Van Trains
Part 3
Roger Geach
For a number of years in the 1970s the only van train on the down in daylight was 4B08 (after 1973) or 3B10 in 1973, which left Plymouth normally behind 1B81 (the 0800 Bristol - Penzance). If that train was late it could run in front of it.
I have never seen any pictures of the 3B07 2008 Paddington to Penzance brute van train, likely as it left Plymouth at 0300 hours and arrived at Penzance at 0538.
One could photo the down News 1B85 0030 Paddington to Penzance (off Plymouth at 0434, arrived Penzance at 0702 hrs) often only load 3 or 4 as it detached vans en route west at Plymouth.
The down TPO was 1B75 (2225 Paddington to Penzance, dept Plymouth at 0415 arrived Penzance 0630). Again, few pictures exist of this train.
These time apply to the 1970s and now of course are just a memory.
I have never seen any pictures of the 3B07 2008 Paddington to Penzance brute van train, likely as it left Plymouth at 0300 hours and arrived at Penzance at 0538.
One could photo the down News 1B85 0030 Paddington to Penzance (off Plymouth at 0434, arrived Penzance at 0702 hrs) often only load 3 or 4 as it detached vans en route west at Plymouth.
The down TPO was 1B75 (2225 Paddington to Penzance, dept Plymouth at 0415 arrived Penzance 0630). Again, few pictures exist of this train.
These time apply to the 1970s and now of course are just a memory.
46028 is seen passing Liskeard at the head of 4B08, the 1100 Plymouth - Penzance van train, with a good collection of vans in tow. 21.10.1978, copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger, great notes relating to an interesting period in railway history, many thanks for sharing them with us.
Redruth - Before the rain came!
Phil Gilbert
175002 approaches Redruth with 5Z13, a Plymouth - Plymouth via Penzance staff training run. 26.01.2026, copyright Phil Gilbert.
175002 calls at Redruth. Carn Brea dominates the distant skyline. 26.01.2026, copyright Phil Gilbert.
A GWR Hitachi unit approaches Redruth from Penzance. 26.01.2026, copyright Phil Gilbert.
We have been lacking modern day photographs recently, perhaps partially because of the awful weather we have had so far this year! So thank you very much for this trio, Phil - really appreciated.
WESTERNS AT LARGE - 1976
Part 3
Ian Thomas
D1058 stands at Plymouth with the 1056 Paddington - Newquay. 18.09.1976, copyright Ian Thomas.
A smashing photo Ian, many thanks indeed. Another lined up for tomorrow - stay tuned!
'Renown'
Michael Adams & Michael Forward
Michael Adams sends this picture of class 50029 'Renown' at Exeter 0n Saturday 9 June 1985 with the 11.35 Newquay to Paddington service. Copyright Michael Adams.
Now my own picture of 50029 showing it slowing for the Dawlish stop on 6 August 1983 with the 11.27 Paignton to Liverpool. Copyright Michael Forward.
Many thanks Michael and Michael. Great photos of 50029. Dawlish looks very neat and tidy there too - picture perfect!