Blog Archives

March 21st 2026

21/3/2026

Spring Sunshine & Rainbows
Craig Munday

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is watching the seasons change. 2026 had gotten off to a gruesome start with the incessant rain and named storms. Spring is well underway with the daffs out and hedgerows full of Primroses and Snowdrops. The trees are budding and soon the Bluebells will sprout.

Clear blue skies have been so welcome - and saw me in a shirt only for the first time this year! The clay unfortunately not running to Stoke this week, but the 175s really making their presence known now with many sets out on 18th March covering at least two partial diagrams. The ghost like white livery a change to the dark green of other GWR traction.

I was at Goonbarrow for the arrival of 6V76 Saturday. It made a super sight winding its way into the Rocks complex with 66192 leading 66098. A fantastic rainbow lingered over the landscape for some time. The changeover locally to GBRf is underway. Expect their locos to appear very soon as DB gives way to GBRf. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

66192 at rest at Goonbarrow. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

66098 beneath a rainbow in the sidings behind the signalbox at Goonbarrow. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

08752 and the JIA's scattered around the yard at Goonbarrow, with the signalbox catching the end of a rainbow. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A field of super daffs decorates the hill on the upside of Nanpusker near Angarrack. A sunny shot isn't possible this time of year, so a fine dull sky worked better for a photo. 1A88 is seen London bound with "our" long distance nine car 802112. The mileages these 802/1s put in is incredible, 90% of it out of Paddington, unlike the 802/0s (five car) sets. 16.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A favourite sunrise spot is at the access point st Carlyon Bay. The sun this time of year rises fast behind the down Night Riviera. The morning glint off the coaches and tracks is super if the light is good. 57301 powers west with the Sunday night 1C50. 18.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A check of Largin coincided with a high shot of St Pinnock viaduct. 2C26 was followed 10 mins later by 5Z23. This was two 175s in procession. The doyen of the fleet 175001 stands out against the landscape. The tree saplings here are soon going to obliterate the scene - grab your shots whilst you can! 18.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A super selection Craig, many thanks as always.

Early doors at Penzance
Mark Lynam

57301 arriving at Penzance this morning (20.03) on the beds. 1C50 2345 London Paddington to Penzance. 20.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark, worth the early alarm.

60099 at work
Roger Geach

Nice weather and nice to see 60099 at work in the sunshine passing Crofton Lock with 6M51, the 0945 Merehead - Quainton Road. 19.03.2026, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - what a stunning location.

March 20th 2026

20/3/2026

The Midland in Gloucestershire
Part 4
Ian Thomas

In this part, let’s have a look at the Yate to Thornbury branch line and what is left of the former Midland main line at Westerleigh Murco.

The Thornbury branch was opened by the Midland Railway on September 2nd, 1872, running from Yate to Thornbury with two intermediate stations at Iron Acton and Tytherington, over a length of 7.5 miles. There was valuable merchandise to be had from a quarry at Grovesend (Tytherington), just before the line dived under the A38 trunk road (as was). The services were fairly sparse when compared with, say, the Nailsworth and Dursley lines, with only four trains in either direction at best, of which the first and last ran through to Bristol Temple Meads via Mangotsfield and Fishponds—the true Midland route to Bristol.

Goods traffic was abundant and saw later use, long after the passenger service finished. The passenger service lasted 72 years, with the final day being Saturday, June 17th, 1944. Motive power was predominantly Midland veterans, although Great Western types appeared as well, plus BR 3MT 82001, Standard 4 4-6-0 75001, and Standard 5 4-6-0 73015. The Class 1P 0-4-4 1300 tanks were used on passenger services, and Midland 3F and 4F from time to time. Accordingly, Class 5 4-6-0 45280 and 8F 2-8-0 48458 worked the goods, one on each occasion in the 1960s.

Western locomotives saw 16XX and 57XX 0-6-0PTs, 2251 Class 0-6-0 No. 2229, and 5101 Class 2-6-2T No. 4103. Diesel locomotives arrived in the 1960s, with Hymeks first and Class 14 9500 centre cab 0-6-0s.

Overnight blizzards on March 3rd–4th, 1965 saw 6–9 inches of level snow and huge drifts across much of the West Midlands, East Wales, and parts of the south-west. 57XX No. 3696 was seen in action on Thursday, March 4th, 1965 on snowplough duties on the branch—probably the first time in March since 1947.

Goods traffic carried on after the passenger services finished and continued until closure in 1967. In the early 1960s, Prestflo hoppers were in use on the branch conveying cement for the building of both the first Severn Road Bridge and Oldbury Nuclear Power Station. However, with motorway construction well underway in the south-west, a decision was made to reopen the line to Grovesend Quarry to move the stone products by rail to various locations.

Relaying started in 1972, and the line was opened by BR chairman (then) Richard Marsh in September 1973, all in conjunction with ARC (Aggregates). The line was again mothballed and out of use, but happily still survives today. Diesel classes 25, 31, 33, 37, 45, 46, 47, 52, 56, 58, 59, 60, and 66 have all appeared at some time.

Railtours have proved popular, and I have visited the line on two occasions. First up, F & W’s “The Severnsider” tour of Sunday, July 15th, 1979, with 20-154 up front, also visiting the Berkeley Road–Sharpness branch into the bargain, plus Gloucester Docks with 08-826—what a brilliant Sunday tour! Next up, the “Bristol Branch Explorer”, a series of weekend tours in conjunction with the Bristol Evening Post (1Z39/40/41/42), throughout Saturday and Sunday, March 20th/21st, 1999, featuring 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80079, from Yate up to the quarry and back, then onward to Westerleigh and back to Yate. I was aboard 1Z41, and a nice late afternoon jaunt it was, departing Yate at 16:15.

UK Railtours also ran a tour on Saturday, July 2nd, 2011 from Stevenage (Herts) to Bristol and then up to Gloucester before traversing the Sharpness branch and later that day the Thornbury branch. It featured Class 60s top and tail, with 66-050 and 66-207 with headcode 1Z27. I photographed it passing Cam & Dursley around lunchtime and later at Tytherington, Latteridge crossing, Iron Acton, and Westerleigh Murco depot.

For a branch line that has always been in the background, quite an interesting and varied career, I think!

Thanks to Oakwood Press “Yate to Thornbury Branch” for research purposes, and hearty thanks to Peter Watts (F & W and Pathfinder) for the excellent tours.

Please click any image below for an enlargement and caption/details.

Many thanks Ian, another excellent article - very much appreciated.

