50 years ago today
The prototype HST visits Exeter
David Tozer
Way back in 1975 I was working at the Head Office of Western National in Queen Street, Exeter adjacent to the Clock Tower. Now in those days our lunch break was from 1245pm to 1400pm. We did not have Real Time Trains or Open Time Trains, just the grapevine.
On the 18th March the word was that the new HST would be heading through Exeter around 1250pm and this event was not to be missed. So bang on 1245pm along with another colleague we headed to St David's Station to see this new train. It was just over 5 minutes walk from the office, thankfully down hill. On reaching St David's we then had to purchase a platform ticket before heading over the footbridge to platforms three/four.
In those days I had an Agfa Sillette 35mm camera and was using Kodak Ektachrome ASA 64 films. By my standards today my photographs were pretty ropey. However that was fifty years ago, on the 18th March 1975.
It was a rush to get to St David's and just get a few shots of 252001 leaving platform 5.
On the 18th March the word was that the new HST would be heading through Exeter around 1250pm and this event was not to be missed. So bang on 1245pm along with another colleague we headed to St David's Station to see this new train. It was just over 5 minutes walk from the office, thankfully down hill. On reaching St David's we then had to purchase a platform ticket before heading over the footbridge to platforms three/four.
In those days I had an Agfa Sillette 35mm camera and was using Kodak Ektachrome ASA 64 films. By my standards today my photographs were pretty ropey. However that was fifty years ago, on the 18th March 1975.
It was a rush to get to St David's and just get a few shots of 252001 leaving platform 5.
50 years ago today, 18.03.1975, prototype HST 252001 at Exeter St. Davids. Copyright David Tozer.
Cutting-edge technology beneath an antiquated signalling system. 18.03.1975, copyright David Tozer.
The HST pulls away from St. Davids. 18.03.1975, copyright David Tozer.
It transpires that Roger had also heard of this visit by the train of the future, and he was at Penzance to welcome it to Cornwall
The prototype HST at Penzance. 18.03.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
The prototype HST at Penzance. 18.03.1975, copyright Roger Winnen.
Many thanks indeed Dave for sharing this event with us, and thanks to Roger for digging out the accompanying photographs.
Nocturnal scenes at Plymouth
Jason Prole
With just one more hour to go of Sunday 16th March 2025, 66516 with 6C21, 15.00 Par - Westbury Yard, waits at Plymouth's platform 8 for a possession ahead to be given up, and it's 02.07 departure time. The train had spent the afternoon / evening shut down (14.20 - 22.05) in Lostwithiel Up Goods Loop, where I re-manned it.
6Y41 (with 66533) was also waiting on the 'Through Line' at Plymouth.
Jason Prole (Taunton Freightliner Driver)
6Y41 (with 66533) was also waiting on the 'Through Line' at Plymouth.
Jason Prole (Taunton Freightliner Driver)
66516 with 6C21 at Plymouth. 16.03.2025, copyright Jason Prole.
No chance of mistaking the location here. 66516 with 6C21 at Plymouth. 16.03.2025, copyright Jason Prole.
Many thanks, Jason. Another late night for you.
A visit to The Plym Valley Railway
Roger Winnen
Our roving report Roger Winnen paid a visit to the Plym Valley Railway on Sunday 16.03. A few shots are below, and many more are available in our features page (our first 'feature' of 2025!). Please click here.
16.03.2025 - Former GWR Power Car at Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Approaching Plym Bridge Platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - Albert with the 14.00 Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge service. Copyright Roger Winnen
16.03.2025 - An original Cornish Skipper now being repainted into its original livery Chocolate & Cream. Copyright Roger Winnen
Click here for more Plym Valley photos.
Last light at Wheal Busy
Mark Lynam
69005 at Wheal Busy Crossing, Scorrier working 0Z54 1549 Plymouth Park Sidings to Penzance, in a lucky patch of sun - it came out just before the train appeared for a change, then disappeared shortly after. 17.03.2025, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark - a lucky shot indeed