20th January 2020

Plymouth Friary 4
Paul Barlow

Lookig from the B3238 road bridge again but this time towards the remains of the platforms of this now forgotten station. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thank you Paul.

Merehead
Ron Kosys

56042 departs Merehead with a loaded stone train 22nd June 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys

Thank you Ron,

Cranmore arrival
East Somerset Railway
Guy Vincent

Recently arrived at Cranmore for restoration to working order is GWR 2-6-2 'Large Prarie' tank engine no 4110, a member of the '5101' class and built at Swindon in October1936.  The loco spent a short period (July 1962-May 1963) based at Taunton and was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction shed  in June 1965.  The same month it was sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard at Barry, South Wales from where it was purchased for preservation, becoming the 100th loco to leave the yard in 1979.  Since then it has had several owners and has been based at Southall, Tyseley, Minehead and latterly Kingswear.   The loco recently arrived at Cranmore where it is to be fully restored and will then spend 3 years working on the East Somerset Railway.  Attached are two photos of 4110, the first taken at Kingswear in October 2019 and the second at Cranmore.    There is no doubt that once restored the loco will be in virtually 'as new' condition as the team at Cranmore have a proven track record in producing high quality work.   Currently undergoing repairs there for the Dartmouth Steam Railway is '5205' Class  Collett 2-8-0T  no 5239 'Goliath'  and prior to that the ESR rebuilt LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T no 41313 from scrap condition to ex-works in just two years.

Regards, Guy Vicent.  Many thanks Guy for your very detailed report and excellent pictures.

Kingswear GWR 4110 10th October 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

With the chimney safely capped 4110 stands at Cranmore. 19th January 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

4110 under restoration at Cranmore. 19th January 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Rare visitor to
Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

DRS class 68 loco 68009 heading the 5Z51 1414 Bristol Temple Meads-Eastleigh empty coaching stock through Bradford-on-Avon on the afternoon of 19th January.  This was the stock used on Pathfinder Tours  DRS class 20 farewell trip around Yorkshire on 18th, the train starting from and terminating at Bristol.  DRS locos are rare in the Westbury area and class 68s even more so.   It made a pleasant change to actually see the sun shining for once!

           Cheers, Guy Vincent.   Many thanks Guy

A fine shot of DRS Class 68 passing through Bradford on Avon yesterday. 19th January 2020.

ROCHE - 

LOST IN THE POST.
​Over the Christmas period somebody very kindly sent me several pictures featuring a visit to Roche station very recently. In the rush I thought they could wait a day or two but now I cannot find them.  I'd hate to leave them out. They are in my memory but I'm afraid not elsewhere - will whoever sent them please resend.  My humble apologies to whoever.  KJ