Blog Archives

June 30th 2025

30/6/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 51
Somerton - An Unusual Arch Bridge
Michael L. Roach

I have been discussing various subjects with Colin Burges of Teignrail for some time and those discussions have always been interesting. Recently the two subjects that dominated were bridges and bricks, and in this instalment those two subjects come neatly together in an unusual brick arch bridge which is quite unique, unless you know of another one similar. The bridge was built by the Great Western Railway in 1906 as part of the Castle Cary to Langport Cut-off. A small black and white photo of the bridge nearing completion appears in the next to last image in 1964 – Part 46.

As the railway heads east from passing through Somerton the double track main line describes a huge curve. Much of it is on an embankment giving good views of the fields below. At the far end of the curve the railway passes over B3153 road from Somerton to Castle Cary, about 1½ miles east of Somerton, on a severe skew of 62 degrees. Normally, and even on a skew arch, the arch springs from a vertical wall / abutment which is parallel to the road, rails or canal that the bridge is passing over. In this bridge the arch springs from a flat area on the top of the abutment and is only an estimated 6 feet (1.8 metres) wide but there are six of these individual arches side-by-side arranged in a sawtooth pattern along the top of the abutment wall. This is highly unusual and was probably chosen because of the severe skew; and I cannot recall seeing another one similar before. One advantage of this design would be that the centreing would be used six times immediately rather than once, and perhaps never used again. At the beginning of June 2025 Colin Burges spent the weekend in Somerset and took the time to visit “six arches” bridge and take a number of photos which are reproduced here. Many thanks Colin.

Somerton Road Bridge on 08.06.2025. Copyright Colin Burgess.

I wanted to run a string along the intersections to see if they were in line. If I held the ladder, would you ... ? 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess

Somerton Road Bridge on 08.06.2025. Copyright Colin Burgess.

It looks as if the arches are separate, perhaps to allow for movement. A photo of the bridge under construction would be interesting to see. I take it the reasoning was that six parallel arches were easier to construct than one on the skew. And I wonder if the centering work had been, or was, used on another bridge. 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess.

The unusual construction used on the Somerton Road Bridge. 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess

Here's another unusual one on the "new" line, a replacement for the original just Up from it. Black Smock, between Curry Rivel and Athelney, carries only a minor road. I wonder if its design was dictated by the soil; it looks as if it would tolerate a lot of settlement. This view, impossible yesterday, I think was from the course of the road leading to the former bridge. 08.06.2025, copyright Colin Burgess

The Glastonbury Festival 2025

Castle Cary Station is in the middle of coping with its busiest week of the year. For those who live abroad and may not know it was the week of the Glastonbury Festival which lasted from 25 to 29 June 2025 at Worthy Farm BA4 4BY which is seven miles east of Glastonbury town centre. The gates were opened on Wednesday 25th and the festival goers will still be leaving today Monday 30 June. Many of the 210,000 attendees will arrive by train from all four points of the compass on normal service trains, but some will arrive on special trains from London Paddington and others on normal service trains making a special stop at Castle Cary the nearest railway station which is about six or seven miles from Worthy Farm. Castle Cary Station is a delightful country junction still with an original GWR flavour; and it could quite easily be overwhelmed by the large numbers alighting from arriving trains but the present incarnation of the GWR have years of experience of dealing with the Glastonbury passenger traffic. GWR will have drafted in extra staff and taken special measures to funnel the pedestrian traffic safely from the platform to the station forecourt on the north side where a fleet of buses is organised to transfer festival goers from the station to the festival site. If any of our readers travelled to the festival by public transport perhaps they would like to share their experience.

Many thanks Michael and Colin - what an interesting bridge!

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Glastonbury Turbo Extras Resurrected in 2025
Guy Vincent

For the 2013 and 2014 Glastonbury Festivals FGW ran additional trains from Paddington and Reading to Castle Cary formed of class 165 or 166 Turbo stock. Since then HSTs or latterly class 800 stock has dominated with just a few trains to /from the Bristol area consisting of older DMU sets. Today, the earlier years were recreated with Reading based Turbo sets used on 4 relief services from Castle Cary to Westbury and Reading.

Class 165-166 sets are ideal for dealing with the heavy additional traffic generated by events such as this due to the number of wide doors and open saloon space immediately available to those boarding with large items of luggage etc.

Sunday 29th June 2025. 165109 & 165112 at Cowleaze, Edington on 1Z30 1139 Castle Cary - Reading. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Sunday 29th June 2025. 165128, 165123 and 165126 approaching Clink Road Jcn working 5Z33 1618 Reading - Castle Cary prior to returning east as 1Z33 1735 Castle Cary - Reading relief. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Some reminders of the trains provided by FGW in 2013 and 2014...

166209 and 165128 at Castle Cary just after 3pm on 26th June 2013 with 1Z33, a 1233 additional from London Paddington. Once empty the sets will return to London for the evening commuter peak. Copyright Guy Vincent.

165109 and 165121 at Castle Cary waiting to head back east as empty stock on 27th June 2014. The sets had arrived as 1Z32 1030 Paddington - Castle Cary bringing festivalgoers from the capital to Somerset. This was some 4 years before they were introduced on timetabled services in the Wessex region. In February 2013 special gauging test runs had taken place to ensure they were suitable to run so far west. In due course the fleet received suspension modifications allowing normal day to day use. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy - and with perfect timing to carry on from Mikes article, too.

Sunday Sleeper
Jon Hird & Andrew Triggs

Sunday afternoon saw a quick dash over to the Gover Valley for a photo of hire-in 57301 bringing the GWR 'Night Riviera' sleeper stock west to Long Rock. The train had failed at Plymouth on Saturday morning, and was taken to Laira by back-to-back power cars for repairs. 29.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

57301 passing Rospeath Road overbridge at 17.46 (39 late) with 5Z50 14.50 Laira T&RSMD-Longrock T&RSMD. 29.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

57301 propelling 5C50 away from Platform 3 at Penzance at 17.57 (33 late) towards Longrock T&RSMD. 29.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks, Andrew

Mazey Day Wiltshire Workings
Guy Vincent

With plenty of interesting diesel action taking place further west on Saturday 28th a few workings of note were worth going out for closer to home in Wiltshire.

GBRF's 66747 'Made in Sheffield' with a further refurbished ex Irish Railways coach now numbered 99104 (destined for the Britannic Explorer charter operation) passed through Bradford on Avon at 7.30am as 5Z43 1724 (Fri) Hamilton - Eastleigh Arlington. Although booked to run via the single line Maindee North to East Jcns chord, the train was diverted into P1 at Newport station where the loco ran round before continuing its journey. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

The going-away shot of 66747. Note the large sheet of chipboard covering the end gangway of the carriage. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Colas loco 60096 'Skiddaw', currently on long-term hire to DC Rail approaching Hawkeridge Junction with the SO 6M52 0844 Tytherington - Willesden DC Rail sidings loaded aggregate working. From here the Westbury East Loop was used to gain access to the Berks and Hants line towards Reading. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Yard. Freightliner class 70 no. 70009 which is also on long term hire, but to Colas Rail, stabled on the site of the former Westbury Diesel Depot with other Colas locos including 66792, on hire from GB Railfreight. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Up Yard. 66414 awaiting departure with the 6Z97 1328 Westbury - Llangyfelach long welded rail train. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Down Yard. 66112 shunting with GBRF's 69001 (the former 56031 Merehead, a one-time Westbury outbased loco) stabled beyond. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Yard, Colas Maintenance shed with 70817 undergoing repairs. This shed was built in the early 1980s for wagon maintenance but has been extended and upgraded in recent years. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Monkton, on the Melksham single line near the site of the former Holt Junction for Devizes branch station. 50049 'Defiance' with refurbished GWR sleeper coach 10534 gently amble by working a 5V50 1354 Salisbury - Reading Traincare Depot. This originated at Eastleigh Arlington at 1255 but ran as 5X50 to Salisbury. The trackbed of the former Devizes branch (closed in 1966) can just be discerned to the left of the loco as a line of bushes beyond the large tree. This could easily be mistaken as a shot taken on a heritage line. 28.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks as always, Guy - loads of variety, great to see so many locos still out and about even on a Saturday.

