Happy New Year!
And reflections on 2025
For railways in the South West, 2025 proved to be a year of both firsts and farewells. December saw the withdrawal of the much-loved Class 43 ‘Castle Class’ HSTs, closing a significant chapter in the region’s railway history. Elsewhere, further semaphore signals and the token operation between Goonbarrow and St. Blazey signal boxes were lost as part of the modernisation of the Newquay branch. Finally, DB Cargo ended its operations at St Blazey T&RSMD, leaving the once-busy depot standing empty.
Yet the year also brought notable developments. The Newquay branch now features a new passing loop and a second platform, designed to support more intensive train services. Class 175 DMUs have begun entering service across the region to replace the HSTs; while they may not set enthusiasts’ pulses racing, these units have reportedly been well received by both crews and passengers. At the luxury end of the market, Belmond successfully launched its new Britannic Explorer — a Class 66-hauled tour of the West Country aimed squarely at the high-end travel market.
Preservation remains in rude health. The Bodmin Railway is planning improvements at Bodmin General to allow use of its second platform, the Plym Valley Railway has welcomed several new additions to its rolling-stock fleet, and the Helston Railway has embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign to purchase the viaduct that would finally reconnect its site with the town itself.
As we look ahead to 2026, there is much to be optimistic about. A strong programme of railtours is scheduled to visit the region (see our railtour calendar for full details), while preserved railways are already hard at work planning events to keep enthusiasts entertained throughout the year.
On behalf of all the CRS team I'd like to wish a Happy New Year to all our members, friends and readers, and we hope 2026 brings plenty of memorable moments trackside and behind the lens.
Yet the year also brought notable developments. The Newquay branch now features a new passing loop and a second platform, designed to support more intensive train services. Class 175 DMUs have begun entering service across the region to replace the HSTs; while they may not set enthusiasts’ pulses racing, these units have reportedly been well received by both crews and passengers. At the luxury end of the market, Belmond successfully launched its new Britannic Explorer — a Class 66-hauled tour of the West Country aimed squarely at the high-end travel market.
Preservation remains in rude health. The Bodmin Railway is planning improvements at Bodmin General to allow use of its second platform, the Plym Valley Railway has welcomed several new additions to its rolling-stock fleet, and the Helston Railway has embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign to purchase the viaduct that would finally reconnect its site with the town itself.
As we look ahead to 2026, there is much to be optimistic about. A strong programme of railtours is scheduled to visit the region (see our railtour calendar for full details), while preserved railways are already hard at work planning events to keep enthusiasts entertained throughout the year.
On behalf of all the CRS team I'd like to wish a Happy New Year to all our members, friends and readers, and we hope 2026 brings plenty of memorable moments trackside and behind the lens.
Below are some favourite memories from each month of 2025, as captured by CRS contributors.
The Nick Perring Collection - Part 5
Diesels on the South Devon Railway
Clive Smith
As the South Devon Railway will no doubt feature over the next few days with its Winter Steam Gala taking place, here's a few diesel photos taken by Nick over the years to show some of the diverse traction which has run on the line.
D7017 Buckfastleigh 7th October 1995. Visiting from the West Somerset Railway. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).
D7612 has been a veteran of the South Devon Railway for many years. Here it is at Staverton on the 10th April 1999 shunting some wagons sporting the headboard 'Steel Wheels'. This wasn't the Easter weekend so I'm guessing it was a Saturday engineering train. Nick did it all on this railway from setting up the signals to working on the track, driving the locos and manning the signal boxes. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).
55019 "Royal Highland Fusilier" stands at Buckfastleigh on the 11th June 2005 during the South Devon Railway Diesel Gala which featured 20096 and 20905, joining the resident SDR operational fleet of 20110, 20118, and 37037. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).
Hastings Diesels Ltd 1Z98 13.30 Buckfastleigh - Hastings 'The Eclipse DEMU' operated by 1001 approaches the main line at Totnes in glorious sunshine on the 11th August 1999 after traversing the South Devon Railway. The outbound train had left Hastings at 22.30 arriving at Buckfastleigh at 09.00. That in itself must have been an ordeal, but to then arrive in South West Devon eagerly anticipating the first solar eclipse on mainland Britain since 1927 only for cloud cover to obscure the entire sky and the track of it across Cornwall and south Devon that morning must have been a bit of a downer. For those young enough to be looking forward to the next one in the UK it is in the Channel Islands in 2081 and then in Cornwall in 2090. Good luck with that. I'll be long gone. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).
