Yesterday at Exminster
David Tozer
David Tozer
A visit to Exminster produced a bonus photograph in the shape of a GWR Class 57. 57604 with the 1211 OZ55 Exeter to Plymouth (Laira). 11.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Following the the Class 57 was the Midland Pullman the 0551 1Z44 Hull to Paignton. 11.06.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Many thanks, David
Class 50's in the westcountry
In 1974
Roger Winnen
Part 1
D400 at Laira. 23.02.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
First visit of 50027 to Long Rock Penzance. 17.03.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
50027 at Long Rock shed together with a Park Royal 2 Car unit (acting as a Viaduct inspection unit) and a Class 25. 06.04.1974, copyright Roger Wiinnen
50027 On a driver training run photographed at Hayle. 16.04.1974, copyright Roger Winnen
Thanks Roger - more 'Vacs' from the past tomorrow.
'50's' in 1980
Paul Barlow
50034 Arrives at Plymouth with an up service 3 May 1980 could possibly be 0748 Penzance to Liverpool 1M85. Original photographer unknown, copyright Paul Barlow.
50043 Eagle at Penzance 17 April 1980. Original photographer unknown, copyright Paul Barlow.
50043 Eagle light engine at Penzance 17 April 1980. Original photographer unknown, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul and with perfect timing, a great follow-on from Rogers article.
Re: D1660 'City of Truro'
Roger Geach
An excuse to find another picture of D1660, now as 47749.
Interesting that Karl says there is an offical picture in the Museum.
I thought the BR publicity would have taken some at the time, and in BR days that would probably have been in their archive, but now who knows - probably alot of stuff skipped..
Interesting that Karl says there is an offical picture in the Museum.
I thought the BR publicity would have taken some at the time, and in BR days that would probably have been in their archive, but now who knows - probably alot of stuff skipped..
47749 47744 run as light diesels from St Blazey - Plymouth - a regular move back in RES days. Dobwalls, 08.04.1998. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks, Roger. A working, and a livery, I'm sure that we all miss.
A reply from Karl Hewlett;
In response to Roger Geach's message, the image is not an official BR image. To explain, the museum gets archive material from a vast range including donations from members of the public, bequest in wills and donated old press material of interest from local newspapers etc.
Although it has been quite a long time since I last viewed the image (a black and white transparency), the loco was in platform 1 and was taken just after naming. I believe the naming curtain had gone and there was hardly anyone about on the platform, so probably an afterthought press image from someone like 'The Western Morning News', or a BR employee taking a snap for their own collection. There wasn't a huge amount of details that came with the image.
At my time of viewing the museum was beginning to digitise its archive ranging from glass plates, transparencies, all types of different formats. They do have quite a collection of historic images of railways in Cornwall including mainline and some narrow gauge. As stated, anyone wishing to look at the collection would need ideally to make an appointment with the current 'Archive Collections Officer' who should be able to assist with their enquiries, all images are kept away from the public in temperature controlled roller storage units. Images can be bought at a cost, but for any commercial use this would need to be negotiated prior.
In response to Roger Geach's message, the image is not an official BR image. To explain, the museum gets archive material from a vast range including donations from members of the public, bequest in wills and donated old press material of interest from local newspapers etc.
Although it has been quite a long time since I last viewed the image (a black and white transparency), the loco was in platform 1 and was taken just after naming. I believe the naming curtain had gone and there was hardly anyone about on the platform, so probably an afterthought press image from someone like 'The Western Morning News', or a BR employee taking a snap for their own collection. There wasn't a huge amount of details that came with the image.
At my time of viewing the museum was beginning to digitise its archive ranging from glass plates, transparencies, all types of different formats. They do have quite a collection of historic images of railways in Cornwall including mainline and some narrow gauge. As stated, anyone wishing to look at the collection would need ideally to make an appointment with the current 'Archive Collections Officer' who should be able to assist with their enquiries, all images are kept away from the public in temperature controlled roller storage units. Images can be bought at a cost, but for any commercial use this would need to be negotiated prior.
Many thanks, Karl
Re: D1660 'City of Truro'
Guy Vincent
First, two very old instamatic shots of 47076 taken on a summer Saturday morning, 15th July 1978. City of Truro approaching platform 3 at Westbury with a Yeoman stone train. Domino headcode panels are now in place and the poor nameplate looks even more battered! The semaphore signalling south of the station had just under two months left. Copyright Guy Vincent.
The damaged nameplate of 47076 in 1978. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Second, same loco and same location (now with extended platforms). 47749 Atlantic College about to depart with an additional 1145 Westbury - Castle Cary service in connection with the Glastonbury festival. 47789 was at the rear of the seven coach formation on Thursday 27th June 2002. Copyright Guy Vincent.
47749 at Westbury on 27th June 2002. Copyright Guy Vincent.
47749 at Westbury on 27th June 2002. Copyright Guy Vincent.
I’ve always thought it strange how some locos can run for their entire lives unnamed while other, seemingly identical class members receive, in some cases, multiple names. D1660 has carried four names including one twice, while D1658 (47074 47646 47852) was never named.
Many thanks for jumping in with the 'City of Truro' photos, Guy - we're building quite the collection!
Parkway Powerhouse
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
60033 is seen handling a long train of loaded coal hoppers at Birstol Parkway in this 2000 shot. Copyright Phil Smith.
Many thanks as always, Phil
A couple of 'Castles'
Jon Hird
43186 and 43156 drop down the bank towards Par, having just exited Treverrin Tunnel whilst working a late-running 2C57 on 07.06.2025. Copyright Jon Hird.
43187 and 43093 work 2C20, the 1128 Exeter - Penzance past the ripening fields at Dowgas, Coombe. 11.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.