D1015 leaves Truro
Jonathan Harbage

Here is D1015 leaving Truro on the 28/06/25 on it’s way to Penzance . What a great sound it made. (Please click the arrow/play button to view the video). Copyright Jonathan Harbage

A great noise indeed - many thanks for sending over your video, Jonathan.

A mystery Crompton
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

An unidentified class 33 stars in this 1992 shot from Bristol Temple Meads. Can anyone ID it for Phil? Copyright Phil Smith.

Thanks Phil - if you can ID the loco please drop us an email - [email protected]

Mazey Day Highlights
Roger Winnen

D1015 Western Champion Built in 1963 arrives at Plymouth on the 06.07 Dorridge to Penzance Mazey Day special. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

66768 arrives on the through road at Plymouth Station to follow the Western to Penzance. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Western Champion arrives at Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Within a few minutes 66019 arrived at Par with clay empties to St Blazey. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The 05.53 Midland Pullman Shrewsbury to Penzance is seen passing Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

66768 Is again seen passing throuth Par. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The Midland Pullman passes through St Austell. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The returning 16.00 to Dorridge is seen passing St Austell. 28.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

June 29th 2025

29/6/2025

Westcountry Diesel Extravaganza!

Yesterday saw a number of interesting diesel-hauled trains into the region, behind a variety of different traction. Please enjoy the below photographs from our contributors of what was a very interesting day on the railways of the westcountry.

D1015 'Western Champion' works:
'The Mazey Day Special'
Joe Burchall, Jon Hird, David Tozer, Oli Monk, Andrew Triggs, Tony Shore, Clive Smith, Bill Elston & Sam Ryder

D1015 working 1Z52 from Dorridge to PZ passes Taunton. 28.06.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

'Western Champion' crosses St. Pinnock viaduct. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

'Western Champion' departs Par after a stop. 28.06.2025, copyright Oli Monk.

D1015 approaches Truro on its way to Penzance with 'The Mazey Day Special'. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

47815 'Great Western' leading 5Z51 14.56 Penzance Slopers-Penzance into Platform 2 at 14.50 running 8 early. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

D1015 'Western Champion' leading 1Z53 16.00 Penzance-Dorridge return 'Mazey Day Special' passing Marazion, in the afternoon Cornish Mizzle. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

47815 'Great Western' on the rear of the return 'Mazey Day Special' clearing Marazion. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

D1015 with the return tour making a racket through the outskirts of Truro. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

D1015 powers up the bank through Treesmill on the climb towards Treverrin Tunnel. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

In some gloomy Cornish weather, D1015 powers through the Glynn Valley (with 47815 giving a good shove, too) and crosses East Largin viaduct. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A drone shot at Largin. 28.06.2025, copyright Oli Monk.

D1015 Western Champion heads through Totnes with the 1Z53 16.00 Penzance - Dorridge Pathfinders 'Mazey Day Special' railtour. 28.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

D1015 passes Red Rock, Bishopsteignton, with the returning tour. 28.06.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

D1015 + 9526 6054 6158 5985 1212 3325 3364 3356 3345 3333 80042 3314 3278 + 47815 pass through Marsh Barton with the 1Z53 16:00 Penzance to Dorridge. 28.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Former First Great Western machine 47815 on the rear of the tour. 28.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks to you all for sharing your shots with us.

43049 + 43055 work:
The Cornish Mazey Day Pullman
Joe Birchall, Bill Elston, Andrew Triggs, Tony Shore & Jon Hird

The Midland Pullman (43055/049) on 1Z43 Shrewsbury to PZ passes Taunton. 28.06.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

The Midland Pullman approaches Truro. 28.06.2025, copright Joe Birchall.

Viewed from Ponsandane Footbridge, the 'Cornish Mazey Day Pullman' ECS on Slopers. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Viewed from the Station Wall LSL 43049 (with 43055) at Platform 1, prior to working 1Z45 16.33 Penzance-Shrewsbury. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Later in the day, the Pullman set heads back to Shrewsbury and is seen again outside of Truro. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

The Midland Pullman approaches Stoneybridge. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

43049 leads the returning tour across East Largin viaduct. 28.06.2025. copyright Jon Hird.

Thanks again, all.

More miscellaneous diesels
Bill Elston, Sam Ryder, Andrew Triggs, Joe Birchall, Tony Shore & Jon Hird

'37501 heads home'

37501 heads East through Totnes, working back to Derby having spent the week at Laira to act as a 'thunderbird' for the Class 175 DMU testing. 28.06.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

37501 heads East through Taunton. 28.06.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

'GBRF go west'

66768 worked light loco from Bishops Lydeard to PZ behind the railtours. This was meant to have been a trial run for the upcoming 'Britannic Explorer' trains using the Mk3 coaching stock, but the stock was not ready. 28.06.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

66768 passes through Truro on its way to Penzance. 28.06.2025, copyright Joe Birchall.

GBRf 66768 working 0Z62 14.26 Penzance-Longrock T&RSMD passing Ponsandane Footbridge. 28.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Later in the evening, 66768 passes through Holmbush en route to Fowey Docks, where it would spend the evening. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

66768 passes Coulsons Park, Lostwithiel, en route to Fowey. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

'Saturday Freight'

66019 and the empty JIA's cross St. Pinnock viaduct. 28.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

66019 arrives at St. Blazey with the empty JIA's from Westbury. This train had ran down close behind the 'Western' tour. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Something for everyone - thanks for the photos.

50042 running day
on the Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird

500422 'Triumph' was allocated a running day at Bodmin on 28.06.2025, adding some mid-day interest for those of us in mid Cornwall between the tours going down to Penzance and coming back. On the third train of the day, the 50 is seen passing Charlies Gate on its way to Bodmin Parkway. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

50042 awaits departure from Bodmin General with a train for Boscarne. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

50042 approaching 'Racing Straight' with the last train of the day to Bodmin Parkway. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

'Triumph' about to pass beneath the 'scenic break' (as a modeller would call it) at Colesloggett Halt on the way back up to Bodmin General. 28.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

West Somerset Railway
'Flying Scotsman'
John Simons

Friday was one of the static display days for the Flying Scotsman at WSR, This ticketed event enabled the public to get up close, visit the footplate, and have a cream tea in the adjacent tea garden.

Scotsman on display. 27.06.2025, copyright John Simons.

Up close view of the Scotsman. 27.06.2025, copyright John Simons.

In the cab from the drivers seat. 27.06.2025, copyright John Simons.

Public queue to visit the footplate. 27.06.2025, copyright John Simons.

Many thanks, John - great photos.

June 28th 2025

28/6/2025

A day out in Devon
Mark Lynam

My "ride" from Truro to Plymouth - 43186 leading castle set 2E06 0745 Penzance to Exeter St Davids. 26.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

175002 rests in the through road at Plymouth after working 5D02 0944 Newton Abbot to Plymouth. 26.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

175002 departs Plymouth in faint sunlight on 5D03 1043 Plymouth to Newton Abbot. 26.05.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

On the return it went into one of the Docks at the Eastern end, where it then waits about an hour. 26.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

175002 on the next working at Totnes working 5D05 1307 Plymouth to Newton Abbot. 26.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Half hour later 66112 at Totnes with the clay - 6M53 1146 Parkandillack to Cliffe Vale Jn. 26.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

5 minutes after getting off my delayed IET at Truro while waiting for the next Falmouth unit a castle set pulls in with 43098 on the rear working 2P21 1552 Penzance to Plymouth. 26.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark - looks like you had a good day out in the (mostly) sunny weather!

The 'Flying Banana' visits the west
Andrew Triggs & Jon Hird

The Network Rail 'Flying Banana' test train heads west, crossing Hayle Viaduct en route to Penzance behind 43013. 27.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The return working passing Marazion, following visiting Penzance. 43062 is leading the train. 27.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

A rarity of getting the NMT in sun! 43062 + 43013 at Dolcoath Level Crossing, Camborne working 1Q18 0543 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton via Penzance. 27.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

43013 on the rear of the train at Dolcoath. 27.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

43062 leads the test train through Crugwallins. 27.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks, all - nice, colourful photos.

Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

66420 passing through Swindon on 6B12 Merehead to Wootton Bassett. 26.06.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66569 on 6Z42 Tytherington Quarry to Appleford. 26.06.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

66721 on 4B77 Avonmouth to Colnbrook. This locomotive carries London Transport Maps in the style of Harry Beck. 26.06.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

Electric & Diesel loco 93001 on 0Q81 Wembley LHS to Bristol Parkway test run. 26.06.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.

