Looking over Laira
Jon Hird
Whilst in Plymouth yesterday, I decided to have a look and see if any of the former members of the GWR 'Castle Class' HST's could be seen.
It's my least favourite place to photograph with a drone, as the metal gantryways over the yard really do distract from an image. However, I was in luck as the yard was bare other than the power cars and coaches.
Visible were:
43004 (debranded/nameplates removed)
43093
43198
43042
43156
43189 (debranded)
43092
43098
43186 (debranded/nameplates removed)
43187
43088 (heavily stripped, used as a parts donor)
Interestingly, 43004 and 43093 were formed up as a 2+8 set.
43198 and 43042 were formed up as a 2+4, as were 43156 and 43189.
It's my least favourite place to photograph with a drone, as the metal gantryways over the yard really do distract from an image. However, I was in luck as the yard was bare other than the power cars and coaches.
Visible were:
43004 (debranded/nameplates removed)
43093
43198
43042
43156
43189 (debranded)
43092
43098
43186 (debranded/nameplates removed)
43187
43088 (heavily stripped, used as a parts donor)
Interestingly, 43004 and 43093 were formed up as a 2+8 set.
43198 and 43042 were formed up as a 2+4, as were 43156 and 43189.
An overview of Plymouth Laira with various class 43 power cars and mk3 trailers scattered around. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
De-branded and de-named 43004 in the background with a 2+8 set (43093 on the other end), 43198 nearest the camera. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
43042 and 43156 in the yard at Laira. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
43093 with its distinctive decals at the end of a 2+8 set, and 43098 in the foreground. 28.12.2025, copyright Jon Hird.