Blog Archives

10th April 2020

10/4/2020

Crewkerne
Bill Elston

Hi Keith, I was out for the monthly visit of the NMT to the former Southern route through Crewkerne.
The attached photo shows it heading East towards the Station, being led by 43062. Take care, Bill

43062 on Network Measuring train at Crewkerne on the 9th April 2020. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill

The Network Rail train arrives at
Penzance
Roger Winnen

Bang on time at 11.24 The Network Rail Measurement Train arrives at Penzance. 10th April 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen

A view which is most difficult to take in the normal services. We are locked down! 10th April 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 'Railway Observer' HST Power Car very near the buffer stops. Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

Newquay branch
Middleway Crossing
Alan Peters

Whilst taking the dog for a walk, the barriers came down at Middleway Crossing for 2N07 the 15:10 service from Newquay to Par, an opportunity to take a picture of GWR 150 232 nearing the end of its journey with just a couple of passengers on board on 30th March 2020 - Alan Peters

Middleway Crossing. 150232 forming the 15.10 off Newquay on the 30th March 2020. Copyright Alan Peters

Nicely framed - well caught, a lush background, how the trees have grown.
Many thanks Alan.

Last Sunday at
Par
Phil Hadley

Dear Keith,
I hope you are both well and staying safe. For my Sunday afternoon exercise I went for a walk which included going over the bridge at Par railway station. I took a couple of photos on my phone of the activity at the station which you may like to use on your website.
One shows the 1615 GWR service from Par to Newquay. It waited an extra two minutes for its main line connection but gave up and left.
The other shows the 1515 GWR service from Penzance to Plymouth. This arrived 3 minutes late and left Par at 1620. No passengers joined it at Par and just 2 alighted. Fortunately neither needed the Newquay teain which had already left.
All the best. Phil Hadley.

Par 16.15 and the services waits - but not for very long!!. 5th April 2020 Copyright Phil Hadley

Par It is now 16.20 and the Plymouth service arrives. 5th April 2020 Copyright Phil Hadley

Many thanks Phil - as you say - keep safe - enjoy your walk.

Exeter
Michael Forward

45103 approaching St.Davids with a Bradford to Penzance service. Nice view of Exeter Middle box and signals. 8th November 1980 Copyright Michael Forward. -

Many thanks Michael.

9th April 2020

9/4/2020

Paignton
Roger Geach

This is the last of Roger's submissions for 9600's tour around south Devon. Seen at Paignton on Saturday 13th May 2000 Copyright Roger Geach

Many thanks Roger.

Mendip Artificer
Swindon
Clive Smith

Further to my photo of this railtour at Cranmore with class 37s (See earlier News 31st March 2020) , here is 45121 at a frosty Swindon station on the 21st January 1984 with the 08.00 St Pancras - Merehead & Cranmore ' Mendip Artificer' railtour run by Hertfordshire Railtours. This was either before or after our totter up the Highworth branch with 08849 which dragged the tour there and gronked along on the rear when 45121 brought the tour back to Swindon station.

Swindon 45121 'The Mendip Artificer' Swindon 1984 Copyright Clive Smith

21st January 1984
Hertfordshire Railtours
The Mendip Artificer
Locos Used08849, 37187, 37189 & 45121
Stock Used4413+5001+4977+3950+1738+16195+35186+3948+4989+4806Route : 1Z26 throughout
Loco(s)Route
45121London St Pancras - (via MML) - Bedford Midland
45121Bedford Midland - Fenny Stratford - (via Bletchley Flyover) - Claydon LNE Jn - Oxford - Swindon
08849 (1)Swindon - Highworth BL Sidings
45121 (2)Highworth BL Sidings - Swindon
45121Swindon - Chippenham - Trowbridge - Westbury
37187 (3)Westbury - Frome - Merehead Quarry Jn - Merehead (No.1 Arrival Siding)
37189 (4)Merehead - Merehead Quarry Jn - Cranmore
37187 (3)Cranmore - Merehead Quarry Jn - Frome (5) - Westbury
45121Westbury - Salisbury - Woking - Virginia Water - Brentford - South Acton - Cricklewood - London St Pancras

Many thanks Clive.

