Blog Archives

11th August 2019

11/8/2019

4248 at Barry
Phil Smith

4248 at Barry in 1981 - before it was saved for preservation at ;Steam at Swindon'. Copyright Phil Smith

The writing on the side of 4248 at Barry. Phil Smith.

800's Mystery
Swindon
Brian Pibworth

800XXX Swindon Mystery picture taken at 12.32 on the 7th August 2019. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

With reference to the above picture Brian writes - "To Swindon for the GWR Museum and a chance to pick up a few freights amongst the ubiquitous Hitachi 800s. One stopped right in front and as I recovered my composure when it blocked the PW train behind, I noticed the labelling on the undercarriage. UREA is no stranger as we put AdBlue into our car to reduce some of the exhaust nasties and presumably GWR are doing the same, but ASPIC was beyond me. I have looked online for railway acronyms but drawn a blank and apart from reaching for the Mary Berry books and a pint of prawns I can't think what it is. Could any of our "insider" members help?"

"Incidentally we were also able to watch the swift raising of the pantograph at Swindon - just a second or two; but what surprised us was that when the 800s set off for London, with electric power operating, there was still a noticeable diesel rumble from behind the panels. Compared to Pendolinos and Class 90/91s, which are almost silent, the Hitachis sounded as if they still had some sort of minor generator operating. Again, any ideas would be welcome."
With kind regards, Brian.

Many thanks Brian for the picture and the question, can anybody out there supply the answers to his question please?

The A.C.E. at
Axminster
Brian Pibworth

35028 Clan Line heads the down ACE seen here running into the disused section of the down platform at Axminster . It's 11.58 10th August 2019. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

To accompany his picture above Brian writes - "Almost catching us out as we sheltered from the rain, Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No 35028 "Clan Line" drifts into Axminster station 20 min ahead of time with the Down leg of the Atlantic Coast Express. The excursion ran down the LSWR line from Waterloo to Exeter St Davids and scheduled to return via the GW line through Taunton, Bristol and Salisbury. The River Axe can be seen on the left and the "Environmental Area in Course of Development", to the right, is the London End of platform 1, no longer accessible under the Axminster road bridge."
Many thanks Brian for turning out in bad weather.

Two views of the ACE out and back.
The A. C. E.
David Tozer

David Tozer was also out chasing the ACE and caught up with it as his pictures show at Cranbrook and Stoke Canon. Many thanks David.

The ACE headed by 35028 seen here at Cranbrook running 28 minutes early see here at Cranbrook 10th August 2019. Copyright David Tozer

The return A.C.E. seen here at Stoke Canon catches 'The glint' - a rewarding long shot by David Tozer. 10th August 2019. Copyright David Tozer.

A little further round the bend 35028 is producing little smoke as it hammers along near Stoke Canon. 16.20 10th August 2019. Copyright David Tozer.

Sorry for being a little late in publishing yesterdays pictures - KJ

10th August 2019

10/8/2019

The Atlantic Coast Express
Roger Winnen

What happen was!

My plan was to see 35028 Clan Line at Axminster by catching the 11.25 service from Exeter St David's due at Axminster at 12.05, however as we neared Axminster a text message was received from David Tozer informing me that the steam was already in the loop at Axminster, which was running over 20 minutes early. Dashing out of the train I had hoped to get a going away photo, however climbing up to the footbridge I realised that I had left the vital walking stick onboard the train. Recovering the object was too late as the doors closed on me whilst entering the train, so it ended up a trip to Crewkerne before returning on the next service.
Many thanks Roger for your record of an epic journey. Did you get your stick back?
The stick and I went to Crewkerne and back.

190810b Clan Line in the bushes being serviced at Exeter Riverside. Copyright Roger Winnen

190810c The returning Atlantic Coast Express heads up the Great Western mainline seen at Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen.

190810d Clan Line in close up at Tiverton Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

New name for signalbox
Penzance
Craig Munday & Roger Winnen

Morning Keith, I was at Penzance last evening for the high tide around midnight and high winds, both caused the railway no issue.
My colleagues from Sisk including Steve Young delivered the wonderful new signalbox nameplate, and we posed alongside a stabled class 802 in platform 2.
It can now be seen in its rightful place!
Best wishes, Craig. Thanks and best wishes to all at Penzance.

