GWR HST Finale
Feature Available
I'm sorry to keep filling the 'news' page with 'Castle Class' nostalgia, but the feature we promised you is now ready.
Please click here to read/view.
Take a virtual journey with us through Devon and Cornwall as we follow, service by service, the final day of GWR HST operations. The story unfolds through a series of images, allowing you to trace the events of the 13th from sunrise right through to almost midnight as you scroll down the page.
Our sincere thanks once again to everyone who contributed material for this article. We hope you enjoy it.
Please click here to read/view.
Take a virtual journey with us through Devon and Cornwall as we follow, service by service, the final day of GWR HST operations. The story unfolds through a series of images, allowing you to trace the events of the 13th from sunrise right through to almost midnight as you scroll down the page.
Our sincere thanks once again to everyone who contributed material for this article. We hope you enjoy it.
The last day of Castle Class HST's. Copyright Clive Smith.
'The new order'
Jon Hird & Mark Lynam
175001 becomes the first of its class to work a revenue-earning service under GWR’s custodianship. It's pictured calling at St. Austell with the 1340 Plymouth - Penzance on 15.12.2025. Copyright Jon Hird.
175001 calls at Redruth with the 1340 Plymouth - Penzance. 15.12.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Arrival at Penzance. A stark contrast to the photographs from the weekend where moving around the platforms was difficult due to the amount of enthusiasts! 15.12.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
175001 waits to depart back to Plymouth with 2P21, the 1552 Penzance - Plymouth. 15.12.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark.
Mark remarks that the 'new' trains are very comfortable to ride in, and a number of crew members have also sang their praises. Let's hope that they serve GWR as well as their predecessors have - big boots to fill!
Mark remarks that the 'new' trains are very comfortable to ride in, and a number of crew members have also sang their praises. Let's hope that they serve GWR as well as their predecessors have - big boots to fill!
50 years ago in the westcountry
Part 1
Roger Winnen
A Class 33 heads an Exeter St David's to London Waterloo through St James's Park, Exeter. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Class 33 arrives at Exeter St David's with a working from London Waterloo. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
A DMU drops down from Exeter Central to Exeter St Davids. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Hastings Unit forms the Exeter St. David's to Brighton service. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
The down Cornishman at Exeter St David's hauled by a Peak. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Cross Country Unit approaching Exeter St Davids on a working from Exmouth. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
The old water tank at Exeter St Davids Station, since demolished when the new signalling centre opened. 27.12.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.