Blog Archives

21st January 2020

21/1/2020

St Blazey
Alan Peters

St Blazey Looking rather like a model railway, class 66 in DB red livery 66094 is seen stabled on the fuel point at St Blazey in the early morning of the 19th January 2020 Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks to Driver Alan Peters for this privileged view at St Blazey depot.

Plymouth Friary 5
Paul Barlow

A final look through the lens of Paul Barlow at Plymouth Friary on the 26th Feb 1983. Copyright

Many thanks Paul

Stoke Gifford
Ron Kosys

56033 hauls a loaded stone train seen here at Stoke Gifford seen here on the 8th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys;

Many thanks Ron.

Zoom shot at
Aller
Chris Harvey

Please find attached a shot from January ten years ago that you might like. Captured with a long lens from the now demolished overbridge at Aller, here is the 1106 Paddington - Plymouth, accelerating hard away from Newton Abbot and taking a run at Dainton bank. The low winter light was just glorious, and the date was 2nd January 2010. Copyright Chris Harvey Bodmin

The bridge at Aller on which Chris was standing then under threat of demolition. Viewed on the 7th July 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Chris.

Winters day departure at
St Ives
Martin Scane

A deserted beach as an afternoon service heads for St Erth on the 20th January 2020 Martin Scane

Many thanks Martin

20th January 2020

20/1/2020

Plymouth Friary 4
Paul Barlow

Lookig from the B3238 road bridge again but this time towards the remains of the platforms of this now forgotten station. Copyright Paul Barlow

Thank you Paul.

Merehead
Ron Kosys

56042 departs Merehead with a loaded stone train 22nd June 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys

Thank you Ron,

Cranmore arrival
East Somerset Railway
Guy Vincent

Recently arrived at Cranmore for restoration to working order is GWR 2-6-2 'Large Prarie' tank engine no 4110, a member of the '5101' class and built at Swindon in October1936. The loco spent a short period (July 1962-May 1963) based at Taunton and was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction shed in June 1965. The same month it was sent to Woodham Brothers scrapyard at Barry, South Wales from where it was purchased for preservation, becoming the 100th loco to leave the yard in 1979. Since then it has had several owners and has been based at Southall, Tyseley, Minehead and latterly Kingswear. The loco recently arrived at Cranmore where it is to be fully restored and will then spend 3 years working on the East Somerset Railway. Attached are two photos of 4110, the first taken at Kingswear in October 2019 and the second at Cranmore. There is no doubt that once restored the loco will be in virtually 'as new' condition as the team at Cranmore have a proven track record in producing high quality work. Currently undergoing repairs there for the Dartmouth Steam Railway is '5205' Class Collett 2-8-0T no 5239 'Goliath' and prior to that the ESR rebuilt LMS Ivatt 2-6-2T no 41313 from scrap condition to ex-works in just two years.

Regards, Guy Vicent. Many thanks Guy for your very detailed report and excellent pictures.

Kingswear GWR 4110 10th October 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent

With the chimney safely capped 4110 stands at Cranmore. 19th January 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

4110 under restoration at Cranmore. 19th January 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Rare visitor to
Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

DRS class 68 loco 68009 heading the 5Z51 1414 Bristol Temple Meads-Eastleigh empty coaching stock through Bradford-on-Avon on the afternoon of 19th January. This was the stock used on Pathfinder Tours DRS class 20 farewell trip around Yorkshire on 18th, the train starting from and terminating at Bristol. DRS locos are rare in the Westbury area and class 68s even more so. It made a pleasant change to actually see the sun shining for once!

Cheers, Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy

A fine shot of DRS Class 68 passing through Bradford on Avon yesterday. 19th January 2020.

ROCHE -

LOST IN THE POST.
Over the Christmas period somebody very kindly sent me several pictures featuring a visit to Roche station very recently. In the rush I thought they could wait a day or two but now I cannot find them. I'd hate to leave them out. They are in my memory but I'm afraid not elsewhere - will whoever sent them please resend. My humble apologies to whoever. KJ

19th January 2020

19/1/2020

68009 Titan at
Bristol Temple Meads
Andrew Triggs

Following on from yesterdays shots find 4 more from Pathfinder Tours DRS Class 20 Farewell of 68009 at Bristol Temple Meads, after arrival from Crewe with the last leg of the Tour, following running round the tour stock and in the early moring sunshine on the Sunday
All the Best
Andrew

