Blog Archives

31st May 2022

31/5/2022

The secret is out on the hinge pins at
Okehampton
David Hunt

Hinge Pins at Okehampton.

Reply from the Resident Property Administrator Okehampton

The gate pins date back to the early days of Dartmoor Railway and an enthusiastic 'Risk Assessor' who decreed that gates be positioned between the canopy stanchions when quarry trains were operating. Apparently they thought diners at the buffet would throw themselves 'lemming like' in front of the quarry train.

So there was a 'great faff' in erecting and then removing the gates each week as the Sunday Rover train was allowed to operate 'ungated'. All quite bonkers of course and the railway quietly forgot about it after a change of management. Quarry trains then operated normally ungated and surprisingly no lemmings appeared!

Quite what will happen in the future if and when freight comes from the quarry will be interesting. But we now have a yellow line and regular announcements to stand behind it so it will probably be OK. Just have to hope the lemmings aren't colour blind or deaf?

Many many thanks David for your research and reply from the property administrator concerning the hinges at Okehampton. True reports like this make for very interesting reading - it's history and well worth recording.

Pacer to Plymouth
Ben Warren

Hi Keith
You've possibly heard rumours about the Plym Valley Railway acquiring another pacer. Well, I can now confirm one has arrived today. GWR 143 618 left Bristol St Phillips Marsh depot today and arrive at the PVR just after midday. A quick dash down after work just in time to watch the last car being unloaded.
The 143 is fully operational and will be able to rescue the 142 if it was ever to fail as well as being able to run a four-car train. We are very grateful to GWR for considering us to the 143618.
I've attached a couple of pictures for the CRS website.
Regards, Ben Warren.

143618 meets the Allerys truck that brought them down from Bristol.

143618 awaiting to be joined up at the Plym Valley Railway shortly after touching down on PVR metals. 30th May 2022 Copyright Ben Warren

Many thanks for your on the spot, as it was happening report Ben.

Pauls Day Out
Paul Barlow

A few shots of a day out on Saturday just gone, fantastic weather!
All the best, Paul.

From the young man running on the platform it is an action shot. 43194, 43041 leave Penzance on the late running 1250 to Cardiff 28 May 2022 Copyright Paul Barlow

43194 43041 head out of Penzance on the late running 1250 to Cardiff 28 May 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

43171 and 43005 on rear 2U14 1043 Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central at Exeter. 28th May 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - yes Saturday was a smashing day.

Cowley, Exminster & Aller
Keith Turley, David Tozer & Clive Smith

Hi Keith and Roger. A rare visitor to Devon on a very dull very wet 30th May 2022, GBRF class 56 No,56081 with barrier coach No.6393 passes Cowley Bridge Junc. working the 5V56 10:04 Leicester LIP to Plymouth Laira T&RSMD. Regards Keith Turley.

Cowley Bridge Jct. 56081 with barrier coach 6393 5V56 10.04 Leicester LIP to Laira. 30th May 2022 Copyright Keith Turley

A rare visitor today:- 5V56 1004 Leicester L.I.P. to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. Said to be collecting redundant Class 43 power cars. A few minutes earlier we had a torrential down pour and when the 56 appeared the light was improving a little. Copyright Dave Tozer

56081 on route to collect scrap HST power cars. 30th May 2022. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks to Keith, David, and Clive for 'turning out' on a miserable day.

4566 Photo
Roy Hart

Dear Keith,
I am inclined to agree with Roger Geach. It's not Laira. I go for Launceston, looking north.
Roy Hart.

4566 in an unknown location. David Cook Collection

Thanks Roy, I too agree that it is probably Launceston.

30th May 2022

30/5/2022

Phil sees the Moon
Phil at Filton
Phil Smith

45128 Waiting at lights on Filton Bank on Postal Train in 1987 Copyright Phil Smith.

An unusual picture - many thanks Phil.

