Items added on 14th April 2018. Most recent items come first.

A Southern Class U and a Class 33 haul a test train to Yeovil Junction
David Tozer

180413d D6515 brings the train in from Yeovil Pen Mill. Copyright David Tozer

180413e D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis at Yeovil Junction. Copyright David Tozer

180413a Class U 31806 arrives at Yeovil Junction on a test run. Copyright David Tozer

180413b 31806 Nearing the turntable at Yeovil Junction. Copyright David Tozer

180413c 31806 showing the close up details of the front end. Copyright David Tozer

 SPECIAL CHARTER TRAIN - BOOK NOW
Travel from Okehampton to Oxford & Stratford upon Avon next Saturday 21st April.

The 2nd special  ‘Royal Oke’  train leaving from Okehampton Station
A chance to enjoy Shakespeare country who's birthday is celebrated two days later.   Or alternatively visit  ‘Inspector Morse’  at the City of Oxford.
One  easy step: 

• Book your seats on the train    : www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/239689
• Std  Class Only  £47.50 STD Class / Children under 16 £27.00

Timings
Outward.  Okehampton Town  07.10, Crediton 07.47, Exeter St Davids 08.12, Oxford 10.26,   Stratford upon Avon  11.32 
Return
Stratford on Avon 16.13,  Oxford 17.20,  Exeter St Davids 19.47, Crediton 20.05, Okehampton 20.45
 
I do hope some of you members can join us.
 
Michael    [Dr Michael Ireland Vice Chair of OkeRail Forum]

Further information -  Connecting service:- 

Following your recent communication with Michael Ireland, please find attached a bespoke press release intended for passengers from the Bude, Holsworthy and surrounding areas who wish to travel in Coach B on the train (B for Bude). There is a special link for on-line bookings for Coach B which is shown on the press release.

Connect Bude are also arranging a coach service from Bude and Holsworthy to Okehampton to connect with the train. Please find details attached with the appropriate booking form which should be returned to me with payment asap.

If you have any queries or require any further information please reply to this e-mail or telephone 01288 361878.

Thank you for your interest.

Regards,  Mike Moore
Connect Bude
(Connect Bude is kindly supported by Bude-Stratton Town Council and Courtenay Insurance Services)

Sensational  livery at
St Erth
Mike Hitchens

The introduction of this unit in this garish BT livery caused quite a sensation at the time.

This BT liveried class 118 caused quite a sensation when it came into service. Perhaps the first attempt at advertising on trains on the British Network. Picture from the Mike Hitchens Collection

The Class 118 in BT livery in the bay platform at St Erth in 1985 Courtesy the Mike Hitchens Collection

Focus on Freshford
Guy Vincent

Network Rail contractors have recently started work to extend both platforms at Freshford station by 30 metres at the Westbury end to accommodate 5-car class 165-6 'Turbo' formations.    Platform 1 (Bath-bound) is currently 78 metres and P2 (Westbury-bound) is 82 metres.  When one considers how many such formations will actually stop here, the relatively low number of passengers who use the station compared to other stations catering for far greater numbers, and the long-established practice of passengers for this station happily travelling in the front three coaches of existing trains, it is very hard to see how such expense has been justified.   Freshford is an unstaffed 'halt' with no ticket-buying facilities available (other than on board the train or in advance), is situated in an idyllic spot in the Avon valley with very limited car parking available (approx. 12 spaces) and in my personal view this level of work, frankly, seems unnecessary.

Guy Vincent   Many thanks Guy for this very detailed report and pictures.

Freshford Platform Extension 1 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension 2 With 166207 on the 2E24 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension 3 with 158950 2E25 1528 WMN-GMV 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension 4 with 166219 on the 2C20 1441 GCR-WSB 13th April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Freshford Platform Extension - a general view the work. 13th April 2018. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Salisbury
John Cornelius

A superb action shot by John Cornelius. Copyright. Note that there are no less than three men at work!!