57311 works the up 'Night Riviera'
09.03.2025
Andrew Triggs, Roger Winnen, Jonathan Harbage & Jon Hird

57311 at Platform 4, having propelled in from Longrock. 09.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The Night Riviera stock from the gateway to Platform 4. 09.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57311 was originally built as D1611 (new to traffic 18.8.1964) also previously numbered 47032 47662 & 47817 before conversion to 57311. 09.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Looking down from above the Station wall at 1A50. 09.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57311 Awaits departure on the Night Riviera from Penzance. 09.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The sleeper viewed from the station wall. 09.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Here is 57311 arriving in Truro on the 09/03/25 on the up sleeper to London. A very smart design. A nice change from GWR. 09.03.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

57311 and 1A50 come to a halt at Bodmin Parkway. 09.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Some background on 57311
Mick House

57 311 'Thunderbird' at Rugby, taken 07/08/2015. Copyright Mick House.

A mystery object - can you identify it?

A mystery object found in Lostwithiel. Does anybody know what it is? Copyright Tim Hughes.

69005 heads West
Jon Hird, Roger Winnen, Roger Salter, Leslie Curnow & Andrew Triggs

Working a GBRF route learner, 69005 is seen passing Coombe St. Stephens. The loco had been due to run to Taunton from Plymouth in the morning, but was turned back in the Exeter area due to signalling/track issues. 10.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

69005 passing Camborne over an hour early on its way to Penzance. 10.03.2025, copyright Leslie Curnow.

69005 approaching Rospeath Lane Overbridge, running 77 early at 13.45. 10.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

69005 EASTLEIGH crossing Marazion Marsh. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Salter.

69005 Eastleigh on route learner to Penzance. Its 14.00 hrs. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

A quick dash to Penzance, with 0Z48 delayed slightly, now running 67 late at 14.00, arriving at Platform 4 (with Roger Winnen viewed by the lead Cab of 69005). 10.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

69005 Eastleigh on route learner to Penzance. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

69005 Eastleigh on route learner to Penzance. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

A very similar view to the above by Roger Salter. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Salter.

The returning Route learner to Plymouth Park Sidings departing at 15.07. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

The returning Route learner to Plymouth Park Sidings departing at 15.07. 10.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

The return 0Z49 16.00 Penzance-Plymouth Park Sidings, departing 42 early at 15.18, nearing and passing Marazion. 10.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The return 0Z49 16.00 Penzance-Plymouth Park Sidings, departing 42 early at 15.18, nearing and passing Marazion. 10.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

1L91 at Swindon Platform 1 with 387168 + 387163, with some graffiti on a coach. 09.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

166204 waiting to work 2G14 to Cheltenham. 09.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Class 20 locos 20905 and 20901 with the Balfour Beatty drain train [which had a strong smell according to a member of the station staff] in Stratton loop. 09.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon

Class 20 locos 20905 and 20901 alongside platform 3, photograph by Rodney Lovegrove - one of the station staff to whom I appreciate his help, as the class 20s were due to stay overnight in the Swindon Transfer Yard and come into platform 3 to reverse before going back to Welwyn Garden City BUT they departed from Stratton Loop straight out onto the main line towards Didcot! 09.03.2025, copyright Rodney Lovegrove.

More Cornish Route Learning
Jon Hird

With a thumbs-up from the driver, 43186 and 2C68 swishes round the curves at Coombe St. Stephens. The lady in the cab was apparently route learning. 10.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A 'Peak' passing Onslow
Roger Geach

46035 of Gateshead on 1V71 Leeds to Penzance passing Onslow sidings on Saturday 25.02.1978. Certain Gateshead based peaks were quite common down west, although a few of that batch were rare - they spent quite a bit of the time on the East Coast main line from Kings Cross to Edinburgh especially on the overnight services and van trains, so were not as commonly seen in Cornwall as the local Laira ones. Copyright Roger Geach.

Porterbrook Purple
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47817 in the attractive purple and white/grey Porterbrook livery. Undated, copyright Phil Smith.

