishops Bridge. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Restored GWR Coach at Buckfastleigh. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Judy and 1369 arrive at Buckfastleigh from Staverton. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Auto at Buckfastleigh. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Tank engines little and large. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

An immaculate 33002 at Buckfastleigh. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Buckfastleigh renamed 'Grand Rapids' for the Christmas 'Polar Express' trains. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

1589 'Newstead' built in 1929, believed to have been scrapped for many years before being found in a convent garden in Hertfordshire. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Judy arrives at Staverton with a working from Buckfastleigh. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

2807 at Staverton. 03.01.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger, a great event, well done to the SDR.

January 9th 2026

9/1/2026

Don't miss our next indoor meeting:
Nigel Tregonning & Ian Cavill present:
A railway photographic evening.

Tomorrow - January 10th - at the Memorial Hall, Redruth Methodist Church

Members free. Guests welcome at £3. Refreshments available.
We hope to see you there!

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 85
Mixed Bag from June 1977
Michael L. Roach

In previous mixed bags (Parts 72 and 76) I showed a few images of Cornwall from the Spring of 1977. In this part I show a few more from different parts of Cornwall all taken in June 1977.

Brush Type 4 no. 47327 with 11C is seen heading for Newquay on the evening of Saturday 4 June 1977. The time is 18.27 and the location is Coswarth Level Crossing. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

50046 is seen Leaving Bodmin Road Station at 17.08 on the evening of Sunday 12 June 1977. This location was visited, and the photo taken, to record the Rhododendron “Ponticum” which then grew in profusion along the Glynn Valley. I have always liked it for its wonderful coloured displays, although most professional gardeners consider it an invasive weed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

50029 rounds the curve at MP 306½ which is at the former Blackwater East Junction at 18.38 on the evening of Wednesday 22 June 1977. The area of heath and fir tree on the right is similar to that at Demelza (on the Newquay Branch) which will be visited later. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

46004 heads towards the same curve fifteen minutes later. I am stood on the ballast of the former Blackwater West Loop. The dual carriageway A30 trunk road now passes through the spot where I was standing. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always Michael, a lovely selection.

For more of Michaels articles, click here.

Another HST into storage
Bill Elston, Ken Mumford & Tim Hall

saw the second run of redundant GWR HST stock into storage at Ely Papworth sidings, running as 5Q43. This time it was t/t 43004 and 43042 with 8 trailers, and is seen passing Creech S M in very poor light. 08.01.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

A closer view of 43004. 08.01.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

43042 on the rear at Creech. 08.01.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

43004 and 43042 at Swindon, enroute to Ely from Laira for storage. 08.01.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

So far, all of the power cars and coaches which have left Laira were leased from Angel Trains by GWR. There are further power cars belonging to First Group Holdings, and one which belongs to GWR itself. The headboard reads 'GWR Angel Trains HST Farewell'. 08.01.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

GWR branding removed from the MK3 coaches. 08.01.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

43042 on the rear of the 2+8 set. 08.01.2026, copyright Tim Hall.

Many thanks Bill, Ken and Tim - let's hope somebody other than the scrap man can give them a home!

The new order in Cornwall
John Ball

Browsing on facebook today, on the bus to Truro, I picked up that one of the class 175 dmu replacements for the now withdrawn HSTs was due in Truro half an hour after my arrival in the cathedral city. So I made my way to the station. Photos below.

An ex-Transport for Wales class 175 now in service with GWR arrives at Truro. 08.01.2026, copyright John Ball.

The 175 departs for Penzance. 08.01.2026, copyright John Ball.

Many thanks John - well spotted and captured.

Bodmin Track Renewals
Chris Bellett

Hello Gents,

Happy New Year to you all.

Its not just Network Rail that undertakes major track renewals. Please find attached a few photographs taken today (7th January 2026) of work being carried out on the Bodmin Railway side of Bodmin Parkway station. These show point trackwork being recovered in preparation of major track renewal work taking place this coming Saturday and Sunday (10th/11th January 2026). I send some more photographs when the work is completed.

A busy scene at Bodmin Parkway where The Bodmin Railway are preparing to replace the point into the run round loop. 08.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

The Road Rail Vehicle in action at Bodmin Parkway. 08.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

Ex-ECC shunter 'Denise' on the left and 08444 at Bodmin Parkway with the rails of the point removed. 08.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

Great work Chris - hope all goes well at the weekend for you all.