Back to work for refreshed class 60's
Guy Vincent

Recently returned to traffic after several years out of use, DC Rail's immaculate 60099 'Ben More Assynt' passing Clink Road Jcn, Frome, and then during a booked pathing stop at Westbury with the recently introduced 6M51 0945 Merehead - Willesden loaded stone. 70811 passed by the 60 at Westbury so offering a comparison of the respective designs. My personal view is 'British is best'!

Three more '60s' (60013, 60022 and 60060) are reportedly undergoing extensive refurbishment which should result in a total of eight in the DC fleet once they re-enter service.

60099 'Ben More Assynt' passing Clink Road Jcn, Frome, with the recently introduced 6M51 0945 Merehead - Willesden loaded stone. 19.03.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

60099 pauses at Westbury. 19.03.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

60099's nameplate. 19.03.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Cooling equipment seen through the radiator grille. 19.03.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Colas Rails 70811 alongside 60099 at Westbury. 19.03.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, a great set of photos.

66798 "Britannic" crew training
Steve Widdowson

66798 stabled at Worcester overnight, seen early this morning (19.03). The trip was for crew training for the "Britannic" train 66798 started at 1213 on 18th March from Llanelli Dock Jn East to Worcester Yard , where it stabled overnight then continued as 0O60 1047 Worcester Yard to Tonbridge West Yard via Cotswold line. 19.03.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve, a great night shot beneath the semaphores.

The Britannic Explorer is soon due to visit Cornwall - times and paths now available in our Railtour Calendar.

St. Ives in the sun
Mark Lynam

150219 hugs the coast line as it heads to St. Ives on a sunny 19.03.2026. Copyright Mark Lynam.

150219 returning to St. Erth from St. Ives. 19.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

150219 near Carbis Bay. 19.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Another service from St. Erth approaches St. Ives. 19.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

150219 pulls away from Carbis and heads on to St. Erth. 19.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A final shot from above St. Ives viaduct as the unit departs on yet another trip to St. Erth. 19.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A smashing set of photos Mark, well done and many thanks.

March 19th 2026

19/3/2026

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 97
The Cumbrian Coast
Workington Bus Station & the Leyland National Bus
Michael L. Roach

One of my great grandfathers was born in Maryport, Cumbria in 1842 but spent his whole adult life proclaiming in various census that he was born in Whitehaven some 14 miles down the coast of Cumberland as it was then. Between the two towns is Workington. All three towns are ports and have railway stations on the same line – the only one left in the area. In 2009 I fell off a step-ladder and couldn't move so commenced investigating my family history. The reason for not telling the truth was of course that he was illegitimate. When his mother later married, he took his step-fathers surname and moved to St. Bees which is a coastal village five miles south of Whitehaven. The birth of WJT was extremely difficult to find because I was looking for his adopted surname. WJT had eight children by two wives and lived in the slums of Looe Street, Plymouth. Five of the eight children died in infancy. The only way that I found him and his original birth surname was that he used what was obviously a surname as the middle name of one of his eight children and I might never have found him but for that. WJT was a seaman and that was what brought him from Cumberland to Plymouth where he settled and married.

In 2012 we travelled to Maryport for a week's holiday to get a taste of the area staying in a block of flats overlooking the inner basin of the harbour and built on the site of former railway sidings once used to store wagons exporting coal by sea. We opted to travel to Cumbria by train and travel around by train and bus. We had already travelled the WCML some ten years earlier by loco-hauled through train from Cornwall to Glasgow so instead chose to travel to Cumbria via London and Newcastle so that I could sample the delights of the ECML. I have to say that the Mark 4 coaches then in use were quite the best around at the time. I was pleased to read on Saturday 14 March 2026 that LNER are going to use one set of Mark 4s and a Class 91 engine for one return journey between Kings Cross and Newcastle every day of the week.

By breaking our journey overnight at Reading and travelling at quieter times of day we obtained first class seats at very competitive prices. This route also enabled us to enjoy the trip from Newcastle to Carlisle along the Tyne Valley; and the trip from Carlisle to Maryport and later onto Workington, Whitehaven and St. Bees. All these routes were very interesting, and even though we had relatively cheap fares First class was full in both directions but was still very enjoyable travelling in the 2 plus 1 seating.

On Sunday 8 July we opted to travel down the coast by bus to Workington and I am glad we did because otherwise I might have missed the historic bus station at Workington. It is a simple box-like structure but with a roof which is now quite rare. Covered bus stations are few and far between in Britain and I think that the number that survive can probably be counted on the fingers of one hand. You are welcome to quote the survivors. There are bus and pedestrian entrances in Vulcan's Lane and Murray Road. The similar entrances are both built mostly in red brickwork in a pleasing style with pedestrian entrances on both sides of the large bus opening in 2012.

Workington bus station in Murray Road was opened on 19 March 1926 by Cumberland Motor Services and it was the very first purpose-built covered bus station in Great Britain. CMS was founded in 1921 just down the road at Whitehaven and went through various owners before becoming a National Bus Company. As a result of the break-up of the National Bus Company CMS was sold to Stagecoach in July 1987. At the time CMS were operating 230 buses from 7 depots. A request to “List” the bus station was refused on the basis that there had been too many alterations since construction in 1926. In the last year the bus station has been refurbished in time for its centenary. Readers will see that at the time of my visit in 2012 the passengers were boarding buses on both sides of the station. That was amended during the recent refurbishment so that all bus stands are on one side of the building to obviate the need to cross within the building. I could say that it is a beautiful building but that would be stretching a point, but I do think that the two facades are very finely detailed mostly in red brick and that the whole external appearance is first class and has remained so. It is also worthy of note that there are very few covered bus stations in Great Britain.

CMS were the first bus company to purchase a Leyland National bus. The LN was developed jointly by The National Bus Company and British Leyland as a replacement for all the rear engined single deckers then being offered by other manufacturers. It was integrally constructed at a new specially constructed factory in Workington. The LN was offered with a choice of three lengths and five different engine options, including later a Gardner engine. Thousands of Leyland Nationals were built, and hundreds were exported to countries all over the world. In a nice twist for this article, it is pleasing to record that about 100 LNs have been preserved. The early ones (1972-1978) all have a pod on the roof for housing the heating equipment, while the Mark 2s (1979-1985) do not. The last LN was taken out of service in 2007. The successor to the LN was the Leyland Lynx (1985-1992). The factory was closed in 1992 after a working life of just 20 years. The Leyland National could be seen all over Great Britain from 1972 to 2007 and the attached photos show examples in just a couple of towns and cities.

