Blog Archives

31st March 2023

31/3/2023

Locomotive Services Company Train
Dennis Clark

There are some interesting moves down in the West Country over Easter. I believe it may be the Locomotive Services Company train so not sure of the traction yet but worthwhile for the photographers. I have enclosed links to Real Time Trains,

Regards,
Dennis
1Z25 0655 Bristol East Depot Dgl to St Austell

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68063/2023-04-08/detailed
1Z26 1634 St Austell - Kingswear
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68066/2023-04-08/detailed
1Z27 0910 Kingswear - Truro
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68067/2023-04-09/detailed
5Z27 1229 Truro to Penzance T.& R.S.M.D.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68068/2023-04-09/detailed
5Z30 1307 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Camborne
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68072/2023-04-10/detailed
1Z30 1400 Camborne - Kingswear
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68073/2023-04-10/detailed
1Z31 0845 Kingswear - London Euston
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U68074/2023-04-11/detailed

Many Thanks Dennis

Eggesford
Roger Winnen

Arriving at Eggesford. 1st April 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

Unidentified Warship at Swindon 1980/1981
Cathy Vincent

Hello Keith / Roger Regarding the two photos posted today by Michael Forward and Roger showing an unidentified class 42 ‘Warship’ at Swindon. The mystery loco must be long-term Swindon Works ‘pet’ D818 Glory which was kept next to the turntable from 1973 until it was finally scrapped in October 1985. In the March 1980 photo D818 is wearing faded BR blue but by January 1981 can clearly be seen to have been repainted green which was retained until the end. 818 was repainted in the former weighbridge shed from October 1980 so maybe both 818 and 821 were being attended to in Michael’s 1981 picture as 821 looks quite tatty. 818 was used as a major source of spares for 821 Greyhound and the only other preserved Warship, D832 Onslaught which, to the best of my knowledge never returned to Swindon following withdrawal in 1972 and subsequent transfer to the Railway Technical Centre at Derby. Two ‘Instamatic’ images from a gloomy Monday 7th August 1978 visit to BREL Swindon where the two Warships were in their usual position along with Hymek 7029. Always a treat to see Western Region diesel hydraulics on the site. Best regards
image0.jpeg

Many Thanks Cathy

Query concerning
Steam loco workings
Bryn Pitcher

Many thanks for your query xxx we hav had two rapid replied from two of our worthy contributors both of whom refer to this website.

From Roy Hart.
Dear Keith,
I provided detailed notes on this subject, which Bryn may find useful. They are to be found in the galleries section of the website under

(1) St Ives branch through workings
(2) Perranporth
Roy

From Michael Roach.
In response to Brian Pitcher's query today a year or two back I sent in photos of trains changing engines at Laira Junction in about 1959 if you are able to find them.

Best wishes, Mike

Many thanks to both Roy and Michael.

30th March 2023

30/3/2023

West Somerset Railway Engineering work today
Martin Duff

Morning Keith and Roger, An unusual visitor to the Minehead branch this morning, was this on track machine, a “dynamic tamper” DR75010 (built by Plasser and run by Colas). The machine turned up as 6Q58 from Taunton just before 09.30 and transitted through the possession to work between Blue Anchor and Minehead. On completion it will return to Taunton at teatime. A quiet and peaceful day in the signal box! Cheers for now, Martin

Arrival at Bishops Lydeard. 30th March 2023. Copyright Martin Duff

Departure for Minehead. 30th March 2023. Copyright Martin Duff

Many Thanks Martin

Exeter way.
HST's 2007
Paul Barlow

Pictures from the past as we mourn the beloved HST's - luxury compared to the IET's

43110 43318 0940 Newquay to Newcastle Exminster 2 June 2007 On hire to Vir... from GNER. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43198 1630 Paddington to.Penzance approaches Staffords bridge 28 May 2007. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Mark Lynam
on Patrol
Cornwall

Good afternoon Keith/Roger,
Below are a few photos taken on Monday24th March , which was a mostly sunny day. With mainline services running hourly between Penzance and Par due to engineering works between Par and Liskeard.

