The Plym Valley Transport Weekend
Roger Winnen & Peter Murnaghan
With thanks to Roger and Peter, we have a number of photographs of this event now available in our 'Features' section - please click here (you may need to scroll down).
Below are a few favourites.
Below are a few favourites.
This engine was built in Poland by Fablok TKH 5374. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
I captured the run past, by walking between the two stations - this picture was taken by the level crossing mid way along the line. 21.06.2025, copyright Peter Murnaghan.
43063 in the yard at Marsh Mills. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
'Skipper' 142023 awaits departure from Plym Bridge. 21.06.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
For many more photos, please click here.
'Nunney Castle' to the west
Sam Ryder
5029 between Kingskerswell and Torquay whilst working Saturdays tour to Kingswear. 21.06.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
Great shot Sam, many thanks.
5029 Nunney Castle at Paignton on Saturday
Leslie Curnow
Leslie Curnow
Copyright Leslie Curnow
Copyright Leslie Curnow
Copyright Leslie Curnow
Copyright Leslie Curnow
Many Thanks Leslie
GWR Units to Wolverton
Thomas O'Flaherty
150232 on its way from Exeter to Wolverton, running 16 mins early on the Frome avoiding line. 22.06.2025, copyright Thomas O'Flaherty.
150232 on its way from Exeter to Wolverton, running 16 mins early on the Frome avoiding line. 22.06.2025, copyright Thomas O'Flaherty.
Many thanks, Thomas - interesting photos.
Bishopsteignton Variety
Martin Scane
1C81 with 802108 working a Paddington to Penzance service passing Red Rock bridge at 14-29. The view is along the Teign estuary with Shaldon bridge and Teignmouth in the background. 22.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Second looking the other way towards Newton Abbot with 43187/43093 wotking 2E13 from Penzance to Exeter St Davids at 14-31. 22.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
And finally the main reason for my visit. This is 37501 looking immaculate as she works 0V84 Derby RTC to Laira at 14-38. 22.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
Thanks Martin - lovely shots.
Weekend round-up
Clive Smith
5029 'Nunney Castle' and LSL 57311 with 57002 on the rear with the 1Z31 06.50 London Victoria - Kingswear Steam Dreams tour. The two 57s but presumably an insurance against setting the countryside ablaze in the current dry conditions. However 5029 provided a great burst of black smoke on pulling out of Dawlish Warren station before turning white. 21.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
A baking hot afternoon with the tide already gone out at Cockwood Harbour, 5029 and 57002 look superb as they cross the harbour at this famous location withe the 1Z33 16.35 Kingswear - London Victoria return Steam Dream tour with 57311 on the rear. 21.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
37501 passes Aish at South Brent with the 0V84 09.41 Derby RTC - Laira' light engine. The loco is owned by Europhoenix, leased to Rail Operations Group and this year was turned out in BR British Steel livery with 'Teeside Steelmaster' nameplates. The sky blue livery is stunning in the afternoon sun and certainly stands out against the backdrop of Brent Hill. 37501 will be at Laira to provide 'Thunderbird' cover as the class 175s are finally about to start driver training this week. 22.06.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Great photos as always, Clive - thanks for sending them in.
