Blog Archives

May 11th 2026

11/5/2026

Recent round-up
Craig Munday

A busy few weeks in the Duchy with another visit of the Belmond Britannic Explorer, A class 175 press visit to Newquay and a poor week for GWR class 57s on the Night Riviera.

A murky start to a shift at Goonbarrow saw 2N00 pass the box in "stealth mode". The fog still thick as the class 150 headed for the resort. 04.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

08752 lurking in the mist at Goonbarrow. 04.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The area was shrouded for some time until the strong sunlight punched its way through. The JIA wagons rest between duties in the Imerys facility. 04.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

66712 thoughtfully parked at Goonbarrow. 04.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The 5th saw double class 57s on the sleeper empties pass Par with a Hitachi in the down platform. (They resemble a bulbous class 42 Warship diesel at this angle)! 05.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The following day the train is seen at Resparveth in unrelenting cloud which covered St Austell Bay all day. clear glimpses of sky down west were tantalizingly frustrating! 06.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

The 7th saw 175114 work a first service carrying press, GWR / NR reps and local dignitaries as a special working to showcase the new timetable. 07.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Members of the press and of various rail bodies with 175114 at Newquay. 07.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Also on the 7th, 175001 is seen at Penzance with a service working, 2E23. 07.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Finally on 9th the Belmond headed west as is seen passing Crugwallins. The local farmer has allowed all the local hedges to grow up now sadly, obscuring the classic elevated shot of the down trains. 09.05.2026, copyright Craig Munday.

Great stuff, Craig - many thanks indeed.

The Britannic Explorer heads East
Tony Shore & Jon Hird

66744 leads The Britannic Explorer away from Fowey and on towards Lostwithiel, passing the salt marshes. 10.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Specially liveried 66748 on the rear of the train approaching Lostwithiel. 10.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Guests alight at Lostwithiel to go by road for various activities. 10.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

66744 waits to run into the goods loop, where it would wait for a short while before running back to Coulsons Park so that the stock could be serviced. 10.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

With the stock serviced, the train heads east over St. Pinnock viaduct where a few spring bluebells still stand defiantly. #2 son Charlie waves the train off. It'll be back in a few weeks. 10.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks as always, Tony.

The Britannic Explorer is next due to explore Cornwall on the 30th May. This coming weekend we have another blue train due to visit - LSL's Midland Pullman HST set. Details in our Railtour Calendar.

Evening Sulzer Action
Guy Vincent

45118 again, this time heading the return leg of today’s English Riviera Express from Kingswear back to Northampton. The train was diverted due to a points issue at Fairwood Jcn to run via Westbury station rather than up the nearby avoiding line to Heywood Road Jcn as booked. 47593 at the rear.

Photos are stills from a video taken by Cathy Vincent.

45118 passing through Westbury Station. 09.05.2026, copyright Cathy Vincent.

47593 on the opposite end. 09.05.2026, copyright Cathy Vincent.

Many thanks Cathy and Guy - great to see LSL making use of this veteran machine.

May 1976
Part 11
Roger Winnen

D1070 passing Long Rock. 30.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1056 Western Sultan at Long Rock. 30.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

DMU P555 and D1023 Western Fuslier at Long Rock Shed. 30.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1033 Western Trooper on a return Brighton Excursion. 30.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 10th 2026

10/5/2026

'The Britannic Explorer'
Jon Hird, Mark Lynam, Dennis Clarke, Philip Gilbert & Joe Birchall

66744 and 66748 again visited Cornwall this weekend, with Belmonds new super-luxurious touring train, 'The Britannic Explorer'.

The train worked from Bishops Lydeard - Penzance, then to Fowey for an overnight stop.

The train returns to The East Somerset Railway today (Sunday) - details in our Railtour Calendar.

66744 and 66748 double head 1C02, the Bishops Lydeard - Penzance 'Britannic Explorer' past Resparveth, Grampound Road. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

A drone shot from Resparveth. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

'The Britannic Explorer' passing the wildflowers and mining artefacts at Brea. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

'The Britannic Explorer' beneath the roof at Penzance, the train crew discuss their journey down. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.

With the stock disposed of in Slopers Siding and the guests disposed of via road transportation for activities in the area, the locomotives head to Long Rock for refuelling. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.

After refuelling, 66748 is seen in Slopers Siding. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.

With the locomotives refuelled at Long Rock and the train rearranged into top and tail formation, 666748 leads the way back into Penzance station. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66744 on the rear of the set at Penzance. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66748 beneath the station roof at Penzance. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.

Departure from Penzance for Fowey Docks, 66744 leads the way through Marazion. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66748 on the rear as the train heads for Fowey. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66744 leads the Britannic Explorer, it's about to cross Bridge MLN314-70 and then Penponds Viaduct as it heads towards Lostwithiel and the Fowey branch. 09.05.2026, copyright Philip Gilbert.

66744 powering through Truro en route to Fowey. 09.05.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.

Almost at journeys end - the train led by 66748 passes the former Sawmill Studios and slows to a stop at the entrance of Fowey Docks. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66744 on the rear of the train at Sawmills. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks all - more great coverage of this very welcome addition to the south west timetable.

The English Riviera Express
Simon Smith, Guy Vincent & Martin Scane

1Z07 45118 Northampton - Kingswear, 47593 on rear, taken at Kintby Quite a surprise, sounded lovely. 09.05.2026, copyright Simon Smith.

47593 on the rear at Kintby. 09.05.2026, copyright Simon Smith.

45118 near Clink Road Junction, Frome, again heading south to Taunton with a Northampton -Kingswear English Riviera Express day excursion bound for Kingswear. 09.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

The 'Peak' was swapped at Taunton for a steam locomotive to take the train forwards to Kingswear. Here’s Sir Nigel Gresley on the sea wall between Parsons Tunnel and Sprey Point at just about 12-12 lunchtime today in warm, humid but rather overcast weather. 09.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Guy, Simon and Martin - some great traction on offer there for the passengers.

More heritage diesels
Guy Vincent

37057 unusually stabled in Westbury up yard on the site of the former diesel depot after bringing in a test train from Reading. 09.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy.

May 1976
Part 10
Roger Winnen

Building the new track layout at Ponsandane. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1028 Western Hussar at Penzance. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Building the new track layout at Ponsandane. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 47 approching Long Rock level crossing. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 9th 2026

9/5/2026

Don't miss tonights indoor meeting!
Chris Heaps presents:
A history of the London Bus Museum

In the memorial hall, Redruth Methodist Church - TR152EG
Commencing at 1830

Please note: The Hall Car Park will only have a few spare spaces, as a Concert will be taking place in the Wesley Chapel.

Please use other Car Parks
(Flower Pot Chapel Car Park, just down the road)

This weekends railtours

The weekend sees two railtours heading to Devon and Cornwall.

First up is the Britannic Explorer:

THE BRITANNIC EXPLORER (GBRf Cl.66 x2)
Fri 8th May 2026 - Mon 11th May 2026
London Victoria - Penzance & Return. Overnight stop on the Fowey branch Saturday night.

