The Paxman Quarrier
Ian Thomas
Ian has provided a fascinating article detailing the recent Branch Line Society Railtour which ran under the name of 'The Paxman Quarrier'.
Please click here to view.
Please click here to view.
56-103 amidst the very early spring blossom at Iron Acton. 26.04.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.
56-103 passing Cam & Dursley with 1Z60 - 15.04 Bristol TM-London Kings Cross. 26.04.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.
Aller Junction
Michael Forward
Memories of a wonderful visit to Aller junction on 28 July 1984 come flooding back with this shot of 50005 'Collingwood' with an unidentified Up service. Glorious Devon indeed. Copyright Michael Forward.
A lovely photograph Michael - many thanks indeed.
Testing, testing
Mark Lynam & Jon Hird
Network Rail's 'new' class 153 test unit 153379 visited Cornwall yesterday. It worked from Plymouth to Par via Looe, Parkandillack and Newquay.
This will be a busy week for test trains in the west, with 950001 also due to visit on Thursday (2Q08)/Friday (2Q08) and the NMT due down on Friday (1Q18).
The Class 153 returns today, Wednesday, as 2Q45 to Yeovil.
This will be a busy week for test trains in the west, with 950001 also due to visit on Thursday (2Q08)/Friday (2Q08) and the NMT due down on Friday (1Q18).
The Class 153 returns today, Wednesday, as 2Q45 to Yeovil.
153379 at Newquay having arrived from Parkandillack. 28.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
A sunny photo of the unit taken from the 'new' platform at Newquay. 28.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
153379 passes through St. Columb Road en route to Par from Newquay. 28.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
A going-away shot at St. Columb road, one of the lesser seen locations along the Newquay branch. 28.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
En route to Par from Newquay, 153379 passes 'The old Blacksmiths shop' in the Luxulyan Valley. 28.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The Class 153 is parked in Par 'Liner Siding' as 66712 passes by with the Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 28.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark, interesting photos. I'm sure we'll see a lot more of these class 153's as time goes on.
Tamar Turbo
Clive Smith
Turbos are rare on the main line west of Newton Abbot only appearing as last minute substitutions to cover for failures and crewed by Exeter drivers. After working ECS Exeter to Plymouth, 166216 calls at Ivybridge with the 1A77 08.35 Plymouth- Paddington as far as Taunton. The booked IET did not leave Laira to form the train and the assumption is an IET will replace the Turbo at Taunton . The 142/143 pacers on their Devon second coming from the 2000s onwards had a similar operating area from Exeter to Paignton, Barnstaple and Exmouth. There were instances of them covering for failures to and from Plymouth, with a recorded visit to Penzance too. We wait with baited breath for the first Turbo to Penzance. I suspect they haven't been cleared for the line though. Perhaps someone can confirm if this is the case? 28.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
166216 calls at Ivybridge. 28.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks for capturing this rare occurance, Clive.
Sir Nigel Gresley
John Simons
A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley arriving at the West Somerset Railway 28.04.26 for this weekends Spring Steam Spectacular Gala. 28.04.2026, copyright John Simons.
A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, a record holder. 28.04.2026, copyright John Simons.
A fine machine - many thanks, John.
North Devon in North Wales
Philip Gilbert
Not sure if this is of interest but last week I had the pleasure of being hauled by Lynton and Barnstaple replica 'Lyd' on the Ffestiniog Railway between Tan-y-Bwlch and Porthmadog on the “Woodland Wanderer” service. There is so much action for the enthusiast at Porthmadog with five or six engines in steam on a daily basis in such a beautiful setting. The Garretts of the WHR are truly impressive.
Lynton and Barnstaple replica 'Lyd' on the Ffestiniog Railway. Copyright Philip Gilbert.
Lynton and Barnstaple replica 'Lyd' on the Ffestiniog Railway. Copyright Philip Gilbert.
A real brute of a thing - a WHR Garrett on the Ffestinog Railway. Copyright Philip Gilbert.
Many thanks indeed Philip - Lyd a long way from home, and just look at that Garrett!
Chiltern Livery at Foregate Street
Steve Widdowson
One of WMT's 196's 196009 which has been leased to Chiltern for use on East / West services has been leased back to WMT and is seen at Worcester Foregate St with 1M86 1840 Hereford / Birmingham New St. 28.04.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Many thanks Steve, a futuristic looking machine.
April 1976
Part 29
Roger Winnen
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Forest Railroad at Dobwalls. 25.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.