20110 at Buckfastleigh sometime in 1993. Nick must have been stood on a vehicle parked in the spur to take this shot. Copyright Clive Smith (original photographer Nick Perring).
Many thanks Clive, and indeed Nick, a great set of photos.
Clive mentions the SDR steam gala starting tomorrow - for info on that, please click here.
Clive mentions the SDR steam gala starting tomorrow - for info on that, please click here.
Gen - 37's and a 175 to Long Rock
Next Tuesday, the 6th of January, 37501 and 37512 are due to haul a Class 175 (175010) to Long Rock.
Outward timings are:
7Q86 0130 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Penzance T.& R.S.M.D.
The locomotives and presumably barrier coaches return on Wednesday 7th as:
5M57 1504 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail)
Our thanks to Tony Shore and Dennis Clarke for sending in these timings
Outward timings are:
7Q86 0130 Ely Mlf Papworth Sidings to Penzance T.& R.S.M.D.
The locomotives and presumably barrier coaches return on Wednesday 7th as:
5M57 1504 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail)
Our thanks to Tony Shore and Dennis Clarke for sending in these timings
A postcript to the HST
& Thoughts on the future of rail
Andrew & Diane Jones
Some years ago we travelled around Australia and experienced the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin, followed by the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth.
I can remember looking out of the window in Sydney Station and had to look twice for there in front of me was the XPT service to Melbourne complete with that distinctive Paxman sound and familiar Kenneth Grange design synonymous with our very own British HST.
Although almost identical to look at, the XPT was built in Australia by Commonwealth Engineering in Granville, Western Sydney, with later versions being built by ABB at Dandenong.
Slightly shorter, but wider and taller than the British variant, they were fitted with Paxman Valenta 12RP200L prime movers, rebuilt in 2000 with Paxman VP 185's. Their traction motors were manufactured by Brush at Loughborough.
Initially capable of 200 km/h, modifications have been made and in truth they rarely operate above 160 km/h today.
Manufactured over a number of years there are 19 power cars and 60 coaches.
The XPT entered service in 1982 and apart from 2 being scrapped due to accidents they are all still operational today.
Like our own, New South Wales railways have tried a number of combinations with 2+4, 2+5, 2+6 and 2+7 variants.
Interestingly all the power cars have been named after cities served by the XPT, such as 'City of Tamworth '.or 'City of Wagga Wagga'
Running conditions are completely different to the UK, distances are far greater, temperatures extreme, with track maintenance geared to the needs of freight, so some sections would be classed as rough in the UK making their top design speeds not really viable, especially over the considerable distances involved. (Sydney to Melbourne 11 hours or just under 600 miles.)
Diane and I experienced some lively riding when our Indian Pacific journey was rerouted via Cootamundra due to the Blue Mountains route being closed for repairs.
In October 2016 the New South Wales government announced that the XPT would be replaced with a bi-mode design and an order was placed in 2019 with CAF of Spain.
Now any engineer will tell you that compromised design is not a good idea and I have never been a lover of bi-mode anything, so a delay of nearly 10 years in their introduction holds no surprises.
Railways don't take prisoners and simplicity is always key.
The deadline has been missed on several occasions and the need to incorporate sleeper accommodation has delayed the new fleet until 2027 at the earliest.
Which means by default that the XPT has been granted 40.3 million Aus dollars to extend their life with an option to keep them in service well into the next decade.
Which surely does pose the question why we were in such a hurry to dispose of our UK fleet?
So there we are...although the Australian government and politics has played a part in their development.....the reliable HST is alive and well in Australia and proves that common sense does sometimes prevail!
So what about 2026?
Cornwall's mainline continues, in my opinion, on the slippery slope towards branch line status, with Plymouth the terminal for the majority of mainline services.
The incoming class 175's have very limited seating (136 seats / 2 car set against 200 plus / 4 car Castle set) which can only result in more discomfort for the already overpriced and overburdened passenger, especially during times of cancellation, when there capacity will be overstretched.
5.8% of all GWR services were cancelled in 2025, which is higher than the national average.
Bus substitution will get worse with temporary infrastructure closures becoming normal practice.
When a line is closed for 1 or 2 weeks, people look for alternatives and inevitably some passengers are lost permanently to the system.
Why can't track renewals take place at night and be phased much like the London underground?
