Empty Clays
Ian Thomas & Paul Barlow
Yet another hot day in this summer of 2026, and I picked up the clays running at a decent time today and with 66-718 'SIR PETER HENDY' at the helm. It is seen here pasing Cam & Dursley 13 minutes early with 6V72, the 13.17. Cliffe Vale-Goonbarrow clay empties. The train was booked into Cheltenham, Lansdown, Haresfield and Charfield loops, but ran past three, primarily because 1V60, th 08.20 Aberdeen to Plymouth was running 38 late. 14.08.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.
66718 working the 1317 Cliffe Vale to Goonbarrow 6V72 passes over Exwick flood relief channel, Exeter. 14.08.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Ian and Paul.. certainly a new livery for us down here in Cornwall!
Torbay Diesel Bonanza
Clive Smith
It was all happening in Torbay on Thursday, with the Northern Belle Pullman, the Midland Pullman blue HST ECS and two class 37s replacing steam in the Paignton & Dartmouth in the afternoon.
Looking a bit of a mess, maroon West Coast 57314 top and tails with 57601 on the 1Z68 08.19 Birmingham International - Paignton Northern Belle Pullman as it crosses into Paignton station. 13.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Lovely to see Goodrington Sidings very full. 800313 works the 5A87 12.41 Torquay - Torquay ECS omitting the Paignton stop of the service to Paddington due to restrictions at the station following the recent fire. 57601 is seen on the Northern Belle ECS and 43055 & 43050 wait to depart with the 5Z34 13.58 Goodrington C.H.S - Crewe H.S.ECS. 13.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Heavyweight 37703 passes Goodrington beach with the 15.00 Paignton - Kingswear as the temperature hit 31C in Torbay. 13.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
37703 failed on the 17.15 Kingswear - Paignton after departure and was rescued by 37275 which was sent light from Paignton. The pair pass Waterside at 18.10 on a glorious evening. 13.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
A super mix Clive - many thanks indeed.
The last green Peak
Roger Fletcher
D165, the last green peak, at Bristol Temple Meads heading south on 17.06.1972. Copyright Roger Fletcher.
Many thanks indeed Roger.
Re: D1041
Michael Adams
Roger Winnen's lovely picture of 'Western Prince 'at Penzance in 1976 has prompted Michael Adams to send his picture of the loco.at Swindon works on 19 May 1979. It was withdrawn in February 1977 and is now under restoration at the East Lancashire Railway. Copyright Michael Adams.
Many thanks to Michael A and also to Michael F for sending this one over to us.
Frome Crompton
Paul Barlow
33015 waits at Frome with the 1715 Cardiff to Weymouth. 04.09.1982, copyright Paul Barlow.
A classic scene, many thanks Paul.
August 1976
Part 15
Roger Winnen
Southern Set 433 at Bournemouth. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
et 422 at Bournemouth Station. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Bournemouth Station. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Brokenhurst Station. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.