Colas to the west!
Paul Barlow, David Tozer, Clive Smith, Jon Hird, Tony Shore, Andrea Mant, Andrew Triggs & Roger Winnen.
A late afternoon/early evening rail drop train to Largin Junction (via a run round at Penzance) attracted considerable interest in the South West. Basked in wonderful sunshine for most of its journey, a selection of shots from our contributors are shown below.
70801 1333 Westbury to Largin (via Penzance) passes Cowley Bridge, Exeter. 24.08.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Turkish built Class 70 70801 with the 1333 6C97 Westbury Down T.C to Largin via Penzance passes Exminster. Copyright David Tozer.
Colas 70801 climbs Rattery bank with the 6C97 13.33 Westbury to Largin via Penzance long welded rail infrastructure train. Nice to see a 70 moving in daylight. 24.08.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Now on Cornish soil and in the hands of driver Alan Peters, 70801 drifts past Restormel with the road set into Lostwithiel down loop. 24.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Just around the corner from the previous shot, the train approaches Restormel Farm Overbridge. 24.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
Having been passed by a following GWR service, 70801 comes out of the loop and passes Lostwithiel. 24.08.2025, copyright Tony Shore.
After a signal stop at Par, the 70 makes a fantastic noise as it lifts the train away again up the bank. 24.08.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
70801 powers away from a signal check with the continuously welded rail train at St.Erth station. 24.08.2025, copyright Andrea Mant (With thanks to Jason Snow).
Passing Ponsandane Yard in the late evening sun heading to Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Nearing the end of this leg of its journey, 70801 eases into Penzance past the signal box. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A view of the wagons carrying long lengths of rail for use in the Largin area. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A view from beneath the canopy at Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Following arrival at Platform 1, Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
A side-on shot of the impressively proportioned locomotive at Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks all - a super record of the event. We were spoiled with a train heading west late in the day, with the bonus of some sunshine!
Around Clay Country
Roger Winnen
The 12.05 ex Newquay approaching Bugle. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
The 12.05 from Newquay passing through Bugle Station on 29th September 1974. The CRS Mini Bus is seen awaiting its passengers. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
The Carbis Branch photographed on 29th September 1974. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Looking up to the China Clay spoil tips. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Now looking down to the pit. 29.09.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Stuck in a loop
Andrew Hickson
66054 with the down empty JIA's waiting in Dawlish Warren loop. 23.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
166210 calls with the 1153 Paignton - Exmouth Service. 23.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
66054 finally gets the road and heads west. 23.08.2025, copyright Andrew Hickson.
Great shots Andrew, many thanks for sending them in.
Exminster Castle
David Tozer
43156 + GW09 48137 48126 48136 49109 + 43186 with the 1C32 15:27 Exeter St David’s – Penzance. 24.08.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Thanks very much Dave.
Swindon Scenes & Steam
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
1Z28 [Victoria to Worcester] organised by the Railway Touring Company. Steam locomotive immaculate 35028 'Clan Line' [due to stop for staffing purposes but gilded slowly non-stop alongside platform 3. It will come off this train when it reverses at Gloucester. The train will return later this evening non-stop through platform 1. 23.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
The WCRC Class 47 on the rear. 24.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
Northolt Sidings to Severnside Sita train carrying London's waste [and passengers on platform 4 could smell it!!] speeds past. 23.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
The GOLDEN ARROW organised by the Railway Touring Company passing non-stop alongside platform 1. It was 9 minutes LATE passing. The following IET was not photographed BUT my wife and I had a nice chat with its driver who was not aware that a steam special MIGHT hold him up. 23.08.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.
35028 approaching Swindon with 'The Golden Arrow'. 23.08.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Lovely to see 35028 - many thanks, chaps.