Blog Archives

Items added on 31st March 2018. Most recent items come first.

31/3/2018

A matter of
Grave Concern
at Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Twenty fours years ago it was the last day of British Rail and two signalmen at Chard Junction chose to remember it in an unusual way.

John Cornelius writes :- 'When the railways were privatised 0n 1-4-1994,my signalman colleague at Chard Junction, Bill Love and I thought we would like to mark the passing of the nationalised British Rail. So we painted a headstone and placed it behind one of our flower beds. It was well received by the locals.
Then the local press became interested and pictures appeared in the local papers,finally the TV news sent a cameraman down to film it and it appeared on the local West of England evening news,its fame had spread far and wide. But after a week management asked us to discreetly remove it. I think they were a bit embarrassed over the attention it had received. But Bill and I had a good laugh about it and besides it was good clean fun.'
CHEERS JOHN C. Many thanks John. Good old BR

Near Pinhoe
David Tozer

159019 & 159008 on the 1225 Exeter (St David's) - Waterloo Near Beacon Lane rail bridge 31st March 2018 Copyright David Tozer

159020 on the 09.20 Waterloo to Exeter (St Davids) 31st March 2018 Copyright David Tozer. Chaucer Grove bridge. Network Rail have put in a flight of steps parallel with the bridge up the embankment. At the top is a notice stating 'Beware of trains'. Given that only Network Rail staff have access via a locked gate, one would have assumed that they would realise how close they are to the line. Elf and safety gone mad again.

Lets enjoy the cheerful livery above before its replaced by something rather drab. Many thanks for your pictures David.

Trowbridge
Down siding
Alan Peters

Colas Railfreight 70809 is unusually seen in the Down Trowbridge Siding at Westbury after dropping its train off on the Down Reception before making its way to the Up side holding sidings where Colas locomotives are stabled and fueled. 23rd March 2018 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Eastleigh
Ron Kosys

A very fine panorama of Eastleigh works and the approaches from Fareham and Southampton.

47715 approaches Eastleigh on Saturday 18th August 1991 with the diverted 1O39 1548 Exeter to Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

Paignton
Alan Peters

Freight on the Paignton branch is quite rare, but a Colas Railfreight class 66 with 5 Auto hoppers made a visit in the early hours of Thursday 29th March for a ballast drop between Newton Abbot and Paignton, here 66847 is pictured in the platform having run round the wagons in the station and is ready to depart for the journey back to Westbury as 6C42 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Items added on 30th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

30/3/2018

Bodmin Parkway
Mark Lynam

Bodmin Parkway Castle Class 2C45 0924 Exeter St Davids to Penzance on the 29th March 2018 Copyright Mark Lynam

An interesting photograph with two vintage trains - the 'new' Castle class departing for Penzance and the B & W's Class 121 ready to depart for Bodmin General. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Class 31's in Devon 1
Exeter St Davids
Clive Smith

Exeter St Davids. Spotters are unimpressed as 31300 & 31271 arrive with the 11.30 Penzance to Newcastle service on the 17th September 1983 Copyright Clive Smith

Class 31's in Devon 2
Paignton
Clive Smith

Paignton 31122 & 31195 pull away from the station with the 08.40 to Newcastle on the 11th September 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive for both of the above pictures.

Eastleigh
Ron Kosys

47709 lays a trail of exhaust as it leaves Eastleigh and heads under Campbell Road Bridge with the 1V09 0840 Waterloo - Exeter on Sun 18th August 1991 Copyright Ron Kosys

Tiverton Parkway
John Cornelius

Items added on 29th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

29/3/2018

The first revenue earning
2 + 4 HST runs today
Roger Winnen

The first 2 + 4 HST with air operated doors and cet etc began running early this morning on the 06.00 Penzance-Exeter St David's arr 09.16, returning on the 09.24 to Penzance arr 12.34. Departing Penzance 12.57 Newton Abbot arr 15.49. Newton Abbot dep 15.55 to Plymouth arr 16.38 and Plymouth dep 17.55 to Penzance arr 19.51 A similar timetable with an additional out and back run from Penzance to Plymouth at 20.18 is in the programme for tomorrow night.

