A Class 37 on the China Clay
(No, it's not April 1st!)
Tony Shore & Jon Hird
From Jon:
A pretty incredible set of circumstances yesterday led to a real stand-out working. 66130 working 6V74, the empty Exeter - St. Blazey JIA's, suffered a traction motor fault and limped to the loop at Dawlish Warren. At Exeter St. Davids was 37607, parked for the weekend ready to do some training/route learning trips next week.
The 37 was fired up and sent to assist the ailing clay train. I was already Devon-bound, but where to go - rumours were circulating of the 37 piloting the train all the way to Cornwall, but others were circulating that it would couple to the rear of the train and pull it back to Exeter. I stopped at Exeter and checked open train times - the road was set for the 37 to join the rear of the train, so there was the answer.
With about 10 minutes to go, I settled for the shot at Exminster. Soon the unmistakeable sound of a '37' working hard began to fade in, and the train appeared. With 18 JIA's and a dead 66 on the rear, the classic loco was making a fantastic noise as it passed the few of us who had gathered on the bridge.
In 2004 I photographed 37425 working the CDA's, and I thought that would be the last time I'd see a '37' on such a train. Here we are 20 years later, and they are still going strong and saving the day!
A pretty incredible set of circumstances yesterday led to a real stand-out working. 66130 working 6V74, the empty Exeter - St. Blazey JIA's, suffered a traction motor fault and limped to the loop at Dawlish Warren. At Exeter St. Davids was 37607, parked for the weekend ready to do some training/route learning trips next week.
The 37 was fired up and sent to assist the ailing clay train. I was already Devon-bound, but where to go - rumours were circulating of the 37 piloting the train all the way to Cornwall, but others were circulating that it would couple to the rear of the train and pull it back to Exeter. I stopped at Exeter and checked open train times - the road was set for the 37 to join the rear of the train, so there was the answer.
With about 10 minutes to go, I settled for the shot at Exminster. Soon the unmistakeable sound of a '37' working hard began to fade in, and the train appeared. With 18 JIA's and a dead 66 on the rear, the classic loco was making a fantastic noise as it passed the few of us who had gathered on the bridge.
In 2004 I photographed 37425 working the CDA's, and I thought that would be the last time I'd see a '37' on such a train. Here we are 20 years later, and they are still going strong and saving the day!
Tony was at Exeter St. Davids to see 37607 get away from Hyde Park Sidings on her rescue mission. 08.06.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
37607 leads 6V74 back to Exeter Riverside from Dawlish Warren, 08.06.2024. Copyright Jon Hird.
Swinging in shame on the rear was 66130 which had failed with a defective traction motor. 08.06.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
A drone shot, just in case it looked better from up high. I think the shot from the bridge looked better on this occasion. 08.06.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The incredible sight of the veteran locomotive leading the wagons over the crossing at Exeter St. Davids, as it heads back to Riverside Yard. 08.06.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
Troublemaker 66130 on the rear. 08.06.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
With the line unblocked, 6V74 back in Riverside and 37607 back where she was found, the crew walk back to St. Davids, their rescue mission complete. 08.06.2024, copyright Tony Shore.
WSR Diesel Gala - Friday
Martin Duff
A few images taken on Friday while working at Bishops Lydeard box.
The short form HST 43154/43155 ran as 5Z25 09.58 from Laira via Plymouth, arrived on the branch just over an hour early and then waited outside the station for a platform to become available. The set will be in operation this weekend both days.
The stars of the show are class 50, 50033 Glorious and class 46, D182 -both have performed well and are kept in amazing condition by their owners.
We also have 2 class 20’s in town, including BR blue livery 20189 (with ED Eastfield depot stickers).
The short form HST 43154/43155 ran as 5Z25 09.58 from Laira via Plymouth, arrived on the branch just over an hour early and then waited outside the station for a platform to become available. The set will be in operation this weekend both days.
The stars of the show are class 50, 50033 Glorious and class 46, D182 -both have performed well and are kept in amazing condition by their owners.
We also have 2 class 20’s in town, including BR blue livery 20189 (with ED Eastfield depot stickers).
50033 'Glorious' looking glorious in the Somerset sunshine. 07.06.2024, copyright Martin Duff.
'Peak' D182 at Bishops Lydeard. 07.06.2024, copyright Martin Duff.
One of the railways shunters and the GWR 'Castle' HST set sent to take part in the gala. 07.06.2024, copyright Martin Duff.
20189 passing by. 07.06.2024, copyright Martin Duff.
2 classic EE workhorses, 20189 and 50033. 07.06.2024, copyright Martin Duff.
The down inner home signals are seen in the summer sun, the left hand arm routes to platform 1/main and the right hand arm to platform 2/loop (including the associated calling-on arm beneath it which is used for permissive working with the platform occupied). 07.06.2024, copyright Martin Duff.
Many thanks to you Martin, great traction and great weather - what more can one ask for?
More '37' action in the West
Bill Elston
Good Morning CRS
An ecs move took place today from Taunton to Derby R.T.C. This was 5M57 worked by T/T 37218 and 37407, with three barrier vehicles, and is seen passing Creech st Michael. Please see photos.
Best wishes
Bill
An ecs move took place today from Taunton to Derby R.T.C. This was 5M57 worked by T/T 37218 and 37407, with three barrier vehicles, and is seen passing Creech st Michael. Please see photos.
Best wishes
Bill
37218 leads some barrier wagons past Creech St. Michael on 08.06.2024. Copyright Bill Elston.
37407 on the rear. 08.06.2024, copyright Bill Elston.
Many thanks Bill - a good day for 37's in the west!
Moorswater Shunt
Roger Geach
25080 is sandwiched halfway through its rake of China Clay 'hoods' as it shunts at Moorswater on 16.08.1978. Copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger, better times at Moorswater.