Blog Archives

21st Octber 2023

21/10/2023

St Erth RHTT
Dennis Clarke

Here are a couple of photos of 66113 and 66097 at St Erth this morning working 3J13 09.23 Par to St Blazey RHTT, via Penzance,

St Erth RHTT 20th October 2023. Copyright Dennnis Clarke.

Many thanks Dennis.

Wadebridge 1977
Howard Sprenger

Wadebridge, one time these metals lay across the road where Howards is standing and on towards Padstow. 16th August 1977 (1) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Wadebridge 16th August 1977 (2) Copyright Howard Sprenger

Wadebridge 16th August 1977 (3) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Wadebridge 16th August 1977 (4) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Many thanks Howard. One wonders what the van was doing at the otherwise deserted sation?

Swindon Flooding
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

I've really appreciated the help my good friend, Colin Pidgeon, has given me today with sorting out information about these photos. Flooding west of Swindon caused many cancellations - see REAL TRAIN TIMES for more details which it seems RTT could always get right beacause of last minute train schedules which was understandable in the circumstances. Station staff were certainly doing their best to communicate to their passengers by announcements and screen displays - see photos, please.

[1] Flooding at Royal Wotten Bassett [BBC West]

[2] and [3] 66096 passes alongside platform 4 with 6C03 - Northolt to Severnside binliner. Passed DIDCOT 2 LATE, 44 LATE passing FOXHALL JUNCTION, Was held in SWINDON EAST LOOP from 1317 to 1325 leaving there 9 LATE.

[4] Swindon East Loop was then occupied 66549 with 6C50 [Oxford (Banbury Road) to Whatley Quarry. See also photo 11 of 66549 later!

[5] 56051 Top and Tail with 56113 with RHTT [Rail Head Treatment Train] came from the east [ Colin suggests Swindon Trnsfer Yard] to stay alongside platform 3 for quite some time. The crew transferred to 56113 [which was at the east end of this working]. After some time they got out of that loco and walked to the cab of 56113 [which was at the west end of that train].

[6] 56113 was running on a greener fuel - hence details on its side.

[7] A general photos of this RHTT working.

[8] This RHTT working gets a single orange light and moves slowly onto the Gloucester branch BUT how far did it get as I was told that there was floodng at Kemble at 12-30 unless some 90 minutes later it was safe to use that route thuogh no passneger trians came from or went up that branch - I left the station at 3-45 p.m.

[9] 66528 passes alongside platform 4 at speed with 6Z86 [West Drayton to East Usk Yard] and 66549 still in Swindon East Loop.

[10] IET units 800011 with 800015 arrive with !G17 Paddington to Cheltenham Spa with quite a lot of pssengers and terminates alongside platform 3. It then formed 1L78 Swindon to Paddington which started from here instead of Cheltenham. As it was ORIGINALLY going to go to Cheltenham,. I wondered why the pantographs were not lowered for the diesel section up the Gloucester branch! SEE ALSO PHOTO 12, please!

[11] 66549 then went on its own [light engine] to rescue 66538 which had failed [since 1307] between Royal Wootton Bassett and Chippenham hauling 6C58 [Oxford (Banbury Road) to East Usk Yard. 66549 ran wrong line to Wootton Bassett Junction to crossover to the correct line.
Thank you, Colin, who tells me that the rescued train headed back to Swindon at 1750.

[12] IET units 800011 and 800015 head back east passing the vehicles that formed 6C50 now in Swindon East Loop - see photo 4.

[13] and [14] information signs on platform 4.

[15] The empty station.

[16] Another iET comes fromthe east and soon returns that way.

The pictures below are the copyright of Ken Mumford and Colin Pidgeon. These are numbered left to right and downwards. Please click on a picture for an enlargement.

Due to loading problems the captions may not fit the pictures but we are sure you'll be able sort them. Many thanks to Ken and Colin. The flooding caused widespread problems on the nattional network.

20th October 2023

20/10/2023

Dawlish New Footbridge
Part 2
Roger Salter

Turbo Class 165/166 arrives at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

Looking towards the old bridge and Teignmouth. Copyright Roger Salter

a view of the upside buildings at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

The final photograph of Roger Salters holiday near Dawlish Warren

Class 66 with the St Blazey to Exeter Riverside working of the clay. Copyright Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

The RHTT at Penzance
20th October 2023
Roger Winnen

231020a 66097 heads the RHTT into Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

231020b The train in Platform 1 awaits departure following the London train departure/ Copyright Roger Winnen

231020c 66113 Awaits departure from Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

231020d A Reflection through the Sleeping Car lounge of under the roof at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Great Yarmouth!!
Andrew Wright, Richard Adderson and Mike Roach

Hi Keith
More HSTs have been travelling to Great Yarmouth to be exported aboard the "Panthera J" to Nigeria. One of my very occasional correspondents is Andrew Wright the Chairman of the Norfolk Railway Society and he has sent me a zip file of photos as the HSTs made their final journey on British soil, taken by himself and member Richard Adderson. The power cars were moved on Monday as 0Q48 10.24am Neville Hill to Great Yarmouth via Stamford and Peterborough.

I hope you might consider using a couple of the images.
Best wishes
Michael Roach

43184 43304 at Norwich 16th October 2023. Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

253 051 (43184) at Yarmouth Carriage Sidings 16th October 2023. Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

En route to Great Yarmouth harbour - 43304 and 43184 at Brundall on the 16th October 2023. Copyright Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

Panthera J moored at Yarmouth Outer Harbour. 17th October 2023. One PC loaded one waiting. Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

Ex-GWR 48132 arrives on low loader at Yarmouth Outer Harbour, 17th October 2023. Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

Ex-GWR 48132 arrives on low loader at Yarmouth Outer Harbour. 17th October 2023. Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

In she goes, a final view of Ex-GWR 48132 as it enters Yarmouth Outer Harbour on low loader 17th October 2023. Copyright Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson

While we are delighted to have photographs we are saddened to see 'our HST's' go. We hope our viewers will excuse us widening our usual reporting areas to include this unusual event. A special thanks to Andrew Wright and Richard Adderson. Quite why the PC's went to Yarmouth under their own 'steam' and the coaches by low loader we don't know.