A 'celeb' on The Beds
Steve Clark, Jon Hird, Jason Snow,
Mick House, Andrew Triggs &
Roger Salter

An early alarm call on my day off but well worth rising early to capture 57311 at St. Austell, heading West with 1C50. 08.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

57311 passes Wheal Busy footcrossing, Scorrier with just a hint of colour from the sun rising behind the clouds. 08.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A quick run down the A30 saw me ahead of the train at Hayle, where the train calls to set down passengers. The gentleman and his young son at the end of the platform were taking some photographs. Below the drone is the formation of the long-gone wharves branch. 08.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

57311 crosses Hayle Viaduct on its way to Penzance. The misaligned/subsided piers are very apparent from this angle. 08.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

57311 drops off passengers from the night riviera sleeper train at St.Erth. 08.03.20205, copyright Jason Snow.

57311 approaches Penzance in the full splendour of the Cornish weather. 08.03.2025, copyright Mick House.

Arriving in the pouring rain at Platform 4, running 10 late at 08.03. 08.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57311 in Penzance platform 4. 08.03.2025, copyright Mick House.

57311 at Journey's end at Penzance. 08.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57311 at Journey's end at Penzance. 08.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Old School proper nameplate 'The Institution of Mechanical Engineers' on LSL 57311. 08.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57311 The Institution of Mechanical Engineers as Long Rock Depot after working the down Night Riviera.. Copyright Roger Salter

The Nameplate

57311 Looking very smart at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

A crossover question - answered
Martin Duff

'Rogues' Gallery!'
Mick House

A motley bunch of reprobates await the arrival of 69005 at Truro on 07.03.2025. Can you spot any familiar faces? Copyright Mick House.

Freight at Swindon
Ken Mumford

66004 [carrying an interesting livery] with 6W02 Thingley Junction to Hinksey Sidings. 08.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

6Z12 Margam to Eastleigh Arlington - a light load headed by 66206 - arrived about 7LATE and departed 17 LATE. Rtt said that this was a Mechanical and Electrical Engineers train of 400 tons, Both freight trains were subject to 60 m-p-h. 08.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The remains of an area of Swindon station known as the MILK BANK. I must find out more!! 08.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

'Penzance Railway Station and My Working Life with BR'

The NMT & 69005
Visit Cornwall
Bill Elston, Martin Scane, Jon Hird, Roger Winnen, Leslie Curnow, Andrew Triggs, Jonathan Harbage & Mark Lynam.

43013 leading 1Q18 westward through Truro running 8 early at 10.40. 07.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

69005 working an Eastleigh - Truro yard trip passes Creech St. Michael on 07.03.2025. Copyright Bill Elston.

69005 rounds the curve at Teignmouth on her way to Truro yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

69005 running as 0F79 Eastleigh - Truro Yard passes Lanjeth. 07.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Just a short distance the other way, and running very slowly under an orange signal, 69005 passes 43062 leading the NMT past Methrose Siding. 07.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

43062 approaches Lanjeth heading for Paignton as 1Q18. 07.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Shortly before the above photos, down in Truro, 43062 heads through the NMT. 07.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

43062 leading the return from Penzance on time at 12.38. 07.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Further west, 69005 arrives at Truro 'wrong line' so that it could access the yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

A similar view to the above by Roger - Mark and Roger must have been stood shoulder to shoulder. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Heading west at Truro before reversing into the yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

69005 Heads for Truro Higher town Tunell for reversal into the former goods yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

69005 'Eastleigh' running into Truro Yard working 0F79 from Eastleigh East yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Gaining entry into Truro yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Looking at the area that was once the wagon repair shops and loco sheds. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The same moment as the above photograph, but from platform level. Class 69 69005 Eastleigh runs into Truro sidings after it's journey from Eastleigh. Shortly to return as far as Plymouth. 07.03.2025, copyright Leslie Curnow.

Seen from the black bridge, 69005 slowly eases over the rusty rails of Truro yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Running into the former yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Running into the former yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Briefly stabled at the end of Truro Yard. 07.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

69005 at 'the end of the line' in Truro yard. Copyright Jonathan Harbage.

