'The Britannic Explorer'
Jon Hird, Mark Lynam, Dennis Clarke, Philip Gilbert & Joe Birchall
66744 and 66748 again visited Cornwall this weekend, with Belmonds new super-luxurious touring train, 'The Britannic Explorer'.
The train worked from Bishops Lydeard - Penzance, then to Fowey for an overnight stop.
The train returns to The East Somerset Railway today (Sunday) - details in our Railtour Calendar.
The train worked from Bishops Lydeard - Penzance, then to Fowey for an overnight stop.
The train returns to The East Somerset Railway today (Sunday) - details in our Railtour Calendar.
66744 and 66748 double head 1C02, the Bishops Lydeard - Penzance 'Britannic Explorer' past Resparveth, Grampound Road. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
A drone shot from Resparveth. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
'The Britannic Explorer' passing the wildflowers and mining artefacts at Brea. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
'The Britannic Explorer' beneath the roof at Penzance, the train crew discuss their journey down. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.
With the stock disposed of in Slopers Siding and the guests disposed of via road transportation for activities in the area, the locomotives head to Long Rock for refuelling. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.
After refuelling, 66748 is seen in Slopers Siding. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.
With the locomotives refuelled at Long Rock and the train rearranged into top and tail formation, 666748 leads the way back into Penzance station. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66744 on the rear of the set at Penzance. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66748 beneath the station roof at Penzance. 09.05.2026, copyright Dennis Clarke.
Departure from Penzance for Fowey Docks, 66744 leads the way through Marazion. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66748 on the rear as the train heads for Fowey. 09.05.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66744 leads the Britannic Explorer, it's about to cross Bridge MLN314-70 and then Penponds Viaduct as it heads towards Lostwithiel and the Fowey branch. 09.05.2026, copyright Philip Gilbert.
66744 powering through Truro en route to Fowey. 09.05.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.
Almost at journeys end - the train led by 66748 passes the former Sawmill Studios and slows to a stop at the entrance of Fowey Docks. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
66744 on the rear of the train at Sawmills. 09.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks all - more great coverage of this very welcome addition to the south west timetable.
The English Riviera Express
Simon Smith, Guy Vincent & Martin Scane
1Z07 45118 Northampton - Kingswear, 47593 on rear, taken at Kintby Quite a surprise, sounded lovely. 09.05.2026, copyright Simon Smith.
47593 on the rear at Kintby. 09.05.2026, copyright Simon Smith.
45118 near Clink Road Junction, Frome, again heading south to Taunton with a Northampton -Kingswear English Riviera Express day excursion bound for Kingswear. 09.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
The 'Peak' was swapped at Taunton for a steam locomotive to take the train forwards to Kingswear. Here’s Sir Nigel Gresley on the sea wall between Parsons Tunnel and Sprey Point at just about 12-12 lunchtime today in warm, humid but rather overcast weather. 09.05.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
Many thanks Guy, Simon and Martin - some great traction on offer there for the passengers.
More heritage diesels
Guy Vincent
37057 unusually stabled in Westbury up yard on the site of the former diesel depot after bringing in a test train from Reading. 09.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks, Guy.
May 1976
Part 10
Roger Winnen
Building the new track layout at Ponsandane. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
D1028 Western Hussar at Penzance. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Building the new track layout at Ponsandane. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Class 47 approching Long Rock level crossing. 29.05.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.