On 18/19 November 2009 some 300mm rainfall was recorded in parts of Cumbria. The surge of flood water coming down the River Derwent through Workington washed away or severely damaged a couple of bridges effectively cutting the town off from Maryport and places to the north of the town. Network Rail constructed a temporary station on the north side of the river and enhanced the train service. Meanwhile a temporary Bailey Bridge was erected while a permanent bridge was being constructed. The permanent bridge was opened in October 2012 three months after our visit, so we travelled across the temporary bridge in a Stagecoach double-decker, and the first photograph shows a view of that temporary bridge from the top deck. The structural engineer responsible for designing the new bridge is to be congratulated for producing an elegant structure.

The temporary bridge across the River Derwent from the top deck of a bus. It can be seen that although the sections are double-height and treble-width ? there is a deflection in the middle. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The blue plaque recording that the Workington Bus Station was opened on 19 March 1926. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

This view shows the roof structure to advantage with the steel trusses having a curved lower chord. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A bus exits onto Murray Road but is actually going straight across that road. The blue plaque is on the wall to the left of the concrete lamp post. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The Vulcan's Lane entrance to the bus station. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The inside of the Murray Road entrance showing the resident owl. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A United Leyland National in the colours of Tyne and Wear PTE at Whitley Bay bus station on 19.08.1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A Northern LN crosses the River Wear in the middle of Durham on 26 August 1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A Crosville LN is picking up in St. Werburgh Street Chester opposite the Town Hall on 28 August 1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A Merseybus LN picks up passengers in London Square, Southport on 2 August 1989. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A Ribble LN reg. PTF764L passes the former Russell & Bromley Store in Lord Street, Southport on 02.08.1989. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always Mike, the bus station is an impressive structure indeed.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

Day Return : Ivybridge to Looe
Clive Smith

With a good weather forecast for Wednesday the 18th I thought I'd head off for a much delayed trip to Looe after the branch line was subject to three months of closure due to two floods and a fortnight of engineering works. The last trip I made was in 2021 and it was disheartening to see a wall of trees from Coombe Junction to Terras Crossing. With much tree clearance taking place recently the line has opened up views I hadn't seen for ages. It was great to see the upper reaches of the East Looe River in the sunshine.

175002 heads east at Ivybridge with the 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with Western Beacon in the background. 18.03.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

On a glorious afternoon 150221 heads up the Looe Valley with the 13.29 Looe - Liskeard. 18.03.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - lovely photos in the sun.

Barry Scrapyard
Michael Adams

Michael Adams paid a visit to the legendary yard on 3 November 1984 . Here are 45163,4115 and 5553. The Black 5 has yet to be restored at Sharpness but you will know that the small Prairie is alive and well. I cannot find any record of 4115 in preservation. Copyright Michael Adams.

A fascinating photo - many thanks to Michael Forward for sending it over.

Peak Relief
Paul Barlow

Continuing the box head code theme, here a shot from 1981. 45027 leaves Taunton on the 1120 Sheffield to Paignton relief, Good Friday 17th April 1981. This loco was withdrawn 6 weeks later and was sent to Swindon for storage. It was eventually scrapped in September 1983. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks as always, Paul

Re: 25202 at BTM
Clive Smith

Following on from Guy Vincent's mention of 25205 working a passenger train at Bristol the same day as 37066, here is the 'rat' having arrived on load 9 with the 09.12 Birmingham New St - Paignton relief . 45003 did the take the train forward as mentioned with me on it. Copyright Clive Smith.

Nice one Clive - many thanks.

EWS Split Boxes
Michael Forward

We certainly started something with these locos! I might have sent this picture before of my visit to Didcot on 6 January 2000, but it may be worth including again as there was a mention of how few survived to wear the EWS livery. Here are 37042 and 057. Copyright Michael Forward.

Two for the price of one, many thanks Michael

Castles to Legend Land
Bill Elston

As a footnote to the passing of the short-formed Castle class HST sets, back in 2019, GWR published a booklet entitled 'Castles to Legend Land'.

This illustrated the original 23 powercar nameplates and those of the 4 class 57 Night Riviera locos. Also given is a short history of each castle.

I dont think it was updated to include the additional PCs. It was available free of charge from larger railway stations ( I got mine from Taunton).

There was also a Welsh language version, recently seen on ebay.

GWR 'Castles to Legend Land' booklet. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill, a nice momento for you to hang onto.

March 18th 2026

18/3/2026

All change at Cardiff
Clive Smith

A long day out for me from Ivybridge on the 13th March. Transport for Wales has now electrified 99% of the railway lines in South East Wales as part of the South Wales Metro. Since 2023, the Rhymney, Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr, Coryton and Caerphilly railway lines have all been electrified, with the final section of railway along the Cardiff Bay line planned to go live very soon. The one-billion-pound project has brought electric train services to the South Wales Valleys for the very first time in 2024 and fully electric class 398 tram-trains will be introduced, allegedly in June now after the March launch was delayed, providing more rail services and more capacity. The area covered by Cornwall Railway Society goes as far as Cardiff Central but I will just stretch that area a tiny bit as Central will be the hub of services and so this is a look at Central and the two other Cardiff prefixed stations as well as Pontypridd a bit further up the valleys. Currently the Rhymney services are operated with class 231 DEMUs with some class 150 substitutes. Treherbert, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Penarth are operated by the tri-mode class 756s.

There are two very interesting videos explainning all the changes taking place in Cardiff and the valleys which are shown beneath the images below.

The soon to be usurped forty year old sprinters are still at use on the Cardiff Bay line. 150284 arrives with the 11.02 from Cardiff Queen Street. A journey of three minutes and one mile. This very short branch used to be the preserve of class 153s, 143s, 121s and other DMUs over the years. This is the new station a few yards up from the recently closed older one which was known as Cardiff Bute Road which was rather enclosed and just one platform in recent years. The new station has two lengthier plaforms although I gather only one will be in use to start with. Copyright Clive Smith.

What a fabulous station Pontypridd is. The station was built by the Taff Vale Railway (TVR) and opened in 1840. It was known as Newbridge Junction until March 1866 when it was renamed Pontypridd. It was progressively remodelled during the 19th century, but its present appearance derives largely from reconstruction carried out between 1907 and 1914. Reflecting both the narrow steep sided topography of the valley, and the need to accommodate many converging passenger routes and passing coal trains, it is effectively designed as two back-to-back termini. This gave it the then longest island platform in the world, around which were arranged seven platforms. The modernisation of 2014/2015 brought former through platform 6 back into use as a bay platform, now numbered platform 1, for southbound services to Cardiff. Architecturally, the 1912 station still includes all the original red brick and terracotta buildings on the island platform, some of which remain in public use, e.g. as ticket office and waiting room. The elaborate 1912 main station façade in the same art nouveau style was destroyed during modernisation in the mid 1970s and replaced by a featureless red brick wall. The station subsequently achieved Listed Building status in 1990 for architectural interest as a fine Edwardian railway station retaining original character. The 1970s façade was itself replaced by a mainly blue brick wall in the 1990s, temporarily exposing the severely damaged Edwardian façade. 150284 is about to depart with the 11.54 Pontypridd - Cardiff Bay. Copyright Clive Smith.

