50 years ago - diesel hydraulic dusk
Ian Thomas
Here is one fromalmost exactly 50 years ago..It shows D1028 'WESTERN HUSSAR' arriving at Reading with the 1028 Birmingham New Street to London Paddington service, which was by then formed of MK 2 a.b.c air braked coaches. At that time all London-West Of England services were formed of air-braked MK 2 stock, MK 2 d.e.f. (air-conditioned) coaches were employed on Paddington-South Wales/Bristol/Weston-super-Mare services. This all changed as the HST`s were about to make their debut in October 1976. Copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks Ian. And there we all were 49 years later mouring the loss of the HST's which (partially) replaced them. Time moves fast.
WSR Hydraulic Action
Clive Smith
A lovely scene at Watchet station on Saturday 8th August as Hymek diesel hydraulic D7017 departs with the 12.25 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead. This was one of the many diesel running dates the West Somerset Railway operates in the summer and is not connected with any steam ban due the continuing heatwaves/droughts. The steam was operating with 7828 'Odney Manor'. Most of the dates are operated by two of the class 33s based here or the class 14 and maybe the class 115 DMU. Best to check on the DEPG website. The Hymek has only been pencilled in for just two weekends . The Bristol Channel can be seen above the footbridge and the island of Steepholm, though it could be Flatholme. 08.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
D7017 arrives at Watchet with the 14.30 Minehead - Bishops Lydeard. 08.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
D7017 at Bishops Lydeard. 08.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
A good weekend for heritage diesels here in the westcountry - many thanks, Clive.
Re: 37703
Roger Geach
Nice to see 37703 out and about on the Paignton–Kingswear line. Did anyone see it in Cornwall when it was a South Wales loco? I’ve enclosed a photo of it working the 09:30 Coedbach to Immingham coal service at Pilning on 25 May 1993, not long after emerging from the Severn Tunnel. This service regularly ran on a Saturday and was routed via Didcot and Banbury to the Birmingham area. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger, a smashing photo and a good challenge for our readers - did anybody cop this loco in Cornwall in years gone by? Let us know!
Britannic Blues
Clive Smith
Finally ! Britannic Explorer liveried 66748 gets to lead the 1Z06 09.40 Lostwithiel Goods Loop - Bruton via Fowey Dock Carne Point 'Britannic Explorer'. The train is seen passing Ivybridge. 09.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
The partypooper GBRf liveried 66744 is relegated to the rear. This loco is normally leading the working away from Cornwall. 09.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Great stuff Clive - nice to see 748 leading for a change. Many thanks.
August 1976
Part 10
Roger Winnen
Gosport Station remains. 01.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gosport Station remains. 01.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Gosport Station remains. 01.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.