Blog Archives

30th September 2021

30/9/2021

Binliner at Oxford
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Very interesting piece from Ron Kosys today and more great pictures. I was inspired, by his photo at Oxford of the Calvert to Avon binliner, to dig out some of my own of this train, so I send my offering of 56031 heading the empties back to Bath on 25 September 1990. All the best, Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Vintage
Cowley Bridge Jct
Ron Kosys

47566 is seen at Cowley Bridge Junction on the 4th September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks Ron.

Exeter St David's
Paul Barlow

45596 Bahamas 61306 Mayflower 0845 Victoria to Exeter tour arrives at a very wet Exeter St Davids 28 September 2021

Apologies to you Paul for the late display of your picture - they were indeed received at 16.35 on the 28th September.

Pictures from the past - 2006
Dartmoor Railway Diesel Gala
Part 1
Paul Barlow

Hello Keith

A few shots from the October 2006 diesel gala at the Dartmoor Railway. (more photos to follow)

Now that Okehampton is now part of the national network it is extremely unlikely an event like this will ever happen again.

Not sure the status of the Dartmoor railway now, may be someone has up to date info about this?

Hope they are of interest

All the best

Paul

1. 73117 Okehampton Copyright Paul Barlow

2. 37198 31465 at Okehampton form 0920 to Coleford Junction. Copyright Paul Barlow.

3. 50042 arrives at Meldon on the 1010 from Coleford Junction. Copyright Paul Barlow.

4. 37905 at Meldon Quarry. Copyright Paul Barlow.

5. 73134 stored at Meldon. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks for the memories Paul - I hope that somebody can give us a report on the future of the Dartmoor Railway and its activities.

29th September 2021

29/9/2021

Last nights Test Train at Lostwithiel, and Penzance this afternoon
Tony Shore Roger Salter
Leslie Curnow Roger Winnen

The test train at Lostwithiel around 23.00 hrs last evening. Copyright Tony Shore

37175 Stabled in the yard at Penzance this afternoon. Copyright Roger Salter

Stabled in the yard at Penzance this afternoon 37175. Copyright Roger Winnen

37175 Stabled in the yard at Penzance yesterday afternoon. Copyright Leslie Curnow

The RHTT at St Blazey
Tony Shore

66116 has arrived at St Blazey the the Rail Head Treatment Train. Copyright Tony Shore

Many Thanks Tony

Steam at
South Brent
Clive Smith

In dreadful light Jubilee class 45596 'Bahamas' and B1 class 61306 'Mayflower' pass the site of Brent station with the 1Z43 17.20 Exeter St Davids - Plymouth leg of the Steam Dreams London Victoria to Penzance charter. This was the most appalling day of weather in south Devon with constant rain, often torrential with just a few minutes respite here and there and no sun. The foliage is already turning yellow and brown and autumn definitely felt on the way. Right up until five minutes before it passed the rain was hammering down but my optimism that it would clear turned out to be right.

Regards, Clive Smith.

45596 Bahamas and 61306 Mayflower passing South Brent. 28th Septemer 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

A lucky break, many thanks, Clive.

Charter to Penzance
Cowley Bridge Jct,
Keith Turley

No.1 Ex. LMS Jubilee class 4-6-0 No.45596 'Bahamas' pilots Ex. LNER class B1 No.61306 'Mayflower' seen passing Cowley Bridge Junc. in the pouring rain, working the 1Z40 08:45 London Victoria to Exeter St. Davids leg of the tour. Copyright Keith Turley

No. 2 WCRC class 37 No.37706 pilots Crompton class 33 No.33207 'Jim Martin' working the OZ42 08:48 Southall WCRC to Exeter St. Davids before carrying on to Plymouth to work the tour into Cornwall. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks indeed Keith.

A damp and dismal evening at
St Austell
Julian Stephens

WCRC class 37 No.37706 pilots Crompton class 33 No.33207 'Jim Martin' working the OZ42 08:48 Southall. Passes through St Austell. 28th September 2021. Copyright Julian Stephens.

Thanks for trying Julian, it came out rather well.

