Blog Archives

January 31st 2026

31/1/2026

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 9
The Torbay Branch
Clive Smith

Pioneer Class 37 D6700 (37350) 'NRM National Railway Museum ' was called upon to perform this outrageous working on Saturday 12 June 1999. The driver of the 1V26 23:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Paignton Virgin CrossCountry service did not sign Class 47s (???), so D6700 was provided as a pilot locomotive south of Bristol to assist 47851. Consequently, the return 1S66 08:58 Paignton to Glasgow was also worked by D6700 leading 47851. Not sure where the duff has disappeared to in Nick's photo. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

31419 heading west at Torquay in 1983. No recorded details of the date or working. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

37411 thrashes out of Torquay with an additional 08.55 Exeter St Davids - Paignton in connection with the Radio 1 Roadshow at Torquay on the 14th August 1996. The stock utilised was a set from Barton Hill in Bristol that was regularly used on Weymouth trains from Temple Meads. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

67002 arrives at Torquay on the 10th July 2004 with the 08.43 Paignton - Preston operated by Virgin Cross Country. To provide extra stock for services on summer Saturday services to Paignton and Newquay, Virgin CrossCountry hired HSTs from Virgin West Coast, Midland Mainline and Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), and Mark 3B loco-hauled carriages from Virgin West Coast for a number of years. In 2004, Virgin hired Class 67 locomotives from EWS and Mark 2 carriages from Riviera Trains to operate further summer Saturday services to Paignton. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

Nick was down bright and early in Paignton for this on the 3rd July 1982, probably spurning the standard fried breakfast at the greasy spoon off after bashing an overnight train and traipsing down to the sidings at Goodrington where the morning holidaymaker 'Saturday Only' empty stock trains were lined up for the journeys back north. Here is L-R 45046 with the 5E36, 45013 with the 5E29 and 45001 with the 5S54. Fantastic photo. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

Lastly a photo from Nick's collection taken by the late Rob Barnes, another Plymouth boy who also passed away much too early. 31102 hauls a dead D1062 Western Courier down the bank from Churston towards Greenway Tunnel. D1062 Western Courier was purchased for “active” preservation by the Western Locomotive Association in November 1976 after being withdrawn in August 1974. On 27th May 1977 it was moved from Swindon Works to its new home on the Torbay & Dartmouth Railway, hauled en route by 45038, 47035 and finally 31102 from Newton Abbot. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Rob Barnes).

Another great batch of images Clive, many thanks indeed. Lots of interesting traction spanning a number of decades.

Re: Van Trains
Ian Thomas

Roger Geach's feature on van and TPO trains in the south-west got me thinking about events of 42 years ago. In fact 1982 and 1983... At that time, there was a 12.50.PENZANCE to GLASGOW vans (3S15) which called at BRISTOL T/M mid evening and a locomotive change took place. On the occasion that I was there, they sent 40133 from Severn Tunnel Jnc light engine to work 3S15. The train ran via the Severn Tunnel then up the NORTH & WEST route to Crewe and then the WCML to Glasgow. I guess I got lucky and it was a bonus to what in those days offered a good bit of night photography.. PEAKS ..CROMPTONS and a selection of DUFFS and HOOVERS into the bargain.. So here are some pictures of the van train 3S15 with 40133 and 46044 on 1E38 - 19.30 BRISTOL- NEWCASTLE TPO/VANS

46044 with the 1935 Bristol - Newcastle TPO, 1E38, at Bristol Temple Meads. 16.03.1983, copyright Ian Thomas.

A rarity, 40133 at Bristol Temple Meads with the 1210 Penzance-Glasgow Parcels, 3S15. The loco was added to the train here at Bristol. 16.03.1983, copyright Ian Thomas.

Excellent stuff Ian, many thanks indeed and I'm glad Rogers article inspired you to dive into the archives!

Ian has provided some more Bristol night shots, but we'll save them for tomorrow!

Avon Valley Interlude
Paul Negus

I was in Bitton yesterday for lunch at the Avon Valley Railway. The Railway has an excellent cafe open every day except Christmas Day - the adjacent Bristol to Bath Cycle Path generates much of the custom. We were treated to a display of shunting, albeit the AVR is on a very restricted site and the view off the end of the platform is somewhat challenging for taking pictures.

In the yard was one of the resident class 31s, 31130 in Railfreight livery. This needs attention to the brake air reservoirs but apparently the fuel tank is handily in the way! 29.01.2026, copyright Paul Negus.

31130 waiting for repairs to the air system. 29.01.2026, copyright Paul Negus.

On view and in steam were the Sentinel 0-4-0 Vertical Boiler loco "Somerdale" and the long term resident TKH "Karel". 29.01.2026, copyright Paul Negus.

Seeing and hearing 'Somerdale" is a rare treat, you know immediately when it moves off due to the very frequent exhaust beats. This is a local locomotive as it spent its working life at the Fry's Factory in Keynsham which had a siding connection from the main line. 29.01.2026, copyright Paul Negus.

Newly hired-in 6695 was by the loco shed, again a restricted view I'm afraid. 29.01.2026, copyright Paul Negus.