The new nameplate for Penzance Signalbox - doing things in style. The plate is being held by Craig, on the left and Steve Young. 9th August 2019. Copyright Craig Munday. (Image received at 05.59 10th August 2019)

190810a Penzance Signal Box with its new nameplate photographed from the 07.39 Plymouth service this morning. Copyright Roger Winnen

Steam - Swindon
GWR 4248
Guy Vincent

GWR 4200 class 2-8-0T designed by George Jackson Churchward and entered service from 1912. 4248 was built in 1916 and withdrawn in May 1963. It was sold to Woodham Brothers of Barry, South Wales and languished in their scrapyard until May 1986 when it was purchased and moved to Swindon for display in the new STEAM museum. It has been conserved in ex-Barry condition and, as displayed at STEAM, gives the impression of undergoing perpetual overhaul. Female characters have been placed upon the locomotive to illustrate the role played by women in railway workshops during WW2.

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' 4248 Boiler and frames. 8th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' 4248 8th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' - 4248 - The History 8th August 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent

GWR Swindon Works 'STEAM' - 4248 - the numberplate. 8th August 2019 Guy Vincent

9th August 2019

9/8/2019

Swanage Diesels 3 Aug 19
Andrew Triggs

Immaculate Class 121 'Bubble Car' W55028 at Swanage 3.8.2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Stored in the yard at Swanage, Class 33's D6515 & 33111 with visiting Class 26 no.26007 3.8.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Weatherbeaten Class 08 D3591 at Swanage 3.8.2019
Copyright Andrew Triggs

Swanage Steam 3 Aug 19
Andrew Triggs

Southern Railway 'Battle of Britain' 4-6-2 No.34072 '257 Squadron' running round at Swanage 3.8.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Swanage Shed and Turntable play host to BR Standard 2-6-4 4MT No.80104 3.8.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

BR Standard 2 2-6-0 No.46521 awaiting the road to Swangae at Corfe Castle 3.8.2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Looking into 43022
Paul Negus

An unusual view taken from vestibule of the rear carriage of the Cardiff to Taunton 4 car set of power car 43022, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Diamond Anniversary 1956 - 2016. Copyright Paul Negus

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Diamond Anniversary 1956 - 2016. Copyright Paul Negus

The set is shown leaving Worle at 0851 for Taunton on 7 July 2019. Worle Parkway (as it is promoted locally) is a typical modern station with little character to interest the enthusiast I'm afraid! (I much prefer my previous commuter station of Yatton). Of note though is the recent addition of "Zone" markings which combine with the train information system to give travellers an idea of where the first class, cycle, etc, areas are located on the incoming train.
Best regards
Copyright Paul Negus

Many Thanks Paul

Waterloo to
Corfe Castle
Andrew Triggs

Hello Roger/Keith
Last weekend I took the opportunity to catch the 06.35 London Waterloo-Corfe Castle summer Saturday only SWR service (Having caught the 'Night Riviera' to London Paddington' on the Friday night) and spend the day on the Swanage Railway. This is the first of 3 emails covering the days activity
All the Best, Andrew Many thanks Andrew

1. SWR 158883/884 having arrived at Corfe Castle as 1L11 06.35 London Waterloo-Corfe Castle depart ECS to change over to the 'Up' platform before later departing again for Poole 3rd August 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. Later in the day, 158883/884 arrive once more at Corfe Castle working 2G05 15.12 Wareham-Corfe Castle 3rd August 2019

3. Preparing for the return to London Waterloo 158883/884 await departure from Corfe Castle with 1L66 15.44 Corfe Castle-London Waterloo. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

We will continue tomorrow with Andrews extensive report on his visit to the Swanage Railway.

Auto coach returns to
Bodmin
Derek Buttivant

The Bodmin & Wenford auto-coach, which has been on loan to the South Devon Railway, returned to Bodmin on 7 August having been re-painted in chocolate and cream livery. The photo shows it about to be unloaded on to B&W metals.
Kind regards, Derek. Many thanks for your picture Derek.

Back home, the B&W auto coach returns. 7th August 2019. Copyright Derek Buttivant

When it's gone it's gone!
Redruth
Peter Jenkin

An old hut, which has stood for countless years outside Redruth station has suddenly vanished. The huts purpose in life has been a parcel office and porters room for Redruth Railway Station prior to the station upgrade in 1933. When they relocated across the road into the new station building thia hut became a resting place for the bus drivers of yore. However it has been a disgrace to the town as it stood, I was hoping for restoration but it was not to be.