28th September 2021

28/9/2021

Steam Dreams Railtour to Cornwall at Penzance
Roger Winnen

37706 together with Class 33 33207 arrives at Penzance with the Steam Dreams Railtour from London Victoria. Copyright Roger Winnen

The passengers have departed on a fleet of F.T. Williams Coaches of Camborne for their 3 day break in West Cornwall. Copyright Roger Winnen

37706 and 33207 awaits its signal to slopers siding Penzance for its Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday overnight stay.. Copyright Roger Winnen

Steam Dreams Railtour in Slopers siding 29th September 2021
Roger Salter Leslie Curnow

33207 Jim Martin in the slopers siding Penzance. Copyright Roger Salter

37706 together with 33207 plus its train in slopers siding. Copyright Roger Salter

Over the fence at Slopers Siding 37707 and 33207. Copyright Leslie Curnow

Ron Kosys answers
Questions from the House

Several of our viewers who enjoy Rons regular contribution to our website have written in and asked what camera etc he uses. Some of us have the ability to select certain positions and have the ideal cameras to record the events in a very professional manner - frankly I never succeed. KJ
P.S. I asked Ron for a picture of himself and camera

I was using a Canon T90 in those days. All lenses were Canon - I took the opportunity to upgrade from 'Canon' to top of the range Canon lenses as and when finances allowed. The T90 was in my opinion one of the finest 35mm film cameras produced. It was extremely reliable. If we hadn't have 'gone digi' I'd still be using it now. Film was always Kodachrome 64. When K64 was 'good', it was fantastic. Sadly it wasn't good in poor light. When the processing was iffy, slides were, well, iffy..... Sadly as the years went by and Kodak's processing equipment was beginning to knock on in years, K64 would fairly frequently be returned with colour casts of varying degrees. Some of those casts these days are easy to remove during scanning, others are nigh on impossible. Thank you Kodak......

Pictures of me? Have you a death wish? I have plenty of rear views of me with trains - perhaps friends were trying to tell me something? I have this image to hand - me at Vancouver with a KLM MD11 landing. I have sent you a further seven images through this morning. Regards etc, Ron+

A picture of Ron pursuing his other pastime - that of photographing aircraft, worldwide. (Caption - me at Vancouver with a KLM MD11 landing ). Copyright.

The driver of 47520 puts power on as he accelerates his train bound for Weymouth away from Frome. 13th August 1988. The train is the 12.06 Bristol to Weymouth. Copyright Ron Kosys;

A smashing reflection shot as 47538 accelerates away from Bradford on Avon with a train bound for Bristol Temple Meads. It's the 11th May 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many, many thanks Ron. You will be pleased to learn that Ron is recovering from a rather serious illness.
Lets have many more pictures please.

Images of yesterdays incident at Carlyon Bay & Par
Tony Shore

57603 1z99 plymouth-carlyon bay. 1c50 caped at Plymouth. It eventually moved at slow speed to par chapel sidings. 57603 light to Plymouth for the sleeper stock to penzance. Copyright Tony Shore

57603 at Carlyon Bay. Copyright Tony Shore

57603 Arrives at Par from Carlyon Bay. Copyright Tony Shore

Thanks Tony

Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

After carrying out testing between Exeter and Okehampton early this morning, blue 37612 and Colas 37254 returned
the test train to Derby RTC today,and is seen passing Creech St Michael.

Cheers, Bill Elston.

37 612 heads the test train at Creech St Michael. 27th September 2021. Copyright Bill Elston

And 37254 brings up the rear. 27th September 2021. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill.

Marks Week
Mark Lynam

Mark has a busy week.

50007+50049 running around stock at Ponsandane, on the retimed Mazey Day Cornishman tour. 18th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam

50007+50049 seen in Slopers siding after running around. 18th Septeber 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

A splendid action shot. 50007+50049 back in Penzance station starting up before working the return journey back to Birmingham New Street. 18th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

The New Measurement Train formed of 43299+43062 from Wheal Busy Road Overbridge, near site of Chacewater station. 24th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Going away shot of yellow 43062 with the remains of Chacewater station in the distance. 24th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

50042 out on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway seen at Bodmin General after arrival with the 12.16 from Bodmin Parkway. 25th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam/

50042 after running around at Bodmin General (Taken with permission from train crew). 25th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Later the same afternoon the Blue Pullman HST arriving at Truro formed of 43046+43055 working 1Z84 1603 Penzance to Swansea. The trees on the left have recently been cleared. 25th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynham. How the semaphores really complete the scene. 25th September 2021. Copyright Mark Lynam.

Many thanks Mark - you really had a good week.

27th September 2021

27/9/2021

Incident at Carlyon Bay
Andrew Keast

DR77901 had hit a tree on 6J88 early this morning and was declared a failure. The down sleeper was cancelled at Plymouth and 57603 uncoupled from 1C50 to work 1Z99 to assist 6J88. The consist slowly drew forward into Par, where it was reversed into Chapel Siding where 57603 was uncoupled. The light loco then proceeded back to Plymouth on 0C50.