756102 arrives at platform 3 with the 10.09 Merthyr Tydfil - Aberdare which actually goes via Cardiff Central. The track here used to be the freight line but the days of endless coal trains are now decades gone and it became a platform in 1990-91. The class 756 FLIRT is a class of tri-mode multiple units built for Transport for Wales Rail by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail which can be powered either by overhead electric lines or on-board diesel generators. The Class 756 units also carry batteries as an additional source of traction power. As can be seen there are no overhead wires at Pontypridd station despite the lines being classified as 'electrified'. That's because this is what is called 'discontinuous electrification' and so batteries are used. Two stations are regarded as 'complex'. Pontypridd is one. The other is Cardiff Queen Street. Other parts of the network that have not been electrified are Grade 2 listed structures Llanbradach & Hengoed footbridges, Merthyr Viaduct, Rhondda Viaduct, and Caerphilly Tunnel. These sections are all permanently earthed which is actually more expensive than overhead line equipment. Although the 756 is a very modern train they will be replaced on the Valley Lines by the class 398 tram/trains. These superb Stadler built units with comfy seating, tables and toilets are only being used pending introduction of the tram / trains, expected to be in June 2026. Their seats are harder, less leg room, no tables and no toilets. I wouldn't like to be on a one hour journey after an evening on the beer in Cardiff. Copyright Clive Smith.

150284 departs Cardiff Queen Street with the 16.24 Pontpridd - Cardiff Bay. Copyright Clive Smith.

67008 has arrived at Cardiff Central at the rear of the terminating 14.30 from Manchester Piccadilly with sunset just half an hour away. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive. Really interesting stuff, we appreciate the time you've put into the article.

NSE 50's
Michael Adams & Michael Forward

Here is Michael Adam's shot of 50048 'Dauntless' at Salisbury on 15 June 1989 with the 12.28 to Waterloo. Copyright Michael Adams.

Now my own shot of 50017 'Royal Oak' coming into Reading on 22 May 1987.with empty newspaper vans. Unlike 50048 number 017 survives today. Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks to Michael and Michael, a colourful livery.

Tuesdays Clay
Jon Hird

Tuesdays Goonbarrow - Fowey clay passes Lavrean, again top and tailed by DB Cargo's 66098 and 66192. 17.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

37066 at BTM
Guy Vincent

Clive's photo of 37066 on 16th July 1983 at Bristol Bath Road had me sifting through a box of photos from the early 80s. Here is 37066 on arrival at BTM's platform 10 with 1V62. Later that morning another rarity came in - 25205 with the 1V16 0912 Birmingham New Street - Paignton. This was replaced at Bristol by 'peak' 45003.

37066 at Bristol Temple Meads on 16.07.1983. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, I wonder if you rubbed shoulders with Clive on that day!

March 17th 2026

17/3/2026

The first in-service 175 to Devon
David Tozer

Class 175 175002 became the first of its type to enter service in Devon today (16.3.2026) carrying passengers. My photograph was taken at the site of the former Exminster Station with the 0745 Penzance to St David's. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks Dave. Encouraging to see the class begin to spread their wings across the region - an upgrade from the 150's which have been covering these diagrams since the demise of the short-formed HSTs.

56's in Devon
Paul Barlow

A couple of photos of Hertfordshire railtour's class 56 hauled tour from Paddington to Paignton, with a mini tour to Meldon Quarry.

56073 works the 1306 Paignton to Meldon Quarry 'Dartmoor warbler' 1Z46 seen at Newton Abbot. 25.05.1996, copyright Paul Barlow.

56073 works the 1752 Paignton to Paddington 'The Paignton Decorator' 1Z29 past Cockwood. 25.05.1996, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - looks like the weather improved as the day went on.

Top and tailing to Fowey
Mark Lynam & Jon Hird

With the Par crossover still out of use on the morning of 16.03, the Goonbarrow - Fowey clay was unusually worked by top and tailed class 66's.

66098 leads 6G09 towards Middleway Crossing, St. Blazey. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66192 on the rear of the train at Middleway Crossing. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

After reversing at Lostwithiel, 66192 now leads the train across the causeway at Golant with 66192 on the rear. 16.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

A view from on high as the train slows to a crawl before crossing the level crossing leading to the Golant slipway. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66098 idling on the rear of the train as it continues on its way towards Fowey Docks. 16.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

A shot of 66098 on the rear from Mark. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark - good to see you earlier.

Split box 'whoppers' at BTM
Clive Smith

Extremely large Gateshead allocated 37003 stands at the front of the 1E33 09.10 Paignton - Newcastle on the 29th September 1984. I think the loco was also 'no boilered' at the time so much sought after by 'new engine bashers' for haulage. I had just arrived on the train from Paignton behind 45074 which was promptly taken off. Presumably Bath Road wanted to get this loco home to the north east. Not sure on the loading but this must have been double figures being a summer holiday inter-regional. I expect this was quite a thrash up the Lickey. Preserved since 1998 at the Mid Norfolk Railway. Copyright Clive Smith.

Massive 37066 was Thornaby allocated and is photographed on the 16th July 1983 with 47072 on the now long gone Bath Road depot that was located adjacent to Temple Meads station. I had arrived at the station at 09.15 to be surprised to find 37066 having just arrived on the 23.55 Glasgow - Bristol which had worked it from Birmingham. It was off the front of the train like a shot but luckily parked at the front of the depot for me to photograph. Copyright Clive Smith.

Huge 37006 waits at Bristol Temple Meads to take over from 45022 on the 1E33 09.10 Paignton - Newcastle on the 18th August 1984. It had worked the 14.20 York - Plymouth relief as far as Bristol the day before. I think it was Healey Mills allocated at the time and later became 37798 being withdrawn and cut up in 2009. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks as always, Clive.

Crosscountry in the far West
Andrew Triggs

A few shots of ex Avanti West now XC Class 221 Voyagers at work in the Far West today for CRS.

Hopefully the variety along with the Weather will improve soon.

221112 at Penzance following arrival with 1C11 06.40 Bristol Temple Meads-Penzance. 16.3.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

221112 passing Marazion working 1S53 11.15 Penzance-Edinburgh. 16.3.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

221113 passing Ponsandane working 1V52 07.03 Edinburgh-Penzance. 16.3.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

221113 awaiting Penzance departure with 1M92 18.13 Penzance-Birmingham New Street. 16.3.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew. Love them or hate them, the 'Voyagers' have settled down into very dependable units - hard to believe some are now over 25 years old.