Finally the local Austin 7 Club had arranged to meet for lunch and made an excellent period shot outside the Booking Office. 29.01.2026, copyright Paul Negus.

A nice selection of photos, Paul. Many thanks.

TfW visit Worcester
Steve Widdowson

37884 hauling TfW 769452 at Worcester Yard. 5Q94 0734 Allerton Depot to Long Marston. 30.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

802101 at Worcester Shrub Hill before working 1P26 1316 Worcester Shrub Hill - Paddington. This unit is fitted with new super fast WiFi. 30.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

An interesting set of images Steve, many thanks.

January 30th 2026

30/1/2026

More rain, anyone?
Craig Munday

Well, a few days off to look forward too after a fascinating few weeks in the far South West. It's Craig 3 - storms 3! Having shared duties with staff across all three named storms, it's been ahem eye opening. We will certainly remember these times, the same as Feb 2014 and the infamous March Beast Of the East some years ago when we got a deluge of snow.

I covered the dark hours recently, so photos at a premium. Penzance featured a lot with TC failures leading from salt on the tracks.

08836 snuck into Penzance and I observed it alone (not surprisingly) on the night of Chandra. The torrential rain blown sideways by the SE winds.

Here are some photos, including working by Pilot at PZ1. Marazion during Ingrid.

Pilot working at Penzance as a GWR Hitachi unit passes signal PZ1. 24.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

08836 'on the blocks' at Penzance after bringing in the empty coaching stock for the up sleeper. 26.01.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks as ever Craig. Summer will soon be with us!

WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 6
Ian Thomas

D1056 at Carne Point, Fowey, with the Railway Pictorial Publications Railtours 'Western China Clay' tour on 04.12.1976. D1023 was on the opposite end of the train. Copyright Ian Thomas.

Many thanks Ian - a bit of a 'legendary' tour - I'm sure many readers can claim to have been there too!

A good 'cop' at Westbury
Guy Vincent

Loco 69016 'British Transport Police', sporting their unique livery and decals pauses at Westbury whilst returning to Eastleigh from Taunton Fairwater today.

69016 was formerly 'Grid' 56097. It was built at Doncaster and entered service at Tinsley in September 1981.

Withdrawn by EWS in May 1999 it was one of a handful of 56s sent to Wigan CRDC where it was partially stripped for spares to keep other locos in traffic. It was the first 56 to enter preservation when it was bought along with the remains of 56080 and both moved to Cardiff Cathays in April 2002 where restoration was undertaken with further work carried out at Brush Loughborough and at Ruddington, Great Central Railway (North) from 2004. The loco carried Trainload Coal triple grey livery during its time in preservation. After several years of on-off use 56097 was sold to GB Railfreight and in November 2022 moved to Longport to become the final class 69 conversion, entering traffic in mid 2025 and featuring at the Rail 200 'greatest gathering' at Derby.

69016 at Westbury on 29.01.2026. All above images copyright Guy Vincent. Please click an image for an enlargement/caption.

Great photos and an interesting bit of history to go with them - many thanks, Guy.

'Bulwark' at Plymouth
Michael Adams
(With thanks to Michael Forward)

Here is another evocative picture of a class 50 from Michael Adams,this time 50041 'Bulwark' at Plymouth on 18 June 1987 with the 10.27 Penzance to Glasgow/Edinburgh. This loco was scrapped just over four years later at Old Oak depot. Copyright Michael Adams.

A great picture from Michael A, many thanks to Michael Forward for sending it over.

Van Trains
Part 6
Roger Geach

47476 passing Bolitho, Liskeard with the 1338 Penzance - Leeds vans. 22.07.1991, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks for another great photo of a Van Train, Roger.

January 29th 2026

29/1/2026

The Railway 200 'Inspiration' Train
Visits Devon & Cornwall!

The website of the Rail200 exhibition train has been updated this week with a number of destinations which the train is due to visit in 2026.

This train consists of a rake of Mk3 coaches, fitted with various interactive displays which document the story of railways in the UK over the last 200 years.

The train is due to visit Totnes / South Devon Railway between 17-22nd March, and Newquay between the 6th-11th April.

Tickets to visit the train are free but must be prebooked via the Railway 200 website - click here.

GBRf Route Learner
Bill Elston

Another GBRf route learner ran between Fairwater Yard and Exeter. This time it was 69016, British Transport Police, in suitable livery working as 0Z72. The train returned to Fairwater Yard, some 3 hours early!

69016 passing Norton Fitzwarren in the wet with a Fairwater - Exeter - Fairwater GBRf route learner. 28.01.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

An eyecatching livery, many thanks Bill.

HST's - Overseas
Mick House

Take a look at the Romic site attached below, in particular go to the video on the Import & Export section at the bottom of the page, great video footage of our old friends going abroard.

The rest of the site is prety good.

Worldwide sales of railway (railroad) locomotives and rolling stock

Many thanks Mick, some great footage of the previous batch of ex-GWR/XC power cars being loaded for export. I wonder where the most recently withdrawn sets will end up?

