Blog Archives

May 31st 2026

31/5/2026

Sir Nigel Gresley works
'The English Riviera Express'
Bill Elston, Andrew Triggs, Martin Scane, Paul Barlow & David Tozer

Wolverhampton to Kingswear, hauled by 47805 tailed by 47712, Seen here at Bathpool. 30.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

47712 on the rear. 30.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

LNER No.60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' awaits the Green Light at Norton Fitzwarren while working 0Z07 10.30 Bishops Lydeard-Taunton. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

After loco change at Taunton, A4 no. 60007 continued to Kingswear seen here about to leave Fairwater yard. 30.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

60007 with 47712 passing Norton Fitzwarren working 1Z07 06.31 Wolverhampton-Kingswear For Dartmouth 'English Riviera Express'. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

47712 on the rear. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Sir Nigel Gresley with 47712 at the rear passing Dawlish station just a few minutes late, heading for Paignton/Kingswear with 1Z07 from Wolverhampton. 30.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

47712 on the rear at Dawlish. 30.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

60009 working the 1635 Kingswear to Wolverhampton passes Cockwood Harbour (drone shot). 30.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

60009 working the 1635 Kingswear to Wolverhampton passes Cockwood Harbour. 30.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' with the 1635 Kingswear to Wolverhampton. 30.05.2026, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks all, a good record of the railtour.

The Britannic Explorer
Andrew Triggs

The Britannic Explorer with 66748 stabled at Bishops Lydeard prior to working 1C02 09.00 Bishops Lydeard GBRf-Penzance. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66744 leading 1C02 towards Taunton on the Relief line at Fairwater, viewed from Silk Mills Road overbridge. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew.

The Earl of Mountbatten (5043) works
'The Whilsting Ghost'
Rich Kelsey, Guy Vincent, Bill Elston & Andrew Triggs

5043 at Lower Wick on 1Z43, the 07.50 BSHill to Mhead. 30.05.2026, copyright Rich Kelsey.

5043 Earl of Mont Edgcumbe at Bristol Temple Meads with Vintage Trains 'Whistling Ghost' 1Z43 0750 Birmingham Snow Hill - Minehead charter service. 30.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

5043 standing at Bristol. Great to see GWR brass back at Temple Meads in contrast to the innumerable grey steel posts fitted on each platform in more recent times. 30.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Diesel 37240 was at the back of the 9 coach train, some of which were used a week ago on the Plymouth trip behind D1015. 37240 returned to the main line in March 2025 following several years in preservation based at the Llangollen Railway. 30.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

'The Whistling Ghost', from Birmingham Snow Hill to Minehead, hauled by Castle class 5043, and tailed by 37240, Seen at Bathpool. 30.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

37240 at Bathpool. 30.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

GWR Castle Class No.5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' with 37240 gaining WSR Metals at Norton Fitzwarren working 1Z43 07.50 Birmingham Snow Hill-Minehead WSR 'The Whistling Ghost' Rail Tour. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

37240 on the rear. 30.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

5043 at Cam & Dursley with the returning tour, 1Z44 16.50 Mhead to BNSHill. 30.05.2026, copyright Rich Kelsey.

37240 on the rear of 1Z44. 30.05.2026, copyright Rich Kelsey.

Many thanks all, great to see a GWR loco on the mainline.

Marsh Barton Voyager
David Tozer

Voyager in the new livery 220021 with the 1627 Plymouth to Leeds. 30.05.2026, copyright David Tozer.

Nice and colourful, many thanks Dave.

Royal Duchy Preparations
Guy Vincent

Another heritage sight at Bristol Temple Meads with WCRC's 47848 passing up the down through line en-route from Southall to Kingsland Road sidings with the empty stock for the first Royal Duchy of 2026, due to run on Sunday 31st. 34028 Eddystone and its support coach had been detached at Bristol West and then run direct to St Philips Marsh depot via the Bristol avoiding line.

How these timeless 1970s Mk 2 carriages are missed today. Elegant, comfortable, airy and a pleasure to travel in.

47848 with WCRC mk2 stock at Bristol Temple Meads. 30.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Mk2 stock at BTM ready for todays 'Royal Duchy' railtour to Par. 30.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy, a great looking rake of coaches, although perhaps a little unsuited to having a steam loco bolted to the front of them!

The Didcot Railway Centre
Colin Pidgeon

Colin writes:

Now that the weather has cooled down a bit I took a trip to Didcot
Railway Centre to see the Bluebell Railways new build Atlantic 4-4-2
32424 Beachy Head before it goes back to The Bluebell Railway.

32424 Beachy Head before & on the main demonstration line. 30.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Large prairie 4144 the branch demonstration train. 30.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

6023 King Edward II outside the engine shed. 30.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

5051 Drysllwyn Castle outside the engine shed. 30.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Many thanks to Colin for the photos and to Ken for sending them in.

May 30th 2026

30/5/2026

Join us for our next outdoor excursion!
Saturday 6th June 2026
'Exploring the Railways of Devon'

Join us next Saturday for a whistle-stop tour of the railway of Devon, including a visit to Okehampton and a fish and chip supper at Dawlish.

Timings for pick up and set-downs are available in the outdoor meetings program, and for any further information please tel. Roger Winnen on 01736 350048.

The Cotswold Festival of Steam
Ian Thomas

As always, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway held their annual Festival of Steam over the Spring Bank Holiday, and 2026 was no exception. In most other years, the weather has been typical of late May, with either a warm sunny spell or rain and showers. However, no one could have foreseen the heatwave that set in on Thursday, May 23rd, and, as I type, is slowly easing away as cooler Atlantic air arrives from the west.

