June 3rd 2025

3/6/2025

Upcoming 'Trains of interest'
Karl Hewlett

A test run is in the system for The Belond Pullman runs to Cornwall under the name of the 'Britannic Explorer' due to run on Fridays 4th, 25th of July, 8th, 22nd of August, 19th of September, 3rd, 14th, 17th, 24th of October and 14th of November.

Saturday 28th June 1Z62 0900 Bishops Lydeard GBRf to Penzance

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41796/2025-06-28/detailed

5Z62 1426 Penzance to Penzance T&RSMD

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41799/2025-06-28/detailed

5Z64 1653 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Penzance

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41802/2025-06-28/detailed

And in the system for this weekend:

5Z21 0917 Fairwater Yard to Penzance (07.06.2025)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55472/2025-06-07/detailed

5Z22 1413 Penzance to Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. (07.06.2025)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55473/2025-06-07/detailed

5Z23 1653 Penzance T.& R.S.M.D. to Penzance (07.06.2025)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55475/2025-06-07/detailed

5Z24 1730 Penzance to Fowey Dock Carne Point (07.06.2025)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55474/2025-06-07/detailed

5Z25 0906 Fowey Docks Carne Point to Bruton (08.06.2025)

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55476/2025-06-08/detailed

Also upcoming:

Test train (UTU3), is running to Devon and Cornwall this week hauled by 37116. The times are:

2nd June 3Q09 2220 Exeter Riverside N.Y to Exeter Riverside N.Y via Okehampton, Exmouth and Barnstaple

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55428/2025-06-02/detailed

3rd June 3Q52 2151 Exeter Riverside N.Y to Penzance via Fowey, Parkandillack and Falmouth Docks

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U39809/2025-06-03/detailed

4th June 3Q51 2232 Penzance to Exeter Riverside N.Y

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U39801/2025-06-04/detailed

Many thanks for the heads-up, Karl.

Firsts & Lasts
Bill Elston

Above is a photo of the first run of the china clay slurry train ( 'silver bullets') from St Blazey to Irvine, Scotland. Hauled by 37674, dated 15 March, 1989. Copyright Bill Elston.

The second photo is of the last official class 37-hauled 'silver bullets' hauled by 37670 and 37669, (note headboard) Seen passing Dawlish on 22 July, 1995. Copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks indeed, Bill. Both traction and train sorely missed.

Steam to Plymouth
Andrew Triggs

A couple of shots from earlier today of the LSL Private Charter 1Z46 09.22 Bristol-T.M-Plymouth with 34046 'Braunton and 57311 'The Institution of Mechanical Engineers' either side of Charlton Overbridge, near Cogload Junction for CRS, hopefully the start of a decent week's photting in West Somerset (weather dependant as usual)

34046 heads past Charlton Overbridge working a RailTrails 'Westcountry Luxury Steam' excursion to Plymouth. 02.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

The well-travelled 57311 on the rear of the tour heading to Plymouth. 02.06.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Great shots - many thanks, Andrew!

Teignmouth Traction
Martin Scane

It’s good to see HSTs in the daylight hours in Teignmouth after the recent timetable change. Here’s 2C20 the 11-44 ex Exeter SD to Penzance with 43098 leading and 43189 bringing up the rear. 02.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Plus, of course, Braunton with the return railtour working from Plymouth to Bristol TM. 02.06.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

Classic trains at a classic location - many thanks to you, Martin.

Bath Road Brush
Phil 'Shattered' Smith

Bristol Bath Road by night. Brush Type 4 No. 47085 is on the right, in the middle is 47006 and on the end 47063. 1988. Copyright Phil Smith.

A lovely night shot - many thanks, Phil.

The NMT 'Blue Light'
Steve Widdowson

The recent chat on the blue light on top of the HST, reminded me of a photo I managed to take of it, which I have attached.

43013 and 43277 pass through Rainbow Hill, Worcester working 1Q16 0303 Landore TMD. to Derby RTC. The blue light atop one of the NMT test coaches clearly visible in the night. 22.11.2023, copyright Steve Widdowson.

Many thanks, Steve - what an unusual effect!