D1015 'Western Champion' works:
The South Devon Explorer
Colin Pidgeon, Martin Scane, David Tozer, Jon Hird, Sam Ryder, Teddy Greene, Bill Elston, Clive Smith & Paul Barlow
D1015 Western Champion t&t 37240 on 1Z77 'The South Devon Explorer' Birmingham New Street to Plymouth arriving at Platform 4 to upset about 20 train enthusiasts!. It also meant the following Paddington to Cardiff which had a platform full of passengers on 4 to pick up was diverted into Platform 3. 10.05.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
37240 on the rear of the train. This loco would be detached at Bristol to follow the tour down light loco. 10.05.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
D1015 awaits departure from Swindon. 10.05.2025, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
D1015 heads west through Exeter St. Davids with 'The South Devon Explorder'. 10.05.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
D1015 'Western Champion' with the 0727 1Z77 'South Devon Explorer' 0727 Birmingham New Street to Plymouth, passing Exminster. 10.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Support loco 37240 follows the tour through Teignmouth. 10.05.2025, copyright Martin Scane.
D1015 passing Shaldon, Teignmouth. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The tour continues past Newton Abbot. 10.05.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
D1015 passing Laira Flyover (unassisted!) with the Down leg of the tour (1Z77). 10.05.2025, copyright Teddy Greene.
A glorious sight and sound as D1015 'Western Champion' heads the 1Z77 07.27 Birmingham New Street - Plymouth at Laira Junction.. Copyright Clive Smith
37240 piloting the stock off No.1 Curve at Laira and onto the Mount Gould Flushing Apron. Note the removal of the former Carriage Washing Machine and associated trackwork — the foundation for a new machine is being installed just out of shot; ‘behind’ the camera. 10.05.2025, copyright Teddy Greene.
D1015 emerges from the sheds at Laira. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Western Champion' heads away from her former home depot. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
37240 heads the ECS back to Plymouth. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
'Is there a steam train due?' With Hemerdon Bridge at full capacity, we headed into the field for a drone shot of D1015 making light work of the bank. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
On SDR metals, D1015 passes Staverton. 10.05.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
D1015 at the opposite end of Staverton. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Skirting the River Dart. 10.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
Passing the River Dart at Dartington with the 1Z79 16.30 retimed Plymouth - Buckfastleigh leg. Copyright Clive Smith
Arrival at Buckfastleigh. 10.05.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
37240 prepares to work the tour back to Totnes. 10.05.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
37240 from above. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
37240 arriving at Totnes Littlehempston. 10.05.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
Back on the mainline, D1015 heads away from Totnes. 10.05.2025, copyright Sam Ryder.
After having been looped at Dawlish Warren for 2 trains to pass, D1015 roars past Starcross. 10.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The return approaching Marsh Barton. D1015 top & tailed with 37240 - 1Z80 18:00 Buckfastleigh to Birmingham New Street "The South Devon Explorer"Coaches: 5198 5157 5212 5177 9101 99361 99971 17018. 10.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
High Roger, Western Class, D 1015 made its first visit to the South West today on the South Devon Explorer. It is seen here passing Creech working back to Birmingham, tailed by 37240, looking smart in Transrail livery Copyright Bill Elstone
Western Class, D 1015 made its first visit to the South West today on the South Devon Explorer. It is seen here passing Creech working back to Birmingham, tailed by 37240, looking smart in Transrail livery. Copyright Bill Elston
Many thanks all for your superb photos - we'll add them all to the 'Features' section over the coming days.
The Swanage Diesel Gala
Paul Barlow
37706 1300 Norden to Swanage arrives at Harmans Cross due to this locos earlier failure this was running 44 minutes late. 09.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
37706 leaves Norden on the 0915 to Swanage This loco failed a few minutes later with a vacuum failure in Corfe Castle station causing long delays. 09.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
45108 and 69007 Norden 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
45108 arrives at Corfe Castle on the1430 Norden to Swanage 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
45108 arrives at Norden on the 0915 from Swanage 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
45108 draws forward to remove a failed 56090 on the 4-VEP. The loco was repaired later. 09.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
45108 has just arrived at Swanage with the late running 1045 from Norden 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
47715 waits at Norden with the 1000 to Swanage. 09.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
56090 makes a smoky departure from Corfe Castle with the 4-VEP to Swanage 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Arriving 52 minutes late at Corfe Castle 20066 on 1345 from Swanage to Norden 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Arriving at Corfe Castle 56090 and 4-VEP 3417 on 1415 from Swanage to Norden 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
D6515 arrives at Corfe Castle on the 1215 Norden to Swanage 9 May 2025. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Looks a great event - many thanks, Paul.