Blog Archives

21st July 2021

21/7/2021

Westbury
DMU to Weymouth
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,I hope you are continuing to keep well and coping with the heat. Here is a picture taken at Westbury on 21 May 1982 showing a BR Metropolitan Cammell unit which formed the 11.10 to Weymouth,plenty of changes since then, as always. Thanks, and best wishes.Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Play acting at
Brampford Speke
Colin Burges

The offer of the original postcard showing the footbridge at Brampford Speke to the owners of the former S.M's. house got me an invitation to have a cup of tea in the garden, which, nine months later, I gladly took up while out on a ride with a friend.

After emptying a pot of tea and enjoying splendid homemade biscuits in the garden, while pouring over old photographs and learning of the practicalities of living without road access, a viewing, as honest time wasters, of the station building next door was arranged; the place is for sale with a fabulous asking price.
Ed and Elaine were kind enough to let time-travelling Gaelle pose as a waiting passenger, who signals to the driver at this request stop and boards the train. She studied theatre at university and it was just like the train was coming and she really was boarding.

The station was downgraded to a halt in 1923 and a shelter was provided on the site of the former signal box, beyond the building. Copyright Colin Burges.

Old photos show that the station building had been converted into a dwelling before the train service ceased. Copyright Colin Burges.

The line remained open to Thorverton Mill until 1966. The halt was so close to the junction that Stoke Canon's fixed distant was near the end of the platform.

We came from Stoke Canon along the footpath which once crossed the branch and ran beside it to Brampford Speke, but which now takes the track itself. The halt is only a short distance from the centre of the village and less than a mile from the shop and post office, and community-run pub in Stoke Canon.

If anyone's interested:

https://www.stags.co.uk/properties/14128589/sales

In the obligatory footage from the air, look out for the line continuing towards Thorverton at 2:12. The keeper's house at Fortescue Crossing can be seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlFAyMmoJTc

You'll gather that I'm back in the saddle. I'm far from fully recovered but 40 days without Special Brew was all I could sustain. The deal is that if I drink strong lager I have to do the riding - but not at the same time!

With best wishes,

Colin

With many thanks to Colin Burges and 'station staff' and Ed and Elaine and time-travelling Gaelle for this most unusual item. Although commercial please try the links - most interesting.

A 'Golden oldie'
Par '86
Clive Smith

37204 awaits departure with the 21.05 Par to Plymouth on Saturday 14th June 1986. The stock is an air-conditioned set from the earlier Paddington to Newquay. 50018 had then failed on the 17.55 Newquay to Par with its return stopper to Newquay at 18.55 subsequently cancelled. Cue 37204's appearance from St Blazey to provide a spirited run to Plymouth. Copyright Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive - the good old days.

Dunn's Hill Overbridge near
Hungerford
Ken Mumford

Near Hungerford Dunn's Hill overbridge 18th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Bahamas running about 10 minutes late about to pass under Dunn's Hill Overbridge heading for London via Newbury. 18th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Many thanks Ken - glad you stopped.

Earl of St Germans!
Ken Mumford.

Earl of St Germans. - Cornish Reminders in Wiltshire. 18th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford

Thanks Ken.

North Devon Rly
Appeal for help.

We are asking if you might be able to help with the following request?
Following an invitation to volunteers, we now have a group who have expressed an interest in becoming a Passed Diesel Locomotive Driver. For them to become Passed Drivers, they firstly need to have been assessed via a medical questionnaire and, for those that haven’t already done so elsewhere, successfully undergo a medical examination to demonstrate their physical and mental fitness to drive a locomotive. We initially envisage 6 training places so we may need to shortlist applicants.
Following this stage, they will receive training by an independent trainer/assessor and if they successfully pass a theory and practical assessment, they will be classified as Passed Drivers and so will be able to drive unsupervised when rostered.
Finding a trainer/assessor is proving difficult particularly as there is a nationwide backlog of drivers requiring their ‘ticket’ to be renewed. This is because most were unable to drive during the pandemic.
Many of you have connections with other heritage railways who may have trainer/assessors and we would like to approach them to see if they can help. If you do, please let us know because, until we have our own drivers passed as competent, we are unable to move locomotives and stock.
The trainer/assessor will need to be authorised to train and assess drivers of diesel mechanical locomotives. Full expenses can be paid so they are not out of pocket.
Please help us find trainer/assessors so we can continue our transition to operational railway.
Please reply to [email protected] (ie not the sender of this email)
Regards
Colin Fisher
NDR Secretary

If you are interested please contact them.

