The first '175' to Cornwall
Mark Lynam & Clive Smith
The below text is from Clive:
175002 became the first of its class to enter Cornwall today, 15.07.2025. The first visit was just to Saltash at 10.19. After returning to Plymouth, 175002 made a second visit, this time as far as Liskeard. My photos are of the third outing of the day with the 5Z25 13.19 Plymouth - Liskeard seen at Saltash, and the 5Z26 13.51 Liskeard - Laira ECS at St Germans.
Most of the trips involved station stops with various orange jacketed staff using instruments to measure gaps at the platform from the trains and steps, as well as disabled ramps.
No doubt these DMUs will be around for a while in Devon and Cornwall and if they retain their liveries will provide some colour on the railway.
Penzance, Falmouth, Exeter, Okehampton and Barnstaple trials will no doubt follow soon.
175002 became the first of its class to enter Cornwall today, 15.07.2025. The first visit was just to Saltash at 10.19. After returning to Plymouth, 175002 made a second visit, this time as far as Liskeard. My photos are of the third outing of the day with the 5Z25 13.19 Plymouth - Liskeard seen at Saltash, and the 5Z26 13.51 Liskeard - Laira ECS at St Germans.
Most of the trips involved station stops with various orange jacketed staff using instruments to measure gaps at the platform from the trains and steps, as well as disabled ramps.
No doubt these DMUs will be around for a while in Devon and Cornwall and if they retain their liveries will provide some colour on the railway.
Penzance, Falmouth, Exeter, Okehampton and Barnstaple trials will no doubt follow soon.
175002 crossing the Royal Albert bridge on the first trip of the day, the 0930 Laira - Saltash. Copyright Mark Lynam.
The unusual sight of a train departing for Devon from the down platform at Saltash as 175002 prepares to work the 5Z22 1015 Saltash - Plymouth. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
5Z22 leaves Cornwall behind. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
175002 is again seen at Saltash working the 5Z23 1056 Plymouth - Liskeard. Copyright Mark Lynam.
5Z24, the 1135 Liskeard - Plymouth passes back through Saltash. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
175002 again enters Cornish territory as it exits the Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash running as 5Z25 the 1319 Plymouth to Liskeard. 15.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
A broadside view of the unit at Saltash. 15.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
The DMU continues on its way to Liskeard passing through Saltash Station. 15.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
5Z25 arrives at Liskeard, Mark narrowly avoiding being 'bowled' by an up IET which already has the signal pulled off. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
175002 has used the crossover at the West end of the station to join the up line in preparation to work the final train of the day, the 5Z26 1351 Liskeard - Laira. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Testing the wheelchair access ramps at Liskeard. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
5Z26 departs Liskeard for Laira. 15.07.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
175002 running as 5Z26 13.51 Liskeard - Laira ECS at St Germans. 15.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
The going-away shot at St. Germans as 175002 heads towards the viaduct. 15.07.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
A great selection Clive and Mark, many thanks to you both for sending them in. I'm sure these units will be around for many years to come.
Walkways at Hinksey
Alan Peters
New staff walkways are being installed at Hinksey Yard (Oxford) on 30/06/25 with 6M50 in the background consisting of Colas Rail 70807 and Freightliner 70009 on long term hire to Colas hauling just one MLA Falcon wagon to Bescot for maintenance. Copyright Alan Peters.
A staggering power-to-weight ratio for that short train, Alan - many thanks.
South Devon Scenes
Martin Scane
A few photographs from our trip to the South Devon Railway today (15.07).
3205, 6430 and 5786 looking rather forlorn in the yard to the left of the goods shed. Despite appearances I think the two panniers are operational. They rather give the impression of locomotives waiting to enter Swindon works for attention. 15.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
W55000 and 5542 in the works yard. 15.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
25262 and 1369 waiting at Buckfastleigh with the 10-30 departure for Totnes. The “Rat” doing most of the work due to line side fire risk. 15.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
1369 runs round the train at Totnes Riverside. 15.07.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Thanks Martin. The railway has plenty of character.
Dawlish Fifty-fest
Paul Barlow
On this day, 42 years ago.. Four Class 50s at Dawlish Warren - 50018 50047 and a UID 50 wait in the platform while 50040 passes on a down express. 16.07.1983, copyright Paul Barlow.
Absolutely fantastic - many thanks, Paul.