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November 30th 2024

30/11/2024

 

Emergency repairs mean Newquay line will be closed for at least a week

'Network Rail is advising passengers that the Newquay line in Cornwall will be closed until at least Friday 6 December while emergency repairs are carried out.

Engineers working on the line discovered that a significant amount of ballast - the stones which hold the tracks in place - near St Blazey, had become displaced and as a result repairs must be carried out before trains can run again.

The line is currently shut while engineers lay new track into Newquay station as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro project and was due to reopen on Sunday 1 December. The issue with the ballast is not related to this planned engineering work, which is running on schedule.
​

Passengers are advised that rail replacement services currently operating during the engineering work will continue to the same timetable. These have been updated in industry systems and will be available from Saturday 30 November.'
​
Further reading available on the Network Rail media centre - click here.
Picture
Washed out earthworks near Prideaux Viaduct, Ponts Mill. Image from the Network Rail Media Centre.

St. Blazey Bridge Crossing
Tony Shore

Picture
Whilst the Newquay branch is closed to traffic, it seems that the opportunity to carry out some work on the crossing at St. Blazey bridge has been seized. The road is closed until Saturday 30.11.2024. Copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Network Rail contractors have lifted the sections of covering which make up the crossing, exposing the rails. 29.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
The worksite on the A390, outside Highway Garage. 29.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks Tony - a good use of time with the line being closed.

Steam to Par - June 2014
Part 1
Roger Winnen

Picture
29.06.2014 - 45407 passing the site of the former Mutley Station on its approach to Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Picture
29.06.2014 - Glorious sunshine at Plymouth with Black Five The Lancashire Fusilier. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
29.06.2014 - The motion and the nameplate with the engine sitting at Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
29.06.2014 - Rounding the curve at Lostwithiel 45407. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
29.06.2014 - Gaining access to St Blazey after unloading its passengers at Par Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Thanks Roger - more tomorrow

'The Stoneliner'
Jon Hird

Picture
Freightliners 66525 works a train of empty wagons through Dockyard on 02.09.2005. This was in connection with a short-lived traffic flow, bringing stone to Burngullow to create a virtual quarry. The trains would occasionally feature a 'Stoneliner' headboard. Copyright Jon Hird.

Friday morning at Swindon
Ken Mumford

Picture
6Q75 [Swindon Transfer to Slough] arrived at platform 3 and stayed there for some 5 minutes while the crew changed driving ends. In Swindon (Cockleberry Sidings) was 5L13 which had its white front lights on for quite some time awaiting its time to head to platform 1. 29.11.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
Station Announcer, "FAST train approaching platform 4 DOES NOT STOP here." This train [5Z74 - unit 166207 - [Didcot Parkway to Bristol (Temple Meads)] was NOT FAST approaching platform 4 and DID STOP there for a few minutes! SO DID it leave 13 EARLY westwards though Real Train Times indicated that it PASSED THROUGH the station!! 29.11.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
5L13 consisting of units 387160 and 387148 - now makes its move from the sidings [see photo [1]] to form 1L13 [Swindon to Paddington] which was cancelled between Cardiff and Swindon because of flooding. Coming into platform 4 I'm not too sure because 5L13s journey from the sidings into platform 1 is not too clear - or is it me?? 29.11.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
FAST train approaching - does not stop. This announcement was 100% correct! 66563 hauling 6V53 [Oxford (Banbury Road) to Stoke Gifford] running 3 EARLY with its driver giving me more than one blast on its hooters which I acknowledged the correct way i.e. left hand held up high, no other gestures - honestly!! 29.11.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken, nice pics - and the sun was out for you.

November 29th 2024

29/11/2024

 

GWR Saddle Tank 1363
Peter Murnaghan

I have just found a picture, taken in my younger, trainspotting days.

It may not be the sharpest picture, but it shows 0-6-0ST no. 1363 at Laira on 26th August 1964.  My notes on the back of the print say that it moved the very next day to Totnes, under its own power, to be restored by members of the Great Western Society.  Some years later, it moved to Bodmin and later to Didcot, where it operated for a while, and then becoming a static display.  It was taken in for a complete overhaul at Didcot in 2014, to restore it to full working order, once again.

