Something old, something new
Alan Peters
Colas Rail Freight 37057 'Barbara Arbon' with the Network Rail infrastructure monitoring train stabled at Westbury SCO sidings on 11/05/2026. Copyright Alan Peters.
And now for the 'new' (newer) - Colas Rail Freight 70811 is currently receiving maintenance in the Colas Westbury LMD on 11/05/26. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks Alan - some views we would never normally see.
Clay Country
Tony Shore & Jon Hird
It's a little after 8am and 66712 has arrived at Treviscoe with the wagons from Burngullow. 14.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The 4 empty wagons are separated from the 7 which were loaded the previous day at Par Harbour, and these empties are taken into the shed at Treviscoe for loading. 14.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
At 1117 the loaded wagons are put back together, and 66712 departs Treviscoe with the rake of 11 for Cliffe Vale. 14.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The view from the road bridge at Treviscoe as 6M53 departs for the midlands. 14.05.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Now on the mainline, 66712 leads 6M53 past the rhododendrons at Polkyth, St. Austell. 14.05.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Many thanks, Tony.
An unusual visitor to Chard
Brian Pibworth
As the station announcement says "If you see something unusual ............."
Herewith attached some morning action from Somerset.
Herewith attached some morning action from Somerset.
Network Rail MPV comprising DR98959 and DR98909, the 3Z09 0607 Totton Yard to Totton Yard reversing at Honiton, trundles along Chard Junction Loop to wait at the Dn Signal for a passing service on 14 May 2026. Looks like control modules on board but not certain of purpose. 14.05.2026, copyright Brian Pibworth.
Many thanks Brian - interesting to see one of theseout and about without a payload.
GWR in the Midlands
Ken Mumford
Once a common sight here in the westcountry, GWR 14xx class 1450 rests in the shed at Bridgnorth, Severn Valley Railway. 10.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
The frame of 34027 'Taw Valley' which likely operated in Devon when the Meldon Viaduct was strengthened and rebuilt light pacifics were allowed between Exeter and Plymouth via Tavistock. The cab was outside, but where the boiler was I forgot to ask. 10.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
A locomotive which certainly never worked in the west - because it's brand new! But its long-extinct classmates would have. 82045 - the new Standard class 3 2-6-2T progressing at Bridgnorth. 10.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks Ken, some great machines there in the shed, thanks for sharing them with us.
Cowley Bridge
Paul Barlow
D1015 and 40145 approach Cowley Bridge with a Penzance-Crewe railtour. 16.05.20210, copyright Paul Barlow.
A more everyday scene then, but somewhat ironically, nowadays you are more likely to see a Western here than one of these! 142009 passes on the 1559 Exeter Central to Barnstaple. 16.05.2010, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - where has the time gone?
Swindon Scenes
Ken Mumford & Colin Pidgeon
66658 at Swindon shunting 6V15 Boston Docks to Swindon Stores. 14.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
66658 shunts [or was it playing?] with 6V15 Boston Docks to Swindon Stores. 14.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Alongside platform 3 with a green light awaiting its departure is 1G11 Paddington to Cheltenham Spa - IET unit 800001 ON TIME. with 6J42 Exeter to Slough Tamper passing on the UML [Up Main Line]] partly reflected in the IET coaches. 14.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
43357 t&t 43274 on 1Q23 Bristol Kingsland Road to Derby RTC. 14.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
1B09 Paddington to Swansea/Carmarthen ON TIME consisting of IET units 800018 [which will be left behind at Swansea where this train will reverse] and 800033 will continue on to Carmarthen, approaches platform 4 whilst 1Q23 Bristol (Kingsland Road) to Derby stops briefly alongside platform 3. 14.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
43357 & 800033 side by side. 14.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
1Q23 waits alongside platform 3 before heading for its next stop in the Stratton Green Loop about a mile or so eastwards. 14.05.2026, copyright Ken Mumford.
Many thanks to Colin and Ken - 'the Swindon duo' !