Blog Archives

April 20th 2026

20/4/2026

Railtour fever!

Apologies to contributors who have, over the weekend, sent in material other than that which is shown below.

With such a great amount of railtour photos to sort through, any non-time-sensitive submissions have been placed to one side for now. We will include them on the website from tomorrow.

The Great Britain XVIII
Day 2 - 19.04.2026
Roger Winnen, Roger Salter, Keith Jenkin, Jonathan Harbage, Joe Birchall, Ron Westwater, Clive Smith, Paul Barlow, Jon Hird & Martin Scane

Please note, all images received relating to day 1 of this tour (18.04) have been added to yesterdays 'news' post - scroll down or click here.

Day 2 of the Great Britain XVIII saw 34028 lead the tour away from Penzance on its journey North to Chester.

Early doors at Penzance sees 34028 and its support coach in Platform 4 at Penzance. 19.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

34028 heads away to collect the coaching stock. 19.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

34028 and the railtour await departure from Penzance platform 1 as the crowds gather on the platform. 19.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Departure from Penzance at 0920. 19.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

47826 on the rear of the train passing Penzance signal box. 19.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Superb morning light as 34028 powers 'The Great Britain' through Marazion Marsh. 19.04.2026, copyright Roger Salter.

34028 powering past Trevingey level crossing, Redruth. 19.04.2026, copyright Keith Jenkin.

A big crowd of onlookers at Trevingey. 19.04.2026, copyright Keith Jenkin.

47826 on the rear at Trevingey. 19.04.2026, copyright Keith Jenkin.

34028 and 47826 near Buckshead, Truro on 19/04/26. On the way to Chester. Video - click to play. Copyright Jonathan Harbage.

From the same spot as Jonathans video above, Today I went out to see the Great Britain XVIII with 34028 and 47 826 on their way back up, making for an impressive sight and sound as they climbed the 1 in 78. I’m pretty sure this is the first steam excursion to Penzance in 4 years. 19.04.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

In glorious morning sunshine 34028 'Eddystone' crosses Largin Viaduct with the 1Z10 09.20 Penzance - Chester "The Great Britain XVIII" railtour with 47826 on the rear. 19.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

A drone shot of the tour crossing East Largin viaduct. 19.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Ron also joined the gallery at Largin - A shot of 1Z10 0920 Penzance to Chester over Largin Viaduct..what a marvellous sight it was. 19.04.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.

Sadly with no visible exhaust, 34028 drifts across St. Germans viaduct. 19.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

34028 'Eddystone' crosses Blatchford Viaduct near Ivybridge with the 1Z10 09.20 Penzance - Chester "The Great Britain XVIII" railtour with 47826 on the rear. 19.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

34028 Eddysone 0920 Penzance to Chester on Cornwood viaduct running about 5 minutes late. 19.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

A fine sight as 34028 rounds the curve at Teignmouth. 19.04.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks all - another comprehensive report on this tour.

'The Britannic Explorer'
19.04.2026
Jon Hird, Ron Westwater, Tony Shore & Clive Smith

Please note, all images received relating to Saturdays leg of this tour (18.04) have been added to yesterdays 'news' post - scroll down or click here.

It's early doors at Fowey as 66742 leads The Britannic Explorer away from its overnight stay at the docks. 19.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Further along the branch, the luxury train crosses the causeway at Golant during high tide. 19.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

We captured the Britannic Explorer on the Fowey estuary near St Winnow, again a pleasure to be at this spot early on a Sunday morning. 19.04.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.

Further up the branch, 66742 passes Coulson Park, Lostwithiel. 19.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Onward road transport waiting at Lostwithiel to take the passengers on to various excursions around the local area. The train would drop them off in the station, before reversing back onto the Fowey branch so that its stock could be serviced. 19.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

After the stock had been serviced by a man in a van at the road crossing just to my right, 66742 leads the tour back onto the mainline at around 1300hrs. It would pause at Lostwithiel station to collect the passengers who had disembarked earlier in the morning. 19.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66742 top and tail with 66748 at South Brent with the 1C06 10.50 Fowey Dock Carne Point - Bruton 'Britannic Explorer'. 19.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Tony and Clive - great to have The Britannic Explorer as a now regular visitor, a welcome bit of interest to the railway in the west at the weekends.

Details of the trains future visits can be found in the Railtour Calendar.

April 1976
Part 20
Roger Winnen

A Peak with clay hoods leaves Par. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1037 on the 12.40 Penzance to Paddington at Par. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1037 Departs Par for Paddington. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1005 Western Venturer arrive Par on the 09.30 Paddington to Penzance. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Swindon Cross Country Unit at Falmouth. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Clipper Sailing Vessel in Falmouth Dry Docks. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Falmouth Town Station. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Penmere Platform. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Collegewood Viaduct. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Sidings at Penryn Station. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1005 Western Venturer on the 16.10 Penzance to Paddington seen at Truro. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

25220 Enters Truro Yard with a freight. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

April 19th 2026

19/4/2026

The Great Britain XVIII
Day 1 - 18.04.2026
Bill Elston, Paul Barlow, David Tozer, Ron Westwater, Clive Smith, Howard Sprenger, Roger Winnen, Julian Stephens, Joe Birchall, Jon Hird, Claire Sheppard, Roger Salter, Jonathan Harbage, Oli Monk & Tim Hughes

The prestigious 'Great Britain' tour returned to Cornwall this year. The first leg of the UK-wide steam-hauled railtour made its way to Penzance on Saturday 18th behind Bulleid Pacific 34028 'Eddystone' with WCRC class 47 47826 on the rear.

The locomotive was taken to St. Blazey to be turned and serviced at the M Power Kernow facilities, ready to work back north on Sunday morning.

This is the first steam tour west of Par for a number of years.

The first leg of the Great Britain XVIII railtour, 1Z10, ran yesterday from Paddington to Exeter, led by WC class 34028 EDDYSTONE and tailed by 47826. Seen here passing Bathpool running a few minutes early. 18.04.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

34028 1326 Exeter to Penzance passing Gissons Exminster. 18.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

34028 ‘Eddystone’ top and tail with 47826 the 1326 1Z12 Exeter St David’s to Penzance The Great Britain XV111, seen passing Exminster. A glorious sight. 18.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.

Eddystone topping rattery bank (still doing a fair clip). 18.04.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.