And we also have steam to Kingswear:

ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Steam)
Sat 9th May 2026
Northampton - Kingswear

Full details and times available in our Railtour Calendar.

GWR Exhibition Train - 1985
Richard Giles

Following on from my Bristol 'Disney Exhibition Train' contribution, and Guy Vincent's follow up item (in April) with event leaflets available for the GWR 150 Year around the time, I would like to forward these two views from Weston-super-Mare and the rarely used nowadays (accept for occasional track machine stabling) platform 3.

On the 13th August 1985, the second day of a two day visit at the North Somerset coastal seaside town saw QVAs ADB977215, ABD977231, ADB977230, ADB977217, ADB977218, ADB977216, ADB977219, ADB977232, stabled in the bay platform forming the 1985 GWR exhibition train. The coaches were all converted towards the end of 1984 at the now closed Cardiff Cathay's rail work shops from Mk 1 stock. For the tour, ADB977215 was sponsored by Providence Mutual, ADB977230 by ESSO and ADB977217 by Godfrey Davis Rail Drive Euro-car hire, ADB977219 carried the name 'Rosamund' and was in use as a buffet car and ADB977232 (converted from a CCT) saw use as a generator van providing internal coach lighting power.

Sorry I did'nt take any internal views on the day regarding the follow up request and it also may or may not be worth recording that GWR 200 is now less than 10 years away!

GWR 150 Exhibition Train, Weston-super-Mare during a 2-day visit on 13th August 2025. Copyright Richard Giles.

Second from the buffers, ADB977321 converted from TSO E4321 is seen in the bay platform Weston-super-Mare 13th August 1985. Copyright Richard Giles.

Many thanks indeed Richard. Great memories - hopefully the 200th anniversary of the GWR is marked.

'Defiance'
Michael Adams

Michael Adams sends this picture of 50149 'Defiance' at Par on an unrecorded date. This 50 carried it's Railfreight livery from August 1987 to Feb.1989 and worked from Laira and St.Blazey. The CDAs were introduced in February 1988 so that gives some clue as to the date span. This loco. has lived up to it's name and can be seen at The Severn Valley Railway now. Copyright Michael Adams.

Another great photo from Michael A - and our thanks to Michael Forward for sending it over.

Lympstone from above
Paul Barlow

A few photos from Thursdays's cycle ride to Lympstone.

166207 Leaves Lympstone on the 1220 Paignton to Exmouth 2F18. 07.05.2029, copyright Paul Barlow.

166209 Leaves Lympstone on the 1257 Exmouth to Paignton 2T19. 07.05.2029, copyright Paul Barlow.

166209 at Lympstone on the 1120 Paignton to Exmouth 2F16. 07.05.2029, copyright Paul Barlow.

Some unusual views Paul - many thanks for sharing them with us.

May 1976
Part 9
Roger Winnen

The 18.00 Penzance to Leeds with a 45 and a 47. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1058 Western Nobleman at Long Rock. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 50 arrives at Penzance. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

08402 at Ponsandane. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 8th 2026

8/5/2026

Class 175's to Newquay
Mark Lynam & Chris Bellett

Thursday 7th May 2026 saw the first 3-car class 175 to Newquay.

The unit worked through from Laira with various dignitaries and GWR/NR staff onboard who carried out measuring at certain locations.

A BBC news report is available - click here.

Read on beneath the images for details on future 175 visits to the North Coast.

175114 arrives at Newquay with 2Z51 from Plymouth/Laira. 07.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

After just a 6-minute layover, the unit departs again for Par. 07.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The return working passes Middleway, St. Blazey. 07.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Chris Bellett writes to say:

With the new summer timetable commencing on 18th May, the Newquay Line service goes to an hourly pattern and is scheduled to be worked by Class 175 units.

The summer through IET extras are added to that and the freight traffic as well, so the branch is going to be very busy again.

A poster elsewhere has given permission to publish the Class 175 diagrams (with the usual caveat on trained crew and units being available). Goonbarrow Junction and St.Blazey signalboxes are going to be very busy...

The following should be class 175 operated during the Summer Timetable from 18th May.

The diagrams are all Laira starters.

Monday to Friday there should be 6 diagrams

Saturdays there should be 5 diagrams

Sundays there should be 3 diagrams

Monday to Friday

(1)
5C00 0449 Laira Plymouth
2C00 0533 Plymouth Penzance
2E06 0743 Penzance Exeter St Davids
2C20 1127 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2P20 1515 Penzance Plymouth
5P21 756 PLymouth Laira

(2)
3C05 0645 Laira Liskeard
2P05 0808 Liskeard Plymouth
2C11 1014 Plymouth Penzance
2P16 1315 Penzance Plymouth
5P16 1519 Plymouth Laira

(3)
5C26 1314 Laira Plymouth
2C26 1340 Plymouth Penzance
2p21 1552 Penzance Plymouth
5P21 1756 Plymouth Laira

(4)
3E05 0540 Laira Exeter St Davids
2c05 0655 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2E11 1015 Penzance Exeter St Davids
2C32 1528 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2E28 1915 Penzance Exeter St Davids
5P28 2256 Exeter St Davids Laira

(5)
5E04 0828 Laira Plymouth
2E04 0849 Plymouth Exeter St Davids
2C18 1027 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2P17 1350 Penzance Plymouth
2C31 1556 Plymouth Penzance
2P27 1850 Penzance Plymouth
5P27 2109 Plymouth Laira

(6)
3N02 0612 Plymouth Par
2N02 0707 Plymouth Newquay
2N03 0822 Newquay Par
2N06 0916 Par Newquay
2N07 1028 Newquay Par
2N10 1121 Par Newquay
2N11 1217 Newquay Par
2N14 1316 Par Newquay
2N15 1428 Newquay Par
2N18 1515 Par Newquay
2N19 1618 Newquay Par
2N22 1717 Par Newquay
2N23 1822 Newquay Par
2N26 1916 Par Newquay
2N27 2028 Newquay Par
5P99 2135 Par Laira

Saturdays

(1)
5C05 0444 Laira Plymouth
2C05 0515 Plymouth Penzance
2P10 0740 Penzance Plymouth
5P10 0942 Plymouth Station Sidings
2C49 1231 Station Sidings Plymouth
2C49 1242 Plymouth Penzance
2P24 1515 Penzance Plymouth
5P24 1731 Plymouth Laira

(2)
3E42 0400 Laira Exeter St Davids
2C42 0800 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2P18 1150 Penzance Plymouth
2C53 1443 Plymouth Penzance
2P30 1715 Penzance Plymouth
5P30 1824 Plymouth Laira

(3)
3C12 0520 Laira Penzance
2E12 0850 Penzance Exeter St Davids
2C51 1219 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2P26 1550 Penzance Plymouth
5P26 1750 Plymouth Laira

(4)
5C40 0714 Laira Plymouth
2C40 0807 Plymouth Penzance
2E16 1039 Penzance Exeter St Davids
2P56 1422 Exeter St Davids Plymouth
2C57 1638 Plymouth Penzance
2P95 1930 Penzance Plymouth
5P95 2145 Plymouth Laira