The loco is of great interest to those of us in South East Cornwall, as it was based at Moorswater shed in 1915, operating the 2 or 3 trains per week hauling granite from Cheesewring Quarry down  to Looe as well as recovered material from the Phoenix United copper mine.  Having worked in the closing months of the Liskeard & Caradon line, the loco was transferred to St Blazey in September 1916, later transferring to Plymouth to work in Millbay Docks and the lines around Sutton Harbour.  In 1949, it briefly worked on the Weymouth Harbour Tramway.
Picture
GWR 1363 at Laira on 26.08.1964. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.
Many thanks indeed Peter, for sharing this one with us - a fantastic photograph of a locomotive with a very local connection. Wonderful!

1363 at St Blazey Open Day  1970
Roger Winnen

Picture
700502b 1363 at the St Blazey Open Day. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
700502c 1363 at the Coal Stage St Blazey Open Day.. Copyright Roger Winnen
1363 is also seen running at Bodmiin during a Great Western Society event prior to its move to Didcot
Picture
720902a 1363 near Walker Lines Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
720902b 1363 near Walker Lines Bodmin. Copyright Roger Winnen

Treviscoe Departure
Jon Hird

Picture
In a momentary spell of sunshine 66131 departs Treviscoe with 7 JIA's, running as 6C10. Unusually, earlier in the day, the train had run round at the disused terminus of the line at Parkandillack. 28.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Evening Steam
Ken Mumford

Picture
With its lamps illuminating the steam, 44871 stands at Swindon with a returning railtour on 27.11.2024. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
At least the crew will be kept warm on a cold winters night! 27.11.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
Freightliners 66596 also putting in an after hours appearance at Swindon. 27.11.2024, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks as always, Ken - hope you were wrapped up warm.

November 28th 2024

28/11/2024

 

Laira 'ins and outs'

News recently broke that 3 ex-First Great Western class 43 power cars were to leave Plymouth Laira Depot, for the Plym Valley Railway. 

Power car 43063 is understood to be destined for preservation, whilst sister 43161 has been provided as a source of spare parts, and will be broken up on site at Plym Valley over winter.

Neither power car has a power unit fitted.

Also sent to the Plym Valley Railway for very short term storage is 43091, it is understood that this power car will depart for onwards transport to a new, unknown, home over the next few days.

With all that room, Laira have today (27.11.2024) taken delivery of the first of the ex-Transport For Wales class 175 DMU's, which it is understood will phase out the use of the remaining short-formed HST sets. Unit number 175002 was delivered to Laira under the cover of darkness in the early hours of 27.11.2024 by two class 37 locomotives.

Our congratulations to the Plym Valley for securing one of these iconic locomotives for preservation.
Picture
Plym Valley power cars on 26.11.2024, at Marsh Mills. Copyright Plym Valley Railway.
A YouTube video showing the arrival of the first class 175 to Laira.

Heathfield washout
Sam Ryder

Picture
The mothballed Heathfield Branch at Newton Abbot has been a victim of Storm Bert, with a large amount of the earthworks washed away leaving the rails suspended over the flooded steam. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Picture
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Picture
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Picture
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Picture
Washed-out earthworks on the Heathfield branch. 27.11.2024, copyright Sam Ryder.
Many thanks for sending in your photos, Sam - a sad sight. I wonder what will become of the branch - surely (and sadly) the appetite to rebuild it will not be there?

St. Blazey Scenes
Jon Hird & Tony Shore

Picture
66131 waits at Par Harbour crossing with 11 loaded JIA's from the harbour. The train would later work to Exeter Riverside as 6C10. 27.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
66131 waits for the crossing gates to be closed to road traffic, so that it can proceed. 27.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Not long after 6C10 had departed, the railhead treatment train arrived with 66179 and 66154. 66152 is parked outside the wagon repair shop, various JIA wagons are scattered around as well as the ill-fated JGA wagons. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
After reversing at the signal box, 66154 leads the train into the yard for servicing. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
The RHTT continues past the turntable towards the harbour crossing. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
The train had to go up to (but not over) the harbour crossing to access the servicing point. 27.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks Tony, nice to see you earlier.