1. 150239 at Lelant at high tide with a perfect reflection working 2A08 0902 St Ives to St Erth.
2. 43198 crosses the Hayle viaduct working 2C74 0941 Par to Penzance.
3. 43010 arrives at Hayle station working 2P77 1030 Penzance to Par.
4. 43186 at Redruth with Carn Brea monument and castle in the distance. Working 2P78 1130 Penzance to Par.
5. 43010 arrives at St Austell working 2P80 1330 Penzance to Par.
6. By this time the cloud had sadly moved in. 43010 at Truro working 2P83 1615 Penzance to Par. A sight to disappear by the end of the year, with both the HSTs and Semaphores going.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

1 Lelant - superb reflection - pity it wasn't a brightly coloured unit. 27th March 2023 Copyright Mark Lynam

2 Hayle. 27th March 2023 Copyright Mark Lynam

3 Hayle. 27th March 2023 Copyright Mark Lynam

4 Redruth- - the scnen made complete by the castle and monument. 27th March 2023 Copyright Mark Lynam

5 St Austell. 27th March 2023 Copyright Mark Lynam

6 Finally wnding up at Truro. 27th March 2023 Copyright Mark Lynam

Many thanks for your review Mark.

Steam loco workings
Bryn Pitcher

Dear Administrator

In a second hand book that I recently bought there was a photo of two Halls described as heading the Up CRE near Aller Junction on Saturday 5 September 1959. The caption added that on summer Saturdays in the late 1950s certain trains such as this were worked through from Penzance to Newton Abbot by two mixed traffic 4-6-0s, being taken over by a King at the latter. This is the opposite of the Down CRE and I wonder if the same two Cornish locos reversed at Newton Abbot and returned to Penzance with the Down CRE. Also, how did the King get to NA – from Laira or elsewhere?

In the summer 1960 timetable, the Up Saturday CRE is shown as calling at Plymouth so it is extremely likely that the loco change was made there and not NA. In the same timetable, the 10am Newquay to Paddington is not advertised to call at Plymouth and I have read that the loco change was made at Laira. In the same year, the 8.15 Perranporth to Paddington and 8.35 Falmouth to Paddington also omitted a stop at Plymouth so I wonder if their loco changes were made at Laira or NA. Can anyone provide any details?

Kind regards,
Bryn Pitcher

Can anybody help please?

29th March 2023.

29/3/2023

D821 Greyhound at Swindon
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and have been able to get out a bit.We are confined to barracks having gone down with Covid after three years of resistance! Here is a picture taken at Swindon Works on17 January 1981 showing D821(another unrecorded green one behind D818 Glory )alongside 25163. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael, get well soon Roger!

43 Years ago
Swindon Works Visit by the Cornwall Railway Society on Saturday 29th March 1980

D821 Greyhound + D818 Glory and D7029 together with the CRS Party at Swindon. on the 29th March 1980. . Copyright Roger Winnen

Many Thanks to Cathy Vincent for the indentity of D818 Glory displaying the Cornwall Railway Society Crest

Jethro Memorial at
Camborne station

Keith/Roger,
Good evening to you.
I have received this self-explanatory article published in ‘The Cornishman’ on 23 February 2023 from Ted Hand, a current CRS member and a long time railway friend.
Ted was the driving force behind this memorial to Jethro.
Can we publish this article on the CRS website so it reaches a wider audience.?
There will not be a copyright issue with publishing this newspaper article on the CRS website as it has been previously published by ‘The Cornishman’ for the public domain.
That is the nature of newspaper articles.
It would be nice to see it on the CRS website.
I can’t recall seeing it previously but I am sure either of you will enlighten me if it has.!
Regards,
Dennis.

Thanks to Dennis and Ted Hand.

Swindon pictures
Colin Pidgeon

Picture 1 756001 on 3Q32 Swindion to Newport. 29th March 2023 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Going away shot. Picture 2 756001 on 3Q32 Swindion to Newport. 29th March 2023 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Picture 3 802020 29th March 2023 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Picture 4. 70807 on 6M40 Westbury to Stud Farm29th March 2023 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin.

Okehampton & Bideford
James Bown

I was in both Devon and Cornwall today chasing aspects of the ‘Withered Arm’. Rejuvenated Okehampton looked splendid just temptingly offering a glimpse of what could be possible with a push to the West and Bideford which has great potential for a link up to Barnstaple appears ready for enlightened investment. Please use these images if you wish. Best wishes James Bown

Okehampton 28th Matrch 2023. Copyright James Bown

Bideford. 28th Matrch 2023. Copyright James Bown

Many thanks James, I note in both pictures you are looking toward two potential 'targets' being towards Plmouth and towards Torrington.

