The NMT visits the west
Mark Lynam, Jon Hird and Clive Smith
The Network Rail NMT (New Measurement Train) finally reached Cornwall yesterday, after missing its scheduled visits for the past 2 months due to various reasons.
The visit of the train marked the first time a HST has been west of the Royal Albert Bridge since 13th December.
The visit of the train marked the first time a HST has been west of the Royal Albert Bridge since 13th December.
43062 leads 1Q18 towards Penzance, passing Brea. 06.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
After a reversal at Penzance, 43013 now leads the train through Brea. 06.02.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
On the return leg of it's journey, the NMT passes Crugwallins beneath a threatening sky. 43013 leads the way east. 06.02.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
43062 at the rear of the train as it heads on towards Burngullow. 06.02.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Up in Plymouth the sun has come out again. 43013 pulls away from North Road on its way east. 06.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Mark and Clive. Great to see a HST back in the region again, even if it was just a fleeting visit.
Peaks in the west
Part 1
Ian Thomas
45056 at Goodrington preparing to work the 0910 Paign-Newcastle 1E33. 16.06.1984, copyright Ian Thomas.
45059 at Paignton with the 2235 Ex Newcastle 1V57. 16.06.1984, copyright Ian Thomas.
45072 Paignton with the 1725 to York 1E40. 25.06.1983, copyright Ian Thomas.
46051 at Westbury with the SULZER SURVEYOR tour. This was one of two tours by F&W that day to Weymouth, this one from Worcester via Bristol and the other from Plymouth with 47004. Both did the tramway to Weymouth Quay with 33103 and engines were swapped for the return and swapped back at Westbury. I swapped as, well.. I didn't want a DUFF out of Weymouth! So 46051 it was, and I enjoyed a GRICERS GRILL in the restaurant/buffet coach. 29.12.1979, copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks indeed Ian. Lovely pictures and memories - great days.
950001 - another "final" appearance?
Guy Vincent
Despite rumours of impending retirement from main line duties the yellow Network Rail 150/1 set 950001 was out and about on the former Western Region again this week. Captured departing Westbury station yesterday (6th) at 2.25pm for Reading after a morning spent testing lines in and around the Bristol area.
Interestingly a good friend of mine was lucky enough to photograph this unit way back at the start of its career when on 14th June 1988, numbered DB999600 / 601, it covered the former Frome to Radstock branch line. It is possible that the resulting report from this run highlighted the poor state of the track, as closure was effected after a final train of repaired wagons, led by 47370, left Marcroft's Radstock works on 29th June.
Does anyone have photos of the former DMU stock that was adapted for Departmental use prior to the arrival of the class 150? Quite a selection of elderly vehicles saw use for various purposes once their passenger carrying days were over.
Interestingly a good friend of mine was lucky enough to photograph this unit way back at the start of its career when on 14th June 1988, numbered DB999600 / 601, it covered the former Frome to Radstock branch line. It is possible that the resulting report from this run highlighted the poor state of the track, as closure was effected after a final train of repaired wagons, led by 47370, left Marcroft's Radstock works on 29th June.
Does anyone have photos of the former DMU stock that was adapted for Departmental use prior to the arrival of the class 150? Quite a selection of elderly vehicles saw use for various purposes once their passenger carrying days were over.
950001 departs Westbury for Reading on 06.02.2026. Copyright Guy Vincent.
950001 departs Westbury for Reading on 06.02.2026. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Guy, nice photos and some interesting thoughts on test trains of the past.
If anybody would like to send in some photos of the units predecessors, our email is [email protected]
If anybody would like to send in some photos of the units predecessors, our email is [email protected]
February 1976
Part 7
Roger Winnen
The 10.25 Cornishman from Penzance at St Stephens Coombe. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1030 Western Muketeer on Coombe Viaduct with the 08.00 Bristol Penzance. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The 11.00 Penzance to Paddington crosses the St Stephens Coombe Viaduct. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Fal Viaduct.in St Stephens Coombe 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Grampound Road Station. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Grampound Road Station. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Grampound Road Station. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Traction Engine at Probus. 13.02.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.