180329a The 09.24 departs Hayle for Penzance just as the sun went behind a cloud. Copyright Roger Winnen

180329b The return working at 12.57 from Penzance is seen arriving at Camborne behind 43093 Old Oak Common Depot. Copyright Roger Winnen

180329c No slam doors on this set for the station staff to close and no windows to hang out as the last passengers enter the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Todays Bradford Bonus at 07.07!
Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

Morning Keith,
Part 1 at Bradford on Avon. The early bird gets the 'Syphon' rather than the worm. 37099 with an overnight slow-speed Ultrasonic Rail Test train pauses at Bradford-on-Avon during a booked pathing stop working 3Q60 2250 (Wednesday) Reading Triangle Sidings-Westbury via Cardiff. The loco has only just returned to service following a spell out of traffic at Barrow Hill depot where it received a replacement power unit.
Guy V Many thanks Guy - very nice 'worm' pictures

37099 Bradford-on-Avon 3Q60 29th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

9703 (37099) Bradford-on-Avon 3Q60 29th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Part 2 - At Westbury. 37099 with it's three coach ultrasonic test train stabled in the 'Patney Siding' adjacent to Westbury North Junction and the 1981-built panel signal box where roofing repairs seem to be underway. A daytime trip from Westbury to Weymouth and return followed by a shorter spin-out to Thingley Junction and back via Melksham had just been concluded. The loco was delivered into service from English Electric's Vulcan Foundry, Newton-Le-Willows, as long ago as December 1962. Withdrawal by BR took place in March 1996 and then, following almost twenty years in private/preserved ownership status, it returned to the main line with current owners Colas Railfreight at the end of 2016. The loco worked over several of the country's heritage lines during it's time in preservation although it has yet to feature on any of the West Country branches. Guy Vincent Many thanks Again Guy

37099 on return from its days work. ex 3Q14 Westbury 29th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

First Day of Operation 2018
Beer Heights Light Railway
Roger Aston

26th March 2018 0-4-2 Pixicato was the only engine in steam. Beer Heights Light Railway Copyright Roger Aston

East Somerset Railway Gala
Roger Aston

46447 draws into Cranmore station. East Somerset Railway 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

Also in steam was 0-4-0 Barclay Saddle tank 1719 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

46447 and 1917 carry out a parallel run 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

5637 handles a demonstration train. 24th March 2018 Copyright Roger Aston

Storm Emma! its aftermath
at Dawlish in early March
Roger Salter

180305a 143621 Passes the gap in the railings at Dawlish with this section closed again to the public. Copyright Roger Salter

180305b Network Rail inspecting the damage at Dawlish Station. Copyright Roger Salter

180305c The large chunks of the seawall out at Teignmouth, the public clearly unaware of the closure. Copyright Roger Salter

180305e The force of the sea is evident at Dawlish as an HST heads west. Copyright Roger Salter

Redruth
Mike Hitchens

50033 Glorious at Redruth, possibly on the Penzance Waterloo service. Stands at the entrance to the 47 yd tunnel which dates from 1852 Courtesy the Mike Hitchens Collection

Northam
Ron Kosys

Emphasising how bad the availability of stock was in general before the introduction of the 159’s,
50027 crosses over to the bi-directional ‘up’ line at Northam for its passage through Southampton Tunnel and into Southampton station.
The stock is single TC 8017, and the train is 1L05, the 1000 Sundays Waterloo to Salisbury.
The timings of this train were so lax you could drive across Southampton to for a second shot at Millbrook!

50 027 Lion at Northam 2nd September 1990. Copyright Ron Kosys

Williton
John Cornelius

Items added on 28th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

28/3/2018

Colas Tamper DR73920 and class 153s.
By Mick House.

Whilst waiting at Truro to see Colas tamper DR73920 arrive from Tavistock Junction, class 153 305 & 329 working the Falmouth branch departed for Falmouth.

Class 153 305 & 329 head for Falmouth. Copyright Mick House.

DR73920 passes Truro station. Copyright Mick House.

DR73920 has arrived in Truro yard. Copyright Mick House.

If you wish to see more detailed pictures of Colas Tamper DR73920 click on
ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY
in the column to the left of this page.

GWR 2+4 HST.
By Alan Peters

Here is the GWR 2+4 HST set arriving at Par as 5Z46 training run from Penzance to Exeter, the signals are off on the Down road following the departure of 'The Royal Duchy' to Penzance and the signals are also off for the Newquay Branch for the Par Newquay service formed of a single 153, also the clay from Goonbarrow to Fowey Docks is seen waiting to follow the 2+4 set in the drizzle of 27th March 2018
Many thanks Alan.

