Fowey Docks - Par Harbour
Via Pinnock Tunnel
Jon Hird
Thursday brought an unusual opportunity to travel from Fowey to Par via the Imerys private haul road, which utilises the track bed of the former St. Blazey - Fowey branch, through the impressive Pinnock Tunnel.
The opportunity came about as part of the Fowey Regatta Weeks Classic Car show.
Please click the red 'play' button on the thumbnail image below to start the video, which is about 9 minutes long.
The opportunity came about as part of the Fowey Regatta Weeks Classic Car show.
Please click the red 'play' button on the thumbnail image below to start the video, which is about 9 minutes long.
Green Down, Somerton
Andrew Hickson
During the first heatwave in late June, I visited the Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve at Green Down near Somerton. At one end of the reserve, I was most surprised to come across this brick built structure which was constructed to store gunpowder and lamp oil during the construction of the nearby railway and Somerton Tunnel situated between Taunton and Castle Cary. In recent years, aided by funding from the National Lottery and the County Council, it has been restored. Was it common practice of railway companies to build such features and are there any other survivors in the South west? Copyright Andrew Hickson.
What an interesting structure and a remarkable survivor - many thanks indeed Andrew. Perhaps somebody may know the answer to your question - I certainly hope so - if you do, please drop us an email - [email protected]
Treviscoe Clay
Jon Hird, Mark Lynam & Clive Smith
I was asked this week to collect some aerial images of Treviscoe, which is having some work done. On a typically grey and grim morning, 66718 waits outside one of the linhays whilst its train of JIA's are loaded. The roof of this shed is slowly being cleared of the moss/grass which has been growing on it for the last few decades. 20.08.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
A late departure was planned in advance for Thursday, due to the amount of wagons to be loaded at Treviscoe, the most the facility has handled for some time, and that's exactly what happened. Running around 50 minutes behind its booked time, 66718 crosses East Largin Viaduct with 6M53, heading for Stoke. 20.08.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
GBRf London Transport Museum liveried 66718 passes Western Beacon at Ivybridge with the hour late 6M53 11.46 Parkandillack - Cliffe Vale clay JIAs starting from Treviscoe. 20.08.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks to you both - we will wait with anticipation to see which '66' we are sent next!
Southern Route Testing
Paul Barlow
43013 & 43014 working the 0553 Reading to Salisbury 1Q23 test train pass St James Park Halt, Exeter. 20.08.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
The going-away shot - 43013 & 43014 working the 0553 Reading to Salisbury 1Q23 test train pass St James Park Halt, Exeter. 20.08.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - I don't believe we've seen a matching pair of 'buffered' power cars on the train for a while.
Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford
6J02 waiting at signals with 66 658 in the background. 20.08.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Close up of 66 658 shunting back towards Swindon Stores. According to RTT 66 658 arrived in Swindon that morning at 7.05 from Boston Sleaford Sidings with 6V15. 20.08.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Creeping up the UML is 66517 with 4L33 with its brakes screeching so loudly that a little girl holds her hands over her ears and cuddles up to her Mummy! BUT what is that white tube which has been hanging out of that window for many days? 20.08.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Not your usual photo maybe! A 5-car unidentified IET entering platform 3 is framed between containers on either side of empty wagons of 4L33! 20.08.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken - certainly looks a busy place.
The Midland Pullman
Ian Thomas
The MIDLAND PULLMAN HST passes Cam & Dursley with the 16.50 Paignton-Wrexham return charter, 1Z40. 19.08.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks Ian.
August 1976
Part 21
Roger Winnen
D1048 Western Lady arrives at Penzance with the cleaners in attendance. 27.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1010 Western Campaigner at the buffer stops, notice the engine release crossover. 27.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1010 Western Campaigner departs with an afternoon express. 27.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1048 Western Lady backing in its train. 27.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1048 Western Lady departs Penzance. 27.08.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.