Van Trains
Part 5
Roger Geach

A picture of 4M05 (the 1250 Penzance to Crewe vans) passing Onslow Sidings in the Glynn Valley. The train is being worked by a class 50, which was quite common once the class became established.

50013 leads 4M05, the 1250 1250 Penzance to Crewe vans past Onslow Sidings. Thursday 21.08.1975, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - location and train, both great.

Bodmin Parkway Track Renewals
Chris Bellett

Latest update on the Bodmin Railway track renewal at Bodmin Parkway. Nearly finished now. The fun starts now, for my S&T Team at least, as we have to reinstate all of the Ground Frame point rodding (lots of holes to dig). 28.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.

Looking great Chris - many thanks for the update.

WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 5
Ian Thomas

D1013 'Western Ranger' basks in the low winter sunlight at Penzance. 13.11.1976, copyright Ian Thomas.

Another smashing photo Ian. Only a few months left in service for D1013 at this point, thankfully preservation called and she survives to this day.

'The new order'
Mark Lynam

Below are a couple of photos of 175002 arriving and departing a windy Penzance yesterday afternoon, on what are still the only Class 175 passenger workings.

175002 arrives on 2C26 1340 Plymouth to Penzance 26 late. 28.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

After 6 minutes in the station it heads back East working 2P21 1552 Penzance to Plymouth departing 20 late. 28.01.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark, well done for braving the elements!

Worcester trains of interest
Steve Widdowson

37884 light loco arrived from Derby to act as thunderbird for Hydro test 799201 ( Long Marston to Kidderminster & return ). Alongside it, 68026 propelled Mk5a set No 11 now Chiltern livery, from Long Marston to Eastleigh. 28.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

57306 light loco came down from Leicester to Long Marston, to take 701023 to Eastleigh. It's seen at Norton Junction. 28.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Hydrogen powered unit 799201 at Norton Junction on test. 28.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve, still plenty for you to point a camera at up there!

January 28th 2026

28/1/2026

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 88
Walkham Viaduct Again
Michael L. Roach

In this article I take a third, and possibly final, look at Walkham Viaduct on the Plymouth to Tavistock South branch line. The previous articles were numbered 1964 Parts 48 and 59. To recap Walkham was an original Brunel timber superstructure on stone piers dating from 1859 and was arguably the best example of the genre anywhere. It was rebuilt in 1910 with the piers extended upwards in brickwork to support underslung steel trusses. Since writing the first two parts I have come across the attached photo (image one) showing how this was done and the trains kept running most of the time. I had no qualms about copying it because it is long out-of-copyright. The original does not record where the photo was taken, but there is a clue in the terrace of houses at low level and the double track. Very few of Brunel's timber viaduct were rebuilt in this way – can a reader identify the location?

The next image shows a Plymouth to Tavistock auto-train crossing the viaduct from a location that was difficult to reach and access. Next a couple from the north end during demolition and then a couple at the end of the partially demolished decking showing the battle deck steel troughing with the concrete slab above it.

Finally a couple of pics supplied by Pendon Museum showing their magnificent model of Walkham Viaduct. My thanks to the Museum for supplying these photos. So, the viaduct lives on in model form and can be seen at this wonderful museum in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire OX14 4QD. The museum is well worth a visit if you are a fan of all things Great Western.

A Brunel timber viaduct being rebuilt in similar fashion to Walkham; but this is not Wallkham for two reasons. At Walkham there is no terrace of houses at ground level and at Walkham the outside timber supports have a pronounced batter to them. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

6400 crosses Walkham Viaduct with two auto coaches on the 2.10pm Plymouth to Tavistock on Saturday 21 October 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Looking along the viaduct during demolition in October 1964 showing how there are just two trusses on the outside and two plate girders between. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The end of the partially demolished viaduct, in February 1965, showing the composite floor of an unreinforced concrete slab sitting on profiled steel sheets which cantilever out from the main truss on the right, and similarly on the left. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The first stage of removing the deck was to break up the concrete slab. It must have been a major logistical exercise to mix and place the huge volume of concrete needed when the viaduct was rebuilt by the GWR's own men. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The model of a Brunel timber viaduct at Pendon Museum based on Walkham Viaduct. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A side view of the model viaduct, with Dartmoor in the background – a bit closer than in real life. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always Mike. A lovely structure, a crime to demolish it, really.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 4
Ian Thomas

D1001 Western Pathfinder awaits departure from Exeter St. Davids with the 1230 Paddington - Paignton. 03.07.1976, copyright Ian Thomas.

Another great 'Western' photo Ian, many thanks once again. Another tomorrow.

Van Trains
Part 4
Roger Geach

On a Saturday there was normally an afternoon van train to Bristol.

Here is 47521 with one such Penzance to Bristol van train on Sat 26.08.1989 at Bolitho, Liskeard. I recorded it as a 1406 departure from Penzance - it passed me at Bolitho at 1551.

47613 was the next hauled service on the up, with the Penzance to Milton Keynes service.

47521 Leading the Penzance - Bristol vans past Bolitho, Liskeard. Saturday 26.08.1989, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks indeed Roger, a great photograph and information.