Craig sees red at -
Golant - St Blazey
Craig Munday

Who ever devised the bright red DB Cargo livery really did the locomotives justice, particularly in good light. Rattling towards the longest day (where has 2022 gone?), 66165 departed Carne Point in good time as is seen passing Golant. My night shift had just started when the empties arrived back at St Blazey, the evening sun still high enough to elude the shadows across the yard tracks.

The fabulous SB7 signal on the left of the class 66 will sadly be decommissioned when the Cornwall resignalling goes ahead, making the most of these precious views for now. happily semaphores will still operate on the Newquay branch for some years to come.

Best wishes, Craig Munday

A magnificent sight with a full tide as 66165 crosses the embankment at Golant 27th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday.

Withsignal SB7 on its left 66165 with the 6P25 enters St Blazey on the 27th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

66165 6P25 St Blazey. 27th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

More smashing semaphores with 66165 6P25 at St Blazey. 27th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig

Don't Fence me in!
Roger Winnen

220528m Don't fence be in. 57604 With the overnight sleeper arrives into Platform 4 at Penzance on Saturday 28th May 2022. Copyright Roger Winnen

St Germans Bank
Roger Geach

47602 powers the 09.23 Newcastle to Penzance on St Germans bank. Thursday 12th September 1985. Copyright Roger Geach,

Many thanks Roger.

Camborne
Steve Widdowson

43170 ~ 43155 Camborne { 15.15 Penzance ~ Plymouth } 26th May 2022 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Steve comments - I am sure you have heard the tale told by Jethro, The train does not stop at Camborne on Wednesdays.
So when I was passing I just had to get off, after all It was Thursday ! When I asked the guard he said with a smile you will be ok today its Thursday today !
Thanks Steve.

Picture Comment
Roger Geach

David Cook sent in the picture below asking if anybody could suggest the mystery location - Roger Geach replies.

Hi Keith
Interesting picture of 4566 but it looks rather rural in the background to me to be LA.
Not much to go on but it looks a bit like the goods yard at Liskeard but I'm not really certain.
Launceston may be another location.
If its Plymouth La I'd expect to see more houses in rear.
Roger Geach

4566 in an unknown location. David Cook Collection.

Thanks for your reply Roger

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29th May 2022

29/5/2022

Duchess in Devon
Many thanks to all contributors

Bill Elston catches 6233 at Cogload just as it tops the climb to the bridge. 28th May 2022 Copyright Bill Elston

The Duchess leaves its support coach in the through line at Plymouth Copyright Roger Winnen

Returning Duchess in Devon at Cullompton 28th May 2022. Copyright Keith Turley

To see all of our collection from our faithful and very much appreciated contributors please look in our Steam and Diesel Railtours 22 onwards section.

Lostwithiel Celebrates
Stephen Widdowson

Jubilee Flags at Lostwithiel 26th May 2022 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

Dawlish
Old Coastguards Boathouse
Stephen Widdowson

Old Coastguards Boathouse Building @ Dawlish 28th May 2022 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Many thanks Steve.

Gissons
Paul Barlow

67020 07.25 Paddington to Par Eden-ex special at Gissons Exminster 6th September 2003 Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul.

Plymouth
Clive Nye

33 016 Plymouth with Portsmouth Plymouth EXC on 1st December 1979. Copyright Clive Nye

Many Thanks Clive.

Getting up steam - in Snowdonia
Songs of Praise
Ken Mumford

Ken Mumford wishes to remind you all the todays Songs of praise at 13.15 on BBC1comes from Snowdonia. It will contain steam shots.

28th May 2022

28/5/2022

D1033 Western Trooper at Marazion
Roger Winnen

750329h D1033 Western Trooper passes Marazion on the 14.00 Penzance to Birmingham.29th March 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Gissons
Exminster
Paul Barlow

67010 13.00 Exeter to Plymouth VSOE special seen Gissons, Exminster. 6th September 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Plymouth '78
Clive Nye

33 015 at Plymouth with ECS to Laira ex Clapham Junction on 4th March 1978. Copyright Clive Nye.