20th July 2021

20/7/2021

25 years ago today.
Looe Branch Walk 1996
Michael L Roach

LOOE BRANCH WALK 1996
In the summer of 1996 the Cornwall Railway Society had a full programme of outdoor visits thanks to the efforts of the Outdoor Meetings Secretary Roger Winnen. One of the visits was to the Looe Branch and the date chosen was Saturday 20 July 1996 – 25 years ago today. The weather was good all day with plenty of sunshine. The party met on the train and alighted at Liskeard Station at about 10.12am from where we walked down the hill to Coombe Junction to see the branch train for the first time that day. It was single coach 153303 in Regional Railways livery; RR would be privatised on 1 April 1997. From Coombe the party headed up the valley for half a mile to the china clay works at Moorswater which was then operated by English China Clays, where a site visit had been arranged by our late late Chairman Walter Julian. The china clay arrived at the works in slurry form from a pit on Bodmin Moor through a pipeline which used to be visible above ground at Golitha Falls. The works operated continuously on a 3-shift system producing about 330 tonnes of clay per day. However clay was not dispatched every day; none had been loaded that day or the previous day (Friday). On Thursday 18 July 1996 30 CDA wagons were loaded and dispatched in two trains of 15 wagons each to Carne Point, Fowey for export by sea. Each trainload was taken up the steep bank to Liskeard by the Class 37 then in use in a rake of 7 wagons and a rake of 8 wagons and put together in Liskeard Yard. It was nearly 20 miles from Moorswater to Carne Point by rail. For the writer the visit to the works was the highlight of the day and very fortuitous because it's believed that the works closed just a few months later. Our hosts were duly thanked and the party proceeded down the valley on very narrow country lanes for the 7-mile ramble to Looe in the sunshine. At Looe we sought out some food or a visit to the beach before assembling for the train home. It had been a really good day out.
CAPTIONS
5044     Here we are looking across the settling tanks which were used to decant the top water. Some of the tanks dated back to the construction of the works by the St. Neots China Clay Company
5046     This was “Sharon” the resident shunter at the time
5052     Moorswater Viaduct looking eastwards from the narrow country lane passing beneath the viaduct, showing the three easternmost arches and the abutment of the original timber viaduct. This view has now been blocked by the growth of the trees in the foreground
5053     The CRS party watch the branch train pass through St. Keyne at 13.11
5057     Our train home has just arrived at Looe at 18.42 and disgorges its passengers. If the GWR's proposed pre-war new line to Looe had been constructed the 2-platform terminus would have been out of picture to the left just 250 metres away but 60 metres higher than the existing station.
MLR/18 July 2021

A general view from Moorswater viaduct looking down on the branch into Moorswater Dries in the far left. Copyright Roger Winnen

5052 Moorswater Viaduct looking northwards from the narrow country lane passing beneath the viaduct, showing the three easternmost arches and the abutment of the original timber viaduct. This view has now been blocked by the growth of the trees in the foreground. Copyright Mike Roach

The Branch enters the Moorswater Dries, the sign stating that no trains should pas this sign without the permission of ECLP. Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking down from a highlevel as the line enters the dries. Copyright Roger Winnen

5044 Here we are looking across the settling tanks which were used to decant the top water. Some of the tanks dated back to the construction of the works by the St. Neots China Clay Company. Copyright Mike Roach

5046 This was “Sharon” the resident shunter at the time. Copyright Mike Roach

Sharon the resident shunter having a rest on the beautiful Saturday morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

A view inside the Dries at Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

The process of drying the China Clay at Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

The rotary dryer at Moorswater. Copyright Roger Winnen

Coombe Junction Station and the line to Moorswater straight ahead. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 153 unit is seen approaching the ground frame at Coombe Junction before reversing to go to Looe. Copyright Roger Winnen

The points has been reset at Coombe Junction, the guard now makes his way to the Looe train. Copyright Roger Winnen

5053 The CRS party watch the branch train pass through St. Keyne at 13.11. Copyright Mike Roach.

5057 Our train home has just arrived at Looe at 18.42 and disgorges its passengers. If the GWR's proposed pre-war new line to Looe had been constructed the 2-platform terminus would have been out of picture to the left just 250 metres away but 60 metres higher than the existing station. Copyright Mike Roach

Many thanks Mike for your research and pictures and also to Roger Winnen for his pictures - a grand day out.

Craig is back
Craig Munday

I've been away on leave so little local railway activity for a few weeks. The day we set sail for the North West we just caught 59003 on one of it's GBRf crew training trip to Penzance passing St Austell.

Back to yesterday and 66849 was in action in Cornwall working back along the Fowey branch with the Balfour Beatty rail train to Milltown where it joined class mate 66850 with a Westbury engineers train.
Pictures taken at a sizzling Golant where the focus of 99% of people was on the water as high tide had brought out the paddle boarders, kayakers and all other manner of boat usage.

The fully formed train was then pictured at Bolithio east of Liskeard with a long train in tow.