1A26 Bristol (Temple Meads) to Paddington with the first three coaches with PADDINGTON BEAR advertising. When I saw this train earlier this year heading wst some 'ARTIST' had added HIS/HER artistry to the PADDINGTON BEAR scenery!! 26.06.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The return test run from Bristol Parkway to Wembley LHS of 93001 [0Q72] coming towards the camera and going away [with 1G21 IET - Paddington to Cheltenham Spa] awaiting departure on platform 3. 26.06.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks to the Swindon Duo, Ken & Colin

June 27th 2025

27/6/2025

Pilning Glint
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

In some excellent low light, 47508 powers through Pilning with an interesting assortment of wagons. Copyright Phil Smith.

Great lighting, Phil - many thanks as always.

Bodmin General
Chris Bellett

Hello Gents,

A couple of photos for the website taken at Bodmin General on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

One showing the Class 10 being loaded up for transportation back to its home at Helston after having been on loan whilst Bodmins Class 08 was under refurbishment.

The second photo shows the lorry delivering its coal load after a long trip from Scotland!!

D3489 'Colonel Tomline' loaded onto a lorry at Bodmin General for transport to The Helston Railway. 25.06.2025, copyright Chris Bellett.

A coal delivery for the season - the lorry and loading having come from Scotland! 25.06.2025, copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks indeed, Chris - some interesting aspects of preservation many of us probably don't even think about!

Marsh Barton Pullman
Jack Burchill

43047 passes Marsh Barton with a empty coaching stock to Crewe. 16/6/25, copyright Jack Burchill.

43055 was on the rear. The stock was working after a 3 day long trip to Fort William. 16/6/25, copyright Jack Burchill.

Many thanks, Jack

Livery variety at Worcester
Steve Widdowson

An interesting photograph of three Rail Operation Group (ROG) Class 37's, all in different liverys, on the middle Rd at Worcester Shrub Hill.

They (37800, 37608 & 37510) came down to Worcester S Hill as 0V94 0648 Derby RTC - Worcester Middle Rd, one was needed as thunderbird for the Hydro 799201 Long Marston to Kidderminster then Gloucester & back to Long Marston via Worcester. However, due to an issue the Gloucester run was cancelled, so 799201 went direct back to Long Marston from Kidderminster.

37800 was due to depart at 1600 to Bristol Parkway to move some 455's & take them to Sims at Newport.

37800, 37608 & 37510 parked in Worcester Middle Siding. 25.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Great shot, Steve - many thanks for sending it in

Thursday's Clay
Jon Hird & Tony Shore

An immaculate 66112 powers up the steep bank at Treesmill with 6M53 - Clay which had been loaded at Par Harbour on 25.06 being taken to Cliffe Vale. The slight telephoto effect exaggerates the clay dust blowing off the wagons, and the heat haze from the locomotives exhaust. 26.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

A more side-on shot of the very smart 66112 as it approaches Stoneybridge. 26.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Further east, Tony Shore captures the train in a lucky spot of sun at Bolitho (Liskeard). 26.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

Re: Lostwithiel Engine Shed
Karl Hewlett

A few days ago we asked a question from a reader, as to the whereabouts of the original (1800's) engine shed at Lostwithiel.

We have received the below - excellent- response from Karl, which helps answer the question.

Reading your inquiry from a reader regarding Lostwithiel Engine Shed in the 'Cornwall Railways' era, not a lot to go on as this was very early in the days of recording occasions, especially for photography and maps, the latter were not necessarily 100% accurate either. However I did find these snippets which your reader may/may not of seen and might be able to help:

Lostwithiel Station opened with the Cornwall Railway on 4th May 1859 a report at the time claimed. "Is generally admitted to be the handsomest station on the line, and looks bright as fresh paint can make it. It consists, first, of a departure station, a wooden building covered by rusticated boarding, having a projecting verandah, extending eight feet on each side of the carriage approaches and extending over the railway platform. This contains a spacious first class waiting room, second class ditto, ticket and other necessary offices and conveniences. Immediately opposite to this, is the arrival station, which is also of wooden construction, having spacious waiting rooms and porter and lamp rooms. The roof also projects over the platform in a similar way to that of the departure station. A short distance lower down the line is a convenient goods shed, 75 feet long by 42 feet span of roof. Near to the departure station is the train shed, 100 feet long, in which, in addition to the engines employed on the line, it is intended to contain first, second and third class carriages, in order to meet any extra requirements that may at any time arise." The workshops had been established during the construction of the railway to prepare the timber needed for the wooden viaducts, stations and track. It expanded to also maintain the carriages and wagons of the railway and was retained for some years by the 'Great Western Railway' when the two companies amalgamated on 1st July 1889.

Looking at the listing status for the surviving buildings at Lostwithiel Goods both the contractor and 'English Heritage' have described these as carriage, wagon and engine shed works. So it would suggest that this was the site of the engine shed, however the locos could have possibly come from the closer 'Cornwall Minerals Railway' St Blazey shed (called Par at this time), after it opened on 1st June 1874. It was the Cornwall Minerals Railway that purchased the 'Lostwithiel and Fowey Railway'. Was the shed at Fowey originally a CMR built structure?

The locomotives were provided under a contract with Messrs Evans, Walker and Gooch. This enabled the expensive equipment to be provided without a huge capital outlay. The South Devon Railway took over the contract in 1867 and worked both of the companies' lines and also that of the West Cornwall Railway with one common pool of engines, although throughout both contracts the Cornwall Railway was responsible for ordering its own engines and was charged for their costs. The locomotives bought for the Cornwall Railway were:

Eagle class 4-4-0ST passenger locomotives

Castor (1865–1882) GWR no. 2121, originally intended to be named Fal
Cato (1863–1877) GWR no. 2118
Eagle (1859–1876) GWR no. 2106
Elk (1859–1877) GWR no. 2107
Gazelle (1859–1865) GWR no. 2110
Lynx (1859–1876) GWR no. 2109
Mazeppa (1859–1885) GWR no. 2111
Pollux (1865–1892) GWR no. 2120, originally intended to be named Tamar
Wolf (1859–1878) GWR no. 2115

Ex Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway 4-4-0ST passenger locomotive

Magpie (1872–1889) GWR no. 2135
Dido class 0-6-0ST goods locomotives
Argo (1863–1892) GWR no. 2151
Atlas (1863–1885) GWR no. 2152
Dido (1860–1877) GWR no. 2143
Hero (1860–1887) GWR no. 2144

Ex Great Western Railway Sir Watkin class 0-6-0ST goods locomotives

Bulkeley (1872–1890) GWR no. 2157
Fowler (1872–1887) GWR no. 2158

Buffalo class 0-6-0ST goods locomotives

Dragon (1873–1892) GWR no. 2164
Emperor (1873–1892) GWR no. 2167
Hercules (1872–1889) GWR no. 2163

Hope this helps with some of it!

Many thanks indeed, Karl.

June 26th 2025

26/6/2025

Night Moves at Goonbarrow
Gareth Thornton

As part of the Cornwall Metro Link last night, 24/06/2025, the sand drag at the St. Blazey end of Goonbarrow Junction was lifted, soon to be replaced with a headshunt and new buffer stop.

Also an insulated block joint was installed between 15a and 15b points in readiness for the change to TCB working.

A Quattro Road/Rail Vehicle working at Goonbarrow late at night on 24.06.2025. Copyright Gareth Thornton.

Equipment being positioned at Goonbarrow. 24.06.2025, copyright Gareth Thornton.

A mobile lighting tower being sent to the worksite, pictured from Goonbarrow signalbox. 24.06.2025, copyright Gareth Thornton.

The short convoy of equipment heads off to carry out its work a little further down the line. 24.06.2025, copyright Gareth Thornton.

Many thanks indeed, Gareth. Interesting times ahead for Goonbarrow and the Newquay branch.

Memories of Anson
Michael Forward and
Michael Adams

Hello Roger,here are three pictures of class 50022 'Anson' on various duties around the region in the 1980s. Copyright Michael Forward Firstly we see the 07.35 from Exeter arriving at Salisbury on 8 March 1985.