Dawlish
Steve Widdowson

50016 'Barham', Dawlish. June 1979 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

8th April 2020

8/4/2020

Saltash Bridge
Guy Vincent, The late David Bartlett

From the collection of the late David Bartlett of Bradford-on-Avon. A b/w photo taken during the autumn of 1959 showing early preparatory works underway on the foundations of the Tamar Road Bridge which took just two years to build. Construction started in July 1959 and the bridge opened to traffic in October 1961 with a formal ceremony by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother taking place the following April. The Tamar Rail Bridge of course celebrated its centenary in 1959 hence David's visit.

Guy Vincent

Royal Albert Bride at Saltash Bridge 1959. Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford on Avon

Many thanks Guy

Kingswear Interlude
Steve Widdowson

Class 73 73101 and 73109 pay a visit to Kingswear on the 19th June 1993.

73101 & 73109 having arrived at Kingswear commence the run round. 19 June 1993 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

73101 & 73109 back on to the return working. 19 June 1993. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Time to leave the high perch and whip down to view 73109 & 73101 readt to Kingswear. 19 June 1993 Copyright Steve Widdowson

73109 & 73101 departing Kingswear. 19th June 1993 Copyright Steve Widdowson

And finally up aloft again to view Deltic D9016 { 55016 } on a demonstration freight with 4588 in the background. 19th June 1993 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve for your record of a colourful and unusual event at Kingswear.

7th April 2020

7/4/2020

Camping Coach leaflets 1956
Mike Roach

Herewith a couple of scans of the 1956 Camping Coaches leaflet a couple of years after I had started collecting ephemera; almost certainly picked up at Plymouth North Road Station.
Best wishes
Mike

Many Thanks Mike

Dawlish
Steve Widdowson

50008 at Dawlish wit an up service seen on the 4th Sept 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

Totnes
Clive Smith

50026 hammers through Totnes with the 11.15 Plymouth - Manchester Piccadilly on the 9th April 1982. Semaphore signalling wires can be seen and also the old station footbridge that was accidentally knocked down by an engineering train crane in the late 1980s. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive.

6th April 2020

6/4/2020

Penzance through the Fence
Roger Winnen

My daily exercise for the day on Saturday, walking the footpath with a new access point through the station car park marked out in green paint leading to the sea wall at Penzance.

200405a The former shunters cabin long out of use at Penzance. A station pilot was based in the station area for many years well into the diesel area. Copyright Roger Winnen

200405b Looking across to the examiners cabin now boarded up. Above can be seen the Art Deco style Royale Court formally The Hotel Royale built in 1937 on the site of the former basket works. Copyright Roger Winnen

200405c Penzance Signal Box dating from 1938. Copyright Roger Winnen

200405d A n IET passes the box to form the 10.15 to London Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen

200405e The new railings erected on the car park side of Platform 4. In the background is the recently opened Premier Inn located in the former Branwells Mill Building. Copyright Roger Winnen

Newquay
Steve Widdowson

50 047 Swiftsure has arrived at Newquay on platform 2 and run round its train which it approaches again to take it out beyond the signalbox and then back it into platform 3 to clear platform 2 and the run round loop for another service... 5th September 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson

Newquay with 50047 Swiftsure standing at the head of the 1628 Newquay to Birmingham New Street. The date is the 5th Sept 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve.

Nr Crewkerne
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
I went out for my permitted exercise close to home, which is near the main line through Crewkerne.
Passing through this morning was 70807 on a long rake of JNAs loaded with spent ballast working from
Yeovil Pen Mill to Westbury, via Exeter and Bristol, as the line was shut east of Castle Cary.
The attached photo shows the train about half a mile west of Crewkerne Station
Stay safe, Bill Elston

Crewkerne - 70807 YPM to Westbury, via Exeter & Bristol. 5th April 2020. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Bristol Temple Meads
Alan Peters

Alan writes:- A rather scruffy looking 47714 at Bristol Temple Meads Bath Road Spur on 6/08/2007 although in Anglia livery the loco belonged to Cotswold Rail at the time, Cotswold may have gone but the loco still retains the same livery today! - Alan Peters

47714 at Bristol Temple Meads on the Bath Road spur 6th August 2007. Note the now demolished PO building which makes a 'dramatic' background.. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan.