A wet day for the clay
Jon Hird

66122 eases to a stop at Burngullow Junction, exiting the Parkandillack branch with loaded JIA's containing China Clay for Cliffe Vale. 08.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird

Stuck at Worcester
Steve Widdowson

57303 with 701007 in Worcester Yd, which was being hauled from Long Marston to Wembley yesterday ( 7th Jan ). However after departing Long Marston had brake applications enroute to Worcester where is was booked to run round. It was declared a failure at Worcester. Where it stayed the night. After Technicians examined the train this morning the loco was run round this afternoon, and finally departed for Wembley 1600. 08.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve, an unusual sight.

January 8th 2026

8/1/2026

Don't miss our next indoor meeting:

Nigel Tregonning & Ian Cavill present:
A railway photographic evening.
January 10th, at the Memorial Hall, Redruth Methodist Church

Members free. Guests welcome at £3. Refreshments available.
We hope to see you there!

GWR HST's to Ely
Paul Barlow & Guy Vincent

43186 and 43187 approach Sandy crossing Stoke Canon on 0810 Laira to Ely 5Q40 ECS. 07.01.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

43186 (formerly Taunton Castle) leading 49105 48126 48117 48118 and 43187 (Cardiff Castle /“The Welshman”) as 5Q40 0810 Laira - Ely Papworth sidings up past Berkley Marsh this morning, 7th January. The headboard reads ‘GWR Angel Trains HST Farewell’. Photo by C. Vincent. 07.01.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks to you both. End of an era.

Bristol Harbour Railway Developments
Simon Hickman

I thought your readers might be interested in some photos that I took yesterday on the way to work, on the progress of reinstating the Bristol Harbour Railway's New Cut Branch.

Readers may be aware that the branch was truncated some years ago when a new busway was constructed over the Ashton Avenue bridge. The plan was to move the former Butterfly Junction station (which sat on the present busway alignment) to a new position alongside the A-Bond warehouse, but one of the retaining walls on the New Cut then collapsed. This has since been rebuilt.

Subsequently Vauxhall Bridge, a Grade II listed pedestrian route from South Bristol over the New Cut, was closed for refurbishment. These works prevent rail access to A-Bond.

However, the Bristol Harbour Railway team have been busy reinstating some of the track removed for the busway works.

A Bristol Harbour Railway volunteer maintains a good blog about the line with updates and goings-on. You can view that here: Bristol Harbour Railway Blog | An unofficial blog site about the BHR and industrial railways in Bristol

The first photo shows the new curve heading from the site of the New Station back towards the New Cut. 06.01.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

The second looks in the other direction towards the site of the new station and A-Bond warehouse. 06.01.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

The third picture is taken a little closer at the end of the current railhead; there will presumably be a turnout here to access the shed in front of the bonded warehouse, which still contains a couple of locos and a brakevan. 06.01.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

This image shows the rebuilt riverwall, path, and rail formation. Track has yet to be reinstated. The path is called the Chocolate Path locally because of the characteristic paviours it was surfaced it. When it was reinstated, the paviours were used to line the path but the central section was tarmaced as this is a better surface for cyclists. Note the replica spear-point fencing, too. 06.01.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

Then we move on to Vauxhall Bridge and see the obstruction across the tracks. The bridge is being comprehensively refurbished and has been closed for over a year. It once swung to allow masted vessels up the New Cut, but has been fixed shut since the 1940s. 06.01.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

Many thanks, Simon - this is absolutely fantastic to see. Good luck to the Bristol Harbour Railway team in restoring this line.

David Thomas Illustrated Talk

Received from Philip Gilbert:

I’m wardens at Holy Trinity Church, Penponds, Camborne. David Thomas is delivering the illustrated talk as advertised below. I believe that he has presented this to your society already, but just in case there are one or two folk who might be interested in attending, I thought I would forward these details.

Thanks Philip - a great show, well worth viewing.