Roger, later in the same week we see the loco. and 47588 waiting at Reading with the 09.22 departure for Oxford and the North West. Michael Forward

Roger, Now at the other end of Reading station we see Michael Adam's picture of 50022with a parcels train for Paddington on 11 June 1987. Thank you for dealing with these Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks to you both Roger

Re: 'It's a Namer!'
Bill Elston

Following the interest in the early named WR 47s, I' ve attached a few of my own photos of some of them, all taken at Exeter.

47078 'SIR DANIEL GOOCH', 21/9/84. Copyright Bill Elston.

47082 'ATLAS', 19/6/84 copyright Bill Elston.

47085 'MAMMOTH', with the silver roof of Stratford depot, 24/5/84 copyright Bill Elston.

The nameplate of 47085 'Mammoth' on 12.06.1984. Copyright Bill Elston.

47085, ( with 50008) after a repaint, with blue roof, 13/6/86. Copyright Bill Elston.

47089 'Amazon' 22/7/86. Copyright Bill Elston.

47090 'VULCAN', 3/4/84. Copyright Bill Elston.

47091 'THOR', 24/6/85. Copyright Bill Elston.

A superb collection, Bill - many thanks for sharing them.

Classic traction at Teignmouth
Jack Burchill

37501"Teeside Steelmaster" approaches Teignmouth station with 0V84 0941 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Laira T.& R.S.M.D. running a total of 18 minutes late. As you may already know, the 37 is going to work as a Thunderbird loco for the class 175 workings. 22.06.25, copyright Jack Burchill.

Thanks Jack, great shot - the light loco fits well between the two bridges.

June 25th 2025

25/6/2025

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 50
Day Trip to Barmouth
Michael L. Roach

This instalment is the first of a number describing a day trip to Barmouth, not from Plymouth as that would probably have been impossible then, but from Gloucester where we were staying for the weekend. It was still a long day but worth the effort because it turned out to be my one and only chance to do the route from Ruabon to Barmouth Junction on the Cambrian Coast before it closed completely just six months later. I travelled to Gloucester on Friday 3 July 1964 with my parents to stay with my mother's brother and his wife at Twigworth for those who know Gloucester. On Saturday 4 July I was up early to drive to Hereford and park up. Although the Gloucester to Hereford passenger service continued to operate for another four months before closure to passengers the first train of the day would not have got me to Hereford in time to catch the 8.10am dmu to Shrewsbury; from where I had an eight coach train hauled by Black 5 no. 45305 of 6A Chester Shed. The engine survived to the very end of steam in August 1968. I alighted at Ruabon at 10.39am.

It was 54 miles from Ruabon to Barmouth through the very best of Welsh scenery. Although the line had been built by small local companies they were soon taken over by the Great Western Railway and the whole route westernised; and in 1964 it was still very much as it had been handed over by the GWR upon nationalisation in 1948, but in 1963 all these ex-GWR lines in north-east Wales had been transferred to the London Midland Region. The first six miles from Llangollen Line Junction to Llangollen Goods were double track but the rest was single throughout with many passing loops. The line followed the valley of the River Dee for many miles through absolutely superb scenery. Luckily you may still enjoy some of the best scenery by travelling on the Llangollen Steam Railway.

Ruabon to Barmouth Junction was the route to the Cambrian Coast from many places in north west England and this was reflected in an enhanced passenger service on Summer Saturdays mainly from mid-morning to mid-afternoon going down to the coast. My train was the 11.00am SO limited stop service from Ruabon to Pwllheli. One of the interesting aspects of the passenger service along the line was that the trains had a number of starting points off the route at both ends. When the passenger service was withdrawn on and from 18 January 1965 all passengers to the Cambrian Coast then had to travel south to Shrewsbury and on via Welshpool and Machynlleth.

My train of five coaches was hauled by Standard 4MT 4-6-0 no. 75006 of 6C Croes Newydd Shed, and the trip was notable for the huge disparity in speeds. The line to Barmouth started at Llangollen Line Junction ¾ mile south of Ruabon Station where the route forked off the main line to Shrewsbury. The first few miles after the junction were then highly industrialised and there was a bank lasting just one mile at 1 in 54 and 1 in 80. I started timing the train because of the unbelievably laboured progress; and timed the worst quarter mile at 110 seconds. This is a speed of just 8mph and the lowest speed that I have ever recorded on a train anywhere, except for crossing the Crumlin Viaduct where the speed limit was 8mph. In the 45 miles to Dolgellau our train passed three trains going in the opposite direction and saw another operating the shuttle from Bala Junction to Bala. Our first stop was at Corwen (16¼ miles) where our engine took water while waiting for a train in the opposite direction, which turned out to be class mate 75021 also of Croes Newydd. 75021 would later be transferred to Shrewsbury Shed and haul the very last down steam-hauled Cambrian Coast Express on 4 March 1967. Our train left Corwen 4L; on through single platform Cynwyd (18½) where the well-known trailer manufacturer Ifor Williams was, and still is, based. At the next station Llandrillo (21) we were kept waiting outside the station for two minutes while a train passed the other way. It was 75029 also of Croes Newydd but when brand new it was one of a batch of five sent to Laira Shed in May 1954, but it may have received a frosty reception there as it only lasted four months before moving on.

On from Llandrillo through the loop at Llandderfel (23¾) to a three minute stop at Bala Junction (27¼) where Ivatt 2-6-0 46442 of Croes Newydd Shed, with one coach, was making the connection from and to the town of Bala just half a mile up the former branch to Blaenau Ffestiniog. There was now a clear run of 18 miles to the next stop at Dolgellau but passing through crossing loops at Llanuwchllyn (32¼), Garneddwen (35), Drws-y-nant (38½) and Bontnewydd (42) at the regulation 15mph, in theory, to change tokens, plus no less than five other stations and halts. Now I do not like to see speeding vehicles on the road, but just as bad is aggressive acceleration on urban roads subject to a 20 or 30mph limit. What I witnessed that day on the railway between Bala Junction and Dolgellau can only be described as aggressive acceleration by an engine driver like nothing I have seen before or since. The engine may have passed the signalman at 15 but I think it was more like 20mph and the driver then accelerated rapidly out of each loop. Like most crossing loops the rails led in straight but then described a reverse curve at the far end exit over a cross-over.

The one station that I have never forgotten was at the next to last crossing place going downhill at a gradient of 1 in 65 through Drws-y-nant from the summit of the whole line at Garneddwen Halt. Most of the crossing loops were about 20 chains long (equals a quarter of a mile). In the case of Drws-y-nant the signal box was 5 chains before the end of the loop and the train itself was 5 chains long so the train had 10 chains to accelerate after changing tokens before I went over the cross-over. I was at the very rear of the train standing at the last window over the last bogie and it was frightening the speed the train was travelling over the reverse curve of the cross-over estimated to be 35 to 40 mph. The proof is in the timings as the train arrived at Dolgellau Station 12 minutes early having covered 18 miles in 29 minutes. In that 29 minutes tokens had been changed four times and the train had passed through nine stations and halts. A 41 minute allowance from Bala Junction to Dolgellau had been cut to 29 minutes. Frightening. The train spent 16 minutes at Dolgellau instead of the scheduled 4 minutes leaving on time at 12.54 Working the two coach shuttle of extra trains between Dolgellau (45¼) and Barmouth (54½) was 46520 of Machynlleth Shed. I have spent a lot of words on that half hour of rail travel because it was simply so out of the ordinary, unexpected and memorable.

The real highlight of any trip along the Cambrian Coast is the 800 yards crossing the estuary of the River Mawddach on Barmouth Bridge just before arriving at Barmouth itself and looking east at the superb views of the estuary with the mountains beyond. Barmouth Station was then an important railway centre but with the arrival of the dmus and the end of loco haulage it lost a lot of its importance. The nearest engine shed was the small sub-shed at Penmaenpool (47¼) west of Dolgellau.

In 2025 it is possible to make a day trip from Plymouth to Barmouth by train and return with just one change of trains in each direction at Birmingham New Street. You would not get long at Barmouth – just one hour. Leave Plymouth at 06.20 and get back at 22.50 The next part of the story devoted to this day out on 4 July 1964 is called “An Hour at Barmouth.”

To be continued..