Many thanks Clive

27th May 2022

27/5/2022

Eastleigh
Dennis Clarke

Here are three shots I took at Eastleigh today. (26th May 2022) 66712 hauling 73201 from Eastleigh East Yard to the Works, apparently for wheelset replacement. Also, 66508 stabled next to the station with 47749 in the background. Regards, Dennis Clarke

73201 26th May 2022 Copyright Dennis Clake

66508 stabled - in the background is 47 749 26th May 2022, Copyright Dennis Clarke

Eastleigh - 73201 in the consist for a wheelset change. 26th May 2022, Copyright Dennis Clake,

Many thanks Dennis

A day on the
South Devon 2003
Paul Barlow

1420 and 1369 at Hood bridge River Dart on 12.00 Buckfastleigh to Totnes 20th September 2003 Copyright Paul Barlow

Beattie Well tank 30587 River Dart near Hood bridge on the 11.36 Staverton to Buckfastleigh. 23rd September 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow.

PB318C Pannier tank 5786 on 1200 Totnes to Buckfastleigh next to the River Dart near Hood bridge 20 September 2003

Many thanks Paul - lovely reflections.

Plymouth
Clive Nye

33 015 passes the former Eye Hospital running Light Loco at Plymouth 4th March 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks Clive.

Mayflower at
Swindon and Marston
Ken Mumford

Yesterday, 61306 Mayflower took a railtour via Swindon and on to Bath - the pictures below kindly sent by Ken Mumford depict the tour en route - out and back.

61306 approaches Swindon. 26th May 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

61306 at Swindon on the outward run. 26th May 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

61306 at Marston Footbridge on the return run. 26th May 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

61306 heading away from Marston Footbridge on the return run. 26th May 2022. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - glad you were there.

26th May 2022

26/5/2022

More Rewe
David Tozer

I was at Rewe on Sunday, again very early. Clearly 70809 was now on the rear of the engineers with 70808 on the front. The earlier one with 70803 appeared to only have six wagons loaded out of thirty!. I assume that Driver Peters had swapped ends at Riverside. I assume he was driving from Exeter.

It was a right pain to get out for these as we had the Exeter Half Marathon. I took the road through Stoke Woods only to find it was blocked at the junction with the A396. The security chap let me turn right to head for Stoke Canon. Farther along the road I came across another set of cones across the road. I stopped and moved them to drive through. I then replaced them. I came home a slightly different route.
Cheers, Dave Tozer

70803 22nd May 2022. Copyright David Tozer

70808 22nd May 2022. Copyright David Tozer

70809 22nd May 2022. Copyright David Tozer

Many thanks David - Rewe is about four miles east of Exeter - the things you chaps do to get us the pictures - you deserve a medal !

Plymouth '78
Clive Nye

Rather an unusual photograph - a wide panorama of the east end of the platforms at Plymouth take through the fence.

33 009+33 021 at Plymouth with the ECS ex Clapham Junction to Plymouth Excursion 25th November 1978 Copyright Clive Nye.

Many thanks Clive.

Royal Albert Bridge Lithograph
Amanda Cattran

Good afternoon.
I am looking to sell this lithograph. It has been in the family for years.
I want to get the best price for my grandchildren to be able to have a treat....and also want it to be appreciated by the buyer. As it is history of Cornwall. My motherland.
Any advice you can give me would be appreciated.
Have searched for it online and only found a print of it from The Truro Museum online site.
Kind regards Amanda Cattran

Copy of Amanda Cattran's property

Here is my number should anyone want to contact. 07753605426. Text would be great first..as I get a lot of unknown numbers and I tend not to answer.