Memories at
Bodmin 2012
Martin Scane

Memories at Bodmin (1) 9th September 2012. Copyright Martin Scane.

Memories at Bodmin 2 9th September 2012. Copyright Martin Scane.

Memories at Bodmin 3 9th September 2012. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

5th April 2020

5/4/2020

Teigngrace
Roger Geach

9600 Paignton to Heathfield near Teigngrace 13th May 2000. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks to Roger Greach our featured photographer of the month. Here an unusual shot of 9600 taken through the trees near Teigngrace, more shots of this local tour to follow.

Through the bushes at
Exmouth Junction
David Tozer

70813 approaches Exmouth Junction home signal at 0834 today Sunday 5thApril 2020 with 0800 Yeovil Pen Mill to Westbury via Honiton, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol and Bath. Copyright David Tozer

Thanks David

Virgin 57310 'Kyrano'
On the Night Riviera
Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger/Keith,
Hope you are both keeping well in these challenging times, no chances of taking any of the current scene it seems. Anyway, been raiding the archives here, 4 shots of Virgin Thunderbird 57310 'Kyrano' on the 'Night Riviera' at Penzance back on 10.7.2009 for CRS, I'll endeavour to 'chip in' with others in between work!
All the Best to all our CRS Members, hopefully safe and well
Andrew

Thunderbird' 57310 viewed from above the Station wall, in the fading light. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Close up of 57310's nameplate, these days still in service with DRS. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Night Riviera in those days, a platform 4 resident in general. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The Night Riviera in those days, a platform 4 resident in general Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Summer Saturday Survey - Exeter St Davids - 11th July 1981

Summer Saturday Survey 11th July 1981
Clive Smith

Clive has written up a detailed article with pictures - highly recommended - you'll find it in Features Jan - June 2020. Item 2006

Photographic charter
South Devon Railway
Paul Barlow

South Devon Photo Charter 14th April 2015 Copyright Paul Barlow

Paul brings us a record of an excellent day out with superb photographs.
Please click here - item 2007.

Goss Moor
Steve Widdowson

With Steve we continue to follow the Newquay branch - this time in the Goss Moor area - we are on a bridge between Roche and the infamous 'Black bridge' which has decapitated several high vehicles over the years.

142027 approaches Goss Moors on the Newquay Branch 5th Sept 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson

142027 continues over the ;Black Bridge' which crossed the former A30 which in this picture is carrying fairly heavy traffic. In high summer this was 'nose to tail'. 5th Sept 1987 Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve, tomorrow we continue to Newquay.

Captured at
Cardiff
Adrian King

Letter received 4th April 2020
Hi Keith,
I do hope you and all your family & everyone at CRS are keeping well during this awful pandemic, what a nightmare it is.

Its been a while since I've sent you any photos so I hope you'll be able to use these three shots on the website. I took them at Cardiff General, as it was then, during the Easter Bank holidays April 1962.

Best regards to everyone and keep safe, Thanks Adrian and keep safe yourself. .

1. The first shot shows No. 5073 Blenheim on the left at Platform 2 about to come off its train having just arrived from west Wales while the replacement locomotive an unidentified Castle stands patiently alongside. Copyright Adrian King.

2. The second photo has No. 4912 Berrington Hall (which unfortunately had barely four months left in service) about to depart, next stop Newport. Copyright Adrian King.

3. Again at Platform 2 an unidentified Hall waits for the off with a service heading eastwards. Just visible in front of the locomotive is the Central Hotel a landmark of the station for many years.. Copyright Adrian King.

Many thanks Adrian and best wishes to you.

Giant Strides
Roger Winnen

From the Roger Winnen Poster Collection

Remember this old poster? Thanks Roger

Skirting the Exe Part 2
Roger Salter

These photographs were taken by kind permission of the farmer

200316e 1H82 12.43 Paddington to Plymouth at Eastdon with 802009. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

Bristol Bath Road
Phil Smith

Bristol Bath Road, class 47 656 . 1988. Copyright Phil Smith

Phil Smith asks if anybody knows the number of the HST being stripped down and repainted at the same time as 47 656 was on shed. A difficult one, but perhaps somebody knows? Thanks Phil.

