Class 20's in Devon!
Tony Shore, Clive Smith, Martin Scane, Paul & Alison Barlow
Clive writes:
Yes, this is a pair of class 20s in Devon! Just 30 hours previously and the thought of me fotting this pair would have been just fantasy but here they are. On Tuesday an ECS from Southall to Goodrington was worked by 47810 and 57302 top and tailed but was over 3 hours late after various problems and diversions. On Wednesday the pair worked a 06.17 Paignton - Shrewsbury Saphos tour which was supposed to be 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley but because of a steam ban due to the current heatwave it was to be diesel throughout. However 57302 was ailing on the rear and failed at Bristol. The tour got to Shrewsbury but by late morning LSL had decided to replace the pair with 47712 and - 20118 & 20132 ! The 47 would lead and the 20s were on the rear. Arrival in Devon was in the dark after 22.00 but numerous stops made station photos possible.
The ECS was due up mid afternoon on Thursday and so photographers were wanting to know at which end the locos would be as photo locations were crucial but limited due to the fierce sun. Ideally the 20s needed to be on the rear to maximise photo opportunities along the sea wall as the sun would be in the south.
First report was that 47712 would lead the two 20s on the front of the train. This was the worst scenario as there would be no clear shot of the 20s and sea wall options were zero as the sun would be into the camera. At 12.50 news came through that 47712 was low on coolant and the 20s would be on their own on the front with 47712 on the rear.
Yes, this is a pair of class 20s in Devon! Just 30 hours previously and the thought of me fotting this pair would have been just fantasy but here they are. On Tuesday an ECS from Southall to Goodrington was worked by 47810 and 57302 top and tailed but was over 3 hours late after various problems and diversions. On Wednesday the pair worked a 06.17 Paignton - Shrewsbury Saphos tour which was supposed to be 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley but because of a steam ban due to the current heatwave it was to be diesel throughout. However 57302 was ailing on the rear and failed at Bristol. The tour got to Shrewsbury but by late morning LSL had decided to replace the pair with 47712 and - 20118 & 20132 ! The 47 would lead and the 20s were on the rear. Arrival in Devon was in the dark after 22.00 but numerous stops made station photos possible.
The ECS was due up mid afternoon on Thursday and so photographers were wanting to know at which end the locos would be as photo locations were crucial but limited due to the fierce sun. Ideally the 20s needed to be on the rear to maximise photo opportunities along the sea wall as the sun would be in the south.
First report was that 47712 would lead the two 20s on the front of the train. This was the worst scenario as there would be no clear shot of the 20s and sea wall options were zero as the sun would be into the camera. At 12.50 news came through that 47712 was low on coolant and the 20s would be on their own on the front with 47712 on the rear.
20118 and 20132 in Goodrington Yard, Paignton, awaiting their path back to Crewe with the ECS from Wednesdays railtour. 25.06.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The LSL Crewe driver has a bite to eat in the shade provided by 20118. 25.06.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
37703 passes by the 20's in Goodrington, heading to Kingswear vice-steam on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway. 25.06.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
20118 leads the ECS into Paignton station. 25.06.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The driver looks back along his train as he prepares for 'blast off' from Paignton. 25.06.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
47712 on the rear as the train departs Paignton. 25.06.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
20118 and 20132 pass Alexandra Terrace by Teignmouth Docks with the 5Z65 13.38 Goodrington - Crewe ECS. 47712 was on the rear. 25.06.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
47712 on the rear at Teignmouth. 25.06.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
20118 leads the train through Teignmouth Station. 25.06.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
47712 on the rear at Teignmouth. 25.06.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
20118 20132 with 47712 on the rear 1338 Goodrington to Crewe ECS 5Z65 Dawlish Warren is in the background. 25.06.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
47712 on the rear as the train approaches Cockwood. 25.06.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
20118 20132 with 47712 on the rear 1338 Goodrington to Crewe ECS 5Z65 approaches Cockwood. 25.06.2026, copyright Alison Barlow.
Who'd have thought it, a pair of 20's in the westcountry in 2026! I imagine LSL could have made a bit of money had they opened this ECS up to passengers, even if it was only one-way. Many thanks to all for the photos.
Nocturnal scenes at Dawlish
David Ive
A couple of images of Wednesday night's 1Z62 Shrewsbury to Paignton at Dawlish, led by 47712. Note it is on the bi-directional Up line, enabling a late running XC to overtake. 20132 and 20118 are on the back. All 3 locos replaced the original ones after issues during the outward trip to Shrewsbury. 24.06.2026, copyright David Ive.
20132 and 20118 on the rear of the charter train at Dawlish. 24.06.2026, copyright David Ive.
Many thanks indeed David, some lovely atmospheric night shots of some unusual traction.
Please check out Davids photography website - click here.
Please check out Davids photography website - click here.
'96 Pick & Mix
Ian Thomas
47747 at Berkeley Rd South with the Royal Scotsman ECS, York to Cranmore. 14.08.1996, copyright Ian Thomas.
A Class 143 Pacer passing Cam & Dursley on the 1200 Weston-Super-Mare to Cheltenham. 18.07.1996, copyright Ian Thomas.
