Items added on 11th July 2017 Those added most recently come first

Class 66s Working the Gloucester-Bath via Newton Abbot
David Tozer

66744 'Crossrail' and 66746 with the 04.32 1Z79 Gloucester-Bath via Newton Abbot on its second visit of the day through Exeter St David's. 66744 was new to DRS and numbered 66408, later it moved onto Colas as 66843. 66746 was new to DRS as 66410 and this also moved on to Colas as 66845. Both locomotives then moved to GBRF

170711d 66744 Crossrail and 66746 on its second visit of the day through Exeter St David's. Copyright David Tozer.

170711e A close up of 'Crossrail' nameplate. Copyright David Tozer

Argyll is named
The inside story from
Craig Munday

We are privileged to see these amazing pictures of the naming of  66 775  at Devonport Dockyard on 11th July 2017.  Many thanks indeed to Craig Munday for taking and sharing his pictures with us.

Hi Keith.
An official visit to the dockyard today, sadly in appalling weather, to see the naming of HMS Argyll, and a tour of the ship. 
 GBRF loco 66775 was named HMS Argyll at the dockyard by The Commander Toby Shaughnessy. The ship was in dock and due to sail the very next day. John Smith the MD of GBRF reinforced the long history of railway Diesel Locomotives being named after Warships, and was extremely proud of the link between their locomotive and the Type 23 Frigate. 
Pictures taken on the 10th & 11th July of the loco's journey down, and subsequent naming.
      Kind regards.  Craig                    
                Very many thanks indeed Craig  - super pictures

66775 and crew stand at Plymouth station on the 10th July 2017. Copyright Craig Munday Bob Tiller the Engineering Director is farthest left, then Jason the Driver. the MD John Smith is wearing shades, and Dale Williams is third from right.

66775 poses in the centre road at Plymouth. 10th July 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

66775 stands at the platform at the base. A privileged photograph taken by Craig Munday from within the base. Copyright

Proudly flying the flag 66775 stands at Drake Platform at Devonport on the 11th July 2017. This is a most unusual and valued view looking along the platform at the base out towards the main line.

With due pomp and ceremony 66 775 stands, it's named revealed by Argyll's Commander Toby Shaughnessy. Copyright Picture by Craig Munday.

The Newspaper report - many thanks to Paul Burkhalter for forwarding this link to us. GBRf loco 66775 was named “HMS Argyle” at a ceremony in Devonport Dockyard (or more precisely: HMS Drake).  The Herald covered the story here:
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sailors-celebrate-as-train-named-in-honour-of-plymouth-warship-hms-argyll/story-30434752-detail/story.html
The naming was done at the south end of the Drake Platform, a short distance down the branch.  If I can get any other photo’s from MoD PRO I will pass them on.
         Cheers,  Paul Burkhalter        Many thanks Paul

Redruth Puzzle
Roy Hart

A westbound local crosses Redruth viaduct in 1953. This everyday scene from the 1950s repays detailed study: note the market ground, with some veteran vehicles on display. Redruth market day was Friday. Station Hill is visible and also Penryn Street. Is there a Redruthian (or anybody else, for that matter) who knows, or would care to guess where the photographer was standing? Copyright Roy Hart

A further note from Roy. I did not take the picture above: it is the work of the late Harry Mitchell of Trewirgie Road, who died in 1959. His late wife gave me all his negatives, from which a friend made the slides I left with you. Copyright Roy Hart .  As to where the photographer is standing - well, this is a very privileged view from the top of Redruth town clock!

Cowley Bridge
Ron Kosys

47204 puts on a show at Cowley Bridge as it departs Riverside Yard on the 14th June 1990 Copyright Ron Kosys. Quite an amazing variety of rolling stock, also note the flat flood plain of the River Exe beyond.

Bristol Bath Road
Mike Morant 

BR class 22 'Baby Warship' Bo-Bo diesel hydraulics nos. D6352 and D6354 at Bristol Bath Road depot. [Mike Morant collection]

Exeter double header
John Cornelius

50 021 Rodney and 50 013 Agincourt Copyright John Cornelius