NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 41
EXETER February 1964
Michael L. Roach
In February 1964 I made three visits to Exeter by train. The first was on the 2 February, when I arrived on the 4.00pm from Waterloo - the only occasion that I travelled the full length of the Southern main line (although I had travelled parts of it many times before).
Merchant Navy 35022 gave a good account of itself, reaching a maximum of 82mph and sustaining an average of 80mph from Whitchurch North to Andover.
The second and third visits were on day trips from Plymouth on 15 and 29 February at a fare of ten shillings for a cheap day return (equivalent today £8.25). On both dates I travelled to Exeter via Okehampton behind 34054 on the Plymouth to Brighton through train, and on 29th returned on the Brighton behind the same engine, having stayed at Exeter for several hours.
On 15th I headed up to Barnstaple behind 34107 and then east to Taunton via Dulverton. From Taunton I travelled home direct behind a D800 Warship.
The reason for these trips was that it would already have been known that this was the last year of steam at Exeter, and a steam trip from Plymouth was something to be savoured while it was still available.
Merchant Navy 35022 gave a good account of itself, reaching a maximum of 82mph and sustaining an average of 80mph from Whitchurch North to Andover.
The second and third visits were on day trips from Plymouth on 15 and 29 February at a fare of ten shillings for a cheap day return (equivalent today £8.25). On both dates I travelled to Exeter via Okehampton behind 34054 on the Plymouth to Brighton through train, and on 29th returned on the Brighton behind the same engine, having stayed at Exeter for several hours.
On 15th I headed up to Barnstaple behind 34107 and then east to Taunton via Dulverton. From Taunton I travelled home direct behind a D800 Warship.
The reason for these trips was that it would already have been known that this was the last year of steam at Exeter, and a steam trip from Plymouth was something to be savoured while it was still available.
34054 with 8C on the Plymouth to Brighton at Exeter St. Davids on 15 Feb 1964. The engine had reached 70mph north of Bere Alston and at North Tawton. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The Brighton is banked out of St. Davids by pannier tank 4655 on 15.02.1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
The Brighton is banked out of St. Davids again but this time by pannier 3759 taken from the train hauled by 34054 again on 29 February 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
34054 is about to enter the tunnel on 29.02.1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
34020 is seen on the 1.10pm from Exeter Central to Salisbury. The first vehicle is a BR built autocoach no. 238. Out of picture were a further three coaches and six parcel vans. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
35017 runs through the station on its way to Exmouth Junction Shed after bringing in the 9.00am from Waterloo on 29.02.1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Z-class 30957 banks the three coaches and eight GUVs of the Surbiton car carrier out of St. Davids on 28 July 1962. The train was hauled by 34096. At the time Exmouth Junction had all eight of the class, but all were withdrawn before the end of 1962. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks as always Michael, some great photos of the tail end of the days of steam.
For more of Michael's articles, please click here.
For more of Michael's articles, please click here.
Class 66 working a steel train through Cardiff
Michael Forward
Michael Forward
Class 66 66010 Works a steel train through Cardiff. Copyright Michael Forward
Roger, at 15.50 on the same day we see 66655 with covered wagons, I think from Dee Marsh in North Wales to Margam.
These DB 66/6s have been re-geared to haul heavier trains but at lower speeds,in favour of class 60s .
These DB 66/6s have been re-geared to haul heavier trains but at lower speeds,in favour of class 60s .
Many Thanks Michael
Monday's Clay
Jon Hird
With the last of its 16 JIA wagons still passing Ponts Mill, 66127 heads the Goonbarrow - Fowey clay as it approaches St. Blazey Bridge crossing on 28.04.2025. Copyright Jon Hird.
Later in the day, 66127 is seen again having just emerged from Treverrin Tunnel with the empty wagons returning to Goonbarrow. The field here is being used for Potatoes this year and the tramlines cut into the soil give the image an interesting texture. 28.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
A short trip to Ponts Mll - from the last location, just over 1.5 miles as the crow flies but considerably more by rail, 66127 applies the power as the train exits the temporary speed restriction over Ponts Mill viaduct and continues on its way to Goonbarrow. 28.04.2025, copyright Jon Hird.