St Erth
Dennis Clarke

Hi Keith,Roger, Hope all well with you. A couple of photos from St Erth taken yesterday. I travelled down from Paddington on the 08:03 service and arrived 64 minutes late. We left Paddington 20 minutes late due to a late inbound train. Arriving over an hour late at St Erth was earlier than I thought as we were delayed around Exeter and Dawlish, due to the heavy seas. Our IET ran wrong road from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth but still got a huge wave over it near Dawlish station. A few pictures, including the base for the new footbridge, our IET heading towards Penzance and the GWR shuttle bus waiting outside the station, Kind Regards, Dennis

St Erth - preparations for the new footbridge. 19th October 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke,

A down IET heads away from St Erth towards Penzance. 19th October 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke,

'Your onward transport awaits sir' - St Erth to St Ives. 19th October 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke,

Many thanks Dennis - at least you got home!

Truro/Plymouth
Sid Warren

Sid Warren, a newcomer to our site sends in four pictures.

Truro 150456 4th August 2023. Copyright Sid Warren.

Truro a footbridge shot. 158951 heading east. A young photographer gets his shot. 4th August 2023. Copyright Sid Warren.

Truro - the banner repeater signal on the down platform shows up nicely. Perhaps the lady is asking the guard for details of the service to Falmouth? 3rd October 2023. Copyright Sid Warren.

Plymouth - 158950 waits its next duty, 29th August 2023. Copyright Sid Warren.

Thank you Sid.

Dawlish, always a delight.
Phil Smith

Dawlish, always a delight - an undated picture by Phil Smith Copyright.

Quite a heavy sea always makes for a good picture as a class 47 headed Virgin train heads a down working. Sometime before the Voyagers were introduced otherwise due to the seas no doubt it would have been cancelled. Many thanks Phil.

19th October 2023

19/10/2023

Dawlish New Footbridge
Part 1
Roger Salter

The new footbridge & lifts at Dawlish Station opened yesterday ,so after Storm Babet I visited today.
All looking very smart the low glass screen over the lines excellent for viewing. on trying the lifts they were out of service & the ticket office closed for one & a half hours at lunchtime causing confusion to the many passengers .The pebbles were very deep on the walkways & stairs with no sign of clearing up taking place.

The footbridge lifts and stairways. Copyright Roger Salter

Crossing the new bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

Looking down from the bridge. Copyright Roger Salter

Thank you very much Roger

Farewell old Friends
Rail Adventure to Yarmouth.
Craig Munday

Hi Keith

An opportunity to cover the East end of the patch coincided with Rail Adventure power cars working 5Z25 & 5Z26 Laira to Chaddeston around an hour apart.
14th Laira depot 43480 43468 / 43484 43465 stand ready for departure.
The respective trains were then pictured near Ivybridge and South Brent on their poignant journey onward to Yarmouth eventually.
With thanks to GWR and Rail Adventure for allowing the pictures.

Kind regards, Craig Munday.

Laira depot 43480 43468 43484 43465. 14th October 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

5Z26 South Brent 43484 43465. 14th October 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

5Z25 43480 43468 Filham bridge, Ivybridge. 14th October 2023. Copyright Craig Munday

Many thanks Craig for those excellent pictures of a moment in history - both sets looking a credit to Laira.

Sandown
Isle of Wight
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Here are two pictures I took at Sandown, Isle of Wight on 18 May1982. The first shows unit 485041 pulling away from the station stop with the 15.24 to Ryde. These ex London Underground units, built in 1931/1932 ,were first delivered to The Island on 1 Sept. 1966 and entered service on 20 March 1967.They were formed into 4 VEC and 3TIS units.I remember ,at higher speeds, they gave a lively ride. Thanks, Michael. Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, We now see the Island’s locomotive in the station at Sandown. Formerly classified as 05001, it here carries it’s Departmental number 97803. Happy days. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Long live the bus
Padstow
Howard Sprenger
& Peter Murnaghan

Padstow 31st July 1979 WN 377 (CVF 842) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

A request as to where 377 might be nowadays brought a rapid reponse from Howard Srenger and from Peter Murnaghan.

Howard writes - Thanks for putting the Padstow pictures up. You ask about the fate of the bus and the good news is that it appears to have survived. Its full history is recorded here, including its time at Padstow:
http://www.bristolsu.co.uk/l/operatordetails/easterncounties/cvf842.htm
Best regards, Howard.

Morning Keith, I am happy to report that the old Bristol bus that lingered for many years at Padstow station in use as a crew facility still exists. The excellent Bristolsu.co.uk website shows that CVF 842 was preserved in 1986 and after passing through several different owners still exists today. Good news for a change. Best wishes Peter.

Many thanks to both Howard and Peter, that excellent website shows that that bus went into service weeks before I was born!!

CDA's for preservation.
Neil Phillips

It has been reported that the joint attempt by the National Wagon Preservation Group and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway to preserve a short rake of CDA china clay wagons has run into difficulties as the rising value of scrap metal meant they were outbid by a local scrap merchant.

This does not mean the end of the proposal as the 38 final operational wagons are still extant in St Blazey Yard so efforts will continue; however scrapping of the 40 long-stored wagons has proceeded apace, and unfortunately last week time ran out for first-built 375000 and 375001, which were stated by the NWPG to be the subjects of special bids by the Group. My photos were taken on Wednesday 4th October - 375000's hopper body was reportedly cut free from its chassis the following day and lifted off the day after. 375001 has since followed and a visit on Monday 16th October revealed its body sitting on the ground, awaiting collection with around seven others.

The loss of 375000 is unfortunate - as posted previously I was very lucky to photograph it brand new in St Blazey Yard 36 years ago (with impeccable timing, this being my first visit in ten years) and having thus developed a peculiar affection for this lump of metal I kept an eye open for it whenever I was able to see clay trains in Cornwall. Having moved back to Par on retirement in January 2020 and being aware of the large number of stored CDAs in St Blazey Yard I went in search of 375000 in March, more in hope than expectation – it was the third one I looked at! I have been monitoring its situation ever since, not always easy due to vegetation growth but it had a knack of finding itself parked in locations viewable from St Blazey Road which persisted until the very end. At one point about 18 months ago it and its long-term partner 375009 were extracted and repositioned between the wagon repair shop and turntable – at the time I hoped this indicated that its significance had been realised and its long-term future assured in one form or another (the first 13-ton ‘clayhood’ wagon B743000 was saved and I believe is still at the Wheal Martin China Clay Museum, although preserving a much larger CDA on site there may never have been a realistic proposition); however after a while the two wagons rejoined their stored mates in the main yard, and on reflection the purpose may have been to remove parts (canopy winding gear/air brake distributor/air cylinder) to keep others running - I didn’t notice this stripping until recently. Sadly this would have made the first-built CDA’s preservation more difficult, but still not impossible. However it certainly is impossible now.