The visit to the yard was very short, the loco almost immediately reversing and returning to the mainline connection. 07.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Waiting to rejoin the mainline. 07.03.2025, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

GWR's 43004 arrives with a Penzance - Truro working whilst 69005 waits to be released back onto the mainline. 07.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

With the 'Castle' out of the way, 69005 is free to head east towards Plymouth. 07.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

69005 departing as 0F80 13.40 Truro Yard-Eastleigh East Yard running past Platform 3, 5 early at 13.35. 07.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Awaiting the road from Truro to Plymouth Park Sidings. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

69005 is signal checked briefly at Platform 3. 07.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

69005 awaits departure from Truro. 07.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

69005 - Next Week

Teignmouth Hitachi
Martin Scane

I also snapped 802111 working 1A80 PZ to Paddington in the classic Teignmouth location as the train rounds the curve out of the station and onto the sea wall. 07.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

'SS Great Britain' on the seawall
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47813 heads east along the Dawlish sea wall in 2000. Phil writes that he dedicates this image to his brother, Ray. Copyright Phil Smith.

The Friends of Penmere Station
100th Birthday Gala

Late running at Marazion
Andrew Triggs

Running 89 late at this point 57602 with 1C50 23.45 London Paddington-Penzance, with the mist yet to fully lift over the Marshes behind. 05.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Shortly before 43004 (with 43093 leading) trails 2P08 08.50 Penzance-Plymouth, running 20 late at 09.10, while 57602 awaits the road west with 1C50 in the distance. 05.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Another Bristol Brush
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47816 'Bristol Bath Road' departs Bristol Temple meads in 2002, passing the site of its namesake. Now all swept away in the sake of progress. Copyright Phil Smith.

Colin at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

37218 on 5Q70 D B Cargo A & B Fan Sidings to Newport Docks with 321309 & 3213203. 06.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

69012 Falcon 2 on 5Q75 Eastleigh EMUD to Long Marston with 701011. 06.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

69012 details - 'Falcon 2'. 06.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

EMU 701011 at Swindon. 06.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

And finally a photo of the man responsible for bringing the Great Western Railway Works to Swindon Sir Daniel Gooch. This wood carving has been created from a tree in Faringdon Road Park Swindon. 06.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Hello Roger, two shots of coal trains at Oxford heading for Didcot power station,firstly from myself of 58047 waiting for the road,on 28 July 1988. Thanks, Michael.

Roger, A very unusual sight, also at Oxford but on 11 November 1992 was another loaded coal train for Didcot behind 58014 and 58044. Photo. By Michael Adams. Thanks and best wishes, Michael Forward.

Clay & Castles
Mark Lynam

43098 + 43189 head away from Gwinear Road level crossing working 2P08 0850 Penzance to Plymouth. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Later in the day 66152 with 16 JIAs at Middleway Crossing working 6G09 1236 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Not the shot I was going for but an IET arrived just before the HST (As timed), So taken from where the IET cab was. 43187 arrives at St Austell working 2P15 1250 Penzance to Plymouth. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

IET 802113 heads West working 1C76 1003 London Paddington to Penzance. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

43004 arrives working 2P16 1315 Penzance to Plymouth - shadows from the trees in the cemetery park being longer than expected. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

43093 on the rear departing. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

The third set to enter the station in an hour - 43098 leads 2P17 1350 Penzance to Plymouth. 04.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Hi Roger Iwas over at Yeovil Jct today for test train 1Q14, Reading to Salisbury, via Exeter, unusually running on a Wednesday. Powered by PCs 43277 and 43301, It departed Reading abt 2 hours late , arriving at Yeovil Railway Heritage Cntr siding, also 2 Hours L After 45 min it regained the main line proceding to Axminster where it was terminated., enabling it to return to Salisbury in its normal path Please see photos taken at YVJ. Best wishes, Bill

Bristol 'Brush'
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47750 sends a plume of exhaust to the sky as it departs Bristol Temple Meads for the west in 2002. Copyright Phil Smith.

Marsh Barton Shots
Jack Burchill

150233 operates 2F23 Paignton to Exmouth. 5/3/25, copyright Jack Burchill.

66152"Derek Holmes - Railway Operator" leads 6C10 1323 St Blazey Ss to Exeter Riverside N.Y. through Marsh Barton. 5/3/25, copyright Jack Buchill.

A new view of Marsh Barton for me as 220011 passes under the bridge with 1V54 0807 Edinburgh to Plymouth. 5/3/25, copyright Jack Burchill.

