A 'celebrity' on the clay
Mark Lynam, Jon Hird, Sam Sheldrick & Clive Smith
Wearing a special promotional livery for the London Transport Museum, GBRf 66718 coasts downgrade past Milltown working the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 17.08.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66718 runs into Lostwithiel with the clay. 17.08.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
The loco running into the down platform at Lostwithiel during the run round manouver. 17.08.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
A number of spectators are visible on the platform in this image as the driver prepares to change ends before running back into the up goods loop at Lostwithiel. 17.08.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
After running round at Lostwithiel, the colourful 66718 catches some sun as it skirts the bottom of Lantyan Woods, with St. Winnow church looking on from the opposite side of the Fowey. 17.08.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
With a change in the weather forecast it was a bit hit and miss with the sun and clouds at Golant compared to the sunshine of the last few weeks. However with the first appearance of 66718 'Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, of Imber in the County of Wiltshire' in its unique striking London Transport livery, it was a case of beggars can't be choosers. It may not return to Cornwall after this week so make the most of it while it's here. 66718 crosses the causeway with the 6G09 12.58 Goonbarrow Junction - Fowey Dock Carne Point clay JIAs. 17.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
66718 passing Golant almost at journeys end. 17.08.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
It's 17.45 and the sun is out and so is the tide. One can't have everything. 66718 powers the 6G05 19.55 Fowey Dock Carne Point empty clay JIAs running 137 minutes early. 17.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
At 1745 66718 passes Golant once again, with the empty wagons returning to Goonbarrow. 17.08.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
A close-up at Golant showing the features of the rather vibrant livery as driver Darrin H heads for Lostwithiel. 17.08.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
66718 runs into the Lostwithiel up goods loop with 6G05. 17.08.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
66718 creeps over Middleway Crossing, St. Blazey. It was held at the signal behind the football club to allow the preceeding GWR service to clear Goonbarrow. 17.08.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks everyone. Nice to see some unique liveries appearing on the clay now that it's in the hands of GBRf.
Then & Now at Milltown
Julian Stephens
Hello Jon,
Your image of today's 6G09 at Milltown reminded me that I had taken some shots from this location twenty six years ago on 20th August 1990.
I had gone out with the intention of recording the afternoon ABS freight service from St. Blazey to Severn Tunnel Junction.
Your image of today's 6G09 at Milltown reminded me that I had taken some shots from this location twenty six years ago on 20th August 1990.
I had gone out with the intention of recording the afternoon ABS freight service from St. Blazey to Severn Tunnel Junction.
First to appear at 16:10hrs. was 47313 with a short rake of CDAs, probably heading to Fowey. 20.08.1990, copyright Julian Stephens.
Ten minutes later I was caught off guard by 47472 storming off the viaduct with what I believe was the Derby Research Train. 20.08.1990, copyright Julian Stephens.
A further five minutes passed and coasting down from Treverrin Tunnel came 47051 (unofficially named Great Snipe) with the STJ working. 20.08.1990, copyright Julian Stephens.
A comparison shot from 26 years later as 66718 leads the JIA's downgrade towards Lostwithiel. See how those trees have grown! 17.08.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks indeed Julian, one of Cornwalls classic locations. Thanks very much for thinking of us and sending over your photos.
The old order at Golant
Roger Geach
All these lovely pictures lately with the sun out and tide in reminds me of numerous occasions when at Golant the tide was out and the sun behind the clouds. Such an occasion is shown above. 66171 with the 1350 Carne Point - Goonbarrow CDA's. 27.02.2015, copyright Roger Geach.
Golant - not always did the train turn up! 66200 light loco, no water in the harbour either. 17.07.2005, copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger - you may not have had the sun or tide for these ones, but you did have a causeway much tidier and with less gorse than we have to contend with nowadays! Most opportunities for shots at road level are now sadly gone.
Monday Test Train
Sam Sheldrick & Mark Lynam
NR test unit 153379 running through Lostwithiel en route to Par. 17.08.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
NR test unit 153379 running through Lostwithiel en route to Par. 17.08.2026, copyright Sam Sheldrick.
Network Rail test unit 153379 parked in Par Liner Sidings. It's due to visit Falmouth and the new loop on the Goss Moor this morning (Tuesday). 17.08.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks both - hopefully its return trip is more successful than the last one!
August 1976
Part 18
Roger Winnen
The Lymington Harbour Branch Line. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The branch train. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Branch Train at Lymington. 03.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.