The CRS Website News Column is not a sales site but the picture being railway is of interest to us. If you are interested or can help please contact Amanda direct. [email protected]

25th May 2022

25/5/2022

Part 2
Accident at Ponsandane with The Runner
Ted Hand

The accident at Ponsandane was by the Shunters Cabin which was demolished only a couple of months ago in preparation for the redevelopment of Ponsandane Yard for 9 Cat IETs. D4013 Was a St Blazey Shunter which was most probably transferred to Penzance during the period of the resident shunter being sent to works Copyright Ted Hand collection

The end for the smashed up runner at Ponsandane. Copyright Ted Hand Collection

In the good old railway days, shunters had a wagon to ride on. These wagons were known as runners in some parts of the railway, chariots, or gigs in other parts of the railway. In my shunting days in the 1960s/70s, there were two runners, one at Penzance Station, the other at Ponsandane Yard. There may have been one at Marazion, but I don't remember that one. Both were built by the GWR at Swindon Works in 1915. As shunters we loved those runners. We were told that if they ever required any major repairs, they would be scrapped. Therefore, we got people like wagon repairers, track welders etc. to do any repairs on a fiddle, unknown to management to prevent them going to the breakers. Sadly, both runners met the same kind of fate and went to the great railway in the sky. Unfortunately, I was involved in both accidents. The first I was directly involved in was on 13th July 1966, at Penzance Station. This involved a collision with the Royal Mail (Postal) The only time in my railway career I was ever charged with an offence under disciplinary action. Fortunately, I was found not guilty of any offence, and nothing went on my service record. It is too long a story to tell on here as the accident would even have implications in the London area in the early hours of the following morning which could have resulted in a high-speed derailment of the postal. As a result of which there was a Ministry of Transport major inquiry. The second accident was in 1968 at Ponsandane Yard involving the Ponsandane runner. I was only indirectly involved in the second accident when the poor runners demise happened. The accident again involved the Postal. Les Richards was the yard foreman that day and I was head shunter at Ponsandane Yard. The enginemen, the late John Williams, who was under shunter, and I went down to the cabin for tea at 1630, before the busy evening ahead. The circuit phone rang, and Les answered, it was the Ponsandane signalman asking if he could let the Penzance shunter into the yard to propel the postal into Penzance Station The Penzance pilot entered the yard and went up through Number 4 road to be attach to the front of the postal in Number 3 road. We heard the circuit phone ring by the Penzance shunter to Ponsandane signalman, asking for the road to Penzance Station. Les remarked that was quick Walter must be in a hurry and ran the length of the postal to ask for the road. We later learned Walter coupled the pilot to the postal, saw the two ‘dummies’ come off to go out of the yard to the down main line. Walter hand signalled the driver to go ahead and climbed onto walked down through the train. I was making the tea and looked up and to my horror saw the postal coming down towards the cabin instead of heading in the direction of the main line. As the driver had the signal for the main line the train was proceeding at full speed, what Walter had failed to notice, the hand points in the yard were set towards the cabin and not to take the train towards the main line. Had the door of the cabin been open I would have got to a set of hand points and diverted the speeding train into Kings Bank siding which was empty. Unfortunately, the wheels of the leading vehicle were on the toe of the point which prevented me from changing the direction of the points. I had to dive for cover from the impending smash (in shunters terminology- a pitch in) in case the vehicles turned over. There was an almighty crash, and the poor old runner was no more, as can be seen in the pictures. The loco 4013 (which I believe today is preserved on the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster) was undamaged as our beloved runner took all the impact. I think the man in the picture was Derek Stewart a Penzance Carriage and Wagon Examiner?

Gents

Further to the article, I can add/confirm the following details.

On completion, each Runner was allocated to a specific "Depot" and almost invariably stayed there for the rest of its life. There were indeed three Runners in the Penzance area as follows;

41761    Penzance Passenger       M2 1905-1912
94998    Penzance Goods              M3 1912-1914
41778    Marazion M1 1895-1904

Following the allocations, M1 etc, denotes the Swindon Diagram number then the build date. As you can see there was one allocated to Marazion which in fact was the oldest of the three. The M1s had oval buffers and lever brake handles with a shield in front of each wheel for protection.

The Runner in the photographs was 94998 and it is just possible to make out "Penzance Goods" stencilled on the tool box. In the tool box would be found, spare Lamps, Brake sticks, Shunting poles, a 3-link coupling and the more important piece of equipment, a pair of re-railing ramps. Whilst heavier than other railway contemporaries, the Western variety was double tongued whereas the others were left or right handed. It took some while to determine which was which.