Cheers for now, Craig

59003 St Austell (1) (Large) 14th July 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66849 Engineers (1) 18th July 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66849 Engineers Golant 18th July 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

66849 Engineers Golant Crossing 18th July 2021. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig - hope you had a good holiday.

19th July2021

19/7/2021

Torquay to Saltburn
Paul Barlow, Keith Turley and Guy Vincent

47746 heads up past Rockstone bridge Dawlish working the 10.09 Torquay to Saltburn tour 47237 was dead on rear 19 July 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow

WCRC ran a charter from Saltburn to Torquay over the weekend of 16-07 to 19-07 July. The return working on the 19th the 1Z19 10:09 Torquay to Saltburn is seen at Cullompton with class 47/7 No.47746 'Chris Fudge 29-07-70 - 22-06-10' leading with No.47237 out of sight on the rear. Copyright Keith Turley,

Berkley 47746 & 47237 TnT 1Z19 19th July 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Plus a further note to this picture:- 47746 passing Berkley on the Somerset-Wiltshire border heading the return 1Z19 1009 Torquay - Saltburn weekend break special charter organised by Saltburn Railtours. The only name I could find for this interesting excursion was 'Torquay 2021'. Notice the wreath placed on the front of the loco. At Westbury the train reversed direction and set off towards Salisbury headed by 47237. The coaching stock consisted of the following vehicles: 99371 (3128); 13320 Anna; 504 Ullswater; 350 Tanzanite; 348 Topaz; 99680 (17102); 586 Derwentwater; 5229; 99316 (13321); 99127 Christina (3117); 99121 Julia (3105). Special thanks to Guy.

Many thanks to Paul, Keith and Guy.

Also at Berkley
Guy Vincent

A different view showing 66622 heading east with another load of Somerset stone bound for the Hills Aggregates facility at Wootton Bassett. The electricity pylons on the right date from the mid 1950s and run from the large National Grid distribution station at Whitley near Melksham to Churchill, Somerset. Copyright Guy Vincent/

Nice surprise in Wiltshire
Bahamas
Guy Vincent

A nice surprise in Wiltshire around midday today with what is believed to be the first ever appearance of Stanier-designed ex LMS 4-6-0 'Jubilee' 45596 'Bahamas', a highly appropriate name with the temperature today in excess of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

45596 was built in 1934 by the North British Locomotive Company for the LMS and in 1961 received a double chimney. It was withdrawn in 1966 and purchased for preservation the following year by the Bahamas Locomotive Society. Bahamas has spent periods on the main line, chiefly in nothern England and has been displayed at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and the NRM, York. Its most recent overhaul was completed in January 2019 following which it returned to use on the national network.

Today the loco was heading a 1Z51 0903 Paddington - Salisbury Steam Dreams day excursion consisting of 10 coaches with no assisting diesel. Two views, the first as the train came off the Berks and Hants line and passed non-stop through Westbury station and the second looking north from Imber Road bridge, just to the south of Warminster station where a 25 minute stop was made. Compare this image with photos on the site taken in the 1980s and see how vegetation has been allowed to spread across to almost reach the running lines.

Guy Vincent

Westbury LMS45596 1Z51 18th July 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

Warminster LMS 45596 1Z51 09.03 Paddington -Salisbury 18th July 2021

Many thanks Guy, very nice pictures on a 'steaming hot' day - nice to see to see Fahrenheit quoted - now there's something I can relate to !!

Exeter Saint Davids
Paul Barlow

Ex works and fitted with new marker lights 46026 on 1023 Manchester to Plymouth 1V82 stands at Exeter St Davids on the 11th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Moorswater & St Keyne
Mark Lynam

On a warm summers afternoon 150244 pulls into St Keyne working 2L29 1505 Liskeard to Looe.
Colas Rail 66850 + 66849 at Moorswater footbridge working 6C23 1503 Lostwithiel to Westbury Down T.C. after some track relaying on the Fowey branch over the weekend.
A little while later 43093 leading a slightly delayed 2E19 1450 Penzance to Exeter St Davids passes 43022 trailing 2C30 1547 Plymouth to Penzance.

Thanks,
Mark Lynam

150244 at St Keyne Halt in 'dappled' sunlight/ 18th July 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam. Chebge here for the Organ Museum.

66850 leads across Moorswater viaduct (1) 18th July 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

66849 brings up the rear as the long train heads across Moorswater viaduct. Copyright Mark Lynam.

43022 and 43093 passing at Moorswater 18th July 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

Thank you Mark for your record of a pleasant afternoon.

18th July 2021

18/7/2021

Westbury Report
Driver Alan Peters

Alan kindly sends us four July pictures from Westbury.