A question on Van Trains
Simon Howard / Roger Geach

There are plenty of pictures of 4M05 and plenty of tales about the huge range of vans (especially when it was lengthened in the daffodil season). However, I would love to know what the corresponding down working was. I can’t remember it being in daylight hours – and I wonder if it was responsible for Lickey banker D7022 appearing on the up Liverpool in April 1969??

I forwarded this email to Roger Geach who replied:

The vans most probably have come off the 2008 Paddington - Penzance brute, that was the only down van train that ran to get them to Penzance on time .

Van trains into plymouth were:
4b10 1557 Bristol - Plymouth
4v03 2125 Birmingham Curzon Street - Plymouth
4v46 2054 Bradford - Plymouth vans
1b78 0630 Bristol - Plymouth conveyed some vans
1b58 2110 Bristol - Plymouth conveyed some vans

Probably some quite complex shunting and transfer - there must be someone who reads CRS who may have been involved in shunting these trains?

While 4m05 went to crewe I suspect many of the vans did not. Manchester and Birmingham being destinations. I think 4m05 was shunted at Bristol.

All interesting stuff.

The only down van train in daylight was 3B10/4B08 - 1050 ex. Plymouth, and I think that ran from 1973.

An interesting question Simon and our thanks to Roger for the reply.

If anybody knows any more, please do get in touch - [email protected]

January 27th 2026

27/1/2026

Van Trains
Part 3
Roger Geach

For a number of years in the 1970s the only van train on the down in daylight was 4B08 (after 1973) or 3B10 in 1973, which left Plymouth normally behind 1B81 (the 0800 Bristol - Penzance). If that train was late it could run in front of it.

I have never seen any pictures of the 3B07 2008 Paddington to Penzance brute van train, likely as it left Plymouth at 0300 hours and arrived at Penzance at 0538.

One could photo the down News 1B85 0030 Paddington to Penzance (off Plymouth at 0434, arrived Penzance at 0702 hrs) often only load 3 or 4 as it detached vans en route west at Plymouth.

The down TPO was 1B75 (2225 Paddington to Penzance, dept Plymouth at 0415 arrived Penzance 0630). Again, few pictures exist of this train.

These time apply to the 1970s and now of course are just a memory.

46028 is seen passing Liskeard at the head of 4B08, the 1100 Plymouth - Penzance van train, with a good collection of vans in tow. 21.10.1978, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger, great notes relating to an interesting period in railway history, many thanks for sharing them with us.

Redruth - Before the rain came!
Phil Gilbert

175002 approaches Redruth with 5Z13, a Plymouth - Plymouth via Penzance staff training run. 26.01.2026, copyright Phil Gilbert.

175002 calls at Redruth. Carn Brea dominates the distant skyline. 26.01.2026, copyright Phil Gilbert.

A GWR Hitachi unit approaches Redruth from Penzance. 26.01.2026, copyright Phil Gilbert.

We have been lacking modern day photographs recently, perhaps partially because of the awful weather we have had so far this year! So thank you very much for this trio, Phil - really appreciated.

WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 3
Ian Thomas

D1058 stands at Plymouth with the 1056 Paddington - Newquay. 18.09.1976, copyright Ian Thomas.

A smashing photo Ian, many thanks indeed. Another lined up for tomorrow - stay tuned!

'Renown'
Michael Adams & Michael Forward

Michael Adams sends this picture of class 50029 'Renown' at Exeter 0n Saturday 9 June 1985 with the 11.35 Newquay to Paddington service. Copyright Michael Adams.

Now my own picture of 50029 showing it slowing for the Dawlish stop on 6 August 1983 with the 11.27 Paignton to Liverpool. Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks Michael and Michael. Great photos of 50029. Dawlish looks very neat and tidy there too - picture perfect!

January 26th 2026

26/1/2026

WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 2
Ian Thomas

An unidentified Class 52 WESTERN at Plymouth with the up 'CORNISH RIVIERA EXPRESS'. 21.02.1976, copyright Ian Thomas.

Many thanks once again, Ian. Putting the two words 'unidentified' and 'Western' together in a sentence on the CRS is like shining a Bat Symbol into the night sky... Guy V, one for you!

And just like that, a response from Guy:

Loco is D1043 Western Duke, ‘B’ end leading and nicely steaming away as it awaits departure with the up Cornish Riviera Express, 1A19 1100 Penzance to Paddington. Note the time on the station clock is approaching 1.00pm. D1043 had just replaced an unrecorded loco at Plymouth, as was normal at this time.

The headcode blinds show 0O00 but by the second week in March they had been reset to display 1O43. ’A’ end also displayed 1O43 and the faded yellow paintwork was extremely pitted and rusty making it easy to identify when leading. ‘The Duke’ was very popular with enthusiasts until its withdrawal on April 5th by which time it was overdue for a major ‘F’ exam. Arrival at Swindon for scrapping is recorded as 21st September 1976 with disposal completed by 10th Feb. 1977, the 31st to be dealt with.

Great info Guy - many thanks.