28th March 2023

28/3/2023

Hastings units in 1974 at
Swindon
Neil Phillips

The photos by Colin Pidgeon and Peter Todd of preserved Hastings unit 1001 at Swindon last Saturday (25th March) reminded me that I recorded one of these units, No 1011, at Swindon on 14th December 1974. This was the only time I ever saw one there – and I was there a lot between September 1972 and July 1977, especially on Saturdays! - and the reason for its appearance was, and still is, unknown.

The only other item of specifically Southern Region motive power I saw at Swindon during those 5 years occurred much earlier that same year, on 2nd February 1974, when Class 33 6501 arrived on a parcels train, totally unexpectedly so I had to photograph it against the light which was not ideal. Again, no idea where it came from and where it was going – no helpful websites back then, I suppose the crew would have known but I didn’t think to ask at the time! The two boys running up the platform also seemed to realize a Class 33 was not a normal sight at Swindon. 6501 would be renumbered 33002 later that same month, was withdrawn in November 1996 and is currently preserved on the South Devon Railway.

Best regards, Neil Phillips.

Andy Dunican from Torquay writes to say that he was there on that day at Swindon. It was the day that Swindon played Maidstone United in the 2nd Round of the FA Cup a big event for a non league away side.hence the footex Special.
Many Thanks Andy

1 - Hastings DEMU 1011 at Swindon 14th December 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips.

2 - Class 33 6501 on parcels at Swindon 2nd February 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks Neil for catching that rare event.

Holiday at Dawlish
The Castle Class HSTs Part 2
Roger Salter

4 43198 Driver Brian Cooper (2C07 06.50 Bristol Temple Meads-Penzance) 27th February 2023 at Dawlish Warren Copyright Roger Salter

5 43094 St Mawes Castle with 43187 Cardiff Castle (2U14 07.40 Penzance to Cardiff) at Powderham 28th February 2023 Copyright Roger Salter

6 43097 Castle Drogo with 43072 Tiverton Castle (2C69 09.00 Cardiff-Penzance) Teignmouth Sea Wall 2nd March 2023. Copyright Roger Salter

6a 43072 Tiverton Castle (2C69 on 09.00 Cardiff-Penzance skirts the Teignmouth Sea Wall on 2nd March 2023. Copyright Roger Salter

7 43004 Caerphilly Castle with 43122 Dunster Castle (2U20 10.50 at Dawlish 3rd March 2023. Copyright Roger Salter

8 43122 Dunster Castle Departs Dawlish with (2U20 10.00 Penzance to Cardiff on 3rd March 2023 Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

Ballast working on the
Looe branch
Driver Alan Peters

Ballast drop on the Looe line on Sunday night with Colas Rail 66848 and 70807 top and tailed with auto-ballasters, special dispensation for the class 70 to traverse between Coombe Junction and Looe and auto-ballaster only loaded to 40 tonnes due to the route availability.

With the token and train staff collected from Liskeard signal box, ready for the off on 26th March 2023 - Alan Peters

Token and train staff for the Looe branch. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

A class 70 at Looe - for the first time ever. 70807 stood st the platfrom at Looe. No ststion lights. 27th March 2023. Copyright Driver Alan Peters. 27th March 2023

70807 stood st the buffers at Looe. No ststion lights making photography challenging!. 27th March 2023. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

66048 at Liskeard now ready to lead back to Westbury. 27th March 2023. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan - a very good nights work for both you and 70807 & 66048.

27th March 2023

27/3/2023

Holiday at Dawlish
The Castle Class HSTs
Roger Salter Part 1

1 43040 Berry Pomeroy Castle with 43098 Walton Castle (2C79 Cardiff Penzance at Eastdon 25th February 2023 Copyright Roger Salter

1a 43098 Walton Castle on the (2C79 14.00 Cardiff-Penzance service at Eastdon 25th February 2023 Copyright Roger Salter

2 43155 Rougemont Castle with 43187 Cardiff Castle (2U16 08.52 Penzance to Cardiff on 25th February 2023 at Cockwood. Copyright Roger Salter

2b 43187 Cardiff Castle on the 2U16 08.52 service Penzance -Cardiff service at Cockwood on 25th February2023 Copyright Roger Salter

3 43092 Cromwells Castle with 43010 Lydford Castle (2C79 14.00 Cardiff Penzance) 26th February 2023 at Eastdon Copyright Roger Salter

3a 43010 Lydford Castle (2C79) 14.00 Cardiff-Penzance service) on 26th February 2023 Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

Barton Hill Depot
Bristol
Driver Alan Peters

With the announcement that Cross Country HST's with be withdrawn by October, maybe the last chance to see a HST with a Voyager on Bristol Barton Hill depot on 21/03/23 - Alan Peters

A fine view of Barton Hill Depot., Bristol with a Voyager and HST togther. 21st March 2023. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks to you Alan for your inside the fence view.