Blue on the beds
Mark Lynam

Monday evening blue 57312 was on the Night Riviera sleeper - Seen at Camborne working 1A50 2145 Penzance to London Paddington. 03.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Teignmouth Trains
Martin Scane

The GWR IET set 802106 (Paddington in Peru) has, until today, eluded me but I caught up with it this morning at 10-59 looking very clean and tidy working 1A80 PZ to Paddington along the sea wall just beyond Teignmouth. It’s good to see the nose cone in place too. 05.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

On my way down to the wall I managed a rather rushed photo of 6J42 working Par to Westbury passing Teignmouth station at 10-41. 05.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

More from Tregoss
Mark Lynam

The two Class 70s in the distance seen in the Goss Moor loop from one of the crossings. 03.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

GBRf 66792 on hire to Colas Rail with auto ballasters arrives at the work site late Monday morning, again taken from a crossing. 03.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Off to Bugle to catch the Freightliner train 6Y47 0727 Westbury Down T.C. to Goonbarrow Jn - 66531 leading taken from the station steps. 03.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Over the road bridge for a going away shot of the rear loco - 66504. 03.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Newquay forrtnight!
Craig Munday

Groundworks taking shape at the site of the new loop. 13.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Groundworks taking shape at the site of the new loop. 13.02.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Forward to 02.03.2025 and 70810 and 70814 are at the site of the new loop having their wagons loaded with spent ballast. Copyright Craig Munday.

New signalling 'under wraps' on Tregoss Moor. 02.03.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Looking down the new trackwork on 02.03.2025. Copyright Craig Munday.

On 03.03.2025, 66152 brought the empty JIA wagons up to Goonbarrow and is seen alongside 08752. Copyright Craig Munday.

70810 departs Goonbarrow on a frosty 03.03.2025. Copyright Craig Munday.

In some stunning light, 43093 and 43004 work 2P08 past Polbathic. 03.03.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

66531 and 66504 head a train of autoballasters over St. Germans viaduct. The train was headed for the Goss Moor worksite. 03.03.2025, copyright Craig Munday.

Hello Roger, Thank you for dealing with the St.Erth picture. Here is another from one of the many boxes of pictures from my late brother,again not noted with any details. The name on the bottom could be Richard O'Brien but was this the subject or was it the photographer's name.? Again, any name or information would be pleasing. Not sure why my brother had these,our grandfather worked at Penzance station as a carriage cleaner, his name was Frank Thompson. Thanks, all the best, michael.

Par Resignalling - 1st Anniversary
Neil Phillips

A busy scene viewed from the road bridge, with the up starter cleared for the passage of a track machine. Note the second Class 150 in Chapel Siding. 3rd March 2024, copyright Neil Phillips.

150216 departs for Newquay having passed the familiar but doomed bracket signal, its new-fangled replacement shortly to be bolted to the blue-painted concrete base. The 'Stop, Look, Listen' sign appears to be dismantling itself in sympathy! 3rd March 2024

An IET passes the down starter, so familiar with users of this footpath over the decades. The path itself also now deserves an upgrade..... 3rd March 2024, copyright Neil Phillips.

The 'Orange Army' gets busy.... signal arms already removed, although the up home bracket signal in the distance would retain its arms for a few more days. 5th March 2024, copyright Neil Phillips.

More activity around the crossover at the west end; Par Signal Box has gone quiet after 145 years of activity; the bracket signal looks forlorn but somebody has straightened the sign, so that's good! 5th March 2024, copyright Neil Phillips.

The footpath will never look the same again. The replacement signal's near year-long slumber on the trackside ballast is about to end..... 5th March 2024, copyright Neil Phillips.

Swindon Area ECS Trains
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

37218 hauling barrier coach 975974, 321318 321328 and barrier coach 975978 working 5Q64 09:27 Wembley Yard - Newport Docks passing Swindon 2 EARLY after spending about 6 minutes in Swindon East Loop. 04.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

A closer view of 37218. 04.03.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

5Q91 headed by, once again, 69012 but this time I chose a different location about 2 miles east of Swindon station - a few yards beyond the eastern end of Stratton Loop where, many years ago, a Churchward 47xx 2-8-0 came to rest by demolishing the buffer stop at the end of that loop!! 04.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

 A question - can you help?
Any records of the two attempts to put a railway across Salisbury Plain?

​Please join us on Saturday!

Engineering Extravaganza!

70 809 about to cross the Tamar on 28.02.2025. Copyright Mick House.

70 80970 809 emerges from the Royal Albert Bridge as it crosses the Tamar. 28.02.2025, copyright Mick House.

