East Somerset Railway
Cranmore
Guy Vincent
Cranmore
Guy Vincent
This weekend we made one of our occasional visits to the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore, availing ourselves of a ride down to Mendip Vale and back behind BR Standard 46447, the first time we had done this for some years. There were three former Great Western steam locos 'on shed' 4110, 4247 and 4555. 4110 is making excellent progress as its restoration continues, and 4555 looked for all the world as if it was standing between duties in the corner of a genuine GWR steam shed, very atmospheric indeed. In this age of 'elf 'n safety' it is a privilege to be able to walk through the shed and soak up the atmosphere of days long gone, you can stand and watch work being carried out in the main workshop from a small viewing area which has details of what is taking place and of other projects that have been completed there. Outside we found a recently restored former Isle of Wight class 483 vehicle in original 1938 London Transport livery, quite different from the Network South East red, white and blue colours applied when it was refurbished and sent across the Solent back in 1988.
Things appear to be on the 'up' at Cranmore as we found a large number of secondhand railway books and publications to browse through, most at very reasonable prices, some of these are in a former WH Smith newsagents kiosk and bookstall that was moved to Cranmore from Salisbury station. There is also a very interesting collection of artefacts and relics in a museum that has been set up in the station building. The signal box is now seeing limited use as a control point for daily operations and work is ongoing to get the signalling and pointwork into use. The 'box retains the original token machine and some tokens that were in use up to the abolition of Witham Signal Box (at what is now known as East Somerset Junction) in 1984.
Best regards, Guy Vincent
Things appear to be on the 'up' at Cranmore as we found a large number of secondhand railway books and publications to browse through, most at very reasonable prices, some of these are in a former WH Smith newsagents kiosk and bookstall that was moved to Cranmore from Salisbury station. There is also a very interesting collection of artefacts and relics in a museum that has been set up in the station building. The signal box is now seeing limited use as a control point for daily operations and work is ongoing to get the signalling and pointwork into use. The 'box retains the original token machine and some tokens that were in use up to the abolition of Witham Signal Box (at what is now known as East Somerset Junction) in 1984.
Best regards, Guy Vincent
GWR 4110 on shed at Cranmore. 25th September 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent
GWR 4555 looks a picture at Cranmore. 25th September 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.
GWR 4247 25th September 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.
LT Car 10289 (483009) 25th September 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.
46447 ready to go on the 15.30 to Mendip Vale. 25th September 2022. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks for your 'glowing' report Guy - always glad to have all the detail - we look forward to part 2 on the signalbox tomorrow.
Rail improvement work
Yeovil Pen Mill
Bill Elston
Yeovil Pen Mill
Bill Elston
Rail improvement work is taking place this week between Yeovil P.M. and Weymouth
In connection with this work, ballast train, 6Y89, running from Eastleigh to the worksite passed through YVP
double headed by FL66560 and Gennessee 66415 'You Are Never Alone' (as if ! )
Best wishes, Bill.
In connection with this work, ballast train, 6Y89, running from Eastleigh to the worksite passed through YVP
double headed by FL66560 and Gennessee 66415 'You Are Never Alone' (as if ! )
Best wishes, Bill.
66560, YPM Engineering. 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston
66560, 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston
66415, 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston
66415, 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston
Many thanks Bill, it's great that you were there to take the action.
Comparisons at
Gissons, Exminster.
Paul Barlow
Gissons, Exminster.
Paul Barlow
Another two from Gissons Exminster. Taken 39 years apart, nearly to the day! Both services are cross country services but I know which one I would rather be on!
Hope they are of interest!
Peak 45121 heads a Leeds to Paignton service on the afternoon of 24 September 1983 The profile boards in the foreground are in connection with the building of the new Exminster by-pass
43207 43321 0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth pass Gissons bridge Exminster 23 September 2022
Hope they are of interest!
Peak 45121 heads a Leeds to Paignton service on the afternoon of 24 September 1983 The profile boards in the foreground are in connection with the building of the new Exminster by-pass
43207 43321 0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth pass Gissons bridge Exminster 23 September 2022
Peak 45121 heads a Leeds to Paignton service on the afternoon of 24 September 1983 The profile boards in the foreground are in connection with the building of the new Exminster by-pass. Copyright Paul Barlow
43207 43321 0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth pass Gissons bridge Exminster 23rd September 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow
Many thanks to you Paul for your then and now pictures. I think you are hinting that you'd have preferred being behind the Peak - I am sure we all agree.