GWR 2+4 HST set arriving at Par as 5Z46 training run from Penzance. Copyright Alan Peters.

Redruth
Mike Hitchens

With rumours of the 'Beast from the East' returning over Easter perhaps it is timely to include the following three pictures from the Mike Hitchens Collection. Let's hope the beast doesn't return - a Happy Easter everybody.

D428 Tiger arriving at Redruth. This loco was scrapped at Old Oak Common in July 1991 Courtesy the Mike Hitchens Collection

47606 'Odin' Redruth previous numbers D1666, 47081, 47842, 47606 Courtesy Mike Hitchens Collection

37699 at Redruth on a passenger working. Courtesy the Mike Hitchens collection

Bevois Yard
Southampton
Ron Kosys

Bevios 47707 Bevois 4th August 1991 1V17 16.40 Sundays Waterloo to Exeter diverted via Soton Copyright Ron Kosys

47803 passes Bevois Yard on the 9th September 1990 with the 1M99 0820 Sundays Poole to Birmingham New Street. Copyright Ron Kosys

Exeter St Davids
John Cornelius

A nice colourful scene at Exeter as a pair of 158's are used on a railtour. run by the Cotswold Line Promotion Group'. The Cotswold-Torbay Express'. this ran from Hereford to Paignton and return. Vary unusual to see a headboard being carried by a '158'. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 27th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

27/3/2018

The Queen visits Plymouth for
H.M.S. Ocean's decommissioning Roger Winnen

Photographs by David Tozer Barry Jones and Roger Winnen

At 10.50 this morning the Royal Train pulled into platform 4 at Plymouth Station with Her Majesty on board to witness the decommissioning of H.M.S. Ocean prior to being sold to the Brazilian Navy.
The train was then stabled in this platform for the duration of her visit. Platforms 3 for Gunnislake was also closed for all trains which resulted that Platform 5 to 8 was used for all services.
A large number of school children were in attendance with their waving of the Union Jack together with the Civic Dignitaries of Plymouth

180327a Approching Keyham Station aboard the 08.28 from Penzance. H.M.S. Ocean can be seen moored in the background at the Royal Naval Dockyard. - Copyright Roger Winnen

180327a 67006 & 67005 heads the Royal Train to Plymouth, seen approaching Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

180327b 67006 Royal Sovereign arrives at Plymouth Station today with the Royal Train. Copyright Roger Winnen

180327c The Royal Train tailed by 67005 Queen's Messenger arrives at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

180327d The Royal Train sits in Platform 4 at Plymouth Station. All other traffic using Platform 5-8. Copyright Roger Winnen

180327e During my stay at Plymouth this train was guarded by the police force from England & Wales. Copyright Roger Winnen

180327f Prior to my departure from Plymouth at 13.11 the train was still awaiting the return of the Queen. Copyright Roger Winnen

180327g The Royal Train departed Plymouth around 14.15 with both 67s up front. The Royal Train is seen passing Stowford near Ivybridge. Copyright Barry Jones

180328h 67005 & 67006 with The Royal Train is seen at Ellerhayes near Silverton. Copyright David Tozer

More about the Royal Visit please use this link to Plymouth Herald - an excellent report.

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/queens-train-arrives-plymouth-1388501

Last of the class
Looe
Mike Hitchens

55000 at Looe. This was the last of the class being withdrawn in 1993. Courtesy the Mike Hitchens Collection

Exeter Central
Ron Kosys

47334 departs Exeter Central with an afternoon service to Waterloo. 20th June 1984 Exeter-Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

Exeter SD
John Cornelius

Items added on 26th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

26/3/2018

Sixty minutes at
Bradford on Avon
Adrian King

I thought you might be able to use a couple of these shots on the website taken at Bradford on Avon late last Saturday afternoon the 24th March. I was suprised at just how busy the station was with stopping services to Bristol, Weymouth, Cardiff & Southampton. A a trio of non-stop HST's, plus a pair of 800's coupled together which did make an unscheduled stop and a freight headed by DB Shencker 59201 all in less than an hour. Clearly though the main event and star attraction was 60163 Tornado heading the 'Sulis and Sarum Express' with the return from Salisbury to Birmingham New Street. Regards Adrian
Many thanks Adrian.