A broadside view of the steam tour at Rattery. 18.04.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.

Crossing Saltash viaduct just as the clouds parted,what a great view this is (even though I say so myself). 18.04.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.

34028 'Eddystone' crosses St Germans Viaduct with the 1Z12 13:26 Exeter St Davids - Penzance leg of "The Great Britain XVIII" railtour with 47826 on the rear. 18.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

34028 leading the tour past Respryn. 18.04.2026, copyright Howard Sprenger.

The railtour passes through Par. 18.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

34028 approaches Holmbush Crossing, St. Austell. 18.04.2026, copyright Julian Stephens.

47826 on the rear at Holmbush. 18.04.2026, copyright Julian Stephens.

34028 approaching Truro. 18.04.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

34028 passing the engine house at Wheal Busy, Scorrier. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

A photo of the steam train taken from Barncoose Road overbridge. 18.04.2026, copyright Claire Sheppard.

34028 heading west at Marazion Marsh. 18.04.2026, copyright Roger Salter.

The tour beneath the station roof at Penzance. 18.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

47826, the support coach and 34028 passing through Truro en route to St. Blazey for turning. 18.04.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

47826 leads 34028 and its support coach past Truro en route to St. Blazey for turning. 18.04.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

The ensemble head to St. Blazey for turning. 18.04.2026, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

34028 arrives at St. Blazey for turning and servicing using the M Power Kernow facilities. 18.04.2026, copyright Oli Monk.

34028 pulls onto St. Blazey turntable. 18.04.2026, copyright Oli Monk.

Team M Power get stuck in and turn the heavy locomotive on the St. Blazey turntable. 18.04.2026, copyright Oli Monk.

34028 on the St. Blazey turntable with the roundhouse behind. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Whilst the steam loco was being turned, 47826 ran to St. Blazey signal box and went back again to run round the support coach in the up goods loop at Par. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The locomotive is reversed over the pit at St. Blazey so that servicing work can begin. 18.04.2026, copyright Tim Hughes.

Servicing 'Eddystone' at M Power Kernow, St. Blazey. 18.04.2026, copyright Oli Monk.

Servicing 'Eddystone'. 18.04.2026, copyright Oli Monk.

With servicing complete, 34028 is brought back onto the turntable so that a grab lorry can replenish her tender with coal. Duncan of M Power tells the driver where to stop. 18.04.2026, copyright Oli Monk.

34028 on the turntable at St. Blazey. 18.04.2026, copyright Tim Hughes.

The light fades at St. Blazey. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Darkness falls at St. Blazey as the lorry refills 34028's coal supplies. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

34028 at Par with its support coach and 47826, turned and ready to depart back to Penzance. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

34028 at Trevingey level crossing 19.04.26 copyright P & R K Jenkin

Many thanks everyone for the photographs, and well done to all involved in returning steam to the far west after many years absence.

'The Britannic Explorer'
Martin Scane, Jon Hird, Roger Salter & Joe Birchall

66742 and 66748 pass through Exeter St. Davids en route to Penzance with Belmonds 'Britannic Explorer'. 18.04.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

66742 and 66748 double head 'The Britannic Explorer' through Coombe St. Stephens. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66742 and 66748 pass Gwinear Road en route to Penzance. 18.04.2026, copyright Roger Salter.

66742 leading the Penzance - Fowey leg of 'The Britannic Explorer' past Truro. 18.04.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

'The Britannic Explorer' passing through Carlyon en route to Fowey. 18.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks both - this weeks 'Britannic Explorer' somewhat overshadowed by the steam tour.

Devon Duffs
Clive Smith

Two tone green liveried 47810 & 47805 at Torquay with the 5Z24 13.56 Goodrington - Crewe ECS off the previous day's Paignton - Windsor & Eton Riverside Statesman tour. 17.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive.

April 1976
Part 19
Roger Winnen

The Colcerrow Branch. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The skew Bridge at Ponts Mill - the narrow gauge railway/tramway ran below the Newquay Branch. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The narrow gauge branch at Ponts Mill. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 25 at St Blazey Bridge Crossing. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

March 18th 2026

18/4/2026

Another Bristol Exhibition Train
Richard Giles

Nearly 30 years on this was thought to be the last exhibition train in Temple Meads platform 2, Disney's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' cartoon film, this item follows on from Criag Munday's recent '200th Rail Inspiration train' image taken in the same station location back in March. I was going to pass these views on to him direct but thought they may be of interest to those viewing the website although the train never actually made it into Cornwall but did reach Plymouth, 8,000 visitors having been reported to have visited the 2-day Bristol stop. Craig was actually in a supervisory platform roll for the train on the photographing date!

Train details were; Loco 47710 'Quasimodo' with coaches 99662/3/5/6 and 6311 (with the main exhibition in platform 2) with staff support coaches 80211, 1698 with unconfirmed 3150 in the siding behind. 99664 was the cinema coach showing film excerpts but had been 'withdrawn' from use by this date as persons were taking too long to leave the carriage on completion of their allocated time slot remaining and wanting to stay on board! Making up the 10 coach formation, 92116 was also believed allocated for use with the train.

Recorded movements were; 1Z56 0330 Birmingham NS - Bristol TM (08/06), 1Z30 0548 to Plymouth passing Yatton at 0502 (10/06) and 5Z30 2030 Plymouth - Crewe Heritage Centre return (11/06) 47710 being removed in Bristol for South Wales Valley line duties as Quasimodo!

Finally it is interesting to compare the turnout for the then Waterman's Heritage 'hire' fleet 47710 compared with that on the up to date train using GBRf 66718 for the more recent March Bristol visit!

The view from the A4 Bath Road Bridge of the Disney Train. This location 'could' become the Portishead Branchline platform in the future. Copyright Richard Giles.

The Exhibition Train entrance from platform 3 to the coaches located in platform 2 in Temple Meads (motorail traffic had ended here in May 1995). Copyright Richard Giles.

Part of the then Waterman's Heritage 'hire' fleet former Scot-Rail 47710 now named Quasimodo (ex. Lady Godiva) main tour loco. Copyright Richard Giles

NYA coaches 99665 and 99663 part of Hunchback of Notre Dame Exhibition train Temple Meads platform 2. Copyright Richard Giles.

Advertising branding carried on NYA 99665 (ex. 6223) Temple Meads. Copyright Richard Giles.