It was a gala like no other I have experienced. As temperatures began to nudge 30°C by Saturday, it made all-round operations very uncomfortable indeed. There were health issues amongst the public and even footplate staff as the heat took its toll. The South West Ambulance Service was in evidence, and the timetable just fell apart. It did not help matters that two points failures happened early in the day on Saturday, but the GWRS staff did their level best to keep things going.

Sunday proved yet another trying day as the mercury pushed to around 32°C by early afternoon, although we were not there that day. The Caledonian tank suffered a mechanical fault, but this was put right by engineers from the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway travelling all that way to sort it out.

The GWRS staff worked overnight into Monday and issued a revised timetable for Monday on a simpler basis than the previous two days. The Monday timetable offered a service between Cheltenham and Toddington, and a shuttle service from there to Broadway and back with 15189, plus the goods trains.

All in all, our thanks went to the GWRS staff and the guys from Scotland for what they did, and a further vote of thanks to the footplate staff for operating in the highest recorded May temperatures on record. Absolutely brilliant.

So enjoy the pictures taken by myself and Rich Kelsey. In particular, the photo of him as a 13-year-old lad on the footplate of 45110 at the Severn Valley Railway in 1978, and the one taken 48 years later. Also included are pictures of the Caledonian tank in blue livery back in 2019 at Winchcombe, and a gem of a photo of the very same machine, numbered 55189, taken at Carstairs in 1961 by the late Gilroy Kerr, former Coaley Junction signalman from 1963–1968. ENJOY.

Please click any image below for an enlargement and caption - images by Ian Thomas and Rich Kelsey.

The Caledonian 0-4-4T as 419 in 2019, click for enlargements.

And finally 55189 at Carstairs on 07.08.1961, copyright the late Gilroy Kerr.

Many thanks for the comprehensive report Ian - nice photos from you and Rich.

Caroline is coming!
Clive Smith

With the expected visit to Penzance this Monday and Tuesday of Loram's 37418 and inspection saloon Caroline, here are some pictures from the 7th September 2022 that have not been shown before on the website. Back then it was in its attractive BR large logo livery with Inverness Highland Rail embellishments.

37418 + inspection saloon 'Caroline' captured at Ivybridge with the 07.56 Exeter St Davids - Fowey. 07.09.2022, copyright Clive Smith.

37418 now pushing 'Caroline' past Dawlish with the 13.25 Kingswear - Exeter St Davids leg. 07.09.2022, copyright Clive Smith.

Thanks for the reminder Clive.

37418 and Caroline should work the following next week:

Monday 1st June:
5Z31 0646 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Penzance
Tuesday 2nd June:
2Z32 0730 Penzance to Bournemouth

Ex-works Hymek
Michael Adams

Michael Adams has sent over this picture of D7029 that he took at Swindon works on 17 January 1981, and does'nt it look great. The loco was withdrawn on 23 February 1975 and can now be seen on the Severn Valley Railway. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to Michael, and to Michael Forward for sending this one over.

Another sunny day in Cornwall
Mark Lynam, Jon Hird & Clive Smith

43062 + 43014 at Marazion working 1Q18 0543 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. 29.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

43014 leading the returning NMT through Marazion. 29.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

175007 heads west at Crugwallins with 2C18, an Exeter - Penzance service. The unit later failed between Camborne and Hayle, but was eventually able to self-recover and continue on its way. 29.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

43014 and 43062 head east at Crugwallins with the 4-weekly test train. 29.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

It's not difficult to guess the location of Clives photograph, showing a Newquay - Paddington IET heading east. 29.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive and Mark - the sun has been very much appreciated these last few days!

... and sunshine in Somerset!
Andrew Triggs

XC 220023 passing Creech St Michael at Dunnings Farm overbridge working 1V60 08.20 Aberdeen-Plymouth. 29.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

43062 (with 43013) working 1Q18 15.39 Paignton-Taunton NMT run, passing Creech St Michael. 29.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

GBRf 66748 'St Michael's Mount' leading the 'Britannic Explorer' 1V01 15.48 London Victoria-Bishops Lydeard GBRf approaching Longlands overbridge, WSR. 29.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew - a lovely selection.

May 29th 2026

29/5/2026

Glynn Valley views
Jon Hird

A drone shot at Pendalake Viaduct of refurbished 220023 crossing Pendalake Viaduct with the 1115 Penzance - Edinburgh. 28.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Now a non-drone shot of 66735 climbing away from Bodmin Parkway with the Treviscoe - Cliffe Vale clay. I also had quite a climb to get to this position! 28.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

A drone shot of 66735 taken from a lower angle. 28.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Bristol 31's
Michael Adams

31403 and 47901 on shed at Bristol Bath Road. 18.06.1987, copyright Michael Adams.

31125 also pictured at Bristol Temple Meads on the same day, 18.06.1987. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks to Michael Adams for these super photos, and to Michael F. for sending them over.

May 28th 2026

28/5/2026

This Sunday
The Bodmin Railway 40th Anniversary

On Sunday 31st, the Bodmin Railway are holding a special event to mark their 40th year.

On 31st May 1986, the Bodmin Railway Preservation Society held their first ever open day and ran their first revenue earning trains with locomotive No.19 providing brake van rides within the yard at Bodmin General.

No.19 was crewed by brothers Jeremy and Martin Blackwell. Martin will be driving 'Judy' on Sunday 31st May 2026, again providing rides within the station limits at Bodmin General. Jeremy is also still heavily involved with the railway and will be around, however he mostly turns his hands to the diesel fleet nowadays.

In action on the 31st will be small Prarie 5552, Bubble Car 121020 and Bagnall 'Judy'. There will also be a brass band and classic vehicles on display.