Par Shuffle
Mick House

As previously reported, Saturdays empty clay wagons were top and tailed into Cornwall with 66192 and 66098. Micks photos below show the shunt which had to be performed at Par in order for the train to gain access to the Newquay branch - the Eastern crossover being out of order.

66192 arrives at Par on the down main with the Westbury - Goonbarrow empties. 14.03.2026, copyright Mick House.

66098 on the rear of the train as it continues towards St. Austell on the Down Main to clear the western crossover. 14.03.2026, copyright Mick House.

66098 was fired up and hauled the train from the down main to Platform 3 via the crossover. 14.03.2026, copyright Mick House.

The long train fouled the up main for a few minutes whilst the driver changed ends again to continue on to Goonbarrow. 14.03.2026, copyright Mick House.

66098 on the rear of the train disappearing around the curve to St. Blazey. 14.03.2026, copyright Mick House.

Many thanks Mick - a great record of events.

Par 175's
Mark Lynam

175006 approaches Par. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

175002 deparing Par for Plymouth. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

175009 arrives from Plymouth (using the East end crossover) with a training run. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Some new 'hostile architecture' recently installed along the wall which separates the footpath from the railway near Chapel Siding. 16.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks once again, Mark.

Split-boxes all over!
Ian Thomas

As the bow headcode 37s are still in fashion with everyone, I thought I would go that mile (or 300) further. Pictures here feature railtours, a 37 at Kings Cross on a parcel working.... rather unusual I thought.. and just about as far as you could go at the time with 37s, Scotland, including Stranraer and the West Highland Line.

Please click any image below for an enlargement and caption

Many thanks Ian - areas we'd normally not dream of covering of course, but as the 'split boxes' are in vogue at the moment....

March 16th 2026

16/3/2026

Night Shoot at the Plym Valley
Mark Lynam

On Saturday 14th March, the Plym Valley Railway held an evening/night time photoshoot at Marsh Mills station.

Pacers 143618 and 142023 sit side by side in the station at Marsh Mills. 14.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The railways resident 'Intercity' liveried Sentinel with a couple of wagons. 14.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The class 13 shunter with restored CDA wagon 375030. 14.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The sentinel with its short train beneath the station lamps as darkness falls. 14.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A great nocturnal scene as recently cosmetically restored power car 43063 pulls in alongside 142023. 14.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The pair of Pacers beneath the lights at Marsh Mills. 14.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks indeed Mark - super photos. A good idea by the Plym Valley to do something a little different.

Top & Tailed Clay
David J Ive

You may be interested in the attached images of 6V76 Westbury to Goonbarrow clay empties yesterday. Knowing it was top and tailed with 66192 and 66098, respectively, I went to Silverton, which be enabled shots of both ends of the train. I hope they are of use/interest.

Kind regards,

David J Ive

http://djipix.com

66192 approaching Silverton with 6V76, empty JIA's from Westbury to Goonbarrow. 14.03.2026, copyright David J. Ive.

66098 hitching a ride to Cornwall on the rear of 6V76 as the train passes Silverton. 14.03.2026, copyright David J. Ive.

Many thanks David - super photos, much appreciated.

Another split box in Cornwall
Roger Geach

37042 /37351 are seen in cornwall below, with the St Blazey - Cliffe Vale clay on 12.05.1999.

This was then a EWS Toton based loco, a system-wide loco which turned up down west quite a bit.

In the days of BR blue this would have been a rare visitor down west, as it was very much an Eastern Region loco based at Thornaby for quite some time amongst other ER depots.

I also saw it working on the Meldon branch in August 1995.

37042 and 37351 pass Bolitho, Liskeard, with the St. Blazey - Cliffe Vale clay on 12.05.1999. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - a very powerful image.

Europhoenix 37 at Bristol
Guy Vincent

37510 'Orion' stabled in the loco siding at the east end of platform 7, Bristol Temple Meads, on 15th March. The former 37112 lost its split-box headcode panels way back in 1986 during refurbishment at BREL Crewe. The loco is now operated by Europhoenix and has Dellner coupling equipment. It also saw use in France on construction trains around the turn of the century, a remarkable survivor now in its 63rd year of service.

37510 in Bristol Platform 7. 15.03.2026, copyright Charlotte Vincent (with thanks to Guy Vincent).

Many thanks Guy and Charlotte. It's always nice to see these veteran locos playing an important role in todays modern railway.

March 15th 2026

15/3/2026

Saturday Empties
Clive Smith & Jon Hird

Due to trackwork needing attention at Par, the down Clay empties were top and tailed on Saturday 14.03, this being required to gain access to the Newquay branch at Par.

At Par, the train ran through the platform on the down main, before stopping and reversing over the west end crossover, and ran into Platform 3. The driver then changed ends (and locos) again, and departed for Goonbarrow.

Only a few Saturdays left for DB to operate the 6V76 10.35 Westbury - Goonbarrow Junction JIA clay empties and this was the first one to operate after the sixteen day Marsh Mills blockade. 66192 hauling a massive 18 wagons with red 66098 on the rear crossing Bittaford Viaduct. 14.03.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

66098 bringing up the rear of 6V76. 14.03.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

An exciting drone flight at Saltash, dodging the hail showers which thankfully swept through just as the train entered the RAB. 66192 passes the former Goods Yard at Saltash whilst 66098 is still on the bridge. 14.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Clive - we'll all certainly miss the bright red DB locos when their time in the west comes to a close.

37057 at Par
Roger Geach

37057 spent some time working off St. Blazey in September 2001. Below it is seen passing par with empty CDA for Rocks/Goonbarrow.

Did anyone else photograph it that week?

37057 passes through Par with the Fowey - Rocks empty CDA's on 10.09.2001. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - a lucky catch for you there.

Talking of split headcodes..
David Tozer

Whilst staying at Gloucester in 1975 I travelled to Barry. By this time
D600 had been cut up, but D601 was still intact. This when built, did not have split head code boxes.

A withdrawn 'Warship' awaits its fate at Barry. 11.03.1975, copyright David Tozer.

Locomotives in limbo at Barry. 11.03.1975, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks Dave, some unusual views there.

March 14th 2026

14/3/2026

Tonight! 14.03.2026
The CRS AGM & Members Evening

Join us this Saturday at the Redruth Methodist Church memorial hall for our AGM and members evening, where members will present a photographic show for attendees.

Commencing 1830. Members free, visitors welcome at £3 a head. Refreshments available.

