March 27th 2025

27/3/2025

The first train into
Ponsandane New Yard
Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

On 26.03.2025, GWR's 57603 (along with 08836 on the rear) had the honour of becoming the first train into the new sidings at Ponsandane.

Roger in position nice and early and waiting for the arrival! 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

Some service trains pass by whilst waiting for the main at'track'tion. Please click an image for an enlargement. Copyright Roger Winnen.

The Class 08 shunter heading for Penzance Station to draw out the Night Riviera service. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

The 08 shunter heads for Penzance Station. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

The Class 08 returns, now attached to the Night Riviera with 57603 on the rear. The train heads for Long Rock and a trial run into the new sidings. This being the first train to enter these sidings. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

57603 Tintagel Castle on the rear. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

The train slowly shunts into the new sidings. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

57603 approaches the buffer stops. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen.

57603 leading from Longrock Depot into Ponsandane Yard. 26.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Briefly stabled in the left hand siding nearest the A30 dual carraigeway, with the Orange Army milling around the site conducting various checks. 26.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Viewed from the embankment by Ponsandane Footbridge, overlooking the new road entrance. 26.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Peeking through the new gates by the road entrance to Ponsandane Yard. 26.03.2025, copyright Andrew Triggs.

Everone seems happy as the train reverses back out to Long Rock Depot. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

The fence that separate the road and the rail. 26.03.2025, copyright Roger Winnen

Many thanks chaps, these sidings have been a long time in the making! Good to see more progress occuring.

'Back To The Future'
Guy Vincent

One thing on the railway is for certain, what goes around comes around again if you wait long enough.

Back in the spring of 1988, new class 155 2 car Sprinter sets began their takeover of the Portsmouth /Brighton - Cardiff route. This was to be short lived however, as various faults and the arrival of class 158s from 1991 saw the 35 sets converted to single car class 153s and scattered across the UK. These were not permitted to run south of Southampton due to clearance issues with the external foot stepping boards fitted during conversion.

However, times have now again changed, and the 153s are enjoying a mini renaissance with Network Rail for route assessing and testing.

153311 was caught in the bay platform at Fareham on such a working today (25.03) which had originated at Eastleigh. Not a sight I thought I would witness again.

153311 in the bay platform at Fareham with a Network Rail test train. 25.03.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.

Many thanks, Guy. The 153's had their flaws, but writing as a photographer/enthusiast, they were a welcome sight on our branch lines in the various colourful liveries they wore in the early 2000's. Glad to see they've found a new purpose.

Taunton Trains
Bill Elston

Some interesting traffic through Taunton today (25.03.2025):

First, the stone empties from Riverside Yd with 59104. 25.03.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

closely followed by route learner GBRf 69003, to Taunton, both seen passing Norton Fitzwarren. 25.03.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

This loco immediately returned to Plymouth and is seen passing Fairwater Yard. 25.03.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

Later in the afternoon, a rake of empty box wagons was sent from Cardiff Tidal Sidings to Exeter Riverside Yd, drawn by GNRf 66772, and is seen passing Bathpool. 25.03.2025, copyright Bill Elston.

Many thanks Bill, plenty of interest there.

More '69' wandering
Martin Scane, Clive Smith & David Tozer

My first visit to Skew Bridge in Plympton just east of Tavistock Junction for over forty years. A lot of growth like everywhere but still okay for a light engine photo. This was 0Z47 11.19 Plymouth - Taunton which actually followed its booked route via Mount Gould Junction and Laira before regaining the main line. 26.03.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

69003 heads away to continue its journey. 26.03.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

69003 'The Railway Observer' passes Exminster with the 1119 0Z47 Plymouth Park Sidings to Taunton. 26.03.2025, copyright David Tozer.

69003 passes Teignmouth working 0Z48 Taunton to Plymouth which was actually 32 minutes early. 26.03.2025, copyright Martin Scane.

0Z48 13.38 Taunton - Plymouth GBRf route learner at Daveys Cross in Ivybridge. Western Beacon at 1,096 feet in height on the southern slopes of Dartmoor forms the backdrop. 26.03.2025, copyright Clive Smith.

A great day for it - many thanks all.