For more details please see the Bodmin Railway website - click here.

The CRS visit to:
The Launceston Steam Railway
Roger Winnen

On Tuesday 26th May, members of the CRS enjoyed a visit to the narrow gauge Launceston Steam Railway

We would like to express our thanks to the team at Launceston for their hospitality and for the catering.

Thanks also to Roger Winnen who organises our events - more details of which can be found in the events section.

Click any image below for an enlargement and caption. All images are copyright Roger Winnen.

Our thanks once again to the Launceston Steam Railway for being superb hosts.

The Atlantic Coast Express
Brian Pibworth

Apologies for lateness, but capturing a video frame with a new PC and an incompatible camera proved challenging for a while.

Modellers might appreciate an update on this iconic location in East Devon where nature and man have failed to eradicate, totally, the main scenic features.

From L to R the Shute Arms Hotel, the Express Dairy Milk Depot and the Station buildings complete with SR green paintwork on the riveted canopy framework, are all still there.

The passenger overbridge was recently demolished and unrestricted growth of Goat Willow has now all but concealed the Branch platforms and track layout on the R.

Still, like the Lost Gardens of Helligan, it's all there waiting to be "discovered" and one day we might have Seaton trams, with a through coach to Waterloo, coming up from nearby Coliton.

Here, 35028 "Clan Line" heads the ACE, aka the 1Z28 0714 London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids, up Honiton Bank and through the former station on Saturday 23 May 2026

35028 'Clan Line' passing Seaton Jnc. with 'The Atlantic Coast Express'. 23.05.2026, copyright Brian Pibworth.

Many thanks indeed Brian - a superb choice of location to capture it. A sad sight seeing it slowly decay, perhaps it will someday rise from the ashes.

An early start
Jon Hird

Just after 6am at St. Germans, we see hired-in 57312 powering across St. Germans viaduct with the down 'Night Riviera' sleeper service. There is a narrow window in the year when the light is on the complete train here. 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Heading back to Mid-Cornwall before the working day began, I stopped in at Middleway to see 66735 bringing the empty JIA's down from Goonbarrow Junction as 6T53. 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

With the clay train in St. Blazey yard running around, GWR's 175011 was able to get by with the 0707 Par - Newquay. 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

After running round its train in St. Blazey, 66735 reverses its 11 JIA's over the gated crossing. A tradition which is sadly set to end next month, when the dryer at Par Harbour closes. 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

With the crossing gates reset to allow road traffic to resume, 66735 slowly propels its train into the harbour complex, passing beneath the mainline. 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Hot at Tregoss!
Andrew & Diane Jones

We thought a trip to check out to Tregoss crossing on the Newquay Branch was in order today.

The reintroduction of a passing loop, breaking the section from Newquay to Goonbarrow Jn., has really paid off, with an increase of capacity and traffic at this location.

The rationalisation and removal of the double track section in the 60's/70's had caused an unnecessary stricture, adding to the removal of run round facilities and a second platform in Newquay which has held back the branch for many years given that through services, (a remarkable survivor!), continued throughout the summer months.

Hopefully the new reinstatements will stimulate more usage and a return on a substantial financial investment, and perhaps illustrate to the current government that smaller, more manageable, projects are viable and bring local benefits.

The reopening of the Okehampton branch illustrates perfectly the cost benefits and in my opinion the folly of HS2 with ridiculous lead times, out of control spiralling costs and minimal schedule improvements on a relatively short journey.

Oops! Sounding like my Gran again ....

A general look at the crossing, looking towards Par. 27.05.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

A look towards Newquay and the undergrowth surrounding this section, which given that Goss Moor is a nature reserve, perhaps excuses the lack of weedkiller! 27.05.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

150244 at 10.40 Newquay bound. 27.05.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

175011 coming back from Newquay at 10.50, next stop Roche. 27.05.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Set 802017 at 11.26, scheduled Paddington but terminated at Plymouth. 27.05.2026, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks indeed Andrew and Diane. As well as the increased traffic on the branch, the Goss Moor itself has benefitted from many accessibility improvements recently, it's became a great place to go for a walk with glimpses of the railway here and there.

LSWR Adam's Designed T3
James Bown

A lovely scene at Swanage yesterday afternoon as the T3 takes on water prior to departure. Looking good in this original livery. 27.05.2026, copyright James Bown.

A question on Exmouth
Can you help?

I wonder if you could help me please.

As my email address suggests, I am a fan of Bulleid's loco designs. We recently had a display of Bulleid locos at the SW Miniature Engineering Show, where we had a diorama representing Exmouth Junction shed 72A.

I know your website has covered that area under the 'exeter-to-exmouth-junction' page.

However, I would like to ask whether any of your members may have detailed knowledge of the Exmouth Junction Coal hopper please ?

Although there are a few photos around, I have yet to see one that gives a clue as to how wagons were actually raised, and the coal tipped into the hopper.

Photos from the main-line side don't seem to exist (for perhaps obvious reasons).

I would like to demonstrate the operation on a working model; can you help please?

Can any of our readers help this gent out with his query? Please send your thoughts to [email protected] - our thanks in advance.

'Severn' at Newton Abbot
Michael Adams

Michael Adams has sent across this lovely picture of 47513 'Severn' arriving at newton Abbot on 7 July1984 with a Paddington to Paignton service. Copyright Michael Adams.

Many thanks Michael, and thanks also to Michael Forward for sending it on.