Having left a trail of smoke and steam in the tunnel 'Tornado' bursts on the scene, with the 'Sulis and Sarum Express' far too fast for the camera to catch. An impressive sight and sound. 24th March 2018 Copyright Adrian King

Bradford on Avon 59201 passes through heading for Westbury. 24th March 2018 - Copyright Adrian King

Soon to be a common sight - the shape of things to come. A brace of '800's pause at Bradford on Avon on the 24th March 2018 - Copyright Adrian King

It is very nice to see this attractive station commemorated in this way. Picture by Adrian King 24th March 2018

West Somerset Spring Gala Fri & Sat 23rd 24th Mar 2018 Photographs David Tozer Roger Salter & Roger Winnen

180323o Trio of beauties 53808 6990 Witherslack Hall and 7822 Foxcote Manor all in steam for the Gala. Copyright Roger Salter

180323b USA 6046 departs Crowcombe Heathfield with the 12.50 goods from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. Copyright David Tozer

180324i The two Modified Halls passing. Copyright Roger Winnen

For more photographs of the
West Somerset Steam Gala Click Here and scroll down to item 1804

Bubble on the branch
Liskeard
Mike Hitchens

55000 on the Looe Branch at Liskeard. This unit is now on the South Devon Railway. Mike Hitchens Collection

Southampton Airport
Ron Kosys

1880 Southampton Parkway 1st May 2000 Copyright Ron Kosys

Swanage Gala
John Cornelius

I went to the Swanage gala yesterday (Saturday) with a couple of friends. Weather not that brilliant, a little sunshine around midday,
then clouded over it rained most of the afternoon.
30120, 31806,34053, 80014 were the steam locos working,while 'D6515
was used from Norden to River Frome bridge for the 'TOP'N'TAIL part of the run. Here's a few of the pics I took. CHEERS JOHN C.

Items added on 25th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

25/3/2018

Penzance nearly
40 years ago
Michael Forward

780610a Its 10th June 1978. We see 47432 arriving on a service from Leeds. Note the double slip point to gain access into the sea and long siding where the Penzance 08 shunter rests. Copyright Michael Forward

St Blazey
Mike Hitchens

A Bubble Car DMU at St Blazey, 55009 bears the West Midlands Logo. Mike Hitchens Collection

Respryn
Chris Harvey

0823 Penzance - Paddington HST, in Great Western Trains 'Merlin' livery disturbs the peace roaring through Respryn on the 27th March 1999 Copyright Chris Harvey

Bradford Abbas
Ron Kosys
Bradford Abbas is one mile east of Yeovil Junction

47704 at Bradford Abbas on the 27th July 1991 with the 1O86 0925 Saturdays only Plymouth-Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

47707 Bradford Abbas 27th July 1991 1O37 1236 Saturdays only Exeter to Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

Taunton - Yeovil
John Cornelius

The Taunton to Yeovil Town line closed to passengers on the 15th June 1964. Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 24th March 2018. Most recent items come first.

24/3/2018

Tamper causes Chaos
Andrew Triggs

Penzance Colas Tamper DR75407 departing Penzance six minutes early for Westbury. 23rd March 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Andrew writes :- Earlier today I caught Colas Tamper DR75407 departing Penzance for Westbury, leaving 6 early at 10.24 sadly it failed just east of Camborne bringing chaos to the Cornish mainline. Regards Andrew . Many thanks Andrew

Awaiting their turn
Andrew Triggs

The sad story for is that the tamper returning after the possession failed just east of Camborne. A similar machine had to be brought down from Par to tow it back. As a result of this there are three up trains waiting to depart from Penzance - two HST's. The tamper left Penzance on time 10.24 passed Camborne at 1047 and failed it later passed Truro at 14.54 227 mins late.

Livery variety at Penzance with FGW Blue 43193, Inter City 43185 'Great Western' and GWR 43093 (with 43016) arriving with the 2+4 set for the first time in the far South West. 23rd March 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43185 'Great Western' leading the heavily delayed 1A93 at a very wet Marazion 23rd March 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43093 'Old Oak Common HST Depot 1976-2018' leading the 2+4 set (with 43016) in the pouring rain at Marazion (Running as 5Z46) 23rd March 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Exeter St Davids
Ron Kosys

6334 is working off the stabling point at Exeter St Davids in the evening of the 20th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Yeovil Town Shed
John Cornelius

An amazing panorama of Yeovil Town Shed, the station lies just behind. Since then it has been demolished, made into a car park, then this in turn has become the site of a supermarket - such is progress! Copyright John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd March 2018. Most recent items come first.