For any further details, please contact Roger Winnen via [email protected]

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 12
The Heathfield Branch
Clive Smith

The Moretonhampstead closed to passengers on 28th February 1959 and to goods on 6th April 1964 with the track from Bovey Tracey lifted in 1965. Bovey Tracey closed for goods on 6th July 1970 leaving Heathfield as the terminus for goods traffic. The last Royal Train to be stabled on the branch was 20/03/15. The last engineers train was 23/03/15. The last timber train from Teigngrace was on the 02/04/15. The very last train was the 'First Devon & Exeter Explorer' charity HST railtour to Heathfield with 43187 and 43188. The line has been mothballed since but suffered extensive flooding in December 2024 with the ballast washed away and the track left dangling - Devon rail line and cycle path damage not a quick fix - council

33010 at the oil sidings at Heathfield in November 1987. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

Access all areas if you worked for the S & T department as Nick did and this is a great shot of one of the goods loading facilities at Heathfield on the 25th February 2000 and a split box 37042 to boot to keep the recent theme going! Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

A beautiful sunny capture of 37042 by Nick further down the line at Teigngrace on the same day. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

A very clean 50026 hauls GWR small prairie 4555 off the Heathfield branch at Newton Abbot on the 30th July 1980. This was in connection with a BR Open Day 'Age Of The Train' event held at Newton Yard which was just around the corner from the station on the branch line. There was a bubblecar DMU running a shuttle service from the main station. In the yard were exhibition coaches, carriages from an HST, a replica 'Rocket' in steam, 37289 and 4555 was up from Paignton where it was temporarily working away from Buckfastleigh where it was then based. It is now based on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway. It's quite likely 4555 is being hauled back to Paignton by 50026. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

Many thanks Clive, another superb selection of photos from Nick.

Gold Cup Special
Steve Widdowson

A few pics of the Gold Cup Special, Paddington to Evesham with Northern Belle. 47812 leading & 57314 on rear.

From Evesham passengers are taken by road coach to Broadway on the Gloucester & Warwickshire Rly ( steam hauled to Cheltenham race course station ) all for £700.

47812 TnT 57314 at Evesham with 1Z25 0813 London Paddington to Evesham. 13.03.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

The carpets are rolled out as guests disembark from the Northern Belle at Evesham. 13.03.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Road coaches at Evesham to Broadway for Cheltenham 'Northern Belle'. 13.03.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

57314 departs Evesham with the ECS working. 13.03.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve - a great continuation from Ian Thomas's article on Thursday.

Re: 37037
Bill Elston

37037 with 37203 at Exeter St. Davids. 27.03.1993, copyright Bill Elston.

37037 with 37668 on the silver bullets, leaving Riverside Yard. 03.02.1994, copyright Bill Elston.

37037 without metals sector markings in Riverside Yard. 02.08.1996, copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks as always Bill.

Memories of the CDA's
Roger Geach

66202 passing Golant with the empty CDA's on 20.06.2007, with the tide in for a change! Copyright Roger Geach.

66202 with empty CDA's from Fowey passing St. Winnow church, seen from across the Fowey river. 27.06.2007, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger, great photos from the not-so-distant past.

Pinhoe Test Train
Jack Burchill

37607 heads 3Q07 2031 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Exeter Riverside N.Y. The train had to wait for a passenger service to pass from the other direction before it could leave. 12.03.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

Not the greatest of pictures but 37425"Concrete Bob" waits on the other end of the train. 12.03.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

37425 heads off east to complete a loop before returning back to Exeter Riverside N.Y. 12.03.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

Many thanks Jack - well done for getting out in the poor weather.

More split boxes!
Paul Barlow

In response to the box head code 37's, here are a couple of photos of a Pathfinder tour to Chester in 1996, There was an open day at Crewe works on the same day.

37010 & 37042 with the 0620 Exeter to Chester “Crewe–Chester Flyer” wait at Weston-super-Mare – 17.08.1996 – copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - the good old days of railtours originating from the SW rather than only terminating here.

March 13th 2026

13/3/2026

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 96
Bristol Temple Meads 11.09.1964
Michael L. Roach

In Part 94 I described how I left Castle Cary on the 15.00 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads. In 1964 the whole journey took 2h 41mins by DMU. Currently the best trains take 2h 20mins for the 87 miles. I was at BTM for about 70 minutes at teatime, when despite the DMU’s which had been around for years, there was still some steam on local trains to Gloucester, Bath Green Park and Westbury. I was there to catch the 18.50 to Westbury behind Hall-class no. 4992 Crosby Hall of 82E Bristol Barrow Road. The engine had previously been at 82B St. Phiilips Marsh. Much earlier the engine had been at Laira (1949), Newton Abbot (1957), Exeter (1958) and Taunton (1960).

The 18.50 was a limited stop service stopping only at Bath Spa, Bradford-on-Avon and Trowbridge being allowed 65 minutes for the 28 miles, including 4 mins at Bath and 6 at Trowbridge. The train passed another steam passenger train between Bradford and Trowbridge. That was the 19.20 from Westbury to Temple Meads which stopped at every station and halt yet took only 49 minutes. It was an uneventful journey for me and the only thing of note was that three bogie parcels vans were picked up at Trowbridge. I think that these would have been loaded in the up bay platform and that 4992 would have left it's four coaches in the up platform while it collected the parcel vans and attached them to the front of the train.

The County of Wiltshire has been famous for its dry-cure method of curing bacon for hundreds of years. It was around 250 years ago that one John Harris opened the world's first commercial bacon factory in Calne which later had a branch line to Chippenham on the GWR mainline. His firm later became the well-known C. & T. Harris (Calne) Ltd and if one firm could be said to have popularised bacon it was Harris's. The firm had factories all over the West Country and beyond, including at Redruth and Totnes. One of Harris's Wiltshire factories was located just 100 metres from the forecourt of Trowbridge railway station.

The GWR and BR Siphon vans were originally designed for the transport of milk in churns but as this switched to bulk rail tanks in the 1930s the Siphons were found to be ideal for carrying other perishable goods like bacon and meat pies, because of their partly ventilated sides. It is surmised that the three bogie vans picked up at Trowbridge on the evening of 11 September 1964 were carrying parcels and “perishables” from the adjacent Harris factory. They had stood there loaded until 7.45 in the evening waiting for cooler temperatures and this also helps to explain why this particular train was a loco and coaches rather than a DMU. At Westbury the vans would have been added to a passing parcels train heading to one or more of the big cities – but which parcels train?

I was at Temple Meads for 70 minutes that evening and saw 4 steam engines and every one from a different class.

