A surprise visitor to Plymouth
Chris Bellett & David Trudgian
Chris Bellett writes:
I was waiting for my train to Bodmin Parkway at Plymouth thids morning at about 1200 and whilst watching the progress of my train West on Open Train Times maps I spotted that sat in the Through Line at the station was a description 0Z77. I took a stroll along the platform and was supprised to find that it was a Class 43 power car (43097) being manouvered by Laira's Class 08 Shunter (08641 Pride of Laira). From watching the maps this seemed to be a turning move for the power car as it went Laira Depot-Laira Junction-Plymouth Station-Lipson Junction-Mount Gould Junction-Speedway Loop-Laira Junction-Laira Depot. Obviously being made ready for its final trip to Ely.
I was waiting for my train to Bodmin Parkway at Plymouth thids morning at about 1200 and whilst watching the progress of my train West on Open Train Times maps I spotted that sat in the Through Line at the station was a description 0Z77. I took a stroll along the platform and was supprised to find that it was a Class 43 power car (43097) being manouvered by Laira's Class 08 Shunter (08641 Pride of Laira). From watching the maps this seemed to be a turning move for the power car as it went Laira Depot-Laira Junction-Plymouth Station-Lipson Junction-Mount Gould Junction-Speedway Loop-Laira Junction-Laira Depot. Obviously being made ready for its final trip to Ely.
43097 and 08641 wait for their movement back to Laira. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.
08641 'Pride of Laira' waiting to take 43097 back to Laira. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.
David Trudgian writes:
My 9 year old was excited to take this photo as we arrived at Plymouth at noon for an afternoon out today (Sun 11th). Not sure if it’s of interest, but I told him I’d check.
The shunter took the class 43 out of the station shortly after.
My 9 year old was excited to take this photo as we arrived at Plymouth at noon for an afternoon out today (Sun 11th). Not sure if it’s of interest, but I told him I’d check.
The shunter took the class 43 out of the station shortly after.
Viewed from the opposite platform to Chris, 08641 waits to depart for Laira with 43097 in tow. Note the lack of GWR branding. 11.01.2026, copyright David Trudgian.
Many thanks to both Chris and David, right place right time!
Crosscountry Memories
Paul Barlow
47831 Bolton Wanderer leading the 1256 Newcastle to Plymouth at Exeter St. Davids on 31 January 1999. Copyright Paul Barlow.
47831 Bolton Wanderer leading the 1256 Newcastle to Plymouth at Exeter St. Davids on 31 January 1999. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul, those were the days!
St. Blazey roundhouse - a query
A query received from a reader:
Hi good afternoon I'm wondering if you could help me please, I'm looking to make a model of the Roundhouse at St Blazey.
I wondered if anyone has more precise detailed drawings of the dimensions, specifically the length of the end sidewall and the front and rear walls to each bay, as well as the height from the top of the rail to the height of the centre of the pitched roof - I understand that from the floor to the top of the rounded Archway is around 15 feet, but I want to know what the full height is.
Any information you may have on the site would be greatly appreciated, I would be more than happy to pay for a copy of the basic architectural drawings if any are available.
Hi good afternoon I'm wondering if you could help me please, I'm looking to make a model of the Roundhouse at St Blazey.
I wondered if anyone has more precise detailed drawings of the dimensions, specifically the length of the end sidewall and the front and rear walls to each bay, as well as the height from the top of the rail to the height of the centre of the pitched roof - I understand that from the floor to the top of the rounded Archway is around 15 feet, but I want to know what the full height is.
Any information you may have on the site would be greatly appreciated, I would be more than happy to pay for a copy of the basic architectural drawings if any are available.
Can anybody help with this one, please? If you have anything, please drop us an email - [email protected] - thanks in advance.
Track replacement at Bodmin Parkway
Chris Bellett
Earlier in the week (click here, scroll down) I sent some photos of the Bodmin Railway trackwork at Bodmin Parkway and I have attached an updated photo showing the progress of the work. The volunteers were doing a grand job in appalling weather with huge sideways downpours....
Ongoing work at Bodmin Parkway where the point to the run round loop is being replaced. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.
The drenched workforce getting the job done. 47306 stands in the background with a works train. 11.01.2026, copyright Chris Bellett.
Many thanks Chris, and well done to the volunteers - they've been out there in all seasons just this last week!