'So nearly an engine driver'
Please click here for an excellent article by Tony Mansell, of 'Cornish Story'.
The article tells the tale of a fireman/trainee driver in the days of steam here in Cornwall, and also goes into great detail about some of the local branches - the Perranporth line in particular.
Many thanks to Tony for sending this link over, it's very much worth a read.
The article tells the tale of a fireman/trainee driver in the days of steam here in Cornwall, and also goes into great detail about some of the local branches - the Perranporth line in particular.
Many thanks to Tony for sending this link over, it's very much worth a read.
January 1976
Part 2
Roger Winnen
The 08.42 Plymouth Penzance arrives at Menheniot behind D1023 Western Fuselier. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The 08.42 Plymouth Penzance arrives at Menheniot behind D1023 Western Fuselier. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Menheniot Station. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Menheniot Station. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Class 25 runs through Menheniot. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The 07.55 Penzance to Liverpool passes through Menheniot. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Coldrennick Viaduct, Menheniot. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Coldrennick Viaduct, Menheniot. 03.01.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Now but a museum piece!
David Tozer
Happy New Year.
Not exactly in our area, but of interest no doubt.
During a trip to Derby on the 26th March 1976 W43002 was being shunted around the yard. The first production power car - now static exhibit at the National Railway Museum in York.
Not exactly in our area, but of interest no doubt.
During a trip to Derby on the 26th March 1976 W43002 was being shunted around the yard. The first production power car - now static exhibit at the National Railway Museum in York.
43002 being shunted at Derby. 26.03.1976, copyright David Tozer.
43002 being shunted at Derby. 26.03.1976, copyright David Tozer.
43002 being shunted at Derby. 26.03.1976, copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks Dave - a long term WR stalwart. Great photos.
'Inspiration'
The Railway 200 Train
Mick House
On Sunday 14th December 2025, I took my nephew to see the Inspiration Railway 200 Train in platform 5 of Southampton Central station. I looked on line a couple of days before to try and book tickets but it was sold out, so we went just to photograph it. On arrival we went to the south side car park to see it over the fence (photo 1 courtesy of Google maps with my add-ons) shows the position of the train, a mural depicting the train and location dates, out of view under the A3057 central station bridge and Southampton’s old signal box.
I said earlier on that I was unable to get tickets to board the train as they were sold out, but speaking with a member of staff revealed that it was possible to go in on the day, because the tickets are free some people book them and never turn up, so we managed to get onboard in the end.
I said earlier on that I was unable to get tickets to board the train as they were sold out, but speaking with a member of staff revealed that it was possible to go in on the day, because the tickets are free some people book them and never turn up, so we managed to get onboard in the end.
Micks photos of the 'Inspiration' train - please click for enlargements. All images copyright Mick House.
Many thanks for the comprehensive report, Mick. Glad you managed to get onboard in the end.