Westbury GBRf 66725 Sunderland at Westbury new sidings with a train of side tipping wagons on 11th July 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70812 waiting to leave Westbury yard bound for the Bristol re-modelling as 6F02 with a train of empty Falcon Wagons, EWS livered 66006 and 66171 are seen in the Up yard with a very smart Maritime livered DB class 66 on 11th July 2021 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

The holding sidings at Westbury on 13th July 2021 currently used by Colas Rail visible are 70812 and 70817, on the tamper road 70805 receives maintenance with a tamper stabled behind. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70805 having the sand boxes topped up by the fitter, in black and white for effect of days gone by! Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan - keep up the good work.

Westerns in West Cornwall
Roger Winnen.

751004ij D1064 Western Regent climbs away from Chacewater on 4th October 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

751004k D1034 Western Dragoon at Redruth on the 14.00 service from Penzance. 4th October 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

751004m D1046 Western Marquis in Platform 1 and D1054 Western Govennor in Platform 2 at Penzance. 4th October 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

751018d 18th October 1975 Variety of locos in Penzance left to right D1015 Western Champion, a Class 25 together with a Class 47 and D1057 Western Chieftain in Platform 1. Copyright Roger Winnen

Teignmouth
Paul Barlow

45005 waits at Teignmouth on the Summer Saturdays 09.00 Paignton to Newcastle. This train was advertised non stop Dawlish to Chesterfield but stopped at Bristol and Saltley for crew changes etc. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Plymouth Rebuild
Clive Smith

I've attached a link which gives the latest news on the redevelopment of Plymouth station. I wasn't quite expecting a finish date as late as 2027 so looks like it will be a building site for the best part of six years !
Regards
Clive Smith
https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plymouths-new-railway-station-completed-5652495

Thanks Clive for the info and the link.

17th July 2021

17/7/2021

5051 At Newport
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Seeing Clive Smith’s picture of 5051 has prompted me to send this one of the Castle at Newport on a wet 14 September 1985.The train was ‘The Red Dragon’ special from Paddington to Cardiff which I travelled on to Newport. There were two photo run pasts at Stroud on the way down,a thing of the past. Not a classic picture but the blue class 37s on the stabling point are of interest and also the blue and grey DMU.. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Norton Fitzwarren
Late Runners
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger
Back from my travels in time to catch 4 locos within 8 minutes passing Norton Fitzwarren in glorious conditions, too hot if anything!
All the Best
Andrew

1. WCR 47746 leading failed 47237 past Norton Fitzwarren footbridge, running 45 late at 18.01 with the 'Torbay Weekend' Tour (1Z18 07.48 Saltburn-Torquay) Copyright Andrew Triggs

Colas 66849 top and tailing with 66850, working the lengthy 6C23 16.37 Westbury Down T.C-Lostwithiel Down Gds Loop, running 34 late at 18.09 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Yeoman Highlander Returns
Clive Smith, David Tozer & Keith Turley

Hopefully you haven't been overwhelmed with pictures of 59003. If not then here is another, this time passing through Teignmouth station on 16th July 2021 with the 0Z67 10.38 Plymouth -Eastleigh Yard light engine.
Regards Clive Smith

Teignmouth 59003 Yeoman Highlander returning to Eastleigh. 16th July 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

59003 approaching Staffords Bridge 16th July 2021 Copyright David Tozer.

59003 on Staffords Bridge 16th July 2021. Copyright David Tozer

59003 returning to Eastleigh - seen here at Cullompton 16th July 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks to our faithful observers.

16th July 2021

16/7/2021

Class 59 003
Can you get too much of a good thing?
By Mick House

Can you get too much of a good thing, well in my personal opinion, No. I like the Loco and I like the GBRF livery, so I have put together some photos in some of my favourite locations

Photo 1) 59 003 with 70 801 on a long welded rail train passing through Millbrook heading for Eastleigh yard (21st July 2020). Copyright Mick House.

Photo 2) Arriving at Penzance on the first run down into Cornwall (14th July 2021). Copyright Mick House.

Photo 3) I could not resist this shot, with my colleague and friend Roger snapping the loco 14th July 2021. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 4) On its second run of the day 59 003 trundles through Redruth 14th July 2021. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 5) About to pass over Wheal Busy crossing on the second run of the day back to Plymouth 14th July 2021. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 6) On its first run of the second day 59 003 is about to pass over Wheal Bois crossing heading for Plymouth 15th July 2021. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 7) Second run of the second day 59 003 is about pass under Apex bridge heading for Penzance. 15th July 2021. Copyright Mick House.

Photo 8) On its final trip heading out of Cornwall 59 003 is passing that iconic engine house at Wheal Busy crossing 15th July 2021. Copyright Mick House.

Many thanks indeed Mick.

To bring our coverage of this rare visitor to a close Roger was also out and about yesterday 15th July, please see below.