4th April 2020

4/4/2020

The where is it Photograph!
by David Tozer

This photograph together with two others were taken of the Taw Retour Railtour from Manchester Piccadilly to Barnstaple, Heathfield and Exmouth on 16th September 1990.
This train is seen fist at Topsham and then at Exmouth the front being well past the platform end..
Congratulations to Clive Smith and Mark Fishlock for coming up with the correct answers.
Roger Winnen

50031 Hood arriving at Topsham on route to Exmouth on 16th September 1990. Copyright David Tozer

50032 Courageous tails the train at Topsham on 16th September 1990 Copyright David Tozer

50032 Courageous at Exmouth on 16th September 1990 Copyright David Tozer

56 locos for storage update
Bath Spa
Guy Vincent

Following on from the appearance of the three Colas class 56s in the Avon valley yesterday (Thursday) it transpires that they only made it to Westbury where the onward leg to Eastleigh was cancelled. Early in the afternoon the locos were taken to Bristol Kingsland Road sidings by 70803 and then, this morning (Friday 3rd) they were moved on to Cardiff Canton depot for secure storage.

Here is a vintage shot of sister loco 56104 arriving at Bath Spa on a railtour in January 2003. This loco still exists and is provisionally included in the class 69 rebuild project with GB Railfreight. Also another shot of the trio as they passed slowly through Bradford on Avon yesterday, in the same spot I captured the Pacers on Tuesday.

G Vincent

Bath Spa 56104 on 1Z27 0758 Finsbury Park-Walsall HRT 'Walsall Concerto' Railtour, 4th January 2003. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bradford-on-Avon 56096, 56090 56087 70812 1st April 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

P.S. 56096 has re-appeared at Westbury again. Last night Colas sent it over from Canton with 70807 and reports suggest it may see use on an engineers train over the weekend. Thanks for the update.

Many thanks Guy, we're lucky you can get around.

Little station - big train.
Roche
Steve Widdowson

50047 Swiftsure passes through Roche with a Birmingham to Newquay service. 5th Sept 1987 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve.

Around the area in lockdown
Craig Munday

Some pictures from my duties as MOM.

Whilst showing a colleague around Fowey, Carne Point, the light was splendid and some pictures of the wagons in the unloading area were taken. The CDA's in the process of being unloaded (though work stopped at the time). The Beatle is a device in the tracks which can move the wagons into position without a loco being present. The loaded wagons arrive on the tracks to the right (roads 1 & 2). The empty wagons from road 1 are scooted across to road 4, and the empty wagons from road 2 move one stop to road 3.

A visit to Carn Brea in similar light saw two 150s pass by. The Carn beautifully lit. The sky having no trace of aircraft across it, shows perfect blue. These pictures taken with normal life frozen, Only occasional road traffic, and bird song can be now heard all day (a plus point maybe)?

The clay trains are still doing business. The loaded CDA's visiting Carne Point five days a week at the moment, and 10 wagons for Stoke this week.
Some shots from Goonbarrow see Alex the Imerys shunter scuttling back to its stabling position having placed the loaded CDAs behind the box to attach to loco 66194. This train left later in the afternoon.

The sun had been replaced by cloud and sunny spells as I visited Lostwithiel. 66194 runs to Fowey past the flower display and 43158 caught some super sun as it arrived bound for Penzance.

All the best - take care everyone

Craig

Carne Point - the traverser. 27th March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Carne Point . CDA on the traverser. 27th March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

Carne Point. Looking up river towards Lostwithiel from Carne Point. Lovely light and a full tide. 27th March 2020 Copyright Craig Munday

The unmistakable outline of Carn Brea Monument atop its splendid hill. In the foreground the site of Carn Brea station - an early closure in 1962. Copyright Craig Munday

Back up at Goonbarrow to see 66194 on duty. 1st April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Still at Goonbarrow, or Rocks, to see the shunter 'Alex' at work. 1st April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Now just a couple of days ago at sunny Lostwithiel. 2nd April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

In spite of all the doom and gloom of Coronavirus daffodils add to the cheer at Lostwithiel. 66194 heads for Fowey. 2nd April 2020. Copyright Craig Munday.

Many thanks Craig, thank heavens you can still get around officially.