Truro Shed 84C
Jess Watkinson

Hello Keith
My friend of many years Jess Watkinson from St. Austell has asked me to submit the attached words and images on his behalf.
Regards, Julian Stephens.

Jess takes us on a memorable un repeatable look around the shed during demolition.

- "Having seen the posts in mid-February with regard to Truro Engine Shed, I have found some of the pictures I took during a visit to the shed while demolition was in progress in early 1971. Such a visit would obviously not be allowed nowadays. I knew Peter Moore very well and hope the images may be of some value to anyone wishing to make a model of the complex. JW"

TRU-01 Truro shed demolition - eary 1971. Copyright Jess Watkinson. Forwarded by Julian Stephens 26.3.23

TRU-02 1971 Copyright Jess Watkinson. The metals in the foreground led to the turntable.

TRU-03 1971. Copyright Jess Watkinson

TRU-04. The north side of the shed.. Copyright Jess Watkinson.

TRU-05 Copyright Jess Watkinson.

TRU-06 Copyright Jess Watkinson

TRU-07 Copyright Jess Watkinson

TRU-08 Copyright Jess Watkinson

And finally another look outside, TRU-09 Copyright Jess Watkinson

Many thanks Jess. for your phoiographs an invaluable record of a feature long gone..

A further note concerning Truro Shed
Roy Hart

Truro shed was TR under the GWR system introduced in the 1930s. In 1950 BR re-coded it 83F. It was again re-coded ( 84C) in 1965, shortly before closure.

Most of the photographs show the interior of the adjacent Carriage and Wagon shops, not the shed. The last picture shows the ugly extension to the shed, built in 1959 to cater for DMUs.

Cheers, Roy Hart.

Many thanks Roy

26th March 2023

26/3/2023

New Station at Marsh Barton Exeter

Many Thanks to Andy Dunican of Torquay for supplying this information

British Summer Time has commenced,
let's hope for good weather.

BR's High Speed Train -
Up the Revolution! (Part 2)
Neil Phillips

Despite the huge promise shown by the prototype, the BRB’s aspirations to acquire a fleet of 161 HSTs would be thwarted by Government reluctance and eventually just 95 sets were constructed. But the extra 25-30mph these trains could achieve compared to what passed for UK ‘high speed’ rail travel, which had been used to increments of 5mph during the modern traction era, captured the public’s imagination and revitalised Inter City rail travel just when it needed it most. It was an extraordinary achievement – and by trains which had originally been conceived as a short-to-medium term measure pending full electrification of the UK’s main line network operated by tilting APTs (oops!) - but then, the Pacer DMU fleet was never supposed to last as long as it did either......

My own first meeting with the production HSTs occurred during a visit to Crewe Works on 25th March 1976, where I found 4 or 5 Power Cars completed and awaiting painting. I made a note “Black is now blue (?)”, presumably a reference to first-built W43002 having appeared at the Crewe Works Open Day the previous September with the upper area around the cab to the diagonal cut-off behind (and including) the main radiator grilles painted black; this was not approved by the BRB and design panel and the black was quickly repainted blue – whilst it is believed that this was the only PC to very briefly carry the yellow/black scheme, if memory serves (and it may not after so many years!) the first five sets, 253001-5, had PCs on which the silver outline ”Inter-City 125” branding was infilled black instead of blue. Although numbered W43xxx in the coaching stock series, the power cars took on the locomotive TOPS Class 43 vacated by the NBL Warship diesel-hydraulics withdrawn in October 1971, a rare – possibly unique – re-use of a TOPS classification (and of course both Class 43s ran in Cornwall, though separated by most of the 1970s). Whether this was intentional or a happy coincidence is unclear, but both the HST Power Car and its Warship predecessor were rated at 2,200hp so the former’s position on the ‘TOPS table’ was spot-on.