1. DRS 68009 at platform 4 having worked the Crewe-Bristol T.M leg of the tour 18.1.2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. The working was 1Z50 15.03 Leeds-Bristol T.M via Crewe, where 20302/305 came off and 68009 took over 18.1.2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. 68009 awaiting departure with 5Z51
14:14 Bristol Temple Meads to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) ECS in the morning sun 19.1.2020. Copyright Andrew Triggs

4. The Tour programme with Ticket and commemorative Mug
Copyright Andrew Triggs

Darting around Devon
Roger Winnen

200118aa Fog at the Border through the window of a Castle Class HST. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118aa Torre Station Grade 11 listed with its original Brunel Station buildings on 18th January 2020. A Planning application has been made to replace the existing footbridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118b Fog in the Exe Estuary, the pier for the Starcross Ferry in the forground. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118c A Pacer unit at Exeter St David's being damaged at Dawlish whilst on the 10.57 Exmouth to Paignton service on 16th January 2020. A wave hit the train smashing windows and injuring a passenger. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118d The latest named Castle Class power car 43094 St Mawes Castle brings up the rear of the 13.56 Bristol Temple Meads to Penzance at Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen

Redruth to Bristol
Martin Scane

Martin on one of his quite regular travels from Cornwall sends us two pictures at the beginning and near the end of his day. Many thanks Martin.

With that unmistakable background of Carn Brea Castle and Monument the 08,42 to Paddington rolls in across Redruth viaduct. 18th January 2020. Copyright Martin Scane N.B. Taken while awaiting his Bristol train.

Nearing the end of the days rail travels we're at Bristol Temple Meads. The 1A32 the 18.30 for Paddington about to depart. 18th January 2020 Copyright Martin Scane

Near Westbury
Ron Kosys

56041 nears Westbury with a Whatley-Westbury stone train. Taken on Saturday 13th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Plymouth Friary 3
Paul Barlow

Friary 26 Feb 1983. Taken from the B3238 bridge looking towards Mount Gould and Laira. Copyright Paul Barlow. N.B. Of the metals in this picture just two lines exist on the left hand side - these terminate before the bridge.

18th January 2020

18/1/2020

Tractors and Bodysnatchers on Tour 17th & 18th January
Andrew Triggs

. 1 37418 at Cardiff Central before departure working 2R20 17.01 to Rhymney 17.1.2020 Copyright Andrew Triggs

2. DRS 57002/003 leading 1Z49 05.13 Bristol Temple Meads-Leeds DRS Class 20 Farewell Tour (as far as York) 18.1.2020.Copyright Andrew Triggs

3. DRS 57002/003 leading 1Z49 05.13 Bristol Temple Meads-Leeds DRS Class 20 Farewell Tour (as far as York) 18.1.2020.Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Plymouth Friary 2
Paul Barlow

Buried and gone forever. The North Quay branch from Friary descended to North Quay from Friary firstly by means of a cutting and finally through a tunnel to emerge on the Quay. The cutting lay between the sidings on the left and following the left hand side of the concreted area on the right. This picture taken on the 26th February 1983.. The North Quay branch closed in 1957 and was removed quite quickly afterwards. Copyright Pal Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

LLanwern
Ron Kosys

59201 Llanwern 7B40 0721 PTalbot-Llanwern iron ore 17th April 1999. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron

Exeter at Exeter
Bill Elston

50044 Exeter at Exeter. Ready to work the 08.11 to Waterloo on the 10th February 1987. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill

Snow at Plymouth
Clive Smith

About two years ago CRS featured some of my photos of Plymouth in the snow from January 1985. Here is another selection depicting the heavy snowfall and aftermath from exactly thirty five years ago.
Light snow turned to heavy snow mid morning on the 18th and by early afternoon Plymouth was covered in a fair few inches of snow with trains heavily delayed. Buses were suspended at midday as traffic ground to a halt so I had a 5 mile walk home. Luckily the snow remained for the following day with the temperature remaining cold providing another day of rare wintry photo opportunities in slightly better light and less challenging conditions.

(1) Very much a snowfall to remember. Not often Plymouth receives a dumping but this was one such occasion.

(2) Eastfield based 47470 University Of Edinburgh probably feels at home in a snowstorm but this was Plymouth not Aviemore. With the chaos caused by the weather the 47 had arrived from Laira to remove coaching stock on the 18th.