3rd April 2020

3/4/2020

A where is it photograph?

This photograph combined with two others was taken in the area of a South West Railrover ticket.
Send your answers to [email protected]
The other two pictures and results will be published tomorrow.
Many Thanks Roger Winnen

Nr. Aller Junction
Roger Geach

A smashing shot from Roger Geach shows 9600 on a Paignton to Heathfield working on Sunday 14th May 2000. Copyright Roger Geach.

Many thanks Roger.

Bradford on Avon
Guy Vincent

Colas Railfreight today despatched three of their class 56 fleet south from Barnetby to Westbury where they have temporarily recessed pending onward movement to Eastleigh East yard. I've seen it reported that the trio are ultimately bound for secure storage at Marchwood, presumably due to the drop in rail traffic at present. Also included in the movement was 70812 which was Westbury-bound.

56096 has possibly never been to the Westbury area as several locals have no recorded sightings in their records going back almost 40 years. Hopefully all three will soon have traffic to return to.

Best regards, Guy Vincent

Colas Railfreight today (2nd April 2020) despatched three of their class 56 fleet south from Barnetby to Westbury where they have temporarily recessed pending onward movement to Eastleigh East yard. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy.

Motorail at
St Austell
Steve Widdowson

50004 St Vincent at St Austell with the Worcester Shrub Hill to Penzance Motorail on the 22 July 1978. Copyright Steve Widdowson. Copyright Steve Widdowson. The siding which was one of fan of sidings which extended across the front of the station was probably removed in March 71.

Many thanks Steve.

The last Pines Express
Guy Vincent

You may have missed this most interesting article with complete with report, photographs and timetables. For the full report please see our Features Sections - click here.

Midford North 92220 on last Up Pines Express 8th September1962 Copyright the late David Bartlett of Bradford-on-Avon

Trains skirting the
Exe Estuary Part 1
Roger Salter

This selection of photos are from my latest visit to Dawlish Warren, thankfully days before the lockdown.
They were taken on private land with the farmer’s permission.
Network rail have done a great deal of vegetation clearance ,for once helping us railway photographers

200316a The 2T23 14.57 Exmouth to Paignton at Eastdon. Copyright Roger Salter

200316b The 1M61 15.15 Paignton to Manchester Piccadilly at Eastdon. Copyright Roger Salter

200316c The 2E15 Penzance to Exeter St David's at Eastdon headed by 43194 Okehampton Castle. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

2nd April 2020

2/4/2020

The Retew and St Dennis Branches
Dave Anthony

Out on my legitimate exercise allowance yesterday, did a loop of the Goss moor trail. First up on the Retew branch is the Gaverigan crossing, taken from a similar position as one already on your site but with considerably more vegetation. Copyright Dave Anthony

Facing the other way the alignment is clear and had signs of recently being cut back on the Retew Branch. Copyright Dave Anthony

A photograph of St Dennis junction from the old A30 overbridge, showing just the remaining single line under the new A30 road for Goss Moor to Bodmin. The junction commenced this side of the new road bridge for Retew and the St Dennis Branches. Copyright David Anthony.

The rail over bridge which carried the St Dennis branch, grid ref: SW 943588. Copyright Dave Anthony

Finally, on the main road between Indian Queens and St Dennis, the Domellick over bridge. with it's mileage marker which looks like 294 miles and 44 chains. Copyright Dave Anthony

The trackbed viewed from the Domellick over bridge. Copyright Dave Anthony

Thanks David

April Fools Day

Congratulations to the three people from around the world who spotted the April Fools Day joke namely Leslie Curnow from Camborne where trains don't stop on Wednesdays! David Tozer from Exeter and Roy Hart from Rangoon, Burma.
The answer was a Castle Class Class 2 + 3 HST and not a Castle Class 2 + 4 HST which are the regular formations.
Many Thanks Roger Winnen