I wish the NWPG and BWR the best of luck in their joint effort to save a few of these wagons for posterity, to join the ‘clayhoods’ already on the railway, and hope that it is acceptable to indulge in a little posterity of my own by reposting these two images representing first and last looks at the first-built CDA wagon. A lot of Cornish china clay was shifted by this fleet over three and a half decades!

Best regards,
Neil Phillips

1 - First-built CDA St Blazey 14th September 1987. Copyright Neil Phillips

2 - First-built CDA 375000 St Blazey, sadly its last day intact 4th October 2023. Copyright Neil Phillips

Many thanks Neil - we join you in wishing the NWPG and BWR the very best of luck in their joint efforts to save a few of these wagons.

Exeter Happenings
Paul Barlow

43301 43357 43303 43321 Exeter Riverside Sunday 15 October 2023

43321 43303 43357 43301 1910 Laira to Exeter Riverside running around an hour late passes Exeter13 October 2023 Copyright Paul Barlow.

43321 43303 43357 43301 1910 Laira to Exeter Riverside running around one hour late passes Exeter 13 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks indeed Paul.

18th October 2023

18/10/2023

The English Riviera Express
Woking to Kingswear
Roger Salter

1Z74 the 0556 Woking - Kingswear, 46100 Royal Scot with D1924 Crewe Diesel depot at Cockwood this morning.

The returning English Riviera Express at Eastdon tonight. Copyright Roger Salter

The 6C53 15.11 St.Blazey - EXETER Exeter Riverside Clay working. Copyright Roger Salter.

Many Thanks Roger

High Seas at Dawlish today
Roger Salter

HIGH SEAS AS HIGH TIDE HAS PAST AT DAWLISH TODAY
THE STATION INCLUDING THE NEWLY OPENED FOT/LIFT BRIDGE COMPLETELY COVERED BY SEA WATER .
HST CASTLES STILL MANAGE TO PROCEED WHILST THE EXMOUTH-PAIGNTON SERVICE TRAVEL WRONG LINE BECAUSE OF THE SEAS

A Castle Class HST Departs Dawlish for Exeter etc. Copyright Roger Salter

A Class 150 on wrong line working to Newton Abbot no doubt using the crossover at Teignmouth to regain the down line. Copyright Roger Salter

Class 150 heading West. Roger" Did you have your morning swin this morning in the surf" at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks for your efforts today Roger

NINTEEN SIXTY TWO
PART 47
Michael L. Roach

More Photos at Newport Station
Attached are some more photographs of trains at Newport Station on the South Wales main line taken around teatime on Thursday 6 September 1962 during which I was lucky enough to catch two of the huge 7200-class 2-8-2 tanks pass through the station on freight trains; plus a picture taken three years later of Modified Hall 7914 which we also saw earlier in the series at Laira Shed in Part 10. There were very few steam workings left in South Wales in Summer 1965 as the remaining steam sheds were closing almost weekly or becoming completely dieselised. I nearly missed 7914 as it passed through Newport on an empty stock train.
The facade of the large building in the second image was seen in the last part of this series. The building was constructed by the GWR in the 1920s soon after the grouping to house the staff of the Newport Division. The tentacles of the division spread up several of the South Wales Valleys; eastwards to Chepstow and Monmouth; and northwards to Hereford and then westwards to Brecon. In the 1920s the GWR was a very large organisation employing around 125,000 staff which is around half the number of people presently employed in the UK rail industry. It is instructive to realise that the GWR employed that huge number of people; bought or constructed and maintained large numbers of engines, coaches, wagons, motor vehicles, ships, buses, horses and even aeroplanes; track, buildings, utility services etc and was profitable most years throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
7200 – Class
The 4200-class 2-8-0 tanks were introduced in 1910 and were basically a tank version of the 2800-class 2-8-0 tender engines intoduced in 1903; at least that is what I thought until I started looking in detail and finding some differences. The 4200s boiler pressure was lower resulting in 11 percent less tractive effort. The class were built to haul coal trains from the valleys of South Wales to the ports along the Bristol Channel from Llanelly to Newport. When the numbering reached 4299 it resumed at 5200 to 5204. From 5205 onwards the cylinder diameter was increased by half an inch (12.7mm) giving a higher tractive effort midway between the 2800s and the 4200s tractive effort. Coal exports from South Wales peaked in 1913 and then commenced a long decline. The stock market crash of 1929 and the depression that followed meant that a batch of 20 of the 5205 class built in 1930 were not really needed for their intended purpose. By this time Churchward had retired and the CME was C.B.Collet and he decided to rebuild that batch of 2-8-0 tanks for a different purpose. The rear end was totally altered by extending the frames by four feet (1.22 metres); adding a radial truck; and extending the coal bunker substantially to hold 6 tons of coal. The purpose of this quite major rebuild was to allow the engines to haul long-distance main line freight trains rather than short-distance mineral trains. One of the places the engines worked to was Salisbury with heavy coal trains for the Southern Railway and later the Southern Region. The distance from the Rhondda to Salisbury is about 110 miles and the trip would have taken many hours because the average distance covered by a freight train in the 1930s was less than 10 miles in each working hour. The GWR quoted the following figures for 1929: 8.64 train miles per train hour for freight; and an average of 103.90 engine miles per day per engine in use. In the last image is a table from 1931 showing the average miles travelled per hour by freight trains in each Division of the GWR. It will be noted that the figures for the Newport, Cardiff and Swansea Divisions are only half that of the best Division, Chester. The possible reasons for this disparity are the sheer number of coal trains making their way down the Valleys; hopping from loop to loop to allow passenger trains to pass; and congestion and delays as the trains approached the docks.
The first of the new class appeared in August 1934 and by the end of that year all 20 had been rebuilt. The first of the class was numbered 7200 and went to Llanelly Shed where it would end its days at the same shed 29 years later in July 1963; but at the time of Nationalisation 7200 was based at Newton Abbot – 7220 was there as well. The class eventually numbered 54 examples and all were withdrawn between 1962 and 1965. British Railways rated the locos 8F and they must have been very useful during World War 2 when so many freight trains were heading for the ports along the south coast. The 7200s were big beasts weighing in at 92 tons and were unique as they were the only standard gauge 2-8-2 tanks ever built in Britain. Three examples of the class have been saved for preservation including 7200 itself. The 7200s were not the best looking of Great Western steam engines because the extended bunker gave them an ungainly appearance. On 6 September 1962 I was lucky enough to see two examples of the class pass through Newport Station in less than twenty minutes. At that time the whole class was intact but the first of the class was withdrawn two months later. As an aside the 2800-class 2-8-0 were capable of taking a mineral train of 100 loaded 4-wheel wagons from South Wales to London but whether the 7200s made the same journey is unknown.