The Bodmin Bubble
Jon Hird

Bodmins resident 'Bubble Car' 121020 is about to pass beneath the A38 below Colesloggett Halt, whilst working the 1345 Bodmin General - Bodmin General (via Bodmin Parkway). 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

After a short stop at Bodmin Parkway, the unit heads back up the hill to Bodmin General, passing Charlies Gate. 27.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

May 27th 2026

27/5/2026

1964 Part 107 – Bathampton and Bathford
Types of Great Western Countryside
Michael L. Roach

Although the heading is Bathampton and Bathford, that is only for convenience and where the article concludes. The starting point is a story about two men with the same surname – Winstone. The name is not common, but there are/were quite a few Winstones in North Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and more right up the M4 corridor to London. There was also an enclave of Winstones in Glamorganshire. I am going to tell you about the second Winstone I came across first. It is the story of a young man who worked for the Great Western Railway and the Brecon & Merthyr Railway in mid-Victorian times and how he got into a spot of trouble. His story came to light while researching the opening dates of railways to Brecon. Among the results was the report of a court case involving a break-in at a Brecon & Merthyr railway station. The young man was called David B Winstone.

David William Banaster Winstone was baptised on 3 November 1847 at the parish church of St John the Evangelist in Brecon, which became Brecon Cathedral in 1923. David's parents were Evan and Jane Winstone who had been married for more than 21 years when David came along. The first mention of David Winstone in employment is in September 1865. He describes himself as 17 years old but he had not reached his 17th birthday. He is working for the GWR at Chippenham Station as a goods clerk on a salary of £50 per annum. He advanced quickly and in May 1867 was doing the same job at Swindon on £60 per annum. He quickly advanced to £70 in December 1867 and to £90 in May 1869. He resigned from the GWR in December 1869. By 1871 he has returned to Wales doing the same job of goods clerk for the B&M at £110 per annum. He was now 23 years old and was earning about double the national average wage for the time.

David had married while he was working in Swindon He married Fanny Elizabeth Coates on Sunday 21 June 1868 at St Marks Church in the Parish of New Swindon. He was 20 years of age, a bachelor, an accountant and son of Evan Winstone, builder. She was 18, a spinster of no occupation and daughter of William Coates, bootmaker. The address of both groom and bridegroom was New Swindon. The couple's first child was baptised at Swindon on 28 February 1869 and was named Frank W W Winstone (1869 - 1934). The Father's occupation was given as Railway Accountant. I suppose it is possible to be an accountant, but employed as a goods clerk, but its just as conceivable that David is telling fibs. It would have been interesting to find the family in the 1871 census, but I had no luck searching for David, Fanny or Frank Winstone in that census. I was thinking that they had somehow managed to evade the census enumerator, or moved on, and was on the point of giving up when I tried a couple of variations of the surname; e.g. Winston and Winton. This brought a bit of luck as the entry had then been transcribed as David Wenstone (since corrected ) and the family that I was looking for, with the right names and ages. On the night of 2 April 1871 they were living at 10 Spring Street, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil. Spring Street was just across Pant Road/Victoria Street from the huge Ifor Iron Works. David gives his occupation as Railway Clerk. If you have difficulty finding the entry, it is at Glamorgan/Merthyr/ Upper Merthyr/District 14/Page 36 of 52/ Line 172.

In 1881 and 1891 the family are at Workington in Cumberland and David is a clerk in tin-plate and iron-works respectively. Their son is doing rather well and in 1891 he is 21 and an analytical chemist; while 10 years later he is a Works Manager on The Wirral. His mother, Fanny, is with him in 1901 but not his father. She describes herself as married, and not widowed. David B Winstone disappears completely after 1891. I found no death for him, but did find a D Winstone emigrating to Boston USA on the “Saxonia” on 15 October 1901, but he describes himself as a driver. I also found no death for Fanny or find her emigrating.

No mention of the names Winstone and Merthyr Tydfil would be complete without saying a few words about Howard Winstone. Howard was born in Merthyr in 1939 and died there in 2000. Howard hit the headlines in 1958 and was never out of the headlines for the next 10 years culminating in becoming world featherweight boxing champion in January 1968. He retired from boxing 5 months later.

While searching for opening dates for the Brecon & Merthyr Tydfil Junction Railway in the 1860s my eyes alighted on a result involving alleged theft from the company by one Daniel Banaster Winstone who was employed as a clerk by the Brecon & Merthyr. The case against Winstone was heard in front of a jury at the Glamorganshire Midsummer Quarter Sessions held at the Town Hall Cardiff starting on Tuesday 27 June 1871. The case was reported in at least 3 newspapers, as follows, and created “considerable interest in court” The allegation was that Winstone broke into the booking office of his own station and stole the day's takings late at night. The evidence was a bit circumstantial as the station's night watchman only got a rear view of the burglar while looking through a window as the burglar escaped out of the opposite window. His christian name was reported as Daniel but it was a regular thing to use an alias in those days, and each newspaper spelled his surname differently. Witnesses testified that Winstone had been drinking at the Bruce Arms public-house (now the Bruce Hotel, Victoria Street, Dowlais) at the very time the watchman said the robbery was committed. The three newspapers were:

The Western Mail of Thursday 29 June 1871
The Merthyr Telegraph of Friday 30 June 1871
The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian of 01 July 1871

Winstone was found not guilty; but finding David B Winstone got me thinking as to where I had seen that surname previously. It had been decades earlier in the GWR Magazine. In 1960 I bought my first batch of GWR Magazines – a substantial pile from the 1930s and 1940s. Right through the 1930s the magazine regularly carried a photograph of pretty villages in GW territory; places like Polperro, Noss Mayo (where my great-great-grandmother was born in 1825 – see 1964 Part 53), Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Tintern and Wells Cathedral. The last photo at Wells was taken by one F.R. Winstone, who was a regular contributor. Indeed I thought he might even be on the payroll of the railway, so regular were his photographs in the magazine.