Creech St Michael
Bill Elston
Picture
Good afternoon, Roger, There was an ecs move today from Laira to Derby RTC This was operated by Rail Operations Group 37510 and large logo 37407 t/t mode and is seen passing Creech st Michael. Best wishes, Bill Elston
Many Thanks Bill

Swindon Steam
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

Good afternoon friends,

I thought that I was going to miss this morning's (27.11.2024) steam train BUT I did see it about to pass under Swindon Road roadbridge  a mile or so east of Swindon station.

However it wasn't pulled by 35028 'Clan Line' but by a slightly less powerful steam locomotive - 44871.  At the back was a diesel-electric locomotive [47812] which would be of great use later in that train's journey to Cardiff in South Wales.
Picture
Steam train [pulled by steam locomotive No. 44871] approaching the road bridge over the railway near Stratton Green [Swindon Road]. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
Diesel-electric locomotive No. 47812 bringing up the rear. Copyright Ken Mumford.
Picture
The steam train [after having stopped over the County Road bridge awaiting a platform space] crosses over from the DOWN MAIN to enter alongside platform 3. NOTE the driver looking out of the cab. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Picture
The complete train alongside the platform where there was a crew change. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Picture
The train crosses from platform 3 to the DOWN MAIN with the diesel [47812] at the rear - leaving 11 LATE. Copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks Ken & Colin - a great set of photos.

November 27th 2024

27/11/2024

 
Trains to Newquay Midsommar 1978
Roger Winnen
Picture
780625b 50016 Barham on a Newquay servive at Par. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625c 50016 Barham passing a DMU at St Dennis Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625d 47001 and three trains at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625f 47001 ont he 08.45 Newquay to Manchester. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625g Newquay Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625i Arrival at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625j 50050 Running around at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625k A Peak arrival at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625kk Class 50 50007 on the 10.05 departure from Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
780625m 10.05 from Newquay at Tolcarne Crossing. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sulzers in Somerset
Paul Barlow

Picture
24.08.1996 - 33202 & 33208 with the 0900 Paddington to Minehead 'Quantock Crompton' tour at Crowcombe. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
24.08.1996 - 33202 & 33208 leave Crowcombe on the 0900 Paddington to Minehead 'Quantock Crompton' tour. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
24.08.1996 - D7523, 33208 & 33202 working the 1653 Minehead to Paddington leave Minehead. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks as always, Paul

Going over Gover
Jon Hird

Picture
43198 + 43186 power over Gover viaduct with a late-running 2C68 on 26.11.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

November 26th 2024

26/11/2024

 

Newquay Developments
Jon Hird

Picture
66727 stands at Newquay on the evening of 24.11.2024, having arrived from Westbury with an engineers train. Copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
Rails have now been laid into the 'new' platform 1 and RRV/Road Rail Vehicles were using them to move up and down the worksite. 24.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
A view from above the station canopy. 24.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
66787 at the opposite end of the engineers train and an RRV. 24.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
The new point at the station throat. 24.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

Devon 'Peaks'
Paul Barlow &  Michael Forward

Picture
21.10.1980 - 46035 arrives at Exeter on the 0637 Leeds to Paignton 1V67. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
30.10.1980 - 46009 and 50012 on a down freight approach Exeter St Thomas. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
More Peaks,firstly 45049 at Newton Abbot on 7 July 1984 with the 08.21 Bradford to Paignton. Best wishes and Copyright ,Micha Forward
Many thanks as always, Paul & Michael

St. Blazey Scenes
Tony Shore

Picture
66154 and 66152 on the RHTT reverse up near the Par Harbour road crossing on 25.11.2024. Copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
66179 has been recently replaced by 66152. 179 is left on St. Blazey. 25.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
A GWR box van and an 0-4-0 Fowler shunter near the turntable, under the care of M Power Kernow. 25.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Brake testing sign on the GWR van. 25.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Fowler 0-4-0 shunter 'Peter' at St. Blazey. 25.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Fowler 0-4-0 shunter 'Peter' at St. Blazey. 25.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks, Tony