MLR / 7 October 2023

1315 7232 passes through Newport with an iron ore train from Newport Docks to Llanwern Steelworks banked by 5250. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

1316 7211 heads through Newport with a lengthy general freight train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7475 The GWR's official photograph of the first of the 7200 class taken at Swindon on 27 July 1934. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7503 7914 Lleweni Hall of Bristol Barrow Road Shed passes through Newport Station just after 5.35pm with an ECS train on 31 July 1965. The passengers could be waiting to catch the 16,20 Swansea High Street to Paddington (due 20.15) Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Many thanks Michael for Part 47, meticulously prepared, as usual not a detail missed. We look forward to Part 48.

A Last Photo of the First CDA Wagon (Part 2!)
Neil Phillips

Hello Keith,

Yes, I’m glad I came along on Saturday, well worth the effort! And good to chat (briefly!) too. Oh, while I think of it, when you next see Christine would you please let her know that the ‘welcome pack’ arrived this morning (Tuesday) and message re subscription read and understood. Many thanks!

Regarding the images, gosh, strange how one can make one mistake then things go from bad to worse! Heaven knows what the problem was, I’ve had a new phone since late July and I’m sure I’ve sent you images directly from it between then and now without issues.
Anyway, let’s have another go, via the laptop this time - fingers crossed then but they look OK at this end……..

Images attached:

First-built CDA 375000 in St Blazey yard on 4th October 2023, its last day in one piece.....

Second-built CDA 375001 awaiting its turn. 4th October 2023

CDA wagon bodies on the left with their severed chassis on the right. 16th October 2023

A clearer view of the severed CDA chassis. 16th October 2023

A view of the scrapping area from St Blazey Road. 16th October 2023

Best regards,

Neil

1 - First-built CDA 375000 St Blazey Yard 4th October 2023. Copyright Neil Phillips.

2 - Second-built CDA 375001 St Blazey Yard 4th October 2023. Copyright Neil Phillips.

3 - CDA scrapping at St Blazey 16th October 2023. Copyright Neil Phillips.

4 - CDA scrapping at St Blazey 16th October 2023. Copyright Neil Phillips.

5 - CDA scrapping at St Blazey 16th October 2023 Copyright Neil Phillips.

Thanks very much indeed Neil.

Howard Sprenger
takes a look around
Padstow 1972/9

Padstow 1972 Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Padstow 20th August 1976 Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Padstow 20th August 1976 (1) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Padstow 31st July 1979 including Western National 377 (CVF 842) Copyright Howard Sprenger

Padstow 31st July 1979 WN 377 (CVF 842) (2) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Many thanks Howard - these views will rouse memories of those in the area on those dates - any idea of the fate the bus?

17th October 2023

17/10/2023

Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

Hi Keith,
Over to Creech today for the final cavalcade of XC stock to leave the West Country for pastures new.
This comprised of four PCs, 43321, 43303, 43357 and 43301 seen passing Creech, running from Exeter Riverside yd to Old Dalby.
Please see photos.
Take care, Bill

43321+303, 16th October 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

43357 and 43301 , 16th October 2023. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill and my apologies for late inclusion.

An extremely dull day at Dawlish Warren
Roger Salter

On a very dull &extremely windy day at Dawlish Warren 6Y97 0455 CAMBORNE-WESTBURY DOWN , 66555 HAULS THE TRAIN. Copyright Roger Salter

5Z25 1145 MINEHEAD WEST SOM.RWY.-LAIRA T&RSMD 43042 TREGENNA CASTLE & 43162 CAERHAYS CASTLE COMING BACK OUT OF STORAGE AFTER ONLY A FEW WEEKS. Copyright Roger Salter

5Z25 1145 MINEHEAD WEST SOM.RWY.-LAIRA T&RSMD 43042 TREGENNA CASTLE & 43162 CAERHAYS CASTLE COMING BACK OUT OF STORAGE AFTER ONLY A FEW WEEKS Copyright Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

HSTs
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Good pictures of all the HST movements but sad to see them go.I remember when they were introduced, taking advantage of special tickets priced at £1.25 ! Here are two shots of HST in happier times both of the 10.20 Penzance to Newcastle service. Firstly passing through Hayle on 14 June 1983 with 43177/43163 in charge. Thanks, best wishes, Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, Now we see the same service but at Dawlish and on 6 August 1983 . Where have those 40 years gone. Copyright Michael Forward

Many Thanks Michael

Out of storage
Roger Salter

The 5Z12 the 13.15 Bishops Lydiard - to Laira TT&MD 43122 Dunster Castle coming out of storage with 43123 on the 12th September 2023. Copyright Roger Salter.

Many Thanks Roger

Vehicle numbers
Guy Vincent

Keith / Roger

Following his recent posting and forr Trevor T's benefit here is a short montage of photos showing the location of the vehicle numbers on Rail Adventure's power cars. Like Trevor I was baffled until my good lady wife pointed out where she had seen them when recording their progress at Blatchbridge last Friday. The format is European (Rail Adventure is a German company) with a twelve-character ID, the UK number we all recognise being characters 7-11 inclusive. Numbers are positioned on both sides at the extreme rear of each power car behind the sliding door, just above sole bar level and very hard to spot unless you know where to look!

Can you forward this to Trevor with my compliments. Every day a learning day!

Regards Guy Vincent

Rail Adventure Power Car 43480 Continental-Type Vehicle Number (1) Copyright Guy and Cathy Vincent.

Rail Adventure Power Car 43480 Continental-Type Vehicle Number (2). Copyright Guy and Kathy Vincent,

Rail Adventure Power Car 43480 Continental-Type Vehicle Number (3) Copyright Guy and Cathy Vincent.

Many thanks Guy.

4555 Appeal
David Cook

4555 Appeal - film image, Copyright David Cook

Hello Keith,

Please find attached a photograph (poor quality I admit) of mine taken in October 1976 during a break in the filming of Walt Disney’s “Candleshoe” starring 4566(!), David Niven, Helen Hayes and a very young Jodie (Silence of the Lambs) Foster. It shows 4566 at Hampton Loade alongside its fairly dire front-end mock-up (made by the film company’s special effects department) and which made a fleeting appearance in the scene where David Niven’s character, Priory, stands in front of a Rolls Royce parked across the track at Waterworks crossing just north of the station trying stop the approaching train. For the record, the driver as seen in the film was my late father Gilbert who was chosen for the part because of the moustache he sported at the time. Its frightening to think that this was 47 years ago this month!

