16th May 2021

Looking around Laira
Andrew Triggs

Afternoon Keith/Roger
I Visited Laira Depot on Friday last 14th May 2021, with ongoing IET issues the Depot being somewhat more full than normal during the daytime, the undergrowth around the Depot making photography rather challenging, anyway 5 shots enclosed for CRS
All the Best
Andrew

XC 43301 with 43357 working 1V44 06.11 Leeds-Plymouth passing Laira Bridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Viewed from Laira Bridge, the stored ex FGW Power Cars with Cross Country and recently arrived former East Midlands Trains MK3s. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The view of the stored IETs, with various GWR/FGW Power cars with 08644 to the right at the eastern end of the Depot. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The storage sidings with soon to be donor Power Cars and the ex East Midlands stock at the western end. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Back at North Road, GWR 2E15 departing for Exeter St Davids while XC 1V50 arrives from Edinburgh Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Strictly NO ACCESS
Okehampton 
Alan Peters

Alan Peters writes:-   Hi, The Network Rail site access for the Dartmoor line is just off the B3260 at Okehampton, there is strictly NO PUBLIC ACCESS but is still is a hive of activity with the re-opening of the line, portacabins have been set up for the duration of the works, note the modern solar panel tower lights, it is understood this will eventually be the location of the new Okehampton Parkway with this view becoming the station car park.

The track is accessible from the Network Rail Site Access for heavy machinery, the bulldozers being used after the old track was ripped up, unfortunately underfoot conditions were not the best with the rain on 13th May 2021

Driver Alan Peters

The Network Rail site access for the Dartmoor line is just off the B3260 at Okehampton, there is strictly NO PUBLIC ACCESS but it is a hive of activity. Copyright Alan Peters.

Another view of the works site and bulldozers. 13th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70803 is pictured by the Network Rail site access after unloading 15 auto hoppers of ballast, the overgrown lineside vegetation makes it particularly difficult access. Copyright Akan Peters.

Many thanks Alan for your (and our) privileged photographs - please remember - no trespassing.
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Near Bathampton
Ron Kosys

Rons camera catches 33211 near Bathampton - the village on the hill beyond. It is on the Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour turn and has just started the run up the delightful valley towards Bradford on Avon. It's the 11th May 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron for your picture.
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International Mining Games -
King Edward Mine 2012
Mike Hitchens & Coin Burges

Mike Hitchens has recently sent us some random pictures from his collection, one of which - double track at King Edward Mine appears below. Mentioned in the caption is Colin Burges of Exeter & Teign Valley Railway Fame - that chap with a marvellous collection at Christow.
Contacting Colin, he comes back with an entry from his website which you may see if you click here.  In addition to the picture of the tram wagons pictured below this link brings to you a wealth of history and information from Colin - a very good read indeed - so please try it out.

This was set up for the International Mining Games a few years ago. I believe the skip wagons were provided by Colin Burgess from his site at Christow. Double track at King Edward Mine

The wagons used at King Edward mine for the competition. For the purpose of this game each set on its own track they had to be loaded with sand and dragged along a set length of track. This was a timed exercise. You will see a white line inside the wagons - this was the level with which it had to be filled prior to the drag - this was the lower level set for the weaker sex!! The men presumably had to fill them to the brim!! Many thanks to Colin Burges for this picture - his copyright.

Many thanks to both Mike and Colin for this item.
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