The Western Region, which had instigated infrastructure and signalling upgrades in readiness for the new trains and 125mph running, received its first production train, 253001, in April 1976. My first sighting of these on WR territory was 253001/5 at the new Bristol St Philips Marsh depot on 31st July 1976. By then several sets had been delivered and a few had entered passenger service between London and Bristol, although limited to 100mph. My first photograph of an HST, appropriately 253001, approaching the top of Dauntsey bank near Lyneham on 11th August was nearly scuppered when a Class 50 suddenly burst onto the scene! Six days later I managed to capture the same set with Class 52 D1009 Western Invader on a freight at Swindon - although this Class 253/52 overlap lasted around 9 months there do not seem to be many photos of both together. 125mph operation commenced on 4th October 1976, an important date as this was the world’s first diesel-powered 125mph passenger service. From that date there were 11 trains each way Paddington - Swansea and 5 each way Paddington – Bristol passed for high-speed running. Those first 12 months inevitably threw up a number of technical issues, but these were overcome and the full 125mph timetable was introduced from October 1977 utilising sets 253001-27. My first HST experience occurred on 27th August 1976 from Swindon to Reading (so about 6 weeks before 125mph running commenced) and according to my notebook the set was powered by W43012 of set 253006 and W43014 of set 253007 – I noted other such combinations around that time so mixed Power Cars were not unusual at the beginning – however as the trains settled down and reliability improved the HST sets tended to stay correctly formed. Set 253018 near Great Somerford in my photo dated 26th February 1977 would pass Western Class 52s D1010 + D1048 ‘light engine’ followed by D1013 + D1023 hauling the (very) final diesel-hydraulic ‘Western Tribute’ farewell special coming the other way before it reached Paddington – that was the real reason I was there that day! Interestingly consulting my notebooks reveals that my first 125mph experience occurred 3 weeks later on 19th March 1977 with another diesel-hydraulic connection when 253001 whisked me from Swindon to Reading to catch a train on to Taunton and the WSR for Hymek D7017’s first passenger working in preservation – a notable day for two reasons then!

Following delivery of the one-coach-longer Class 254 HSTs to the ER for the East Coast Main Line, new train deliveries switched back to the WR for upgrading the West of England services. In May 1977 agreement was reached for the construction of sets 253028-40. Although the scope for significantly accelerated services in the Far West was limited, the Berks & Hants route received track and signalling upgrades to allow up to 110mph running in places. HST sets first began operating over the route in October 1979 with a full HST timetable commencing in May 1980. Not surprisingly the ‘Cornish Riviera’ was the prime candidate for the high-speed treatment and from October 1979 the up train completed the Plymouth to Paddington leg in just 3 hours 13 minutes. Now with a full HST main line network the WR merged the first and second HST batches into a single pool so any set could turn up anywhere. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to identify which production HST was the first to appear at Penzance or the date, as I was some distance away from Cornwall from June 1977 until June 1982 (at which time I found three HSTs at Penzance station, so it’s fair to say they’d become well-established during my absence) – since the last such appearance will be upon us soon and will no doubt be thoroughly recorded it would be good to know when the HST era started in Cornwall too!

I mentioned in Part 1 that, following its return to Derby, the prototype HST was disbanded – to expand on this, the two Power Cars and three of the ten trailer vehicles went into Departmental service (one PC was eventually preserved and the other unfortunately scrapped), two trailers were rebuilt for Royal Train duties and five became normal HST vehicles, their flush-fitted windows setting them apart from the production vehicles with raised aluminium frames – I recall spotting a couple at Bristol in 1984. However two of those three Departmental coaches – now numbered 975814 & 975984 – are in the formation of Network Rail’s New Measurement Train, so nearly half a century after the prototype’s visit to Penzance two of its vehicles are still regularly appearing on Cornish rails – and it seems that the NMT will continue to be a regular visitor for the foreseeable future.

I wish to acknowledge ‘Modern Locomotives Illustrated’ No 208 – ‘The HST Part 1: The BR Days’ edited by Colin J Marsden as my primary source of information for both parts of my article.

Best regards, Neil Phillips.

1 - 253001 + Cl50 Nr Grittenham 25th August 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips

2 - 253001 + D1009 Swindon 17th August 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

3 - 253005 Wootton Bassett Junction 17th August 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

4 - 253003 Swindon 16th October 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

5 - 253018 Nr Great Somerford 26th February 1977. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks Neil for the second part of your article on the wonderful HST's.
N.B. The first part of Neils article appeared in this News Column on the 18th March.

Kevin Daniel offers his thanks and comment on part one of the HST articles by Neil Phillips.

Dear CRS Webmasters,

I was pleased to read Neil Phillips’ informative article on the prototype HST set and I am very much looking forward to the next instalment on the introduction of the production HST sets to the WR.

Having spent over 30 years researching the early years of HST operation I thought the following might complement Neil’s piece by answering some of the questions he raised.