Many thanks indeed Richard, what an unusual set of photographs! Thanks very much for sharing them with us.

WSR Variety
Paul Barlow

7812 Erlestoke Manor on the turntable at Minehead. 16.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Ex British Celophane (Bridgwater) shunter D2133 shunts at Minehead. 16.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Hymek D7017 at Minehead. 16.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Pannier tank 6412 and 7812 Erlestoke Manor at Minehead. 16.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Mogul 9351 on the turntable at Minehead. 16.04.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Great stuff Paul, many thanks.

Newport
Ken Mumford

1M64 [Cardiff Central - Nottingham via Derby] with unit 170638. 16.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

1V38 [Manchester Piccadilly - Fishguard Harbour] consisting of units 197112 and 197016. Divided at Swansea? 16.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

66653 - no details of working! 16.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

67008 - no details except the loco was noisy and ugly rear end. 16.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Caught eating my lunch on platform 1 - Tesco completely labelled train! 16.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken.

April 1976
Part 18
Roger Winnen

25170 Arrives at Par with a freight from the china clay branches. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

25170 has run round its short train at Par. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 45 on Freight at Par. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

What we initially believed to be D1036 Western Emperor, but now we know it to actually be D1037 Western Empress at Par. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Guy Vincent writes to say:

Greatly enjoying the 1976 shots this month. Sorry to be a pain but the photo at Par that was published on 18th (Part 18). The Western displaying headcode 1O00 and a rather nasty black rusty scar to its B end front is D1037 Western Empress and not D1036 as mentioned. D1037 was withdrawn just four weeks later on 24th May 1976 following a minor collision.

I have a particular memory of D1037. One afternoon my brother and I were walking towards Greenland Mill level crossing in Bradford on Avon when the alarms sounded and the barriers lowered. We peered over a fence and looking through the short tunnel we could see a grubby Western ready to depart the station with the lightweight (3/4 coaches) 2O60 1600 Bristol TM ~ Weymouth. As the train came out of the tunnel and passed over the crossing there was smoke like we had never seen, dense black with a yellow tinge. For several minutes we couldn’t see through the tunnel, it was just as if a steam train had been through. I guess lack of maintenance towards the end of their lives was the reason it was so bad.

Many thanks for the info Guy - caption updated!

The pagoda at Luxulyan Station. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A pair of Class 25s are seen passing through Luxulyan. 22.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

April 17th 2026

17/4/2026

Tomorrows railtours - times available

Times for both of tomorrows railtours to Penzance - 'The Britannic Explorer' and 'The Great Britain XVIII' are now available in our Railtour Calendar.

Gloucester Eastgate - August 1975
Neil Phillips

The recent excellent Gloucestershire articles by Ian Thomas and mention of Gloucester Eastgate station reminded me that I had heard that this station was due to close before the end of 1975 so, living near Swindon at the time, on 9th August I took a trip up the Golden Valley line to take some photos. It was my one and only visit to this station, although I may well have passed through it once or twice in the early 1970s. I hope the quality of these images is acceptable.

I tried to avoid DMUs and managed to score green 47267 on the outward trip, but wasn't so lucky on the return! I never recorded any train details, but did makes a note of headcodes - these fell out of use one month after Gloucester Eastgate closed.

47267 approaching Stroud on 1B44, about to pass 'Peak' 46023 on a south-bound parcels working. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Having disembarked at Gloucester Eastgate station a quick dash 'up front' to record 47267 departing. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Last-built Class 46 'Peak' 46056 approaching Eastgate with a freight (4V10). 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Another 'Peak', 'split-box' 45047, passes under Eastgate's elevated signal box with train 1E00. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

'Peaks' galore! 46038 pulls away from Eastgate station with 1M37. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

A second green Class 47 appears on the scene, 47262 passing between terraced houses and allotments taking 1M28 into Eastgate. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Moments later the first green '47' which brought me here, 47267, has returned, leaving Eastgate in the opposite direction with a mis-identified working, 1.11. 9th August 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks indeed Neil, a great set of photographs, thanks for sending them over.

A note from Ian Thomas about the above article:

I liked Neil Phillips' visit to Gloucester Eastgate on Saturday August 9th 1975, and through my summer 1975 WTT, have been able to identify all trains noted.

Neil travelled down from Swindon on 1B44. This is the 11.15 Paddington–Cheltenham, formed of vacuum-braked MK1s with 47-267 up front. He then saw 4V10 (Express Freight). This being the previous night’s 20.15 Glasgow–Exeter Riverside air-braked service, and running around nine hours late for some reason, 46-056 at the helm.

Next up, 1E00, 12.52 Weston-super-Mare–Leeds, with 45-047 at large, and the return working of 1V67, the 06.43 Leeds–Weston. 46-038 appeared next with what I think is 1E39 rather than 1E37 (I could not find a 1E37 in the WTT), the 09.35 Penzance to Wolverhampton.

His final cross-country train was 1M28, 12.25 Paignton–Birmingham New Street, with 47-262 on the front. As regards 47-267 appearing later in the day, I think that the headcode has not been set properly, and this train is the return working of the 11.15 ex-Paddington; that is the 16.19 Cheltenham–Paddington, and should read 1A54.

Nonetheless, a good summer Saturday afternoon at Eastgate, when summer Saturdays meant business, and I am glad he submitted it—brilliant.

Many thanks Ian, top detective work!

Rewe Railtour
David Tozer

At 0707, D1935 (47805) "Roger Hoskin MA 1925 - 2013" top & tailed with D1924 (47810) "Crewe Diesel Depot" pass Rewe with the 1Z21 05:46 Paignton to Windsor & Eton Riverside "The Statesman". 16.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.

47810 on the rear at Rewe. 16.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.

An early start for you Dave - many thanks.

Southern Steam at Swindon
Ken Mumford

34036 made interesting sounds as it thundered through Swindon [12 LATE] on the UML [Up Main Line] as 1Z71 [Bath Spa to Ipswich] with diesel taking over in the London area. 15.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Coaching stock passing through Swindon behind the Bulleid locomotive. 15.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

A very smart 47593 on the rear of the train. 15.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken, great to see.

