3rd December 2021

The Paignton & Dartmouth train of lights
Roger Winnen

This year the Paignton & Darmouth are running up to three trains during the evenings at 16.45 18.45 and 20.45 however the 20.45 doesn't run every night.
If you are in the area spectacular views can be had at Kingswear and alongside the River Dart

211202f The Paignton & Dartmouth train of lights arrive at Kingswear. These photographs were taken from the Banjo being the Stagecoach Bus turning circle. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202g After clearing the level crossing the train grinds to a halt. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202h The USA 160 Omaha awaits departure with its train. This photograph taken from the level crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202i Departure of the train of lights back to Paighton for its next run at 18.45 hours. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202j The spectacle returns to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202k The return run back to Paighton. Copyright Roger Winnen

A short 9 minute visit to Okehampton yesterday
Roger Winnen

211202b Arrival at Okehampton with the single Great Western blue livery 150238 for a nine minute stop. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202c Rather less crowded from the opening day however the decorations are still visible. Copyright Roger Winnen

211202d All the facilities are available however yesterday everything seems to be locked up! Copyright Roger Winnen

211202e Looking back through the footbridge prior to returning to Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 60 at Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Thanks for putting the last picture on site .Shortly after the binliner went through at midday on 21 June 1993 we see 60024 ‘Elizabeth Fry’ with some tanker wagons from Lindsey to Didcot power station. There were lots of active 60s then,the arrival of 66s in 1998 led to their partial demise. Happy days. Thanks and best wishes Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Rainbow over
Didcot
Alan Peters

A rather dirty Colas Rail 66850 'David Maidment OBE' is seen at Didcot Parkway running light engine as 0V27 from Eastleigh to Hinksey yard, the class 66 having been used on the Colas operated RHTT circuit hence the dirt, taken on 1st December 2021 - Alan Peters

Colas Rail 66850 'David Maidment OBE' light engine engine at Didcot. 1st December 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan - did you find the pot of gold?
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Cotehele View of 
Calstock Viaduct
Andrew and Diane Jones

We visited Cotehele House today (2nd December 2021) to view the magnificent Christmas hanging wreath in the Great Hall. Well worth a trip which you can still make by train, although a lengthy walk from the station at Calstock.
The exit door to Cotehele House looks out on the Tamar Valley and there is a perfect view of Calstock  Viaduct, which was completed in March 1908 by John Charles Lang, a public works contractor from Liskeard.
The viaduct is constructed of pre cast concrete blocks which were manufactured in a yard based on the Devon side of the river and until 1934 a wagon lift existed, evidence of which can still be seen today.
The viaduct is grade 2 listed.

Best wishes Andrew and Diane

Many thanks Andrew, a worthwhile visit at any time.
Andrew mentions the walk from Calstock station. The station is at 120' above sea level, the road from the station takes you down almost to river level in 250 yards, there is then a level path for about 1200 yards before a steep climb 250 yard climb up 220' to Cotehele House.
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