In traffic, a headlamp would be placed on both ends of the Runner.
Many Thanks to Stewart Davies

Hi Stuart:

Many thanks for this information. The Marazion runner I never saw in my railway career, so it must have been disposed of prior to 1960? Although I do have a recollection of it as a kid.

Kind regards
Ted

Many Thanks for your most interesting item Ted

Sampford Courtenay
Driver Alan Peters

Early morning at Sampford Courtenay on 22/05/22 with Colas Rail Freight 70809 working 6C22 spoil from recent works at Fatherford to Westbury, from a fine looking restored platform that see's no trains!
Alan Peters

Sampford Courtney - a fine platform but no passengers. 22nd May 2022 Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan - one wonders if there is any potential for future development at this site?

Quote from Wikipedia :- Sampford Courtenay is a village and civil parish in West Devon, most famous for being the place where the Western Rebellion, otherwise known as the Prayerbook rebellion, first started, and where the rebels made their final stand. It has a population of around 600.
The Church of St Andrew is mainly built of granite and has an elegant tower.
It was served by the nearby Sampford Courtnay railway station at Belstone Corner. (If only this was true - alas not so)

Looking back to the 4th September 1988.
The CRS 'Devon Rambler'.

Sampford Courtenay was one of the intermediate stations between Coleford Junction and Okehampton. This closed 5th June 1972 although the goods facilities had been withdrawn on the 3rd April 1961. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

A current View of Sampford Courtenay Forecourt. Courtesy Google Earth Street View.

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Rewe 2003
Paul Barlow

43103 and 43157 on the 09.25 Newquay to Edinburgh passes Rewe 6th Sept 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul. The delightful property in the background looks like a 'spotters paradise'

Early morning patrol at
Rewe 2022 (Before 07.00) David Tozer

David was up with the larks this morning - his pictures received within an hour.

Gents,
Early morning at Rewe
Two engineering trains and the Weedkiller all before 0715 in poor lighting conditions.
Dave

66790/752 with the 3Q98 0657 Exeter (Riverside N.Y.) to Kings Norton OT Plant Depot. Copyright David Tozer.

Rewe 70808 with the 22.55 Westbury (Down T C) to 2255 Westbury (Down T C) via Exeter. 25th May 2022. Copyright David Tozer

66618 with the 0527 7C27 Westbury to Exeter Riverside (Hansons). 25th May 2022. Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks David - an early bird catching the worm.
Note in the 19 years since Paul Barlows picture the property in the centre of the first two pictures has been considerably extended - a spotters paradise!

Exeter
Phil Smith

60100 'Midland Railway - Butterley' at Exeter in 2000. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks Phil.

24th May 2022

24/5/2022

Ponsandane
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and enjoying all the special workings down there. With the work going on at Ponsandane I thought this picture of 47620 might be of interest now, but I have no date. We can see the loading platforms,the old tankers ,parcel vans and even a Mounts Bay coach behind their shed. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Marazion Shunt
Ted Hand

