Breaking new ground!
The first Cl.175 to Newquay
Jon Hird & Mark Lynam
After many months of writing articles concerning 'lasts', it's nice to finally be able to cover a 'first'!
Yesterday, 175002 became the first of its class to visit Newquay - and indeed any of the south western branch lines.
The unit worked a Plymouth - Par (via Newquay) proving/clearance/training trip.
There are due to be further class 175 visits to Newquay today, 23.02. These are:
5Z21 0622 Plymouth to Newquay (via Penzance)
5Z22 1219 Newquay to Plymouth
5Z23 1423 Plymouth to Par (via Newquay)
If you head out to photograph these workings, please send your pictures in for us to share!
Yesterday, 175002 became the first of its class to visit Newquay - and indeed any of the south western branch lines.
The unit worked a Plymouth - Par (via Newquay) proving/clearance/training trip.
There are due to be further class 175 visits to Newquay today, 23.02. These are:
5Z21 0622 Plymouth to Newquay (via Penzance)
5Z22 1219 Newquay to Plymouth
5Z23 1423 Plymouth to Par (via Newquay)
If you head out to photograph these workings, please send your pictures in for us to share!
175002 crosses the former A30 via the notorious Iron Bridge with the 1423 Plymouth - Par via Newquay, 5Z23. 23.02.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
175002 arrives at Newquay with 5Z23. New traction in the new platform! 23.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
The driver changes ends and prepares to head back to Par with 175002. 23.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
A parting shot of the unit at Newquay. Note the 'X' in the secondmans side windscreen, designating no multiple working. 23.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark, well done for being there to capture the working!
Recent round-up
Andrew Triggs
175001 departing Penzance working 2P21 15.52 Penzance-Plymouth on 19.2.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
57301 stabled on No.1 Road at Longrock T&RSMD with the Night Riviera ECS 22.2.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
175002 at Platform 4, Penzance while working 5Z21 06.22 Plymouth-Liskeard 23.2.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
150249 at Falmouth Docks having previously arrived with 2F74 10.45 Truro-Falmouth Docks 23.2.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
175002 at Truro working 5Z22 10.59 Liskeard-Plymouth (via Penzance) 23.2.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
175007 with 175001 slowing to stop at Truro working 5Z13 09.41 Par-Plymouth Staff training run 23.2.2026. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks Andrew, a nice selection.
Par Harbour Trespass
With the upcoming changes to the China Clay Traffic and associated traction, it seems the responsible thing to do to share the following update from St. Austell Police:
PAR DOCKS TRESPASS | The Neighbourhood Team have recieved an increase in reports from Imerys of individuals trespassing on the docks site and causing a nuisance to staff when challenged. There have been previous reports of "urban explorers" trespassing and uploading footage on social media.
Trespassers are putting themselves at risk due to hazards on the site which pose a risk of injury and life. It also poses a risk to staff and emergency services who may end up responding to assist in the rescue of any trespassers.
Please do not trespass on the site.
PAR DOCKS TRESPASS | The Neighbourhood Team have recieved an increase in reports from Imerys of individuals trespassing on the docks site and causing a nuisance to staff when challenged. There have been previous reports of "urban explorers" trespassing and uploading footage on social media.
Trespassers are putting themselves at risk due to hazards on the site which pose a risk of injury and life. It also poses a risk to staff and emergency services who may end up responding to assist in the rescue of any trespassers.
Please do not trespass on the site.
Re: Split Box 37's
Bill Elston
Further to Craig’s piece on early 37s, I was fortunate to be at Exeter st Davids on 27 July 1985 when the York – Penzance relief passed through headed by 37024, quite a surprise, and is seen below.
Another early 37 noted in the 1980s was 37003, working from St Blazey to Severn Tunnel junc, dated 31/5/89.
Another early 37 noted in the 1980s was 37003, working from St Blazey to Severn Tunnel junc, dated 31/5/89.
37003 approaches Exeter St. Davids whilst working from St Blazey to Severn Tunnel Junction. 31.05.1989, copyright Bill Elston.
37003 approaches Exeter St. Davids whilst working from St Blazey to Severn Tunnel Junction. 31.05.1989, copyright Bill Elston.
37024 departs Exeter St. Davids with a York - Penzance relief on 27.07.1985. Copyright Bill Elston.
37024 departs Exeter St. Davids with a York - Penzance relief on 27.07.1985. Copyright Bill Elston.
Great stuff Bill - many thanks indeed for digging these out for us.
Re: 27.07.1985
Ian Thomas
Interesting one of 37024 on a York-Penzance relief on July 27th 1985.. Well, here is the same train seen passing Fiddington, Gloucestershire (south of Ashchurch) in somewhat better weather. Presumably the 37 worked throughout. It was still fairly busy with plenty of loco-hauled trains back then, including Peaks! 27.07.1985, copyright Ian Thomas.
Also, a bonus shot of 75069 & 92220 EVENING STAR on 1Z16.. A Birmingham-Shrewsbury-Hereford-Newport-Gloucester-Worcester charter entitled "THE RED DRAGON". The pair worked from Newport to Worcester Shrub Hill. The diesel legs were worked by 47500. 27.07.1985, copyright Ian Thomas.
Wow, Ian - your collection continues to impress! A 9f on the mainline and a split box 37 - a good day out photographing for you.
The unfortunate 46003
Paul Barlow
Ref Nick Perring's photo of 46003:
Here is a shot of the loco at Exeter after it caught fire working a stone train back from Meldon Quarry. 20.07.1978, copyright Paul Barlow.
Also a picture of the left hand side melted marker light, which I saved for prosperity. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - a good souvenier!
Class 47's
Michael Adams & Michael Forward
We start with Michael Adam's picture of 47521 and 47047 at Cardiff on 11 August 1986 with a relief working from there to Paddington. Copyright Michael Adams.
Now we see 47075 about to leave Exeter with the 08.00 Swansea to Penzance on 25 June 1983. Copyright Michael Adams.
Finally my own picture of 47146 leaving Salisbury on 17 July 1984. Class 47s were never very exciting to see then, but I am always pleased to see one now! Copyright Michael Forward.
Many thanks as always Michael and Michael. As you rightly suggest, the humble class 47 is now quite a treat to see 'out in the wild'.