Another Western Identified
Guy Vincent

Re yesterdays Western photos, another great selection from Roger who must have seen all the remaining locos around Penzance in 1976. The unidentified ‘Air Conditioned’ loco, now displaying 0O00 in the headcode box, is D1071 Western Renown. Note the lack of headboard clips. These were lost when D1071’s ‘B’ end was rebuilt following a serious collision at St Anne’s Park Tunnel, Bristol, on 11th January 1967.

D1071 Western Renown passing Long Rock. 31.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks as ever, Guy.

January 7th 2026

7/1/2026

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 6
The View From Newton Abbot Signal Boxes & Gantries
Clive Smith

Here is an absolute treat taken by Nick from the signal gantry at the east end of platform 3 and 4. Full of little details like the old British Rail Bedford van I think and china clay wagons with hoods in the siding . The adjacent motorail siding has an old building with four windows which I think is where Nick and his S & T colleagues were based. 45140 pulls away with the 1M85 07.40 Penzance - Liverpool on the 12th February 1982.

A superb photo taken by Nick from Newton Abbot East Box in early 1982. The unknown 31s were heading to Laira and look like the 'Taunton Twins' as everybody knew the pair of class 31s that were usually stabled at Taunton as stand by locos to be called to rescue just about anything which they often did. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

A lovely photo of 50043 by Nick taken from Newton Abbot West signal box in either January 1981 or December 1980. The train looks like the 08.00 Bristol TM - Penzance with the tell tale buffet car behind the loco. What a place Newton Abbot was. Eagle was transferred to Laira in November 1980 from Bath Road and it looks like they gave it a temporary spruce up. Anything had to be an improvement on the standard Bristol filth & grime 'livery'. 50043 was repainted the following year. This slide of Nick's had no identification on it so the defining clues to identify 50043 are the close dominoes on the headcode and the lack of orange MU squares. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Another fabulous photo from Nick taken from Newton Abbot East Box of 45002 on a mixed goods from Heathfield arriving off the branch with all the period railway infrastructure from the era. Note the shunter with the orange bib walking along the track by the train. Taken around February 1982. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Another from East Box The train is the 1M85 07.40 Penzance - Liverpool in early 1982 which was occasionally double headed around this time . I think the fifty is 50038 which had been large logo since late 1980 The peak is a 45/1 . A line of clay hoods are parked up ready for a trip up the Heathfield branch. Carriage heating unit ADB968008 (24054) can be seen in the distance. A great image of the fabulous Newton Abbot station, semaphore signals, sidings and the closed depot as was that was severely rationalised in 1987 and which I still find hard to take in even now. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

45125 thrashes out of Newton Abbot with the 1V87 06.00 Aberdeen / 09.15 Glasgow - Paignton on the 31st July 1982. Nick took this shot from Newton Abbot West Box and it shows just how much the station has changed following the rationalising and re-signalling in 1987 with the sidings and closed motive power depot and loco works to the right. The departmental class 24 carriage heating unit ADB968008 (24054) can be seen in the background. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Another cracker taken by Nick, this time from the signal gantry at the eastern end of platforms 3 and 4. Taken around August 1982 it's 45007 on an ECS. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Many thanks Clive, some great photos from unusual and unrepeatable angles - Nick was very creative with his photography!

January Firsts
Craig Munday

Some seasonal weather and the resumption of the Carne Point clay brought out the camera on 5th / 6th Jan.

Seen from high above Lostwithiel on the hillside, 66122 swings onto the Fowey Branch with the Goonbarrow - Carne Point Clay on 05.01.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.

With some stubborn snow from the previous evening still on the floor, 66122 reverses the JIA's into Wheal Henry at Goonbarrow on 06.01.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.

150248 passes Goonbarrow Junction with a delayed service from Newquay, whilst 66122 waits to depart for Fowey. 06.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

66122 and 08752 at Goonbarrow with the famous red telephone box. 06.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig. Photography conditions so far this year have been superb - just a shame we are a little lacking on subject matter!

January 1976
Part 7
Roger Winnen

D1056 Western Sultan at Penzance. 31.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1041 Western Prince at Penzance. 31.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

An air-conditioned Western passing Long Rock. 31.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The original photograph clearly wasn't taken in 1976, but this is the date when Roger took a photo of this photo of a GWR Bus at Penzance Station.

That's all from this batch of photos from 50 years ago, but join us next month for February's helping of 1976 pictures!