When Neil saw the set on 25th May 1974 the power cars would still have been numbered 41001/2.  A couple of weeks later the set entered works (power cars to Crewe, trailers to Derby Litchurch Lane), for overhaul and modification work. It was on release, in late November 1974 that the set was reclassified as a diesel electric multiple unit and the renumbering of the train’s constituent vehicles into the coaching stock series took place.

Neil’s observation of the W43000/1 running back to back at Swindon on 20th March 1976 was obviously quite rare.  The HST Performance Report 79 produced by BR WR’s CMEE department reveals that the power cars travelled alone to Swindon Works on that date so that they could be measured for weight distribution.  The attached front page from the report reveals the results. (See below)

The seeming absence of the protype set on the WR during much of 1976 can be explained by the fact that the set was stood down from its passenger operation in April.  The power cars however, after a brief spell at Derby Works, returned to the WR in late May 1976 to provide power for an RTC (Railway Technical Centre) test train monitoring the performance of the P8 tyre profile on the wheelsets fitted to production HST and loco-hauled Mk III coaching stock.  The formation of this train consisted of W43001, ADB975290 (RTC Test Car 6), W13438 (MkIIa FK), M12140 (MkIIIa TSO), W42014/10/11/20 (HST MkIII TS), W43000 and it traversed the mainline between Old Oak Common and Swindon frequently during June, July and August 1976.

The WR had planned to operate 12 HST diagrams when it introduced its interim Inter-City 125 service on the London-Bristol/South Wales routes from 4th October 1976.  Unfortunately, the delivery rate of new vehicles during the summer of 1976 fell well below that expected.  It became apparent to the WR that without sufficient reserve to cover standby, maintenance and ongoing driver training requirements, there would only be enough sets available to cover 8 diagrams from October 1976.  To bolster the HST fleet it was decided to bring the prototype set back into passenger use.

Even though it had worked in passenger service as recently as April 1976, it was by the autumn of 1976, considered non-standard. Train crews had to undergo refresher training and for that the set without any catering vehicles was based at Cardiff Canton from mid-late September 1976.  The official diagrams issued to operate from 4th October, show the set having its own specific diagram, along with the turn numbers of the train crew rostered to work it.

On 4th October 1976, 252 001 was formed W43001, 41000/1, 40500, 42000, 40000, 42001/2, 43000.  It had the honour of working the first scheduled 125mph service down from Paddington when it worked the 08.00 to Swansea.  This service, along with the 16.00 Paddington-Swansea and 12.00 and 20.00 return services was its regular diagram on Monday-Fridays. On Saturdays it was diagrammed to work 08.45 Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads and 11.30 return which was followed by the 15.00 Paddington-Swansea and 19.00 return services.  On Sundays it was required to do 2 return trips from Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads.

The set was active throughout October 1976 but Neil’s observation of it on Sunday 31st was probably one of its last days in passenger service. The previous day it had failed prior to departure at Paddington.  It was noted in use again on 1st November 1976, but despite having extensive records of HST operation, I have no observation of it working beyond that date.  It is also interesting to note that production sets started to work 252 001’s diagram from around this time.

It would seem that once sufficient sets were available to cover the full October 1976 HST commitment the WR decided to permanently stand down the prototype set.  Despite having performed a vital role in the initial weeks of the new HST timetable, being non-standard it probably presented its own set of problems to the operators.  For instance, the fact that not all train crew were passed to drive it, limited its flexibility, particularly when failures or late running required set swaps at Paddington.

252 001 spent the remainder of 1976 and the early part of 1977 stabled in the carriage shed adjacent to Old Oak Common HST depot.  In early February 1977 the trailers were placed into storage at Worcester depot, while the power cars were sent to Derby Works for overhaul.  43000/1 spent the remainder of their working lives involved in tests and trials under the auspices of the RTC.  Both power cars were heavily used in the APT testing programme.

I hope the above is of interest.  I wondered if I could end with a request.  As part of my research into early HST operation I have an ongoing project to document the day to day formation and working of the WR HST fleet during 1976/77/78.  With the help of many individuals who have shared their observations with me I have built up quite extensive records but there are still some gaps and many anomalies and conflicts to resolve.  Could I ask any CRS members or visitors to the website who have retained records of their HST sightings from the period to consider sharing them with me.  Ideally, I prefer full formations but observations of power car pairing or sets solely identified by Class 253 set number are extremely useful.  Additional information such as working or location would be of welcome if available.  Please contact me at [email protected] if you can assist or need more information.  Any help would be much appreciated.