Andrew kindly records the incident and follows the cripple back to Chapel Siding at Parl

Picture 1. At Carlyon Bay. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 2 . At Carlyon Bay. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 3. At Par. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 4. At Par. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 5. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 6. Chapel siding - chapel in background. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 7 Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Picture 8. Copyright Andrew Keast. 27th September 2021.

Many many thanks for your pictures Andrew - a good job you had your phone with you, Thanks also to Mick House who forwarded the pictures to us. Well done everyone including the rail staff.

Lipson Curve
Ross Griffiths

47564 in RES Parcels livery pulls up to Lipson Junction around the curve. In the distance is Laira Depot. 1991 Copyright Ross Griffiths

33102 takes some coaching stock to Plymouth North Road station. It''s 1991. In the foreground lies the main line. Laira Halt lay just off the picture to the left on the main line - this closed on the 7th July 1930. Copyright Ross Griffiths

50027 'Lion' and 50018 'Resolution' in NSE livery 1991; Copyright Ross Griffiths

Many thanks Ross

Saltash Stop
Ross Griffiths

The Rusty Eplett special run to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Royal Albert bridge pulls away empty stock to await the passengers who are about to enjoy the very rare opportunity of walking over the bridge. The train waited at St Budeaux for the passengers to rejoin. Copyright Ross Griffiths.

Many thanks Ross

St Austell Viaduct
Roy Hart

Roy has kindly written in with some an extra observation concerning te view of St Austell Viaduct supplied by Mike Roach.

St Austell Viaduct - From the GW Magazine March 1934. Submitted by Mike Roach.

Roy writes :- At the right hand end of the viaduct, in the picture from Mike Roach, Trenance Junction signal box is visible. This was the junction for the long-forgotten Trenance valley branch. It closed in 1949, replaced by a ground frame. The branch closed in 1968, though disused for some years before that.

Roy Hart

Many thanks Roy.

Stabled at
Severn Tunnel Jct.
Phil Smith

37671 taken when it was stabled at Severn Tunnel Junction in 1987. Copyright Phil Smith,

Many thanks Phil.

26th September 2021

26/9/2021

Todays Test Train to
Okehampton
Keith Turley

On 26th September 2021 Colas Rail Freight class 37 No.37254 'Cardiff Canton' with Blue liveried No.37612 on the rear pass Stoke Canon working the 1Z57 09:38 Derby RTC to Exeter Riverside New Yard, to carry out testing beetween Exeter St. Davids and Okehampton on 27th September.
Regards Keith Turley.

Test train 37254 at Stoke Canon. 26th September 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

Yesterdays
Returning Railtours
Keith Turley

No.1.Class 50s Nos.50007 'Hercules' and 50049 'Defiant'
with the 1Z53 16:40 Kingswear to Eastleigh.
The returning 'Champion Torbay Express'
No.2
Class 43 power cars Nos.43046 and 43055
with the 1Z83 16:03 Penzance to Swansea.
The returning 'Cornish Coastal Explorer'
Regards Keith Turley.

Champion Torbay Express. 25th September 2021, Copyright Keith Turley

The Cornish Coastal Pullman. 25th September 2021. Copyright Keith Turley.

Many thanks Keith. For more view of these railtours click Here and scroll down.

Earlier in the day
Lostwithiel
Alan Peters

The return Cornwall Coastal Pullman at Lostwithiel. 25th September 2021. Copyight Alan Peters

Overgrown but disused
Taunton
Driver Alan Peters

My trek back from Fairwater Yard to catch my train gives this slightly unusual view of Taunton, which gives the impression of overgrown platforms as the far ends are no longer used, platform 3 hosts a terminated GWR class 800 IET in the evening sunlight on 19th/09/21, note the picture taken from a position of safety.
Driver Alan Peters

A smashing view only available to the privileged few on duty. Taunton from the west end. Note the rather overgrown area on the disused section of the platforms. Also an 80 awaiting to return. 19th September 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan

Clun Castle out yesterday
Oaksey Road Bridge
Ken Mumford

Friends, My photos of 7029 with a Birmingham to Swindon SLS special.. taken from Oaksey Road bridge. 25th September 2021. Copyright Ken Mumford.

Bringing up the rear Class 47 D1755 from Oaksey Road bridge. 25th September 2021 Copyright Ken Mumford.

Many thanks Ken. You got the whole train in very nicely.

Steam at Swindon
Colin Pidgeon

7029 Clun Castle at Swindon 25th September 2021 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

7029 at Swindon 25th September 2021 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

D1755 brings up the rear at Swindon 25th September 2021 Copyright Colin Pidgeon

Many thanks Colin.

Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Triumphant return
Jon Hird

Jon writes :- Good evening gents, (and ladies)
I’m sure you will be flooded with photos of the Pullman HST and the class 50 tour to Kingswear, however if you wish to use any of them, please find attached some photos of 50042 working at Bodmin today.
This is the first time it’s worked solo since pre-COVID times, and it’s now sporting a very smart set of snowploughs too.
I missed the first train of the day due to heavy traffic on the roads, so I headed to Charlie’s Gate to at least get a photo, before taking a couple of trips on it.
It put in a fine performance and seemed in good form. There was a healthy attendance and I hope that it brought in the BWR a good days takings! As you can see in the last photo, it seems most people aboard enjoyed the acoustics!
Kind regards, Jon Hird

50042 Triumph on 25th September 2021. Near Charlies Gate. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 Triumph rus round at Bodmin General on 25th September 2021. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 Triumph on 25th September 2021. Copyright Jon Hird.

Lots of interest. 50042 Triumph on 25th September 2021. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 Triumph at Bodmin on the 25th September 2021. Copyright Jon Hird.

50042 Triumph on the 25th September 2021. Copyright Jon Hird.

Many thanks Jon - and a good day was had by all.

Congratulations to Craig.
An excuse to repeat Craigs Photographs

70803 6C97 Goonbarrow 21st September 2021, Copyright Craig Munday

St Austell sunset Voyager V58 and a Castle class HST. 21st September 2021, Copyright Craig Munday

Two Congratulations to Craig (1)

From Andrew and Diane Jones
Fowey Docks at night

Firstly may I congratulate Craig on his superb night photographs of Goonbarrow taken on the 21st September. They remind me of those famous paintings by Terence Cuneo, especially the ‘The Night Freight’. Although night photography is easier these days the lighting and composition is amazing, well done.

Please find attached the second in a series of photographs at Fowey. The loading point and CDA are lit by sodium lighting and were taken at 3am on the 28th June 2005, whilst on one of my night inspections.

Many thanks Andrew - sleep well!

Two Congratulations to Craig (2)

The night-time photos by Craig Munday published yesterday were absolutely spectacular; even more outstanding than his usual very high standards.
Craig might be interested in the attached picture which comes from the GWR Magazine for March 1934. I doubt that its possible to take this view in 2021 because of another 87 years of tree growth.

Regards, Mike Roach.

St Austell Viaduct - From the GW Magazine March 1934. Submitted by Mike Roach.

Thanks Mike.

Yesterdays News

Great Western Railway tell people bound for Truro and Falmouth NOT to travel. A fault with the signalling system and issues sourcing replacement transport are reportedly to blame

25th September 2021

25/9/2021

Midland Pullman
David Tozer

The 06.57 Swansea to Penzance at Exminster in very dull weather., Copyright David Tozer.

Many thanks to David Tozer who sent the above view taken at Exminster in - he was first to reach our In-box at 13.20.

All other pictures for today will have to go in Features - please click here for 2115 and scroll down.

Westbury
Ron Kosys

Westbury Saturday 23rd September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys. 47456 arrives at Westbury with the ECS off a Bolton to Bristol and Bath Adex 47705 comes to a stand with the 1210 Paddington to Penzance.

Many thanks indeed Ron - all the detail you have captured for posterity is much appreciated.

Exeter St Thomas
Paul Barlow

33002 Newton Abbot to Exeter ECS to form a Waterloo service. 10th February 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Blue Pullman
Down our way again

The Blue Pullman is visiting Penzance again today - here are the timings.

Swansea 06.57 Cardiff 07.55 Bristol Temple Meads 08.50 Exeter St David's 09.55 Plymouth 10.56/11.06 Truro 12.20 Redruth 12.31 Penzance 12.59 arrive

Penzance depart 16.03 Redruth 16.34 Truro 16.42 Plymouth 17.55/18.04 Exeter St David's 19.10 Bristol Temple Meads 20.16/20.24 Cardiff 21.46 Swansea 22.41

24th September 2021

24/9/2021

The first class 70's on the
Newquay Branch
Craig Munday

Colas Rail's 70803 became the first of the class to venture beyond St Blazey toward Newquay on the night of 21st September 2021. A Rail Delivery Train worked top and tailed with 70803 and 66846 slogged its way up through the Luxulyan valley to Goonbarrow to await the possession of the line. It then dropped rails in the Bugle and Roche areas before heading back with the class 66 leading.

Driver Mark fabiano was in the hot seat, and these images were taken on arrival at Goonbarrow with his permission. It was a surreal evening with a full moon and early mist which, sadly, fizzled away. It was a real "Hound of the Baskervilles" sight with the mist, but the moon obliged overhead.