75006 stands at Ruabon with five coaches on the 11.00am to Barmouth on Saturday 4 July 1964. connecting trains from Chester and mine from Shrewsbury had already dropped off passengers. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

75006 takers water at Corwen while waiting for a train to pass in the opposite direction. If I had been a month later I would have passed another train at Llangollen – the 9.20am Barmouth to Birmingham Snow Hill which only ran for a very few weeks. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

75021 arrives at Corwen with the 10.25am Dolgellau to Wrexham local train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

My train passes through Llandrillo Station as 75029 waits in the passing loop with the 8.45am Pwllheli to Birkenhead train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

75006 has arrived at Barmouth, where I alighted but the train carried on to Pwllheli where it was due at 2.50. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

75006 runs across Barmouth Bridge to turn on the triangle. The two steel spans were replaced like-for-like in 2023 during a £30M restoration. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks for another fascinating article, Mike - sounds like quite a white-knuckle ride you had there!

For more of Michaels articles, please click here.

Re: It's A Namer Part 2
Karl Hewlett

Regarding Neil Phillip's article 'It's A Namer Part 2' (click here), I couldn't get the exact dates but the month and the year as per Neil's information. I can however fill in some of the other missing blanks which are:

D1665 TITAN named 3/66 at Cardiff Canton without ceremony.
D1667 ATLAS named 6/66 at Cardiff Canton without ceremony.
D1668 ORION named 10/65 at Landore Swansea without ceremony.
D1670 MAMMOTH named 8/65 at Landore Swansea.
D1671 THOR 1st (carried 9/65 to 12/65) named at Cardiff Canton.
D1672 COLOSSUS named 8/65 at Cardiff Canton.
D1673 CYCLOPS named 6/66 at Bristol Bath Road.
D1674 SAMSON named 9/65 at Cardiff Canton.
D1675 AMAZON named 11/65 at Cardiff Canton.
D1676 VULCAN named 10/65 at Cardiff Canton.

Although I can't 100% confirm, it is likely that D1670, 72 to 76 were named without ceremony.

Many thanks Karl - much appreciated.

Lostwithiel - the early days of
Can you help?

An email from a reader:

I wonder if you might be able to assist me please, with a puzzle?

As I understand it, the Lostwithiel and Fowey Railway (LFR) opened in 1869, being worked from the outset by the Cornwall Railway (CR), which actually was itself worked by SDR-owned locomotives until 1876, then GWR-owned machines until closure of the L&FR in 1880. With the nearest CR sheds being Liskeard, 12.75 miles east and Truro, 23.25 miles west, it made sense for there to be a locomotive - or locomotives - based at Lostwithiel for working LFR trains. If so, where was that motive power stabled? The CR had a C&W Works at Lostwithiel, which presuambly required the services of a pilot at times, so was there a loco point in the works? Or, as has been mooted - at the station, where a south end bay platform was roofed over, a feature visible on the 1880 25-inch Ordnance Survey (OS), but not subsequent editions? The redoubable Messrs Lyons and Mountford did not mention a Lostwithiel shed in their book on GWR sheds 1837 - 1947, but neither did they for Fowey, where an engine shed is clearly visible on the 1880 6-inch OS map, so it could be they missed Lostwithiel too....

A good puzzle indeed - do you know the answers? Please get in touch - [email protected]

Re: D1660 'City of Truro'
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

In the guise of 47749 'Atlantic College', the former D1660 'City of Truro' basks in the sun in Bristol Temple Meads platform 5 with a mail train back in 1996. Copyright Phil Smith.

Many thanks, Phil - I always thought this livery sat very well on the '47's'.

Positive news for Portishead

11 June 2025 Portishead Railway Group Summary:

There’s a lot of comment going on about what the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been saying, so here’s a summary of all the transport funding announcements and what they mean for the Portishead & Pill railway:

1. The Portishead line reopening project has been waiting since last summer for the Chancellor’s spending review to complete. Work has continued in the meantime and all the comments we’ve heard about the likely outcome of the review have been positive.

2. Last week the Chancellor announced funding for 2028-2032 which included £800 million for the Bristol area. This is not directly relevant to the Portishead line, as its funding is already in place (but awaiting confirmation). However, the funding for the line to the Brabazon development is good news, as it would it make no sense to announce developing Brabazon in the future, whilst simultaneously cancelling Portishead.

3. Decisions about spending will have been made several weeks /months ago by the Treasury. Today was just the announcement of those decisions. No one expected Portishead to be mentioned in the Chancellor’s speech today, as we are only a few tens of millions in a speech about tens of billions of spending.

4. The Dept. for Transport capital expenditure budget has been increased by 3.9%, so there is now no reason why the DfT can’t release the funding for Portishead.

5. MPs, Dept. for Transport etc. will now be allowed to comment so we should have clarity very soon and confirmation that the funding is all now released and construction can start.

6. For anyone baffled by why it takes so long, it’s because UK planning laws are enormously complex and have to be followed. It’s taken 10 years or so and over £32 million to get this far, involving consultations with hundreds of interested parties and preparation of huge documents (27,000 pages) as required by UK law.

7. The idea that it is “just a little bit of railway, so just build it” is appealing, but completely impossible to do. The planning stage is probably more complicated and time-consuming than the construction stage.

This work has been essential to produce the detailed design and plan for the project, and to ensure that any risks that might derail(!) the project have been identified and addressed. It has given the sponsoring councils and central government the confidence they needed to satisfy themselves that the funds they are providing will lead to a successful outcome benefitting the region.

Click here for a Network Rail news article about the line.

Many thank to Keith Jenkin for bringing this to our attention - we look forward to the reinstatement of the branch.

Class 99's - Further Delivery Information
Richard Giles

Thanks for the web-site and to the contributors as well as those compiling the submissions for reading.

I thought this account would be of interest as a follow up to Steve Widdowson's excellent looking away Class 99 loco view taken on 19th June showing their 'unpowered' Network-Rail debut. Have been away, but have gathered notes and observations in from several sources since returning.

Sadly, the story starts with 'mis-information' with the suggestion of the Stadler 'tri-mode' duo, both in operating condition (following testing at Velim, Czech Republic) had arrived at Royal Portbury Dock and were being road moved onwards from there to Avonmouth. As it stands, the MV Constence, loaded at Breman, Germany docked in Avonmouth Old Dock during the morning of 10th June (a day earlier than planned) and the locos off loaded by giant road cranes (99001 first) between the older 'L Shed' and newer 'J Shed' warehouses, the latter having been built on recently removed as not being in use grain towers. This area close to the Gloucester Road emergency gate, in recent times had been in use by Agricultural Company Openfield as a grain export location, the Bulk Terminal import coal conveyor belt to Portbury Dock also at one time crossing overhead at this point, which could have affected the loco unloading but removal (although the rail loading towers survive at St. Andrews Road) had taken place during recent years. The pair were then road lorry moved to the Royal Edward Dock area and the Hansons Cement (Bennett's stone) rail sidings (the Old Dock area had lost or had seen most of its track of the once extensive Port internal rail system taken out of use by the early 1970s), where 99001 was first lowered onto the track here followed by 99002 at the Holesmouth Junction end. It would appear a possible movement under their own power had taken place by the time restricted confirmation viewing had taken place at 20.15.

Hope of interest and tidies up the latest new loco Class delivery news,

Turbo 166220 nears St. Andrews's Road station with the 11.01 Severn Beach - Bristol Temple Meads local service on 17th June, with 99002, 99001 and 66307 all just visible (top left) beyond the gravel and stone tips, the 99s having being landed on track further to the left. Copyright Richard Giles.

Complementing Steve's picture (with a front end working view), this is 0Q66 13.53 Avonmouth Hanson's - Leicester Lip with 66307 + 99001 + 99002 which having just crossed Hallen Marsh Junction passes Chittening heading for Bristol Parkway and the north at a crawl as close behind 66567 working 6A83 13.45 Avonmouth Bennett's - West Drayton loaded stone on 17th June. Copyright Richard Giles.

A day earlier on 16th June, the ninth and second last Rail Operations Group Class 93 no. 93008 (93009 will be the last) was delivered having very unusually remained in the Auto-Terminal at Royal Portbury Dock for three days. A lull in steel deliveries by sea may have been the reason, the next load being not expected to mid-July. The loco is seen just after 12.00 at the outer port dock gate, heading for the nearby M5 motorway and the journey north to Worksop. Copyright Richard Giles.

Many thanks, Richard - great photos and a well researched article.

