MENTOR out and about
Guy Vincent
Guy Vincent
The monthly visit of the Network Rail asset monitoring and inspection test train to the Bristol area took place today (20th May 2021) and I was on a short break at Temple Meads when it pulled in to platform 5 at 0925hrs. Just time for a quick look and take some pictures. Included was the Test Coach 'MENTOR' (standing for Mobile Electrical Network Testing, Observation and Recording) This is an elder statesman of the 21st century national network and has been in front line service for almost seven decades, a remarkable feat. Built by the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (GRC&W Co) in 1955 as a standard BSK W34616 it was converted at Swindon Works in 1973 and has since received further modifications and upgrades to ensure it can remain in service. How long though before its services will be required inspecting the yet-to-be (?) erected OHL at this location?
Carriages used in test train formations are well worth studying in their own right as many are now the only remaining examples of once common rolling stock that has been consigned to history.
Guy Vincent
Carriages used in test train formations are well worth studying in their own right as many are now the only remaining examples of once common rolling stock that has been consigned to history.
Guy Vincent
Bristol Temple Meads 67027 on the 1Z23. 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent
Bristol Temple Meads Carriage 975091 'Mentor' on the 1Z23 20th May 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent
Bristol Temple Meads. Carriage 72631 in the formation of the 1Z23 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent
Bristol Temple Meads. Carriage 9523 in the 1Z23 formation. 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Bristol Temple Meads as 67023 heads the 1Z23 test train. 20th May 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent
Many thanks indeed Guy.
Steam at Uffington & Marston
Ken Mumford
Ken Mumford
Here are my photos of 35028 heading west at Uffington and larger in the day returning in the evening.
Interesting that two of my friends thought that 35028 was not coming back through Swindon, one of them saying that it was coming back from Bristol via Salisbury!!
Interesting that two of my friends thought that 35028 was not coming back through Swindon, one of them saying that it was coming back from Bristol via Salisbury!!
35028 at Uffington on the outward run 19th May 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford
35028 passes Marston footbridge on the return run. 19th May 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken.
Swaythling
Ron Kosys
Ron Kosys
33113 seen at Swaythling heading the 3B01 the 15.59 Sunday Waterloo-Bournemouth on the 25th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys
Many thanks Ron.
Railway books
Source of
Source of
Jack Ryder Books of Pike St, Liskeard advise us that they are an Independent second-hand bookshop in Liskeard. They stock a wide range of subjects including large quantities of Bradford Barton, Middleton Press, History Press and many others Railway Publishers. Our prices are very competitive and should any of your CRS members care to visit we will offer a further 10% discount. We will post to anywhere at whatever the net cost is.
Pike Street is approx 10 Mins brisk walk from the Station, 1 minute from the Main Bus Stops (outside Post Office), and opposite the Liskeard Museum.
Always happy for people to call, email, txt or visit. Jack Ryder Books
10 Pike Street, Liskeard PL14 3JE 07889 865882 [email protected]
Pike Street is approx 10 Mins brisk walk from the Station, 1 minute from the Main Bus Stops (outside Post Office), and opposite the Liskeard Museum.
Always happy for people to call, email, txt or visit. Jack Ryder Books
10 Pike Street, Liskeard PL14 3JE 07889 865882 [email protected]