April 1976
Part 17
Roger Winnen

47112 With a freight at Taunton. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

47112 at Taunton alongside Taunton Station West Box. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

31193 at Exeter St David's. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

April 16th 2026

16/4/2026

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 16
North & East Devon
Clive Smith

33108 has just arrived at Barnstaple with the 2B68 08.43 from Exeter St Davids on the 1st August 1987 and is running round the train. Push-pull 33/1s were not that regular visitors at Barnstaple and other locations that the more common 33/0 sub-class operated to. Up until May 1988 these locos were usually tied up working Waterloo - Salisbury, Bournemouth - Weymouth and Sunday Reading - Portsmouth. The run round facility extending on to the old Torrington and Meeth line was still in situ in the late 1980s. The nascent Tarka Trail cycle path established in 1987 can be seen on the right. The Barnstaple - Bideford cycle path was opened fully in 1991 with the section to Torrington and Meeth the following year. This section of track disappeared in the early 1990s and I gather a loop still exists at the other end of the station that locos have to propel trains in to in order to run round. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

In the late 1980s a bridge near Barnstaple was strengthened allowing type 4s to return to the north Devon town. A number of 50s and some 47s worked on DMU substitutions as well as 37s up to 1991. As far as I know 50008/015/018/019/023/031/032/036/042/046 got to Barnstaple and 50001 and 026 were rumoured. The run round loop at Barnstaple was taken out of action in July 1990 and the rails can be seen piled up. The locos would now have to propel their trains out to sidings to run round before reversing back into the station. Some of the sets were load 2 dubbed 'Annie' and 'Clarabel'. This seems to be those two plus two Network South East coaches cobbled together. I gather 50046 worked twice to Barnstaple this day 24th July 1990. I think this is the 12.57 Exeter - Barnstaple. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

45109 stops at Tiverton Junction with the 1C11 06.50 Swindon - Penzance on the 2nd September 1985. This station would close on the 12th May 1986 and be replaced by Tiverton Parkway the next day two miles east located by the M5 and near the former Sampford Peverell station. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

An amazing working as 45034 passes through Topsham on the Exmouth branch with a 10.00 Newton Abbot - Lympstone Commando ECS to form a troop special on the 14th August 1981 The squaddies' final destination was Sheffield. With no run round facility the train is top and tailed with another peak 45063 out of sight on the rear. I would have signed up with the marines just to have had this. The photo is by the late Ray Shinn of Exmouth who made reprints for Paul Barlow, one of which found its way to Nick's collection. Thank you Ray. I never met him but he was a regular fixture at the end of platform 5 at Exeter St Davids. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Ray Shinn).

Ian Thomas writes to say:

I like the picture at Topsham of the ECS to Lympstone Commando.. If I remember rightly, this train acted as a relief to the 1E37 10.50 Paignton-Leeds, so as to avoid it becoming overcrowded from Exeter. I think it ran to Sheffield and possibly to York at one point.

Thanks Ian.

Many thanks indeed Clive, another great selection from Nick. A Peak on the Exmouth branch - who'd have thought it!

Treviscoe - Fowey
Jon Hird & Tony Shore

Wednesday 15th saw 66734 working an unusual Treviscoe - Fowey trip (6G10). Trips from Treviscoe - Fowey have been extremely few and far between since the CDA fleet was withdrawn - it used to be a regular fixture on a Friday prior to that. To the best of my knowledge it happened once in 2024, but hasn't happened since - until this week.

66734 passes Carlyon golf course with 10 JIAs in tow, heading to Fowey from Treviscoe. 15.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Later in the day, 66734 has returned from Fowey and run round the empties and waits its path to Goonbarrow in Lostwithiel down goods loop. The blossom tree to the right almost a perfect colour match to the loco. 15.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Caught in a very jammy spot of sun - the hill in the background still in shade - 66734 descends from Treverrin tunnel towards Par. 15.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Having been held at Par for the Newquay unit to clear Goonbarrow, 66734 crosses Ponts Mill viaduct on its way back to Goonbarrow for the night. 15.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

One last shot as the 10-wagon train approaches Luxulyan. 15.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks for the additional photo Tony.

GBRf recently released a press release about their winning of the Cornish clay traffic. Click here to read.

Western Sunrise
Paul Barlow

A few photos of Past Time rail's tour with Western Champion 24 years ago.

This was D1015's second mainline tour.

D1015 with the 0839 Paddington to Paignton at Reading. 20.04.2002, copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 heads out to Goodrington from Paignton with the empty stock. 20.04.2002, copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 at Goodrington with the stock for the 1800 to Paddington. 20.04.2002, copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 at Paignton on the 1800 to Paddington. 20.04.2002, copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 with the 1800 Paignton to Paddington at Westbury. 20.04.2002, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul. Didn't D1015 look the part in that Golden Orche livery?

Torquay 47's
Clive Smith

47810 (D1924) passes through Torquay at 14.23 with the 5Z19 08.40 Crewe - Goodrington ECS with 47805 (D1935) out of sight on the rear. The stock will stable overnight in the carriage sidings and will then form the next day's 'Statesman' tour from Paignton to Windsor & Eton Riverside with the ECS returning to Crewe on Friday afternoon. 15.04.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive, a lovely scene.

Times and details for The Statesman are in our Railtour Calendar.

April 1976
Part 16
Roger Winnen

The approaches to Bristol Temple Meads. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Bristol Temple Meads from the Bath Road Bridge. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

50004 Departs Bristol Temple Meads. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Under the roof at Bristol. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Swindon Class 123 DMU at Bristol Temple Meads. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Peak departs westward from Bristol Temple Meads. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 50 arrives at Bristol Temple Meads. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1056 Western Sultan arrives at Bristol Temple Meads. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Bristol Temple Meads looking east. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Bristol Loco Shed Box. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

April 15th 2026

15/4/2026

The Midland in Gloucestershire
Part 6
Ian Thomas

Part 6 and my final look at Midland operating in the two major conurbations: Gloucester Eastgate and Cheltenham Lansdown. I have very little where Cheltenham is concerned, but plenty of activity around Eastgate. Also included are scenes at Over Junction, Churchdown, and the approaches to Eastgate, plus LMR locomotives at Gloucester Central. Some trains I cannot identify, even with consulting various WTTs.

Standish Junction was remodelled in 1964 to allow trains from London Paddington to Cheltenham St James, and vice versa, to use Eastgate rather than run the traditional western route into Central with the need to reverse and attach a fresh locomotive. This was all in vain in reality, as Eastgate closed nine years later on December 1st, 1975, and all traffic was diverted into Central.