BR Standard Class 3MT 2-6-2 tank no. 82038 stands at platform 1 of Bristol TM with the 17.55 stopping train to Bath Green Park on Friday 11 September 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5MT no. 73015 of arrives at Bristol TM with the 16.18 stopping train from Gloucester Eastgate. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Black 5 no. 44839 of 16F Burton Shed leaves with 3C on the 17.45 stopping train to Gloucester. Fifteen years earlier the engine had been based at Bath Green Park Shed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

82038 leaves Temple Meads three minutes late. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

4992 Crosby Hall arrives at Temple Meads with ECS, probably from Malago Vale, to work the 18.50 train to Westbury. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks as always Mike, nice to see some photos of BTM in its heyday.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

Re: 37037
Roger Geach

I had forgotten 37037 was preserved on the South Devon Railway.

This is another Eastern Region loco; for much of its life it was based at March from 1974 until it became one of the 37s moved to Scotland, to Eastfield depot, 3/1981. A regular in East Anglia and on the Cambridge line.

It stayed here until a movement to Thornaby 1/91, then to Canton 5/4/1992, then Bath Road 5/1993, when it would then venture to the South West.

I did see it on the 1/8/1994 in Cornwall with 37141 on 6S55, the much-missed Silver Bullets, so I guess others may have pictures of 37037 in Cornwall around this time. Not certain how often it came into Cornwall. Have others got some sightings?

Here is the loco in blue at Eastfield 2/10/1982.

Hope of interest.

37037 at Eastfield. The loco is now preserved on the SDR. 02.10.1982, copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger - it'd be great to see a photo of it on the bullets if anyone managed a shot!

Classic traction at Worcester
Steve Widdowson

37510 took 68023 out of Long Marston today (12.03.2026). 0N42 1232 Long Marston to DRS Crewe Gresty Bridge, seen in Worcester yard. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve, a colourful pair.

'Viking'
Bill Elston

Below are two shots of 37057 'Viking'.

37057 in large logo blue named VIKING unofficially named by Tinsley depot staff. Crediton, 04.08.1995. Copyright Bill Elston.

In EW&S red livery, Viking (name now official cast plate), is seen in Riverside Yard on 09.01.2000. Copyright Bill Elston.

Great stuff Bill, many thanks for digging these out.

37057 is still on the mainline serving its current owner Colas, and can be seen regularly in our region working the Network Rail test trains.

March 12th 2026

12/3/2026

This Saturday - 14.03.2026
The CRS AGM & Members Evening

Join us this Saturday at the Redruth Methodist Church memorial hall for our AGM and members evening, where members will present a photographic show for attendees.

Commencing 1830. Members free, visitors welcome at £3 a head. Refreshments available.

For any further details, please contact Roger Winnen via [email protected]

Cheltenham Gold Cup Trains
Ian Thomas

Race meetings are popular anywhere in Great Britain, and additional trains run to such events where possible. Doncaster, Newbury to name two, but where we are concerned, then Cheltenham Gold Cup week was always a busy one.

In recent years it has been all about HSTs and now Class 800s, but in the past it was locomotive-hauled additionals. In the glory days of the Great Western’s Cheltenham to Honeybourne route still in use, the trains disgorged their payload at the racecourse station (now of course the southern end of the GWRS).

Back in the 1960s it was steam at the start of the decade, then diesel hydraulics, Duffs and even Peaks. Hymeks and Westerns were frequent visitors. The racecourse station was last used in 1976 according to Wikipedia, Cheltenham Lansdowne station being the set-down point thereafter.

Hoovers appeared in the second half of the 1970s and into the 1980s. A big change came in 1983 when the big money spenders arrived en masse from London. It was the year that the V.S.O.E. was chartered and ran from London Victoria to Cheltenham, and has run pretty well most years since (except for foot & mouth in 2001 and COVID in 2021).

However, it goes to Evesham these days and the punters are coached into Toddington and then the GWRS to the course.

Weather conditions have been a mixed bag over the years, anything from warm spring sunshine to snow. Yes indeed, the Gold Cup day was snowed off in 1978 and delayed by a snowstorm in 1987 (see picture of VSOE at Standish). It was a near one in 1963 but the thaw arrived in time, and finally it was abandoned in March 1947 due to snow and a frozen course.

Gold Cup day was always traditionally held on the Thursday, but since it became a four-day event it has moved to Friday.

Please click any image below for an enlargement and caption

Many thanks for another superb article Ian, we appreciate the obvious time and effort you have put into this - thank you again.

Spring in the air
Craig Munday

Following the grimmest start possible to 2026, finally signs of Spring are abundant. I've grabbed 66116 working the clay run prior to changes in the pipeline. Although low tide, I caught the train bathed in a powder blue canvas on the causeway at Golant. 09.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Some shots from the signalbox windows. 57604 approaches St. Erth with 1C50 on 13.03.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.

Also on 13.02.2026, 175001 passes St. Erth with an up service from Penzance. Copyright Craig Munday.

Another view from a signalbox, Liskeard this time, 175009 and 175003 cross the viaduct with 5Z14 on 03.02.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.

175007 and 175009 approach Chacewater with 5Z21 on 28.02.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.

All is quiet at Goonbarrow/Rocks. 66116 rests in the sidings behind the signal box. 22.02.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

08752 also at rest at Rocks. 22.02.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig, I think we're all glad the weather has finally changed for the better.

Daybreak at Penzance
Jon Hird

Sunrise over Mounts Bay, Penzance, where 37425 and 37607 were resting having worked down the previous night on a test train. 11.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Looking to the west, the moon is still in the sky. The Scillonian vessel is in the harbour. 11.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

37607 wearing the bright orange Swietelsky livery at the west end of the train. The last time I saw this locomotive was in June 2024 when it was called upon to rescue the down clay empties after the DB class 66 failed at Dawlish Warren, quite a notable working at the time! 11.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

37425 looking superb with a coat of 'weathering' over its retro Regional Railways livery. 11.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Later on, also at Penzance..
Mark Lynam

37425 and 37607 in the warm afternoon sun at Penzance. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The luminous orange of 37607 popping in the sunshine. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

175007 departs for Plymouth. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

175007 heading away past the signal box. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Night falls as 175009 arrives under the station roof with a training run from Plymouth. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Two GWR Hitachi units arrive to keep 175009 company. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A parting shot of the test train, awaiting its 2230 departure. 11.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark, a lovely selection of photos showing off the terminus.

River Plym Bridge Works
Chris Bellett

A good friend of mine has said that I could pass on the attached photos of the River Plym bridge works undertaken in October 1981 and the works undertaken in 2026. Note the use of single line working by pilotman on the Up Line in 1981!

43138 single line working at Laira Junction, 11 Oct 1981. Copyright B Jones (with thanks to Chris Bellett).

45119 on single line working at Marsh Mills, 11 Oct 1981. Copyright B. Jones (with thanks to Chris Bellett).