Many thanks to Roger for firing up the scanner and sorting these out for us.

Cold Clay
Jon Hird

Picking up the story from Craig's photographs further up the page, 66122 departs Goonbarrow Junction and leaves behind the wonderful semaphores with the midday Fowey clay working. There's still some frost between the rails where the sun does not reach at this time of year. 06.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

More Western's identified
and a Class 150
Guy Vincent

The Western passing Keyham posted yesterday is, according to records, the now preserved D1013 Western Ranger. The loco displays a valid headcode but within a month or so these were progressively reset to show 0O00 or, with many of the Westerns their actual fleet numbers.

The photo from yesterday showing Hymek D7089 (latterly held here for use as a static carriage steam-heating unit) in the scrap line at Laira on 17th Jan. has previously featured on the site. It was taken just three or so weeks before the loco was towed away to T.J. Thomson’s yard at Stockton on Tees for disposal. The two Westerns parked further back in the same line are believed to be D1046 and D1064.

Finally, 150285 while waiting at a red signal on the up through line at Cardiff Central on 5th January. When in Wales I tend to notice and if possible photograph these now as in recent months there has been a large reduction in both booked work and numbers.

Guy V (currently suffering the dreaded winter lurgi!)

150285 while waiting at a red signal on the up through line at Cardiff Central on 5th January. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, for more Western wisdom and the 150 photograph.

January 6th 2026

6/1/2026

Todays Class 37 / 175 movement
Cancelled

Last week, we provided timings for a class 37 / 175 movement to Penzance.

This working has now been cancelled.

If we receive news of it being reinstated, we will advise.

Many thanks to Karl Hewlett for spotting this last night.

South Wales Class 37's
Michael Forward & Michael Adams

A happy and healthy New Year to all. A weekend RCTS visit to sheds on 15 February 1975 found a number of class 37s at Swansea East Dock, each attached to a brake van ready for work on the Monday. Copyright Michael Forward.

We now see 37181/37191 at Pantyffynon on 2 July 1978. I believe the headlight was fitted for locos. banking trains on the Central Wales line. Copyright Michael Forward.

Finally Michael Adam,s picture of 37254 at Cardiff Central on 20 August 1981. We are lucky to still see this engine working infrastructure monitoring trains as part of the Colas Rail fleet. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks Michael and Michael. Great photographs.

January 1976
Part 6
Roger Winnen

A Western with the 10.25 Ex Penzance passing Dockyard Station. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Keyham Station. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

DMU P481 with most probably a Gunnislake service. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A UID Western (Guy V - one for you!!) at the head of the 09.30 Paddington to Penzance passing Keyham. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A (presumably, withdrawn) Hymek and Westerns at Laira. 17.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Newquay branch interlude
Jon Hird

150239 passes Lavrean working the 1216 Par - Newquay. 05.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The first train to Fowey of the year, and for a few weeks, 66122 leads 6G09 past Lavrean at the start of its journey from Goonbarrow. 05.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The Bodmin Railway
'Winter Warm Up'
Roger Winnen

Last Monday, the Bodmin Railway held their 'winter warm up' event. Owing to some IT problems, we have only just received Roger's photos of the event. So here they are - 'dreckly'!

The First train of the day arrives at Bodmin Parkway. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

47306 on a freight from Boscarne Junction. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

5552 Arrives with the passenger train at Bodmin General. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Judy with the the Christmas festivities at Bodmin. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

5552 At Boscarne Junction. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Looking down from the road overbridge at Bodmin General. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

5552 Departs Bodmin Parkway. 29.12.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

<<Previous

Latest News & Features

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A surprise visitor to PlymouthChris Bellett & David Trudgian

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Track replacement at Bodmin Parkway​Chris Bellett

Par InterludeNeil Phillips

Loco And Unit ID's Plus A Bus!Karl Hewlett

'Purple Ronnie'Phil 'Shattered' Smith

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The South Devon RailwayWinter Steam GalaRoger Winnen

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 85Mixed Bag from June 1977Michael L. Roach

Another HST into storageBill Elston, Ken Mumford & Tim Hall

The new order in CornwallJohn Ball

Bodmin Track RenewalsChris Bellett

A wet day for the clayJon Hird

Stuck at WorcesterSteve Widdowson