Class 33s
Michael Adams
Picture
Hello Roger, I hope you all survived the storm,plenty of wind and rain here but nothing out of the ordinary for November. Here are two pictures from Michael from the 1980s oc class 33s. Firstly we see a Class 33 at Salisbury with the 16.15 Portsmouth Harbour to Cardiff train on 4 July 1981. Copyright Michael Adams
Picture
Roger, Now we see 33113 arriving at Salisbury with the 16.38 Waterloo to Exeter service on 23 April 1985. It looks as if the semaphores will soon go. Thanks and best wishes, Michael Copyright Michael Adams .
Many Thanks Michael

November 25th 2024

25/11/2024

 
New Tracks at Newquay
Jason Prole
Picture
66562 and 66596 arrived into Newquay on Saturday 23rd November 2024 at 21.40 with 6Y44, 10.19 Westbury Yard - Goonbarrow Junction. The train is pictured standing on the new platform line, with 66596 on the new point, while sleepers and ballast were unloaded. Copyright Jason Prole.
Many Thanks Jason

Newquay Signalling
Alan Peters

Picture
A look at the signalling on the last day of operation of Newquay Signal Box on 5/10/87. Copyright Alan Peters.
Picture
In comparison, a diagram of how the new signalling at Newquay will look, which will be operated from Goonbarrow Junction. With thanks to Alan Peters.
Many thanks indeed, Alan - exciting times for Newquay station!

The Newquay Branch
December 1976
Roger Winnen

Picture
04.12.1976 - D1056 Western Sultan passes through St Columb Road Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - D1056 Western Sultan passes through St Columb Road Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - Crossing Gates at St Columb Road. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - Western China Clay at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - Western China Clay at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - Western China Clay at Newquay. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - D1056 Western Sultan passes Luxulyan Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
04.12.1976 - D1056 Western Sultan passes Luxulyan Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
D1023 Western Fusilier seen at Golant. Copyright Roger Winnen

Newquay Engineers
Tony Shore & Jon Hird

Picture
Freightliners 66596 top and tailed with 66562 pass Bugle station whilst working from Newquay to Goonbarrow, where they would form 6Y44 - 15.00 Goonbarrow -Westbury. 24.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Freightliners 66596 top and tailed with 66562 pass Bugle station whilst working from Newquay to Goonbarrow, where they would form 6Y44 - 15.00 Goonbarrow -Westbury. 24.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
66562 bringing up the rear of the train. 24.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
66562 bringing up the rear of the train. 24.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
A quick photograph taken in passing of the train arriving at Par, with a couple of photographers on the platform recording the occassion. It would wait here for several hours before departing for Westbury, its journey being delayed by flooding of the line in Devon. 24.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks, Tony

November 24th 2024

24/11/2024

 

Molinnis Crossing
Tony Shore

Picture
GBRF's 66787 TNT with 66727 working through the possession between Newquay and Goonbarrow, seen crossing Molinnis crossing at Bugle. They would then go on to work 6G73 15.54 Goonbarrow -Westbury, which departed Goonbarrow at 11.30 - 264 minutes early. 23.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Notices had been placed around the crossing advising motorists that the road would be closed on 23.11.2024. Traffic was being let across, but operatives were present with stop/go boards. 23.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Maritime blue 66727 brings up the rear of the engineers train. 23.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks, Tony

A grey day at Teignmouth
Martin Scane

Picture
Here’s the 8-34 service to Paignton (ex Exmouth) arriving at a rather damp Teignmouth this morning as I await my train to Bristol. 23.11.2024, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks, Martin - lovely weather for ducks.

RHTT loco swap
Jon Hird

Picture
Whilst out and about last night (22.11.2024), I stopped in at Par to see the RHTT quickly before it departed for Penzance. I was surprised to see that 66179 has been swapped for 66152 since I last saw it. 66152 has been working from St. Blazey since late August. 3S11 waits for the GWR IET on the right to depart before it could in turn depart for Penzance. 22.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
66154 remains on the other end of the train. 22.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
Par for trains to Newquay (but not this week, the line's closed!). 22.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

November 23rd 2024

23/11/2024

 