Many contributors have commented on the reduced transport of clay, is this a world demand issue? Or has there been a decision to close down rail freight in Cornwall.?
The Cornwall Metro at least improves capacity on the Newquay branch, but at considerable cost, with uncertain loading, is there a demand?
Projected cost of a Newquay to Falmouth return ticket is given as £20 if booked in advance.
However park and ride from the nearby A30 at Roche to Newquay with a large field adjacent Roche Station available must surely be up for planning consideration.
Parking at all the Cornish stations needs urgent attention, especially Bodmin Rd and Lostwithiel. At least Devon is installing a Parkway on the successful Okehampton line.
Diane says that I am starting to sound like my gran!
Although, I can remember when chocolate wagon wheels were twice the size....the postman delivered our mail on a push bike and had time for a chat....and my parcels didn't end up in the outer Hebrides!
Moving on......
Our brilliant CRS photographers continue to capture some amazing shots of the remaining infrastructure and scenery. We are also lucky to have three superb steam operated railways and semaphores with working boxes in the county to supplement our extremely interesting hobby!
Diane and I will look forward to our daily glimpse of Cornwall past and present in 2026. We just might have to travel a bit more, Scotrail is still running HST's or even Mexico although that is probably just a step too far as pensioners!
Footnote.
I hadn't realised until I researched the XPT that between 5 and 10 percent of Australians have direct family links to Cornwall.
Obviously the tin mining period had a huge influence on mass migration to the gold rush areas around Adelaide and we noticed many Cornish street names while we were there.
Every 2 years there is a Cornish festival, the next one is due in 2027 so if you are thinking of visiting this amazing country and sample the extensive and vibrant rail network, Adelaide would be a good starting point.
For more information check out the excellent 'man in seat 61' website
The exchange rate is excellent at 2 Aus dollars to the pound which makes the long distance trains a bargain compared to the expensive rail land cruises in the UK and you will be travelling in reasonable style on proper scheduled services.
You should however allow at least 8 weeks which will give you the chance to explore most of the country.
Something to think about in 2026.
We wish everyone a brilliant new year.
"Bledhen Nowydh Da!"
Andrew and Diane
I can remember looking out of the window in Sydney Station and had to look twice for there in front of me was the XPT service to Melbourne complete with that distinctive Paxman sound and familiar Kenneth Grange design synonymous with our very own British HST.
Although almost identical to look at, the XPT was built in Australia by Commonwealth Engineering in Granville, Western Sydney, with later versions being built by ABB at Dandenong.
Slightly shorter, but wider and taller than the British variant, they were fitted with Paxman Valenta 12RP200L prime movers, rebuilt in 2000 with Paxman VP 185's. Their traction motors were manufactured by Brush at Loughborough.
Initially capable of 200 km/h, modifications have been made and in truth they rarely operate above 160 km/h today.
Manufactured over a number of years there are 19 power cars and 60 coaches.
The XPT entered service in 1982 and apart from 2 being scrapped due to accidents they are all still operational today.
Like our own, New South Wales railways have tried a number of combinations with 2+4, 2+5, 2+6 and 2+7 variants.
Interestingly all the power cars have been named after cities served by the XPT, such as 'City of Tamworth '.or 'City of Wagga Wagga'
Running conditions are completely different to the UK, distances are far greater, temperatures extreme, with track maintenance geared to the needs of freight, so some sections would be classed as rough in the UK making their top design speeds not really viable, especially over the considerable distances involved. (Sydney to Melbourne 11 hours or just under 600 miles.)
Diane and I experienced some lively riding when our Indian Pacific journey was rerouted via Cootamundra due to the Blue Mountains route being closed for repairs.
In October 2016 the New South Wales government announced that the XPT would be replaced with a bi-mode design and an order was placed in 2019 with CAF of Spain.
Now any engineer will tell you that compromised design is not a good idea and I have never been a lover of bi-mode anything, so a delay of nearly 10 years in their introduction holds no surprises.
Railways don't take prisoners and simplicity is always key.
The deadline has been missed on several occasions and the need to incorporate sleeper accommodation has delayed the new fleet until 2027 at the earliest.
Which means by default that the XPT has been granted 40.3 million Aus dollars to extend their life with an option to keep them in service well into the next decade.
Which surely does pose the question why we were in such a hurry to dispose of our UK fleet?
So there we are...although the Australian government and politics has played a part in their development.....the reliable HST is alive and well in Australia and proves that common sense does sometimes prevail!
So what about 2026?