Frank R Winstone was born on 3 September 1909 at Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4QT close to Victoria Park. His father had a menswear shop in East Street, Bedminster BS3 4HH and the young Frank joined him in the shop when he left school. Frank's real interest was in photography which he had started at school, which became his passion and his full-time occupation in 1937. In 1939 he is living at St. Agnes Avenue, Bedminster BS4 2DU, but in a directory of 1938 he has an address at St. James Street, Mangotsfield BS16 9HE which may have been a photography shop and portrait studio. During the war he served in the photographic section of the Royal Air Force. After the war he resumed his career as a freelance photographer and was quite obviously successful as he, wife and child moved to a smart new house in Hyland Grove, Henbury BS9 3NR. Frank's mission in life was to collect photos of Old Bristol, to take record photos of Bristol landmarks; and to give lantern and later slide shows of Bristol. In 1957 he published his first book of vanished scenes and some authorities would give him credit as inventing the genre. A total of 37 books of his photos were published but some were put together by his son John (born 1944) from Frank's extensive archive of 43,427 photographs. His middle name was Reece (his mother's maiden name) and after 1945 he used the name Reece Winstone. Bristol's history is very well recorded photographically thanks to Reece Winstone who was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society as a result; and his books were very popular with the first one, published in 1957, selling 20,000 copies.

If one types Reece Winstone author into Ebay books dozens of results show up with the books still commanding good prices considering the numbers printed. The last image today shows one of Reece Winstone's photographs for the GWR Magazine. When I saw it for the first time the picture entranced me as representing the GWR, and the beautiful territory it served, in the 1930s when the railway was at the height of its zenith. In 1960 it was only 20 years since the 1930s came to an abrupt end with WW2. It has only taken me 66 years to find a use for that picture and bring it to a wider audience. In 1960 it was only 12 years since nationalisation and some rural lines were still the same as in the 1930s, with the same GWR engines, the same GWR coaches, and even some of the same GWR staff operating the trains as pre-war. A good example is the Plymouth to Tavistock and Launceston Branch. The Editor of the GWR Magazine in the 1930s must have liked the River Yealm, near Plymouth, because three photos appeared in the 1930s under the heading Great Western Territory and the three are attached to this article.

Noss Mayo from the July 1931 Magazine. This view is looking north from Noss Mayo to its twin village of Newton Ferrers on the opposite side of the River Yealm. In the centre is The Dolphin Inn where my father's uncle (William Charles Roach 1878-1962) was the publican in 1911. Later he was the ferryman operating a rowing boat when the causeway between the two villages was covered by the tide. Above the chimney at the left end of the Inn and on the opposite side of the road is the small cottage where William's son Leslie (the village postman) lived with his family and where my mother and I lived when I was a baby. No copyright

The River Yealm from the June 1935 Magazine. This view shows the River Yealm; open sea to the left; and Newton and Noss to the right. Directly ahead and two miles away up the creek was Steer Point railway station on the Yealmpton Branch. There was a landing stage alongside the station from where a ferry sometimes connected with trains and ran to Newton and Noss. The line closed to passengers in 1930. More in Alan Kittridge's book ISBN 0906294541 No copyright

Noss Mayo from the September 1936 Magazine. No copyright

From the June 1940 Magazine is taken this nicely composed view by F.R. Winstone, who would have taken the photo before 3 September 1939 since private photography of railways was banned during the war. The train is heading north and just starting to curve around to Bathampton Junction and the village on the horizon is Bathford. The tree is quite unusual and has not yet been identified; being very tall with few branches and the main trunk covered in ivy at the bottom. This photo was one of very few in the series that actually showed a railway line. No copyright

Many thanks for another great article, Mike.

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Bude Turntable
Andrew & Diane Jones

Some really outstanding coverage of the recent rail tours, its amazing how much the original Midland Blue Pullman resembled the much later HST design! Perhaps all the credit was stretched a bit by Sir Kenneth Grange and possibly Jack Hoe F.R.B.l.A F.S.IA and Metro Cammell should be mentioned in dispatches!

Moving on....

It would be easy to forget the contribution victorian canals played in every day life before the coming and during the dominance of railways.
In Cornwall they were a rarity but nevertheless considering the challenging terrain attempts were made. Bude to Launceston is a case in point.

For those that are interested there is a very good website at:

https://www.bude-canal.co.uk/index.html

Connecting the canal to the sea was a short tramway which still exists in part and has been recently preserved in an extensive rebuilding of the canal embankment.

Diane and I took our dog Flinty for a walk on Summerlease beach adjacent the canal and found the remains of the original tramway turntable. Please see photograph.

From time to time the railway on the beach is uncovered, please see the following link:

https://www.railwayramblers.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/NewsArchive/18news/18budetramway.pdf

Very best wishes Andrew and Diane

The Bude Tramway turntable. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks Andrew and Diane - what a remarkable survivor.

The Cotswold Festival Of Steam
Graham Jakes

'Coffee Pot' GER loco 229 at the GWSR for the Festival of Steam event. 24.05.2026, copyright Graham Jakes.

78022 calls at Winchcombe with a goods train. 24.05.2026, copyright Graham Jakes.

0-4-4 15189 between duties. 24.05.2026, copyright Graham Jakes.

35006 undergoing restoration. 24.05.2026, copyright Graham Jakes.

GWR 2807. 24.05.2026, copyright Graham Jakes.

Many thanks Graham - I bet you were hot! And thanks also to Ken Mumford for forwarding these on.