A great selection from the not-too-distant past - many thanks, Ian.
A visit to 'Rail Live'
Alan Peters
Although a little outside the West Country area, June marks my annual pilgrimage to Rail Live at Long Marston Rail innovation centre which originally started as 'The national Track Plant Exhibition' this is seen as the rail industry big event of the year with displays of railway infrastructure both large and small. This year was no exception as Long Marston is now the only continuous electrified 2.2 mile loop with speeds up to 50mph and visitors were able to board Hydroflex 799201 for trip around the test track at Rail Live on 17/06/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
New livery Heavy Haul 66537 was also on display at Rail Live on 17/06/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
Long Marston is well know for off lease storage, here 350254 and 350250 are able to make use of the new overhead wires with their pantograph's raised at Rail Live on 17/06/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
The rows of stored units at Long Marston could be seen at Rail Live on 17/06/26, nearest the camera former GWR 769535 converted Tri-mode 319 electric unit from the ill fated North Downs project. Copyright Alan Peters.
New GBRf Stadler 99008 was also on display alongside Heavy haul 66537 at Rail Live on 17/06/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
Pioneer 08e shunter 08308 is to be used at Loram in Derby, was also on display and open for cab visits at Rail Live on 17/06/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
Part of the Rail 200 Inspiration Train tour, was at Rail Live Long Marston along with GBRf 66710 'Karen Harrison' on 17/06/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks Alan. Looks like it was a well put-together display - thanks very much for the virtual tour.
More photo restorations
Steve Clark
Seems the 'in thing' at the moment is to run old images through AI and see how the results look. On the whole not bad although the average quality of the original image means detail is not always picked up but the end result in some cases is surprisingly good.
Here are the first couple ive done from a family holiday to the West Country around 1985 where my memories are of endless Loco hauled services, a trip to Newton Abbot racecourse and seeing Bruno Brookes and Steve Wright somewhere on a beach with the Radio One Roadshow!! Any spare time I had was spent on Newton Abbot station!!
Here are the first couple ive done from a family holiday to the West Country around 1985 where my memories are of endless Loco hauled services, a trip to Newton Abbot racecourse and seeing Bruno Brookes and Steve Wright somewhere on a beach with the Radio One Roadshow!! Any spare time I had was spent on Newton Abbot station!!
A 'Peak' at Newton Abbot circa-1985. Copyright Steve Clark.
A Class 47 on freight at Newton Abbot, again circa-1985. Copyright Steve Clark.
A light loco class 31 at the east-end of Newton Abbot, circa-1985. Copyright Steve Clark.
Great results - many thanks for sharing them with us, Steve.
Clinnick Clay
Jon Hird
The first photograph I’ve taken at Clinnick viaduct which I can look at and be quite happy with! A short train is required and today’s serving of clay from Treviscoe fitted the bill. 66755 rockets through the Glynn Valley, heading towards a green signal at Largin Junction, with 3 JIA’s bound for Cliffe Vale. 25.06.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Teignmouth Clay
Martin Scane
66755 following the railtour ECS through Teignmouth with the Cliffe Vale clay. 25.06.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks, Martin.
Cockwood Clay
Paul & Alison Barlow
66755 1146 Parkandillick to Cliffe Vale 6M53 approaches Cockwood harbour with Dawlish Warren in the background. 25.06.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
66755 1146 Parkandillick to Cliffe Vale 6M53 approaches Cockwood harbour. 25.06.2026, copyright Alison Barlow.
Many thanks Paul and Alison.
Salisbury Sulzers
Michael Forward
Here are the first two of my pictures taken on a busy and varied visit to Salisbury on 15 August 1989. Firstly we see 47330 shunting china clay slurry tanks .I think these were from the quarry at Quidhampton .The train headed West afterwards so no idea where the traffic went. The Imerys site there closed in 2009. Copyright Michael Forward.
Now we see 47327 with an MOD train but, although I have just looked at my note book for that trip, I did not know what the working was, no Realtimetrains in those days. 15.08.1989, copyright Michael Forward.
Many thanks indeed Michael, two great reminders of the way things were.
Dawlish webcam captures
Paul McGwynn
5Z65 Goodrington - Crewe 20118 , 20132 47712 on the Rear 16 Late. 25.06.2026. Captured by Paul McGwynn using the Dawlish webcam.
5Z65 Goodrington - Crewe 20118 , 20132 47712 on the Rear 16 Late. 25.06.2026. Captured by Paul McGwynn using the Dawlish webcam.
Followed by 66755 on the 6M53 Cliffe Vale Clay 7 Late. 25.06.2026. Captured by Paul McGwynn using the Dawlish webcam.
June 1976
Part 26
Roger Winnen
The BLS railtour on the Carbis Branch. 27.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The BLS railtour on the Carbis Branch. 27.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The railtour pauses beneath the road bridge at Bugle on its way back to Goonbarrow Junction from Carbis. 27.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The token machine at Bugle for the Carbis Branch. 27.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The token machine at Bugle for the Carbis Branch. 27.06.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.