Re: The Nick Perring Collection
Ian Thomas
Hello Jon. You have got me at it again!
Seeing the late Nick Perring`s pictures on the site reminds me of when I knew him as a PEAK basher in the 1980`s, and later as a steward on PATHFINDER TOURS. He was a great guy and always friendly and forthcoming with the gen as to what PEAKS were working.
I have below a picture taken at Paignton with Nick standing on the platform ready to board a Peak-Hauled train. I came down on the previous night's 23.20. Bradford - Paignton with 46045 on the frontline, having joined this train at Leeds. Also of interest, are the Class 67 hauled trains of 2004... I photographed some of these in Gloucestershire on the Midland route from Derby to Bristol.
Seeing the late Nick Perring`s pictures on the site reminds me of when I knew him as a PEAK basher in the 1980`s, and later as a steward on PATHFINDER TOURS. He was a great guy and always friendly and forthcoming with the gen as to what PEAKS were working.
I have below a picture taken at Paignton with Nick standing on the platform ready to board a Peak-Hauled train. I came down on the previous night's 23.20. Bradford - Paignton with 46045 on the frontline, having joined this train at Leeds. Also of interest, are the Class 67 hauled trains of 2004... I photographed some of these in Gloucestershire on the Midland route from Derby to Bristol.
45004 at Paignton preparing to depart on the 0840 Paignton - Newcastle. Nick Perring is seen to the right of the image. 26.06.1982, copyright Ian Thomas.
67002 leading a Paignton to Preston service, 1M89. 24.07.2004, copyright Ian Thomas.
67018 at Coaly Junction with 1V15 Newcastle to Paignton. 21.08.2004, copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks indeed Ian. I forwarded your email to Clive who looks after Nicks photos and he was most grateful too. The 67 photos are a nice bonus!
The Network Rail test unit
Martin Scane & Clive Smith
Network Rail's class 150/950 test unit 950001 travelled to Plymouth yesterday. In the early hours of this morning (03.02) it is due to make a visit to Gunnislake, Fowey and Parkandillack before heading to Penzance for the day. For times etc., click here.
Here’s 950001 running about 6 minutes late with 2Q08 Derby RTC to Plymouth passing Sprey Point, Teignmouth at 14-16 this afternoon (02/02/26). She was passing at quite a lick on this dull, overcast afternoon. 02.02.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
Well I thought this had been withdrawn in favour of paired 153s so I was quite surprised to hear it was on its way west. Network Rail track assessment unit 950001 passes Daveys Bridge at Ivybridge with 2Q08 03.29 Derby RTC -Plymouth via Merehead Quarry, Frome, Yeovil Junction and Taunton. Tuesday will see it leave Plymouth for Penzance with an early start via Gunnislake, Fowey (fallen trees permitting) and Parkandillack before it returns to Exeter early on Wednesday. The unit was built by BREL in 1987 as a track assessment unit for British Rail's Research Division. 02.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Martin and Clive - a colourful train to photograph.
Clay traffic resumes - sort of.
Jon Hird
After spending the last week 'trapped' at Goonbarrow due to flooding on the Newquay branch, 66098 leads the 1230 Goonbarrow - Fowey clay towards Middleway Crossing, St. Blazey. 02.02.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Now on the mainline, 66098 blows out the cobwebs as it powers up through Treesmill with 12 loaded JIA's in tow. The journey from here to Fowey was not without incident - a large fallen tree on the Fowey branch. The entire train was reversed back into Lostwithiel Down Goods Loop, 66098 detached, and with a member of staff onboard with a chainsaw, the locomotive set off again as 1Z99 to clear the blockage. 02.02.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
February 1976
Part 3
Roger Winnen
A Plymouth Railway Circle walk to Wadebridge
Rifle Range Platform en route to Wadebridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Rifle Range Platform en route to Wadebridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Pendavey Bridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Pendavey Bridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Pendavey Bridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The trackbed of the North Cornwall Line leaving Wadebridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A bridge on the North Cornwall Line leaving Wadebridge. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Rogers Donkey!
Andrew & Diane Jones
Hello Keith, Roger and Jon.
Well Rogers recent PRC to Wadebridge brings back memories, especially the donkey at Dunmere who used to reside at the Borough Arms Pub, from memory I think the landlords were Mike and Betty, but could be wrong.
There used to be photographs of the Donkey behind the bar at the pub and he/she was a well known character in the area.
Also in Rogers photograph is the shed which housed the 'Camel' permanent way cart.
The vegetation at the junction has taken over this area making it difficult to recognise now and the recent terrible weather has wrecked many trees along the Camel Trail.
Well Rogers recent PRC to Wadebridge brings back memories, especially the donkey at Dunmere who used to reside at the Borough Arms Pub, from memory I think the landlords were Mike and Betty, but could be wrong.
There used to be photographs of the Donkey behind the bar at the pub and he/she was a well known character in the area.
Also in Rogers photograph is the shed which housed the 'Camel' permanent way cart.
The vegetation at the junction has taken over this area making it difficult to recognise now and the recent terrible weather has wrecked many trees along the Camel Trail.
The junction at Dunmere with the Bodmin North and Wenfordbridge branches plus a donkey. 06.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks Andrew, a great tale of a little railway quirk I can't imagine many people would know of!