Van Trains
Part 2
Roger Geach

No. 1745 (later 47152) leads 4M05, the 1250 Penzance - Crewe vans past Moorswater on Thursday 26.07.1973. Copyright Roger Geach.

An interesting mixture of vans behind the '47' there Roger, many thanks. Another view sadly lost to vegetation also.

Re: D1009 Western Invader
Guy Vincent

Great to see Ian Thomas’s atmospheric photo of D1009 inside Laira depot on 9th October 1976. The loco had arrived from Exeter at 1900hrs the previous evening for a scheduled ‘C’ exam which was completed on 12th. D1009 then returned to service and featured on the Westerns South Western Railtour with D1023 on 30th October. Less than 2 weeks later D1009 was back at Laira where a broken bogie coil spring was found, apparently an easy repair to complete. Alas authority was declined and Invader was condemned at 11.00hrs on 10th November. With name and number plates quickly removed and the numbers stencilled in white paint where the cab side plates had been. D1009 languished in the depot sidings until being towed to Swindon Works for disposal on 1st June 1977, the last ‘thousand’ to leave Laira. The loco was put out to tender as a possible preservation candidate but in the event a Dutch salvage dealer successfully bid for just the two MD655 engines and cooler groups and so she became the 55th ‘Western’ to be broken up, disposal being recorded as complete on 8th November 1978.

D1009 'WESTERN INVADER' inside the sheds at Laira on Saturday October 9th 1976. Copyright Ian Thomas.

Great info Guy, many thanks. A sad end for poor D1009.

January 25th 2026

25/1/2026

WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 1
Ian Thomas

This series will show various photos of the Class 52 'Westerns' in their penultimate year.. The quality is not the best, however - I had cheap Russian FED camera back then.

The first photograph shows D1009 'WESTERN INVADER' inside the sheds at Laira on Saturday October 9th 1976. Copyright Ian Thomas.

A great atmospheric photograph Ian, many thanks indeed for sharing it with us. We look forward to seeing more!

Van Trains
Part 1
Roger Geach

Cornwall was very much a county associated with the mail/van trains for many a year. In the 1970s we had the regular 4M05 1250 Penzance to Crewe vans which could load to several bogies.

The other service in daylight was 4A13 - times for this varied for departure, either 1522 or 1545 off Penzance to Paddington, which would be seen in the east of the county around 1700.

Here in later days we see 47630 with the 1215 Penzance to Paddington vans at Bolitho on 12.08.1992. Even this more recent picture was taken over 30 years ago.

47630 leads the 1215 Penzance - Paddington vans past Bolitho, Liskeard. 12.08.1992, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger. The mail trains really did add a nice splash of colour to the railways. Bolitho looking much clearer then than it does nowadays too.

January 24th 2025

24/1/2026

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 8
Par, St Blazey and Goonbarrow
Clive Smith

50047 photographed by Nick from St Blazey signal box between December 1979 and January 1980. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Great atmospheric shot at Par of 46023 on the 1V51 21.20 Newcastle - Newquay summer Saturday 'overnight' on the 28th August 1982. The loco would have come on at Plymouth being a Laira 'chuck out' but generally was a 47 or 50 but if you were at Plymouth at 07.00 and a peak dropped on the front and you fancied sixteen wheels up Luxulyan bank then you'd be made up. I'm presuming Nick got on despite the signal being pegged for the Newquay branch. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Par in the sunshine. We think this is 37691 in March 1987 although there was no information with Nick's photo. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

'Tug' 60076 out in the yard at St Blazey in late 2000. The 60s took over from the class 37 pairs to work the 'Silver Bullet' train from here to Irvine. Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Ex-BR 08398 now English China Clays industrial shunter 402D "Annabel" at Rocks Driers at Goonbarrow. This loco has since been scrapped but was certainly there in 2008. Has anyone any idea when it was replaced? Copyright Clive Smith (Original photographer Nick Perring).

Many thanks Clive - another great batch of photos from Nick.

Plym Valley Railway
'HST Enthusiasts Day'

From Plym Valley Railway:

HST ENTHUSIASTS DAY II

We are pleased to launch our second HST Day! The day will see the unveiling of static 43063 into Intercity Swallow livery with cab visits available. There will be train rides to Plym Bridge from 142023. Site entry is £8 adults and £4 children which include unlimited train rides- standard timetable. The buffet and shop will be open with some HST railwayana available for sale.

To book tickets, click here.

Best of luck to the Plym Valley with this event - doesn't their power car look fantastic now!

Re: 31241 Photo
Matthew Bradley

Hello Cornwall Railway Society,

I liked the photograph of Class 31241 at Paddington in June 1980 by Roger Geach, published on your website yesterday.

It reminded me of visits to the London terminus as a young enthusiast during the 1980’s. You were almost guaranteed to see a good selection of Class 31’s, Class 47’s, and Class 50’s; among the less glamorous (back then), HST’s and DMU’s. Talking of Class 50’s you can just make out the number 25 on the cab of the Class 50 in the adjacent platform to the Class 31, which means it’s 50025 ‘Invincible’.

Excellent website, keep up the great work!