With Driver Alan Peters at the helm 70 809 is about to pass through Saltash. 28.02.2025, copyright Mick House.

70814 passes a frosty Silverton with the 0539 6C21 Goonbarrow Junction to Westbury. 03.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.

A cold frosty start to the day sees 70810 leaving the possession with 6C20 Goonbarrow Jn - Westbury. 03.03.2025, copyright Emma Shard.

Teignmouth - 6C20 Goonbarrow Jct to Westbury at 9-48 with 70810. Copyright Martin Scane.

66792 pulls away from Goonbarrow Jn. Signal Box with 6C23 Westbury - Goonbarrow Jn. 03.03.2025, copyright Emma Shard.

70809 bings up the rear of 6C23. 03.03.2025, copyright Emma Shard.

Heading in the opposite direction was 66531 top and tailing with 66504 working the 0734 6Y47 Westbury to Goonbarrow Junction. 03.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Teignmouth - 6Y47 at 9-40 with a Westbury to Goonbarrow working headed by 66531 with 66504 bringing up the rear. 03.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Freightliner 66531 heads through Par with the 6747 07.27 Westbury to Goonbarrow ballast. 03.03.2025. Copyright Roger Winnen

Freightliner 66531 heads the 6747 07.27 Westbury to Goonbarrow ballast. 03.03.2025. Copyright Roger Winnen

66504 Tails the train through Par. 03.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Down in Cornwall, 66531 and 66504 power past Lavrean almost reaching the line block at Goonbarrow Junction. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

66531 Passes Goonbarrow Jn. with 6Y47 Westbury - Goonbarrow Jn. 03.03.2025, copyright Emma Shard.

66504 seen on the rear of 6Y47 as it enters the possession. 03.03.2025, copyright Emma Shard.

Mollinnis Crossing, Bugle under local control, the operative gives the green flag for 66531 to cross. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

66531 and 504 passing through Bugle Station. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird

Framed by the road bridge, 66504 disappears around the bend at Bugle Station. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird

At the Goss Moor worksite, 66531 passes 66792 whilst discharging its autoballasters over the new loop trackwork. 03.03.2025, copyright Nathan Stockman.

66531 continues on spreading the ballast over the new trackwork. 03.03.2025, copyright Nathan Stockman.

A most unusual sight as 66504 and 66531 are followed over the Goss Moor by 70809 and 66792. Both trains were returning to Goonbarrow from the worksite near St. Dennis Junction. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

66504 approaches the iron bridge, whilst the driver of 70809 maintains a gap between the two trains. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

66504 crosses the old A30. 70809 still behind throws up a bit of exhaust 'clag!'. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The sun sets over the Atlantic in the distance, as 70809 powers up tackling the incline to the iron bridge. These 70's sound fantastic, proper engines, and that 'V' of exhaust smoke makes for a nice photo. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

With the last few flashes of colour left in the sky, 70809 clears the old A30 and continues on to Goonbarrow. I brought the drone back and walked to the car - 2-3 minutes tops - and by the time I was in the car it was dark. Perfect timing and a brilliant end to a sunny day in Cornwall. 03.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The down sleeper
Andrew Triggs

57312 deputising on the Night Riviera this morning, with an outside temperature of +1 degrees approaching Rospeath Lane Overbridge, made for an atmospheric shot anyway. 03.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Hello Roger, Amongst the items left by my late brother were thousands of photographs,mostly of family and local scenes but some fascinating ones are included such as this one ,sent by my niece. It has nothing written on the reverse but is clearly St.Erth station with, I guess the staff. From the style of the uniforms and cap badges I think we must be in the 1950s or 1960s .and are the two suited gentlemen perhaps booking office clerks or,maybe ,enthusiasts and/or photographers ? I hope someone can identify some of the staff in this photo.. Michael Forward

So long to 43154 + 43193
David Tozer

Passing Silverton we see De-branded GWR Power Cars 43153 and 43194 0734 0E43 Laira to Chaddesden Sidings operated by Hanson & Hall. Off to new pastures I wonder. 03.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Treverrin Peak
Roger Geach

A view of 46020 on the 1V70 Derby - Penzance coming down from Treverrin towards Treesmill, taken from a gateway where I think stoneybridge nurseries was (or is?). I looked at this shot around 1999, and it was nothing but trees. 12.08.1978, copyright Roger Geach.