(3) 50006 Neptune arrives light engine from Laira to take over the 09.40 Paddington - Penzance on the 18th.

(4)  50015 Valiant arrives at platform 7 with the 07.30 Penzance - Glasgow Central and Aberdeen. This was now the 19th with snow covering platform 6 and surprisingly not cleared.

(5) With the snow still lying from the previous morning's snowfall, 47607 stands at platform 7 with 5V90 Taunton - Penzance ECS.

   Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.
   We're not hoping for more, are we?

(1) Very much a snowfall to remember. Not often Plymouth receives a dumping but this was one such occasion. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) Eastfield based 47470 University Of Edinburgh probably feels at home in a snowstorm but this was Plymouth not Aviemore. With the chaos caused by the weather the 47 had arrived from Laira to remove coaching stock on the 18th. Copyright Clive Smith.

(3) 50006 Neptune arrives light engine from Laira to take over the 09.40 Paddington - Penzance on the 18th. Copyright Clive Smith.

(4) 50015 Valiant arrives at platform 7 with the 07.30 Penzance - Glasgow Central and Aberdeen. This was now the 19th with snow covering platform 6 and surprisingly not cleared. Copyright Clive Smith.

(5) With the snow still lying from the previous morning's snowfall, 47607 stands at platform 7 with 5V90 Taunton - Penzance ECS. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

A shot in the Dark
Exeter Riverside
Phil Smith

33109 waiting its turn for duty in riverside yard. 1987. Copyright Phil Smith

Thanks Phil.

17th January 2020

17/1/2020

HST Surprise
Leslie Curnow

Good Evening Roger
I expect you are at the band now but will pick this up in the morning..
Whilst you were in the Hayle area this morning I was at Camborne station.
To my surprise the 11:15 2P12 Penzance to Plymouth came up with a very clean looking Power car which turned out to be 43198 previously named Oxfordshire 2007.
It was named Driver Brian Cooper 1947- 1999 previously on 43033. It seemed to have been refurbished and taken the name from the former HST now withdrawn from FGW

Many Thanks Leslie

A Wet and Windy day at
Hayle & St Erth
Roger Winnen

20016a First Bus drivers under training at Foundry Square Hayle yesterday. Many hands on the bus would make light work! Copyright Roger Winnen

200117a What a contrast in the weather today as the Network Rail Measurement Train crosses the Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Winnen

200117c The 11.50 Penzance to Plymouth with a Castle Class 43040 HST arrives at St Erth. Copyright Roger Winnen

200117d 43153 Chun Castle is the tailing power car on this train. Chun Castle is an Iron Age Hill Fort near Morvah in West Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

200117e The returning Network Rail Measurement train passing St Erth on route to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

37 at Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,Thanks for dealing with my last picture,here is another from Cardiff on 17 February and shows 37693 at the East end with loaded coal.The emblem on the side shows(I think) the Thornaby kingfisher so maybe the loco. was a long way from home or recently re-allocated. Copyright Michael Forward

Thanks Michael

Dear Keith
In response to Michael Forward's question of class 37, 37693, it is indeed carrying a Thornaby crest on it's bodyside. These were applied from the mid 80's onwards and came in coloured, white and a dark grey emblem and 693 seems to be carrying a rather faded version of the former. Thornaby like Tinsley (Sheffield), bulled up their loco's quite a lot and classes 08, 20, 31, 37 and 56 were noted to have some colourful variants, note the non standard numbers and their positioning on 693.

Regarding it's allocation during the time the image was taken 693 was officially allocated to Cardiff Canton but it's previous allocations before this were to Tinsley Sheffield, 18/01/87 and to Thornaby 14/09/86 where it gained it's Kingfisher emblems. It was transferred away to Glasgow Eastfield on 04/03/90 and was later named 'Sr William Arrol' from 1990 to 1993, by this time was in Railfreight Triple Grey livery with Coal Sector brandings.