Part 1

This picture was taken in possibly May of 1965, of shunting at Marazion Station Yard with a class 63XX, North British Locomotive Company locomotive (or baby warship as they were sometimes called) in the broccoli/potato season. It is more likely to be the potato season, as he first vehicle is an Eastern wooden buckeye BG. Broccoli (cauliflowers to most people) was seldom loaded into parcel vans, mainly only into Vanfits. In the picture is me as a very young shunter, overalls covered in oil and grease, I was always, a mucky pup as a shunter. On the locomotive is Second Man Keith Bawden and the picture was taken by my late uncle Bill Hand, who was the driver. In railway marshalling yards, all sidings had either names or numbers. I can’t remember if the name of the siding where the picture was taken, was New Bank and the siding on the other side was Old Bank or vice versa? Some of the other sidings names were- Outside Road, Straight, Fathers Siding would love to know the origin of that name. There was also a lead into Old Bank siding named New Found Out. Below the road bridge towards St Erth side was Marsh 1 & 2 on the up line and Downside 1 & 2 on the down line. In the spring of 1965, Head Shunter Jimmy Lockett, and me, detached two Royal Train coaches from the front of the London sleepers which was brought to a stand at Marazion Home Signal on the down line. We put the Royal coaches into Downside 2 siding, for the Duke of Edinburgh and entourage to enjoy their breakfast looking on to St Michaels Mount. Later a locomotive and guards passenger brake van would come out and we would form them into a small train to convey the Royal coaches on to Penzance. We had instructions we must wear clean overalls and ties and not gawp at the windows of the Royal coaches. Jimmy, being Jimmy, was always full of fun, brought into work two tie pins. When the coaches were safely in the sidings, we went back to the shunters cabin in the station yard to have our breakfast. The station yard foreman who was a lovely man. whom we all loved, came into the cabin to enquire if the job went all right? Jimmy said yes and the Duke of Edinburgh was so pleased, he even leaned out of the window and gave us both a tie pin, which we were now proudly wearing. The yard foreman ended his railway career believing that story, often saying whenever he saw either Jimmy or myself for many years afterwards, have you still got the tie pin? We never did put him right. Marazion shunt was among the happiest days of my railway career. What a workplace, what a gang.

A North British D63xx Class Diesel Hydraulic stands in the sidings at Marazion awaiting its next move. The buildings in the background being Long Rock. Copyright Bill Hand.

Part 2 will follow tomorrow
Thanks Ted

Lostwithiel
David Anthony

Pictures showing the condition of the now empty former sidings, plus one showing a rather out of time "9 car" stop board
Cheers, Dave Anthony.

Thank you David. The point which gave access to the sidings off the down main is clipped out of use. It is understood that it will be some time before the proposed footbridge can be installed due to issues concerning signal sighting.

Virgin red at
Exminster
Paul Barlow

43102 and 43100 on the 06.27 Manchester to Newquay 1V21 heads towards Exminster on 6th September 2003.

Many thanks Paul.

Oil tanks at
Cowley Bridge Jct
Clive Nye

31 107+33 108 at Cowley Bridge powering the 6E33 Exeter Riverside to Ripple Lane on the 31st August 1979. Copyright Clive Nye.

Many thanks Clive.

23rd May 2022

23/5/2022

A Western in the Luxulyan Valley
Roger Aston

D1013 Western Ranger runs down the Luxulyan Valley in the Summer of 1976 bearing its Red Nameplates. Thanks to Nigel Tregonning for this locos identity

D1013 Western Ranger from the Treffry aqueduct August 1976 Copyright Roger Aston

Western Rangers movements
Further information
Guy Vincent

A nice photo from Roger Aston today of D1013 at Treffrey in the Luxulyan valley during August 1976. From the Western Locomotive Research Society loco workings database I can pin this down to Saturday 14th August. The previous afternoon it worked the 4B10 1557 Bristol-Plymouth parcels (on one engine only) then retired to Laira depot for attention. D1013 came off maintenance at Laira and worked the FO 2135 Nottingham-Newquay from Plymouth and returned there on the SO 1M54 1205 Newquay-Nottingham. The loco returned to Laira and the following day ran light to Penzance in order to head the 1A25 1800 Paddington, again only as far as Plymouth assisting train loco 47332. Hopefully this will fill a gap in Roger's notes.

Best regards, Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy.

Thanks Roger

Loco Query
David Cook

Please find attached a photograph of 4566 from my collection which has been causing me some sleepless night! One of the problems I have discovered during the last 9 years of seeking out photographs of 4566 and other engines is that on occasions you find that details are missing. These include location, date and the photographer’s name/copyright holder. This photograph frustratingly covers all three and I was wondering if any CRS members might be able to fill in the missing gaps.

Regarding location, I think that it might be Laira (as does a 4566 Group colleague) as she is carrying the final livery she was given at Newton Abbot in 1960 and appears in a grubby condition which would tie in with her transfer to Laira in September 1961 prior to withdrawal in April 1962. Between May - July 1958 she went to Swindon for a heavy general repair. It was here that she lost her tall safety valve bonnet and I’m fairly certain replacement tanks were fitted as the air vent seen is clearly one piece whereas previously (I have a photograph at Swindon clearly showing this before entry into the works for repair) it was flanged halfway up.