As the 1960s progressed, the number of trains calling at Eastgate gradually decreased, and by the early 1970s most summer Saturday trains for the south-west took the avoiding line. Looking at my 1971 WTT, the Devonian and Cornishman ran non-stop between New Street and Temple Meads in either direction. Gloucester was indeed avoided, and I seem to remember that BR’s excuse was, “We have to compete with the M5”.

The Devonian and Cornishman lost their titles in 1975, and once again BR said the reason was that the ageing Mk 1 coaches were not suitable for a titled train. However, as enthusiasts, we will always remember 1E37, 1E21, 1V86, and 1V71/72 as the above-titled services.

The glory days of cross-country services, with Jubilees and Black 5s. Trains for the S & D, and not forgetting the Honeybourne line. Local services to Worcester and Bristol, calling at Haresfield, Coaley, Berkeley Road, etc. The GW Castles on the Londons, the auto trains to Chalford, the branch lines to Ledbury and across to Hereford, the trains from Cheltenham to Andoversford and Southampton via the MSWJR, and trains via Stow-on-the-Wold to Kingham. Plus a plethora of goods traffic, not to mention Barnwood and Horton Road sheds.

Nostalgia, I know, but we love it! So just sit back with your electronic devices and enjoy the pictures I have sourced. Next up in a while: the Western in Gloucestershire, including the ill-fated Severn Railway Bridge… so just hang on in there.

Please click any image below for an enlargement and caption - photographs from Ian Thomas's collection

Many thanks Ian, another comprehensive article and a wide array of photographs - super stuff.

Livery variety
Craig Munday

The return of the Rail 200 train was shrouded in heavy showers. The train caught some emerging brightness on the causeway where many gathered to see it. Specially painted 66719 leads the train on 12.04.2026. Copyright Craig Munday.

66734 returned for a second week on the clay, it passed Lavrean just after sunrise on Sat 11th. 11.04.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The next day 66734 was thoughtfully parked at Goonbarrow in the sun. 12.04.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Hired-in from RSS by Imerys, resident shunter 08752 also catches some rays at Goonbarrow. 12.04.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

A super selection Craig - many thanks as always.

Tuesdays Clay
plus a 'then and now'
Jon Hird & Julian Stephens

This time of year, due to the angle of sun, it's only really advisable to photograph the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey on a dull day. The weather conditions on 14.04 met the criteria and with 10 wagons having been left at Fowey the previous night, chances were that the train would be fairly short. The presumptions proved correct as 66734 came into view leading 6 JIA's, fitting into the gap between the gorse bushes quite nicely. 14.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Time allowed for a second shot of the train climbing away from Par, approaching Stoneybridge. 14.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

And, from the same spot, a photo from Julian Stephens from almost 40 years ago. It shows 50018 with 1E91 the 09:33 from Penzance to Birmingham New Street and probably on to Newcastle. 21.02.1987, copyright Julian Stephens.

Many thanks Julian, fascinating to see the changes. Something I really enjoy about railway photography is the way that the railway itself acts as a constant, and it's quite possible to recreate scenes from many years ago by using the railway as your marker point and standing in the footprints of photographers from previous generations.

Cardiff 150's
Michael Forward

These units soldier on and approach their 40th birthday. Here is 150260 arriving at Cardiff Central on 24 March 2026 with service 2R20, from Bridgend to Rhymney. Copyright Michael Forward.

The first station West of Cardiff on the main line is Pontyclun and here we see 150264 pulling away with the 14.13 to Maesteg. Copyright Michael Forward.

Many thanks Michael. The 150's have certainly been great servants for their owners.

April 1976
Part 15
Roger Winnen

Semaphores at Westbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Western Glory at Westbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Harkridge Junction Westbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Trowbridge Station. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Bradford Junction with the Signal Box just in view. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Brunel Station at Bristol. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

April 14th 2026

14/4/2026

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 101
Day Trip to Highbridge - 09.09.1964
Michael L. Roach

After looking at occurrences in 1906, 1926 and 2010 recently perhaps it is time to return to the year 1964. In Part 91 I wrote about the upcoming sixtieth anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset with some of the photographs attached to that article coming from a day trip to the line on Thursday 10 September 1964. I described how I travelled to Bath for a return trip from Green Park to Templecombe and back.

The previous day, Wednesday 9 September 1964, I travelled from Plymouth, via Okehampton, to Exeter and on to Highbridge. The last leg from Taunton to Highbridge (18 miles) was in a 3-car dmu towing one parcels van and the train stopped at three stations which would soon be closed: - Creech, Durston and Dunball. I was at Highbridge for just over an hour and visited the engine shed and also walked down to Highbridge Wharf. Although the town is more than a mile inland from the Bristol Channel the Wharf received ships bringing timber for more than a century finally closing to commercial traffic just two months after my visit (other sources say earlier). There were numerous railway sidings on the wharf. From 1801 to 1809 French prisoners-of-war were used to cut a new straight channel for the River Brue through the town of Highbridge. The old/original channel was where the railway constructed their wharf. That railway was originally the Somerset Central Railway which was broad gauge and backed by and worked by the Bristol and Exeter. The Somerset Central and the Dorset Central amalgamated on 1 September 1862 but only became jointly owned (Midland/LSWR) in 1875. I recommend looking at the First Edition of the OS 25-inch plans of Highbridge from the 1880s available on the NLS website; also, the book recommended at the end.

I left Highbridge on the 16.00 to Evercreech Junction hauled by Collet goods 3210 with just one coach and one parcels van. Since the train was due at the junction at 17.00 and my train back from Evercreech Junction departed at 17.00 I opted to bail out at the previous station, Pylle Halt, and await the return train there. It turned up behind Ivatt 2-6-2 tank 41296, again with one coach and one parcels van. The timetable gave most trains 55 – 60 minutes for the 22 miles from Highbridge to Evercreech Junction with a longer stay of 5 or 6 minutes at Glastonbury & Street Station where there always seemed to be a large pile of parcels and mailbags to be dealt with. On the return trip Collet goods 3218 was there at Glastonbury with a single parcels van; but where had it come from as I had not noted it earlier? All three steam engines seen on this line that day were based at Templecombe Shed.