Class 140
Dawlish Warren
Peter Murnaghan

With yesterdays pictures of Pacers returning to the South West, I thought that the attached views might be of interest.
Following experiments with single car Railbuses, featuring bodies produced with Leyland National bus components, British Rail Engineering Ltd, Derby built a 2-car railbus in 1981. This unit 140 001 featured a higher floor, high backed seats and the Leyland National bodywork, but with a rather austere front end, providing for a through corridor connection. This unit was extensively trialled around the country and I was very fortunate to come across it, quite by chance in August 1984, waiting in the loop at Dawlish Warren.
The experience gained with this unit went on to develop the later, production fleets of Pacer units, but without the corridor connections at the cab ends. This prototype unit remained in BR's fleet until 1994, at Neville Hill, Leeds, latterly as a parts donor for the later Pacers in service. I understand that this rare unit has been preserved at the Keith and Dufftown Railway in Scotland.
Very best wishes,
Peter

Dawlish Warren Prototype Pacer Railbus picture 1 140 001 Dawlish Warren. August 1984 Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Dawlish Warren Prototype Pacer Railbus Picture 2 140 001 Dawlish Warren. August 1984 Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Many thanks Peter.

Penzance '87
Steve Widdowson

It looks like there's been another drag as 50028 Tiger & 43130 stand at the buffer stops at Penzance on the 5th Sept 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Now preserved 50035 Ark Royal stands at platform 4 Penzance ready to take the nights sleeper. 5th Sept 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

50040 Leviathan has joined 50035 Ark Royal at the head of the sleeper. One wonders what is up, is Ark Royal not too healthy or is this a move to get Leviathan back to Laira? 5th Sept 1987. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Nice to have some Black and White images - crystal clear too. Many thanks Steve.

Thumper at
Okehampton
Martin Scane

Not much chance to get out and about at the moment so I’ve been looking through some old photos. Here’s one from Okehampton on 11th August 2012. Martin

Thumper 1132 at Okehampton station on the 11th August 2012. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin, old pictures are much appreciated.

1st April 2020

1/4/2020

ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY
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Today is 1st April 2020
known as April Fools Day Roger Winnen

A Castle Class 2 + 4 HST
arrives Penzance
spot the mistake ?

200401a The Welshman tailed by Launceston Castle arrives at Penzance with the 07.14 service from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

200401b Workman completing the installation of traditional railings on the car park side of Penzance Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

Lelant
from The Old Quay House
Michael Forward

I have not been on any trips since 9 March and we are now hunkered down.Still looking at the website and I have started looking at the archives,month by month.Plenty of odd jobs to do ,the garden is keeping us busy and I have ‘Marazion ‘ to run with all those lovely locos from the 1950s!
I attach a picture of a DMU approaching Lelant Saltings on 16 June 1980.taken from the hide at the rear of The Old Quay House(I wonder if you can still watch the birds from there?)
Thanks ,all the best, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Cotswold 'Captain' on a stock move
Alan Peters

A Sensible move!
Cotswold Rail 47810 'Captain Sensible' in Hemerdon Loop after collecting three HST coaches from Laira for refurbishment on 16/08/07, note the First Great Western MKII coaches being used as barrier coaches - Copyright Alan Peters

Thanks Alan

Salisbury
Roger Geach

6998 Burton Agnes Hall seen at Salisbury station. 11th October 1986. Copyright Roger Geach

Pacers Preservation
Guy Vincent

Three redundant class 142 'Pacer' (or 'Skipper') sets made the long trek south today from temporary storage at Gascoigne Wood, Yorks to Eastleigh works for attention pending permanent transfer to the Swanage Railway.

5Z43 0707 Gascoigne Wood Sidings GBRF-Eastleigh Works GBRF 142089 142032 142014 pausing at Bradford-on-Avon due to a signal check.

From a 1987 platform 5 DMU book the following sets were based in the West Country at the time: 142015-142027 inclusive (13 sets) and ran in chocolate and cream livery. By 2010 they had long gone but due to chronic stock shortages a small number were drafted in from the north of England and worked diagrams based around Exeter. 142001 009 029 030 063 064 068 appear in a listing from early 2010.

Will one or more of these 'marmite' units make it into preservation on one of the preserved lines in Devon or Cornwall?

Best regards to all, Guy Vincent

Cheerful News - great to see these units going into preservation. Many thanks for your report Guy.

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Mendip ArtificerSwindonClive Smith

Class 73 73101 and 73109 pay a visit to Kingswear on the 19th June 1993.

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Mendip Artificer
Swindon
Clive Smith

ENGINEERING PLANT DIARY
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