Shunting at Goonbarrow
Emma Shard

08752 shunts JIA wagons at Rocks ready for tomorrows loading. 03.03.2025, copyright Emma Shard.

Sir Edward Elgar
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

50007 'Sir Edward Elgar' on the West Somerset Railway in 2005. Copyright Phil Smith.

Passing Trains at Teignmouth
Martin Scane

2C64 Gloucester to Plymouth with 802005 meeting 2F12 Paignton to Exmouth with 150246 leading 150263. 03.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Sun in the Swindon area
Ken Mumford

Swindon - 6C03 has the road and comes out of Swindon East Loop and accelerates alongside the platform. 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

An AEC diesel multiple unit 150 hp engine probably. The dmu vehicles are parked on the other side of the fence on the line between Blunsdon and the bridge over the River Ray. 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

35006's chassis was where it has always been - near to the 'Taffy Tank - 5637. 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

5637 - part of it is under cover near the Merchant Navy loco, and the bunker and cab roof is out in the open. 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

A general view looking from where 5637's bunker etc is towards the station. 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Then on to Kemble where these two photos are of where the Cirencster branch train departed. Sometimes vehicles are parked there. Note the branches lying on the platform. 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The real reason why I went to Kemble - to see 6J89 [Southall West Junction to Gloucester (Horton Road)]. I didn't get its number - sorry!! 03.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Tregoss Loop
('Newquay Branch Class 70 Gala!')
Jon Hird

On the morning of 02.03.2025, Colas Rail 70814 and 70810 top and tail 10 wagons whilst a road rail vehicle fills them with used ballast. Copyright Jon Hird.

Further down the line, just before the A30 overbridge, was 70809 with its three wagons from the previous night. In this photo it had just been shut down, and 70810 had been attached to the rear of the train. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

70810 attached to the rear of 70809's three wagons. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

70810 and 809 head back to the worksite. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Much later in the day, 70815 and another classmate are seen top and tailing a loaded ballast train at Goonbarrow Junction. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Back on the Goss Moor again, 70809, 810 and 814 were parked up near a farm crossing. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A very helpful member of the workforce kindly tipped us off that something worth photographing was about to happen. Shortly after, 70809 and 810 departed towards the new loop. 02.03.2025., copyright Jon Hird.

We watched on as the points were wound over by hand. 70809 was detached from the rear of the train, and - slowly - it was eased onto the rails of the new loop. The first train to go in there. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

With the points wound back over, 70810 was able to reverse the three wagons back past 70809. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The same scene as the above, but taken by a friend down at the access point. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The two locos stopped alongside each other beneath a dramatic sunset. When was the last time two trains passed here? 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

70809 is then free to run forwards and attached to the rear of the 10 wagons behind 70814. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The sun really had dipped beneath the horizon by this point. The points were wound back straight once again and 70810 was able to run past once again with the three wagons in tow. 02.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Super sunny Saturday
Steve Clark

66152 with 6V74 passing Restormel. 01.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

70809 with 6C20 at Respryn. 01.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

57602 with 5P50 at Lostwithiel. 01.03.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Exeter Model Railway Society
David Tozer

A visit to the Exeter Model Railway Society. 02.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.

159005 heads to Exeter. 02.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.

West Cornwall Castles
Mark Lynam

43092 + 43188 crossing Brea embankment working 2C12 0722 Exeter St Davids to Penzance. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

The same set coming back up the line at Dolcoath Level Crossing with 43188 leading working 2P86 1113 Penzance to Plymouth. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

10 minutes later in the other direction at Dolcoath 43004 leads 2C16 1015 Plymouth to Penzance. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

43093 at Marazion working 2P90 1315 Penzance to Plymouth. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

57602 slowly approaching Marazion, which was following an IET. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

57602 at Marazion working 5P50 1410 Longrock T&RSMD to Laira T&RSMD via Penzance as the sleeper will be started from Plymouth tonight due to the mainline being closed. 01.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