A one-minute connection between the two stations at Highbridge looked tight but turned out to be easy as 41296 arrived 2E and the DMU departed 3L. It took me 12 miles south to Durston Station which was on borrowed time as the passenger service was withdrawn just one month after my visit. The Bristol & Exeter had chosen Durston as the location of the junction for their branch to Yeovil back in 1845 although the line and Durston Station did not open until 1853. The Yeovil Branch had closed three months before my visit to Durston. It is hard to know why Brunel had chosen Durston for the junction of the Yeovil Branch rather than Taunton itself as the railway could have followed the valley of the River Tone direct from Athelney to Taunton as the later 1906 cut-off did. In 1964 all passenger trains ran through to Taunton, but in 1853 all trains started and terminated at Durston. In 1902 it was roughly half and half.

If the line from Highbridge to Evercreech Junction still existed, the stations at West Pennard and Pylle would be the nearest railway stations to the site of the Glastonbury Music Festival Site; but in 1964 the forerunner of the Glastonbury Festival was still six years in the future. The nearest railhead is now at Castle Cary on the Paddington to Penzance railway line.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Middleton Press: Burnham to Evercreech Junction ISBN 0 906520 68 1

80064 arrives at Okehampton with 5C on the 08.48 Padstow to Exeter on 09.09.1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Collet goods 3210 is seen by the turntable at Highbridge on 9 September 1964. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Standard GWR 20-ton goods brake van no. W68557 was stored at Highbridge Wharf, and slated for withdrawal. Believed to have been built in 1925. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Highbridge Station looking north to Bristol. The former S&DJR Burnham and Evercreech Branch crossed the Western Region main line on the level between the far end of the signal box and the abutment of the road bridge. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

With ten minutes to go 3210 waits to take out the 16.00 train to Evercreech Junction. This was the fourth of five eastbound trains a day. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Ivatt 2-6-2 tank 41296 brings the 17.00 Evercreech Junction to Highbridge into Pylle just four minutes after leaving Evercreech Junction. This was the fourth of six trains a day in this direction. The road bridge carried the A37 / Fosse Way over the railway and has been demolished since the line closed. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Durston Station looking north to Bristol. The line was opened by the Bristol & Exeter Railway in 1844 and the station in 1853 when it became the junction station for the B&ER's newly opened Yeovil Branch. The branch curved off to the right just beyond the signal box. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks for another interesting article Mike, along with some fascinating photographs.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Sunny Golant
Jon Hird

With the tide on its way in and the sun shining down on the village of Golant, 66734 leads the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey clay over the causeway, running a couple of hours late. 13.04.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Swindon 'Sheds'
Colin Pidgeon

66730 on 6G71 Yate to Hinksey Yard. 12.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66731 t&t 66791 on 3J98 Swindon Transfer to Swindon Transfer. 12.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66791 on the rear of 3J98 Swindon Transfer to Swindon Transfer. 12.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66162 on 6W01 Yate to Hinksey Yard. 12.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks Colin, and thanks to Ken for sending these over.

April 1976
Part 14
Roger Winnen

The Southern Line from Westbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Southern train on route to Salisbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

50019 on the 12.30 from Paddington approaching Westbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A DMU Gloucester RC&W class 119 is seen departing Westbury for Bristol on the up Trowbridge line. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Westbury North Signal Box. D1071 Western Renown on the 11.55 Paignton to Paddington due 14.10. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Western departs Westbury. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The exterior of Westbury Station. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1056 Western Sultan works a special for schools. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1056 Western Sultan running around at Westbury before heading with the train to Bristol. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Purple at Lostwithiel
Sam Sheldrick

66734 waits to depart for Fowey with the Goonbarrow - Fowey JIA's beneath a blossom tree in Lostwithiel up goods loop. 13.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.

April 13th 2026

13/4/2026

The Rail200 'Inspiration' Train heads home
Tony Shore, Mark Lynam, Sam Sheldrick, David Tozer & Colin Pidgeon

On Sunday 12th April the Rail200 exhibition train 'Inspiration' left Newquay, where it had spent the week, for Long Marston.

66719 leading the Rail200 train towards Bugle. 12.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

66310 on the rear of the train at Bugle. 12.04.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

66719 + 66310 at Middleway working 3Z42 0739 Newquay to Long Marston Gbrf running 11 early. 12.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66310 on the rear. 12.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A broadside view of a very clean and tidy 66719 passing Lostwithiel. 12.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.

66310 on the rear of the train at Lostwithiel. 12.04.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.

And now to Rewe where we see Class 66’s 66719 ‘Michael Portillo’ and 66310 ‘Boness & Kinnell Railway top and tail the 0739 3Z42 Newquay to Long Marston GBRF’. Coaches were:- 96371 11092 11093 11101 10406. 12.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.

66310 on the rear at Rewe. 12.04.2026, copyright David Tozer.

66719 t&t 66310 on 3Z42 Newquay to Long Marston passing Swindon. 12.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66310 on the rear at Sunny Swindon. 12.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks all - farewell to 'Inspiration'.

Coal Pusher in action
Ken Mumford

71000's coal-pusher in action as this MIGHT be an unusual operation in today's preserved locomotives. Indeed are there any other operational steam locos that have a working coal-pusher? 10.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken. In regards to your question I have no idea - perhaps somebody may know the answer?

April 1976
Part 13
Roger Winnen

Thumper passing Dinton Marsh Halt. This was the 2068 11.08 Bristol Temple Meads to Portsmouth Harbour due Westbury 11.5512.09 and Dilton Marsh 12.13.

Dilton Marsh Platform, Westbury.

Class 33 with tanks coming out from Westbury, photo taken from the adoiding lines.

Class 33 with spoil departs Westbury.

D1021 Western Cavalier on the down Cornish Riviera at Westbury. Paddington to Penzance.

The 08.45 Penzance to Paddington at Westbury.

Metro Cammel DMU at Westbury.

A light Class 47 at Westbury.

A Class 47 with a stone train approaches Westbury on a Whatley Quarry to Woking service.

April 12th 2026

12/4/2026

April 1976
Part 12
Roger Winnen

Class 47 City of Truro at Plymouth Station. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1048 Western Lady at Plymouth on the 08.45 Plymouth to Paddington. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Dainton Tunnel Signal Box. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 33 arrives with bitumen tanks at Exeter St David's. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 10.08 Exeter St David's to Waterloo departs behind a Class 33. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

45045 Coldstream Guardsman at Exeter St David's. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Exeter Middle Signal Box. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 31 at Platform 6 Exeter St David's Station. 21.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Re: 66734
Ian Thomas

With all this interest in 66-734, I thought I would send this picture of said locomotive on 6V35, the 08.45 Clitheroe to Avonmouth cement tank train, passing Cam & Dursley on 17-06-24. Copyright Ian Thomas.