Clay on a hot day!
Jon Hird & Mark Lynam

On a scorching Tuesday afternoon, 66735 leads the Goonbarrow - Fowey JIA's across Ponts Mill viaduct. 26.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Further down the branch at Middleway, the recent warm weather has done wonders for the vegetation. 66735 pushes through with 6G09. 26.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

With the engine and cooling fan both screaming, the train slogs up the gradient past Stoneybridge. 26.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66735 passes Golant with 16 wagons working 6G09 1258 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. 26.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A bonus shot of 175011 at Middleway, running ahead of 6G09 with the 1217 Newquay - Par. Later in the afternoon, both this unit and the class 150 which was also covering the branch diagrams failed at Par! The final departure from Newquay was 1620 with all later trains cancelled. 26.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark, a nice day for it.

May 26th 2026

26/5/2026

Sunny mornings in East Cornwall
Ron & Jenny Westwater

It's the time of year again when if it;s a sunny morning, shots of the down sleeper are on from Plymouth eastwards.

Yesterday (Monday) was one of those mornings, and I enclose a couple of shots.

57312 passing the landmark Scotch Pines at Trerulefoot on the down sleeper. 24.05.2026, copyright Jenny Westwater.

The train is seen for a second time further west, slowing over Liskeard viaduct for its booked stop. 24.05.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.

Many thanks Ron and Jenny - great photos and teamwork!

Grids away!
Guy Vincent & Colin Pidgeon

Another glorious day in prospect so an early start to record the departure from Wiltshire of Colas ‘grids’ 56049 and 56051 in the consist of the daily 6M50 0713 Westbury - Bescot engineers trip behind 70811. Pictured at Monkton, west of Melksham on the Bradford Jcn - Thingley Jcn single line. The white ‘box’ in the middle distance is the Cereal Partners UK plant at Staverton, just over 2 miles away. The railway runs adjacent to the site and between 1934 and 1966 it was served by a private siding which dispatched condensed milk from the Nestle factory that formerly operated there. This was controlled from a ground frame supervised by Bradford Junction signal box. See Wikipedia ‘Staverton Mill’ for more information. 25.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

70811 with 56049 & 56051 dead in train on 6M50 Westbury to Bescot at Swindon. 25.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Next to Warminster for 69010 (56065) heading the 6O41 1014 Westbury - Eastleigh departmental working which, as often is the case on a Monday, consisted of an empty rail carrier set. 25.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Colin and Guy - always nice to see these veteran machines out and about.

Bank Holiday Bubble Car
Roger Winnen

The Bodmin Railway held a 'Bubble Car Day' on Sunday 24th.

Resident loco 5552 worked the service set, whilst class 121 121020 shuttled around on the opposite branch.

Next Sunday - the 31st - the railway have a special event on marking their 40th anniversary. Again, featuring 5552 and the 'Bubble Car', ex-Port of Par Bagnall 'Judy' will also be offering rides within station limits in a converted clay wagon.

More details soon, but here's the website link - https://bodminrailway.co.uk/things-to-do/40th-anniversary-celebration/

5552 awaits departure from Bodmin Parkway at midday. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

121020 waits to come off shed as 5552 departs for Boscarne Junction. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Shunters 08444 and Sentinel 'Denise' seen from the train. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Arriving at Boscarne Junction behind 5552. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Back at Bodmin General, the ex-Chiltern Railways 'Bubble Car' 121020 runs into the platform. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

121020's driver changing ends at Boscarne Junction. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

The view from the rear row of seats as 121020 departs Boscarne Junction. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

121020 at Bodmin Parkway where Roger alights for travel home via the mainline. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

A final view of the Bubble Car from the down platform at Bodmin Parkway. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 25th 2026

25/5/2026

Westbury Grid Action
Guy Vincent

An early start to catch Colas Rail’s 56049 arriving at Westbury at 9 am with discharged ballast hoppers running early as 6C24 0730 Southall East Jcn - Westbury. Hired-in Freightliner loco 66544 was at the other end. 56049 then went into the Colas sidings where it attached to 56051, the pair then being joined by 70811. The weather was quite hot by 1030am which was in complete contrast to the previous Monday (18th). Then, it was chillingly cold on platform 3 when the former 56065, now rebuilt and running as 69010 was setting back the afternoon 6V41 trip from Eastleigh, consisting of a long train of recovered track panels from Worplesdon, Surrey.

Although the 69s are officially regarded as a ‘new’ class I still like to see them as modified class 56s. Of note is the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the construction of the first Romanian batch of 56s with delivery to British Rail commencing in April 1977. How many of us still regard them as ‘modern’ I wonder?

56049 arriving with 6C24 (taken from Bridge). 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

56049 running into sidings. 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

56051 in Colas sidings. 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

70811 56049 56051 in Colas sidings. 24.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

69010, the former 56065, setting back into Westbury up yard with 6V41 1448 Eastleigh - Westbury engineers consisting of recovered track panels from a weekend possession near Worplesdon, Surrey. How cold it was on this afternoon, Monday 18th May! Copyright Guy Vincent.

69010 shunting track panels at Westbury. 18.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Interesting info and photos Guy - many thanks.