Class 175 Test Runs In Devon This Week
Plus Class 37 Rescue Loco
Karl Hewlett
This week sees the first driver familiarisation runs of the class 175 units brought down from ATW, the times are:
Monday 23rd to Friday 27th June
5D01 0900 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37074/2025-06-23/detailed
5D02 0944 Newton Abbot to Plymouth
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37073/2025-06-23/detailed
5D03 1043 Plymouth to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37072/2025-06-23/detailed
5D04 1129 Newton Abbot to Plymouth
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37071/2025-06-23/detailed
5D05 1307 Plymouth to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37070/2025-06-23/detailed
5D06 1347 Newton Abbot to Plymouth
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37069/2025-06-23/detailed
5D07 1436 Plymouth to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37068/2025-06-23/detailed
5D08 1519 Newton Abbot to Laira T.& R.S.M.D.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37067/2025-06-23/detailed
Also, 37501 'Teesside Steelmaster' back in its non-standard 1987 British Steel Blue livery, is currently at Laira Depot to act as a rescue/thunderbird loco apparently. No return times seem to be in the system this week and early next week for it to depart except an 0Z91 Laira to Bristol on Monday, but this seems to me as being far too early in the week sending a thunderbird loco back. I have however sent a link for 0Z91 just in case it is 501 returning north:
0Z91 0959 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Bristol Temple Meads
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R01953/2025-06-23/detailed
Monday 23rd to Friday 27th June
5D01 0900 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37074/2025-06-23/detailed
5D02 0944 Newton Abbot to Plymouth
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37073/2025-06-23/detailed
5D03 1043 Plymouth to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37072/2025-06-23/detailed
5D04 1129 Newton Abbot to Plymouth
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37071/2025-06-23/detailed
5D05 1307 Plymouth to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37070/2025-06-23/detailed
5D06 1347 Newton Abbot to Plymouth
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37069/2025-06-23/detailed
5D07 1436 Plymouth to Newton Abbot
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37068/2025-06-23/detailed
5D08 1519 Newton Abbot to Laira T.& R.S.M.D.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K37067/2025-06-23/detailed
Also, 37501 'Teesside Steelmaster' back in its non-standard 1987 British Steel Blue livery, is currently at Laira Depot to act as a rescue/thunderbird loco apparently. No return times seem to be in the system this week and early next week for it to depart except an 0Z91 Laira to Bristol on Monday, but this seems to me as being far too early in the week sending a thunderbird loco back. I have however sent a link for 0Z91 just in case it is 501 returning north:
0Z91 0959 Laira T.& R.S.M.D. to Bristol Temple Meads
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R01953/2025-06-23/detailed
Great 'gen' - many thanks, Karl.
We await the 175 photos!
We await the 175 photos!
North Cornwall Railway Ramble
Andrew & Diane Jones
Another marvellous day at the North Cornwall Miniature railway. Large crowds attended the event which was in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Three steam locomotives were running plus a few diesel replicas.
I have attached some photographs and look forward to the next open day on August 10th 2025.
Whilst returning to Grogley I decided to continue the theme that Roger and Jon initiated on their previous visit to Port Isaac Road Station.
Remarkable as it may seem in this age of austerity Network Rail and National Highways have restored three bridges on the stretch of redundant railway just North of St Kew Highway through Trellil tunnel up to Port Isaac Road.
Escaping the scrap man due to stone construction and exceptional quality these structures are worthy of preservation in a period of continuous cost cutting and vandalism.
They have done a wonderful job and will ensure that they survive another 100 years, well worth a look if you are in the region.
Three steam locomotives were running plus a few diesel replicas.
I have attached some photographs and look forward to the next open day on August 10th 2025.
Whilst returning to Grogley I decided to continue the theme that Roger and Jon initiated on their previous visit to Port Isaac Road Station.
Remarkable as it may seem in this age of austerity Network Rail and National Highways have restored three bridges on the stretch of redundant railway just North of St Kew Highway through Trellil tunnel up to Port Isaac Road.
Escaping the scrap man due to stone construction and exceptional quality these structures are worthy of preservation in a period of continuous cost cutting and vandalism.
They have done a wonderful job and will ensure that they survive another 100 years, well worth a look if you are in the region.
The North Cornwall Miniature Railway open day. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
The North Cornwall Miniature Railway open day. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
The North Cornwall Miniature Railway open day. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
The North Cornwall Miniature Railway open day. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
A recently renovated road-over-rail bridge on the long-closed North Cornwall line. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Another road-over-rail bridge which has recently been tidied on the former North Cornwall line. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
A tall rail-over-road bridge near Port Issac road looking resplendent. 22.06.2025, copyright Andrew & Diane Jones.
Many thanks Andrew & Diane, great to see the bridges looking smart. If only the rails could return!