Many thanks Ian... 66734 is back in Cornwall again this week for round 2. More purple pics inbound I should imagine!

April 11th 2026

11/4/2026

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 100
One Hundred Years Ago
Michael L. Roach

This series has reached Part 100 and will continue for the moment until I switch to a different year. To celebrate a century I propose to look back one hundred years to see what was happening on the railways of Britain in 1926. It was not a particularly interesting year but there were some landmarks; some of which will come from the pages of the Great Western Railway Magazine – all 442 pages of it that year.

The future Queen Elizabeth the Second was born on 21 April 1926. She was the first child of Prince Albert and his wife Elizabeth. He was the second son of King George V and did not expect to become King but when his brother abdicated Prince Albert and his daughter Princess Elizabeth became heirs to the throne. 1926 was the year of the first (and so far only) General Strike. The strike lasted 9 days and badly affected the railways. In North Wales the Menai road bridge celebrated its centenary.

First, I will look at the three other railways in the “Big Four.” On the Southern Railway electrification was proceeding apace on the third-rail principle, with three routes to Orpington electrified on the same date in 1926. Upon its formation the SR had inherited 24 route miles of railway electrified on the AC overhead line system. In 1926 this was converted to the 660v DC third rail system to match the rest of the SR electrified system. I would imagine that this was a major logistical and expensive exercise. Perhaps an electrical engineer could explain the pros, cons and just what would have been involved in this task.

On the London North Eastern Railway Nigel (later Sir Nigel) Gresley was appointed Chief Mechanical Engineer on formation of the railway on 1 January 1923. He designed several new loco classes for the LNER but his world-famous streamlined A4-class did not appear until 1935. One of the first of his new designs was to be the J38 of January 1926 and the J39 of July 1926. Both were 0-6-0 tender engines. The J38s had a tractive effort of 28,415 lbs and were rated 6F by British Railways. 35 J38s were built and 289 J39s; and yet out of a total of 324 engines not a single one of either class was preserved despite the last two examples not being withdrawn until April 1967, just 15 months before the end of steam on BR.

In 1926 the London Midland and Scottish Railway was suffering a shortage of engines and borrowed a GWR Castle for five weeks. The engine sent to Crewe in September 1926 was no. 5000 Launceston Castle which had just been built at Swindon. The engine worked both south to Euston and north to Carlisle. It excelled, and one of the highlights was taking 415 tons northbound over Shap Summit at a minimum of 20mph. The LMS were so impressed by the Castle's performance that they asked the GWR to build 50 Castles for them. When this request was refused the LMS asked to buy a set of Castle-class drawings, but this request was also refused by the Directors of the GWR. The LMS were not beaten yet. Five years later the Company recruited William (later Sir William) A. Stanier to be their Chief Mechanical Engineer. Stanier had been born in Swindon; had worked for the GWR for 40 years; and for the last eight years had been Principal Assistant to the CME of the GWR. Stanier knew the details of exactly why the GWR express engines were so successful. He started work with the LMS on 1 January 1932 and in the next few years solved the LMS's loco problems with a dozen successful designs. The previous year Pendennis Castle had astonished onlookers by taking 16 coaches out of Kings Cross on another exchange visit with ease despite it being only a very short distance before the engine faced the 1½ miles of 1 in 107 gradient through Gasworks and Copenhagen Tunnels. Here it is worth recording that during WW2 Gresley's V2-Class 2-6-2s were regularly rostered to take 20 coaches out of Kings Cross. Now some classes of steam engine were good performers but heavy on coal consumption, whereas the Castle class were not only good performers but were frugal on coal consumption as well.

The Babbacombe Cliff Railway opened on 1 April 1926 and recently celebrated its hundredth anniversary. The idea of a funicular railway at Babbacombe dated back to 1890, and it is easy to see why because the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway opened on 7 April 1890.

So to the GWR Magazine for 1926. The March Magazine reported the completion of a new/rebuilt station at Aberystwyth. That was quite remarkable as the station only became GWR property in 1922. A contract was signed with A.N.Coles & Son of Plymouth for the construction of a new station building at Newton Abbot.

On page 194 in the May 1926 issue the magazine was proud to record that the week ended 14 April was a record for the dispatch of Cornish Broccoli. On Tuesday 13 April seven special trains were run from Marazion conveying a total of 348 wagons of broccoli. On the next page (195) it was recorded that new Ministry of Transport Regulations now require the railways to fit distant signals with yellow lights and to paint the signal arms mostly yellow.

On 2 August 1926 a new railway tunnel was opened at Colwall through the Malvern Hills replacing a restricted cross section, single track bore which had suffered collapses. The new tunnel is 1590 yards (nine tenths of a mile) long and is located between Colwall (Herefordshire) and Malvern Wells (Worcestershire).

On page 260 (July 1926) there was a photo of punnets of strawberries on platform trollies – at least 8 trollies and hundreds of punnets. The photo was taken at Saltash Station, and the strawberries would have come from further up the Tamar Valley which was then a well-known flower and soft fruit growing area. This was another traffic that was both seasonal and labour-intensive, like broccoli.

In 1926 the August Bank Holiday was the first Monday in August each year; later changed to the last Monday for England and Wales, but not Scotland. Reported in the September Magazine was the heavy passenger traffic dealt with at Paddington Station on Saturday 31 July 1926 when many long-distance expresses were run in two and three parts. That day the Cornish Riviera Express was run in five parts and the Torbay Limited in three parts, carrying a total of 5,000 passengers.

The GWR's winter time-table commenced on Monday 20 September 1926 and with it came a new design of cover in the Company's well-known standard of chocolate and cream. The design remained similar until nationalisation and a similar style was later adopted by British Railways from 1948 to until 1963.

The frontispiece to the October 1926 showed a photo and line diagram of a “new and noteworthy addition to the Great Western Railway locomotives of the Castle class which were first introduced in 1923. The Launceston Castle, which is numbered 5000, is coupled to a tender of an entirely new design.” This was entirely appropriate to make the most of the new 5000-series Castles as the engine was later chosen to take part in the loco exchanges with the LMS the same month as noted above. I have scanned the whole page because of interesting changes to some West Country expresses.