Matthew Bradley.

Yesterdays photo of 31241 at Paddington on 02.06.1980 working ECS dutys vice a 31/4, seen here on ETH stock for Old Oak. The loco is quite clean. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Matthew, glad you enjoy the website.

I forwarded your comments onto Roger Geach, who replied as below..

RE: 50025
Roger Geach

I’m glad that my picture of 31241 was liked.

Below is another photo of 50025 at Lostwithiel with the 1050 Penzance - Paddington service.

50025 drops down the gradient into Lostwithiel with 1axx - the 1050 Penzance - Paddington on Thursday 02.08.1984. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks for filling in the gaps on the 31, Roger, as well as the 50025 photograph.

Western Region Variety
Steve Clark

An HST crosses the Usk heading out of Newport wearing an early version of GWR Green livery. Copyright Steve Clark.

33064 and 042 in the Bay at Plymouth after working a BR/NSE charter for the Open Day at Laira. Copyright Steve Clark.

08800 stabled on the turntable at the rear of Bath Road depot. Copyright Steve Clark.

Great stuff, Steve - many thanks.

SDR Railmotor
Paul Barlow

A few photos of the steam railmotor's visit to the South Devon Railway back in 2013.

Various photographs of the GWR Steam Railmotor at the South Devon Railway in 2013. Click images for enlargements and captions. All above images copyright Paul Barlow.

An interesting machine - many thanks as ever, Paul.

January 23rd 2026

23/1/2026

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 87
A Cold Day Out in Shropshire
Michael L. Roach

In December 2009 we stayed at Upper Sapey in the extreme north-east corner of Herefordshire as described in Part 79 about Bewdley. Just two miles to the east is the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb Racetrack which will locate Upper Sapey for some. When we arrived at our barn conversion at 4.30pm on the afternoon of Friday 11 December 2009 the outside temperature measured by the car thermometer was 4°C and we did not know it then but that was the highest temperature that we would see all week. It was cold and icy most days but there was no real snow and a lot of sunshine, indeed on the Sunday we stayed at the accommodation until after 11.00am to allow the ice to melt. We went out somewhere every day but were always glad to return safely to our warm and cosy self-catering accommodation normally in daylight, but occasionally in the dark. For those unfamiliar with a cold winter day in Britain once the time passes 3.00pm the temperature starts to drop rapidly under a cloudless sky.

For our last complete day on Thursday 17 December 2009 we decided that our eventual destination would once again be Ludlow which we had visited two days earlier on the Tuesday, which was market day. Ludlow is an interesting town in its own right but it is also located on the Newport to Shrewsbury railway line (The Welsh Marches Line), which is one of the most interesting lines left in England and Wales controlled by mechanical signal boxes and some semaphore signals.

I have always been interested in nearly everything around me in the wonderful British countryside ever since I got my first bicycle at the age of 14, and recording it on film after getting my first camera at the age of 15. I have always been particularly interested in geography, history, the built environment, architecture, civil engineering, street furniture, signage etc. I am not alone because only a couple of weeks ago Andrew and Diane Jones showed a picture of vintage road signs at Wellington (Somerset). Not forgetting of course things that move like trains.

I was up early on the 17th and saw the sun rise at 8.28am. The car thermometer read 0.5 degree and it got only a little higher all day. We were away at 10.00am and went just a short distance to visit St. Bartolomew's Church at Lower Sapey which has a wooden bell tower. The church dates back to the 1100s but was declared redundant in 1877. North for a couple of miles to Stanford Bridge to see a very early example of a reinforced concrete road bridge dating from 1905 which replaced a cast iron bridge dating from 1798. The 1905 bridge has been restored and bypassed to become just a footbridge. On via the B4202 through Worcestershire to Cleobury Mortimer in Shropshire which once had a railway station on the line from Bewdley to Woofferton. I wandered down a side road to find it but without success as I had not done my homework before leaving home. In those days I only had a desktop computer. Cleobury Mortimer had a second station called Cleobury Town on the Cleobury Mortimer & Ditton Priors Light railway. We headed west on the A4117 stopping at the top of Clee Hill to admire the view. Alongside is the original head quarters of Clee Hill Plant whose machines are seen all over the country. The origins of the firm date back 150 years to the days of steam traction engines and steam road rollers. On view was an early diesel road roller, possibly a Marshall.

From Clee Hill we went south for one mile to stop at a place called Knowle to photograph a church we had passed earlier in the week. Not any old church but a “tin tabernacle” the colloquial name for a building constructed of timber framed panels covered in corrugated iron sheets dating from Victorian times. This one had just been refurbished and was looking truly immaculate, and it was one of a dozen churches looked after by The Tenbury Team Ministry. For those interested in such things one of the best examples of a corrugated iron building in Cornwall is the small church in the village of Cadgwith adjacent to the footpath that takes visitors from the main car park to the village centre.