(5)
5N02 0526 PLymouth Par
2N02 0703 Par Newquay
2N03 0812 Newquay Par
2N06 0905 Par Newquay
2N07 1010 Newquay Par
2N10 1130 Par Newquay
2N11 1221 Newquay Par
2N14 1338 Par Newquay
2N15 1447 Newquay Par
5N15 1540 Par Par Chapel Sidings
5N20 1610 Par Chapel Sidings Par
2N20 1622 Par Newquay
2N21 1740 Newquay Par
2N24 1834 Par Newquay
2N25 1938 Newquay Par
2N28 2032 Par Newquay
2P97 2124 Newquay Plymouth
5P97 2342 Plymouth Laira

Sundays

(1)
5C06 0750 Laira Plymouth
2C06 0845 Plymouth Penzance
2E13 1149 Penzance Exeter St Davids
2C32 1527 Exeter St Davids Penzance
2P28 1915 Penzance Plymouth
5P28 2125 Plymouth Laira

(2)
5C20 0949 Laira Plymouth
2C20 1032 Plymouth Penzance
2E17 1349 Penzance Exeter St Davids
2P36 Exeter St Davids Plymouth
5P36 1838 Plymouth Laira

(3)
5C06 0750 Laira Plymouth
5N08 0859 Plymouth Par
2N08 1012 Par Newquay
2N09 1118 Newquay Par
5N12 1218 Par Par Chapel Sidings
5N16 1426 Par Chapel Sidings Par
2N16 1438 Par Newquay
2N19 1552 Newquay Par
2N22 1715 Par Newquay
2N23 1816 Newquay Par
2N26 1935 Par Newquay
2N27 2029 Newquay Par
5P27 2145 Par Laira

Many thanks to Mark and Chris for the photographs and information. An ambitious schedule of services - great to see the appetite is there for it.

The CRS visit to Bere Ferrers
Roger Winnen

A selection of photographs from the CRS excursion to Bere Ferrers and the Tamar Belle Heritage Centre on the 18th April 2026.

Please click any image below to obtain an enlargement and caption - all images are copyright Roger Winnen.

Please see our outdoor events section for more upcoming CRS excursions.

Avon Valley Railway
'Fit for the future' appeal

The Avon Valley Railway have just launched our “Fit for the Future” Appeal, focused on safeguarding the line's long‑term future.

The aims are deliberately forward‑looking: investing in essentials such as the buffet and track, progressing the Avonside restoration, and ensuring the railway can continue to educate and inspire. And to be enjoyed!

With coal costs, locomotive hire, and utilities, it costs well over £1,000 a day to operate before the railway has sold one ticket. Those costs are manageable, and can be reduced, if the buffet can be refurbished to generate more casual spend, the Avonside restored to reduce reliance on hired engines, and the infrastructure kept in good condition so we’re not constantly firefighting problems.

Behind every successful heritage railway is careful planning, skilled conservation, and steady, long‑term support. The railway suffered a real blow two years when it was the victim of fraud but it rebuilt. Santa traffic is up 10%, half-term operations were up 25%. There are new trustees and a new family-focused events programme that brings in the visitors without significant costs. The AVR are going places again and would like to go further, but it can’t seriously plan an extension without the existing foundations being totally secure.

Even modest contributions genuinely help turn good intentions into lasting outcomes!

More details here: https://www.avrht.org/appeal

Best of luck to the AVR with their appeal - a superb railway.

Sea wall light loco
Martin Scane

57301 caught me out this afternoon by being earlier than anticipated so here is a very rushed shot of her having just passed Teignmouth station on her way back to Reading having rescued 57604 and 57605 on Wednesday. 07.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

Well caught Martin - many thanks.

May 1976
Part 8
Roger Winnen

D1070 Western Gauntlet with the 10.20 from Penzance at Chyandour. 22.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

47256 at Long Rock. 23.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 47 Rounding Long Rock curve. 23.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

New pointwork being installed for the carriage sidings at Long Rock. 23.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 09.30 Plymouth Penzance DMU at Long Rock. 23.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 47 departing Penzance on the 12.05 to Paddington showing the original road by Finn Shoes. 23.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 7th 2026

7/5/2026

Don't miss this months indoor meeting!
Saturday - May 9th
Chris Heaps presents:
A history of the London Bus Museum

In the memorial hall, Redruth Methodist Church - TR152EG
Commencing at 1830

Please note: The Hall Car Park will only have a few spare spaces, as a Concert will be taking place in the Wesley Chapel.

Please use other Car Parks
(Flower Pot Chapel Car Park, just down the road)

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 104
Settle and Carlisle 150
Michael L. Roach

It was good to see the Settle and Carlisle's 150th birthday celebrated by Ian Thomas on Saturday 2 May 2026. I was already scanning my colour slides for a similar article when it appeared, but mine will focus on normal traffic at the time of our first visit in 1982, when the line was still busy with traditional freight trains and a good variety of diesel classes, and not a single dmu seen. First a few facts about the line. The line was constructed by the Midland Railway as part of the third route and their own independent route to Scotland. The line started at Settle Junction and finished at the eastern outskirts of Carlisle at Petteril Bridge Junction, 72m 42c away, and passed through some of the most hostile terrain in England. There are 22 viaducts and 14 tunnels with several notable landmarks:- Blea Moor Tunnel, signal box and down loop; Ribblehead Viaduct; Ais Gill Summit (1169 feet); and Hawes Junction (renamed Garsdale) the name (but not the exact site of) a disastrous collision on Christmas Eve 1910 made worse by gas-lit carriages igniting the wrecked coaches.

The problems that accompanied construction of the Midland Railway's line from Settle to Carlisle in mid-Victorian times are well known to most readers – a hostile landscape; harsh winters; isolation; shanty towns; disease and death to name but a few, plus hard graft for 10 or 12 hours a day, or more. Eventually man triumphed over adversity and left us with a wonderful legacy to travel along or visit and photograph. 150 years later it still exercises a pulling power over rail enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. I doubt that anyone visiting the S&C for the first time has ever been disappointed. My first visit was in the summer of 1982 when we both travelled along it and did some lineside photography. The line opened to passengers on 1 May 1876 and has just celebrated its 150th anniversary. Attached are a few photos from those visits in the summer of 1982. We are really lucky to be able to celebrate a line that was saved from closure; is still busy; has not been disfigured by OHLE; and still has semaphore signalling and Midland Railway signal boxes.

The line is reasonably busy with its own passenger trains and come into its own when the WCML is closed and trains are diverted this way. There are also a number of freight train paths but most of them are (Q) and run as required. One of the most interesting of these, for us in the West Country, is 6S00 the 10.12 Ernesettle MOD to Glen Douglas MOD which runs infrequently. The train is routed via Bristol TM, East Usk Junction (Newport) 14.35-15.12, Crewe, Hellifield Goods Loop 21.49, Carlisle NY 00.02-04.23, Mossend, and due Glen Douglas 08.50 The distance is about 550 miles. It would be great if one of the website's photographers manages to record this train one day. It seems quite appropriate that a train starting at Ernesettle should travel via Settle when it does run.

