Plym Valley Railway
Skipper relaunch
Martin Duff
I visited the Plym Valley Railway today for the first time. A delightful little line with pleasant welcoming staff.
The main event was their Skipper Relaunch, former Laira allocated 142023 has been restored to the classic chocolate and cream livery of the mid 1980’s.
A few photographs from the day for use on the site.
The main event was their Skipper Relaunch, former Laira allocated 142023 has been restored to the classic chocolate and cream livery of the mid 1980’s.
A few photographs from the day for use on the site.
142023 returned to its original chocolate and cream livery at Marsh Mills, Plym Valley Railway. 11.05.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
At the opposite end of the line, Plym Bridge. 11.05.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
A scene which could easily be from a branchline in the 1980's. 11.05.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
Looking back from the buffer stops at Plym Bridge. 11.05.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
142023 departs Marsh Mills. 11.05.2025, copyright Martin Duff.
Doesn't that look great - thanks very much, Martin. And well done to the Plym Valley on that super transformation.
More of D1015
Guy Vincent, Euan Currie, Jack Burchill & Paul Barlow
From Guy V:
A long-held wish was finally realised on Saturday 10th May when I was able to see a 'Western' in BR blue with a full yellow end emerge from one of the most notable and recognisable icons of Brunel's Great Western Railway, the ornate western end of Box Tunnel.
Disappointingly the balustrade on the left hand side above the portal has been removed due to deterioration and awaits restoration.
As it turned out the last thing I wanted was bright sunshine due to the alignment of the line in relation to the sun's position but that is exactly what was on offer. This is an ideal late afternoon spot for photography on sunny days. Another major issue was the dense vegetation that now exists meaning you need to be above the line to see the tunnel or track.
D1015 emerged from the tunnel at 1024am, just 6 minutes later than scheduled and the sight was a brief reminder of the last few railtours worked by sister D1023 in late 1976 and 1977.
I've had to do some editing but the end result I find pleasing as it has the look and character of a 1970s era transparency print rather than high-tech 21st century digital imaging!
A second image looking west as 37240 passes the site of the former Box Mill Lane Halt (closed 3rd January 1965). Beyond is the 175yd long Middle Hill Tunnel with its almost as impressive classic portal design. See how the height inside the tunnel is much lower than the entrance.
All the photos of D1015 published on CRS yesterday (11th) were a real treat to see with some classic 'Western' locations from yesteryear included. I think this train should be ranked alongside those classic tours from the 1970s as the Westerns ended their BR careers.
Getting a 'Thousand' through to Buckfastleigh was no mean feat and can hopefully be repeated in the future.
A long-held wish was finally realised on Saturday 10th May when I was able to see a 'Western' in BR blue with a full yellow end emerge from one of the most notable and recognisable icons of Brunel's Great Western Railway, the ornate western end of Box Tunnel.
Disappointingly the balustrade on the left hand side above the portal has been removed due to deterioration and awaits restoration.
As it turned out the last thing I wanted was bright sunshine due to the alignment of the line in relation to the sun's position but that is exactly what was on offer. This is an ideal late afternoon spot for photography on sunny days. Another major issue was the dense vegetation that now exists meaning you need to be above the line to see the tunnel or track.
D1015 emerged from the tunnel at 1024am, just 6 minutes later than scheduled and the sight was a brief reminder of the last few railtours worked by sister D1023 in late 1976 and 1977.
I've had to do some editing but the end result I find pleasing as it has the look and character of a 1970s era transparency print rather than high-tech 21st century digital imaging!
A second image looking west as 37240 passes the site of the former Box Mill Lane Halt (closed 3rd January 1965). Beyond is the 175yd long Middle Hill Tunnel with its almost as impressive classic portal design. See how the height inside the tunnel is much lower than the entrance.
All the photos of D1015 published on CRS yesterday (11th) were a real treat to see with some classic 'Western' locations from yesteryear included. I think this train should be ranked alongside those classic tours from the 1970s as the Westerns ended their BR careers.
Getting a 'Thousand' through to Buckfastleigh was no mean feat and can hopefully be repeated in the future.
Box Tunnel West Portal D1015 1Z77 0727 BHM-PLY VT 'The South Devon Explorer'. 10.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
Box Middle Hill Tunnel 37240 on rear of 1Z77. 10.05.2025, copyright Guy Vincent.
D1015 at Turf Crossing. 10.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
D1015 heads west past Powderham. 11.05.2025, copyright Paul Barlow.
D1015 and 802109 passing black bridge, Dawlish. 10.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
D1015 continues on towards Dawlish. 10.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
D1015 at Totnes heading up to Buckfastleigh. 10.05.2025, copyright Euan Currie.
After a thrashy departure from Dawlish with 1Z80 1800 Buckfastleigh to Birmingham New Street D1015 "Western Champion" heads along the sea wall. 10/5/25, copyright Jack Burchill.
37240 was on the rear of the train. 10/5/25, copyright Jack Burchill.
