A Round Robin on the railcard
Ian Thomas
Now that I am semi-retired, there is more scope for weekday travel as opposed to weekends only when I was full time. So, using the Senior Citizens Railcards, my other half (Jill) and I took Class 800 No. 800003 from Cam & Dursley to Gloucester on the 09:38 Bristol–Worcester F/ST service (2E55) — much better than previous years with a 150, to say the least.
Whilst awaiting our next move, the 09:45 Cardiff–Edinburgh (1S43) arrived with the new liveried 220, No. 220033. This is the portion which will unite with 220020, forming the 08:27 Plymouth–Birmingham New Street (1M43), going forward combined as 1S43 to Edinburgh.
Then our train duly arrived with the new order Class 197, No. 197104, forming the 10:40 Cheltenham–Cardiff Central, which we took all the way to the Welsh capital. Incidentally, Cardiff Central was named thus in 1973; before this it was Cardiff General.
A lunchtime soiree then, with a visit to the Head of Steam pub/restaurant for a few beers and a bite to eat.
Next up, 1L24 — the 14:17 Swansea–Paddington, formed of set 800301 — which we took to Swindon, having first class tickets. Better comfort, and tea and biscuits/cakes thrown into the mix. This was right time into Swindon, and then a ten-minute wait for 1G21, the 15:32 Paddington–Cheltenham (16:30 off Swindon and right time), also in first class.
We took this down the Golden Valley through the usual Stroud valley places that were once rail served — Chalford, Brimscombe, Ham Mill, and Cashes Green, to name a few — all with those wonderful auto trains with a 14XX tank powering on the service from Chalford to Gloucester Central, now over 61 years since withdrawal.
And so onto Gloucester for 158760 home to Cam & Dursley on the 16:55 Worcester Foregate Street to Bristol T/M service, bang on time.
A few pics of the new order here, plus a look back to Cardiff when Pacer units were still in service, and even further back to the halcyon days of locomotive-hauled services.
HAPPY DAYS!
Whilst awaiting our next move, the 09:45 Cardiff–Edinburgh (1S43) arrived with the new liveried 220, No. 220033. This is the portion which will unite with 220020, forming the 08:27 Plymouth–Birmingham New Street (1M43), going forward combined as 1S43 to Edinburgh.
Then our train duly arrived with the new order Class 197, No. 197104, forming the 10:40 Cheltenham–Cardiff Central, which we took all the way to the Welsh capital. Incidentally, Cardiff Central was named thus in 1973; before this it was Cardiff General.
A lunchtime soiree then, with a visit to the Head of Steam pub/restaurant for a few beers and a bite to eat.
Next up, 1L24 — the 14:17 Swansea–Paddington, formed of set 800301 — which we took to Swindon, having first class tickets. Better comfort, and tea and biscuits/cakes thrown into the mix. This was right time into Swindon, and then a ten-minute wait for 1G21, the 15:32 Paddington–Cheltenham (16:30 off Swindon and right time), also in first class.
We took this down the Golden Valley through the usual Stroud valley places that were once rail served — Chalford, Brimscombe, Ham Mill, and Cashes Green, to name a few — all with those wonderful auto trains with a 14XX tank powering on the service from Chalford to Gloucester Central, now over 61 years since withdrawal.
And so onto Gloucester for 158760 home to Cam & Dursley on the 16:55 Worcester Foregate Street to Bristol T/M service, bang on time.
A few pics of the new order here, plus a look back to Cardiff when Pacer units were still in service, and even further back to the halcyon days of locomotive-hauled services.
HAPPY DAYS!
 220033 at Gloucester with the 09.45 Cardfif-Edinburgh 1S43. 20.03.2026, copyright Ian Thomas. |  220033 at Gloucester with the 09.45 Cardfif-Edinburgh 1S43. 20.03.2026, copyright Ian Thomas. |
197104 at Cardiff Central with the 10.40 from Cheltenham, 2G53. 20.03.2026, copyright Ian Thomas.
 143609 at Cardiff Central with the 15.21 to Coryton. 16.02.2019, copyright Ian Thomas. |  143624 at Cardiff central with a service for Barry Island. 16.02.2019, copyright Ian Thomas. |
142081 and 150xxx at Cardiff Central in the late afternoon. 16.02.2019, copyright Ian Thomas.
142010 at Aberdare with the 08.12 from Cardiff. 27.04.2013, copyright Ian Thomas.
45130 at Cardiff Central with the 1234 Leeds-Cardiff 1V92. 22.01.1983, copyright Ian Thomas.
33013 at Cardiff with ECS off the 15.45 ex Bristol TM. 23.10.1982, copyright Ian Thomas.
45105 at Cardiff Central with the 10.00 Cardiff-Newcastle 1E55. 22.01.1983, copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks Ian, a good read and some interesting photos.
The new order on the wall
Martin Scane
The 175s have been running to Exeter SD for a few days but this morning was the first time that I have managed to see one in the flesh as it were actually in revenue earning service. Here’s 175002 with 2E06 (Penzance to Exeter) right time at 10-29 this morning having just passed Teignmouth Station, where the train doesn’t stop, and running onto the sea wall. 23.03.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks as always Martin.
The final days of DBC in Cornwall
Jon Hird & Mark Lynam
If reports are to believed, we are now into the last full week of DBC operations in the far west, with GBRf poised to take over next month. 66098 powers up the gradient through Tywardreath with the midday Goonbarrow - Fowey. 66192 was on the rear. 23.03.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
On the opposite side of the summit at Treverrin, the driver has throttled back and 66098 coasts down the gradient towards Milltown. 23.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
After reversing at Lostwithiel, 66192 now leads the way past Golant as the train nears journeys end at Fowey. 23.03.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark, not long to go now for the 'red sheds'.
Another split box!
Michael Adams
Michael Adams has dug out another picture of a split -box class 37. 37068 smart in it's RFD livery, passes through Reading on 11 September 1992 with empty steel wagons for South Wales. Copyright Michael Adams.
Many thanks to Michael Adams, and to Michael F. for sending the photo across.
The Rail200 train at Totnes
Jack Burchill
The Rail 200 train is stationary in the bay platform as the steam service runs around it's train. 22.03.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.
The steam train fills itself up with water before returning to Buckfastleigh with the last service of the day. 22.03.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.
66718 and 66306 pass through Tobie's reclamation yard (The site of the former Exminster station) on their way to pick up the Rail200 stock. 22.03.2026, copyright Jack Burchill.
Many thanks indeed Jack.