Re: Weymouth Wizard
Guy Vincent
Good to see the Weymouth Wizard resurrected on the site this morning. The story behind this series of mid-week summer extras was covered on 6th June 2018. Type 'Wizard' into search box and the story is there to see.
Further info on the series can also be added:
1981 Commenced 13 July, Mondays-Thursdays as 3 car DMU Swindon-Westbury, attaching to the 0910 WSB-WEY 3 car DMU. Return working 3 car DMU attached to 1800 WEY-BTM, detaching at WSB and continuing to Chippenham and Swindon only at 1955.
From 21st July due to high demand, a six car DMU ran from / to Swindon.
From 30th July until 10th Sept (still M-ThO) became a loco and coaches working throughout.
1982 M-Tho (dates unavailable) 0920 Swindon - Weymouth & 1714 Weymouth - Swindon. Loco & Mk 1 coaches.
1983 M-Tho 4th July - 8th Sept. 0920 Swindon - Weymouth & 1714 rtn. Loco & Mk 1 coaches (usually load 9)
1984 (days / dates unavailable) 0903 Swindon - Weymouth 1Z92 & 1720 rtn 1Z92 Loco & Mk 1 set.
1985 Tu WO 23 July - 21 Aug. 0910 Swindon - Weymouth 1Z92 & 1802 rtn 1Z92. Loco & Mk 1 coaches.
Ken's photo of the headboard taken at Swindon is the best I've seen to date! Fortunately he's photographed both sides of the loco and it can be seen that both nameplates are in good order with all beading now repaired. Photo 2 shows the return in what is now platform 2 at Weymouth, most likely the summer of either 1982, 1983 or 1984. I have a saved image dated 31.8.83 of 47076 at Dorchester West, complete with headboard, but doubt it is the same working Ken travelled on.
City of Truro was fitted with electric train heating equipment and renumbered 47625 during November 1984.
Finally, a photo I took on 21st July 1983 of 47166 with the 'Wizard' about to depart from Westbury following a crew change.
Further info on the series can also be added:
1981 Commenced 13 July, Mondays-Thursdays as 3 car DMU Swindon-Westbury, attaching to the 0910 WSB-WEY 3 car DMU. Return working 3 car DMU attached to 1800 WEY-BTM, detaching at WSB and continuing to Chippenham and Swindon only at 1955.
From 21st July due to high demand, a six car DMU ran from / to Swindon.
From 30th July until 10th Sept (still M-ThO) became a loco and coaches working throughout.
1982 M-Tho (dates unavailable) 0920 Swindon - Weymouth & 1714 Weymouth - Swindon. Loco & Mk 1 coaches.
1983 M-Tho 4th July - 8th Sept. 0920 Swindon - Weymouth & 1714 rtn. Loco & Mk 1 coaches (usually load 9)
1984 (days / dates unavailable) 0903 Swindon - Weymouth 1Z92 & 1720 rtn 1Z92 Loco & Mk 1 set.
1985 Tu WO 23 July - 21 Aug. 0910 Swindon - Weymouth 1Z92 & 1802 rtn 1Z92. Loco & Mk 1 coaches.
Ken's photo of the headboard taken at Swindon is the best I've seen to date! Fortunately he's photographed both sides of the loco and it can be seen that both nameplates are in good order with all beading now repaired. Photo 2 shows the return in what is now platform 2 at Weymouth, most likely the summer of either 1982, 1983 or 1984. I have a saved image dated 31.8.83 of 47076 at Dorchester West, complete with headboard, but doubt it is the same working Ken travelled on.
City of Truro was fitted with electric train heating equipment and renumbered 47625 during November 1984.
Finally, a photo I took on 21st July 1983 of 47166 with the 'Wizard' about to depart from Westbury following a crew change.
47166 with the 'Wizard' about to depart from Westbury following a crew change. 21.07.1983, copyright Guy Vincent.
Top stuff, Guy - many thanks for filling in the gaps.