The loco was actually new to Wales as D6910/37210 at Swansea Landore on 26/11/63 and was in Wales quite a lot during it's working life with spells at Canton and Landore from new to 30/09/79 when it hoped over the border to Bristol Bath Road. It was transferred back to Canton on 08/03/81 and did not moving until 11/03/86, when it was sent to Crewe works for 37/5 refurbishment programme and emerging as 37693 on test 24/07/86 in Railfreight Grey as per the image. From Eastfield (above paragraph), it headed down the road to Motherwell on 10/05/92, it then enjoyed a flurry around the north of the country being outbased at Ayr (where yours truly photed it coming off the Heads of Ayr branch). It was then transferred to Immingham on 16/05/93, back to Motherwell on 07/11/93 before being put in the EWS System Wide Pool of loco's allocated to Toton on 27/11/98. This loco was then sent to France of all places for the construction of new TGV lines on 02/07/99 and returned on the 19/08/00. It was stored on 06/10/00 ending up at Tyne Yard and was sent to the big engine shed in the sky on 04/05/11 by 'EMR Metals' Attercliffe.

Kind Regards

Karl (The Friends Of Penmere Station).

Thanks Karl

Double header to
Moorswater
Al Peters

Hi Mick/Keith,
First cement train of the year, and what looks like a 'double header' at Moorswater on the Colas cement with 70807 and 70805 on 16/01/20. In actual fact 70805 had failed at Lipson Junction with 6C35 the Aberthaw - Moorswater the previous day with a water fault, luckily enough DB 66009 was behind with 0Z50 a road learning trip from Westbury to Par and was able to assist 6C35 from the rear by pushing the cement train into the through road at Plymouth. A replacement class 70 was sent from Cardiff Canton where 70807 was coupled to the front of the failed train which was stabled overnight at Plymouth before working into Cornwall with 70805 'dead in tow' the following morning to Lostwithiel to run round then to Moorswater where the pair of class 70's are seen after some complex shunting!
Alan Peters. Many thanks Al for your picture and the very detailed account of what went wrong. Best regards to you.

70807 and 70805 at Moorswater on the 16th January 2020. Copyright Al Peters

Salisbury
Ron Kosys

59004 climbs towards the tunnel at Salisbury on the 22nd September 1987 with a Merehead to Eastleigh stone working on the 22nd September 1987. Copyright Ron Kosys. Note Gas Holder.

Many thanks Ron.

Plymouth Friary
Paul Barlow

Paul brings us the first of a number of pictures taken at Plymouth Friary whilst the station area was in use as freight depot. Friary station closed to passengers 15th September1958. Many thanks Paul.

Friary 26th February 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow

Two locos, two nameplates.
Exeter
Bill Elston

Please find attached 2 photos of Peak no. 45143 arriving at Exeter St Davids on 11 June 1985. It worked the 1310 Waterloo – Exeter, after rededication of the loco, the regiment celebrating their third centenery, as shown by the supplimentary plate below the main one. Unusual for a Peak to work down the ‘Southern’ Best regards Bill Elston

45143 nameplate seen at Exeter on the 11th June 1985. Copyright Bill Elston.

33112 at Exeter Stabling point on the 16th May 1988. Copyright Bill Elston.

33112's nameplate taken at Exeter Stabling point on the 16th May 1988. Looking very smart. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

16th January 2020

16/1/2020

ACE Railtour at
Exeter
Jeremy Doe

Hello Keith, attached is a photo of this tour at Exeter St Davids, with 33105 leading. Maybe you would like to add it to your already fine collection of photos of this tour. I was at Exeter doing general spotting when it turned up.
Regards, Jeremy Doe, Stroud, Glos Thank you Jeremy
This has also been added to our pictures of this railtour.

ACE Railtour 2nd April 1978 Copyright Jeremy Doe

By-passing
Frome
Ron Kosys

56050 seen on Frome by-pass with a train of loaded PGA's on the Merehead to an unknown destination. 5th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys. This is a most interesting composition, note the clean exhaust of the 56 and the slight haze of dust off the loaded stone train. Also note the telegraph poles then part of the railway scene and that most interesting and frail looking foot bridge.

Many thanks Ron

About as far as one can go!
Penzance
Paul Barlow

50040 Leviathan at Penzance on the 26th Feb 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

15th January 2020

15/1/2020

Back to Back
Blue Power Car move
Roger Salter & Andrew Triggs

Photographs of the back to back power car move today following arrival at Penzance, the light engine movement running as
0Z79 1306 Laira T.& R.S.M.D-Penzance, therefore once again seeing Blue power cars back at the end of our network!