June 24th 2025

24/6/2025

It's a Namer! - 2!
Neil Phillips

I seem to have started something with my article on D1660 (etc) 'City of Truro' ! Guy Vincent's title 'It's a Namer!' heading his piece on the fate, good or bad, of the 17 (or 18 if including 'Thor' twice) is very apt because that was the cry often heard on platform ends in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, until new namings towards the end of that decade meant they were no longer special. However the lower position of the nameplates would still instantly identify the original 'namers' as they approached, and they always remained special to some of us - they may not have been 'cops' but we were always pleased to see them, and mightily disappointed if the plates disappeared - which sadly they often did in the 1970s, although they usually made a comeback at some point. Well, except for 'Python'!

I hope Guy doesn't mind me borrowing his title although perhaps I should have suffixed it with '0' rather than '2', as this is a quick run-down of when and where (if known) they were named during 1965/6, in date order, together with a few more of my photos taken within the CRS 'patch'.

The very first Brush Type 4 I saw, at Truro in late September or early October 1967, was a 'namer', but only because something terrible had happened to D1671 a few months after construction, the nameplates being transferred to the next in line. D1677 would be the only one of the batch to carry its two-tone green livery past TOPS renumbering in March 1974 as 47091, and in fact survived like this for well over a year becoming increasingly decrepit, as the two photos taken at Swindon on 7th May 1975 below illustrate (I was very pleased to be able to take these photos of my first '47' still in two-tone green livery nearly 8 years later - and by a strange coincidence later that day I passed my driving test.......not in Swindon but in the Camberley area, which is why I was at the station - perhaps seeing 'Thor' again was a good omen!)

Dates of naming:

D1666 'Odin' - Cardiff - 12th March 1965
D1661 'North Star' - Paddington - 20th March 1965
D1662 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' - Bristol - 20th March 1965
D1663 'Sir Daniel Gooch' - Paddington - 8th May 1965
D1664 'George Jackson Churchward' - Swindon Works - 8th May 1965
D1660 'City of Truro' - Truro - 8th June 1965
D1670 'Mammoth' - ??? - August 1965
D1672 ' Colossus' - ??? - August 1965
D1671 'Thor' - ??? - September 1965
D1674 'Samson' - ??? - September 1965
D1668 'Orion' - ??? - October 1965
D1676 'Vulcan' - ??? - October 1965
D1675 'Amazon' - ??? - November 1965
D1669 'Python' - Old Oak Common - 31st March 1966
D1665 'Titan ' - ??? - March 1966
D1667 'Atlas' - ??? - June 1966
D1673 'Cyclops' - ??? - June 1966
D1677 'Thor' - Bristol Bath Road - 29th August 1966

(My source does not show a location so I'll go with Guy's - the month is the same but the day is at the other end of it!)

I think the strangest thing here is the naming of D1666 when it was just a week old and in advance of the high-profile namings at Paddington and Bristol just eight days later - I can't help thinking there was a communication failure and somebody at Cardiff 'jumped the gun!' As far as I know there were no naming ceremonies for this one or any of the other 'small names', even 'Python' despite a known location and day. Either by accident or design, D1666 'Odin' became the very first of all of the hundreds of namings and re-namings (and re-re-namings!) which followed.

47077 'North Star' storms up the 1-in-60 out of Truro - note that it was devoid of BR double-arrow logos at that time, Old Oak Common omitted them during a repaint there in 1973 (as 1661). 4th September 1974. Copyright Neil Phillips.

47079 'George Jackson Churchward' taking a rest under Truro's Black Bridge. 3rd January 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

47091 formerly 'Thor' (it had still been carrying red-backed nameplates during 1974) at Swindon in dire need of an overhaul and repaint, which thankfully was getting close by then. It was still unnamed in 1981 but had regained its 'Thor' plates by mid-1985. 7th May 1975. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Another shot of 47091 at Swindon. 07.05.1975, copyright Neil Phillips.

47079 'George Jackson Churchward' again, this time on Swindon Stabling Point. 4th December 1976. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Newly-overhauled 47088 'Samson' waiting time with an eastbound freight alongside Swindon Works. The vehicle behind it is an ex-LMS sleeping vehicle and buffered up to this to the right out of sight is Gresley Buffet Car E9129E. 8th June 1977. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Many thanks indeed, Neil - a great article and some super photos too. Much appreciated.

More on named '47's'
Paul Barlow

Hello Jon

Ref named class 47's.

A few pictures of 47 nameplates taken in 1978 with an Instamatic camera, so not the best quality!

Includes the very long 47078 plate. The pictures show the filthy/dirty
condition most BR locos were in back then.

The nameplate of 47484. 03.01.1978, copyright Paul Barlow.

The damaged nameplate of 47088. 10.06.1978, copyright Paul Barlow.

The very long nameplate of 47079 which was later shortened to G J Churchward seesn at Teignmouth. 10.06.1978, copyright Paul Barlow.

The nameplate of 47090. 08.07.1978, copyright Paul Barlow.

The nameplate of 47077. 30.08.1978, copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks, Paul - your email arrived at exactly the right time to compliment Neils article above. Great stuff.

First Class 175 West Of England Working
Clive Smith

Here is 175002 with the historic first 'hippo' working in the west of England . GWR please keep this livery and their very comfortable seats. The nickname 'hippo' was started by the Welsh enthusiasts when the class worked in Wales for twenty years. Hopefully it will continue.

At an increasingly overgrown Dayeys Bridge in Ivybridge, 175002 passes with the 5D01 09.00 Laira - Newton Abbot. 23.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

175002 passes through Ivybridge station with the 5D02 09.44 Newton Abbot - Plymouth. 23.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks, Clive - as you say - hopefully they can dodge the dreaded GWR green livery.

More 175 testing
Roger Winnen

175002 Arriving at No 2 Dock Plymouth Station. 23.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Viewed from the link platform to the station exit. 23.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Departing at 13.07 to Newton Abbot. 23.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Returning to Plymouth with the 13.47 from Newton Abbot. 23.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Making its last run of the day the 14.36 to Newton Abbot then returning to Laira Shed. 23.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Plym Valley - One more
Peter Murnaghan

Nice selection of pictures from Saturday's visit (click here). Here's just one more.

During the afternoon, the destination display on the Skipper unit was changed to Looe.

This reminds us of their brief stay from 1985, before they were banished to the North West three years later.

I think that their use on the Looe branch was even shorter than the other Cornish branch lines, as their four wheeled rigid long wheelbase proved unsatisfactory around the curves of the incline up from Coombe Junction to Liskeard.

The noise that they made screeching and squealing on the branch is still remembered by older residents of Liskeard to this day !

142023 at Marsh Mills with 'Looe' showing in the destination blinds. 21.06.2025, copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Thanks very much, Peter. I'm sure the noise of them on the branch is still ringing in the ears of the locals!

Fresh Loco on the Clay
Tony Shore & Mark Lynam

EWS liveried class 66 66127 has finally been replaced on the local clay traffic by DB Cargo red liveried 66112. The loco worked the empty JIA wagons to St. Blazey on Saturday (21.06) morning.

66112 passes Totnes with 6V75 - the 0731 Westbury - St. Blazey empty JIA's on 21.06.2025. Copyright Tony Shore.

DB Red 66112 at Golant working 6G09 1302 Goonbarrow Junction Dbc to Fowey Dock Carne Point. 23.06.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Tony and Mark - a much more photogenic livery.

Westbury Variety
Alan Peters

GBRf 69001 'Mayflower' stands in Westbury Down yard awaiting to work the Eastleigh tripper on 17/06/2025, the class 69 was converted from 56031. Copyright Alan Peters.

GBRf 66792 'Collaboration' at Westbury Down yard on 17/06/25, this Beacon Rail loco is currently on hire to Colas and is seen stabled with four JIA NACCO China Clay wagons giving the impression of a GBRf class 66 on the clay! Copyright Alan Peters.

Many thanks as always for sharing your behind-the-scenes shots, Alan.

Cotswold Rail
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

47813 'John Peel' wearing the livery of the short-lived Cotswold Rail. Phil is unsure of the year this photograph was taken, does anyone have any suggestions? Copyright Phil Smith.

Tranquility at Calstock
Jon Hird

A perfect peaceful summers evening by the river at Calstock as 150266 clicks past overhead with the 1933 Gunnislake - Plymouth. 20.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

June 23rd 2025

23/6/2025

The Plym Valley Transport Weekend
Roger Winnen & Peter Murnaghan

With thanks to Roger and Peter, we have a number of photographs of this event now available in our 'Features' section - please click here (you may need to scroll down).