A 4500 light prairie leaves Torquay for Kingswear in 1926. The wagons on the centre road appear to be loaded with coal perhaps destined for Paignton gas works or Newton Abbot power station.

The new single bore Colwall Tunnel nearing completion in 1926. The line is now single all the way from Malvern Wells to Shelwick Junction, Hereford.

Five light engines make their way from Old Oak Common Shed to Paddington to work the down CRE on 31.07.1926. They appear to be mainly Star-class, but there is at least one Saint-class engine.

The scene at Paddington Station on 31 July 1926, just before the departure of the first part of the down Cornish Riviera Express.

The report describing the August Bank Holiday traffic that year.

Photo and details of Launceston Castle released to traffic in September 1926. The engine was withdrawn from service in October 1964 at Oxley Shed. It had only been based there for four months having been at Gloucester and Hereford Sheds previously.

The CME's report on Launceston Castle and the Traffic Department's report on the Winter train service.

Many thanks as always Mike, and congratulations on reaching another part 100!

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

71000 'DUKE OF GLOUCESTER'
Ian Thomas

Whilst laying in bed, enjoying my cuppa and bics this morning, Friday April 10th, I looked at Realtime Trains and saw that there was a steam locomotive movement passing through Gloucestershire later on. No sooner had I seen this than my cousin, Rich Kelsey, messaged me about it, and so we arranged to go to Kemble to view this move.

The train consisted of a BR Class 8 4-6-2 No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester and a blood & custard Mk 1 support coach, running as 5Z31, 09:17 Southall (Locomotive Services) to Kidderminster (SVR), and was booked to stop at Kemble for around 25 minutes to take on water from a nearby road tanker, thus allowing plenty of time for pictures.

71000 was built in 1954 as a replacement for LMS 4-6-2 Princess Royal Class No. 46202 Princess Anne, which was tragically destroyed in the Harrow train crash on Wednesday, October 8th, 1952.

The earlier cloud thinned and the sun appeared at the right time, allowing for some reasonable photographs. I thought I would include a picture of LNER A4 4-6-2 60009 Union of South Africa I took at Kemble in October 1994, and another shot of 71000, this time in the high Pennines at Garsdale on the Settle & Carlisle.

Enjoy.

BR Class 8 4-6-2.No 71000 Duke Of Gloucester arrives at Kemble. 10.04.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.

71000 Duke Of Gloucester at Kemble. 10.04.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.

71000 Duke Of Gloucester poses in the sunshine at Kemble. 10.04.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.

71000 Duke Of Gloucester takes water at Kemble. 10.04.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.

71000 Duke Of Gloucester takes water at Garsdale. 16.12.1995, copyright Ian Thomas.

LNER A4 4-6-2.60009 UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA at Kemble. 27.10.1994, copyright Ian Thomas.

Many thanks Ian, great to see the Duke out and about, by all reports it sounds like it's quite an impressive machine.

It's actually due to visit Cornwall in September - see the Railtour Calendar for details.

Penzance Peak
Paul Barlow

45131 Penzance on the 1020 from Plymouth. 05.03.1981, copyright Paul Barlow.

A great photo Paul, many thanks.

Powderham Clay
David J Ive

Lots of excellent pictures of 66734 on the page this week. I thought you might like one of it a little further afield (see attached). 66734 Platinum Jubilee on 6C53 1519 ECC Par Harbour to Exeter Riverside NY on Wednesday. 08.04.2026, copyright David J Ive.

Many thanks indeed David, a fine photograph.

David has plenty of other great photos on his website - http://djipix.com

60028 on Aggregates
Guy Vincent

Two views from yesterday of Cappagh liveried and un-named 60028. Firstly, passing Hawkeridge Junction nr Westbury with the 6V17 1034 Willesden - Merehead consisting of 23 empty 77- ton JNA box wagons. The train ran from Reading via Swindon and Melksham rather than via Newbury and will shortly rejoin its usual route at Fairwood Junction just under 2 miles beyond Westbury. 10.04.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Just over 3 hours later and with a heavy load of Mendip stone now in tow the 6M18 return working is seen heading slowly east along the Frome avoiding line. Speed was reduced as the 2V72 1528 Weymouth - Gloucester was just a signal section ahead after Clink Road Jcn. 10.04.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, always nice to see a 60 at work.

Trewoon 175's
Mark Lynam

175009 climbs the grade towards Burngullow with Gover Viaduct in the distance working 2C11 1014 Plymouth to Penzance. 09.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Just before midday GWR 175114 + 175011 are seen in brighter patch (Note the shadow to the right of the cab) on the return leg of the 5Z13 0757 Plymouth to Plymouth via Penzance. 09.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark, doesn't that livery look much brighter than GWR Green!

More of 71000
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

71000 approaching Swindon. 10.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

71000 at Kemble. 10.04.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken and Colin

April 1976
Part 11
Roger Winnen

Train en route from Gunnislake. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Calstock Viaduct from the Devon side. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Calstock. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Calstock Viaduct from the Devon side. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Gunnislake Branch into Bere Ferrers. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Bere Alston Station. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

50010 later named Monarch on 16th March 1978 seen at Plymouth. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1010 Western Campaigner on the 15.08 Plymouth Penzance. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

47536 at Plymouth. 20.04.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Duke at Worcester
Steve Widdowson

71000 Duke of Gloucester calls at Worcester with 5Z31 the 0917 Southall Loco Services Ltd - Kidderminster SVR. 10.04.2026, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks Steve, an interesting photo from the very fringe of our area of coverage.

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Purple at LostwithielSam Sheldrick

The Rail200 'Inspiration' Train heads homeTony Shore, Mark Lynam, Sam Sheldrick, David Tozer & Colin Pidgeon

Coal Pusher in actionKen Mumford

April 1976Part 13Roger Winnen

April 1976Part 12Roger Winnen

Re: 66734Ian Thomas

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 100One Hundred Years AgoMichael L. Roach

71000 'DUKE OF GLOUCESTER'Ian Thomas

Penzance PeakPaul Barlow

Powderham ClayDavid J Ive

60028 on AggregatesGuy Vincent

Trewoon 175'sMark Lynam

More of 71000Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

April 1976Part 11Roger Winnen

The Duke at WorcesterSteve Widdowson

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