Many Thanks, Kevin (Daniel)

See above paragraph four. Swindon Works report on that date they could be measured for weight distribution. The attached front page from the report reveals the results. (Kevin Daniel)

Many thanks indeed Kevin - as you say two most interesting articles. Your comments followed the publication of the first part of Neils article.

Dawlish
New Walkway
Roger Salter

This is the new link on the Dawlish Sea Wall, bridging the Dawlish Water, known as “the Brook”
When opened ,after the construction of the new station lifts/bridge, the whole seawall will again be accessible.

Showing the walkway bridge over the river at Dawlish known as the brook. Copyright Roger Salter

More on Dawlish and the Castle Class HSTs will appear on this website in the next few days

Many Thanks Roger

The sun is out at
Penzance
Andrew Triggs

At last something to photograph and (temporary) Blue skies, the Down 'Beds' was top and tailed by 57603 with 57604 this morning [25th March 2023], so I ventured down to Penzance and got a few shots before the weathered turned again
All the Best, Andrew Triggs.

1. 57604 'Pendennis Castle' leading 1C50 from London Paddington, arriving at platform 3. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. 57603 later departing with 5C50 for Longrock T&RSMD at 08.54. 25th March 2023. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. 150265 departing Penzance working 2A05 08.41 Penzance-St Ives. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

4. 43155 leading 2U16 08.52 Penzance-Cardiff Central (with 43162) away from Platform 2. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - okay between the showers.

Outward journey of the Hastings Unit at
Swindon
Colin Pidgeon and Peter Todd

Hastings unigt at Swindon - outward journey. 25th March 2023. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Colin Pidgeon's photos of Hastings Unit 1001 on 1Z65 Hastings to Bristol T M. HIS COMMENT - These photos show the difference in width in the original design and the two MK1 design coaches added to make a six car formation.

Peter Todd's photos and comments - A quick visit to the Stratton footbridge on the eastern side of Swindon Station. The idea being to catch the preserved Hastings DEMU 1001 as it made its way from Hastings to Bristol Temple Meads.
Whilst admiring the local scenery, a 387 EMU passed eastbound by, ever so quietly, so a shot of the rear carriages of 387 142.
Hastings 1001 arriving on time at 1110 hours with the Avon Ambassador. The second image being a departing shot.

Ken's comment - both gentlemen have given their permssino for me to pass on their photos - thank you, gentlemen, for sharing.

Kind regards, Ken.

A 387 set near Swindon station. 25th March 2023. Copyright Peter Todd.

Hasting set on its outward journey near Swindon Station. 25th March 2023. Copyright Peter Todd.

Many thanks to Colin and Peter.

Return journey of the Hastings Unit at
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Later today I went to the station to see the return of the Bristol to Hastings excursion [1Z67] with unit 1001 which included two normal normal-width coaches to make up a six-car unit.

[1] Approaching the station, it gave a short toot.

[2] Going away shot. In the distance one can see an IET approaching the station with a train for Bristol which, a good friend of mine - Colin Pidgeon - said, MIGHT have got in the way if I had stayed on platform 4.

Due to pass Swindon at 1729. Actual passing time was 1731 - thus 2 minutes LATE.

Kind regards, Ken Mumford.

HASTINGS UNIT returns [1] 25th March 2023 Copyright Ken Mumford.

HASTINGS UNIT returns [2] 25th March 2023 Copyright Ken Mumford. Note thge tail lamp dangled on the back.

Thanks Ken.

Engineers at
Taunton
Driver Alan Peters

Engineering work has been taking place at Taunton, one of the trains was 6W50 worked from Westbury by DB 66028 but the return journey was worked by Colas 66850 "David Maidment" pictured at the West end of the station before working back to Westbury via Bristol Temple Meads on 21st March 2023 - Alan Peters

Taunton - west end. 66850 David Maidment. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

25th March 2023

25/3/2023

Originating from Cornwall 66035 passing Walsall on route to Bescot
Tony Shore

66035 6m60 Exeter Riverside -Bescot passing Walsall cement terminal 24-03-2023 retimed today. Copyright Tony Shore

Many Thanks Tony

66131 Working the 6G09 Goonbarrow to Fowey
Jon Hird

I popped out at lunch today to catch 66131 working 6G09 Goonbarrow - Fowey, I got lucky with the timing and managed to catch it both at Luxulyan and Tywardreath Highway and made it back to work with time to spare! A couple of photos for you attached.

