South West Sleeper Rescue
Jon Hird, Tim Hodgson, Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs
On Wednesday 12.03.2025, the down Paddington - Penzance sleeper with 57602 ran into difficulties in the Menheniot area. Passengers were 'detrained' at Menheniot, and assistance came in the form of a GWR 'Castle Class' 2+4 HST, 43156/43186. The HST was attached to the rear of the sleeper.
The train then ran 'wrong road' from Menheniot to Saltash, before continuing on to Plymouth, where the two trains were split. The sleeper remained in Plymouth Platform 8, whilst the HST went to Laira.
The HST set was split and the two powercars were formed back-to-back. They then returned to Plymouth, attached to the front of the sleeper, and worked forwards ECS as 5Z50 to Long Rock.
The train then ran 'wrong road' from Menheniot to Saltash, before continuing on to Plymouth, where the two trains were split. The sleeper remained in Plymouth Platform 8, whilst the HST went to Laira.
The HST set was split and the two powercars were formed back-to-back. They then returned to Plymouth, attached to the front of the sleeper, and worked forwards ECS as 5Z50 to Long Rock.
43156 and 43186 pelt past Crugwallins with 57602 and the sleeper stock in tow, 5Z50. 12.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird
The ensemble makes its way past the semaphores of St. Erth. 12.03.2025, copyright Tim Hodgson
Disgraced 57602 being taken for a ride. 12.03.2025, copyright Tim Hodgson
Onwards to Long Rock for repairs. 12.03.2025, copyright Tim Hodgson
St. Erth again by Roger Winnen, stood slightly further down the platform. 12.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
43186 and 57602 pass St. Erth. 12.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.
GWR 43156 with 43186 working 5Z50 12.03 Plymouth-Longrock T&RSMD, hauling defective 57602 and PZ89 set approaching Marazion Road overbridge, the Sun not playing 'Ball' until it had passed the Roadbridge alas. 12.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The going away shot from Marazion Road overbridge of 5Z50 as it approaches the Single Line section at Longrock. 12.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
The two power cars in the reception road await the signal to return to Laira Depot at Plymouth. 12.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The two power cars in the reception road await the signal to return to Laira Depot at Plymouth. 12.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The two power cars returning to Plymouth on Long Rock Level Crossing. 12.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
The two power cars returning to Plymouth on Long Rock Level Crossing. 12.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen
Many thanks, all - hopefully GWR's luck improves soon!
Class 47s at Basingstoke
Michael Forward & Michael Adams
Michael Forward & Michael Adams
47474 on the 14.42 Poole to Liverpool on 18th May 1982. The signal box still standing in the distance. Copyright Michael Forward
A Michael Adams photograph of a more colourful 47704 with the 07.45 Basingstoke to Exeter on 10th February 1992 waiting at Salisbury. Copyright Michael Adams Best Wishes and thanks from Michael Forward.
Many Thanks to you both
Severn Tunnel Junction
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
47347 leads a freight train through Severn Tunnel Junction as the sun sets. 1987, copyright Phil Smith.
Many thanks, Phil
The travels of 69005
Julian Stephens, David Tozer, Tim Hodgson & Andrew Triggs
First, a shot from 11.03.2025, as 69005 passes Holmbush Crossing on its way to Penzance as 0Z50. 11.03.2025, copyright Julian Stephens.
Jumping ahead to yesterday, 12.03.2025, GBRF's Class 69 69005 passing Exminster with the 1145 0Z48 Taunton to Penzance. Due to the late running of the working from Plymouth to Taunton, this service was terminated at Exeter and it returned from here to Penzance. 12.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.
69005 / 0Z48 passing Truro en route to Penzance. 12.03.2025, copyright Tim Hodgson.
69005 / 0Z48 passing Truro en route to Penzance. 12.03.2025, copyright Tim Hodgson.
The Sun makes an appearance after all, as 69005 'Eastleigh' approaches Marazion with 0Z48 12.12 Exeter St Davids-Penzance Route Learner (which was partially cancelled between Taunton and Exeter St Davids). 12.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks, Dave, Tim & Andrew