May 24th 2026

24/5/2026

D1015 works 'The Golden Hind'
Guy Vincent, Paul Barlow, Roger Winnen, Clive Smith, Jon Hird, Mark Lynam, David Tozer & Bill Elston

Vintage Trains ‘Golden Hind’ 1Z33 0955 Paddington - Plymouth via the traditional summer holiday route to the West Country via Newbury to Taunton. Captured at speed on the Westbury avoiding line at two minutes to twelve. 23.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

The train seen again accelerating away from Blatchbridge Junction after running via the Frome station loop. 23.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

D1015 passes Stoke Canon on 0955 Paddington to Plymouth. 23.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

D1015 With the Golden Hind passing through Exeter. 23.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Maybach music on the sea wall as D1015 'Western Champion' passes with a somewhat lightweight load 7 on the 1Z33 09.55 Paddington - Plymouth Vintage Trains "The Golden Hind" which started at Birmingham Snow Hill at 05.48. Taken from Lea Mount above Coryton Cove in Dawlish. 23.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

A great noise as D1015 climbs Rattery Bank at Tigley on her way to Plymouth. 23.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

D1015 approaching her former home depot of Laira. 23.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Leaving Exeter we headed by train to Plymouth to view the Class 52 D1015 seen arriving back at the station from Laira (where it went for servicing). 23.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1015 Departs with the returning Golden Hind. Plenty of clag. 23.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1015 'Western Champion' crosses Blatchford Viaduct in Ivybridge with the return Vintage Trains' 1Z37 17.09 Plymouth - London Paddington and Birmingham Snow Hill 'Golden Hind' railtour. Just thirty seconds previously a full length IET went the other way. 23.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Lovely light at Powderham for the returning tour. 23.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

D1015 passing Marsh Barton with the 1709 Plymouth to Paddington. 23.05.2026, copyright David Tozer.

D1015 Western champion passes Burlescombe on 1709 Plymouth to Paddington. 23.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

The returning Golden Hind railtour, 17.09 Plymouth to Paddington, 1Z37, was seen this evening charging through Bathpool hauled by Western class, D1015 looking and sounding great. 23.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

The return 1Z37 1709 Plymouth - Paddington was running around 20 minute early through Castle Cary but then got caught behind a Weymouth -Bristol stopping train as far as Fairwood Jcn. The Western was seen again on the Westbury avoiding line as the sun was disappearing behind the new housing now adjacent to the line. 23.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks all - a great record of events, and didn't we have the weather for it!

35028 'Clan Line' works
The Atlantic Coast Express
Bill Elston, David Tozer, Roger Winnen, Paul Barlow & Guy Vincent

The Atlantic Coast Express 07.14 Waterloo to Exeter ran today, and is seen here passing Pendomer ( 3 miles west of Yeovil jct). Hauled by MN 35028 CLAN LINE, 10 late. 23.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

47802 on the rear. 23.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

Hard to believe this the approach to Central. On the the left the run round loop and ground signal is covered with vegetation. However the points to this have been plain lined. On the right the brick built relay room is also disappearing with the advancing vegetation. 35028 'Clan Line' with the 0714 Waterloo to Exeter St David's Atlantic Coast Express. 23.05.2026, copyright David Tozer.

35028 Clan Line arriving at Exeter St Davids. 23.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

WCRC 47802 on the rear of the train at Exeter. 23.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

35028 Clan line at Burlescombe on the 1604 Exeter to Waterloo. 23.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Over to Westbury station for the return Atlantic Coast Express, 1Z30 1607 Exeter - Waterloo headed by 35028 Clan Line. This was held for a green signal to enable a good run before ascending the 1 in 75 climb through Dilton Marsh and Upton Scudamore towards Warminster. 23.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

35028 awaits departure from Westbury. 23.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks all - nice to see the Merchant Navy back on the former Southern Route.

Bristol Test Train
Guy Vincent

37610 in Temple Meads P11 with 3Q21 2237 Kingsland Road - Derby RTC ultrasonic test train. 22.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

DBSO 9703 ready to head off into the night at Bristol. 22.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy - worth the late night for!

The bridge at Chantmarle, Dorset
James Bown

Two pictures of the Maiden Newton to Yeovil line taken from the very ornate bridge. 23.05.2026, copyright James Bown.

Many thanks James - interesting photos.

Devon Miscellany
Jon Hird

Being from Cornwall, we don’t see too many Crosscountry services. My mate and I were shocked to see just how many units were already in the new XC livery. 220021 rushes past Oli and my son Charlie at Rattery with the 0616 York - Plymouth. 23.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The new order in Devon. 175111 climbing Rattery working the 1219 Exeter - Penzance. 23.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

First in class 220001 and 220020 climb Rattery, passing Tigley, whilst working the 0743 York - Plymouth. 23.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

After seeing D1015, it seemed rude not to pop over to Dartington to see the SDR diesels strutting their stuff during the Rails and Ales Gala. 33002 heads back to Buckfastleigh from Totnes Riverside. 23.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

25262 heading to Totnes vice-steam during the SDR Rails and Ales gala. 23.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

May 23rd 2026

23/5/2026

Memories of railtours past
Paul Barlow

850 Lord Nelson on the 0823 Waterloo to Exeter passing passes Pinhoe on Imp. 08.07.2007, copyright Paul Barlow.

850 Lord Nelson on the 0823 from Waterloo having arrived at Exeter St Davids. 08.07.2007, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul - what a treat it would be to see this one back on the mainline one day.

May 22nd 2026

22/5/2026

Central Cornwall Railway
Peter Murnaghan

Following the recent suggestion of a new railway between Okehampton and Launceston by a local MP and our reminder by Andrew Jones of the Trewint extension of the Caradon Railway, that never opened, there is one other railway scheme that deserves a mention.

I have in my collection a prospectus for the Central Cornwall Railway. This is un-dated, but proposes to build a line in direct competition with the broad gauge GWR line. It proposes a 'narrow gauge' (actually standard gauge) line between Launceston and Wenford Bridge, plus a further line from Ruthern Bridge to Truro. This new line, through the central core of Cornwall would have avoided the need to tranship between the gauges at Truro and enable more direct trains, saving 29 miles on the broad gauge route through south Cornwall and Plymouth. Much is made of the tin, lead and copper mines along the route, as well as the china clay, slate and even sea sand from Padstow that could be conveyed.