0Z79 1306 Laira T.& R.S.M.D-Penzance, therefore once again seeing Blue power cars back at the end of our network! Copyright Andrew Triggs

Back to Back Power Cars Copyright Andrew Triggs & Roger Salter

43088 & 43029 with 43097 Enviroment Agency standing in Platform 4. Copyright Roger Salter

Two for the price of one!!
Freshford
Ron Kosys

On the very dull evening 0f 11th May 1988, 56001 passes through Freshford with empties for Tytherington (via Stoke Gifford),
as 33008 heads towards Westbury with passenger stock.
Many thanks Ron

56001 Freshford dest Tytherington. 11th May 1988, Copyright Ron Kosys.

St Austell
Paul Barlow

45113 waits at St Austell on the 10.20 Plymouth to Penzance on the 26 February 1983, Copyright Paul Barlow.

14th January 2020

14/1/2020

The Royal Train in
West Cornwall 1980
Roger Winnen

801127a The flags are flying on 27th November 1980 when the Queen is to visit West Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

801127b Laying the red carpet for Her Majesty the Queen. Copyright Roger Winnen

801127c The Royal Train headed by 47500 Great Western crosses the Marazion Marsh. Copyright Roger Winnen

801127cc Class 08 heads the ECS Royal Train to Long Rock Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

801127d 47500 Great Western follows the Royal Train to Long Rock depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

801127e The Police are standing guard over the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Upton Scudamore
Ron Kosys

Upton Scudamore is a village and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. The village lies about 1.8 miles north of the town of Warminster.

56116 at Upton Scudamore with an Eastleigh to Merehead empties. 6th August 1984. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Newton Abbot
Clive Smith

45119 stands at Platform 4 at Newton Abbot. on the 17th October 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive

Penzance Peak 2
Paul Barlow

45113 having earlier brought down the 10.20 train from Plymouth has now run round and is ready to head the 13.45 to Bristol 1B59 26th February 1983. Also in the picture are 47182, 47033, and 50040. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul,

13th January 2020

13/1/2020

Alderbury
Ron Kosys

Alderbury is about three miles south east of Salisbury, Thanks Ron.

56053 passes through Alderbury with the Allington to Whatley ARC empties., 25th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

Many thanks Ron.

Penzance Peaks 1
Paul Barlow

45113 has just arrived at Penzance with the 10.20 ex Plymouth. It's the 26 Feb 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Another view of 45113 from the lofty viewing point of the former entry point at Penzance on 1020 ex Plymouth. 26 Feb 1983

Many thanks Paul.

Plymouth Peak
Clive Smith

Split Head code 45036 passes through Ply on 23rd Dec 1983 with the 05.50 Severn Tunnel Jct to St Blazey mixed goods, Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

12th January 2020

12/1/2020

Restoration of Coaches
at St Germans Part 2
Roger Winnen

191216i Mevy A Great Western Railway Slip Coach if 1898 being the last surviving GWR Slip Coach. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216j Mevy at St Germans has three classes of compartments and a Guards Room. The 1st Class bedroom is furnished with sumptuos Italian fabric, English gold guilding and maple and mahogany panels. Copyright Roger Winnen

181231a The former Travelling Post Office vehicle at St Germans This vehicle sleeps up to six people complete with views of the passing trains and the original mail boxes inside. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216l A Queen Victoria Royal Saloon at St Germans awaiting restoration. Copyright Roger Winnen

191216ll Inside of the Royal Saloon awaiting a large scale restoration project. Copyright Roger Winnen

Photographs by kind permission of
John & Lizzie Stroud

Salisbury
Ron Kosys

Quite why I framed this the way I did, I have absolutely no idea.....
22nd September 1987
59001 runs into Salisbury with the Foster Yeoman service from Merehead to Salisbury.
This train was discharged in the former Southern Railway yard to the south/east of Salisbury station,
rather than the former Great Western yard at Fisherton.
Note the spire of Salisbury Cathedral above the 59.

59001 seen at Salisbury on the 22nd September 19 .87 with the Merehead to Salisbury stone train. Copyright Ron Kosys

The same loco and train seen again at Salisbury - note the spire of Salisbury Cathedral watching over the proceedings. Copyright Ron Koysy.

Many thanks Ron.

Cowley Bridge
Paul Barlow

Approaching Cowley Bridge Junction 45055 heads the 11.55 Paignton -Birmingham Relief train. 4th August 1983 Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the empty fields beyond, the semaphore signal and the point rodding worked from Cowley Bridge Signalbox. Copyright Paul Barlow.

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