Earlier in the evening, a colourful sunset shot was obtained at St Austell featuring 1V58 Voyager 221119 and a Plymouth bound Castle set.

A reminder that the Blue Pullman HST is down to Penzance this coming Saturday in very similar timings to last week's class 50 railtour. (12.59 arrival Penzance / 16.03 return).

Kind regards

Craig

70803 6C97 Goonbarrow 21st September 2021, Copyright Craig Munday

Th class 70 70803 on the 6C97 and Goonbarrow Signalbox. 21st September 2021, Copyright Craig Munday

A pleasant evening and a colorful sunset promises a good day on the 22nd - St Austell sunset Voyager 221119 and a Castle class HST. 21st September 2021, Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig, one wonders what unearthly hour the rail delivery train, and you, were up in the Goonbarrow area. Our appreciation for your record of the working and the photographs.

Redruth
Martin Scane

I had to drop a couple of people at Redruth station today. Whist we awaited their train I managed to snap 800 034 arriving in damp, drizzly weather with the 12.44 (ex Paddington) service to Penzance. Not a very well composed shot I’m afraid as the train arrived a tiny bit earlier than anticipated. Martin

Redruth Padd - Penzance service arrives seconds early. 23rd September 2021. Copyright MartinScane.

Many thanks Martin.

23rd October 2021

23/9/2021

Class 50s at Exeter
Michael Forward

On 3 September 1982 we see 50029 ‘Renown’ starting off with the 16.18 to Waterloo. Copyright Michael Forward

Hello Roger, I hope you are continuing to get more mobile,great pictures on the site ,as always. Here is a picture of 50038 ‘Formidable’ descending into St. Davids with the 09.10 from Waterloo. On 7 November 1981. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Little Langford
Ron Kosys

47441 passes Little Langford on the afternoon of Sunday 10th April 1988, with a diverted Exeter to Waterloo working. 10th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Little Langford is a hamlet and former civil parish in Wiltshire, England. Its nearest town is Wilton, about 5 miles to the southeast. It is in the Wylye valley, to the south of the river; the grass fields adjacent to the river were traditionally flood meadows. Wikipedia

Many thanks Ron

Chard Jct & Salisbury
Roger Winnen

780513a Class 33s at Chard Junction with the Exeter to Brighton on 13th May 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

On a wet and miserable day we see 33016 departing Salisbury for Portsmouth Harbour. It's the 28th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks Roger.

September 21st, 2021

22/9/2021

Hinksey
Ron Kosys

47421 at 47421 passes the south end of Hinksey yard, Oxford,with the Aylesbury to Didcot empty coal. 30th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. This location is just to the south of Oxford.

Many thanks Ron.

Exeter '78
Roger Winnen

Looking very grubby - Two Class 31s pass through Exeter St David's.on 30th March 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks Roger.

Carne Point 1
Diane and Andrew Jones

It a beautiful spring day, Sunday 22nd May 2005. Please find attached photograph, one of a series of day and night shots (which I will send over the coming months) taken whilst working for a short period at Par and Fowey Docks.

Carne Point CDA's looking towards Bodinnick on a quiet Sunday morning 22nd May 2005. Copyright Andrew and Diane Jones

Many thanks Andrew

21st September 2021

21/9/2021

Beacon Lane
Exeter
Paul Barlow

33039 on 08.58 Brighton to Exeter passes over Beacon Lane just before Exmouth Junction Exeter 16th February 1980. Copyright Paul Barlow. N.B. This location is about a quarter of a mile east of Exmouth Junction.

Many thanks Paul.

A view from
Carn Brea
Chris Harvey

Chris Harvey brings us this view as an HST crosses Barncoose embankment nearly eighteen years ago. This embankment is one of the oldest sections of the Paddington to Penzance main line being built as part of the old Hayle Railway route.
The dual carriage way Redruth Bypass dates from 1939 - it was succeeded in 1979 by the construction of the new A30 which by passes both Redruth and Camborne, a bridge on this route can be seen.

Many thanks Chris.

Ron Kosys remembers the Royal Mail.
Penzance
Ron Kosys

47451 arrives at Penzance early evening 26th April 1988 with the 0850 from Glasgow. This also contained a portion from Edinburgh. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Many thanks for this lovely picture Ron, the splash of the red of the long gone and lamented Royal Mail is a very welcome inclusion.

RHTT Circuits
Alan Peters

The RHHT circuits below may be of use although the former Gloucester circuit will be class 67 vice class 56

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H14783/2021-10-20/detailed

and

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H02200/2021-10-20/detailed (part A)
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:H02204/2021-10-20/detailed (part B)

Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan

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