You recently very kindly added to your website updates a feature about 4566 and the huge task we have set ourselves trying to raise a six-figure sum of money to go towards the engines next overhaul. I make no apologies for raising the subject again with news that there is now a Standing Order Form and button on the 4566 website (www.4566.org.uk) and would ask Cornwall railway members to consider helping us in our attempt to raise the necessary money we need if we are ever to see the engine running again.

Just think. There are several lines in Cornwall that 4566 has not run over in preservation and another close to Plymouth. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see 4566 back in Cornwall & Devon running over these lines, two of which she ran over during her working life. To make it happen we need a lot of money. Please consider helping us.

Many thanks, David Cook
Archivist, The 4566 preservation Group

Best of luck with your appeal David - as you say a dream could come true.

Following the
Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway
Edward Hooper

An image from Ed Hoopers expanding report on his exploration of the Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway route.

Image 26 - A line of granite setts pinpoints the location of the track bed as it crosses the lane at right angles above Higher leigh Farm, taken just south of the photo above. Copyright Ed Hooper
Shortly after crossing Little Down Lane at the site of Frogmere Cottage the landscape changes again and the P&DR finally emerges onto open common land where it makes its rendezvous with firstly Plymouth Leat and then Devonport Leat. Noticeable on old maps are some smaller quarries adjacent to the line.

To see his expanding report please click here and look for item 2336

16th October 2023

16/10/2023

Reflections
Clive Smith

I, KJ, personally like to see people in pictures and this one has double value to me. We had an excellent evening on Saturday when Barnard Mills gave a presentation on the diesel hydraulic era, however, noticeable was the grotty condition of the stock during that era, The above photograph caught by chance of an HST, itself nearing the end of its days, was immaculatly clean. Well caught Clive and well done GW.

Many thanks Clive.

Observations at
Creech St Michael
Bill Elston

Over to Creech today (!6th October 2023) for the final cavalcade of XC stock to leave the West Country for pastures new.
This comprised of four PCs, 43321, 43303, 43357 and 43301 seen passing Creech, running from Exeter Riverside yard to Old Dalby.
Please see photo.
Take care,
Bill

Travelling around Cornwall under mechanical signalling
Paul Barlow

43098 43004 1550 Penzance to Bristol arrives at Lostwithiel 14 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

43098 43004 leading leave Truro with the 0722 Exeter to Penzance 14th October 2023 Copyright Paul Barlow

43188 43092 1450 Penzance to Plymouth arrives at Truro 14 October 2023 Copyright Paul Barlow

43188 43092 1450 Penzance to Plymouth leaves Lostwithiel 14 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

66113 and 66097 0850 Par to St Blazey via Penzance RHTT enters Truro. Note new colour light signal ready for comissioning lying in front of the semaphore signal 14 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

66113 and 66097 0850 Par to St Blazey via Penzance RHTT Truro.l 14 October 2023-Copyright Paul Barlow

150265 arrives from Falmouth at Truro. 14 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many Thanks indeed Paul

More HST movements
Paul Barlow

43321 43303 43357 43301 1910 Laira to Exeter Riverside running around an hour late passes Exeter13 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Rail adventure 43465 43484 43468 43480 crawls past Exeter St Thomas due to a signal check 1247 Wembley to Laira 13 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

Rail adventure 43465 43484 43468 43480 crawls past Exeter St Thomas due to a signal check 1247 Wembley to Laira 13 October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Day 2 0f the Bodmin Gala
Jon Hird

08359 Climbing the hill to Bodmin Gereral. Copyright Jon Hird

08359 Running around at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Jonn Hird

47306 Running around at Boscarne Junction. Copyright Jon Hird

47306 and 5553 in the background at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Jon Hird

Many Thanks Jon

15th October 2023

15/10/2023

Cross Country Carriage Finale
Saturday 14th October 2023
Guy Vincent

I'm sure you will get plenty of good quality photos of the 5Z25 & 5Z26 Cross Country empty stock moves so here are two of each train arriving and departing Bristol Temple Meads station, 'The Gateway to the South West' in, at times, very strange lighting conditions.

Just the remaining four ex XC PCs (43301 43303 43321 & 43357) to be removed from Exeter Riverside on Monday 16th, off to start a new chapter in their long lives with Colas on infrastructure monitoring trains.

According to information posted today on the WNXX website, it is thought the next shipment of HST stock from Great Yarmouth, due to sail next week, could be bound for Nigeria. If so, all of the former XC PCs not going to Colas are included (43007, 43008, 43184, 43239, 43304, 43366 & 43378) plus the ex GW units already there: 43009 43010 43016 43040 43172 & 43192. Further news will no doubt soon follow on this subject.

Finally, for now at least, a video is doing the rounds on social media featuring two of the ex GW PC's working a 5 coach HST formation in Mexico. The PCs have large 'zebra stripes' on their lower valances and the entire set has been reliveried in a black/ light grey two-tone scheme, relieved with a blue stripe with INTEROCEANICO branding, pictorial emblems and 'Marina' legends on each carriage. All carriages are slam-door type: two former First or Standard opens and three TGS with guard's accommodation. The set is numbered up: Power Car FIT3008, coaches FIT161104, FIT161103, FIT161206, FIT161205, FIT161204 and finally Power Car FIT3007. The power cars will be two from 43022 43158 or 43170.

Guy Vincent

1). 43480 in platform 7 heading 5Z25 1358 Laira - Chaddesden Sidings with now anonymous coaches 42373 42376 45004 42372 42368 45001 42371 44072 and power car 43468 at the back. Copyright Guy Vincent

2). 43468 bringing up the rear of 5Z25 as it departs northwards. These PCs present a ghostly appearance, notable by having no yellow paint on their front ends. Copyright Guy Vincent.

3) 43465 running onto the Up Through line a few minutes early with the second train, 5Z26 1436 Laira - Chaddesden with debranded coaches 41193 45003 42366 44052 45005 42369 42290 45002 42234 and rear PC 43484. Copyright Guy Vincent.

4) 43484 trails away as the sun starts to set, bringing the era of Cross Country HST passenger stock operation in the West Country to a close. Copyright Guy Vincent.

With very many thanks to you Guy.

Don't now where Chaddesden is - trying putting it into Google Earth - you'll find the afroresaid siding at Derby.

Just a quick note from me to thank the ever-meticulous Guy Vincent for his detail on yesterday’s stock movements. Thanks to Guy, I now have the numbers of the power cars involved, recorded on my files.

Quite a sad day yesterday and the end of an era for sure.

Regards. Trevor Tremethick.

Redundant Rails
Guy Vincent

Hello Keith
Re. your question from Michael Manning concerning scrap rails left on and close to the lineside.