With the train stopping to let two others though we had enough time to get to Starcross to see the South Devon Explorer again.(Credit to my sister as this is her photo but she kindly let me use it) 10/5/24, copyright Jack Burchill.
37240 the support loco for this railtour passes Starcross on the rear of the railtour. 10.05.2025, copyright Jack Burchill.
Many thanks all for the photos, and thanks Guy for the comments on yesterdays photos.
Unearthing history at Moorswater
Peter Murnaghan
The recent tree clearance on the Looe branch line has revealed the platform edging stones of Moorswater station, which had remained hidden for many years. Moorswater station had opened in 1879 and closed as long ago as 1902, after the Looe branch line had been connected to Liskeard by the line from Coombe Junction. Copyright Peter Murnaghan.
Well spotted - many thanks for sending this in, Peter.
More from the
Swanage Diesel Gala
Clive Smith, Andrew Triggs & Jason Prole
From Clive Smith:
After the failure and restarts of 37706 and 56090 (on Friday 9th), the Swange Railway Diesel Gala & Beer Festival got back on track albeit everything was then 45-60 minutes late for the rest of the day. At least the sun shone.
After the failure and restarts of 37706 and 56090 (on Friday 9th), the Swange Railway Diesel Gala & Beer Festival got back on track albeit everything was then 45-60 minutes late for the rest of the day. At least the sun shone.
45108 quickly removed Colas 56090 off the 10.20 Norden - Swanage at Norden which was formed of the 4-VEP unit and 69007 was pressed into service to replace the clagging grid. 09.05.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Looking superb, East Lancs Railway based visiting 45108 with the 10.45 Norden - Swanage at Corfe Castle. 09.05.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Back to full health and West Coast Railways' 37706 clags out of Swanage with the late running 15.15 Swanage - Norden. 09.05.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Network South East liveried 47715 'on shed ' at Swanage. 09.05.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
And from Andrew Triggs:
Hi Jon
Back home from the ever excellent Swanage Railway Diesel Gala, I've included at least one shot of each of this year's visitors (bar 73128) at various locations for variety for CRS. An excellent couple of days, thoroughly recommended
All the Best
Andrew
Hi Jon
Back home from the ever excellent Swanage Railway Diesel Gala, I've included at least one shot of each of this year's visitors (bar 73128) at various locations for variety for CRS. An excellent couple of days, thoroughly recommended
All the Best
Andrew
WCR 37706 on Corfe Common working 2N15 13.00 Norden-Swanage 9.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Viewed from Corfe Castle 47715 passing Castle View crossing working 2N19 13.45 Norden-Swanage 9.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
H&H 50008 'Thunderer' heading upgrade towards the A351 Road overbridge from Harman's Cross working 1N28 15.45 Swanage-Norden 9.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
D6515 'Lt. Jenny Lewis RN' approaching Wurzel crossing working 2N21 14.30 Norden-Swanage 10.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
45108 approaching Townsend Overbridge working 2N25 15.15 Norden-Swanage 10.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
GBRf 69007 'Richard Trevithick' at Townsend overbridge working 1N28 15.45 Swanage-Norden 10.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
Immaculate 20066 nearing Quarr crossing working 2N09 11.30 Norden-Swanage 9.5.2025. Copyright Andrew Triggs.
And a few from Jason:
73128 'Kent & East Sussex Railway - 50 Years of Heritage 1974-2024' at Swanage. 08.05.2025, copyright Jason Prole.
47715 'Rail Engineering Solutions - Quality Assured' dropping onto the stock to form (2N20) 12.45 Swanage - Norden, ('Rover' did not seem impressed). 08.05.2025, copyright Jason Prole.
D6515 (33012) 'Lt Jenny Lewis RN' departing with (2N24) 14.30 Swanage - Norden. 08.05.2025, copyright Jason Prole.
45108 waits to depart with (2N18) 13.00 Swanage - Norden. 09.05.2025, copyright Jason Prole.
At the Corfe Castle Beer Festival, myself (middle) with Colas Driver Alan Peters (left) and Colas Shunter, Luke Lockton (right). Copyright Jason Prole.
Wonderful photos - many thanks to you all, and great to see some local railway faces thanks to Jason.
1450 has landed!
Peter Murnaghan
Some exciting news from the Bodmin Railway, where GWR 14xx 1450 has been delivered ready to play a starring role in this coming weekends Spring Steam Gala!
Still to be delivered is Pannier tank 7714.
For more information on the upcoming gala, please click here.
Still to be delivered is Pannier tank 7714.
For more information on the upcoming gala, please click here.
A gleaming 1400 class 0-4-2T number 1450 was delivered yesterday, Saturday 10th May, on loan to the Bodmin Steam Railway from the Severn Valley Railway. Copyright Peter Murnaghan
1450 alongside 5553 in the shed at Bodmin General. 11.05.2025, copyright Bodmin Railway.
1450 ready for action at Bodmin. 11.05.2025, copyright Bodmin Railway.
Thanks for the deliveryphoto Peter! Again, if you'd like more information on the upcoming gala, please click here.