The old hut sadly needing attention, pictured on the 6th April 2019. Copyright Peter Jenkin.

The hut has been replaced by a white box. As seen on the 7th August 2019. Copyright Peter Jenkin.

Certainly much tidier but how long before the vandals get to work!!! 7th August 2019. Copyright Peter Jenkin

Penzance
Andrew Triggs

Veteran Colas 37099 'Merl Evans 1947-2016' arrived at 05.17 with UTU1 (running as 3Q52 21.02 Exeter Riverside N.Y-Penzance) 3 shots for CRS.
All the Best, Andrew. Many Thanks.

1) 37099 viewed from above 7th August 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

37099 from Platform 4. 7th August 2019 Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. DBSO no.9714 on number 2 siding. 7th August 2019. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

7th August 2019

7/8/2019

Cardiff
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Hope you are well and I see you have been determined to get out to some events.Lovely pictures of Devon General ‘buses,brought back memories of family holidays at Torquay.
I enclose a picture at Cardiff on 5 May 1992 of 37053/37077 with a load of steel bars.All the best, Michael

Same day and now we see 37801 with a load of Cawood’s containers,which I believe contained coal for Northern Ireland.
Thanks for dealing with these,Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Teignmouth & Dawlish
Windows '19'
Clive Smith

Browsing around Teignmouth and Dawlish I came across these railway related subjects in various windows. The Heritage Centre opposite Teignmouth station is currently holding a railway exhibition until the 22nd September. At the Pavilions on Teignmouth sea front on Sunday 18th August there is a model railway show including an outdoor layout. Unfortunately the Heritage Centre is closed on Sundays. Moving onto Dawlish I came across an undertakers with this rather appealing coffin.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

Up in the area? It seems like a good idea to visit, plenty of railway interest. Copyright Clive Smith

Seen in an undertakers window at Dawlish. Does this appeal to you or affront your dignity? A lovely picture, a pity to bury or burn it. Copyright Clive Smith.

Penmere Platform
The Late John Cornelius

Penmere Platform looking spick and span. There was a loop here and sidings off to the left serving an oil terminal. These were added during world war two and removed when the private sidings agreement ends in 1967. Copyright the late John Cornelius, a railway employee at the time.

An undated picture from the collection of the late John Cornelius. Copyright.

6th August 2019

6/8/2019

Luxulyan
Kevin Jenkin

Kevin at home in Redruth for a short holiday decided to fulfil an ambition of walking from Luxulyan to Lostwithiel. He travelled by train to Luxulyan and that is where his coverage commences. The day is 26th July 2019 - the weather - rather overcast.

It's 11.58 on the 26th July as the 11.44 from Par stands at the platform at Luxulyan. Although Kevin was the only person leaving the train there were five or six joining. 26th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin

150 207 heads away towards Newquay where it is due at 12.35, along a straight and level section of track bordered with trees. The shelter of concrete block construction is well painted and clean. 26th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

Looking to the north east from the same point across the wastes which were once home to Treskilling Clay work served by a single siding one can see signs of 'development work'. 26th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

Turning about and looking back towards Par the wide platform, once an island until the passing loop was removed in 1964, is well lit. At the far end lies the exit one where one will find a train information point and outside in the car park timetables and directions are provided. In this picture it can be seen that the area originally occupied by the passing loop and a siding has been sold off and housing development is under way. Lets hope the developing Luxulyan provides more traffic for the branch. 26th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

A final look at the smart little station at Luxulyan which really is a credit to Network Rail. Note the straight and level track ahead towards Goonbarrow and Newquay. The station was, until 1st May 1905, called 'Bridges for Luxulyan' perhaps reflecting on the name of the area to the left in this view known as 'Bridges'. 26th July 2019. Copyright Kevin Jenkin.

More on this area including an 'exciting catch' will be revealed later in the month.