Mid Cornwall Metro Progress
Tony Shore & Jon Hird

Picture
A busy scene at Newquay station where work is underway to relay the rails into the former Platform 1 as part of 'The Mid Cornwall Metro' project. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
The view from the station forecourt at Newquay - access to the platforms is restricted.22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
A rail replacement bus calls at Newquay station. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
A view from a crossing near St. Dennis junction, where work is underway to reinstate a passing loop. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
A view from a crossing near St. Dennis junction, where work is underway to reinstate a passing loop. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Comms setup on The Goss Moor. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
At Goonbarrow Junction, clearance work has been undertaken opposite the signalbox and a concrete base has been poured. 22.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
At Bugle station we see Freightliners 66568 top and tailing with 66419 whilst on their way to Goonbarrow from Newquay, prior to working 6Y61 16.00 Goonbarrow - Westbury. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
Loaded wagons. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
66419 brings up the rear of the slow moving train. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
66419 brings up the rear of the slow moving train. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Picture
The train heads on towards Goonbarrow. Note the length of platform at Bugle which has been allowed to return to nature - a sad scene. 22.11.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks for braving the cold, Tony - glad you were eventually rewarded with a train.

Penzance Peaks
Paul Barlow

Picture
19.03.1983 - 45129 has just arrived at Penzance with the 1020 from Plymouth. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
19.03.1983 - 45110 stabled at Penzance. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
26.03.1983 - 45144 stabled at Penzance. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
26.06.1983 - Another view of 45144 at Penzance. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Great to see the Peaks, many thanks Paul

November Sun
Jon Hird

Picture
Lots to see in this busy photograph of 43186 and 43198 approaching St. Austell with 2P15 on 21.11.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.

November 22nd 2024

22/11/2024

 
50 Years Ago
​
Boxing Day Penzance
Roger Winnen
Picture
741226b Boxing Day D1069 Western Vanguard on shed Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
741226c Boxing Day47489 at Long Rock Shed. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
741226d D1025 Western Guardsman on 12.40 Penzance to Paddington. Copyright Roger Winnen
Picture
7401226a Boxing Day D1057 Western Chieftain at Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Sulzers by night
Paul Barlow

Picture
18.03.1983 - 47076 City of Truro works the Fridays only 1752 Paddington to Penzance, seen at Exeter St Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
18.03.1983 - 33006 has worked a Paignton to Exeter St Davids stopper service. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Picture
18.03.1983 - 33013 at Exeter St. Davids with the 1830 Meldon to Salisbury stone train. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks, Paul - great shots.

Freightliner at Newquay
Jason Prole

Picture
Unfortunately, this was the only shot I could get I'm afraid, due to the position of the sun and the fact I was nearly on my 12th hour of my shift and was making a quick exit to the hotel! □ 66585 with (Wednesday's) 6Y60, 23.24 Westbury Yard - Goonbarrow Junction after arriving into Newquay on Thursday 21st November 2024 around 11.40am. Copyright Jason Prole (Taunton Freightliner Driver)
Many thanks, Jason. Hope they found you a nice hotel after that shift!

Summer Saturdays 2004
Jon Hird

Picture
In summer 2004, Virgin Trains, having retired their HST fleet the previous year, found themselves in a situation where they didn't have nearly enough stock to run their services. As well as hiring in HST's, they also hired in class 67's and mk2 stock to run cross country services to Paignton. 67027 is seen on departing from Dawlish with such a working, the 08:43 Paignton - Preston, on 31.07.2004. Copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
By August I had upgraded my camera and on 21.08.2004 I managed to capture this much clearer photograph of 67018 passing Torquay with 1V15, the 07.08 York - Paignton. Copyright Jon Hird.

November 21st 2024

21/11/2024

 

Goonbarrow Engineers

Over the next few days, Goonbarrow Junction will see a number of engineers trains pass through. It is the end of the blockade on the Newquay branch, so these trains could end up anywhere on the line between Newquay and Goonbarrow.