The last day of the 59 in
Cornwall
Roger Winnen

210715d 59003 Passes through St Austell Station at just before 10.00hrs on its first visit of the day to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210715za Yeoman Highlander passes the Bodmin & Wenford Shed displaying David Letchers photograph of the B&W Railway. Copyright Roger Winnen

210715zd 59003 Yeoman Highlander amongst the lush greenery of Bodmin Parkway Station on its first run back to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

210715zf 59003 Through the glass as Yeoman Highlander in number 2 dock of Plymouth Station awaiting its 14.36 departure for Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

210715zj 59003 at Plymouth surrounded by the scaffolding around the tower block in connection with Plymouth University expansion. Copyright Roger Winnen

59003 Yeoman Highlander enters The Royal Duchy at Saltash. Copyright Roger Winnen

210715zo 59003 Yeoman Highlander comes off The Royal Albert Bridge for its second run of the day into Cornwall. A good friend of many railway enthusiasts Barry Lucas a former railway guard was also on the same platform.Copyright Roger Winnen

210715zs View from the black bridge at Truro 59003 returns to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

Newton Abbott
Paul Barlow

33019 pilots a failed 43042 and 43043 non stop through Newton Abbot 0930 Paddington to Penzance. One guesses that the class 33 was replaced with something else at Plymouth or maybe the HST limped on on one power car ro Penzance. May 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Models - Virtual Show
Martin Scane

Short of something to look at this weekend - then try this - recommended

The show is pre-recorded so you can watch anytime between 19-00 hrs on Friday July 16th and 22-00 hours on Monday 19th.
Viewers are free to pop in and out of the show as they wish and to watch what they like when they like.

We’ll be featuring :

30 layouts (4 of which are Cornwall or Devon based).
Fascinating and exclusive interviews with Steve Flint (of Railway Modeller and the Model Railway Challenge on tv) and Tim Dunn (railway historian and tv presenter of the Architecture the Railways Built).
How To and Demonstration Videos.
A special feature on Revolution Trains
Trade Advertisers

The show can be accessed either at :

www.ngfshow21.weebly.com

Or
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzti_piUXsTPZlftQVFOMIKSIOaOondjO

Or via the show Facebook Page NGFSHOW21

As I say, no worries if it's not appropriate.

Cheers

Martin Scane

Thanks for the link Martin - enjoy this.

15th July 2021

15/7/2021

A photographic Anniversary
Dainton
Michael L Roach

THE GRANGE CLASS PART 2
6836 Estevarney Grange
Apart from two months away at Carmarthen, 6836 was based at West Country engine sheds (Penzance, Newton Abbot and Laira) for more than eight years from May 1953 to October 1961. I saw the loco many times as it passed through Plymouth on passenger and freight trains during those eight years, and remember being intrigued by the name Estevarney; it did not sound English so perhaps it came from Wales or further afield. In 2021 I set out to find the big house that the locomotive was named after if indeed there was one. In Part 1 of this story, published on 17 June 2021, we saw a photo of 6836 at Dainton when it was shedded at Laira. Three months later in October 1961 the loco moved to Pontypool Road Shed where it was one of 17 Granges to be based at the shed in the 1960s, but not all at the same time. The shed closed in May 1965. From Pontypool 6836 would have worked passenger, parcels and freight trains over the hilly Welsh Marches line. There were four summits in the 43½ miles between Hereford and Newport alone of which the most famous was Llanvihangel involving a 7-mile climb in both directions to the summit. The road bridge across the line at the site of Llanvihangel Station was, and still is, a good place to see locomotives working hard.
The Granges at Pontypool Road shed would also have worked down the cross country line to Neath and Swansea via the Crumlin Viaduct, Quakers Yard and Aberdare, principally on longer distant freight trains. What marked 6836 out from the other Granges at Pontypool Road was that it was used on the last day of passenger trains between Pontypool Road and Neath which was Saturday 13 June 1964. The other locos in use that day on the last passenger trains were 3713, 4110, 4121 and 4639; but on a typical day the 56xx, 66xx and 84xx classes would also have put in appearances on passenger trains. The same month 6836 moved on again this time to Worcester Shed, where it was withdrawn from service in March 1965, reinstated a month later, and withdrawn again in August 1965. 6836 was still there at Worcester Shed on 28 November 1965 in the company of four other stored Granges: 6819, 6829, 6856 and 6876 plus 6 other stored steam locos. The following month the last three Granges were withdrawn: 6848, 6849 and 6872. On 6 May 1966 the last four steam locos at Worcester Shed were hauled away to Newport for scrapping by class 37 D6941 but 6836 was not amongst them having departed previously. None of the 80 Grange class locos was saved for preservation.
So where was the original Estevarney Grange after which 6836 was named. I could not find an Estevarney Grange and it appears that the Great Western Railway made up the name; indeed I suspect that the GWR made up most of the Grange names because none of them are well-known places like many of the other named Great Western locomotives: e.g. Dartington Hall or Caerphilly Castle. The only Estevarney I could find is located 2 miles north-west of the town of Usk in the valley of the River Usk and is an 11-bedroom farm house, listed Grade 2. Estevarney Farm was one of just 25 houses in the Parish of Monkswood and in the 1911 census is occupied by farmer William Glyn Arthur, aged 37 years, and his family. Living with him were a wife, 3 children, 3 farm workers and a domestic servant. All eight people were born in Wales or Monmouthshire but claim to be “English.” Heading south-west from Estevarney it is just four miles to Pontypool Road Station. I am sure that the shed master at Pontypool Road Shed would have known of 6836's local connections and rostered it to be used on the final day of passenger services for that reason. He is to be congratulated for a clever move, which most enthusiasts might not have appreciated at the time.

