June 13th 2025

13/6/2025

Okehampton Disruption
Andrew & Diane Jones

It must be me, I jinxed the Okehampton service yet again, last time it was sheep on the line, today overgrown trees hitting passing trains.

The normal timetable was reduced to a 2 hour schedule, but luckily it gave me time to use the lovely station buffet and photograph the old booking office preserved in all its glory.

Returning on the 13.33 (illustrated)from Central in a very spirited fashion due to the driver trying to make up time. I didn't clock the speed but it was fast and almost felt like we were behind a T9 in the sixties.

It's a breath of fresh air to use this ex mainline once again and I only hope I will live to see it back to Tavistock .

Okehampton station on 12.06.2025. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

A great period-correct poster on display at Okehampton. 12.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

The time-capsule booking office in full Southern splendour. 12.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Back at Exeter Central. 12.06.2025. Copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.

Many thanks to you both. A shame about the disruption, but there are worse places to be marooned!

37430 at Cardiff
Michael Adams

Hello Roger, I hope you are well ,lots of interesting pics on the site and I look forward to more 50s tomorrow. In the meantime here is a nice picture from Michael Adams of 37430 'Cwmbran 'waiting to leave Cardiff on 12 October 1987 with the 10.45 service to Crewe. This lovely loco. Is no longer with us, formerly D6965, it was cut up in May 2008. I have not yet found any pictures I took 0f City of Truro ! Thanks, all the best, Michael.

Many thanks, Michael

BR Blue at Bodmin
Tony Shore & Jon Hird

Ex-works class 08 No. 08444 was utilised this week at Bodmin to assist the service steam loco. The loco looks resplendent in its new BR Blue livery and is a credit to the workshop team at Bodmin.

08444 leads the 1335 Bodmin General - Boscarne Junction past Crabtree Lane. Copyright Tony Shore.

08444 at Bodmin General prior to working the 1450 service to Bodmin Parkway. 12.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

5552 at Bodmin General with a 'Happy Birthday' headboard. 12.06.2025, copyright Tony Shore.

08444 drops down past Charlies Gate with a working to Bodmin Parkway. 12.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

5552 leads a train away from Bodmin Parkway over the viaduct. The River Fowey is flowing well. 12.06.2025, copyright Jon Hird.

Didcot Coal
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

60098 passes through Didcot with a train of coal hoppers. 2000, copyright Phil Smith.

Another great shot, Phil - many thanks as always.

Stratton Green & Swindon
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon

1G09 [Paddington - Cheltenham Spa with IET unit 800033]] on the left meets 1A14 [Bristol (Temple Meads) - Paddington with IET unit 800303] at the eastern end of Stratton Green loop. 12.06.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

1Q23 leaves the loop and continues on its journey. 12.06.2025, copyright Ken Mumford.

The day before, at Swindon, we see 5Q75 [Eastleigh to Long Marston with unit 701055; it left platform 1 6 LATE heading for its destination via the Gloucester branch hauled by 69013 wearing its mental health charities colour scheme. 11.06.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.