Exeter 83
Clive Smith

With big changes now taking place beyond platform 6 with the ongoing construction of GWR's new rail maintenance depot, here is a shot of 33035 at the front of empty stock on the 28th December 1983.
Regards, Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive

33035 stands on ECS at Exeter St Davids in 1983. Things have changed and are changing considerably now. Copyright Clive Smith

5th August 2019

5/8/2019

To celebrate 100 years a large gathering of Devon General Buses gathered at the Racecourse giving free rides to Chudleigh-Teignmouth- Ipplepen- Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot Railway Station This was the first company to buy itself out in the privatisation of the NBC. Today it is a triving company albeit under the Stagecoach banner but still carrying considerable number of passengers.

Roger Winnen

190804d MTT 640 a Leyland Titan of 1951 pulls into the forecourt of Newton Abbot Station. This bus was on the shuttle service to the Newton Abbot Racecourse for the Centenary event. Copyright Roger Winnen

190804e HTT 487 was received into Devon Generals ownership in 1946 and has been painstakingly rebuilt from a derelict condition. Seen leaving the Railway Station.Copyright Roger Winnen

190804ee The Grey Cars fleet were owned by Devon General and many of these coaches were seen in Cornwall on tours. Copyright Roger Winnen

190804f VDV 818 built in the mid 1950s and converted to an open top, ROD 765 an AEC Regent V one of 30 purchased by Devon General and ETT 995 a rebuild from 1937. Copyright Roger Winnen

190804g A nice line up of buses remembering days of yesteryear. Copyright Roger Winnen

'Skinhead' @ Plymouth
Clive Smith

'Skinhead' 31110 at platform 4 Plymouth with a parcels train in the mid-1980s , probably 1985 or 1986. I didn't record dates for this one sadly. Early built class 31s did not possess the headcode boxes above the cab but were built with train identifying discs, here replaced with marker lights. Somehow along the years the early 31s acquired the spotters' nickname 'Skinheads' although they were never actually shorn of their headcode boxes.

Regards, Clive Smith. Never heard that one before - thanks Clive.

31110 on Parcels at Plymouth Mid-1980s (Staff passing the time of day) Copyright Clive Smith.

Winnen's Westerns
Angarrack
Roger Winnen

A Class 52 leans to the curve as it leaves Angarrack Viaduct and heads for Hayle. 18th May 1974. Copyright Roger Winnen

4th August 2019

4/8/2019

Royal Duchy outward leg
Cowley Bridge
David Tozer

6233 at Cowley Bridge Sunday 4th August 2019. Copyright David Tozer. David comments on the vegetation growth at the site.

Royal Duchy return leg

Bodmin Parkway
Roger Winnen

190803a The return Royal Duchy approaching Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190804b Duchess of Sutherland at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

190804c The returning Royal Duchy at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen

Royal Duchy return leg
Daveys Bridge
Clive Smith

6233 Duchess Of Sutherland heads the 1Z85 17.40 Par - Bristol TM 'The Royal Duchy' past Daveys Bridge east of Ivybridge on the return leg. 4th August 2019. Copyright Clive Smith

Colourful HSTs
at Penzance
Mark Lynam

036E 43153 Penzance GWR 43153 on a Castle set before working 2P61 1017 Penzance to Plymouth. 2nd August 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam.

43156 Penzance GWR 43156 still in blue on a Classic slam door set due to no enough sets being converted yet, this had come from Bristol on 2C43 0624 Bristol Parkway to Penzance. 2nd August 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

43172 Penzance With 43172 "Harry Patch" still in its vinyl's on the other end. 2nd August 2019. Copyright Mark Lynam

43366 Penzance XC 43366 before working the 1S49 0925 Penzance to Dundee only formed of a HST on Fridays.2nd August 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

43014 . Lastly Network Rail 43014 on the New Measurement Train working 1Q18 0608 Reading Triangle Sidings to Paignton, booked into Penzance from 11.52 to 12.23 2nd August 2019 Copyright Mark Lynam

GWR Taunton - Bishops Lydeard Shuttle
Norton Fitzwarren
Robert Lindley

Thought you would like a shot of the Summer Saturdays only Taunton - Bishops Lydeard shuttle. This has a service of 5 trains each way. Today only, stopping at Norton Fitzwarren Station for the annual Steam and Vintage Vehicle Rally. Best wishes, Rob Lindley. Many thanks Robert,

150 261 calls at Norton Fitzwarren on the 3rd August 2019. Copyright Robert Lindley

Launceston Steam Railway
Peter Murnaghan

Launceston Steam Railway Darjeeling loco number 18B ready for the off at New Mills 31st July 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan,

For more pictures of the Launceston Steam Railway please see our miniature railways for pleasure section

Route Learning on the S & D
Colin Burges

Colin, with the aid of his bicycle explores what can be found of the Somerset and Dorset towards the eastern end. If you're fit enough, as Colin most certainly is, a bike is an ideal and only practical transport. Colin covered 51 miles on his jaunt. A few of the remains he found are shown below - for full details of his exploits please click here for 'Colins Section' , and scroll down.