We returned north to Clee Hill where it was still 0.5 degrees and trying to snow. It was all downhill now, nearly 1,000 feet, to the town of Ludlow where the thermometer had risen to the dizzying figure of 2.5 degrees. A long time ago a freight-only branch made that ascent from the main line to the quarries located between Clee Hill Village and Clee Hill itself. Lunch and a warm-up was taken at The Olive Branch Ludlow, now renamed The Corner House. A walk around the town produced some interesting photos. There were two butchers shops with game hanging outside – not for nothing is Ludlow called the Food and Drink Capital of the Welsh Marches.

On to Tesco's for some food and just across the road from the Tesco car park is the railway station to see one passenger train call before turning for home. A stop at Ashford Bowdler level crossing produced one passenger train, one 66xxx-hauled steel train and a working semaphore distant signal. A stop was made at Tenbury Wells for fish-and-chips (standard £5.00). It was 5.00pm when we left Tenbury and the temperature was plus 1.5 degrees but it is all uphill at the start and in the first mile out of Tenbury the B4204 doubles its height above sea level, with the result that the temperature gauge dropped four times in that mile to minus 0.5 degrees. Reaching our accommodation at 5.20pm the temperature was minus 1.5 degree. We had been out for more than 7 hours and covered just 51 miles. A great day out considering how cold it was, with good sunny periods throughout the day. I took 73 photos that day so can show only a very small selection here.

[The paragraph above was written on the evening of Thursday 8 January 2026 by the light of a torch during a 9-hour electricity outage after the passage of storm “Galetti” when wind speeds in Cornwall and the IoS reached 99mph]

Writing about a fine cold day in Winter with lots of sunshine reminds me that in many ways I prefer a day like that to a fine hot day in Summer. Fine days are fewer in number in Winter and a real bonus when they do occur and for a photographer the light is often crystal clear; and when the sun does set at the end of the afternoon one can return home to a cosy room warmed by an open fire or log burner.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Milestones by Mervyn Benford. A Shire Book. ISBN 0747805261
Cornish Milestones by Ian Thompson. ISBN 978 0906 294 789

This barn conversion was our holiday home at Tippins Farm, Upper Sapey, Herefordshire for which we paid £219 in 2009. It was great to see the roses still blooming at this time of year, 12 December 2009. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

This milestone was 5 miles out of Worcester on the B4204 – possibly a former turnpike road to Tenbury. The stone probably dates to 1767 when milestones became compulsory, but the cast iron sign may be later. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Stanford Bridge – a reinforced concrete bridge across the River Teme dating from 1905, Listed Grade II, and now available to pedestrians and cyclists only. The approach road and abutments probably date from the 1790s. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Cleobury Mortimer parish church. It was a beautiful morning in Cleobury on 17 December but bitterly cold. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The tin tabernacle at Knowle on the B4214 one mile south of Clee Hill. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

This butcher in High Street, Ludlow was expecting to sell a lot of game birds. They would have lasted just as long outside in the cold as inside the shop in the fridge. In 2009 there was another butcher in Ludlow also selling game but it is now closed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Soon to be operating in Devon and Cornwall here we see 175110 heading north out of Ludlow on the afternoon of 17 December 2009. 175110 is in the colours of Arriva Trains Wales which ran the Wales & Borders Franchise from 2003 to 1018. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The former crossing keeper's cottage at Ashford Bowdler, some three miles south of Ludlow, on the Welsh Marches Line at grid reference SO 517706. It is now called Crossing Cottage. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

There was once a station here at Ashton Bowdler but it did not last long, opening in 1854 and closing just one year later. Here an EWS class 66 passes the half-barrier crossing with a northbound steel train, possibly 6M86 the 09:23 Margam to Dee Marsh. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

This semaphore distant signal was close to the north side of the level crossing at Ashford Bowdler. The semaphore was changed to a colour light some years ago but the Google camera has not visited here since March 2009 and Streetview still shows the semaphore which was the distant for Woofferton Box 1 mile 32 chains (2464 yards) to the south of the level crossing. The signal appears to be motor-operated as one would expect at that distance from the box. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A south bound Coradia class 175 passes the distant signal in the gathering gloom as darkness falls on the afternoon of 17 December 2009. Sunset here on that date was about 15:57 the earliest time of the whole winter. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always Mike, another interesting read - great stuff.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

Tamper Drag
Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70805 made an unexpected visit to Tavistock Junction yard as 0Z70 on 21st January 2025 to collect failed Colas Matisa tamper DR75406 'Eric Machel' to form the 6Z70 to Rugby where the tamper will under go repairs. Copyright Alan Peters.

An unusual place to find a locomotive nowadays. And you even managed to find a bit of sunshine! Many thanks, Alan.

More info on 31241
Roger Vinten & Roger Geach

From Roger Vinten:

31241 was repaired after the Worcester accident.

A photo of her at Exeter S.P in good condition exists online displaying domino head codes so post 1976 .

A theory :
If she received accident damage in the Exeter area was she sent away to Swindon via the triangle st Laira ?

Coupling to the damaged #2 end wouldn’t have been possible.