I've come up with a few suggestions but it may be useful if someone from NR or an outside contractor could add anything further.

Rails are regularly checked by the infrastructure monitoring trains used by Network Rail, as often featured on CRS.
Main routes have rails changed every few years, lighter used lines much less frequently. New rails are often dropped off in advance of installation to allow them to acclimatise to the area they are being used. Rails in open country will expand / contract more than those used in sheltered or shady conditions, or in tunnels for example. Long lengths of new rail (216 metre lengths I believe) are delivered on purpose-built and equipped trains, normally at night and using the headcode 6C97 (Colas), 6G97 (GB Railfreight) or 6Y97 (Freightliner). The rails are owned by Network Rail but installed by specialist contractors and NR staff. The length of the rails being changed is often different to those delivered so any excess is cut off and left with the displaced rails. Sometimes these will be cleared at a later date but often not so. I know of old and new CWR that has been discarded for around 20 years, now partially hidden by ballast and vegetation. Most engineering possessions are extremely time-critical and the use of a train with lifting equipment would be necessary to load up the old rails. This would need to be done at a later time and I guess the cost would not be recouped from the value of the old material. I have seen lengths of rail broken up into pieces and gathered for collection, then seemingly forgotten about.

Monitoring and manual inspection often detects faults in rails such as wheel burns, defective welds, loose / broken fishplate joints or switch and crossing faults. These are repaired as required and sometimes rail is left lineside for such purposes so that a costly train movement to site is avoided. Much S&C these days is made to order specifically for the location it is to be used.

A photo of lineside scrap rail at Bradford on Avon (a conservation area). Some of this has been here for over a decade with other railway rubbish close to the station and adjoining car park. Seemingly easy and accessible to remove, or not maybe?

Guy Vincent

Bradford on Avon Redundant Rail 11th October 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent

We are sure that Micheal Manning will be as pleased as we are to receive the above article and picture from Guy Vincent. As Guy says we would be very pleased to offer further coverage if anyone from Network Rail or a contractor can provide further information.

Bodmin Railway end of season gala
October 2023
Jon Hird

I’ve attached a selection of photos I took today at Bodmin for their end of season gala.

Firstly 50042 approaching Boscarne Junction

Then the same loco passing quarry curve on its way to Parkway.

At Bodmin Parkway standing beside GWR 43098 (isn’t it incredible that there are just a few years between these machines, yet one is inarguably a museum piece and one is still in daily frontline service?)

We then saw ‘Judy’ arrive with a brake van, passing ECC Sentinel ‘Denise’, 2 generations of clay haulers!

Judy then returned to General, witnessed at Charlie’s Gate and Walker Lines.

Finally GWR Prarie tanks 5553 and 5552 worked to Parkway and 5552 returned the train solo, again seen at Charlie’s Gate.

It was a great day and it was nice to see the trains so busy too.

The gala continues tomorrow (Sunday 15th).

All the best, Jon Hird.

All pictures are copyright Jon Hird. Details of locations and numbers etc can be obtained from Jons Notes above. Please click on a picture to obtain an enlargement.

With very many thanks to Jon.

Craig on tour 2023!
Craig Munday

Hi Keith

Hope all is well?

I've finally "touched down" after an unprecedented few weeks of a variety of shifts, rather like a Cornish Michael Buble with a shift in different towns (and city) across the Duchy.

Here's a selection of the recent shifts, and shots from the unseasonably hot spell earlier in the month.

The RHTT has brought the spectacle of a daytime loco hauled service west of Burngullow! 66097 and 66113 are becoming coated in brown sludge, so I was grateful for the Summer like conditions across the Duchy. The train is seen at Dowgas and crossing Fal viaduct in the stunning Coombe valley. The green field defying the oncoming Autumn, but the trees showing a tinge of Autumn.

Other shots from recent days show shifts covered at Penzance, Truro, Roskear and Par.

The poignant sundown shots from Truro catching the Up main levers beautifully after 5pm - soon to stand silent forever.

Best wishes

Craig Munday.

All pictures below are Copyright of Craig Munday - please click on a picture to obtain an enlargement. The most interesting signal box pictures are Number 1, Numbers 7 & 8 at Truro.

With very many thanks to Craig and his roaming camera.

14th October 2023

14/10/2023

Rail Adventures
David Tozer

A Saturday afternoon visit to Silverton for the 1318 5Z25 Laira to Chaddeston Sidings.

RailAdventure 43480 & 43468 + 9 former XC Mk3s - 42378, 42373, 42376, 45004, 42372, 42368, 45001, 42371, 44072.

Many Thanks David

Rail Adventures HST Move
Martin Duff

At Cockwood Harbour and Powderham Estate

Many Thanks Martin

Views of the Rail Adventure Power Cars at Teignmouth yesterday
Barbara and Trevor Tremethick

Hello Keith and Roger

I am sending these knowing you have a meeting tonight, but hopefully you will look at them tomorrow.

Apart from a couple of rain showers, and a half-hour in the road works approaching the town centre, a perfect Autumn day. 5Z25 came through Teignmouth 9 minutes early. I have given you both ends, but don’t ask what the numbers were, I couldn’t see any, and neither could Barbara who was waiting with a notebook and pen. The driver of 5Z26 (whose cool shades you may be able to see in the photograph) gave two or three toots to announce his appearance (slightly early), which were appreciated by me!

You ask whether there will still be ‘Laira Depot’ post-HST. My answer is I don’t know, but I hope so. I keep hearing mutterings of closure but, if it were to happen, my questions are these:

Where would they put the trains on a Sunday, when Laira is full (not with HSTs but mainly IETs)?
Where would they put the trains that start and finish at Plymouth?
During rail strikes, Laira is full. The current ones haven’t even finished yet! What will they do?
Suppose there is another pandemic?

As the Yanks would say (and I have quoted them before) “Go figure”.....