When the S&C was built the Lancaster and Richmond turnpike road passed under the line adjacent to Ribblehead Station. It is now numbered the B6255. Two miles south-west down that road is the nearest church to the line and where the people who lived in the shanty towns were buried when they died of natural causes, disease or accidents. The church is St. Leonards at Chapel Le Dale, also know as Ingleton Falls. I looked at the burial register for a couple of typical months during the construction period. In November and December 1871 there were 8 deaths with ages of 3 days, 4 days, 3 years, 4, 16, 28, 35 and 37 years. Six months later in May 1872 there were 7 deaths in that one month alone with ages of 9 months, 13 months, 23 months, 25 years, 40, 45 and 80 years. Each shanty town had been given a name. Those in the vicinity of Blea Moor Tunnel, Ribblehead Viaduct and Ribblehead Station were called, north to south:- Blea Moor, Tunnel, Jerusalem, Jericho, Inkerman, Sebastopol, Belgravia, Batty Green and Salt Lake. It was thoughtful of the Vicar of St. Leonards to record the name of the shanty town where people died in the Burial Record. Blea Moor Tunnel turns up frequently.

The design of the Settle and Carlisle was done by John Sydney Crossley (1812 – 1879) the Midland Railway's own in-house Chief Civil Engineer, who also supervised construction and when the Contractor for Contract No. 1 (Settle Junction to Dent Head, including Ribblehead and Blea Moor Tunnel) got into financial difficulties constructed that length by direct labour. The railway stations on the S&C are all similar and a delight. They were designed by John Holloway Sanders (1825 – 1884) the Midland Railway's Chief Architect who also designed Bath Green Park and Mangotsfield among many others.

The weather was dull much of the time with the last three photos of trains passing at milepost 251 taken in rain with a shutter speed of 1/125 at f2.8.

On Monday 16 August 1982 we made a day trip from Skipton to Carlisle and return. Here we see our return train at platform 5 at Carlisle on the 15.37 to Leeds. On the right was 47309. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

A view out the window at 16.58 soon after passing Dent Station. Note the waste heaps; Arten Gill Viaduct (hidden); Dent Head Viaduct; and the portal of Blea Moor Tunnel extreme right. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Dent Head Viaduct on 17.08.1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Dent Station looking south. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

40047 heads south at Ais Gill at the head of a freight train at 16.04 on 17.08.1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

25206 has just crossed Dent Head Viaduct and is about to enter the tunnel with ten bogie tanks at 16.20 on 25.08.1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

31242 crosses Dent Head Viaduct with the 15.37 Carlisle to Leeds on 25.08.1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

25080 passes milepost 251 just north of Blea Moor Tunnel with 4C – the only Class 25 seen on a passenger train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

25080 passes 45010. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

45010 heads south at milepost 251with 30 wagons at 17.31 on 25.08.1982. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Another super article Mike - many thanks indeed.

For more of Michaels work, please click here.

More sleeper woes!
David Ive, Tony Shore, Jon Hird, Andrew Triggs & Mark Lynam

Following Tuesdays widely reported sleeper ECS move, and its subsequent failure in Somerset, Wednesday again saw some daytime sleeper action in the south west.

After the 'up' 1C50 sleeper service arrived in London and ran ECS to Reading, 57301 was dispatched to Highbridge loop to collect 57605, 57604 and the sleeper stock.

The emsemble ran to Laira via Bristol SPM.

A few hours later the train re-emerged, this time with 57604 leading the stock and 57605 dead on rear. It ran through to Long Rock in this configuration.

Both up and down sleeper services on Wednesday evening were replaced by IET units.

57301 leads failed 57605 and 57604 onto the sea wall at Dawlish Warren as 5Z50, Highbridge Loop - Laira. 06.05.2026, copyright David J Ive (http://djipix.com)

57604 leads 5Z52 past the bluebells at St. Pinnock en route to Long Rock from Laira. 06.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Beneath stormy skies, 57604 passes through Dowgas. 06.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

57604 + 57605 at Rosevidney overbridge (Between St Erth and Marazion) working 5Z52 1430 Laira T&RSMD to Longrock T&RSMD. 06.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

57605 on the rear at Rosevidney. 06.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

57604 top and tailing 57605 working 5Z52 14.30 Laira T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD ECS, passing Rospeath Road overbridge near Marzion. 06.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks all - let's see how the sleepers get on tonight!

'Dauntless'
Michael Adams

Michael Adams sends over this picture of class 50048 'Dauntless' about to leave Exeter St.David's with empty coaches from a Waterloo arrival, on 13th August 1981. This fine loco was withdrawn in July 1991 and scrapped the following April. Copyright Michael Adams.

A great name for a locomotive. Many thanks to Michael Adams and Michael Forward for sending the photo on.

Wednesday's Clay
Tony Shore

66712 crosses the River Fowey at Lostwithiel with the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey Carne Point clay. 06.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Later in the day, the empty wagons are seen on the Fowey branch heading towards Coulsons Park, Lostwithiel. 06.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Many thanks Tony - a couple of rarely seen angles.

Re: Westbury 1981
Guy Vincent

Michael Forward's photo taken at Westbury on 28th May 1981 was of interest, showing as it did the former North signal box (by then plain 'Westbury' following abolition of the Middle (1968) and South (1978)'boxes, the semaphores, and the tops of the two Nitrovit grain silos next to the road bridge. These were used to receive grain and dispatch animal feed which was produced at a factory on a nearby trading estate. They were built in the late 1960s and disused from the summer of 1981 with removal taking place circa 1985. Since 2015 the site has been occupied by a traincrew admin and messroom block.

Here's a comparison photo to Michael's taken on 6th May 2026. To my mind the HST in P1 and Portsmouth train arriving in P2 should be at each other's platform to avoid a conflicting move on departure!

Another chance for a then and now comparison shot at Westbury as 166204 arrives at platform 2 (formerly P3) with 1F27 1730 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour at 1903hrs on Thursday 7th May 2026. Copyright Guy Vincent.

The very same spot seen yesterday, 06.05.2026. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy - I did think that one may pique your interest!

Late night testing
Mark Lynam & Andrew Triggs

An early start for Mark - 4am! 37057 at Falmouth Docks working 3Q52 2152 Exeter Riverside N.Y. to Penzance via Fowey, Parkandillack & Falmouth. 06.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Another early morning shot of 37057 at Falmouth Docks. 06.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Later in the day, 37057 is seen at Penzance with 3Q52/3Q51 stabled on Oil 2 siding. 06.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks Andrew & Mark - always nice to see a 37 here in the west.

Cornish Steam
Chris Bellett

5552 runs around the empty stock at Bodmin General after the last train of the day on 06.05.2026. Copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks Chris. That loco's put in a good shift at Bodmin since emerging from overhaul a few years ago.

