18th January 2022

Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow.

43366 and 43207 on 1153 Plymouth to Birmingham approaches Staffords bridge 14 January 2022.The low winter sunlight makes it look like 'dayglow'. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A brilliant picture Paul - there is no other word for it.  Many thanks indeed.
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Route Refresher
​Pinhoe
David Tozer and Keith Turley

I would say that this is a fair comment from David Tozer. 
I guess you can say this photograph is controversal  on a day when SWR slashed services between Salisbury and Exeter by 50% due to crew shortages.
GWR ran a route refresher from Exeter TMD to Castle Cary via Honiton. 158766 taken at Pinhoe with the 1513 3Z50 Exeter TMD to Castle Cary and return.  Dave Tozer 

158766 at Pinhoe 17th January 2022 Copyright David Tozer

158766 at Pinhoe 17th january 2022 Copyright David Tozer

A rare visitor to the former LSWR main line, GWR class158 DMU No.158766 approaches Pinhoe station on 17th January 2022, working the 3Z50 15:13 Exeter TMD to Castle Cary driver route learner/refresher. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks to David and Keith 
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Morning on the
Plym Estuary
Clive Smith

​Another glorious day. Another two hour walk. This time around the grounds of Saltram House in Plymouth which has a path on the opposite side of the bank  to the railway. This wasn't really a photo outing as the best time for that would be at high tide for reflections but the wet mud reflects the blue sky nicely.

(1) 10.45 a.m. and Cross Country's  06.10 Derby - Plymouth formed of Voyager sets 220001 & 221140 skirts the Plym Estuary as it approaches Laira.

(2) The 08.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central  headed by named 43094 'St Mawes Castle' with unnamed 43010 on the rear has just emerged from under the Embankment Road Bridge. Look closely on the concrete above the rear power car to see words of wisdom from a romantic who has daubed philosophical graffiti. Makes a change from the usual gaudy rubbish that's sprayed everywhere and increasingly on the side of trains.

Regards, Clive Smith

(1) 10.45 a.m. and Cross Country's 06.10 Derby - Plymouth formed of Voyager sets 220001 & 221140 skirts the Plym Estuary as it approaches Laira. 17th January 2022. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) The 08.50 Penzance - Cardiff Central headed by named 43094 'St Mawes Castle' with unnamed 43010 on the rear has just emerged from under the Embankment Road Bridge. Look closely on the concrete above the rear power car to see words of wisdom from a romantic who has daubed philosophical graffiti. Makes a change from the usual gaudy rubbish that's sprayed everywhere and increasingly on the side of trains. 17th January 2022. Copyright Clive Smith.

Well said - many thanks Clive and the artist.

Many thanks Clive - super views
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Didcot
Ron Kosys

47557 traversing Foxhall junction, west of Didcot, heading for Swindon. Note the water tower of Didcot Railway Centre in the background. 6th September 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

50041 back in service at
Bolitho & Basingstoke
Roger Geach 

The pictures below have been added to the feature concerning 50 041 arrival on its side at Paddington on the 23rd November 1983. To see the feature please click here and scroll down.

Looking as if it had never been involved in a major incident. 50041 seen at Bolitho 24th April 1987. Copyright Roger Geach

50041 on the 09.10 Waterloo to Exeter - seen at Basingstoke 13th October 1988. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks indeed Roger.
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Bodmin Parkway
Stephen Widdowson

50029 Renown arrives at Bodmin Parkway 20th June 1987 Copyright Stephen Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.
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Last but not least.
​Westwood Box
John Murray Roberts

Keith, I wonder if you've seen this. John.
Tuesday Treasures - October 2020 | Didcot Railway Centre

John kindly sent this one in complete with a link - what more could you ask - excellent material just click the above and enjoy/
Many thanks indeed John.

Be warned
a note from David Ward

Night Riviera Sleeper Suspension of service Monday 24 January – Thursday 17 MarchOvernight engineering work every Monday to Thursday, Monday 24 January - Thursday 17 March, will see the line between Exeter St David and Teignmouth closed.
During these eight weeks, as part of its plans to improve the resilience of the line between Dawlish and Holcombe, Network Rail will be building a 209-metre extension to the existing rockfall shelter north of Parsons Tunnel.

We always work with Network Rail to minimise the impact of their work. Traditionally, this might mean reducing services at weekends. However, with fewer customers using this service at present due to Covid, carrying out the work during the week will cause less disruption.

Our Night Riviera Sleeper is extremely popular, providing an important link between London and Devon & Cornwall, and we are sorry for the disruption this vital work will cause. We look forward to its completion, when we can welcome back the world-famous Night Riviera Sleeper into full service.

Many thanks David.
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