Branchline Variety
Mark Lynam, Clive Smith & Jon Hird
Tuesday 24th brought another visit to Newquay by a GWR Class 175. 175002 made a return trip to the seaside resort with various rail industry professionals aboard carrying out measurements at the stations along the line.
Additionally, DB Cargo ran the mid-day Goonbarrow - Fowey, as well as the regular GWR Class 150 on the Par - Newquay shuttles, giving a nice mixture of trains along the branch.
Additionally, DB Cargo ran the mid-day Goonbarrow - Fowey, as well as the regular GWR Class 150 on the Par - Newquay shuttles, giving a nice mixture of trains along the branch.
66116 passes the lovely semaphores at Middleway with the mid-day Goonbarrow - Fowey clay. 10 JIA's today. 24.04.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Tuesday and another visit on a test train to Newquay with 175002, this time an early afternoon arrival with the sun just starting to shine and blue skies appearing. The train was 5Z21 06.22 Plymouth - Penzance - Newquay - Plymouth with the actual stop at Newquay just 12.38 to 12.47. Not all went according to plan when there was some sort of track failure at Goss Moor Loop meaning the 175 could only pass the the 2N09 11.24 Newquay - Par at Goonbarrow Junction resulting in a 40 minute delay. Astonishingly an early decision was taken to cancel the 2N12 12.16 Par - Newquay and 2N13 13.24 Newquay- Par to facilitate the running of the 175 from Newquay at 12.46. A replacement minibus was supposed to have been provided for passengers with the next trains two hours later. 24.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
175002 has gone just about as far as possible at Newquay. 24.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
After a short stop at Newquay, the driver has changed ends and the unit departs again for Par. 24.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
175002 returning from Newquay, dropping down through the Luxulyan Valley with 5Z22. 24.02.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
175002 passes the semaphores at Middleway with the returning gauging train from Newquay. 24.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
150202 calls at Bugle with the 1416 Par - Newquay (2N16). 24.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
The 1416 from Par continues away from Bugle en route to Newquay. A scene much changed over the years since the Carbis branch was done away with. 24.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
We see Newquay station for a second time in the article. 150202 has arrived with the 1416 from Par and prepares to depart again as 2N17. 24.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
150202 has its headlights on ready for the trip back to Par. 175002 was due to visit Newquay for a second time, however this trip was cancelled and the unit was instead sent to stable in Par Chapel Siding. 24.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Clive and Mark, an interesting day on the Newquay line. The 175's look pretty good in the sunshine wearing their current livery.
Cowley Bridge Test Train
David Tozer
A rare opportunity to get out and about in decent weather. Class 153 153379 passes Cowley Bridge Junction with the 0750 Derby R.T.C (Network Rail) to Newton Abbot. 24.02.2026, copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks Dave, an eyecatching livery.
Serco Test Train
Paul Barlow
47575 at the head of a Serco test train at rest in Exeter Riverside yard. 10.04.2000, copyright Paul Barlow.
47788 at the the opposite end of the test train in Exeter Riverside yard. 10.04.2000, copyright Paul Barlow.
A nice reflection shot of 47788. 10.04.2000, copyright Paul Barlow.
The way things were - many thanks, Paul.
Avonmouth Coal Loading Plant Demolition
Guy Vincent
At Avonmouth Docks (or to be precise Bristol Bulk Handling Terminal) the large towers at the end of the conveyor formerly used to load imported coal into trains bound for power stations, most notably Didcot, are being demolished following several years out of use. The long conveyor from Portbury docks was dismantled following storm damage in 2022 and with the surrounding land now undergoing redevelopment their time has come and they are now being taken down and reduced to scrap. The conveyor system was commissioned in 1994 and saw about 25 years use until the phasing out of coal-fired power stations rendered the plant redundant. The final coal train from Avonmouth to Didcot was on 19th March 2013 (6D17 worked by 66117) with the last working of all, to Fiddlers Ferry, taking place in March 2019.
See my previous article on this subject that was published on 31st March 2022.
Below are 2 photos taken 3 days apart in February 2026.
See my previous article on this subject that was published on 31st March 2022.
Below are 2 photos taken 3 days apart in February 2026.
Avonmouth Coal Loading Plant Demolition, February 2026. Copyright Guy Vincent.
In this shot taken 3 days after the previous one, the demolition efforts are immediately apparent. February 2026. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks for these images Guy. A sad end for a local landmark - a sign of the times.
59's at 40 - the original look
Steve Clark
A couple of shots of 59's wearing their original liveries as they celebrate their 40th year.
59003 'Yeoman Highlander' in Yeoman Silver livery passing Reading with the 7C77 empties from Acton to Merehead. Copyright Steve Clark.
59103 'Village of Mells' in ARC livery on the 6V18 Hither Green to Whatley. Copyright Steve Clark.
59203 'Vale of Pickering' in National Power livery on 27th April 1996 working a Railtour in connection with the Tinsley Open Day. Copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks Steve, 3 smart-looking locos, especially 59203 with the silver/grey lower half.