Paddington HST
David Pond
Here is an update to Alan’s pictures of HSTs at Paddington.
This HST sneaks in a couple of times a month when there are few people around. Feel free to post on the site if relevant.
Taken early hours of 17 July.
This HST sneaks in a couple of times a month when there are few people around. Feel free to post on the site if relevant.
Taken early hours of 17 July.
The Network Rail NMT at rest 'on the blocks' at Paddington. 17.07.2026, copyright David Pond.
43062 awaiting departure from Paddington with the NMT. 17.07.2026, copyright David Pond.
Beneath the ornate station roof at Paddington, a place where many thousands of journeys have begun. 17.07.2026, copyright David Pond.
Early hours at Paddington. 17.07.2026, copyright David Pond.
The view from the front at Paddington as 43062 awaits a green signal. 17.07.2026, copyright David Pond.
Many thanks indeed David - once an every day scene now quite the rarity. Thanks for sharing these with us.
Okehampton Interchange
Andrew & Diane Jones
Dear Keith, Roger and Jon, well after a long wait it appears that Okehampton interchange station is due to open on the 1st August 2026, with dignitaries having a preview and ceremony on the 31st July 2026.
Devon has a good record when it comes to new stations, recently Marsh Barton, obviously Okehampton Town and Ivybridge.
The 70's did see some improvements around Falmouth and obviously Lelant Saltings in 1978 but apart from heritage lines, Cornwall is still waiting!
I hope to visit on Saturday.
Devon has a good record when it comes to new stations, recently Marsh Barton, obviously Okehampton Town and Ivybridge.
The 70's did see some improvements around Falmouth and obviously Lelant Saltings in 1978 but apart from heritage lines, Cornwall is still waiting!
I hope to visit on Saturday.
Many thanks Andrew and Diane - hopefully we will see some photographs of the day!
The Cotswold Diesel Gala
Ian Thomas
Yet another warm and sunny weekend in this summer of 2026, and the Cotswold Diesel Gala got under way on the GWSR. Thankfully, this gala did not endure the extreme heat of the Spring Steam Gala at the end of May, and travelling conditions were therefore much more bearable, with temperatures of 24–26°C.
We decided to visit on Sunday, July 26th, the third day of the gala, and a very special day indeed. The GWSR paid tribute to Pathfinder Railtours. In order to do this, virtually all trains carried headboards from past excursions, and some of the locomotives in service had themselves appeared on Pathfinder tours over the years.
The Pathfinder stewards and team were around all day, and the main man himself was present, along with his wife, Jane. They had a first-class coach reserved for them on the 14:15 service from Broadway to Cheltenham and the 15:40 return train from Cheltenham to Broadway. The train carried the headboard The Broadway Greeter and was hauled by none other than Class 45/1 "Peak" No. 45 149 (see picture at Winchcombe).
It was a fitting tribute to the class, which has appeared on many tours over the decades, along with steam-heat Class 45/0s and Class 46s. Window stickers, as used by summer Saturday holiday trains in the 1970s, were also in evidence, giving a great feel for how things were.
This will be the final get-together of all concerned, as Pathfinder ceased trading at the end of last year, so it was quite a poignant day all in all.
The day went well, with only one locomotive casualty. Class 25 No. 25262 suffered an oil leak but continued in service with another locomotive.
Many punters were there, and it was great to see old faces from the past, both Pathfinder people and enthusiasts alike. So, all in all, a great day out, and thanks to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for pulling it off—the usual splendid effort all round.
We decided to visit on Sunday, July 26th, the third day of the gala, and a very special day indeed. The GWSR paid tribute to Pathfinder Railtours. In order to do this, virtually all trains carried headboards from past excursions, and some of the locomotives in service had themselves appeared on Pathfinder tours over the years.
The Pathfinder stewards and team were around all day, and the main man himself was present, along with his wife, Jane. They had a first-class coach reserved for them on the 14:15 service from Broadway to Cheltenham and the 15:40 return train from Cheltenham to Broadway. The train carried the headboard The Broadway Greeter and was hauled by none other than Class 45/1 "Peak" No. 45 149 (see picture at Winchcombe).
It was a fitting tribute to the class, which has appeared on many tours over the decades, along with steam-heat Class 45/0s and Class 46s. Window stickers, as used by summer Saturday holiday trains in the 1970s, were also in evidence, giving a great feel for how things were.
This will be the final get-together of all concerned, as Pathfinder ceased trading at the end of last year, so it was quite a poignant day all in all.
The day went well, with only one locomotive casualty. Class 25 No. 25262 suffered an oil leak but continued in service with another locomotive.
Many punters were there, and it was great to see old faces from the past, both Pathfinder people and enthusiasts alike. So, all in all, a great day out, and thanks to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for pulling it off—the usual splendid effort all round.
Please click above images for enlargements/captions. All images copyright Ian Thomas.
Looks like a fantastic event - many thanks for the photos, Ian.
St. Austell Scenes
Michael Forward
Great pictures on the site as ever; I have never seen one of the Night Riviera headboard. A couple of my pictures from St.Austell taken on 20 September 1989. Firstly 158815 calls with the 06.45 Swindon to Penzance service. Copyright Michael Forward.
Now we see 153370 and 153362 with the 10.35 Penzance to Plymouth. 20.09.1989, copyright Michael Forward.
Many thanks Michael, great photos showing the state of play in the late 80's.
Tuesdays Clay
Tony Shore, Jon Hird & Mark Lynam
The Goonbarrow - Fowey clay captured at the start of its journey, as 66759 lifts 6G09 away from Goonbarrow. 28.07.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Having reached the crest of the incline from Par at Treverrin, 66759 idles as it coasts down through Milltown towards Lostwithiel Up Goods Loop. 28.07.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The empty wagons are returned from Fowey and are seen passing Golant on a rising tide. 28.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks to you both.
Exeter Test Train
David Tozer
153385 passing Arena Park, Exeter working the 1625 2Q34 Chard Junction to Exeter Riverside New Yard. 28.07.2026, copyright David Tozer.
Well caught - many thanks, Dave.
Swindon Test Train
Colin Pidgeon
37405 on 3Q58 Derby RTC to Bristol Kingsland at Swindon. 27.07.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Many thanks Colin, and thanks also to Ken for sending this photo in.
July 1976
Part 29
Roger Winnen
The widen lines with loco hauled stock. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Class 31224 descends at Kings Cross to Moorgate. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.