The joy of railways
Craig Munday
A busy week with night shifts ending and me having the experience this week to volunteer with the Rail 200 Inspiration train at Newquay. The sun has shone, the winds have been keen and throngs of enthusiasts of all ages have flocked to see the train. 66310 named the Boness and Kinneil Railway has been the welcoming "face" for all involved, with the actual Rail 200 loco 66719 being on the London end.
I was intrigued to see the interest 66310 drew from enthusiasts, then something struck me. How else do youngsters get up close and personal to such a locomotive these days? They're either out working, or in a distant depot or siding. There aren't many Open Days anymore either, so this was an ideal opportunity to inspect and take countless pictures. (We had to consider 36 max exposures in our day)!
It was pleasing to see the visitor's excitement as they joined the train. Some little ones were unable to contain their love of steam or diesel locomotives and railways in general. Some brought Thomas characters to enhance the experience! So where does this love of trains come from? They must be spell binding, even now in this unit age we live in? Both boys and girls were equally fascinated - a far cry from the mainly male interest of years back. There could be budding Train Drivers in the crowd. One little boy, Indi aged 7 was SO excited he announced all the trains we would see during the day at Newquay! He and his family were on holiday. He was nuts about class 66s. I suggested a wander around Lostwithiel between 1300 and 1400 if he likes 66s as a celebrity loco (66734) should be there. He set off a very happy lad! His mum and dad could additionally grab a coffee and a walk along the river.
Anyway, back to the events of this week. 66734 could not have been in the Duchy with better weather. Blue skies (very reminiscent of Apl 2020 and Covid) ruled as the locomotive wandered clay country. I was lucky to grab some images of it in action, despite my busy week.
I was intrigued to see the interest 66310 drew from enthusiasts, then something struck me. How else do youngsters get up close and personal to such a locomotive these days? They're either out working, or in a distant depot or siding. There aren't many Open Days anymore either, so this was an ideal opportunity to inspect and take countless pictures. (We had to consider 36 max exposures in our day)!
It was pleasing to see the visitor's excitement as they joined the train. Some little ones were unable to contain their love of steam or diesel locomotives and railways in general. Some brought Thomas characters to enhance the experience! So where does this love of trains come from? They must be spell binding, even now in this unit age we live in? Both boys and girls were equally fascinated - a far cry from the mainly male interest of years back. There could be budding Train Drivers in the crowd. One little boy, Indi aged 7 was SO excited he announced all the trains we would see during the day at Newquay! He and his family were on holiday. He was nuts about class 66s. I suggested a wander around Lostwithiel between 1300 and 1400 if he likes 66s as a celebrity loco (66734) should be there. He set off a very happy lad! His mum and dad could additionally grab a coffee and a walk along the river.
Anyway, back to the events of this week. 66734 could not have been in the Duchy with better weather. Blue skies (very reminiscent of Apl 2020 and Covid) ruled as the locomotive wandered clay country. I was lucky to grab some images of it in action, despite my busy week.
66734 passing Golant en route to Fowey with 6G09 on 07.04.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.
The next day, 66734 again in St. Blazey yard after running round the JIA's from Par Harbour. 08.04.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
66734 backing out of St. Blazey yard with 6C53. 08.04.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
66719 standing at Newquay with the Rail200 'Inspiration' train. 08.04.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks for both the photos and the thoughts Craig - there is something quite special about the railway which does capture the imagination.
Cardiff crew change
Michael Forward
67025 has arrived at Cardiff Central at 11.40 on 24 March 2026 with the service from Manchester Piccadilly. Its driver converses with his relief who will take the empty train to Canton depot. Copyright Michael Forward.
67025 now about to depart Cardiff with the 14.51 to Manchester. 24.03.2026, copyright Michael Forward.
Many thanks Michael. Great to see 'proper trains' - loco and coaching stock - still in use.
Treviscoe on a Thursday
Jon Hird, Tony Shore, Mark Lynam & Clive Smith
An early start to see 66734 crossing Ponts Mill viaduct with 6B00, the 0645 Goonbarrow - Parkandillack (actually Treviscoe) JIA's. 4 of the 7 wagons had already been loaded at Goonbarrow over the previous days. 09.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Now on another Cornish branchline as 66734 slows to a crawl before crossing Lanjeth crossing with 6B00. 09.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
6B00 arrives at Treviscoe. 09.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Looking into the shed at Treviscoe where the JIA's are being loaded. 09.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Shunting the JIA's at Treviscoe. 09.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
With the wagons all loaded, the train departs as 6M53 for Cliffe Vale. En route the 11 wagons from Par Harbour which were deposited at Exeter Riverside on Wednesday afternoon will be added to the train. 09.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
66734 passes Trewoon working 6M53 1145 Parkandillack to Cliffe Vale Terminal Gbrf. Thankfully the mizzle and dark clouds had lifted. 09.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66734 leads 6M53 over the gothic arch at Carlyon. 09.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
'Royal Purple' liveried Union Jack embossed GBRf 66734 at Ivybridge with the 6M53 11.45 Parkandillack - Cliffe Vale clay JIAs starting from Treviscoe running 50 minutes early. 09.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks all - I wonder which livery we'll have next.
April 1976
Part 10
Roger Winnen
Demolition at Plymouth Friary. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Demolition at Plymouth Friary. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Demolition at Plymouth Friary. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1028 Western Hussar at Plymouth. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gunnislake Branch Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gunnislake Branch Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gunnislake Branch Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gunnislake Branch Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gunnislake Branch Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gunnislake Branch Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.