Tomorrows railtours - times available
Times for both of tomorrows railtours to Penzance - 'The Britannic Explorer' and 'The Great Britain XVIII' are now available in our Railtour Calendar.
Gloucester Eastgate - August 1975
Neil Phillips
The recent excellent Gloucestershire articles by Ian Thomas and mention of Gloucester Eastgate station reminded me that I had heard that this station was due to close before the end of 1975 so, living near Swindon at the time, on 9th August I took a trip up the Golden Valley line to take some photos. It was my one and only visit to this station, although I may well have passed through it once or twice in the early 1970s. I hope the quality of these images is acceptable.
I tried to avoid DMUs and managed to score green 47267 on the outward trip, but wasn't so lucky on the return! I never recorded any train details, but did makes a note of headcodes - these fell out of use one month after Gloucester Eastgate closed.
I tried to avoid DMUs and managed to score green 47267 on the outward trip, but wasn't so lucky on the return! I never recorded any train details, but did makes a note of headcodes - these fell out of use one month after Gloucester Eastgate closed.
47267 approaching Stroud on 1B44, about to pass 'Peak' 46023 on a south-bound parcels working. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Having disembarked at Gloucester Eastgate station a quick dash 'up front' to record 47267 departing. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Last-built Class 46 'Peak' 46056 approaching Eastgate with a freight (4V10). 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Another 'Peak', 'split-box' 45047, passes under Eastgate's elevated signal box with train 1E00. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
'Peaks' galore! 46038 pulls away from Eastgate station with 1M37. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
A second green Class 47 appears on the scene, 47262 passing between terraced houses and allotments taking 1M28 into Eastgate. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Moments later the first green '47' which brought me here, 47267, has returned, leaving Eastgate in the opposite direction with a mis-identified working, 1.11. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.
Many thanks indeed Neil, a great set of photographs, thanks for sending them over.
A note from Ian Thomas about the above article:
I liked Neil Phillips' visit to Gloucester Eastgate on Saturday August 9th 1975, and through my summer 1975 WTT, have been able to identify all trains noted.
Neil travelled down from Swindon on 1B44. This is the 11.15 Paddington–Cheltenham, formed of vacuum-braked MK1s with 47-267 up front. He then saw 4V10 (Express Freight). This being the previous night’s 20.15 Glasgow–Exeter Riverside air-braked service, and running around nine hours late for some reason, 46-056 at the helm.
Next up, 1E00, 12.52 Weston-super-Mare–Leeds, with 45-047 at large, and the return working of 1V67, the 06.43 Leeds–Weston. 46-038 appeared next with what I think is 1E39 rather than 1E37 (I could not find a 1E37 in the WTT), the 09.35 Penzance to Wolverhampton.
His final cross-country train was 1M28, 12.25 Paignton–Birmingham New Street, with 47-262 on the front. As regards 47-267 appearing later in the day, I think that the headcode has not been set properly, and this train is the return working of the 11.15 ex-Paddington; that is the 16.19 Cheltenham–Paddington, and should read 1A54.
Nonetheless, a good summer Saturday afternoon at Eastgate, when summer Saturdays meant business, and I am glad he submitted it—brilliant.
I liked Neil Phillips' visit to Gloucester Eastgate on Saturday August 9th 1975, and through my summer 1975 WTT, have been able to identify all trains noted.
Neil travelled down from Swindon on 1B44. This is the 11.15 Paddington–Cheltenham, formed of vacuum-braked MK1s with 47-267 up front. He then saw 4V10 (Express Freight). This being the previous night’s 20.15 Glasgow–Exeter Riverside air-braked service, and running around nine hours late for some reason, 46-056 at the helm.
Next up, 1E00, 12.52 Weston-super-Mare–Leeds, with 45-047 at large, and the return working of 1V67, the 06.43 Leeds–Weston. 46-038 appeared next with what I think is 1E39 rather than 1E37 (I could not find a 1E37 in the WTT), the 09.35 Penzance to Wolverhampton.
His final cross-country train was 1M28, 12.25 Paignton–Birmingham New Street, with 47-262 on the front. As regards 47-267 appearing later in the day, I think that the headcode has not been set properly, and this train is the return working of the 11.15 ex-Paddington; that is the 16.19 Cheltenham–Paddington, and should read 1A54.
Nonetheless, a good summer Saturday afternoon at Eastgate, when summer Saturdays meant business, and I am glad he submitted it—brilliant.
Many thanks Ian, top detective work!
Rewe Railtour
David Tozer
At 0707, D1935 (47805) "Roger Hoskin MA 1925 - 2013" top & tailed with D1924 (47810) "Crewe Diesel Depot" pass Rewe with the 1Z21 05:46 Paignton to Windsor & Eton Riverside "The Statesman". 16.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.
47810 on the rear at Rewe. 16.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.
An early start for you Dave - many thanks.
Southern Steam at Swindon
Ken Mumford
34036 made interesting sounds as it thundered through Swindon [12 LATE] on the UML [Up Main Line] as 1Z71 [Bath Spa to Ipswich] with diesel taking over in the London area. 15.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Coaching stock passing through Swindon behind the Bulleid locomotive. 15.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
A very smart 47593 on the rear of the train. 15.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken, great to see.
April 1976
Part 17
Roger Winnen
47112 With a freight at Taunton. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
47112 at Taunton alongside Taunton Station West Box. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
31193 at Exeter St David's. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.