Below are a few favourites.

This engine was built in Poland by Fablok TKH 5374. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

I captured the run past, by walking between the two stations - this picture was taken by the level crossing mid way along the line. 21.06.2025, copyright Peter Murnaghan.

43063 in the yard at Marsh Mills. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

'Skipper' 142023 awaits departure from Plym Bridge. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

For many more photos, please click here.

'Nunney Castle' to the west
Sam Ryder

5029 between Kingskerswell and Torquay whilst working Saturdays tour to Kingswear. 21.06.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.

Great shot Sam, many thanks.

5029 Nunney Castle at Paignton on Saturday
Leslie Curnow

Many Thanks Leslie

GWR Units to Wolverton
Thomas O'Flaherty

150232 on its way from Exeter to Wolverton, running 16 mins early on the Frome avoiding line. 22.06.2025, copyright Thomas O'Flaherty.

Many thanks, Thomas - interesting photos.

Bishopsteignton Variety
Martin Scane

1C81 with 802108 working a Paddington to Penzance service passing Red Rock bridge at 14-29. The view is along the Teign estuary with Shaldon bridge and Teignmouth in the background. 22.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Second looking the other way towards Newton Abbot with 43187/43093 wotking 2E13 from Penzance to Exeter St Davids at 14-31. 22.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

And finally the main reason for my visit. This is 37501 looking immaculate as she works 0V84 Derby RTC to Laira at 14-38. 22.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Thanks Martin - lovely shots.

Weekend round-up
Clive Smith

5029 'Nunney Castle' and LSL 57311 with 57002 on the rear with the 1Z31 06.50 London Victoria - Kingswear Steam Dreams tour. The two 57s but presumably an insurance against setting the countryside ablaze in the current dry conditions. However 5029 provided a great burst of black smoke on pulling out of Dawlish Warren station before turning white. 21.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

A baking hot afternoon with the tide already gone out at Cockwood Harbour, 5029 and 57002 look superb as they cross the harbour at this famous location withe the 1Z33 16.35 Kingswear - London Victoria return Steam Dream tour with 57311 on the rear. 21.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

37501 passes Aish at South Brent with the 0V84 09.41 Derby RTC - Laira' light engine. The loco is owned by Europhoenix, leased to Rail Operations Group and this year was turned out in BR British Steel livery with 'Teeside Steelmaster' nameplates. The sky blue livery is stunning in the afternoon sun and certainly stands out against the backdrop of Brent Hill. 37501 will be at Laira to provide 'Thunderbird' cover as the class 175s are finally about to start driver training this week. 22.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

Great photos as always, Clive - thanks for sending them in.

Class 175 Test Runs In Devon This Week
Plus Class 37 Rescue Loco
Karl Hewlett

This week sees the first driver familiarisation runs of the class 175 units brought down from ATW, the times are:

Monday 23rd to Friday 27th June

5D01 0900 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Newton Abbot

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37074/2025-06-23/detailed

5D02 0944 Newton Abbot to Plymouth

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37073/2025-06-23/detailed

5D03 1043 Plymouth to Newton Abbot

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37072/2025-06-23/detailed

5D04 1129 Newton Abbot to Plymouth

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37071/2025-06-23/detailed

5D05 1307 Plymouth to Newton Abbot

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37070/2025-06-23/detailed

5D06 1347 Newton Abbot to Plymouth

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37069/2025-06-23/detailed

5D07 1436 Plymouth to Newton Abbot

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37068/2025-06-23/detailed

5D08 1519 Newton Abbot to Laira T.& R.S.M.D.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37067/2025-06-23/detailed

Also, 37501 'Teesside Steelmaster' back in its non-standard 1987 British Steel Blue livery, is currently at Laira Depot to act as a rescue/thunderbird loco apparently. No return times seem to be in the system this week and early next week for it to depart except an 0Z91 Laira to Bristol on Monday, but this seems to me as being far too early in the week sending a thunderbird loco back. I have however sent a link for 0Z91 just in case it is 501 returning north:

0Z91 0959 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Bristol Temple Meads

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R01953/2025-06-23/detailed

Great 'gen' - many thanks, Karl.
We await the 175 photos!

North Cornwall Railway Ramble
Andrew & Diane Jones

Another marvellous day at the North Cornwall Miniature railway. Large crowds attended the event which was in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Three steam locomotives were running plus a few diesel replicas.

I have attached some photographs and look forward to the next open day on August 10th 2025.

Whilst returning to Grogley I decided to continue the theme that Roger and Jon initiated on their previous visit to Port Isaac Road Station.

Remarkable as it may seem in this age of austerity Network Rail and National Highways have restored three bridges on the stretch of redundant railway just North of St Kew Highway through Trellil tunnel up to Port Isaac Road.

Escaping the scrap man due to stone construction and exceptional quality these structures are worthy of preservation in a period of continuous cost cutting and vandalism.

They have done a wonderful job and will ensure that they survive another 100 years, well worth a look if you are in the region.

The North Cornwall Miniature Railway open day. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

A recently renovated road-over-rail bridge on the long-closed North Cornwall line. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Another road-over-rail bridge which has recently been tidied on the former North Cornwall line. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

A tall rail-over-road bridge near Port Issac road looking resplendent. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks Andrew & Diane, great to see the bridges looking smart. If only the rails could return!

Re: Weymouth Wizard
Guy Vincent

Good to see the Weymouth Wizard resurrected on the site this morning. The story behind this series of mid-week summer extras was covered on 6th June 2018. Type 'Wizard' into search box and the story is there to see.

Further info on the series can also be added:

1981 Commenced 13 July, Mondays-Thursdays as 3 car DMU Swindon-Westbury, attaching to the 0910 WSB-WEY 3 car DMU. Return working 3 car DMU attached to 1800 WEY-BTM, detaching at WSB and continuing to Chippenham and Swindon only at 1955.

From 21st July due to high demand, a six car DMU ran from / to Swindon.

From 30th July until 10th Sept (still M-ThO) became a loco and coaches working throughout.

1982 M-Tho (dates unavailable) 0920 Swindon - Weymouth & 1714 Weymouth - Swindon. Loco & Mk 1 coaches.

1983 M-Tho 4th July - 8th Sept. 0920 Swindon - Weymouth & 1714 rtn. Loco & Mk 1 coaches (usually load 9)

1984 (days / dates unavailable) 0903 Swindon - Weymouth 1Z92 & 1720 rtn 1Z92 Loco & Mk 1 set.

1985 Tu WO 23 July - 21 Aug. 0910 Swindon - Weymouth 1Z92 & 1802 rtn 1Z92. Loco & Mk 1 coaches.

Ken's photo of the headboard taken at Swindon is the best I've seen to date! Fortunately he's photographed both sides of the loco and it can be seen that both nameplates are in good order with all beading now repaired. Photo 2 shows the return in what is now platform 2 at Weymouth, most likely the summer of either 1982, 1983 or 1984. I have a saved image dated 31.8.83 of 47076 at Dorchester West, complete with headboard, but doubt it is the same working Ken travelled on.

City of Truro was fitted with electric train heating equipment and renumbered 47625 during November 1984.

Finally, a photo I took on 21st July 1983 of 47166 with the 'Wizard' about to depart from Westbury following a crew change.

47166 with the 'Wizard' about to depart from Westbury following a crew change. 21.07.1983, copyright Guy Vincent.

Top stuff, Guy - many thanks for filling in the gaps.

June 22nd 2025

22/6/2025

5029 'Nunney Castle' works:
London to Paignton & Kingswear Via Dawlish
Steve Widdowson, David Tozer, Martin Scane,

37521 {D5817} towing 5029 Nunney Castle to Bishops Lydeard, pictured passing Worcester Yard. 20.06.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.

5029 'Nunney Castle with 57311 tucked inside and on the rear was 57002 1Z31 0649 London Victoria to Kingswear (For Dartmouth)taken at Stafford's Bridge just as a shower of rain was clearing. 21.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Nunney Castle passing through Teignmouth station. It was a jolly close call for the photograph as the 166 Paignton to Exmouth service had literally just crawled to a stop. 21.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks all - great to see.

Re: D1660 'City of Truro'
Ken Mumford

t's very interesting when One goes through OLD memory cards.

I found these two of THE WEYMOUTH WIZARD which went from Swidon to Weymouth one Saturday - over 40 years ago - I can't emember the date.