23/3/2018

Frome to Radstock
Guy Vincent

A brief update on the Radstock-Frome 'North Somerset Railway' situation as requested by Clive Smith.

The former GWR station and goods yard sites at Radstock have now been redeveloped with housing and a new main road has been built at the western end. A narrow strip of land, in close proximity to the new housing and with very limited road access, has been 'reserved' for future railway use on the north-eastern edge of the development. The line itself has not been used for almost 30 years and much track is now missing, especially at the Great Elm end of the line. All the remaining track will need to be replaced as it is in such poor condition. Three landslips have occurred on the route since abandonment by British Rail in 1988 and substantial work will be needed to enable trains to run over them again. Between Radstock and Mells Road the steeply graded, wooded section runs through a deep cutting that has just about been returned to nature with flora and fauna well established. There is no signalling along the 5 mile route and at Hapsford Junction where the Whatley Quarry branch diverges from the abandoned branch all points have been disconnected and partially recovered,along with the track towards Buckland Bridge, the first public access point. Nature has well and truly taken hold of the entire route and, frankly, although noises have been made over many years about re-opening this line, very little evidence exists that this will ever happen. There would appear to be a small group of people who genuinely have the wish and belief that it can, but, having walked the route last year and enjoyed the peace and astonishing variety of plant and wildlife species that have now colonised the route, I personally believe that it should be left as it is. Far better for efforts to be concentrated into taking the East Somerset Railway into Shepton Mallet or extending the S&D Midsomer Norton line down into Radstock.
Try the group's website: Home - Heritage railway between Radstock and Frome - North Somerset Railway Company Ltd to see what they have to offer. The info does not appear to have been updated for some time now..
Many thanks to Guy for providing this report on the North Somerset Railway and providing pictures. Try going to the home page of the N S Rly Co website (link above) - this provides some very interesting information.

29th August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Radstock. New line will have to run along here. 31st August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Radstock. with Marcrofts Wagon Works - looking towards Frome. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen

The first 2 + 4 HST Set arrives at Penzance
Roger Winnen

180323a 43093 Old Oak Common depot tails the 5Z45 12.47 Plymouth Penzance. These sets are known as the Castle Class. - Copyright Roger Winnen

180323b The new air operated doors fitted by Wabtec at Doncaster. - Copyright Roger Winnen

180323c The internal coach layout of the train. Copyright Roger Winnen

180323d The open and closed buttons for the external doors situated to the right of the toilet door. Copyright Roger Winnen

180323e Images of the Great Western over the years displayed on the side of this power car. Copyright Roger Winnen

Farewell & Well Done Network Rail
Blockade over

The front of the returning train waiting to leave for Exeter and Westbury. Early hours 23rd march 2018. Copyright Alan Peters.

The tail end of 6C30 as it waited to depart from Penzance in the early hours - mission accomplished. Many thank to Driver Alan Peters for his privilege pictures which he has taken for us.

A sad story for today is that a tamper returning after the possession failed at Camborne. A similar machine has to be brought down from Par to tow it back. As a result of this there are three up trains waiting to depart from Penzance - two HST's and Pz 10.24 passed Camborne 1047 passed truro 14.54 227 mins late. 70807 was also in the news today as she was required to assist the 20.53 Exeter Riverside to Exeter Riverside via Salisbury hauled by 37254 which had failed in the Axminster area. This train was then reported 276 mins Late.

West Cornwall Blockade
The final day 22nd March 2018

20180322_11 As dawn rises 70815 is seen on the fuel road top and tailed with Falcon wagons to top up the ballast on the relaid main line. Copyright Alan Peters

180322u DR 75407 Tamper works its magic on the renewed main line. Copyright Roger Salter

180322x Tamping at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

Three visitors
West Somerset Gala
Roger Aston

Liskeard
Mike Hitchens

A class 47 departs Liskeard in the 70's. Courtesy the Mike Hitchens Collection

Lostwithiel
Ron Kosys

Ron writes :- Unfortunately I was TOTALLY in the wrong place to photograph this train, but being truthful I had forgotten about it. Oh well, it’s too late now.
UKF ran a weekly block train from Ince to Truro that dropped off traffic for other UKF depots en route, such as that at Lapford, that would have been detached at Exeter Riverside.
Many thanks Ron, to be honest I couldn't agree less, what a fine panorama you have here. A superb view.