MLR/ 18 June 2021
CAPTION
4911 6836 Estevarney Grange is seen at Dainton on 15 July 1961.

4911 6836 Estevarney Grange is seen at Dainton on 15th July 1961. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many many thanks Mike for your research and results - as always done to a a great depth and recorded in such detail

Yeoman Highlander down again
Hallenbeagle
Roger Aston

59003 seen at Hallenbeagle on the morning run to Penzance. 15th July 2021. Copyright Roger Aston.

Many thanks Roger.

An interlude at Swindon 14th July 2021
Swindon
Ken Mumford

Ken sends us a selection of his pictures taken on the afternoon of the 14th July 2021 at Swindon station.

To EMU ends meet - 14th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

66054 pulls out of Swindon East Loop with a load of smelly refuse! 14th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

A service to London awaits departure from platform 4. Copyright Ken Mumford.

A picture of shame. Ken sends us a shocking view of Graffiti on an IET coach. 14th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

The mindless individual who did this deserves to be locked up and the keys thrown away forever.

Merehead to (Royal) Wootton Bassett stone train waiting to go east into where the loco [59002] can run round 14th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

Another shot of the Merehead to (Royal) Wootton Bassett stone train waiting to go east , How can these mindless folk with their spray cans find the money to purchase the paint and the time to apply it? 14th July 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford

67 027 ans 023 with the Test Train. 14th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

59 002 having run round now heads for the virtual quarry at Wooten Basset. 14th July 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken - an afternoon well spent.

14th July 2021

14/7/2021

Yeoman Highlander on route learning
Roger Salter Roger Aston Andrew Keast Mark Lynam
Ross Griffiths Leslie Curnow & Roger Winnen

59103 Yeoman Highlander climbs in the heat haze to Apex Sumit. Copyright Roger Aston

59103 Passes under Apex Bridge. Copyright Roger Aston

GBRf first crew training run with 59003 seen at Carn Brea working 0Z61 0904 Plymouth to Penzance. Copyright Mark Lynam

0Z61 09.04 Plymouth Penzance 59003 Yeoman Highlander on route learning crosses Hayle Viaduct. Copyright Roger Salter

210714a 59003 Yeoman Highlander arrives at Penzance on a route learning trip. Copyright Roger Winnen

210714b 59003 Yeoman Highlander at Penzance on 14th July 2021. Copyright Roger Winnen

Returning from Penzance the 11.29 to Plymouth with 59003 Yeoman Highlander at Rosvidney. Copyright Roger Salter

59003 at North Crofty Junction with the return working 0Z62 1129 Penzance to Plymouth. Copyright Mark lynam

59003 & Saltash Station fencing removal. Copyright Ross Griffiths

Hello again all, A couple of shots from earlier today, 59003 passing through Saltash with the 1129 Penzance - Plymouth route learner and one of the station building with the security fencing finally removed and some, er, 'heritage' fencing in place? Or maybe that's yet to come! Another step forward in the wonderful restoration of this building. Best regards, Copyright Ross Griffiths

59003 Passing Carlyon Bay on the second run - the 14.37 Plymouth to Penzance. Copyright Andrew Keast

59003 passing through Chacewater on afternoon downward run. 14th July 2021. Copyright Roger Aston.

59003 clears Chacewater and heads for Scorrier on the afternoon downward run. 14th July 2021. Copyright Roger Aston.

Hello Roger Enclosed is photo of 59003 passing Camborne on a Wednesday on the 16:30 from Penzance light engine movement. It passes an IET that has stopped on the down line even on a Wednesday. Copyright Leslie Curnow

57310 Pride of Cumbria
The Night Riviera
Mark Lynam

ROG 57310 "Pride of Cumbria" is seen at Penzance shortly before departing on the Night Rivera sleeper 1A50 2145 Penzance to London Paddington on Wednesday 7th July 2021. Copyright Mark Lynan

Thanks Mark

36th anniversary of the return of steam to Devon
Dawlish
Clive Smith

5051 Earl Bathurst and 4930 Hagley Hall round the sea wall by Langstone Rock at Dawlish Warren with the 15.20 Newton Abbot - Paddington charter on the 14th July 1985. The return of steam to Devon in 1985 and later to Cornwall was to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway.