These are prints scanned from a 35mm slide.

D1660 at Swindon before working 'The Weymouth Wizard'. Copyright Ken Mumford

D1660 with 'The Weymouth Wizard'. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks, Ken - check out that headboard!

If you know the date of this tour please get in touch - [email protected].

150219 returns
Guy Vincent

150219, pristine in green following overhaul, heads down the Frome avoider running 47 minutes early as 5V83 0937 Wolverton Centre Sidings - Exeter TMD. This is the penultimate 150 to be turned out in green, just 150238 to follow. 21.06.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Thanks Guy. I imagine GWR will be glad to see it back.

Bristol by night
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

It's a still night in 1989, and 50009 is waiting time at Platform 5 at Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Phil Smith.

A lovely atmospheric shot, Phil - many thanks indeed.

A few more from Dawlish
Steve Clark

Unsurprisingly there were plenty of people out given that it was the hottest day of the year (so far!) 43098 applies the power and begins its journey West with 2C20. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

The Classic wider view has been lost with higher black railings installed but the backdrop remains unchanged. 43098 'Walton Castle' leads GW06 set with 43004 'Caerphilly Castle' on the rear. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

57604 'Pendennis Castle' heads back to Laira TMD as 0Z56 after a light loco run to Exeter St Davids. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Do you all 'wish you were there' ?

Great photos, Steve - many thanks.

June 21st 2025

21/6/2025

GBRF to the far West
Andrew Triggs, Jon Hird & David Tozer

GBRf 57306 ticking over outside Longrock Depot with 08836 stabled behind. 20.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

GBRf 66744 approaching Marazion working 0C66 09.50 Plymouth Park Sidings-Longrock. 20.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66744 now coupled to 57306 at Longrock, while the Crew have a well deserved break in the Heat. 20.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

66744 hauling 57306 passing Marazion, running as 0C57 12.41 Longrock-Bristol East Depot. 20.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Away from the coast of West Cornwall and into the woods of mid-Cornwall, the pair of locomotives cross East Largin viaduct. 20.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Here are 66744 and 57306 emerging onto the sea wall at Teignmouth with 0C57 (PZ to Bristol East Depot). The time is 15-28 with the service running some 5 minutes behind schedule with the locos travelling quite slowly as they were following a Paignton to Exmouth local which was given priority. 20.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Viewed from across afield planted corn on the cob 66744 hauling 57306 with the 1238 OC57 at Stoke Canon. 20.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.

57306 passing through Stoke Canon. 20.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks for the photos, all.

Top and tailed sleeper
Joe Birchall

This morning (20.06), I noticed RealTime Trains implied that the sleeper would have two locomotives, 57 301 leading and 57 602 on the rear, so I decided to take a couple of pictures through the railings, the view being much better now that some of the vegetation has been cleared on the North Western embankment.

Hired-in 57301 heads the down sleeper (1C50) and is seen approaching Truro on 20.06.2025. Copyright Joseph Birchall.

GWR's 57602 on the rear of the sleeper. This locomotive failed on the up sleeper in the Bodmin area earlier in the week. 20.06.2025, copyright Joseph Birchall.

An early start for you, Joe - many thanks.

Dawlish Delights
Steve Clark

43004 'Caerphilly Castle' races towards me with the 2E06 07.45 Penzance to Exeter St Davids with 43098 'Walton Castle' on the rear. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Wider view of 2E06 and 43004 and 43098. The Moon can just be made out top right of centre. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

I wonder if the couple on the left thought ''He's gonna get bowled here!!'' 150243 was nicely framed under the bridge on the 2F13 09.45 Paignton to Exmouth when 802018 entered the frame heading West on the 1C72 08.03 ex Paddington. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

With Langstone Rock jutting out into the Ocean in the background, XC double set 220013 and 220002 head West on the 1V44 06.11 Leeds to Plymouth. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

With the HST only up in Exeter for half an hour it was worth waiting round for another shot or 2. 43098 'Walton Castle' leads this time as the Castle set slows for its stop at Dawlish with the 2C20 11.27 from Exeter St Davids to Penzance. 18.06.2025, copyright Steve Clark.

Great shots, Steve - many thanks for sending them in.

Cornish railfreight in 2014
Roger Winnen

66155 engaged in shunting operations on the Par Harbour branch. 05.06.2014, copyright Roger Winnen

Leaning over the fence as 66155 heads 11 Bogie Imery's wagons into St Blazey Yard. 05.06.2014, copyright Roger Winnen

66176 heads The Fowey-Goonbarrow CDAs approaching Par taken from the garden centre. 05.06.2014, copyright Roger Winnen

A 66 approaches Par with loaded JIA's, forming a services from St Blazey to Cliff Vale, Stoke on Trent. This service followed the 14.00 Penzance-Padd. 05.06.2014, copyright Roger Winnen

The same 66 with the Stoke on Trent service passes Liskeard. 05.06.2014, copyright Roger

<<Previous

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 51Somerton - An Unusual Arch BridgeMichael L. Roach

Glastonbury Turbo Extras Resurrected in 2025Guy Vincent

Sunday SleeperJon Hird & Andrew Triggs

Mazey Day Wiltshire WorkingsGuy Vincent

D1015 leaves TruroJonathan Harbage

A mystery CromptonPhil 'Shattered' Smith

Mazey Day HighlightsRoger Winnen

Westcountry Diesel Extravaganza!

D1015 'Western Champion' works:'The Mazey Day Special'Joe Burchall, Jon Hird, David Tozer, Oli Monk, Andrew Triggs, Tony Shore, Clive Smith, Bill Elston & Sam Ryder

43049 + 43055 work:The Cornish Mazey Day Pullman​Joe Birchall, Bill Elston, Andrew Triggs, Tony Shore & Jon Hird

More miscellaneous dieselsBill Elston, Sam Ryder, Andrew Triggs, Joe Birchall, Tony Shore & Jon Hird

50042 running dayon the Bodmin RailwayJon Hird

West Somerset Railway'Flying Scotsman'John Simons

A day out in DevonMark Lynam

The 'Flying Banana' visits the westAndrew Triggs & Jon Hird

Swindon ScenesKen Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

Pilning GlintPhil 'Shattered' Smith

Bodmin GeneralChris Bellett

Marsh Barton PullmanJack Burchill

Livery variety at WorcesterSteve Widdowson

Thursday's ClayJon Hird & Tony Shore

Re: Lostwithiel Engine ShedKarl Hewlett

Night Moves at GoonbarrowGareth Thornton

Re: 'It's a Namer!'Bill Elston

Classic traction at TeignmouthJack Burchill

NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 50Day Trip to BarmouthMichael L. Roach

Re: It's A Namer Part 2Karl Hewlett

Lostwithiel - the early days ofCan you help?

Re: D1660 'City of Truro'Phil 'Shattered' Smith

Positive news for Portishead

Class 99's - Further Delivery InformationRichard Giles

It's a Namer! - 2!Neil Phillips

More on named '47's'Paul Barlow

First Class 175 West Of England WorkingClive Smith

More 175 testingRoger Winnen

Plym Valley - One morePeter Murnaghan

Fresh Loco on the ClayTony Shore & Mark Lynam

Westbury VarietyAlan Peters

Cotswold RailPhil 'Shattered' Smith

Tranquility at CalstockJon Hird

The Plym Valley Transport WeekendRoger Winnen & Peter Murnaghan

'Nunney Castle' to the westSam Ryder

GWR Units to WolvertonThomas O'Flaherty

Bishopsteignton VarietyMartin Scane

Weekend round-upClive Smith

Class 175 Test Runs In Devon This WeekPlus Class 37 Rescue LocoKarl Hewlett

North Cornwall Railway RambleAndrew & Diane Jones

Re: Weymouth WizardGuy Vincent

5029 'Nunney Castle' works:London to Paignton & Kingswear Via DawlishSteve Widdowson, ​David Tozer, Martin Scane,

Re: D1660 'City of Truro'Ken Mumford

150219 returnsGuy Vincent

Bristol by nightPhil 'Shattered' Smith

A few more from DawlishSteve Clark

GBRF to the far WestAndrew Triggs, Jon Hird & David Tozer

Top and tailed sleeperJoe Birchall

Dawlish DelightsSteve Clark

Cornish railfreight in 2014Roger Winnen

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