Spetisbury still looks pretty complete apart for the track and trains! Copyright Colin Burges.

The 'Pines Express] at Spetisbury - so it says! Copyright Colin Burges.

Charlton Marshall Halt. Copyright Colin Burges.

Stourpaine & Durweston Halt. Copyright Colin Burges.

3rd August 2019

3/8/2019

Departure to Goodrington
Martin Duff

190803a 5V52 Departs for Goodrington. Copyright Martin Duff

Late evening at Blue Anchor
Martin Duff

190802a Late evening at Blue Anchor Signal Box. Copyright Martin Duff

Thanks Martin

Side by side at
Bristol Temple Meads
Phil Smith

45107 and 33042at Temple Meads station in 1986. This picture serves to emphasise the curvature of the platforms rather well. Copyright Phil Smith

'Oh what days' adds Phil. Many thanks for the picture.

Newquay
Clive Smith

The signalman shields his eyes from the early morning sun as he waits to grab the token from the driver of 47109 as it arrives at Newquay with the 20.40 overnight from Newcastle 29th August 1981. Copyright Clive Smith

2nd August 2019

2/8/2019

Penlee at Leighton Buzzard
Peter Dale

Attached is a shot of “Penlee” cosmetically restored at Leighton Buzzard a few years ago. At one time they were talking of sectioning it to show how a loco works, which I think would be an act of great vandalism. They think it needs too much work to restore to working order. Copyright Peter Dale

Penlee hauling stone traffic from the quarry to Newlyn Pier. Copyright Peter Dale

The Paignton & Dartmouth Railway
Roger Winnen

190801c 7027 Thornbury Castle runs through the streets of Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

190801d 1953 built Class 08 shunter stands at Paignton sporting its new Green Livery. Copyright Roger Winnen

190801e 7820 Dinmore Manor runs around its train at Kingwear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190801f The token machine in the exhibition centre at Kingswear. cpyright Roger Winnen

190801h 7827 Lydham Manor stands alongside Kingswear Signal Box, however there is no levers etc in this box. The whole line being controlled from a smalll box at Britannia Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

190801i 4110 Awaits restoration at Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

190801j 7820 Dinmore Manor approaches Kingswear. Copyright Roger Winnen

Launceston Steam Railway
Peter Murnaghan

Launceston Steam Railway Is honoured by the presence of Darjeeling at Launceston station 31st July 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Launceston Steam Railway - a close up of the side of the Darjeeling locomotive. Taken on the 31st July 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan

'Covercoat' with 'Darjeeling' in the background makes for a very attractive picture against the green background. 31st July 2019. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Yesterday special
Purton
Ken Mumford

61306 {Mayflower) + 44871 at Purton 1st August 2019 Copyright Ken Mumford. (N.B. Purton is about five miles NW of Swindon on the Gloucester line)

1st August 2019

1/8/2019

Chard
Brian Pibworth

33063 draws into Chard Junction Down Loop with a rake of empty bogie ballast hoppers heading from Westbury Yard to Meldon Quarry. The date is 8th August 1982. In the background note the former creamery buildings and the 6 wheel MMB milk tankers. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

Contrasting Mineral Traffic,
Far and Wide.
Brian Pibworth

The two shots below serve to provide a pointer to a very interesting article by Brian Pibworth on mineral traffic with west country connections further afield. To see all five of this collection please click here - it will take you to the relevant features section - then scroll as necessary.

1) 14 May 2014 Hanson Class 59 101 Village of Watley brings the 7V52 13.58 Hamworthy - Watley empty stone bogie boxes across the causeway crossing Poole Harbour. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

May 2012 Freightliner Class 66 518 heads the 6M42 15.00 Wool - Neasden loaded sand in bogie hoppers through Wareham. Dorset. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

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