Regards
Clive Smith

Many thanks Clive - something to remember.

Experiences and history on the
Class 153's
Guy Vincent

In recent weeks several of the pictures from Ron Kosys have shown class 33s on Cardiff-Portsmouth duties during the final few months of operation. I saw most of these pass by my then place of work in Bradford on Avon and might even have been travelling on some as I used to buy weekly Wessex Rover tickets and accumulated many thousands of 'loco miles' during the period leading up to their replacement by new class 155 'Sprinter' sets from Monday 17th May 1988. Incidentally I recently read that the first class 155 vehicle, later converted to a single car and renumbered 153302, has just been sent for scrap. 153302 was with Wessex Trains and later FGW and carried the black Devon and Cornwall promotional livery but went off-lease in December 2006 before moving to East Midlands Trains. It was acquired by TFW who had it dismantled for spares at Worksop, Notts before reportedly sending the bodyshell for disposal. 153s were never that popular with traincrew in my area as they were very sluggish due to each vehicle weighing just on 41 tons with only a single 285hp engine for power. Despite their weight they were often prone to slip on damp rails and there was always a 50/50 chance of you working in the cramped 'small end' cab added during the conversion to a single car unit. In the picture I've added of 153305 and 153361 at Bristol TM working the 0721 Cardiff on 8th July 2017 both small cabs are leading so sadly the odds climb to 100% guaranteed! See how the exhaust was relocated away from the end of the vehicle to emerge just above and behind the door.

Thank you Guy for a most interesting 'write up' and history for which we are most grateful. As usual, no details spared.

GBRF 59
Keith Turley

Another rare visitor to the West Country today 13th July 2021.
GBRF class 59/0 No.59003 'Yeoman Highlander' worked the OZ60
11:12 Eastleigh East Yard to Plymouth light engine move seen passing Stoke Canon.
Possibly a driver refresher or route learning trip.

Regards Keith Turley. See next item.

59003. Stoke Cannon - Eastleigh to Laira. 13th July 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith.

Class 59 Route Learning
Cornwall
Barry Jones

Dear Keith and Roger,
In case you haven’t already realised, the scheduled GBRf route-learning in Cornwall booked for tomorrow has been extended to include extra trips tomorrow and on Thursday before returning from Plymouth to Eastleigh on Fri.
59003 worked down to Plymouth today (13th July 2021) on 0Z60 1012 Eastleigh East Yard to Plymouth - photographed at Cheston (near Wrangaton).

Best wishes, Barry

Class 59 59003, seen at Cheston near Wrangaton (0Z60 10.12 Eastleigh East Yard to Plymouth), 13th July 2021. Copyright Barry Jones

Many thanks Barry.

The 59 again at
Daveys Cross
Clive Smith

A rare visit west of Exeter for one of the original sheds. 59003 was built in 1985 for Foster Yeoman and started work on the Mendip stone trains in 1986. It was transferred to DB in Germany in 1997 where it changed operators and stayed until 2014 when it returned to the U.K. This is a crew training run and was 0Z60 10.12 Eastleigh Yard - Plymouth and the 59 will make further trips to Penzance. Photographed by the line from a field at Daveys Cross between Ivybridge and Bittaford. Thankfully no ovine or bovine interruptions, just the grass growing around me.

Regards, Clive Smith

59 003 seen at Daveys Cross en route to Laira. 13th July 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Many thanks Clive for the picture and the history too. Much appreciated.

Remember Inge Aston
Roger Aston

Roger Aston writes :- Out of our area but loosely connected to todays run. You may remember Inge from her presentation at members evening in 2018

I enclose a pictures of my wife Inge when she drove 59 003 (under instruction from driver) 7km to DB exchange siding in Brandenburg in 2007. At that time loco had number 29 003 and was with Heavy Haul Power International (HHPI). Highlander had to go for maintenance, Inge brought back a class 66.
Best regards, Roger.

Many thanks to Roger for reminding us of a very pleasant and informative evening given to us by Inge in 2018. And of course many thanks to Inge as well.

No doubt you'll join the rest seeing 59 003 somewhere today.

Crewkerne
Paul Barlow

33002 waits at Crewkerne with the 15.00 Waterloo to Exeter. 10th May 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Thank you Paul.

Remodelling at
Bristol East Jct
Driver Alan Peters

An eight week possession has started to completely remodel the whole of the Eastern approach to Bristol temple Meads, starting with the replacement of the Up and Down Relief lines and the Up and Down Filton lines, this enables trains to run through Bristol Temple Meads using the Up and Down Main lines with a reduced service some using the Rhubarb curve and reversing at Bristol East Depot including Cross Country services.