47365 at Lostwithiel with the 6M22 1215 Truro-Ince & Elton on the 11th August 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Westbury
John Cornelius

Items added on 22nd March 2018. Most recent items come first.

22/3/2018

West Cornwall Blockade
Day 3 21st March 2018

180321k The roadrailers in action on the sea siding. Copyright Andrew Triggs

180321h Working with the road railer crane at St Erth. Copyright Roger Salter

20180321_9 A quiet day train movement wise. 6C30 had been moved back into Platform 2 ready for departure on Friday morning and 6C28 was moved from the fuel point over Long Rock crossing and backto the main where 70817 is seen opposite 21B points. Copyright Alan Peters

180321a 70808 Job completed as 70808 stands at the buffer stops at Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

For the full story of the West Cornwall blockade and pictures Click Here and scroll down to item 1803

Test Train
Last night
Mike Evans

Test train to Newquay and Looe. Just been advised of this running tonight 21-22 March . Will be 37254. Pictured this afternoon at Plymouth courtesy Mike Evans.
My apologies for the late inclusion of this superb picture.

37 254 at Plymouth before last nights duty. 21st March 2018 Copyright Mike Evans

It is fortunate that KJ was a little late in putting 37254 at Plymouth yesterday on this website as we can now continue the story of the train throughout the night with notes and pictures from Craig Munday.

Hi Keith
An overnight duty on Ground Frames with with the Network Rail UTU test train. This was Driver Darren Harris's last main line duty with Colas, so it was a privilege to accompany on his final class 37 turn. Darren will continue driving trains in the West Country.
Kind regards, Craig. Many thanks to Craig Mumday of whom we are all envious and best wishes to Darren in his continued driving career.

Driver Darren Harris on his last turn for Colas. 22nd March 2018 Copyright Craig Munday

Class 70's Kernow
'A benefactor'

A loco pool screen shot image showing six of the 17 Colas class 70 locos to be located in the Penzance area on the morning of Tuesday 20th March. Hardly common and unlikely to happen too often in the future. Aren't we lucky at this happening on our doorstep!

Mutley tunnel
Car park
Clive Smith

Many will remember the days of Mutley Tunnel before the days when the appearance of the west end of it and the general area was ruined by the erection of an unsightly car park over it. A very bad move planning wise.
However the local paper, the Plymouth Herald did capture the scene before the area was spoilt. Clive Smith has sent in the following link to enable you all to see the last days of the clear entrance. Many thanks Clive.
https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/history/16-truly-amazing-pictures-plymouth-1273831

DRATTED DOORS
Peter Munagham

One of the delights of the old HST's were the drop down windows enabling enthusiasts to photograph the passing scene. So for us enthusiasts the new sliding doors on the 'Castle Class' stock is a definite retrograde step. However. Peter Murnaghan, who made a special trip to Liskeard station to take the photograph below says that a very neat job has been done.
Many thanks to Peter

Newquay
Kevin Foulkes

An interesting panorama from the end of Newquay station taken on Saturday 24 June 1995, a few minutes after an HST has arrived from the north of England. The station had been reduced to a single platform with no signalling since October 1987 yet the former platform 3 and the carriage sidings on the left were still clearly visible in a way which is not the case today. As on much of the railway today, the left side of this picture today is overgrown with trees. The rationalisation of Newquay station back in 1987 resulted in significantly fewer long distance "summer Saturday" trains running to the town, but this picture highlights that the few services which remained in the early/mid 1990s continued to be very well used in mid Summer. Copyright Kevin Fowkes. What will this summer see one wonders? Will HST's come from the north, will the new 'Castle Class' HST's call or even the 802's?.

Melksham, near.
Ron Kosys

47313 departs Melksham on the morning of 11th August 1988 with 3 empty UKF pallet vans for Westbury, where they will be added to the afternoon Speedlink service to Gloucester. Their eventual destination was Ince, Cheshire, where UKF (as it was then) had a massive plant producing fertiliser. Copyright Ron Kosys

Exeter
John Cornelius

The famous GCJ. Copyright John Cornelius

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Colas Tamper DR73920 and class 153s. By Mick House.

GWR 2+4 HST. By Alan Peters

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Colas Tamper DR73920 and class 153s.
By Mick House.

GWR 2+4 HST.
By Alan Peters