May 1976
Part 7
Roger Winnen

A Class 50 at Rosevidney with the 18.00 Penzance to Bristol. 20.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 50 with the Liverpool to Penzance at Rosevidney. 20.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 13.30 Paddington Penzance at Rosevidney. 20.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 50 heads the Royal Mail at Rosevidney. 20.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 6th 2026

6/5/2026

GWR Railcar No. 22
Ian Thomas

A pre-planned visit to the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway was booked a month or so ago in order for a trip aboard the GWR Railcar No. 22. I (up to Saturday) had never seen one in action, only as a stationary example at Didcot, so this had to be done.

So, up to Toddington for a 09:00 departure non-stop to Cheltenham Racecourse, plus a 09:40 return departure back to Toddington. I was well impressed with how roomy the car was compared to today's layouts, and also comfortable into the bargain.

Arrival back at Toddington was about five minutes late, and I was thinking, could I get another supplementary ticket for the imminent 10:35 departure to Winchcombe? Luck was on our side and they held the railcar for us, and off we went again to Winchcombe and back.

Plenty of pictures, and as our pre-booked ticket was an all-day rover, we then took 6880 Betton Grange to Winchcombe for (Spamcan) 34070 Manston back to Toddington. Lunch (and beers!) was then taken at the excellent Pheasant Inn nearby, before a move to Broadway with 34070 again and Class 20 No. 20-137 attached at the rear.

A delightful machine indeed, now exactly 60 years old, and it reminded me of the days when they worked the Derby–Skegness summer trains. All in all, a brilliant day and good weather. The rain arrived at 16:00 up here—perfect timing for once.

Pics include the railcar inside and out, 20-137, and 20s at Derby on the 12:58 (S.O.) Skegness–Derby, as a reminder.

20-137 at Cheltenham with the 15.20 Broadway-Racecourse train. 02.05.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.

20047 and 147 at Derby with the 1258 Skegness to Derby IM35. 12.09.1981, copyright Ian Thomas.

Many thanks Ian, the railcar looks to be a great machine.

Sleepless on the sleeper
Andrew Triggs, Mark Lynam, Tony Shore, Jon Hird, Martin Scane, David Ive & Bill Elston

On the evening of 04.05.2026, GWR 57604 was declared a failure at Penzance ahead of it working the up sleeper to Paddington.

1A50 was instead worked by an IET unit, and the down sleeper, 1C50, was worked by top and tailed class 57's through to Penzance.

On Tuesday morning 57605 set off from Long Rock, hauling 57604 and a set of sleeper stock empty to Reading, to balance the sets. However, all was not well, and 57605 itself failed near Bridgwater and was put into Highbridge Loop awaiting rescue.

Before the trouble started - 57604 draws 5C50 09.21 Penzance-Longrock T&RSMD Night Riviera ECS along Slopers towards Ponsandane Footbridge on 04.05.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

The next day, 57605 hauls defective 57604 past Marazion working 5Z50 10.00 Longrock T&RSMD-Reading Traincare Depot. 05.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57605 + 57604 at Dolcoath working 5Z50 1000 Longrock T&RSMD to Reading Traincare Depot. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Taken from the former dairy site, 57605 and 57604 pass through Lostwithiel. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

A dull day in the Glynn Valley as 57605 powers across East Largin viaduct with 5Z50. 05.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The train has just passed Teignmouth station and has emerged onto the sea wall at 13-24. 05.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.

The train is about to pass through Dawlish station. 05.05.2026, copyright David J. Ive.

The sun is out in Somerset as the train continues on past Creech St. Michael. 05.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

Thanks all - hopefully GWR's luck with the 57's improves.

Barnstaple Railway Remains
Dave Anthony

I had a walk through Barnstaple last week, and took a few photos of the west end of where the railway bridge "came ashore".

Railway bridge remains at Barnstaple. 30.04.2026, copyright Dave Anthony.

Many thanks indeed for these excellent and fascinating photographs Dave. Sincere apologies for the delay in getting them online - we've been a bit swamped over the last few days.

Yesteryear at Westbury
Michael Adams

A picture full of interest by Michael Adams of 33016 arriving at Westbury on 28 May 1981 with a service from Bristol to Portsmouth. What signals! Copyright Michael Adams.

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

Re: 47813
Julian Stephens

With driver Alan Peters at the controls, 47813 passes Trenowth with 1Z59 'The Penzance Flyer' on 25.08.2007. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Many thanks Julian - I'm sure Alan will enjoy this one.

Tuesdays Clay
Tony Shore, Mark Lynam & Jon Hird

GBRf's 66712 arrives at Lostwithiel with 6G09, the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Having run round via the down goods loop and picked up a member of GBRf staff (for route learning), 66712 departs for Fowey with 14 JIA's in tow. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

With its wagons emptied into the stores at Fowey, 66712 leads the empties, 6G05, across the causeway at Golant. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

Just enough water in the harbour for a reflection, and just low enough to walk to the far end of it to take a photograph, 66712 powers through Golant with 6G05. 05.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

6G05 passes beneath the temporary footbridge at Lostwithiel. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66712 running as 0G05 passes the disused signal box at Lostwithiel as it runs round the JIA's in the down goods loop. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

With the run round complete, 66712 departs from the down goods loop with 6G05 in tow. 05.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

66712 crosses the Fowey with 6G05 for Goonbarrow. 05.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Nice evening light at Treverrin as 6G05 descends towards Par. 05.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Thanks all - what a change in weather between the evening photos of the clay and the mornings photos of the sleeper move!

More from the WSR Steam Gala
Paul Barlow

60007 on the 1348 Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead approaching Leigh woods crossing. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

80078 and 9351 a drone shot at Leigh woods crossing on 0847 Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

80078 and 9351 storming towards Leigh woods crossing on 0847 Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

80078 at Bicknoller on the 1245 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Replica wooden nameplates for sale at Williton. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, a nice selection.

Purton Test Train & Crossing
Ken Mumford

1Q18 [Derby to Swansea (Landore) test train speeds towards Swindon. between 10 and 15 EARLY. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Waiting to use the Foot Crossing was a young lady and her horse. She had a correct procedure for using this crossing as these two photos show. She had to contact the Foot Crossing Operator who told her to wait until a southbound IET [1L76 Cheltenham Spa to Paddingtn which was on time with IET unit 800020] passed. After that passed she led her horse over the tracks and used the phone on the side where I was to tell the Foot Crossing Operator that she and her horse were safely across. Very interesting. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

The crossing handset. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

1Q18 heading back up the Gloucester branch between 7 and 10 LATE. However, where did it reverse at Swindon? RTT says it arrived at platform 1 but there was NO REPORT on RTT for Cockleberry Sidings; it left Swindon via platform 3 9 LATE. 05.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - interesting pictures.

May 1976
Part 6
Roger Winnen

View of Marazion Station from road overbridge. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1048 Western Lady D1048 heading coaches west through Marazion on Sunday 16th May 1976 as the 5B79 0945 Par - Penzance ECS. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1036 Western Empress at Long Rock Shed. View of Marazion Station from road overbridge. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 5th 2026

5/5/2026

Don't miss this months indoor meeting!
Saturday - May 9th

Chris Heaps presents:
A history of the London Bus Museum

In the memorial hall, Redruth Methodist Church - TR152EG
Commencing at 1830
Please note that the Car Park will only have a few spare spaces as a Concert will be taking place in the Wesley Chapel.
Please use other Car Parks
Flower Pot Chapel Car Park just down the road

May Bank Holiday - 40 years ago
Ian Thomas

A look back at what was running on the Midland line to Bristol on Monday May 5th 1986. Mainly HSTs and DMUs back then and a few locomotive hauled services, both timetabled and reliefs.

