24th August 2022

A glimpse from the past and hope for the futurel
Okehampton past and future
Andrew & Diane Jones

Dear Keith and Valerie, Well I finally made it, after three attempts thwarted by weather and strikes a dream come true!
The recently re opened Okehampton line is a triumph for Network Rail, proving that with the right approach a viable transport system can rise from the ashes of past mistakes.
The attached photographs give a glimpse of the past and hope for the future.
Loadings on the 23rd August 2022 were extremely good and there was a definite buzz at Okehampton with workman busy completing the new cafe.
I hope I live to see the ex LSWR route re instated and although there has been much comment about Meldon Viaduct its condition appears reasonable and warrants a realistic engineering survey and possibly the application of modern engineering techniques to extend its life and improve the viability of returning this much needed secondary route to Tavistock and beyond.
Very best wishes Andrew and Diane 

Okehampton shortly before closure and rationalisation. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Okehampton 23rd Aug 2022 looking in pristine condition after many years out of daily service. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Exeter Central 23rd August 2022 a station which has now become an important part of the new service. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Exeter Central 23rd August 2022 this two car set was well loaded on the 13.32 service which stopped at Newton St Cyres. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Okehampton 23rd August 2022 a general view. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Okehampton looking to the future 23rd August 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Okehampton looking to the future 23rd August 2022. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones

Many thanks indeed Andrew & Diane - lets hope dreams come true.
​

Coal for Didcot
Michael Forward

Here is a shot of 56062 just after going through Oxford on 20 January 1983 with another load of coal for Didcot power station.In a five hour period that day I saw another four class 56s on such a duty.(Also seen nine different class 50s;eleven 47s;two class 37s ;one 25 and a class 31.Oh for such volume and variety now) Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

40 years ago at 
Totnes
Clive Smith

50050 at Totnes 9th April 1982 on the 09.27 Paddington to Penzance relief train. Copyright Clive Smith

40 years ago  - the Milk depot was very much in use then, on the right hand side very little evidence of the now busy car park.  Many thanks Clive.

City of Truro well out of the area
​Cossington
Roger Geach

Your readers may like to see 47749 City of Truro photographed yesterday well out of the West Country at Cossington nr Leicester , Midland Main Line.

This was a Worksop to Leicester depot move. 47727 on the back, running well before time.

Cheers , Roger Geach 

47749 5m47 1457 Worksop - Leicester at Cossington Monday 22nd August 2022. Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks to you Roger
​