Happy Halloween

Trevor

5Z25 1358 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Chaddesden Sdgs, Teignmouth 14.10.23. Copyright Trevor Tremethick (rear loco)

5Z25 1358 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Chaddesden Sdgs, Teignmouth 14.10.23. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

5Z26 1436 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Chaddesden Sdgs. Teignmouth 14.10.23. Copyright Trevor Tremethick (rear loco)

5Z26 1436 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Chaddesden Sdgs. Teignmouth 14.10.23. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Many Thanks to you both
Best Wishes Keith and Roger

End of an era at Totnes
Andrew Triggs

Evening Keith/Roger
A trip to Devon to capture the Rail Adventure Power Cars removing the remaining Cross Country Mk3s from Laira T&RSMD to Cheddesden Sidings, running as 5Z25/5Z26 in 2+9 formations, with the Sun bright above affecting the 'Up' shots available, it wasn't the easiest of subjects to capture to be honest, but History was recorded
All the Best
Andrew

43480 with 43468 working 5Z25 13.58 Laira T&RSMD-Chaddesden Sdgs with the 1st load of 9 redundant XC Mk3's passing Totnes at 14.13 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43465 leading 5Z26 through Totnes at 15.01 Copyright Andrew Triggs

43484 trailing (with 43465 leading) working 5Z26 14.36 Laira T&RSMD-Chaddesden Sdgs with the 2nd Load 9 of redundant XC Mk3's viewed from the A385 road overbridge. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Thanks Andrew

Stock Moves from Laira to Chaddesdon
Sidings photo at Dawlish Warren etc
1Z63 5726 1436 Laira T&RSMD -Chaddesden Sdgs
5Z 25 1358 Laira T&RSMD - Chaddesdon Sdgs

Roger Salter

Many Thanks Roger

The Cross Country
Clear Out Continues
Clive Smith

Clive reports in great detail the removal of Cross Country sets and Power Cars. What ever will there be at Laira after this - will there be a Laira?

(1) De-branded former XC power car 43285 now leased by Colas goes solo and starts the big Cross Country clear out of Laira on the 10th. The working is 0Z30 11.50 Laira TRSMD - Derby RTC. So strange to see an HST power car operating solo.,

(2) So it's farewell to celebrity 43007 and also 43378 on the rear of the 5Q46 07.16 Laira - Ely Papworth Sidings ECS formed of ex - Cross Country stock as they pass through the site of Brent station at 07.34 on the 13th. A poor quality photo in the rain two minutes before sunrise but one for posterity.

(3) With 43008 having left Laira on a low loader in the small hours and four XC power cars going light to Exeter Riverside, the next stage begins with Rail Adventure's power cars 43484, 43465, 43468 and 43480 on the 0Z82 12.47 Wembley Yard - Laira at Daveys Cross Ivybridge. This is the first appearance in the west country of these power cars in preparation for a double stock transfer from Laira to Chaddesden on the 14th.

(4) Looking like a ghostly apparition the 0Z82 12.47 Wembley Yard - Laira power car movement drifts through the dusk at Daveys Cross at 18.32, five minutes after sunset.

Many thanks Clive for your detailed coverage of the sad procession of HST's from Laira.

Unusual HST Working
13th October
Guy and Cathy Vincent

A rare working passing through Somerset on the afternoon of Friday 13th. Four buffer-equipped HST power cars en route to Laira as 0Z82 1247 ex Wembley, ready to remove two further sets of off lease Cross Country stock today (Saturday 14th). These PCs were previously used by Grand Central between London Kings Cross and Humberside but are now operated by Rail Adventure UK for spot hire work. The working was around 30 minutes late so got routed through Frome station to allow two following West Country services to pass via the Frome avoiding line. Here the quartet, numbered in order 43484, 43465, 43468 & 43480 slowly head away from Blatchbridge Jcn after 1C86 had cleared. Readers should check Real Time Trains for details of today’s 5Z25 & 5Z26 stock movements from Laira to Chaddesden Sidings (Derby). Guy V (text only) Photos by Cathy Vincent

Heading away from Blatchbridge Junction 13th October 2023. Copyright Cathy Vincent.

13th October 2023. Copyright Cathy Vincent.

With very many thanks to both Guy and Cathy Vincent.

Ghosts at Cowley Bridge
Keith Turley

Making their Westcountry debut rail adventure class 43 power cars Nos,43465-43484-43468-43480 at Cowley Boking the OZ82 13:47ridge Junc. on 13th October 2023, working the 13:47 Wembley Reception No.7 to Plymouth Laira.
Regards Keith Turley,

Cowley Bridge Jct. 43465-43484 and 43468-43480 13th October 2023 . Wembley to Plymouth Laira. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith for turning out to capture this working, most unusual in a good setting.

13th October 2023

13/10/2023

Don't forget tomorrow at half six at the Memorial Hall, Redruth Methodist Church.
A Tribute to the Western Diesel Hydraulics by Bernard Mills

5Q46 07.16 Laira T & RSMD to Ely Papworth Sidings
Roger Salter

43007 & 43378 TAKE THEIR FINAL TRIP FROM DEVON EMPTY STOCK PASSING THROUGH DAWLISH WARREN ON THE FIRST DAMP MORNING FOR WEEKS

Thanks Roger

0Z82 12.47 Wembley Reception 1 - 7 Laira T & RSMD at Eastdon tonight
Roger Salter

Thanks Roger

NINETEEN SIXTY TWO
- PART 46
Michael L Roach

Newport Station
There were once four rail routes radiating from the small garrison town of Brecon in Mid Wales all passing through thinly populated countryside. Starting from due north clockwise the routes went to Moat Lane Junction; to Hereford; to Newport; and to Neath. A planned route to Abergavenny did not materialise. There was a sparse train service on all four routes – a good average was three passenger trains and one freight train Monday to Saturday; plus a couple of Saturday Only passenger trains. With certain conditions the TUCC approved (in August 1962) the closure of all four routes and by the end of that year all four had lost their passenger service. In September 1962 I travelled to Wales by car for a week of travelling on the lines and photographing the trains and the stations. I was already acquainted with three of the four routes and knew that they passed through wonderful countryside and had a lot of character. Apart from riding on each line at least once the principal objective was to travel from Newport to Moat Lane photographing every station en route – there were 45 in the 99 miles – with or without a train in the photograph. I only missed a couple of mostly minor halts where it was necessary to move on to photograph a train at a more important station, but I also managed to cover some of the stations on the line to Neath.
Of all the stations photographed the only one in the territory of this website is Newport, formerly Newport High Street. The line and the station were opened by the South Wales Railway on 18 June 1850 as a broad gauge line engineered by Brunel. The Severn Rail Tunnel did not open until 1886 so for the first 36 years the route from Paddington was via Stroud and Gloucester. Newport Station was enlarged and improved in 1880, 1929 and 2010. On 6 September 1962 I arrived at Newport at 4.26pm on the 2.05pm from Brecon, which was the third and last passenger train of the day in that direction. I made a side trip to Cardiff General along the South Wales Main Line which had been dieselised that summer using Hymeks initially. I left Newport again on the 7.07pm to Brecon the last train in that direction. Both the 2.05pm and the 7.07pm consisted of two corridor coaches hauled by Collet goods 0-6-0 number 3201 of Ebbw Junction Shed, Newport.

