34007 Wadebridge
First move into preservation
Clive Smith
First move into preservation
Clive Smith
34007 was built in August 1945 by the Southern Railway as 21C107. Twenty two years later, in October 1965, is was withdrawn and went to Woodhams Scrapyard, fortunately, at the time Woodhams was more interested in scrapping wagons and as such Wadebridge languished in the yard until 1981. then she was rescued by the Plym Valley Railway. Wadebridge was at first stored on a siding when Coop now is but then moved to the Plym Valley railway. It left there for further restoration and preservation work at the Fitzgerald Lighting site at Bodmin where work continued. Subsequently, in operational condition, it was transferred to the Mid Hants Railway. It was again withdrawn for necessary work and remains on the Mid Hants as 'Non operational'. (2018)
We are most fortunate in have the following pictures of the locos arrival at Plymouth in 1981. Many thanks for these Clive.
We are most fortunate in have the following pictures of the locos arrival at Plymouth in 1981. Many thanks for these Clive.
Clive writes :- A few of my old 110 film photos from 1981 of West Country class 34007 Wadebridge arriving on a low loader in Plymouth from Barry scrapyard on 23rd May 1981. This was one of the first arrivals at the nascent Plym Valley Railway formed the previous year. The loco was later moved to Bodmin Fitzgerald Lighting , where restoration was completed and is now at the Mid-Hants Railway.
Those familiar with Plymouth's road system will note Marsh Mills flyover is yet to be built. This occurred early in the 1990s. Anyone travelling west along the A38 at this time was met by a very large roundabout. Note the absence of traffic lights ! Car enthusiasts will no doubt enjoy identifying the various makes.
Wadebridge was initially taken into the adjacent Bass Distribution Depot, now the site of a very large Sainsburys with a nautically themed 'roof of sails' (see the link below for aerial views of Marsh Mills and the adjacent railway). The now demolished Roundabout pub can be seen behind the low loader and the site is now occupied by a Premier Inn and Beefeater complex. 34007's 're-birth' was celebrated for the media with the smashing of champagne by entertainer Danny La Rue and Miss UK 1979 and local Yelverton girl Carolyn Seaward.
Regards
Clive Smith
Those familiar with Plymouth's road system will note Marsh Mills flyover is yet to be built. This occurred early in the 1990s. Anyone travelling west along the A38 at this time was met by a very large roundabout. Note the absence of traffic lights ! Car enthusiasts will no doubt enjoy identifying the various makes.
Wadebridge was initially taken into the adjacent Bass Distribution Depot, now the site of a very large Sainsburys with a nautically themed 'roof of sails' (see the link below for aerial views of Marsh Mills and the adjacent railway). The now demolished Roundabout pub can be seen behind the low loader and the site is now occupied by a Premier Inn and Beefeater complex. 34007's 're-birth' was celebrated for the media with the smashing of champagne by entertainer Danny La Rue and Miss UK 1979 and local Yelverton girl Carolyn Seaward.
Regards
Clive Smith
34007 arrives at Plymouth. 1981 Copyright Clive Smith
34007 arrives at Plymouth 1981. Copyright Clive Smith
34007 arrives at Plymouth 1981. Copyright Clive Smith
34007 is turned around. 1981. Copyright Clive Smith
34007's 're-birth' was celebrated for the media with the smashing of champagne by entertainer Danny La Rue and Miss UK 1979 and local Yelverton girl Carolyn Seaward. 1981 Copyright Clive Smith
Down the branch to
Lymington
Mick House
Lymington
Mick House
37711 'Tremopfa Steelworks' heads west past the former branch junction and on towards Bournemouth. The Ringwood branch turned away to the right at this point .Copyright Mick House
1221 comes off of the Lymington branch heading for Brockenhurst. Copyright Mick House
158 890 at Lymington Town 22nd March 2016. Copyright Mick House
158 890 Crosses the Lymington River, 22nd March 2016. Copyright Mick House
The Brockenhurst end of unit 1498 at Lymington Pier, 4th May 2008 Copyright Mick House
1498 runs into the terminus at Lymington Pier on the 4th May 2008 Copyright Mick House
West Somerset
Diesel Gala June 2018
Clive Smith
Diesel Gala June 2018
Clive Smith
An excellent day's entertainment was provided by the West Somerset Railway's Diesel Gala on Friday 8th June 2018. And excellent coverage by your good self - many thanks.
55019 Royal Highland Fusilier at Minehead with the 10.59 to Bishops Lydeard WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
50035 Ark Royal at Washford with the 12.03 to Minehead. WSR Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
45041 Royal Tank Regiment at Washford with the 12.53 from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
20189 and 20142 at Wiliton with the 13.18 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
D5926 huling a DMU at Bishops Lydeard with the 14.04 from Norton Fitzwarren. WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
D7017 at Crowcombe Heathfield with the 14.54 from Bishops Lydeard.WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
D6566 and D6675 at Crowcombe Heathfield with the 13.50 from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
D1010 Western Campaigner at Bishops Lydeard with the 16.48 to Minehead. WSW Gala 8th June 2018 Copyright Clive Smith
Minehead
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cirnelius