Bertie the Badger
Clive Smith
Not a new GWR driver, but a surreal moment at Penzance.
I'd just got off the train and fotted 43092 before heading to the other end to fot 43156. The station manager duly appeared and ushered us off the platform and closed the barrier. I thought a ticket inspection was about to take place, or a fare evader was on the train.
All of a sudden someone appeared in a badger costume posing in front of the train followed by various members of St John's Ambulance, also posing and taking photos. Yes, I may have done that a few times myself with others in front of trains over forty odd years ago, and people still laugh at them today.
Bertie The Badger seemed to be there for ages, but at least he'd chosen the right train instead of the much more modern IET. Good for Bertie. Clearly a badger with taste.
St John's Ambulance nationwide have Bertie as their mascot and they have a training programme for 5-10 year olds in first aid and those members are called Badgers
I'd just got off the train and fotted 43092 before heading to the other end to fot 43156. The station manager duly appeared and ushered us off the platform and closed the barrier. I thought a ticket inspection was about to take place, or a fare evader was on the train.
All of a sudden someone appeared in a badger costume posing in front of the train followed by various members of St John's Ambulance, also posing and taking photos. Yes, I may have done that a few times myself with others in front of trains over forty odd years ago, and people still laugh at them today.
Bertie The Badger seemed to be there for ages, but at least he'd chosen the right train instead of the much more modern IET. Good for Bertie. Clearly a badger with taste.
St John's Ambulance nationwide have Bertie as their mascot and they have a training programme for 5-10 year olds in first aid and those members are called Badgers
'Bertie the Badger' with 43092 at Penzance. 12.04.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive - quite possibly the first badger we've featured in the 'news'!
Good old days on
The Newquay Branch
Roger Winnen
Part 3
D1008 Western Harrier at St Columb Road Station. 15.06.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
The 08.45 ex Newquuayat St Columb Road with a return Holiday Express. 15.06.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
A Three Car DMU at St Dennis Junction. 15.06.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
A Peak with the Nottingham to Newquay at Roche. This location is barely recognisable compared to the station in 2025. 29.06.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
D1031 on the 08.45 From Newquay to Manchester crosses the iron bridge at Goss Moor. 29.06.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
SDR 'Freight Train Experience'
Sam Ryder
Small Prarie 5526 working a 'freight train experience' over the South Devon Railway on 13.04.2025. Copyright Sam Ryder.
Small Prarie 5526 working a 'freight train experience' over the South Devon Railway on 13.04.2025. Copyright Sam Ryder.
Small Prarie 5526 working a 'freight train experience' over the South Devon Railway on 13.04.2025. Copyright Sam Ryder.
5526 passes 1369 at Staverton. 13.04.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
5526 now running bunker first through the woods. 13.04.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
1369 also running bunker first. 13.04.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
Passengers on the veranda of the 'Toad' brake van. 13.04.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
Great photos, Sam - many thanks.
Stoke in the snow
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
43124 leads a service through Stoke Gifford in the snow during 2001. Copyright Phil Smith.
A great seasonal shot, many thanks Phil.