Here are three different services I captured that Monday afternoon, all taken at the former Berkeley Road South junction. This is where a spur line ran from this junction to Berkeley South junction, joining the line from Berkeley Road to Sharpness. It ran across agricultural land, then crossed the A38 to join the Sharpness branch. It closed in 1963 following the Severn bridge disaster of October 1960.

Included is a picture of 45-134 passing the site in 1984. The gate in the foreground and land around it is where the junction used to be.

45120 at Berkeley Rd South. 15.21. Bristol-Leeds Relief. 05.05.1986, copyright Ian Thomas.

50013 passes Berkeley Rd South with the 10.24. Penzance -Liverpool. IM83. 05.05.1986, copyright Ian Thomas.

DMU at Berkeley Rd South with the 1650 Gloucester-Weston- Super-Mare. 05.05.1986, copyright Ian Thomas.

The same location a few years earlier, 45134 at Berkeley Rd South with the 1030 Newcastle-Penzance 1V87. 12.08.1984, copyright Ian Thomas.

Many thanks Ian - not quite so much of interest today, 40 years on!

May 1976
Part 5
Roger Winnen

Basset Mine. 09.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

HMS Bristol in Mounts Bay, Penzance. 15.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1048 Western Lady running wrong line through Marazion. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

Cast Iron sign at Marazion Goods Yard. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A Class 50 light engine passes Marazion en route to St Erth. 16.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 4th 2026

4/5/2026

Saturdays Railtours

Many thanks indeed to all who have sent in photographs of Saturdays 3 railtours.

A number of additional photographs have arrived through the day on Sunday.

Rather than confusing matters and adding them to todays 'news' post, they've all been put together in yesterdays article. Either scroll down, or click here to view.

The WSR steam gala
Paul Barlow

A few shots of the WSR steam Gala on Friday, all went well until the A4
was stuck at Blue Anchor for a hour and 20 minutes with a brake problem.

Most trains were then around a hour late for the rest of the day.

3850 1035 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead Teddy bears crossing Williton. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

7802 1040 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard Teddy Bears crossing near Williton. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

7828 Castle hill 1148 Williton to Bishops Lydeard goods. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

9351 Roebuck farm crossing on 1400 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard running around 60 mins late. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

60007 1348 Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead approaches Leigh woods crossing. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Hunslet 1589 works the 0740 Minehead to Norton Fitzwarren goods train seen at Norvis crossing. 01.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul, a lovely selection of photos.

The Britannic Explorer
Fowey - Bruton
Tony Shore, Jon Hird & Clive Smith

Having dropped off its passengers at Lostwithiel following their overnight stop at Fowey docks, 66748 leads the Britannic Explorer back onto the Fowey branch so that the stock can be serviced at Colsons Park, Lostwithiel. 03.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

Shortly after 1300, 66744 leads the train into Lostwithiel up goods loop having collected the passengers from Lostwithiel. 03.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

66748 on the rear in Lostwithiel up goods loop. 03.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

'The Britannic Explorer' crosses Bolitho viaduct, Liskeard on its way to Bruton. 03.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66744 top and tail with 66748 on the 1C06 10:50 Fowey Docks to Bruton through Ivybridge. 03.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

66748 on the rear at Ivybridge. 03.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Tony and Clive. It's great having this train running regularly this year. A welcome bit of weekend interest for we enthusiasts.

Re: 47813
Alan Peters

West Coast Railways 47813 storms away from Middleway Level Crossing with 1Z47 'The Atlantic Voyager' on route to Newquay top and tail with 47812 on 2nd May 2026 just before the heavens opened for the classic wet bank holiday weekend. 02.05.2026, copyright Alan Peters.

I last worked this locomotive into Cornwall on 25/08/07 under Cotswold Rail with 1Z59 'The Penzance Flyer' pictured shortly after arrival at Penzance, 47813 was then named 'John Peel' and the train was top and tailed with 47810 in glorious sunshine I might add. Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks Alan. There must be a fair few layers of paint on 47813! Just in the last couple of decades alone - FGW green, Cotswold silver, ROG blue, WCRC maroon... it must be a useful machine.

May 1976
Part 4
Roger Winnen

The Redruth & Chasewater Railway. 08.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1071 at Redruth. 08.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 3rd 2026

3/5/2026

47813 + 47812 work:
'The Atlantic Voyager'
Bill Elston, Clive Smith, Paul Barlow, Jack Burchill, Alan Peters, Jon Hird, Mike Bojko, Mark Lynam, Roger Winnen, Andrew Triggs & Jonathan Harbage

Saturday 2nd May saw The Railway Touring Company run an enthusiasts railtour from Dorridge - Newquay.

47813 and 47812 worked the trip top and tailed throughout.

RTC previously focused on steam-hauled 'day trips', so it was refreshing to see them put this excursion on - perhaps filling a gap in the market left following the demise of Pathfinder Railtours in 2025.

47813 and 47812 approaching Taunton with the Dorridge - Newquay railtour. 02.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

47812 on the rear of the tour at Taunton. 02.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

47812 top and tailing with 47813 on the 1Z47 05:46 Dorridge to Newquay "The Atlantic Voyager" hammering through Taunton. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

47813 0546 Dorridge to Newquay approaches Powderham. 02.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

A drone shot from Powderham. 02.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

At Sprey Point, Teignmouth, 47813 heads the Atlantic Voyager towards Newquay. Funnily enough it is seen passing a voyager. 02.05.2026, copyrigiht Jack Burchill.

47812 was on the rear as the train heads into Teignmouth. 02.05.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

47813 crosses the old A30 on the Goss Moor. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

1Z47 stands in the new Goss Moor passing loop awaiting the Newquay unit. The 10 coach and 2 locomotive train just fits between the signals. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Before the Goss Moor loop and the second platform at Newquay came along, running a tour of this type would have been impossible without severely disrupting the schedule of the service train. 150219 approaches St. Columb Road on the 2N13 to Par at 13:37 whilst the railtour waits in the new loop. 02.05.2026, copyright Mike Bojko.

Having passed the Newquay unit, 2 x Class 47's pass St. Columb Road at 13:48 on the 1Z47 to Newquay. 02.05.2026, copyright Mike Bojko.

47812 on the rear at St. Columb Road. 02.05.2026, copyright Mike Bojko.