20.11.2024
6Y60 2324 Westbury Down T.C. to Goonbarrow Jn (Freightliner)

21.11.2024
6Y61 1625 Westbury Down T.C. to Goonbarrow Jn (Freightliner)
6Y60 2200 Goonbarrow Jn to Westbury Down T.C. (Freightliner)

22.11.2024
6Y61 1600 Goonbarrow Jn to Westbury Down T.C.​ (Freightliner)
6G73 1714 Westbury Down T.C. to Goonbarrow Jn (GBRF)

23.11.2024
6Y44 1019 Westbury Down T.C. to Goonbarrow Jn (Freightliner)
​6G73 1554 Goonbarrow Jn to Westbury Down T.C. (GBRF)
​
​​6Y44 1500 Goonbarrow Jn to Westbury Down T.C. (Freightliner)
​6Y45 1828 Westbury Down T.C. to Goonbarrow Jn (Freightliner)

25.11.2024
6G74 0900 Goonbarrow Jn to Westbury Down T.C. (GBRF)
6Y45 1505 Goonbarrow Jn to Westbury Down T.C. (Freightliner)

Sadly the weekend weather looks abysmal, but if you decide to brave it and go out for a photo, please send them in! [email protected].

St. Pinnock
Jon Hird

Picture
Yesterday, the light looked pretty good, so I took a trip over to Largin to capture a few trains. Sadly the sun had dropped too low, and the viaduct was in shadow, so I quickly changed course and went to St. Pinnock viaduct instead. I was waiting for the Par - Exeter clay and got in position, and was surprised when from the opposite direction came 66179 and 66154 with the RHTT. 20.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Picture
Just a few minutes later, from the opposite direction, came 66131 with 6C10, clay from Par Harbour going to Exeter Riverside, for later transport on to Cliffe Vale. The sun was being swallowed by a cloud, but it hung out just long enough to light up the train and viaduct. 20.11.2024, copyright Jon Hird.

A day on the Castles
Trevor Tremethick
Hello Keith and Roger

I teamed up with an old Naval mate, Graham, for a trip down to Penzance on Castle HSTs while we can. We saw three sets in use:

·       Set GW06 43004 +  43187
·       Set GW08 43198 + 43186
·       Set GW09 43093 + 43188
We boarded set GW08 forming the 1042 from Plymouth; this had been preceded by set GW06 on the 1015 departure. At Penzance, we found set GW06  which gave the opportunity to photograph 43186 Taunton Castle and 43004 Caerphilly Castle together.
This gave us about an hour and ten minutes to get a pasty and a cup of tea from the kiosk outside Penzance station (what a lovely lady). After which, it was the 1350 back to Plymouth (set GW09). The driver of 43093 Berkeley Castle gave me a friendly wave as I photographed the locomotive and I was able to catch him for a thank-you after an excellent run back to North Road.
What struck me particularly was how pleasant everyone was (perhaps increasingly rare these days). From the lady in the ticket office at Plymouth to the 'pasty lady' in Penzance and finally the driver of Berkeley Castle.  All trains spotlessly clean and bang on time too.
Regards
Trevor

Picture
1042 Plymouth to PZ by Castle HST 43186 on rear at North Road Plat 7, 19.11.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Picture
43186 (left) and 43004 (right) at Penzance, 19.11.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Picture
43198 at the buffers in PZ, 19.11.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Picture
43188 'Newport Castle'Enters PZ with 1142 from Plymouth 19.11.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Picture
43093 waiting to leave PZ with 1350 to Plymouth 19.11.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Picture
43093 on arrival, North Road, 1350 from PZ. 19.11.2024. Copyright Trevor Tremethick
Many Thanks Trevor

Arena Park
David Tozer

I had a tip off that 66787 'Three Bridges ASC has passed Pinhoe at 0830am. A quick dash to Arena Park, the old Devon County Show ground site in Exeter found the 0955 6G14 Pinhoe to Westbury Down T.C waiting for permission to leave the possession zone. Two PW staff were waiting to remove the warning lights etc.

This was the first train to actually run early. Mind you it was not released until the scheduled departure time.

The sun made photography difficult.
Picture
66787 at Arena Park 20.11.2024. Copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks David - the sun's always there when you don't want it, never there when you do!
Wick on the Somerset Levels
Beckoned today for the 0955 Pinhoe to Westbury 6G14 engineers' working.
This was headed by GBRf  66787, and was running about an hour early.  Oath farm is in the background.

Best wishes Copyright Bill Elston

Picture
Many Thanks Bill
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