45118
Clive Smith
With 45118 making yet another impressive run at the other end of the country on the Bank Holiday, this time from Leeds to its regular stamping ground of St Pancras, here is 45118 'The Royal Artilleryman' at platform 5 at Plymouth on the 2nd December 1983 with the Sunday 1V92 14.28 York - Plymouth. While will we will finally see this fantastic loco in Devon at Paignton at the end of July, it's going to be a longer wait for 45118 to make it to Plymouth and Cornwall again. Copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive. Exciting times ahead with the long-promised return of 45118 to Devon! Details in our Railtour Calendar.
Class 69 vs Class 56
Guy Vincent
69007, formerly 56037 and reunited with its Richard Trevithick nameplates, passing through Dilton Marsh and then running into Westbury yard this afternoon with the 6V41 'tripper' from Eastleigh. 70816 was being conveyed, a regular occurrence for locos following maintenance or exams. 56037 was another 56 outbased at Westbury during the 1980s for working stone traffic from Whatley and Merehead.
I've added a photo of 56094 from 1984 to show how the class 69 design differs from the original. A large radiator grille has been added to each bodyside and the roof level grilles dispensed with, plus of course the front end has been somewhat rationalised.
As others will know, this year is particularly bad for uncontrolled lineside vegetation and the number of locations where reasonable photos can be taken is ever decreasing. No wonder photography by drone is, literally, 'taking off'!
I've added a photo of 56094 from 1984 to show how the class 69 design differs from the original. A large radiator grille has been added to each bodyside and the roof level grilles dispensed with, plus of course the front end has been somewhat rationalised.
As others will know, this year is particularly bad for uncontrolled lineside vegetation and the number of locations where reasonable photos can be taken is ever decreasing. No wonder photography by drone is, literally, 'taking off'!
2025 05 26 Dilton Marsh 69007 (56037) & 70816 6V41. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 26 Penleigh 69007 (56037) & 70816 6V41. Copyright Guy Vincent.
1984 02 19 Westbury. 56094 Sunday 19th February 1984. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks, Guy. An interesting article and some great pictures.
It's also a reminder to let our readers know that a GBRF class 69, 69005, will again be conducting route learning activities in Devon and Cornwall over the coming days. It's operating out of Plymouth Park Sidings once again. Times available on Real Time Trains.
It's also a reminder to let our readers know that a GBRF class 69, 69005, will again be conducting route learning activities in Devon and Cornwall over the coming days. It's operating out of Plymouth Park Sidings once again. Times available on Real Time Trains.
Cornish 'Castles'
Jack Burchill
43187 "Cardiff Castle" pulls in to Hayle station with the 2P20 1515 Penzance to Plymouth. 26/5/25, copyright Jack Burchill.
43093 "Berkeley Castle" was on the other end. 26/5/25, copyright Jack Burchill.
A shot that is becoming more and more rare. 43093 and 43098"Walton Castle" stand side by side at Hayle. 26/5/25, copyright Jack Burchill.
43189 "Launceston Castle" on the rear of 2C26 1340 Plymouth to Penzance as it crosses the viaduct. 26/5/25, copyright Jack Burchill.
Many thanks, Jack. You did well to get a side-by-side photo with the current cut-back diagrams.