47813 continues on to Newquay, seen near St. Columb Road. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The rain has started to roll in as the train approaches Newquay, seen passing Trencreek. 02.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

47813 arriving at Newquay. 02.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Newquay holds the distinction of having the longest platform in Cornwall. 02.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

47813 arrives at Newquay with 1Z47. 02.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

47813 'on the blocks' at Newquay. 02.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

A view from the best seat in the house at Newquay. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

47813 in the rain at Newquay. 02.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

47812 on the rear of the train at Newquay. 02.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The first time Newquay station has seen two passenger trains since the 1980's, 150219 prepares to depart from P2 with the 1524 to Par whilst the railtour sits in P1. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The returning railtour, 1Z48 led by 47812, approaches the former Chapel Crossing with the power on. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

The returning railtour crosses the iron bridge on The Goss Moor. (Video, click to play). 02.05.2026, copyright Jonathan Harbage.

47812 passes a small gallery of rather damp photographers at Middlway - if you look closely, 2 ducks are taking flight who had been taking up camp between the rails! 02.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The tour rejoins the mainline at Par for its long journey back to Dorridge. 02.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

With a great deal of exhaust and the turbocharger screaming, 47812 roars up the bank away from Par with its 10-coach train and 47813 dead on rear. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

47812 storming through Bodmin Parkway with the return tour to Dorridge. 02.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

47813 on the rear at Bodmin Parkway. 02.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

47812 leads the 1610 Newquay - Dorridge through Totnes. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

47813 brings up the rear at Totnes. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks all, and a hearty congratulations to The Railway Touring Company and to West Coast Railways for pulling off the first railtour to Newquay for many years - no doubt much work has gone in behind the scenes to allow it to happen.

The Britannic Explorer
Clive Smith, Paul Barlow, Jack Burchill, Peter Jenkin, Andrew Triggs, Jon Hird & Roger Winnen.

Belmond's prestigious touring train, 'The Britannic Explorer' once again visted the westcountry over the weekend of 01.05 - 04.05, this time hauled by 66744 and 66748.

66748 arrives at Taunton with 1C02 from its overnight stop at Bishops Lydeard. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

66744 on the rear of the train at Taunton. This loco would run round to the front to double head to Penzance, meaning the windows of the observation coach at the rear would have an unobstructed view of the railway behind the train. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

66744 and 66748 on the Bishops Lydeard to Penzance 'Belmond Britannic Explorer' passing Cockwood Harbour. 02.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

66744 leads 66748 and the Britannic Explorer out of Parsons Tunnel (Teignmouth). 02.05.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

66744 and 66748 power past Barncoose with 'The Britannic Explorer'. 02.05.2026, copyright Peter Jenkin.

With the train back in top and tail formation, 66744 leads away from Penzsance with the 1Z03, 1730 Penzance - Fowey. 02.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66748 on the rear at Penzance. 02.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The prestigious train passes the rot and decay of Burngullow whilst it heads for Fowey. 02.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

66744 heading through St. Austell with the Penzance - Fowey leg of the Britannic Explorer. 02.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

66748 on the rear at St. Austell. 02.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks all - The Britannic Explorer seems to be doing much better this year.

The English Riviera Express
Bill Elston, Clive Smith, Paul Barlow & Jack Burchill

The first 'English Riviera Express' of the year also ran on 02.05.2026. 45118 hauled the train from Crewe - Taunton, with steam loco 61306 working Taunton - Kingswear and return, before handing back over to 45118.

Saturday 2nd's Crewe to Kingswear hauled by Peak 45118 as far as Taunton, seen at Bathpool. 02.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

45118 at Taunton, working the 1Z61 06.10 Crewe - Kingswear Saphos 'English Riviera Express' as far as Taunton with 47593 on the rear. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

45118 at Taunton. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

61306 'Mayflower' at Taunton with the 1Z61 06.10 Crewe - Kingswear 'English Riviera Express'. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

47593 was the rear loco for the 1Z61 06.10 Crewe - Kingswear 'English Riviera Express'. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

A loco change at TAU saw LNER B1 61306 take over and is seen passing Norton Fitzwarren. 02.05.2026, copyright Bill Elston.

61306 Passes Cockwood with the 0610 Crewe to Kingswear. 02.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

47593 on the rear. 02.05.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.

61306 "Mayflower" steams along Teignmouth sea wall with the English Riviera Express. 02.05.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

47593 was on the rear. 02.05.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.

61306 at Dawlish with the 1Z62 16:35 Kingswear - Crewe. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

47593 on the rear at Dawlish with the 1Z62 16:35 Kingswear - Crewe. 02.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks all - a busy day for special trains here in the west!

May 1976
Part 3
Roger Winnen

Walking the Tresavean Branch. 08.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

May 2nd 2026

2/5/2026

Weekend Railtours!

A reminder to readers that there are three railtours visiting the west over this bank holiday weekend. Timings and itineraries are available in our Railtour Calendar, but here's a quick preview of what's coming up:

THE BRITANNIC EXPLORER (GBRf Cl.66 x2)
Fri 1st May 2026 - Mon 4th May 2026
London Victoria - Penzance & Return. Overnight stop on the Fowey branch Saturday night.

THE ATLANTIC VOYAGER (Railway Touring Company - WCRC Cl.47 x2)
Sat 2nd May 2026
Dorridge - Newquay

ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS (Steam)
Sat 2nd May 2026
Crewe - Kingswear

Check out the Railtour Calendar for further details.

The Nick Perring Collection - Part 17
Around Taunton
Clive Smith

A rare photo of a loco on the Taunton Goods Avoiding Line which saw very little traffic from the early 1970s and was finally removed after the Taunton re-signalling and modernisation in 1986. 46037 is captured along with a large amount of Royal Mail vans. sometime around 1983. The Taunton NCL depot carried on being used by local businesses including an electrical wholesalers called Denmans. It all got swept away with the development of the Firepool Flats and the new inner relief road that now uses the tracked of the former avoiding line. The NCL building was all gone by 2015. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

A picture that oozes atmosphere. An unknown class 37 approaches Taunton station sometime in the early 1980s with a train of stone hoppers passing underneath the magnificent 40 Steps gantry. The West End signal box can just be seen in the right. Removal of the semaphores and track rationalisation took place between February and April 1986. Nick worked in the S & T department for British Rail and looking at pictures of the west end of Taunton station back then taken in the opposite direction I reckon to get this elevation he was on the semaphore gantry that was on the main down platform. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).

Many thanks Clive - another super couple of photos from Nick.

Mayday Test Trains!
Mark Lynam, Jon Hird, Clive Smith, Tony Shore & Andrew Triggs

Friday 1st of May saw two yellow trains travelling around the south west.

Modified Class 150 DMU 950001 visited both Falmouth and Newquay on a Truro Yard - Derby diagram, whilst the Network Rail NMT HST visited Penzance and Paignton on its own 4-weekly diagram.

950001 arrives at Falmouth Docks working 2Q08 0400 Truro Yard to Derby R.T.C.via Falmouth Docks & Newquay. 01.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

950001 ready to go back up the line. 01.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

A little before 7am, 950001 crosses Ponts Mill viaduct on its way back from Newquay. 01.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

I packed the drone away as fast as I could and had a speedy journey over to Treesmill, stopping on the bridge, as soon as I opened the car door the unit was right there, so here's a rushed phone shot of 950001 heading east to Derby. 01.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Full 'Flying Banana' colours for the Network Rail 1Q18 05.43 Reading Triangle Sidings - Paignton via Penzance New Measurement Train or whatever it's called these days. 43013 leading with 43014 on the rear as it passes through Ivybridge on its four-weekly Friday visit. This is our HST fix nowadays unless the blue Midland Pullman is scheduled on a tour. 01.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

43014 on the rear at Ivybridge. 01.05.2026, copyright Clive Smith.

