Bodmin Diesels with BR
Steve Clark
When I was out on Saturday photting 47306, I commented to Mark Lynam that I could not recall seeing 47306 whilst it was in service. Well, clearly I did as here is the evidence, with 'The Sapper' stabled on Saltley Depot.
Even more remarkable was the fact that earlier the same day I also saw 37142 in Dutch livery at Bescot. Both Locos now being preserved at the Bodmin Railway!
Even more remarkable was the fact that earlier the same day I also saw 37142 in Dutch livery at Bescot. Both Locos now being preserved at the Bodmin Railway!
47306 'The Sapper' stabled at Saltley. Copyright Steve Clark.
On the same day, 37142 is seen stabled at Bescot. Copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks, Steve - great that both locos can still be seen and enjoyed right here in Cornwall.
47306 'through the ages'
Bill Elston
The recent photos of 47306 at Bodmin prompted me to dig through my photos, and I came up with the blow views of this loco in its various guises, all taken at Exeter.
47306 in plain blue, dated 17/6/86. Copyright Bill Elston.
Now unofficially named GOSHAWK, courtesy of Tinsley depot. Dated 16/12/90. Copyright Bill Elston.
Now unofficially named GOSHAWK, courtesy of Tinsley depot. Dated 16/12/90. Copyright Bill Elston.
47306 in RFD livery on 19/12/91. Copyright Bill Elston.
Now in the later, smarter, RFD livery, and now named 'The Sapper'. 10/6/94, copyright Bill Elston.
Now in the later, smarter, RFD livery, and now named 'The Sapper'. 10/6/94, copyright Bill Elston.
Many thanks, Bill - great photos from your collection. Thanks for sending them in.
Class 175's - the future
Karl Hewlett
Regarding the future use of the class 175's in Devon and Cornwall, I have it on good authority that their diagrams are Exeter to Penzance replacing mini HST's and branches to Barnstable, Okehampton and also Newquay. It is not impossible, but highly unlikely, that they will go anywhere else, because the branches listed should then free up at least one class 150/2 for somewhere else. You will see more of the class 158's GWR already has, and some of the class 165 Turbos might be heading north for diagrams out of Bristol.
The reason why you won't see class 175's on branches such as St. Ives, Falmouth, Exmouth and Paignton (the latter which surprised me when I spoke to my contact), is because of the stop/starting (station dwell times). As the doors are located at each end instead of in the middle, such as the class 150/2, it takes longer to on/offload passengers.
The sets will be a mixture of two and three car units with the potential to make up four and five coach sets.
The reason why you won't see class 175's on branches such as St. Ives, Falmouth, Exmouth and Paignton (the latter which surprised me when I spoke to my contact), is because of the stop/starting (station dwell times). As the doors are located at each end instead of in the middle, such as the class 150/2, it takes longer to on/offload passengers.
The sets will be a mixture of two and three car units with the potential to make up four and five coach sets.
Many thanks, Karl
A day out on a Cornish Rover Ticket
Roger Winnen
Roger has sent over a number of photographs of a trip around the branchlines of Cornwall using a Cornish Rover Ticket. A few are shown below, but for the full selection, please visit our features section - click here (you may then need to scroll down).
The 11.20 service from Newquay to Par. 17.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The former platform will soon be receiving trains for the new metro service. 17.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Class 150 arriving at Liskeard to form the 11.54 service to Looe. 17.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Castle Class HST passes a !ET at Liskeard heading for Exeter St David's. 17.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Falmouth Docks Station. 17.07.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
Double Stamps
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
47816 leads 47827 away from Bristol Parkway in this 1994 shot. Copyright Phil Smith.
Lovely stuff, Phil - many thanks.
The Clay's on the way
Dennis Clarke
I was in Stoke-on-Trent today and 6V73, the 15:07 Cliffe Vale to Westbury, came through the station. It paused in the platform for about 10 mins. 66028 was the loco.
I have attached a couple of photos for you if you want to put them on the website.
I have attached a couple of photos for you if you want to put them on the website.
66028 at Stoke on Trent alongside an Avanti Pendolino with the Cliffe Vale - Westbury empty JIA's. 18.07.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Empty JIA's under the roof at Stoke on Trent. 18.07.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
66028 awaits departure. 18.07.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
There's no mistaking the location in this one! 18.07.2025, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Many thanks, Dennis - unusual for us down here to see the JIA's so far from 'home' - under live wires one day, under semaphores the next.