The view from platform 5 which is currently closed whilst remodeling work takes place 12/07/21

The view from platform 5 which is currently closed whilst remodeling work takes place 11th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

A view taken from the closed platform 5, the signals have been disconnected and platform 3 has already been lifted along with the Up through line, 11th July 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70812 draws it's train of empty Falcon wagons forward to be loaded with spoil, the train originated at Westbury as 6F02 running via Taunton and will return to Westbury running via Bristol Parkway and reversing at Swindon on 11th July 2021 Driver Alan Peters

Looking back from Bristol Barton Hill depot with the Up and Down relief lines lifted, note the new signal gantry already installed. Colas Rail 70812 is stood on the Up Filton with the Falcon wagons now loaded with spoil on 12th July 2021 Alan Peters

Many thanks indeed Alan for your 'on site' reports.

Old Magazines
Christine Simmonds

Christine writes :-
I have some spare copies of our magazine from 2019 and 2020. Now we are not going to shows, I have more left over.   Before I scrap them, I thought I might ask members if any of them want one or more of the mags. Could you put a message on the website to say I have the following magazines available: if anyone wants one can they contact me?

I have Spring : Autumn : Winter from 2019   and Spring and Autumn from 2020

I won’t charge anything for them, I’d be glad to get rid of them

Many thanks. Christine.

Please note and contact Christine.

13th July 2021

13/7/2021

Mixed Traction at Saltash
Ross Griffiths

Good afternoon, I hope this email finds you well. I've attached a picture from my Father's collection that may be of interest for the site, although it falls into the category of those where the reduction in quality is offset by the historical interest - hopefully! In the picture an unidentified 'Warship' comes off Coombe viaduct and is about to pass the sidings/yard at Saltash which contains a pannier tank engine possibly a 64xx Class and some six-wheeled milk tank wagons. At best guess this was taken in 1959, but there may be someone that can qualify this. All the best, Ross

Many Thanks Ross

St Erth
Michael Forward

Hello Roger,Following on from today’s pictures of class 47s,here is 47529 about to call at St. Erth with the 09.17 Leeds to Penzance on 18 June 1985. Copyright Michael Forward. Thanks for dealing with this ,all the best, Michael

Thanks very much Michael

Devon 47's in the 80's
Clive Smith

With the south west seeing visits from no less than four different class 47s in the last week or so on charters here are some pictures of the veteran diesel class when they were an everyday occurrence.

(1) In late autumn sunshine 47515 leaves Plymouth with the 1E21 10.23 Penzance - Bradford Exchange ' Cornishman' on the 29th November 1980. On weekdays this train went as far as Leeds but was extended to Bradford on Saturdays.

(2) 47252 opens up through Totnes with the 05.15 Paddington - Plymouth parcels on the 9th April 1982.

Regards, Clive Smith.

(1) In late autumn sunshine 47515 leaves Plymouth with the 1E21 10.23 Penzance - Bradford Exchange ' Cornishman' on the 29th November 1980. On weekdays this train went as far as Leeds but was extended to Bradford on Saturdays. Copyright Clive Smith.

(2) 47252 opens up through Totnes with the 05.15 Paddington - Plymouth parcels on the 9th April 1982.

Many thanks for the memories Clive.

Passing traffic at
Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

I was at Creech St Michael today and saw the following;
a) 66545 0n the 0948 Fairwater Yd to Doncaster Woodyard spent sleeper train,
b) 66006 on the 1024 Westbury to Bristol East, via Taunton engineers train,
c) 60163 TORNADO, heading back to Southall from Bishops Lydeard.

The weather was decidedly better today

Best regards, Bill

a) 66545 0n the 0948 Fairwater Yd to Doncaster Woodyard spent sleeper train, 12th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

b) 66006 on the 1024 Westbury to Bristol East, via Taunton engineers train, 12th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

c) 60163 TORNADO, heading back to Southall from Bishops Lydeard. 12th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

12th July 2021

12/7/2021

Plymouth
Jon Hird

Tornado takes on more fuel. "Your coal Sir - and what was your journey like? " "Well we had a few problems!!!". Copyright Jon Hird. 11th July 2021.

Roger, Who was up at Plymouth on a rather unpleasant day is putting together a Feature on the days events - See Features 2115D July to December 2021.

Oath
Bill Elston

Bill saw the only good part of the day before the weather clamped in.

1) The diesel-hauled leg of the 0846 1Z31 Slough to Par charter hauled 47813 ( now minus its 'Jack Frost' nameplates. The Royal Duchy , 11th July 2021 Copyright Bill Elston

2) 70812 on the 10 09 Westbury to Bristol East, via Taunton engineers' working, 11th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

3) 66003 hauling a weedkiller unit from Didcot to Exeter Riverside yard. 11th July 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill, glad you were there before the rain!

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