MLR / 29 September 2023

1313 3201 has arrived at Newport with the 2.05pm from Brecon – the last train of the day to travel the full length of the line in that direction. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

1317 Pannier tank 3661 is seen on the 5.15pm to New Tredegar which was located just off the main line to Brecon.

1320 3201 has been turned and now is about to return to Brecon on the 7.07pm off Newport. 3201 would go onto Brecon Shed for the night – one of the last engines of the day to do so. 1320 3201 has been turned and now is about to return to Brecon on the 7.07pm off Newport. 3201 would go onto Brecon Shed for the night – one of the last engines of the day to do so. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

7482 The facade of the main station building after the improvements completed between 1923 and 1929.

Many thanks Michael - we look forward to part 47.

Work at Kennaway Tunnel
Roger Salter

This is the enormous amount of work on the east /west portal of kennaway tunnel .There is also similar work progressing from Coryton – Holcombe

Photographs Copyright Roger Salter

Photographs Copyright Roger Salther

Photographs Copyright Roger Salter

Many thanks Roger

Camborne,Redruth area
Howard Sprenger

Howard continues his tour of the Duchy courtesy of his slide collection.

Camborne 27th October 1973. Copyright Howard Sprenger. Little has changed here except the removal of the dominent telegraph/telephone poles and the replacement of the platfrom lights.

Camborne 27th October 1973 (2) Copyright Howard Sprenger.

Many thanks Howard - very sorry for the delay in publishing your picures.

Honiton
Doug Nicholls

Many thanks Doug.

12th October 2023

12/10/2023

Whiteball Siding
Chris Osment

Although the box's base was indeed the original S&F structure, the lever-frame in the photo was a 1927 GWR replacement, which is now in the G&WSR's Cheltenham Racecourse box.
Chris Osment

Whiteball Siding box 1974. Copyright Doug \Nicholls.

Many thanks Chris

The Night Riviera on a driver return training run to Exeter
Roger Salter David Tozer Roger Winnen

57602 Heads the 08.01 Penzance to Exeter St David's Driver training run. Copyright Roger Winnen

57602 Works the ECS of the Night Riviera seen passing Dawlish on route to Exeter St Davids. Copyright Roger Salter

Taken this morning as the Driver Training loco and Night Riviera stock approaches Exminster. Copyright David Tozer

57602 With the returning run also at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Salter

The RHTT at Marazion
Peter Dale

The RHTT crossing the Marsh at Marazion last Saturday morning. Copyright Peter Dale

Many Thanks Peter

A Walk in the New Forest
Part 2
Michael Forward

Hello Roger, Continuing with the walk on 11 September 1991 we see the heather in bloom on Setley Plain, near Brockenhurst to where 2Hap unit 6097 is heading Copyright Michael Forward

Roger, Finally we are at Lymington Pier station where 6105 is waiting with the 17.57 to Brockenhurst. Next stop for me the Isle of Wight! Thanks for dealing with these. Michael

Many Thanks Michael

Yesterdays redundant HST wkg.
Staffords Bridge
Paul Barlow

Today's (11th October 2023) redundant Cross country HST working from Laira to Ely for storage, and a couple of shots of 43366 in happier days.
Kind regards. Paul Barlow

43366 HST 40 43378 0606 Edinburgh to Plymouth leaves at Exeter St Davids 26th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

26th January 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

43366 43239 0957 Laira to Ely 5Q00 ( for storage) are just about to cross Syafords Bridge, 11th October 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Bath Spa
Guy Vincent

Today (11th October 2023) a further HST set formerly operated by Cross Country left Laira for storage at Ely. Unusually the route taken from Bristol was via Bath Spa to Swindon and I was able to record the sad passage through Bath. The formation of 5Q00 0957 Laira - Ely Papworth Sdgs was 43366 41026 42051 42379 41035 42037 42342 and 43239. A mix of carriages, not a full set as used in service, all fully debranded and in very clean external condition. Hopefully some enterprising operator will realise the worth of this sliding door-equipped stock and make further use of it.

Following recent developments I'll provide another HST fleet update shortly, also observations on redundant rail left by the lineside.

Regards for now. Guy Vincent

Bath Spa 43366 (43239) 5Q00 0957 Laira - Ely Papworth Sdgs. 11th October 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Bath Spa 43239 (led by 43366) 5Q00 0957 Laira - Ely Papworth Sdgs. 11th October 2023. Copyright Guy Vincen

Many thanks Guy.

One more from Martin on holiday.
Teignmouth
Martin Scane

Teignmouth 66165 with 17.18 6C53 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside. 11th October 2023. Copyright Martin Scane.

Many thanks Martin.

Excellent Video
Exe Valley Line
James Bown

https://youtu.be/pm8sWVzzAbU?si=w0MkNOSTi7qFe8Rh Hi Keith. I have just enjoyed this wonderful vintage film of the Exe Valley Line ( Exeter to Dulverton). Filmed in colour it provides a wonderful memory of the workings of this attractive branch line with a good commentary as well. CRS members will be in for a treat. Kind regards James Bown.

Many thanks for the link James - this is an excellent record of services on the Exe Valley - very well worth watching.

North Dorset Rly
An appeal

Dear members, we are approaching the end of the consultation period for our new proposed Riverside car park and would really appreciate if you have not already done so a supportive comment lodged on Dorset’s online Planning system. The reason why we have made this application is that without new car parking North Dorset Railway will not have sufficient space for visitors’ and volunteers’ cars as we continue to develop the potential of the Railway as a visitor attraction and move towards operational passenger-carrying services.. It needn’t take long to do and even a very brief comment will help enormously. We have until 20th October to respond to the Council. Every individual supportive statement will improve our chances of a successful outcome.

The planning application is P/FUL/2023/04880 and can be found at Dorsetcouncil.gov.uk under planning and the link below should take you straight to the application.
Planning application: P/FUL/2023/04880 - dorsetforyou.com (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk)

When making your comments you can mention briefly why you support the proposal for a new car park. It would be fine, for example, to explain what the railway means for you personally (eg as a volunteer perhaps meeting and making friends, learning new skills, or contributing to conserving worthwhile railway heritage, or as a visitor perhaps, enjoying the attraction the station offers for all the family, using its facilities or experiencing its special event days etc).

The important thing to remember is that without this planning permission our future as an active heritage railway will inevitably be severely limited and every positive comment helps.

You can also write to Dorset Council quoting the planning reference but the deadline for your letters is the same as online -20th October.

Many thanks for doing this and thank you to those who have already commented.

NDR Trustee’s

If you feel you can help please do.

<<Previous

Forward>>

Latest News & Features

Archives