Sunny mornings in East Cornwall
Ron & Jenny Westwater
It's the time of year again when if it;s a sunny morning, shots of the down sleeper are on from Plymouth eastwards.
Yesterday (Monday) was one of those mornings, and I enclose a couple of shots.
Yesterday (Monday) was one of those mornings, and I enclose a couple of shots.
57312 passing the landmark Scotch Pines at Trerulefoot on the down sleeper. 24.05.2026, copyright Jenny Westwater.
The train is seen for a second time further west, slowing over Liskeard viaduct for its booked stop. 24.05.2026, copyright Ron Westwater.
Many thanks Ron and Jenny - great photos and teamwork!
Grids away!
Guy Vincent & Colin Pidgeon
Another glorious day in prospect so an early start to record the departure from Wiltshire of Colas ‘grids’ 56049 and 56051 in the consist of the daily 6M50 0713 Westbury - Bescot engineers trip behind 70811. Pictured at Monkton, west of Melksham on the Bradford Jcn - Thingley Jcn single line. The white ‘box’ in the middle distance is the Cereal Partners UK plant at Staverton, just over 2 miles away. The railway runs adjacent to the site and between 1934 and 1966 it was served by a private siding which dispatched condensed milk from the Nestle factory that formerly operated there. This was controlled from a ground frame supervised by Bradford Junction signal box. See Wikipedia ‘Staverton Mill’ for more information. 25.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
70811 with 56049 & 56051 dead in train on 6M50 Westbury to Bescot at Swindon. 25.05.2026, copyright Colin Pidgeon.
Next to Warminster for 69010 (56065) heading the 6O41 1014 Westbury - Eastleigh departmental working which, as often is the case on a Monday, consisted of an empty rail carrier set. 25.05.2026, copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks Colin and Guy - always nice to see these veteran machines out and about.
Bank Holiday Bubble Car
Roger Winnen
The Bodmin Railway held a 'Bubble Car Day' on Sunday 24th.
Resident loco 5552 worked the service set, whilst class 121 121020 shuttled around on the opposite branch.
Next Sunday - the 31st - the railway have a special event on marking their 40th anniversary. Again, featuring 5552 and the 'Bubble Car', ex-Port of Par Bagnall 'Judy' will also be offering rides within station limits in a converted clay wagon.
More details soon, but here's the website link - https://bodminrailway.co.uk/things-to-do/40th-anniversary-celebration/
Resident loco 5552 worked the service set, whilst class 121 121020 shuttled around on the opposite branch.
Next Sunday - the 31st - the railway have a special event on marking their 40th anniversary. Again, featuring 5552 and the 'Bubble Car', ex-Port of Par Bagnall 'Judy' will also be offering rides within station limits in a converted clay wagon.
More details soon, but here's the website link - https://bodminrailway.co.uk/things-to-do/40th-anniversary-celebration/
5552 awaits departure from Bodmin Parkway at midday. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
121020 waits to come off shed as 5552 departs for Boscarne Junction. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
Shunters 08444 and Sentinel 'Denise' seen from the train. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
Arriving at Boscarne Junction behind 5552. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
Back at Bodmin General, the ex-Chiltern Railways 'Bubble Car' 121020 runs into the platform. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
121020's driver changing ends at Boscarne Junction. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
The view from the rear row of seats as 121020 departs Boscarne Junction. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
121020 at Bodmin Parkway where Roger alights for travel home via the mainline. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.
A final view of the Bubble Car from the down platform at Bodmin Parkway. 24.05.2026, copyright Roger Winnen.