A tale of a Western and a Princess
Part 3
Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Adjustments being made to Princess Elizabeth at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Looking into the sun with Princess Elizabeth. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Departing Plymouth on the 18.42 to Penzance we see both the train and the backup locomotive in Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - The Cathedrals Express at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - The Princess Elizabeth dropping off passengers at St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Departing St Austell on its final leg of the run to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Within 30 seconds of me arriving at Penzance the special backed out from Platform 1. to the slopers siding. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - 46201 Princess Elizabeth looks a fine sight stabled in the Station Yard at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Locos in the sun
Roger Winnen

01.03.2025 - 70809 is seen at Plymouth on the through rosd conveying sleepers for the Metro Project at Goss Moor. Copyright Roger Winnen

01.03.2025 - Changing drivers at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

01.03.2025 - 70809 Bound for the Royal Duchy. Copyright Roger Winnen

01.03.2025 - Pulling away from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

01.03.2025 - The Sleeper is seen at Liskeard running empty stock to Laira as a part of the Cornish Main line is closed on Sunday. Copyright Roger Winnen

01.03.2025 - The Sleeper is seen at Liskeard running empty stock to Laira as a part of the Cornish Main line is closed on Sunday. Copyright Roger Winnen

Teignmouth Trains
Martin Scane

2T13 Exmouth to Paignton approaching Sprey Point at 10-54 with 150244 and 150243. 01.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

1S47 PZ to York between Sprey Point and Parsons Tunnel at 11-12 with 221123. 01.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

2T14 Exeter St Davids to Paignton nearing Sprey Point at 11-19 with 150238 and 150221. I wonder how long 150238 will retain the blue livery? 01.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

2F15 Paignton to Exmouth at Sprey Point at 11-22 with 166219. 01.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford

5Q24 - unit 165131 [Bristol (St. Philip's Marsg depot to Doncaster Wagon Works) via Acton Wells Junction, Watford Junction, Tring, Northampton, Rugby, Leicester, Belper and Conisbrough. 01.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

5Q24 - unit 165131 [Bristol (St. Philip's Marsg depot to Doncaster Wagon Works) via Acton Wells Junction, Watford Junction, Tring, Northampton, Rugby, Leicester, Belper and Conisbrough. 01.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

0Y45 [Stoke Gifford to Hinksey Sidings] approaching with locos 66597, 66548, 66605 and 66951. 01.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

0Y45 [Stoke Gifford to Hinksey Sidings] approaching with locos 66597, 66548, 66605 and 66951. 01.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Then down to the station forecourt which bears this information. 01.03.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Liskeard 'Peak'
Roger Geach

46002 running light loco through Liskeard on 01.05.1975. For quite some time, this loco was based at Plymouth Laira. Copyright Roger Geach.

Frosty Voyager
Joe Birchall

Crosscountry 221116 near Truro on a frosty 28.02.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall

Crosscountry 221116 near Truro on a frosty 28.02.2025. Copyright Joe Birchall

Tregoss Moor Engineers
Jon Hird

I called in to the Goss Moor worksite on my way home on 01.03.2025 and, as luck would have it, 70809 was positioned perfectly at a farm crossing for a couple of photos. The loco and its short train of 3 wagons (carrying steel sleepers) were waiting to enter the worksite near St. Dennis junction where a new passing loop is being constructed. Copyright Jon Hird.

A look the other way, towards Newquay, the point work for the passing loop is now installed. 01.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Another look at 70809. I had just enough time to fall out the car and fire off a few shots before the train moved on. 01.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A couple of drone shots before the light went. 70809 pulls up to the site of the loop and the road rail vehicle prepares to lift the sleepers from its wagons. My thanks to the contractors Griffiths for allowing a few shots. 01.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

70809 has come to a stop and the train begins to be unloaded. A member of the workforce told me that they hope to have rails down by lunchtime tomorrow (02.03.2025). 01.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

The northern end of the loop and a very quiet A30. 01.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A tale of a Western and a Princess
Part 2
Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - 46201 Princess Elizabeth arrives from Exeter Riverside sidings into Platform 3 to form the 16.23 departure for Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - From the overbridge at Exeter St David's the Cathedrals Express is seen arriving on Platform 3. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Departing on the 16.19 Great Western Service to the west we see 46201 Princess Elizabeth on the 16.23 departure for Plymouth and Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - The Cathedrals Express is seen pounding through Totnes. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - We have the backup engine standing in the middle line at Plymouth 47746. Copyright Roger Winnen

17.09.2016 - Standing proud at Plymouth Station. Copyright Roger Winnen