How the scene has changed over the 4 decades since these photos. Bridge repairs on 24.02.2026. Copyright B. Jones (with thanks to Chris Bellett).

Many thanks Chris, the Laira junction photos are great and it's fascinating to play spot the difference between the last 2.

More split-boxes on the WR
Neil Phillips

Herewith please find my contributions to the 'split-box Class 37s on the Western Region' collection, taken in the 1970s. These may be my only photos which qualify.

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet but 'Cornwall Galleries / St Blazey Depot and Par Docks' section includes images of restored green D6700 and blue 37101, the latter on the turntable.

Class 37 6813 approaches Didcot North with an inter-regional working bound for the Southern Region on 8th September 1973. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Class 37 37059 passes Gloucester Horton Road depot light engine on 10th April 1976. Oval buffers on these locos always looked a little odd back then because they were only fitted to a few within the D675x - D677x batch (3705x - 3707x). I believe this Class 37 is still operational (DRS?) Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks for digging these out for us Neil. 37059 does look a bit odd with the oval buffers and skirts.

37's on stone
Roger Geach

37213 and 37162 with the Theale to Merehead stone empties between Westbury and Fairwood junction. 05.08.1994, copyright Roger Geach.

Wow, a photo you can hear. Many thanks as always Roger.

Mainline Freight
Jon Hird

66116 leads 6 JIA's, loaded earlier in the day at Treviscoe, over St. Pinnock Viaduct en route to Exeter Riverside and Stoke on Trent. 11.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The Many Guises Of 37037
Clive Smith

Split box headcode 37 on the South Devon Railway! It is still there, usually hidden away and has been inactive since 2013 with repairs having been seriously delayed with prioritising other locos and covid. However it was active as soon as it arrived at the railway in 2004. We look forward to seeing it very much active again in the not too distant future.

The South Devon Railway's Diesel Gala in 2004 featured 37 037's debut having just arrived four days previous on a low loader from Barrow Hill. This 37 was a doyen of the Scottish West Highland line for much of the 1980s and East Anglia in the late 70s. It even managed a year in France from 1999 to 2000. Looking extremely tatty, here it at Buckfastleigh as 37037 on the 13th June 2004. I think it is sporting trainload livery but it's pretty hard to tell. Copyright Clive Smith.

Three years on from the first photo and 37037 has been painted in large logo BR livery with Eastfield 'scotty dog' emblem. 37321 was the number it carried from 1985 to 1989 when it was transferred to Motherwell for dedicated use on the Ravenscraig steel traffic often to be found triple heading the heavy iron ore trains between Hunterston and Ravenscraig. A far cry from rural chuntering along the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. This day was 7th April 2007 at Totnes. Not a gala but a running day for the loco. Copyright Clive Smith.

Now sporting its new BR as built all green livery and numbered D6737, the 'tractor' gets ready to depart from Buckfastleigh on the 26th April 2008 with a train for Totnes Littlehempston during the South Devon Railway's Diesel Gala. Copyright Clive Smith.

Another three years on and D6737 is now in 'weather beaten' green livery with full yellow ends replicating the late 1960s/early 1970s transitional liveries. Here it is at Buckfastleigh on the 5th November 2011 during the SDR's 'Gronk Aid' event. Copyright Clive Smith.

Early BR blue was the next livery to be applied with full yellow ends and the D prefix dropped but I'm not sure if it actually moved on the railway in this livery. This is out in the yard at Buckgastleigh on the 4th November 2016 during its maintenance period. The noises at the time from the Devon Diesel Society were promising that it would soon be running within a year or so but as mentioned , it has been somewhat sidelined. The three year visit of 37275 in 2015 gave enthusiasts a tractor fix but other than 37240 top and tailing D1015 on a railtour in 2025, it has now been a while since the Dart Valley has resounded to the distinctive English Electric sound on a regular basis. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive - let's hope for a return to service for 37037.

Split boxes no more!
Bill Elston

37031 at Exeter with split boxes, on its way to Laira for refurb. It's in the company of 37098. 03.02.1989, copyright Bill Elston.

A speedy turnaround at Laira, just 2 months later on 20.04.1989 37031 has emerged with centre headcode boxes. Copyright Bill Elston.

A bonus shot of 37040 in EW&S red at Exeter Central. 17.09.1999, copyright Bill Elston.

Great stuff Bill, I'm impressed how quickly Laira turned that around. Thanks very much.

<<Previous

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Latest News & Features

Spring Sunshine & RainbowsCraig Munday

Early doors at PenzanceMark Lynam

60099 at workRoger Geach

The Midland in GloucestershirePart 4Ian Thomas

Back to work for refreshed class 60'sGuy Vincent

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St. Ives in the sunMark Lynam

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 97The Cumbrian CoastWorkington Bus Station & the Leyland National BusMichael L. Roach

Day Return : Ivybridge to LooeClive Smith

Barry ScrapyardMichael Adams

Peak ReliefPaul Barlow

Re: 25202 at BTMClive Smith

EWS Split BoxesMichael Forward

Castles to Legend LandBill Elston

All change at CardiffClive Smith

NSE 50'sMichael Adams & Michael Forward

Tuesdays ClayJon Hird

37066 at BTMGuy Vincent

The first in-service 175 to DevonDavid Tozer

56's in DevonPaul Barlow

Top and tailing to FoweyMark Lynam & Jon Hird

Split box 'whoppers' at BTMClive Smith

Crosscountry in the far WestAndrew Triggs

Par ShuffleMick House

Par 175'sMark Lynam

Split-boxes all over!Ian Thomas

Night Shoot at the Plym ValleyMark Lynam

Top & Tailed ClayDavid J Ive

Another split box in CornwallRoger Geach

Europhoenix 37 at BristolGuy Vincent

Saturday EmptiesClive Smith & Jon Hird

37057 at ParRoger Geach

Talking of split headcodes..David Tozer

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 12The Heathfield BranchClive Smith

Gold Cup SpecialSteve Widdowson

Re: 37037Bill Elston

Memories of the CDA'sRoger Geach

Pinhoe Test TrainJack Burchill

More split boxes!Paul Barlow

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 96Bristol Temple Meads 11.09.1964Michael L. Roach

Re: 37037Roger Geach

Classic traction at WorcesterSteve Widdowson

'Viking'Bill Elston

Cheltenham Gold Cup TrainsIan Thomas

Spring in the airCraig Munday

Daybreak at PenzanceJon Hird

Later on, also at Penzance..Mark Lynam

River Plym Bridge WorksChris Bellett

More split-boxes on the WRNeil Phillips

37's on stoneRoger Geach

Mainline FreightJon Hird

The Many Guises Of 37037Clive Smith

Split boxes no more!Bill Elston

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