Cornwall's mainline continues, in my opinion, on the slippery slope towards branch line status, with Plymouth the terminal for the majority of mainline services.
The incoming class 175's have very limited seating (136 seats / 2 car set against 200 plus / 4 car Castle set) which can only result in more discomfort for the already overpriced and overburdened passenger, especially during times of cancellation, when there capacity will be overstretched.
5.8% of all GWR services were cancelled in 2025, which is higher than the national average.
Bus substitution will get worse with temporary infrastructure closures becoming normal practice.
When a line is closed for 1 or 2 weeks, people look for alternatives and inevitably some passengers are lost permanently to the system.
Why can't track renewals take place at night and be phased much like the London underground?
Many contributors have commented on the reduced transport of clay, is this a world demand issue? Or has there been a decision to close down rail freight in Cornwall.?
The Cornwall Metro at least improves capacity on the Newquay branch, but at considerable cost, with uncertain loading, is there a demand?
Projected cost of a Newquay to Falmouth return ticket is given as £20 if booked in advance.
However park and ride from the nearby A30 at Roche to Newquay with a large field adjacent Roche Station available must surely be up for planning consideration.
Parking at all the Cornish stations needs urgent attention, especially Bodmin Rd and Lostwithiel. At least Devon is installing a Parkway on the successful Okehampton line.
Diane says that I am starting to sound like my gran!
Although, I can remember when chocolate wagon wheels were twice the size....the postman delivered our mail on a push bike and had time for a chat....and my parcels didn't end up in the outer Hebrides!
Moving on......
Our brilliant CRS photographers continue to capture some amazing shots of the remaining infrastructure and scenery. We are also lucky to have three superb steam operated railways and semaphores with working boxes in the county to supplement our extremely interesting hobby!
Diane and I will look forward to our daily glimpse of Cornwall past and present in 2026. We just might have to travel a bit more, Scotrail is still running HST's or even Mexico although that is probably just a step too far as pensioners!
Footnote.
I hadn't realised until I researched the XPT that between 5 and 10 percent of Australians have direct family links to Cornwall.
Obviously the tin mining period had a huge influence on mass migration to the gold rush areas around Adelaide and we noticed many Cornish street names while we were there.
Every 2 years there is a Cornish festival, the next one is due in 2027 so if you are thinking of visiting this amazing country and sample the extensive and vibrant rail network, Adelaide would be a good starting point.
For more information check out the excellent 'man in seat 61' website
The exchange rate is excellent at 2 Aus dollars to the pound which makes the long distance trains a bargain compared to the expensive rail land cruises in the UK and you will be travelling in reasonable style on proper scheduled services.
You should however allow at least 8 weeks which will give you the chance to explore most of the country.
Something to think about in 2026.
We wish everyone a brilliant new year.
"Bledhen Nowydh Da!"
Andrew and Diane
Many thanks for your thoughts Andrew and also for all of your contributions over the year, which are very much appreciated. Bledhen Nowydh Da to you too!
January 1976
Part 1
Roger Winnen
D1001 Western Pathfinder on the New Years Day Cornishman 1st January 1976. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Westerns at Penzance. 01.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A view from the top of Britons Hill Penzance. 01.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Menheniot Station. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Menheniot awaiting sunrise. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Menheniot Station. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Menheniot Signal Box. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Thanks Roger - more tomorrow..
Sea Wall Walk
Martin Scane
Hi and Happy New Year to everyone involved with the CRS.
Our regular morning walk along the sea wall from Teignmouth prom to Parsons Tunnel coincided with beautiful weather this morning (31/12/25) hence the opportunity for a few snaps.
The opportunities to capture something interesting are getting less and less these days but it’s still good to get out for a walk and see some trains.
Our regular morning walk along the sea wall from Teignmouth prom to Parsons Tunnel coincided with beautiful weather this morning (31/12/25) hence the opportunity for a few snaps.
The opportunities to capture something interesting are getting less and less these days but it’s still good to get out for a walk and see some trains.
A Crosscountry Voyager heading west towards Teignmouth. 31.12.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
GWR Hitachi's heading east. 31.12.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
The same train heading into Parsons Tunnel. 31.12.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Another Crosscountry Voyager on the up line. 31.12.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
A class 166 on an Exmouth - Paignton shuttle approaching Sprey Point. 31.12.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Another Hitachi approaching Teignmouth. 31.12.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks Martin - great sunny photos. Happy new year to you too.