The photographer is also problematic. I have listed this in my collection as copyright unknown/D Cook collection but in the event of being able to identify the person or the copyright owner I will gladly amend this.

So over to CRS members in the hope that someone can help.

Many thanks,

David Cook
(4566 Group)

4566 in an unknown location. David Cook Collection - Copyright unknown.

If you can help David or own this picture please get in touch. Thanks for the query David.

Near
Cowley Bridge Jct.
Clive Nye

33 112 Cowley Bridge with the 08.25 A ice reflection as the Branstaple to Exeter St David services passes. this will be going forward to Waterloo. 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye.

Paul Barlow
Sees Red

The really striking Virgin Trains livery stands out so well in the picture from Paul Barlow. 43093 and 43065 on 11.25 Penzance to Glasgow at Gissons Exminster. 13 September 2003 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - that livery really was 'outstanding'.

22nd May 2022

22/5/2022

Visitor to the
Exeter-Salisbury route
David Tozer

Gents,
Colas Stoneblower DR80301 ‘Stephen Cornish’ makes a welcome change from the Class 158, 159 and 159/1’s usually seen on this route. This was the 1030 6U40 Exeter (Riverside New Yard) to Eastleigh (East Yard). I even got a friendly toot from the driver and a flash of the marker lights.
Dave

Many Thanks David

Two Railtours for the price of one!

Yesterday the South West was treated to two railtours, A Class 67 hauled train to Penzance and the Midland Pullman Barrow in Furness to Paignton.
To see our coverage of both these tours see 'Steam and Diesel Railtours '22 onwards or click here.

Half way through the working day for 67006 seen at Long Rock having a refreshment break. 21st May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

67006 on its return is about to cross Wheal Busy Crossing at 16.33 on the 21st May 2022 Copyright Mick House

220521e Departure at 16.37 of the Blue Pullman to Barrow in Furness arrival time 00.07 Sunday morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

May 21st
A busy day

May 21st was a busy day with not only two railtours but also the CRS's first outdoor event of the year to Okehampton and Paignton. Roger Winnen reports on a grand day out.

220521m Some of our party at Exeter St David's Station. Left to Right Tony Brokenshire Mike Hichens and friend Kevin Salisbury Richard Horwood and Peter Bragg. Missing from the photo Andrew Alway and Gerry & Betty Chandler Copyright Roger Winnen

220521mm Crediton Signal Box photographed through the train window whilst on route to Okehampton. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521n Speeding through Yeoford Station on route to Okehampton. The platform here is still in situ, but non operational. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521nn 150232 forms the 12.26 service to Exeter Central. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521o The 150 unit departs Okehampton. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521p Looking around Okehampton Station. On this platform there was a buffet, bookstall and museum run by volunteers of the Dartmoor Railway, who were very helpfull indeed. Many thanks to you! Copyright Roger Winnen

220521q Looking down from the footbridge to Platforms 1 & 2. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521r Restoration work will comence next week on the Okehampton Station buildings. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521s The bridge at Little Petherick Creek as the train crosses the River Camel on route to Padstow.

220521t The new lighting installed on Platform 3 at Okehampton with the former goods shed in view. Copyright Roger Winnen

220521u Bring your dog with you by Rail.next time.

220521v Peter Bragg waits to join the 13.26 to Exeter Central which was quite busy with passengers. Copyright Roger Winnen

We then head for Paignton to view the Blue Pullman railtour. Click on Two Railtours for the price of one further up the page to access this Railtour

Weedkiller at
Lostwithiel
Craig Munday

66752 & 66790 at Lostwithiel with the 3Q98 on the 16th May 2022. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig.

Exeter Central
Clive Nye

Hiding in the shade 33016 departing Exeter Central with the 07.45 for Waterloo. 26th August 1978. Copyright Clive Nye

Many thanks Clive.

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