Estimating a date for this proposal would suggest 1864, since the Bodmin & Wadebridge line opened in 1834 and the North Cornwall Railway didn't extend beyond Launceston until 1892.

Clearly, the prospectus failed to raise sufficient funds to build the line through Central Cornwall, but it's fascinating to consider what 'Might have been'.

Please click any below image for an enlargement - images are copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Many thanks indeed Peter - as you rightly say, fascinating to think of what could have been.

The Blue HST heads to Paignton
Guy Vincent & Martin Scane

Thursday 21st May saw LSL's 'Midland Pullman' HST set head to Paignton with a charter from Nottingham.

Full size Pullman HST set with 43055 and 43049 in charge passing Berkley Marsh some 15 minutes early with 1Z03 0603 Nottingham - Paignton. 21.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

A couple of photos of the Midland Pullman today The train is 1Z20 Nottingham to Paignton passing Sprey Point at 13-08 just a couple of minutes down. 21.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

The once-familiar sight of a HST on the sea wall - now a rare treat. 21.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

Martin adds:

The HST was in amongst a procession of trains running right behind each other hence it was taking a leisurely stroll along the wall (as were they all except the first one).

Just for interest, the other trains were :

13-03 Exmouth to Paignton (6 mins late)-150
13-06 Newcastle to Plymouth - Voyager
13-08 Nottingham to Paignton - Pullman
13-11 Exeter to Penzance - IET
13-14 Exmouth to Paignton - 166

All in all a very busy 15 mins or so including going the other way:
13-01 Penzance to Paddington - IET
13-13 Plymouth to Glasgow - Voyager

Many thanks to you both, some nice photos.

Deepest, Darkest, Clay Country!
Mark Lynam & Jon Hird

66762 shunts at Treviscoe early on 21.05.2026. Copyright Mark Lynam.

66762 departs Treviscoe with 6 loaded JIA's bound for Cliffe Vale. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

6C53 comes off the branch at Burngullow Junction, whilst a GWR IET heads west on the mainline. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A brief break from photographing the clay train to catch 220027 passing Trewoon with the 1115 Penzance - Edinburgh. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Just around the corner from Mark, 220027 crosses Gover Viaduct. 21.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Now on the mainline, 6C53 rounds the curve at Trewoon as it continues on its journey to the midlands. 21.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

With mist rolling in off the mountainous terrain of 'Clay Country' behind, 66762 accelarates across Gover Viaduct with the 6 JIA's, the crosswind blowing through the valley blowing some excess clay off the tops of the wagons. It's very difficult to predict and time when this train may show up, so I was very grateful to Mark for the live updates through the morning which enabled me to get my photo! 21.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Mark, this now being the only timetabled freight west of Par means it's always worth a look at.

A late night 'down west'
Mark Lynam

66559 arrives at Penzance from Westbury with a train of Autoballasters. 20.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A view of the Freightliner loco from the opposite platform as it prepares to push back to Slopers siding before running round. 20.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

After running round, the train propelled back into the station and prepared to depart for the worksite in the Truro area. 20.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark - very atmospheric.

<<Previous

Latest News & Features

Sir Nigel Gresley works'The English Riviera Express'Bill Elston, Andrew Triggs, Martin Scane, Paul Barlow & David Tozer

The Britannic ExplorerAndrew Triggs

The Earl of Mountbatten (5043) works'The Whilsting Ghost'Rich Kelsey, Guy Vincent, Bill Elston & Andrew Triggs

Marsh Barton VoyagerDavid Tozer

Royal Duchy PreparationsGuy Vincent

The Didcot Railway CentreColin Pidgeon

Join us for our next outdoor excursion!Saturday 6th June 2026'Exploring the Railways of Devon'

The Cotswold Festival of SteamIan Thomas

Caroline is coming!​Clive Smith

Ex-works HymekMichael Adams

Another sunny day in CornwallMark Lynam, Jon Hird & Clive Smith

... and sunshine in Somerset!Andrew Triggs

Glynn Valley viewsJon Hird

Bristol 31'sMichael Adams

This SundayThe Bodmin Railway 40th Anniversary

The CRS visit to:The Launceston Steam RailwayRoger Winnen

The Atlantic Coast ExpressBrian Pibworth

An early startJon Hird

Hot at Tregoss!Andrew & Diane Jones

LSWR Adam's Designed T3James Bown

A question on ExmouthCan you help?

'Severn' at Newton AbbotMichael Adams

The Bodmin BubbleJon Hird

1964 Part 107 – Bathampton and BathfordTypes of Great Western CountrysideMichael L. Roach

Bude TurntableAndrew & Diane Jones

The Cotswold Festival Of SteamGraham Jakes

Clay on a hot day!Jon Hird & Mark Lynam

Sunny mornings in East CornwallRon & Jenny Westwater

Grids away!Guy Vincent & Colin Pidgeon

Bank Holiday Bubble CarRoger Winnen

Westbury Grid ActionGuy Vincent

D1015 works 'The Golden Hind'Guy Vincent, Paul Barlow, Roger Winnen, Clive Smith, Jon Hird, Mark Lynam, David Tozer & Bill Elston

35028 'Clan Line' worksThe Atlantic Coast ExpressBill Elston, David Tozer, Roger Winnen, Paul Barlow & Guy Vincent

Bristol Test TrainGuy Vincent

The bridge at Chantmarle, DorsetJames Bown

Devon MiscellanyJon Hird

Memories of railtours pastPaul Barlow

Central Cornwall RailwayPeter Murnaghan

The Blue HST heads to PaigntonGuy Vincent & Martin Scane

Deepest, Darkest, Clay Country!Mark Lynam & Jon Hird

A late night 'down west'Mark Lynam

Archives