And with perfect timing, we see the following photo from Roger Geach:

Interesting to see pictures of 31241 damaged. I recall it as one of the less common Old Oak Common locos, well to me anyway. I did photograph it at Paddington on 02.06.1980 working ECS dutys vice a 31/4, seen here on ETH stock for Old Oak. The loco is quite clean. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger and Roger - this all adds weight to Guy V's comments about it being repaired following the Western accident. It looks very tidy there in Roger's photograph.

The last euro-imported 66
Guy Vincent

The final Euro shed imported by GB Railfreight, 66316, making its first appearance at Westbury today, 22nd January. Recent reports indicate that after several years importing locos such as this from Europe GBRf are planning to dispense with their first 20 locos, 66701-66720.

66316 at Westbury on 22.01.2026. The above images are copyright Guy Vincent (click for enlargements).

Many thanks Guy. Presumably the costs of moving a locomotive between continents are quite high, along with all the work required to make them fit to operate on UK railways. Seems a pity that DB are now offloading a number of theirs to the continent.

'The Flying Banana'
Steve Widdowson

A couple of pics today of 43301 ( Ex XC ) with 43257 seen during a crew change at Worcester SH.

43257 and 43301 at Worcester Shrub Hill with 1Q18 - the 0643 Bristol Kingsland Road - Derby RTC. 22.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson (click for enlargements).

Many thanks Steve, good to see a HST still at work!

January 22nd 2026

22/1/2026

More Powercars leave Laira
43198 / 098 / 097 to West Coast Railway Co.
Clive Smith, Jon Hird, Paul Barlow & Tony Shore

Words by Clive Smith:

Another grim day in the west both with the weather and the Laira HST clear out. Now three more have gone with just four remaining - 43092/093/156 and cannibalised 43088. This move is 0Z43 08.53 Laira - Totnes with 43198, 43098 and 43097. The power cars were supposed to go on to the South Devon Railway at Totnes Littlehempston to collect a rake of West Coast Railway mark 1 coaches that were used on the line's Polar Express. However, due to a points failure on to the line the plan was temporarily shelved with the power cars purportedly continuing on to Newton Abbot or Exeter pending a decision if the points problem could be sorted and the power cars returned to Totnes. That never happened and they continued to Carnforth adding to West Coast's collection.

Who knows if we will see them again on one of their proposed charter sets or whether any of them end up as donors for spare parts.

43198 leads 0Z43 into Totnes with 43098 (powering) and 43097 in tow. 21.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

43198, 098 and 097 paused in Totnes whilst the crew formulate a plan given the issues with the SDR connection. Above images are copyright Clive Smith (click for enlargements)

With east-bound GWR services beginning to stack up behind them, the power cars move off from Totnes abandoning the plan of collecting the mk1's from the South Devon Railway. 21.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

An unusual sight as the powercars depart Totnes. 21.01.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

43198, 098 and 097 cross the River Dart at Totnes. They were going quite quickly - I thought surely too fast to use the SDR connection - then spinning around I was surprised to see them go straight on towards Newton Abbot. 21.01.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The 1134 Totnes - Carnforth passing Cowley Bridge Junction around 2 hours early. 21.01.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

43097 bringing up the rear at Cowley Bridge. 21.01.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Much later in the day, the trio of powercars are seen paused at Shrewsbury Station. All photos above are copyright Tony Shore (click for enlargements).

Many thanks all. A sad day, but at least we may see these three again yet if they remain in service in the UK.

South West Peaks
Michael Adams

Two shots of Peaks from Michael Adams' collection. Firstly 46035 arriving at Paignton on 16 August 1980. Copyright Michael Adams.

Now we see 45121 at Bristol on 23 December 1983 with an arrival from Cardiff. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to Michael Adams for taking these fine photographs, and to Michael Forward for sharing them with us - much appreciated.

Bodmin Railway
Bodmin Parkway PWay Works
Chris Bellett

Another updated photograph taken today (21/01/2026) showing progress on the relaying of the points at Bodmin Parkway. Nearly there. The team have done an excellent piece of work here over the past couple of weeks in appalling weather. Copyright Chris Bellett.

It's looking great - well done to all involved and many thanks to you for the picture, Chris.

Re: Royal Mail Parcels Notices P6 Bristol TM
Guy Vincent

Regarding the above notices as photographed by Paul Negus on platform 6 at Bristol Temple Meads in 2019. Sadly, these were removed about 5 years ago when renovation work on the canopies was started.

That's a pity - many thanks for confirming, Guy.

'Drags'
Steve Widdowson

57306 haults 701008 away from Worcester Yard running as 5Q72 1342 Long Marston - Wimbledon Park Depot. 21.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Tuesdays HST movement, 37407 hauls 43188 and 43189 past Abbotswood Jn, Worcs running as 0E43 0900 Laira - Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings. 20.01.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Two great photographs, many thanks Steve.

Re: Class 31241
Karl Hewlett

Regarding Guy Vincent's query in CRS about class 31241, I posted a response to this back in in 2024, so have dragged the link over:

https://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/latest-input--news--old-pictures-etc/december-21st-2024

The reason for non-repairal of the locomotive is a severely bent main frame at bufferbeam level in the images, once that's twisted it is normally deemed beyond economical repair.

Many thanks, Karl.

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