43013 + 43014 at Brea working 1Q18 0543 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. 01.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

1Q18 with 43013/43014 approaching Marazion. 01.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Returning from Penzance, 43014 leads 1Q18 approaching Marazion. 01.05.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Passing the ruined engine house at Dolcoath, 1Q18 heads east. 01.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.

The NMT led by 43014 coming off Fal Viaduct and heading on to Coombe. 01.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.

Just around the corner from Jon, Tony captures the NMT passing through Coombe St. Stephens. 01.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.

43013 on the rear of the train as 1Q18 pauses at Plymouth. 01.05.2026, copyrigiht Clive Smith.

Many thanks all - a good day in the west for fans of yellow trains.

Re: The Fowey Auto
Roy Hart

In answer to Stewart's enquiry:

The Fowey branch had been auto worked since the 1920s. If you are modelling it then the motive power and livery will depend on your chosen period.

Until 1949 the service was worked by an antique Metro class 2-4-0T, with GW pattern auto cars in chocolate and cream. Metro 3582 went for scrap in 1949 and for a time, the service was worked by a 6400 class auto pannier, lent by Laira (after Perranporth ceased auto working in 1937, St Blazey had the sole auto-fitted engine in the county), Auto cars were painted all-over chocolate brown in the war years, replaced by carmine and cream after nationalisation. 1419 arrived in late 1949 and was the Fowey engine until withdrawn in 1961 (1468 worked the service for the last few months of steam).

In the mid 1950s auto cars were painted in maroon.

In 1951 the Western Region built a batch of new auto cars (one is pictured in Stewart's piece). These appeared in carmine and cream and, whimsically, were given avian names (Chaffinch, Robin etc). This was soon dropped and , replacing old GW cars, they survived until the end. On the Fowey line at busy times, there was an additional auto coach - a converted non corridor coach, with an observation window, together with auto controls, at one end.

In the summer of 1959, 1419 was sent off for general overhaul and Laira lent auto-fitted prairie 5572, which worked the service for a couple of months.

Many thanks for the in depth response Roy - I think we can certainly call that one 'case closed'.

Pacer to Portishead
Simon Hickman

WECA / Metrowest hired a preserved Pacer yesterday to take guests on a tour of the planned Metrowest network.

The unit ran from Temple Meads to Portbury and back (Portishead will be a couple of years yet), then out to Henbury and finally to Weston-super-Mare and return. I'm sure participants enjoyed their private railtour.

The unit passing Ashton Gate Platform (closed 1964). 01.05.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

Heading towards the closed Clifton Bridge station, with the namesake bridge in the background. 01.05.2026, copyright Simon Hickman.

Many thanks Simon, what an unusual working.

Tracing the Portreath Branch
Stewart Frazer

I have been continuing my search along the branch line in Illogan around Alexandra Road and hope these photos might be of interest.

Please click the below images for an enlargement - captions on the images

Many thanks indeed for this superb report Stewart, fascinating stuff - well done.

SETTLE & CARLISLE 150 YEARS
Ian Thomas

I know this is well off the radar, but perhaps it is worth a mention.

Friday, May 1st marked exactly 150 years since passenger services started running on the Settle & Carlisle Railway. I think that most CRS readers know its history, so just a few facts about the line.

Built by the empire-building Midland Railway, they wanted their slice of the action of the lucrative Anglo-Scottish passenger traffic, and indeed goods traffic. Sadly, it was run down from the 1960s onward, and a certain Prime Minister wanted rid of it. Enter Michael Portillo (bless him!!), and thanks to his intervention we can still enjoy the line on either service trains or charter trains.

Indeed, I first travelled over it on May 15th 1976 with the Erlestoke Manor Fund railtour titled "The Yorkshire Dalesman". It ran from Bristol T.M. via the Midland line north, and me and a mate of mine joined at Gloucester, with Peak 45-048 ("The Royal Marines") at the helm all the way to Keighley.

Then the Worth Valley with 3F 43924 (ex Gloucester 3F), as I remember, in a downpour. Next up, the pub for a couple of beers and then north over the S & C, with 40-013 up front, to the border city.

A break there, before a classic Roarer, 81-012, back south over the WCML to Stafford, and on to New Street. From here, another classic Peak, this one being 45-050 to Gloucester.

I have no pictures of that day, but I have done the route at least 25 times or more since with steam traction (including 6024 King Edward 1st) and many diesel classes... even a Hastings DEMU exactly 40 years ago on Saturday, April 12th 1986, on the Long Thin Drag tour, plus two weeks later, 45-121 hauling the "Pennine Summits Pullman", both of which were run by Hertfordshire Railtours / Southern Electric Group.

Some pictures enclosed of various traction. So enjoy!!!... I urge people to keep using this line and love the Pennine landscape...

Please click any image below for an enlargement and caption. All images are copyright Ian Thomas.

Images copyright Ian Thomas

Many thanks indeed Ian - perhaps an idea for a trip if anybody needs some inspiration!

Bristol & Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

57305 & 99007 at Bristol Temple Meads on 0Q57 Portbury Dock to Leicester L.I.P. 30.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66660 at Swindon shunting 6V15 Boston Docks to Swindon Stores. 30.04.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

61306 Mayflower passing Swindon on 0Z61 Southall Loco Services to Bishop's Lydeard invoking memories of the 60s & 70s when locos of the class used to work a Sheffield to Swindon Sundays only train. 01.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

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

May 1976
Part 2
Roger Winnen

D1056 Western Sultan works the Royal Mail at Long Rock. 07.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

A down service to Penzance at Long Rock. 07.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

D1021 Western Cavalier at Long Rock. 07.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

47256 in Green Livery at Penzance. 07.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.

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Latest News & Features

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The Britannic Explorer heads EastTony Shore & Jon Hird

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May 1976Part 11Roger Winnen

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GWR Exhibition Train - 1985Richard Giles

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'Dauntless'Michael Adams

Wednesday's Clay​Tony Shore

Re: Westbury 1981Guy Vincent

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Cornish SteamChris Bellett

May 1976Part 7Roger Winnen

GWR Railcar No. 22Ian Thomas

Sleepless on the sleeperAndrew Triggs, Mark Lynam, Tony Shore, Jon Hird, Martin Scane, David Ive & Bill Elston

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Yesteryear at WestburyMichael Adams

Re: 47813Julian Stephens

Tuesdays ClayTony Shore, Mark Lynam & Jon Hird

More from the WSR Steam GalaPaul Barlow

Purton Test Train & CrossingKen Mumford

May 1976Part 6Roger Winnen

Don't miss this months indoor meeting!Saturday - May 9th

May Bank Holiday - 40 years agoIan Thomas

May 1976Part 5Roger Winnen