Spring Sunshine & Rainbows
Craig Munday
One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is watching the seasons change. 2026 had gotten off to a gruesome start with the incessant rain and named storms. Spring is well underway with the daffs out and hedgerows full of Primroses and Snowdrops. The trees are budding and soon the Bluebells will sprout.
Clear blue skies have been so welcome - and saw me in a shirt only for the first time this year! The clay unfortunately not running to Stoke this week, but the 175s really making their presence known now with many sets out on 18th March covering at least two partial diagrams. The ghost like white livery a change to the dark green of other GWR traction.
Clear blue skies have been so welcome - and saw me in a shirt only for the first time this year! The clay unfortunately not running to Stoke this week, but the 175s really making their presence known now with many sets out on 18th March covering at least two partial diagrams. The ghost like white livery a change to the dark green of other GWR traction.
I was at Goonbarrow for the arrival of 6V76 Saturday. It made a super sight winding its way into the Rocks complex with 66192 leading 66098. A fantastic rainbow lingered over the landscape for some time. The changeover locally to GBRf is underway. Expect their locos to appear very soon as DB gives way to GBRf. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
66192 at rest at Goonbarrow. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
66098 beneath a rainbow in the sidings behind the signalbox at Goonbarrow. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
08752 and the JIA's scattered around the yard at Goonbarrow, with the signalbox catching the end of a rainbow. 14.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
A field of super daffs decorates the hill on the upside of Nanpusker near Angarrack. A sunny shot isn't possible this time of year, so a fine dull sky worked better for a photo. 1A88 is seen London bound with "our" long distance nine car 802112. The mileages these 802/1s put in is incredible, 90% of it out of Paddington, unlike the 802/0s (five car) sets. 16.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
A favourite sunrise spot is at the access point st Carlyon Bay. The sun this time of year rises fast behind the down Night Riviera. The morning glint off the coaches and tracks is super if the light is good. 57301 powers west with the Sunday night 1C50. 18.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
A check of Largin coincided with a high shot of St Pinnock viaduct. 2C26 was followed 10 mins later by 5Z23. This was two 175s in procession. The doyen of the fleet 175001 stands out against the landscape. The tree saplings here are soon going to obliterate the scene - grab your shots whilst you can! 18.03.2026, copyright Craig Munday.
A super selection Craig, many thanks as always.
Early doors at Penzance
Mark Lynam
57301 arriving at Penzance this morning (20.03) on the beds. 1C50 2345 London Paddington to Penzance. 20.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark, worth the early alarm.
60099 at work
Roger Geach
Nice weather and nice to see 60099 at work in the sunshine passing Crofton Lock with 6M51, the 0945 Merehead - Quainton Road. 19.03.2026, copyright Roger Geach.
Many thanks Roger - what a stunning location.