All the best, Jon Hird

66131 Passing through Luxulyan Station. Copyright Jon Hird

66131 Rounding the bend at Luxulyan prior to Luxulyan Tunnel. Copyright Jon Hird

66131 Seen at Tywardreath Highwat. Copyright Jon Hird

Many Thanks Jon

Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

This unit is the first of a few scheduled to go to Long Marston from Eastleigh for storage prior to being accepted into to service by South West Trains.

47749 on 5Q70 Eastleigh TRMSD to Long Marston with 701004. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

A grand sight for the Cornish. Copyright Co;on Pidgeon.

5Q70 Eastleigh TRMSD to Long Marston with 701004. Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin.

Exeter
Roger Winnen

The10.05 Exeter St David's to London Waterloo ready to depart.. 1st Aptil 1975. .Copyright Roger Winnen

Thanks Roger,

24th March 2023

24/3/2023

St Erth
Phil Smith

Good to see you in these parts - long time ago now.

Class 47s at Dawlish
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Here are two more pictures from Michael Adams. The first shows 47453 heading the 07.28 Sats only Derby to Plymouth on 1 August 1981. Copyright Michael Adams

Roger, Now we see 47257 with the 11.30 from Penzance to Newcastle. Proper trains Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Wet Swindon
Ken Mumford

[1] Didn't get on platform 3 to get a decent shot - I had to satisfy myself with this going-away shot!
[2] Framed by the pullars is this Bristol-bound IET in platform 4
[3] 6B33 Theale to West Wales oil tanker headed by 60011
[4] Going away shot of 6B33.
Kind regards, Ken Mumford

Thanks to Ken and Son.

23rd March 2023

23/3/2023

St Erth New Footbridge Preparations
Dennis Clarke

I was in St Erth this morning and took the opportunity to take a few photos of the vegetation clearance that is taking place in order to replace the current footbridge with a modern one, including a lift, Regards, Dennis

Many Thanks Dennis

Cranbrook on Wednesday
David Tozer

Gents, A rather windy Cranbrook today. 800316 with the 1104 Paddington to Plymouth. Copyright Dave Tozer

Many Thanks David

Newton Abbot East Box
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, Thank you for putting yesterday’s picture on the site. Here is another taken by Michael Adams on the same day,7 July 1984 ,this time showing 50043 ‘Eagle’’ passing the box with the 13.10 Paddington to Paignton. Copyright Michael Adams

Many Thanks Michael

Looking back
WSR Gala 2009
Paul Barlow

A few from the 2009 WSR spring gala a nice bright day with a bitter cold wind I remember.

6100 Royal Scot and 45231 heading to Minehead Bicknoller 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow

34028 and 45231 on a Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service Kentsford 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

34028 Eddystone at heading to Minehead Bicknoller 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

34028 Eddystone climbs Washford bank 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

34046 Nethercott. 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

34046 Bicknoller 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

S and D 88 on the 09.55 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard passes Castle Hill near Williton. 28th March 2009. Copyright Paul Barlow.

It may have been a bitterly cold day but the light was excellent as are your photographs. Many thanks.

Virgin at
Bristol Parkway
Phil Smith.

The bright red livery makes for a striking picture as 43161 accelerates away from Bristol Parkway in 2000. Copyright Phil 'Shattered' Smith

Many thanks Phil.

Special celebrations?
Mel Thorley

Mel Thorley, retired Driver, DB.
Apologies that I am asking about Devon, but my late father- in - law was a native of Plymouth and used to say he hoped to keep going to 2024 to attend the 175 th celebrations. Do you know anything about any celebrations in Plymouth in the future, Cheers, Mel .

Thanks for your query Mel - does anybody know?

22nd March 2023

22/3/2023

Nuclear Flask Traffic
Bridgwater
Bill Elston

My last outing for the time being was to Bridgwater for the Hinckley Point flask train to Crewe Coal Sidings, 6M67
The locos used were DRS 68001 and 68018. The photos show them retrieving the flask wagons from the secure compound, then running round the train, reversing on to the main line and then away.

The Flask movement, in general, runs weekly and at present on Tuesdays, However last week when I had a spare Tuesday it ran on the Monday! Murphy's Law!
I understand that this working will last many more months yet

Take care, Bill Elston

Many thanks indeed for your record of the collection of the nuclear flask yesterday - it's the first time we've been privilaged to see it at Bridgwater.

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